Substack Posts I’ve Loved Lately (Vol.7)
Ambition, self-promotion, change and more: 10 articles worth reading!
I haven’t read and absorbed as much as I’d like this week, but there are still some incredible pieces below. Just know that my reading goes through ebbs and flows too, if you’re finding that you aren’t reading as much recently. . .
I hope you still find something you love below!
10 articles you might like
When the thing that was meant to change your life doesn’t change your life
By Madeleine Dore of
This was one of the loveliest things I’ve read recently — about how the small changes are really the big changes (at least, that’s what I took from it). There are so many gorgeous quotes I couldn’t possibly mention them all. Starting with this stunning paragraph — you know, the kind you wish you’d written:
‘Part of this unchanged feeling can be attributed to the hedonic treadmill, which is the tendency for our brains to adapt to our improved circumstances and search for the next thing that might be improved so we never feel like we’ve arrived—or notice how we’ve changed.’
She also shares some lovely quotes from others. (There are, however, some Ted Lasso potential spoilers, so you have been warned.)
So Many of the Women I Cherish Don’t Have Children. Does it Matter?
By Katherine Ormerod of
Another eye opening perspective from Katherine (you may know how much I love Katherine’s writing by now) — this time on friendship between herself as a mother, and child-free women. Having recently read Olive by Emma Gannon, I loved reading this piece, it feels like another piece to the puzzle. And a topic of particular importance to me.
By Victoria Moss of
This piece is written really interestingly, like catching several different trains of thought, and I loved reading it. About logging off, leaving a job, fast fashion, and deals — all in a quick read.
How To Grow A Following Without Compromising Everything Good In Your Life
By
A genuine, and friendly, discussion on self-promotion. Take what you need — I don’t really ‘do’ self-promotion at the moment (or yet?!) but I love hearing people’s experiences of trying it out in ways that work for them.
The freedom of realising that no one’s thinking about you
By Jo Usmar of
I really enjoyed this piece and heartily agree that we think people are thinking about us more often than they are, in a lot of cases. Similarly to going outside, looking up at the stars, being by the sea or recognising our mortality, I think this, too, is really helpful for perspective and this was written so well.
By Ranjit Saimbi of
I often enjoy a good reminder on this platform. Ranjit reminded me that sometimes you need to save some of your energy to be more effective. I also enjoyed how the piece gathered a conversation, a football anecdote and other thoughts together so well.
By Silvio Castelletti of
I re-stacked this one with a quote — I couldn’t help myself (you know how I feel about a good quote) but I thought I’d recommend it here too, in case you missed it. For anyone who’s had any career crisis or doubts, it’s a great read.
The Companion 004: A challenge
By Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff of
I know I recommended a piece by Charlie in the last volume when I discovered The Companion, but this one is really special. An exercise for you to do with/for a friend that I think is so worth it, and Charlie generously includes her own as an example.
“I have everything I thought I wanted, but I am still unhappy.”
By Sara Kuburic of
It may feel hard to admit that you’ve gone through (or are going through) something like this in your life, but I’m sure A LOT of people have or will do. A great, concise piece on something that can be hard to describe.
By Hunter Burgtorf of
Hunter compiles lovely lists of the simple things she’s currently enjoying. I found this list inspiring and comforting, talking about creative photography and long dinners, and it’s just lovely to hear people talk about what they’re soaking up in their lives at that moment.
A different question this week:
What’s something you’d love to read about on Substack soon? Maybe something you’re thinking about a lot at the moment. . .
Hey Jess! Thanks for this list - it's lovely to have others' trusted recommendations to help us discover new writers. I've just subscribed to Michelle Varghoose as a result. I have been making a point of opening Explore this week, which isn't something I've done much of in the past. It's also been lovely to see a range of new voices (to me!) popping up.
I don't know what I'm not reading about... but there must be topics that interest me that I'd leap on if/when they appear! I wonder what you think about 'trends' on Substack? It's something I'm tracking but, of course, everyone's feeds may be totally different to mine depending on who they subscribe to!
Wonderful list, thank you