The hottest Self-Expression Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

Reveal Your Contradictions

David Spinks' Newsletter • 10 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Communication Identity Community Psychology Self-Expression Humanity
  1. It's normal to feel conflicting emotions about big issues, like elections. You can acknowledge these feelings instead of trying to pick one side.
  2. Naming your contradictions can help you connect with others. It shows you're human, which encourages openness and shared understanding.
  3. Holding in your feelings can distance you from others. Embracing your messy thoughts can lead to more acceptance of different opinions and experiences.

Heroine's Journey Bachelorette Weekend

True Story • 39 implied HN points • 24 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Development Fashion Photography Event Planning Self-Expression
  1. The journey towards self-discovery and growth may involve stepping into unfamiliar roles and embracing both masculine and feminine aspects of oneself.
  2. Planning events with empathy and acceptance can alleviate stress and lead to a more enjoyable experience.
  3. Facing fears of rejection and abandonment can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth and emotional healing.

Letter to a Friend: Why Write Online

Juan David’s Newsletter • 6 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing Essays Publishing Self-Expression Creativity
  1. Writing should be a daily habit, even if it's just for a few minutes. Treat it like brushing your teeth—make it a regular part of your day.
  2. Having an audience can help you stay motivated to write and improve your skills. Sharing your work adds a little pressure to keep your ideas sharp.
  3. Editing is best done with others. Getting feedback from friends or readers can make your writing stronger and help you connect with interesting people.

Thank you

Tessa Fights Robots • 73 implied HN points • 30 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Self-Expression
  1. Expressing gratitude can be powerful and healing
  2. Kindness has the ability to make someone feel loved and supported
  3. Coming together with kindness can create a strong and impactful community
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On Being Seen, Whatever The Cost.

Technohumanism • 1 HN point • 11 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Self-Expression Incarceration Education Journalism Fashion
  1. Self-expression is really important for everyone, even in tough situations like being in prison. When people can't express themselves, it feels like a type of punishment.
  2. Inmates at San Quentin show their individuality through small style choices, like the shoes they wear or how they layer their clothes. Even though they have limited clothing, they still find ways to stand out.
  3. Teaching writing to incarcerated people can lead to deep conversations about creativity and identity. They take the opportunity to learn and share their ideas seriously.

Self-portraits and reflection

polymathematics • 19 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Art Self-Expression Creativity Reflection Identity
  1. When you're stuck for ideas, take a walk. Sometimes, the best thoughts come when you give yourself a little time and space.
  2. Take time to define what you love and share it with others. Showing appreciation for someone else's work can go a long way.
  3. Make art often, even if it's just silly or small. It can lift your mood and spark bigger ideas down the line.

The Subtle Importance of Affect ($)

Stream of Subconsciousness • 19 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Emotions Therapy Self-Expression Relationships Self-awareness
  1. Affect is key in how you present yourself to others, through the ability to express emotion in a way that is understood.
  2. A person's affect can influence how they are perceived and understood by others, impacting trust and deeper motivations.
  3. Rapport can have both positive and negative aspects, reflecting how individuals express themselves and are understood by others.

The secret anti-influencers of Instagram

escape the algorithm • 99 implied HN points • 11 May 21
🎭️ Culture Social media Human connection Curiosity Self-Expression Online Platforms
  1. Low-Stakes Sleuth is a fun game where friends observe strangers online, showing the strange, human aspects of people's lives.
  2. Anti-influencers on Instagram, like the_looker and the_collector, defy the platform's norms by creating unique content without seeking followers or revenue.
  3. The allure of anti-influencers lies in their mystery and the defiance of typical social media expectations, prompting curiosity and contemplation about human connection and expression online.

A Utilitarian Soul

Vic's Verdict • 8 implied HN points • 21 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-Expression Technology impact
  1. The essay explores potential explanations for the rise in depression, focusing on existential depression and the struggle to find meaning in life.
  2. The author suggests two paths to finding meaning: usefulness to others (utilitarianism) and creation of something meaningful to oneself (expression of the soul).
  3. Technology and societal factors, like instant gratification and cancel culture, discourage people from expressing their soul, leading to a decline in meaningful expression and contributing to the depression problem.

Social overload

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Social life Community Networking Recreation Self-Expression
  1. Meeting new people can lead to surprising connections, like finding out someone lives close by or has a cool job. It's interesting how socially active situations can turn into networking opportunities.
  2. Physical activities like running or dancing can be tiring but also very energizing. Engaging with others in these activities can create joyful moments, even if you're not feeling your best.
  3. Speaking up in social settings can help you feel more connected and included. Even a simple request like asking for a ride can change how others see you in the group.

I’m sexy and I know it

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 16 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Dance Self-Expression Relationships Personal Growth Artistry
  1. Confidence can create a cycle where feeling sexy boosts self-esteem, making you feel and appear even sexier.
  2. Dancing can be a way to connect deeply with others, allowing for fun while embracing vulnerability and being present.
  3. Consent and respect in physical interactions enhance comfort and enjoyment, leading to positive experiences in social settings.

What do you do? 🙋🏾‍♂️

Tranquil Thoughts • 0 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Identity Conversations Social norms Personal Growth Self-Expression
  1. When asked about what you do, it's common to talk about your job. But your job is just one part of who you are.
  2. You have many layers to your identity beyond your work, like your hobbies and interests. These things can help you connect with others on a deeper level.
  3. Instead of just giving a job title, try sharing something personal or interesting about yourself. It can lead to better conversations and real connections.

The Joy of Making Things

polymathematics • 0 implied HN points • 17 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity Art Design Self-Expression Hobbies
  1. Making things can bring joy and fulfillment to our lives. It allows us to express ourselves and see our ideas come to life.
  2. Having a personal project gives us a sense of ownership and purpose. It's important to explore our creativity through different kinds of projects.
  3. Constraining our ideas can help us focus and turn them into reality. Limits can actually encourage us to be more innovative and productive.

Why Writing a Book Is Like Falling in Love

The Fairest Writer • 0 implied HN points • 04 May 20
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Authors Narrative Self-Expression
  1. Loving the writing process is more important than just wanting a book published. When you focus on writing for yourself, it makes your work better.
  2. Using personal experiences in your writing can help clarify complex feelings. It’s about expressing your truth rather than trying to fit into someone else's expectations.
  3. If you truly care about your book and enjoy the writing, chances are others will appreciate it too. Writing from the heart helps connect with readers.