but tweaking it slightly since everyone here doesn’t necessarily write a Substack. I hope that today’s thread will be a way for people who read Changing the Channel to start getting to know each other.
Friday Threads is a popular offering for paid subscribers that I open occasionally to everyone. If you would like to participate regularly, consider upgrading to a paid subscription.
The point of this exercise is to foster connection in this community, so please connect with at least one other person!
Here’s how it works:
In all caps, write the CATEGORIES of your Substack or your interests (if you don’t know them, just put the topics you write about or are interested in)
One sentence about what you write about/are interested in reading about.
One sentence about who you’re looking to connect with.
Find people who share your interests:
Introduce yourself.
Follow each other on Notes or subscribe to their newsletter (which will automatically mean you’re following them).
If you don’t know about Notes, it’s a great way to stay connected with people who share your interests.. Think of it as a sane Twitter where people are friendly and supportive of each other and share thoughtful information. Sounds dreamy, doesn’t it?
To get us started, I’ll put my info in the first comment so you can get a sense of how to do it.
CATEGORIES: CULTURE, FAITH, HYPER-CAPITALISM, HOW TO ACTUALLY CHANGE. I write about unlearning societal/cultural conditioning, living authentically, how to actually change your life. I'm also moving to Italy and interested in connecting with American expats Italy or Europe, or really any country to learn about American expat life.
ALSO: to follow someone on Notes, hover over their name and click the + button and then reply to them "following!" You will see their Notes, but won't be subscribed. You can also subscribe and follow, then comment "subscribed + following!".
I write about HEALTH, WELLNESS, YOGA but in the fullness of what that is so BREATH, MOVEMENT, MEDITATION, PHILOSOPHY and SPIRITUALITY. I think about it as inner and outer EXPLORATION so often TRAVEL and general LIFESTYLE things come into play.
I spent three years as an expat in Switzerland and returned reluctantly. My time there really taught me so many things, notably to try and slow down. It’s an ongoing effort in our hypersonic culture but I’m trying. And a lot of my newsletter --The Sunday Stretch-- is subtly informed by that. I want the newsletter to offer one thing to readers that they can take into the week to make it tangibly better.
if you have written about reluctantly retrurning to US -- what you learned in Switzerland and why you came back to US etc pls post it here. I'd love to read.
I haven't publicly shared much of it yet. But I will and I will definitely let you know when I do. And I'm eager to hear more about your adventures in Italy; I'm in the process of getting dual citizenship there.
Subscribed! I'm a personal trainer with a focus on behavior change & travel and I find myself wanting a partial expat lifestyle, for many reasons, slowing down being one of them!
The compromise I’ve struck is that we go abroad for at least a month each summer. It’s a mix of remote work and vacation. And it’s taken a lot of work to organize. But now it’s a good balance.
I love this! Just followed and subscribed. I spent a decade in Costa Rica and the return was challenging. The pace, the capitalism, the constant hustle. I've been back longer than I was gone now and I am still informed by how slow and present life was there. I'm excited to see what you are sharing!
Thrilled to have found you this way Kelly! I too lived abroad (China) for 3 years and came back somewhat reluctantly. I’m also a yoga instructor and sometime-sort of-wannabe meditator. I’m excited to learn from you!
HOW TO ACTUALLY CHANGE hit hard. Love that. Also I came here for the hyper-capitalism -- it’s endlessly interesting to me how we continue to live in ways that actively harm us and others.
yeah i learned how to 'actually change' the hard way (by trying all the things that don't actually help you change!) and i want to save people some time by sharing my experience.
Thank you for setting this up Kristen! I'm an American expat living in Portugal and dating a Sicilian. Let's chat expat life & cultural conditioning with Italians 🤣
Just followed and subscribed thanks to Kelly sharing this post on his notes. Grateful that you're offering something like this and I look forward to reading your work!
We intersect in the area of faith (Judaism figures prominently in the memoir I'm serializing on my Substack) but like you I'm an ex-pat, not that I ever expected to be. I moved to Canada when I got married 31 years ago, thinking I'd be here for three years. When my husband wound up taking a full-time job here I felt I'd been tricked and trapped. Now, having raised two kids who graduated from university with no debt (and money in their bank accounts), and having not gone broke while getting good medical care (for, among other things, my daughter's 15-day hospital stay as a 14-year-old when her appendix ruptured and she developed a 95-percent bowl blockage, and my son's three-month stay in a psychiatric hospital when he became a suicidal 20-year-old), I am very, very happy to live here and as much as there are things I miss and love about the US (my family, my friends, Cape Cod, NYC, Boston, central NY), I know I will never live there again and I'm good with that. I have enjoyed reading your work!
Hello everyone! I’m a bit behind here... I am begging my writing journey to cover: TRAVEL, CULTURE, POWER, FOOD, and sometimes random things like DREAMS. I live in Vancouver Canada and have only recently started my writing journey.
I have discord ADHD... but have decided to lean into it with me writing and hoping to inspire creativity through that.
Thanks for setting this up and looking forward to connecting :)
Kirsten, we've "chatted" about the shared Italy love and it drew me to subscribe to your SS but I had a question, how did you get citizenship/residency? Is there an article in. your SS that speaks to that? And we definitely overlap on the HOW TO ACTUALLY CHANGE things in our lives. I am an Integrative Mental Health/Pscyhedelic MD, author and speaker but most importantly a mom to a child who is dying so I am living this human life with full heart open. Thanks for this thread, can't wait to go down and post/comment/connect.
I’m so sorry about your child—there is nothing harder than that.
I will write about residency when I go through the process. I think becoming a resident is pretty straightforward but we will see. Citizenship takes more time. As of now I don’t have a definitive answer but when I do I will write about it. Tons of expats live there do there is a way. If you only live off of retirement funds (which will not be the case for me) it’s even easier in Italy.
I'll look forward to it. Some of our friends in Cortona have done the residency route as well but it is as you say, more complicated when you are still working as well. So excited for your journey! And thank you for your kind words. He has taught me everything I need for this life--love, acceptance and joy as a way to hold the difficult. It's not easy but it's a gift.
CATEGORIES: WRITING, MINDFULNESS, FINDING BEAUTY IN A HECTIC WORLD. I write from my perspective as therapist and author, finding meaning in the everyday, small things that sustain us when we notice and honor them. I’d love to connect with other writers, therapists, and anyone who enjoys finding beauty in small things, including the sad and difficult.
I’m fairly new to Substack and I’m just discovering that I don’t think my commenting self is connected to my actual Substack account! I’m working on it, but if anyone would like to go to my Substack newsletter, the title is Remedies For An Excited Amygdala. Also, if anyone has tips to fix this, I am all ears. :)
Hi! So glad you posted a link! I tried to find your writing and I thought you were a reader only. Did you create two accounts? One as a reader and one as a writer? That's my best guess. xo
Probably that’s what happened - I thought I had fixed it but realized today there is still something not quite right. Thanks so much for the info. I haven’t had time today to dig in with it, but I will!
Hi Misty, I'm following you now and will look for your book. I'm Victoria I’m a Carer to my Mum, a Mentor to clients seeking support along their career-life journeys, and an Advocate of carers.
Does your work go into belief systems around women and caring in society, and how caring is undervalued? Emily Kenway's book Who Cares stacked up ('scuse the pun) evidence and research which completely blew my mind, in an enlightening way ;-)
I love how you describe your work, Billie. I just wrote a post about how I was reminded of what's truly important: the little moments along the way. Following and look forward to connecting on Notes.
Jackie, thank you. I too look forward to connecting here. I think about the little moments a lot - that quote by Annie Dillard “how we spend our days is how we spend our lives” resonates so much for me. The days are all made up of moments and slowing to noticing them and really being “in” them is life changing.
Hi Billie - the little moments of piercing joy are what kept me surviving as a carer for Dad over palliative & end of life, and his last night...and pivot into Mum's first cancer surgery 16 days after his funeral. I lived in paradoxes, and no sleep but we still had our beautiful bubble of love and could pee-our-pants with laughter. So I am SO with you and love that quote. My absolute favourite is Viktor Frankl 'Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.' which I'm sure you know. https://www.carermentor.com/
Christoph, I lived in the woods in northern California for a year and a half at one point and I love that area. I was between Los Gatos and Santa Cruz. So much beauty there!
yes that area is gorgeous. I'm in a little artist town called Nevada City in the foothills about halfway between Lake Tahoe and Sacramento. Great to meet you, look forward to reading your stuff
Billie, we are on the same page! Following you now. My summary is below but if you can't find it, let me put it here again!
INTERESTS: JOY (but no toxic BS), WELL-BEING/MENTAL HEALTH, PSYCHEDELICS, INTEGRATIVE HEALTH
I AM an Integrative Mental Health (practiced primary care for 25+ years)/Psychedelic Medicine MD, author of Joy Is My Justice (Hachette, 2023), TEDx speaker and mother to a dying child. I write about all of the above and would love to connect with others who do the same or are interested in the ways we can live as humans with more joy despite all the messed up parts of this world and our own sorrows.
Tanmeet, thanks for you info, I’m so glad you added it here so I could easily read it. I’m very interested in the work being done with psychedelics in therapy; I attended a workshop that was fascinating and have seen many videos in other trainings of the outcomes for some clients who gave permission for their responses to be shared. After many years of referring clients out for EMDR work, I did intensive training in 2023 and have been so excited about the things it is doing for clients. I love how you put the living as humans with joy despite all the messed up parts of this world.
So much yes! Finding beauty in a hectic world. I have to find the source, but someone here on Substack does a practice of writing down one beautiful thing each night before bed. I've started doing it and it's a lovely way to keep an eye out for beauty during the day. I often have many things to write down by bedtime. I just followed you. ❤
Oh, I love that! Between my horses and miniature donkeys and my native plant gardening, I find myself simply walking the well-worn path to the barn and to the garden beds to get big doses of beauty and joy. So happy we have connected!
I am an aspiring therapist (waiting to hear back from graduate programs as we speak) and would love to connect with others who are writers and mental healthcare professionals. Following!
I’m also a therapist who reaches for beauty and connectedness. I’ve just started my Substack about a month ago. I’m adding chapters as I write my new book Staying Together. I’ll also be adding random thoughts about living along the way.
CATEGORIES: HEALTH & WELLNESS, PHILOSOPHY, CULTURE, MINDSET, GRIEF, CAREGIVING, GARDENING. I write about how to heal and transform, connect and recuperate, and listen to your inner self. I’m a coach, healer & songcatcher, a former academic, a New Canadian (20 years here) and native Texan, an ALS widow and mom of 3. I love to connect with people interested in the messy and unexplored spaces between intellect and intuition.
What a wonderful description - such scope! "Songcatcher" - love it. I share many of your interests. Following and look forward to reading your writing.
I’m a New Canadian, too! (31 years here, almost 19 as a citizen. So maybe not so new….) I’m also a former (very short-lived) academic (MFA, not PhD. Now I work at a university writing center) who spent five years reading to my neighbor with ALS who couldn’t hold a book. So there’s a couple more things we have in common. Nice to meet you.
Yay! Following back. I'm working on my first post about my front garden and communality on what I expect to be a never-ending series, The Garden Chronicles.
Hi Celia, I'm an emergency physician and was struck by how you described yourself as a healer. Our system is so broken that I realized I don't self-identify that way. Creativity and intuition have been areas of exploration for me recently. Excited to get to know you and your writing better.
It would be more precise to say a conduit for healing, but that’s a mouthful…. There are definite things I do directly to improve health and outcomes, but mostly I’m supporting people in their healing, though whatever treatment they need. The Canadian system has its issues, but it’s not broken like the US system. Following you!
Yikes, unfortunately no medicine is for everyone. I actually used the sting as sort of a natural icy hot after a car accident this summer, but mostly just eat it or drink its tea? Is your reaction When you are stung or when eating or drinking tea (or both)?
I’ve used it as greens and as tea just fine (though I couldn’t collect it myself). So it seems to be only by touch. I have a similar but not quite as severe reaction to borage and sunflowers, so 🤷♀️. I spend a fair amount of time as a healer explaining that particular medicines or treatments are not beneficial for everyone.
That has been a challenge for me over recent years to recognize when my needs are different than other people's and meet them anyway. Sounds like it’s both that not all medicines are for everyone and not all forms of those medicines are for everyone.
"The messy and unexplored spaced between intellect and intuition." This is so interesting to me! I can't wait to read what you write. Followed and subscribed. xo
Yes! I’m also interested (and ignorant, since I live in Canada) in the American health care system. I have a US client, in remission again, but dealing with cancer for 18 years, and so much of her time and energy is spent navigating the system when she should be focusing on healing. ❤️🩹
Then we’ll help each other! I want to know more about the Canadian system. I’m a dual citizen but have never lived in Canada
I’m so sad for all the patients who must navigate the terrible mess corporate medicine has made. Your client might consider a ‘concierge’ primary care doctor (if she has the financial resources) who can help her through.
Hi Rosalind - following you. https://www.carermentor.com/ My Website - Raising awareness of caregiving to 'would-be' carers, communicating empathy and support to 'former/current' carers. I offer personal reflections and wealth of resources to support anyone through career/ life transitions. I’m a Carer to my Mum, a Mentor to clients seeking support along their career-life journeys, and an Advocate of carers.
I'm already following Celia - I would be delighted if you both subscribed to my work for further discussions.
Definitely aligned! Following you now. Here's my summary below as well but the thread is overwhelming!
INTERESTS: JOY (but no toxic BS), WELL-BEING/MENTAL HEALTH, PSYCHEDELICS, INTEGRATIVE HEALTH
I AM an Integrative Mental Health (practiced primary care for 25+ years)/Psychedelic Medicine MD, author of Joy Is My Justice (Hachette, 2023), TEDx speaker and mother to a dying child. I write about all of the above and would love to connect with others who do the same or are interested in the ways we can live as humans with more joy despite all the messed up parts of this world and our own sorrows.
CATEGORIES: CREATIVE PRACTICE AND PLAY FOR PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION, ART, POETRY, INSPIRATION. I write about getting out of our own way and connecting to what matters using creative prompts — and I host monthly generative gatherings featuring mellow soundscapes, meditation, drawing, writing and a healthy dose of magic.
Ooh! “The winding trail between grief and creativity” must be the tender road that connects us, Jackie. I’m happy to subscribe to your journey now too 🫶🏼
I don’t love those words but that’s how I’m niched by Substack. Lately, I’m taking a deep dive into forgiveness which has led me to write about how to understand and deal with anger (forgiveness is an antidote to anger). I draw from psychology, philosophy, religion, yoga, meditation, and more.
Forgiveness as antidote to anger. So much yes. I write about love as the answer to everything. ;) Forgiveness is big power. Followed and subscribed. Looking forward to reading your writing! 🙏
Presbyterian minister here (and I agree that I don't love those terms that I use to describe myself either!) Looking forward to reading about forgiveness from you!
CATEGORIES: WRITING, FAMILY LIFE, STORIES, NATURE, MOTHERHOOD. I'm an author who lives by the sea in Cornwall. I write about things that inspire me and share my experiences as an author and a mum. I'm interested in connecting with other writers and readers and anyone curious about other people's stories.
Thank you, I appreciate it! If I keep following enough moms from the UK I'm going to start calling myself a "mum" and I have absolutely no problem with that! 😊
I love Cornwall - spent so many happy times on Lands' End peninsula. A fellow curious writer and reader here! Following, and look forward to reading your work.
There's something magical about Cornwall isn't there? It's lovely to meet you. I've just followed your Substack too and will look forward to reading more of it x
Cornwall is truly magical, a special place. Lovely to meet you too - your new welcome post is great! I've subscribed and look forward to reading your stories by the sea.
So many wonderful memories of Cornwall. I worked in that region during the 80’s and 90’s and would vacation there with family. It has a rugged beauty with strong Celtic links.
WOMEN'S HEALTH, THE PATRIARCHY, MENTAL HEALTH, BOOKS. I write about how to reframe and reclaim women's mental health. I'm interested in connecting with other feminist writers, nonfiction authors, and anyone who loves to chat about books!
Misty, we are so aligned. I am an Integrative/Psychedelic MD, author and my book, Joy Is My Justice, is all about disrupting the oppressive mental health conversation. Following you now!
Hi Misty- Have worked in women's health and women's mental health for decades- I love 'reclaiming women's mental health. And yes, the patriarchy. I'm a nonfiction writer., too.
CATEGORIES: SPIRITUALITY, PSYCHOLOGY, RELATIONSHIPS. I write about welcoming our whole self and our whole story so we can truly open our hearts to our people and to our lives. Relationship transformation through loving self-examination. Our Humaning community of exceptionally kind and graceful souls is a highlight of my creative life.
Following! I recently started a mini-series on The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown. I'm looking forward to connecting with others who are exploring wholehearted living!
Thank you! I feel like she's the Mother of whole-hearted living and just keeps giving us new tools and practices for understanding our own wholeness. 💗
Hi Kelly - I'm already following you from Sarah Fay's party time. I was wondering if you've worked with caregivers? So many thoughts and ideas sparking from your newsletter. Relationships between Caregiver and the loved one, or difficult conversations between adult child and ageing parent? Thoughts - would you subscribe to my website and newsletter & give me your thoughts? https://www.carermentor.com/p/recommendation-chris-hayes-podcast
It's not a niche I tend to focus on, Victoria, but I love that you're wanting to translate the wisdom you're finding elsewhere to the people you serve! In the coming weeks, I'm going to be introducing a bi-monthly Relationship Lab in which I answer specific questions from readers about relationships. Would love to connect more about this there!
CATEGORIES: POLITICS, FAITH/SPIRITUALITY, AI, CULTURE, WELLNESS, THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THEM ALL. I’m an unconventional former constitutional law academic at Cambridge University/entrepreneur/policy person who attempts to connect the dots between different areas in my writing. I’m British but will be spending more time in the US so keen to connect with readers and writers over there/likeminded people. Fun fact: I’ve written political history AND wellness for British Vogue (I don’t think I’ve met anyone else who can do both). Side interests: fashion, music, meditation, tea drinking.
You had me at 'What is social media doing to our souls?' - I'm also super interested in probing more deeply into the relationship between the internet and our minds/selves/souls and have a nascent essay series called Screens and Minds. Looking forward to reading!
Another Brit in USA here, also writing and reading about AI impact with more of a startup focus but looking forward to read your human and culture take!
CATEGORIES: TRAVEL, LITERATURE-MEMOIR, MEXICO, THE MAYA I write about Mexico, the Maya culture, MX travel, history, food, art, expat essays and MX current events. I'm condensing and posting my travel memoir on buying land, building a house and opening a bookstore in a fishing village on the MX-Caribbean coast, alternating w/ news and events of the day. I like to read about others' travel experiences, writing and literature, archeology. I hope to connect w/ fellow travelers and writers who are changed by their experiences as they beat feet around the globe.
thank you for doing this! I write about LIVING ABROAD (I’m a Canadian in Turkey), TRAVEL, SPIRITUALITY, and 12-STEP RECOVERY (feels like i’m yelling 😂). And being A MIDDLE-AGED WOMAN and all that entails. Looking to connect with other truth-tellers and other folks making a new home away from home.
CATEGORIES: INTERNATIONAL, DESIGN, GARDENING, FOOD AND WINE. I write about expat life in Italy and Germany, Italian food and wine, finding your truth and living it, and my loves, pottery and growing a garden. I love connecting with people who are or desire to living their truth and creating lifestyle from scratch.
TOPICS: RETIRING HAPPILY, AGING WELL, EMBRACING WHAT’S NEXT @60+. I'm a late bloomer to writing full-time. I've freelanced magazine articles throughout my 46-year corporate career & authored a career blog for 7 years. I’m an Amherst Writer & Artists affiliate based in Indianapolis offering writing groups. My WIP is a memoir set in 1970s Chicago about murder, family secrets and healing.
CATEGORIES: WITCHY WISDOM, HEALING THROUGH NATURE, SLOW AND MINDFUL LIVING, CHRONIC ILLNESS, RECIPROCITY
I currently am writing a series on how I've navigated the five stages of grief after a life altering diagnosis through wisdom I've found in nature and witchy ways.
I'm looking to connect with others who have similar interests, are in the chronic illness community as well as those who write about climate justice, issues related to marginalized communities, and sustainable communities. I also enjoy comedic and lighthearted writers since I deal with a lot of heavy stuff.
I’m a Washington, DC-based TV reporter who made a conscious effort starting about six years ago to not be so obsessed with my job and politics. I turned back to my loves of writing historical novels, long distance hiking (think the Camino Santiago) and now starting a daily drawing practice. Happy to meet everyone
I write about my own experiences with loss in an effort to de-stigmatize the topic and help others feel less alone. I’m a Chicago journalist who had two kids with no issues followed by two miscarriages that took me by surprise and changed my whole world. Looking to connect with others in this dreadful club! (Or those who want to understand it better) ❤️
My two boys are now 32 and 30. But before they were born there were multiple miscarriages—one at five months. Important to bring these experiences into the open.
Oh how powerful it is to share your story. I'm a member of that club, both personally and professionally. I write a lot about grief in my work as a hospital chaplain. I haven't done a post on pregnancy loss yet, but it's on the list of topics to cover.
Thrilled to find you Katie. I’ve suffered the heartbreak of miscarriage and then infant loss close after and it can be such a lonely road to walk. So glad to find other women who are trying to figure it all out as well.
Oh no, I'm so sorry for all of your losses! It is definitely a lonely road. Hearing from others has brought me much comfort, though, so thank you very much for reaching out and I look forward to learning more about your story, as well. ❤️
Relate to this. I also had multiple miscarriages and only grieved them years after they happened. The lack of acknowledgement in our society of the impact of the loss doesn’t help one connect to it either.
I'm sorry for all of your losses. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. This kind of grief is so difficult to navigate. I agree -- the lack of acknowledgment is just brutal and makes a terrible experience way worse.
CATEGORIES: TRAVEL, MINDFULNESS, MIDLIFE. I write about living authentically and against societal expectations. I am trying to get better at writing and am looking to connect with writers who can share courses, feedback, etc on how to get better! I feel so good when I write, I want to keep going. Substack has been a good jumping off point. I live in Napoli, Italy and am originally from the US. Happy Friday ragazzi 🌋🍕
Love this, following! Here's my info so you don't have to search thread!
INTERESTS: JOY (but no toxic BS), WELL-BEING/MENTAL HEALTH, PSYCHEDELICS, INTEGRATIVE HEALTH
I AM an Integrative Mental Health (practiced primary care for 25+ years)/Psychedelic Medicine MD, author of Joy Is My Justice (Hachette, 2023), TEDx speaker and mother to a dying child. I write about all of the above and would love to connect with others who do the same or are interested in the ways we can live as humans with more joy despite all the messed up parts of this world and our own sorrows.
CATEGORIES: THE CREATIVE PROCESS, NOVEL WRITING, WORKING IN THE SERVICE INDUSTRY
I write as a first time novelist about the writing process as well as my day job of waiting tables at a country club. I also have a podcast on my Substack that, through author interviews,explores work and how to balance making money with making art. I love connecting with others who are interested in the nitty gritty of the writing process!
david i'v enjoyed your writing. I'm in the writing cave on a book idea + moving to Italy so not adding anything to my calendar for the forseeable future but I'm going to start doing Zoom time with subscribers so keep an eye out for that and it will be an opp for these kinds of conversations.
Kristen (I just Paid subscribed thanks for this awesome party!) - before I lose my place in the thread! - I thought I'd offer - since I've done 18 relocations and moved all over the place - 10 countries (just not Italy, though). If you need any tips or to vent, I'd happily offer thoughts if that's helpful.
TY for the paid subscription—means a lot to me! Thank you for this offer—I’ll might take you up on it! Right now just taking it one step at a time. Won’t be relocating until the Trullo is renovated so abt 6 mos
Welcome. You've got my email. I'm easiest to reach that way, given my caregiving routine. Aside from all the 'how to organise and plan for cargo-load vs air freight' I highly recommend booking a week in a hotel near your home and on the other side...this way you can have an in-between 'dump spot' and time after closing the house/apartment, instead of hassling and hustling direct to airport. Also, have at least 2 boxes empty to ship via post on the last day in the US...you'll always have overspill from suitcases...geez maybe I write a relocation going away for you;-)
oh i'm hardly bringing anything! our house--which we are building-- will be tiny (1100 sq feet) and the Trullo I'll be staying in the first year is maybe 400 sq feet so I don't have to worry about all that. Part of this move will be a serious downsizing from American living!
CATEGORIES: HEALTH, YOGA, FITNESS, WRITING (I'm currently in the midst of the editorial process of my first novel), TRAVELING, CHALLENGING AGEISM ASSUMPTIONS.
I don't have a Substack (yet..) but love reading newsletters about living more intentionally and different social dynamics around the world. My husband is from Caven, Ireland and we're planning on hopefully retiring there someday. Love to read stories about expats that have started their new lives in other countries. Cheers to having the courage to jump!! :)
I write about forgotten gems and future classic through the lens of someone that misses the days of the mixtape.
I am interested in any music 'Stacks you may write or read. I am also interested in finding more AVIATION (and adjacent) 'Stacks. Note: I mean aviation and/or aerospace, not travel.
EGO | NOT KNOWING | CURIOSITY. I write about learning to let go. Letting go of the need to be an ‘expert’ and letting go of the need to ‘prove’ your worth. Learning to shift your mindset to be more curious and accept what is.
I’ve just started my Substack and publicly sharing my writing. I’m not an expert 😉… so interested in connected with anyone who’s open to share their journey and/or advice to improve my practice.
CATEGORIES: HEALTH AND WELLNESS, MENTAL HEALTH, HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, CARETAKING, GROWING, AGING I'm a burnt-out primary care doctor who also writes and teaches writing to medical trainees- as a self-care tool and to promote connection as human beings, since medical training can knock out your sense of self.
My newsletter is about being a human, a writer, and a doctor in the precarious US healthcare system. It's also about understanding that 'wellness' is not just 'lack of illness' - and our bodies and mind can't be separated
If you'd like to see posts about particular aspects the healthcare system or writing and medicine, please tell me- I just got going on Substack but plan to get some guest authors for posts.
Kirsten- thanks for doing this- so smart and so generous!
Hi Rosalind, I'm so happy to know you are here. I am an emergency physician and I have been looking for like minded docs here on substack. I write about the emotional aspects of being a doctor, the wounds of medical training, how we wound people because of the resulting lack of emotional capacity as well as the initiatory journeys of motherhood and COVID. I include some creative writing and storytelling as well, and your book sounds AMAZING.
Hi Amy! I am so happy that you’re here as well! I know lots of doctors who write but mostly standard ‘narrative medicine’- I think it’s still scary for
some to get into the deeper, more personal stuff. But I know that writing has helped me to let go of some of the traumas of training and practice and to find a more authentic self under all the layers I took on to survive. and
I looked at some of your posts and I’m excited to take a deeper dive tomorrow! Thanks for touching base!
CATEGORIES: ALL THINGS EVENTS ✨. I write about weird events from ancient history to today, and share resources/tips/tricks planning to empower anyone to plan an unforgettable event (even if you've never planned anything before in your life).
I see events as an amazing part of both business and personal life for growth, combating lonliness, connecting with our communities, exchanging ideas, and more.
CATEGORIES: CULTURE, WRITING, HEALTH, MUSIC, AND DEMOCRACY. We share live and on-demand classes hosted by people we admire. More than 100 creative thinkers and leaders and many, many great writers – including fellow Substack writers like Maya C. Popa, Cheryl Strayed, Steven Johnson, Rick Wilson, and Allison Moorer. You can view the first ten minutes of every on-demand class here on Substack, and see more and see personal invitations to the live classes coming next at myfivethings.com.
(And thanks for this good idea Kirsten! We're big admirers of all you're up to!)
I recommend a single album to listen to every Friday on my Substack (Phil's Phriday Picks). I have been collecting records and CDs for close to 40 years and friends are always asking me for recommendations for what to listen to, so it inspired me to write about it. There are close to 4 years of archives to explore that run the gamut from rock to jazz to country (modern and classic) and everything in between.
CATEGORIES: CREATIVE BUSINESS, COACHING, NEW ECONOMICS, ARTS & CULTURE, WORKING WITH THE SEASONS. My substack is new this year so feeling my way through writing and the platform; it's a space for reflection and thinking out loud on my work as an innovation/enterprise coach and my own emerging creative practice. Would love to connect with others in the arts and creative industries, neuroscience and psycology, anyone on a journey to reconnect with narure and their inner widsom :)
POETRY | VIGNETTES | PERSONAL ESSAYS | LATE DIAGNOSED NEURODIVERGENCE | CONNECTION | VULNERABILITY | IDENTITY
I have been writing since I was a child but getting late diagnoses of AuDHD last year brought me here and I share personal, vulnerable and hopefully relatable personal essays on the journey I'm going through.
I find it Wonderful to find and connect with those on or in a similar position.
In addition I share my poetry and vignettes which can be an extension of my processing - Im discovering a new or renewed passion for story telling.
I write at thethoughtlibrary.substack.com and am relatively active on notes and in responding, commenting as this is where true connection happens 😊
Yes, absolutely - not knowing how your brain works, in whatever way that it is different, has a huge impact and answers a lot of questions whilst asking lots of new ones. I'm glad you received yours and it helped you towards better/further understanding of yourself 😊
I'm an ethnographic researcher studying what it means to have a healthy relationship with work — I use insights from my own study to outline the beliefs and behaviors that keep us trapped in lives we hate living and offer doorways out.
I want to connect with anyone who passionately pursuing a life off the track or determined to find a way out of the capitalist doom-loop.
I am a designer and a mother who loves growing things, making and eating good food, listening to great music and let's be honest, prestige TV.
CATEGORIES: MUSIC, POETRY, CONTEMPLATION, SOUL CARE. I seek to invite people into moments of contemplation through themed playlists that I create for the Acoustic Blend radio program (folk, singer-songwriter, roots, americana, with a little jazz, blues and spoken word on occasion). I'd love to connect with other contemplatives and music lovers, poets and songwriters, plus anyone who might enjoy the show.
CATEGORIES: SELF-EMPOWERMENT, PERSONAL FULFILMENT AND GROWTH, WAYS OF SLOW AND SUSTAINABLE LIVING. I write about seeking pathways to more purposeful living.
My 4 main goals are:
1. to help us learn new things, discuss interesting topics and do cool stuff
2. to help us discover, awaken and nourish ourselves and each other
3. to give my readers regular doses of connection and accountability
4. to get to know my audience, the people reading my newsletter
I'm particularly interested in reading newsletters about: permaculture, homesteading, foraging, fermenting, spirituality, indigenous knowledge and teachings, herbalism, the natural world, gardening, food production, regenerative farming, agroforestry, food preservation.
I am a former acquisitions editor and now coach/ghostwriter writing to help nonfiction authors figure out their books and publish successfully. (Plus, I often share about my life as a new foster mom!)
I'm looking to connect with book lovers and aspiring nonfiction authors of any kind - memoirists, self-help gurus, teachers and consultants who want to change the world. 🌟
HUMOR, CULTURE. I write essays mostly about my life and pop culture, both of which can be quite fun and very odd. I also have a section called Stuff & Nonsense where I publish short humor pieces. We could all use more funny stuff in our lives, so I hope you'll subscribe.
While I love comedy and would be thrilled to connect with other humor writers, I have a ton of other interests from lifestyle to music to tech to health to spirituality to self-improvement and many more. I'm interested in anyone who writes from the heart and with passion about the things they care about.
CATEGORIES: IDENTITY, ANTI-CAPITALISM, WELLNESS, RELATIONSHIPS, CHRONIC ILLNESS, COACHING, and loosely TRAVEL / FOREIGNNESS. (i’m an american currently living in mexico with my ecuadorian husband. i am a coach, writer, and teacher. always open to new friends, collaborations, and learning new things. 🙏🏼)
I’m a therapist and writer in Nashville. *not using this as a marketing ploy but in mention of vulnerability* I’m a suicide attempt survivor and I’m still “figuring it all out” as I’m helping others do the same. And I write about that process.
My newsletter inspires self-reflection & growth through a combo of personal essays, clinical perspectives, and exercises to support you on your journey toward wholeness.
POETRY, FICTION --- The night before I posted my first newsletter I almost threw up (sorry if that's TMI). I'm a little less than a month into my Substack and finally shaking off the nerves! I write poetic fiction and release poems every Friday that are part of a larger story linked to a little dive bar in the midwest. Reading through other posts and connecting with a community of creative (and supportive) minds has really helped me step outside my comfort zone and into this crazy bar fly / poetry journey.
heidi that's totally normal -- most people can't get past the fear so good for you for pushing through it. Not sure if you read my essays on 'doing it scared' or 'resistance' but they are both relevant to this issue
Amazing that you pushed through the fear, so much to learn in that discomfort! And looks like a really exciting project, I love the idea of a love letter to your home town too. Would love to be part of that supportive community
MINDFULNESS, SAVORING LIFE, SLOWING DOWN, TRAVEL, READING. I write about experiencing life and sometimes go slowly through a book sharing my thoughts along the way (currently A NEW EARTH, Eckhart Tolle). I am a yoga and mindfulness teacher, an American living in Switzerland for more than 15 years now and loving it. I look forward to connecting here - right now off to teach! シ
I’m in HEALTH, WELLNESS & FOOD. I write about food , health and wellness discussing thins that are controversial and illuminating different concepts. such as gut health, hormones etc . Right now I’m waiting to go to the operating room for surgery and this how I’m passing the time - pls ignore any typos - don’t have my glasses on. I’m looking for people who wrote interesting perspectives on different topics.
CATEGORIES: CREATIVITY, DIGITAL LIFE, SPIRITUALITY, WELLBEING (but my 'official' categories are PHILOSOPHY and LITERATURE)
I write about finding joy, making meaning and navigating the forces that make this difficult. Recent topics have included doing less, my difficulties sticking with meditation, and my squeamishness about the word 'spirituality' (even though it has a big role in my life). I also have a nascent series called Screens and Minds where I'm trying to delve into what my screen use is *actually doing* to me.
Happy to see some familiar names on this thread already - looking to make connections with people interested in my topics but also people whose writing can open my mind in new ways!
Learn with Dr. Emily is a newsletter for parents and educators raising and teaching neurodivergent youth. I teach readers about neurodivergent kids through my writing but also emphasize how we must take care of ourselves to keep showing up for our kids who are growing up in a world that wasn’t built for them (and how we can change it through relationships from the bottom up).
I’m looking to connect with parents, educators, and mental health providers interested in promoting the cross-section of neurodiversity, mental health, and education.💙
I am clinical psychologist who is growing beyond my comfort zone in real time by writing and sharing about my experiences through the lense of a therapist and mother. My content may interest anyone who is curious about psychology, and I am especially looking for the other therapists and psychologists on substack!
My newsletter, www.ReadableMomentsBookClub.com, helps adults find the perfect children’s book for life’s reachable moments. I just recently published a post on why diversity in children’s books is so critical. I hope you’ll check it out.
In the same vein, I’m looking to talk to people who have felt underrepresented when it comes to children’s books. Would love to hear from you if you’re someone who’s ever felt that way or have kids that have felt this way. Thanks!
Hi Chris, I'm actually working on a piece on that now! Without knowing too much about your situation (and you can always email me if you want to be more specific about what you're looking for: readablemomentsbookclub at gmail dot com), here's a few that you might be interested in checking out: 'Lost Inside My Head' by Vigg, 'Benji, the Bad Day, and Me' by Sally J. Pla, 'A Friend for Henry' by Jenn Bailey (a classic!), 'A Day With No Words' by Tiffany Hammond
CATEGORIES: MENTAL HEALTH, WELLNESS, LIFE ADVICE AND MUSINGS. I explore and write about a wide range of topics that touch on the human experience. Ranging from deciding whether to move to the benefits of walking and moon rituals. I’m a therapist and social worker with a passion for creating and have been loving my time on substack so far! I love connecting with other writers, especially other therapists and wellness experts.
Following! Here's my info so you don't have to search thread!
INTERESTS: JOY (but no toxic BS), WELL-BEING/MENTAL HEALTH, PSYCHEDELICS, INTEGRATIVE HEALTH
I AM an Integrative Mental Health (practiced primary care for 25+ years)/Psychedelic Medicine MD, author of Joy Is My Justice (Hachette, 2023), TEDx speaker and mother to a dying child. I write about all of the above and would love to connect with others who do the same or are interested in the ways we can live as humans with more joy despite all the messed up parts of this world and our own sorrows.
CATEGORIES: EVANGELICALS, RELIGION, SPIRITUALITY, TRANSFORMATION. I'm writing a serialized memoir about my former life as an Evangelical. Interested in connecting with others about writing topics, going through tremendous change, parenting, motherhood, music, so many things! l just saw someone below post that they are writing about Irish history -- l wouldn't have known l was looking for that, but am definitely interested.
I work with a lot of ex-evangelicals in my spiritual direction practice, so much material to excavate there and I'm glad you are sharing your stories to normalize others' experiences.
CATEGORIES: (I haven’t started writing a Substack yet) EVOLVING AFTER CAREGIVING, PROTECTING THE NATURAL WORLD, PRACTICING KINDNESS WHEN IT’S HARD, HOLISTIC PHYSICAL STUFF. I was super involved in caring for my mother, who had Alzheimer’s, but even before the dementia, I had been kind of on call for her as she aged, and I’ve been emerging from that identity since she died this past August. I live in a place where I face a woods and stream and I love the natural world and feel tremendous sadness for it too. The state of our country, especially the vibe of hatred evident in so many, pulls me in like a moth to the flame as I read about it and can’t stop thinking about it. I teach qigong and am generally interested in mind-body-spirit stuff.
FOXY CRONEHOOD. POST-MENOPAUSAL VIBES, ANCESTOR HEALING, ENERGY WORK, ✨MAGIC. CANCER SURVIVOR. DECOLONIALISM, ANTI RACISM, CAPITALISM, HOUSEHOLD ECONOMICS.
I'm a recently empty-nested (!) solo mom - then my 80-ish parents moved 1500 miles to live with me (!!). We're deep-diving & healing with the help of 130 treasured postcards addressed to my great-grandmother: born in Cork in 1895, worked as a maid outside Manchester until she was 18, came through Ellis Island & single mom-ed it in a Pennsylvania coal town.
I'm a mediocre academic, yogi, and Reiki Master. Extensive travel, nostalgic former expat. I am not a disciplined writer but I am trying to figure it out; would love to connect with kind, funny hags & witches ✨
AN INTERSECTION OF CHRISTIAN FAITH, MEDICINE, AND THE CHURCH. I have a crazy background and have never taken the “traditional” way of entering any of my previous professions and current vocation. I began as a military medic, a civilian Paramedic who also taught until my back was blown out…then I taught anatomy & physiology and equine animal science (another crazy off-ramp that led to an equine artificial insemination practice) and then my lifelong goal of becoming a priest….but celibacy was not an option so I chose the Lutheran faith….and at age 70 all of this life is coming together in interesting ways.
GRIEF, LOSS, SUICIDE, FAMILY SECRETS, RESILIENCE, FAMILY DYNAMICS, LITERATURE/MEMOIR, FOOD, WEIGHT, BODY IMAGE, JUDAISM, RELIGION. I started my substack to serialize my memoir about the decades it took me to learn and accept that my dad's death, when I was 13, was not an accident but a suicide, and to write about related matters which I address in the memor, all of which are up there in capital letters. I am excited to connect with people who share my interests, to learn more about what they're doing and more about Substacking. Thanks for this opportunity!
CATEGORIES: COMMUNICATION, EMOTIONAL RESILIENCY, STOICISM, LIFE ABROAD
My aim with Substack is to help people flourish through Stoicism, communication, and global exploration.
I first moved abroad on my own at age 18 (England) and eventually moved to Italy and became a dual citizen thanks to my ancestry. I'd love to connect with fellow citizens of the world -- expats, aspiring expats, and any other kindhearted 'experiences not things' people ❤️
CATEGORIES: CULTURE, FAITH, HYPER-CAPITALISM, HOW TO ACTUALLY CHANGE. I write about unlearning societal/cultural conditioning, living authentically, how to actually change your life. I'm also moving to Italy and interested in connecting with American expats Italy or Europe, or really any country to learn about American expat life.
ALSO: to follow someone on Notes, hover over their name and click the + button and then reply to them "following!" You will see their Notes, but won't be subscribed. You can also subscribe and follow, then comment "subscribed + following!".
I write about HEALTH, WELLNESS, YOGA but in the fullness of what that is so BREATH, MOVEMENT, MEDITATION, PHILOSOPHY and SPIRITUALITY. I think about it as inner and outer EXPLORATION so often TRAVEL and general LIFESTYLE things come into play.
I spent three years as an expat in Switzerland and returned reluctantly. My time there really taught me so many things, notably to try and slow down. It’s an ongoing effort in our hypersonic culture but I’m trying. And a lot of my newsletter --The Sunday Stretch-- is subtly informed by that. I want the newsletter to offer one thing to readers that they can take into the week to make it tangibly better.
Following!
if you have written about reluctantly retrurning to US -- what you learned in Switzerland and why you came back to US etc pls post it here. I'd love to read.
I love reading about moving to other countries and life there!
I haven't publicly shared much of it yet. But I will and I will definitely let you know when I do. And I'm eager to hear more about your adventures in Italy; I'm in the process of getting dual citizenship there.
As I am still in Switzerland, would love to hear as well. Kelly I’d love to connect…will write to you directly. シ
Subscribed! I'm a personal trainer with a focus on behavior change & travel and I find myself wanting a partial expat lifestyle, for many reasons, slowing down being one of them!
The compromise I’ve struck is that we go abroad for at least a month each summer. It’s a mix of remote work and vacation. And it’s taken a lot of work to organize. But now it’s a good balance.
I love this! Just followed and subscribed. I spent a decade in Costa Rica and the return was challenging. The pace, the capitalism, the constant hustle. I've been back longer than I was gone now and I am still informed by how slow and present life was there. I'm excited to see what you are sharing!
Thrilled to have found you this way Kelly! I too lived abroad (China) for 3 years and came back somewhat reluctantly. I’m also a yoga instructor and sometime-sort of-wannabe meditator. I’m excited to learn from you!
I suspect most people are sometime-sort-of-wannabe meditators. Even those with a daily practice. :)
would love to read about your experience in china and why you came back and were reluctant about it!
I love all of these topics! I used to call my newsletter "soothe the Sunday scaries," so I love the Sunday Stretch title!
"Inner and outer exploration" - love it. That's my journey too. Following and look forward to reading your work
Following!!
Excited to learn from you and grow in my practice!
Following!
HOW TO ACTUALLY CHANGE hit hard. Love that. Also I came here for the hyper-capitalism -- it’s endlessly interesting to me how we continue to live in ways that actively harm us and others.
yeah i learned how to 'actually change' the hard way (by trying all the things that don't actually help you change!) and i want to save people some time by sharing my experience.
Appreciate it very much ✨
Thank you for setting this up Kristen! I'm an American expat living in Portugal and dating a Sicilian. Let's chat expat life & cultural conditioning with Italians 🤣
On IG there is a woman who goes by @fiftysister who retired to Portugal.
following!
All of that sounds fun! Following
Not quite an expat or an American but a half Italian Brit who moved out to Tuscany for a year and dreams of living there long term 🥰
Following!
Just followed and subscribed thanks to Kelly sharing this post on his notes. Grateful that you're offering something like this and I look forward to reading your work!
Appreciate you doing this here, too!
TY Kelly -- appreciate you too!
We intersect in the area of faith (Judaism figures prominently in the memoir I'm serializing on my Substack) but like you I'm an ex-pat, not that I ever expected to be. I moved to Canada when I got married 31 years ago, thinking I'd be here for three years. When my husband wound up taking a full-time job here I felt I'd been tricked and trapped. Now, having raised two kids who graduated from university with no debt (and money in their bank accounts), and having not gone broke while getting good medical care (for, among other things, my daughter's 15-day hospital stay as a 14-year-old when her appendix ruptured and she developed a 95-percent bowl blockage, and my son's three-month stay in a psychiatric hospital when he became a suicidal 20-year-old), I am very, very happy to live here and as much as there are things I miss and love about the US (my family, my friends, Cape Cod, NYC, Boston, central NY), I know I will never live there again and I'm good with that. I have enjoyed reading your work!
Hello everyone! I’m a bit behind here... I am begging my writing journey to cover: TRAVEL, CULTURE, POWER, FOOD, and sometimes random things like DREAMS. I live in Vancouver Canada and have only recently started my writing journey.
I have discord ADHD... but have decided to lean into it with me writing and hoping to inspire creativity through that.
Thanks for setting this up and looking forward to connecting :)
Kirsten, we've "chatted" about the shared Italy love and it drew me to subscribe to your SS but I had a question, how did you get citizenship/residency? Is there an article in. your SS that speaks to that? And we definitely overlap on the HOW TO ACTUALLY CHANGE things in our lives. I am an Integrative Mental Health/Pscyhedelic MD, author and speaker but most importantly a mom to a child who is dying so I am living this human life with full heart open. Thanks for this thread, can't wait to go down and post/comment/connect.
I’m so sorry about your child—there is nothing harder than that.
I will write about residency when I go through the process. I think becoming a resident is pretty straightforward but we will see. Citizenship takes more time. As of now I don’t have a definitive answer but when I do I will write about it. Tons of expats live there do there is a way. If you only live off of retirement funds (which will not be the case for me) it’s even easier in Italy.
I am SO looking forward to you writing about this - I'm half-Italian and it's still a casino..... 🤣
I'll look forward to it. Some of our friends in Cortona have done the residency route as well but it is as you say, more complicated when you are still working as well. So excited for your journey! And thank you for your kind words. He has taught me everything I need for this life--love, acceptance and joy as a way to hold the difficult. It's not easy but it's a gift.
CATEGORIES: WRITING, MINDFULNESS, FINDING BEAUTY IN A HECTIC WORLD. I write from my perspective as therapist and author, finding meaning in the everyday, small things that sustain us when we notice and honor them. I’d love to connect with other writers, therapists, and anyone who enjoys finding beauty in small things, including the sad and difficult.
You had me at "therapist and author." Same here. Following you now!
Kelly, glad to connect! I am excited to see therapists/authors here!
I’m fairly new to Substack and I’m just discovering that I don’t think my commenting self is connected to my actual Substack account! I’m working on it, but if anyone would like to go to my Substack newsletter, the title is Remedies For An Excited Amygdala. Also, if anyone has tips to fix this, I am all ears. :)
Hi! So glad you posted a link! I tried to find your writing and I thought you were a reader only. Did you create two accounts? One as a reader and one as a writer? That's my best guess. xo
Probably that’s what happened - I thought I had fixed it but realized today there is still something not quite right. Thanks so much for the info. I haven’t had time today to dig in with it, but I will!
Good luck! I’m looking forward to reading your work!❤️
Beauty in a hectic world!!!!! YES. Here for this.
Hi, Melissa! Excited to connect here and look forward to reading as well. :)
Therapist here! And really wanting to find and connect with other therapist writers on this platform. I will be following!
Amber, I’m really happy to see multiple therapist writers. So cool!
I’m a therapist too, following!
Followed and subscribed! Yay for writing and mindfulness!
Hi Misty, I'm following you now and will look for your book. I'm Victoria I’m a Carer to my Mum, a Mentor to clients seeking support along their career-life journeys, and an Advocate of carers.
Does your work go into belief systems around women and caring in society, and how caring is undervalued? Emily Kenway's book Who Cares stacked up ('scuse the pun) evidence and research which completely blew my mind, in an enlightening way ;-)
Thank you and definitely a big YAY for all these writers and mindful kindred spirits in this thread!
I love how you describe your work, Billie. I just wrote a post about how I was reminded of what's truly important: the little moments along the way. Following and look forward to connecting on Notes.
Jackie, thank you. I too look forward to connecting here. I think about the little moments a lot - that quote by Annie Dillard “how we spend our days is how we spend our lives” resonates so much for me. The days are all made up of moments and slowing to noticing them and really being “in” them is life changing.
Thanks Billie - I love that Annie Dillard quote you shared! Great to be connected
Hi Billie - the little moments of piercing joy are what kept me surviving as a carer for Dad over palliative & end of life, and his last night...and pivot into Mum's first cancer surgery 16 days after his funeral. I lived in paradoxes, and no sleep but we still had our beautiful bubble of love and could pee-our-pants with laughter. So I am SO with you and love that quote. My absolute favourite is Viktor Frankl 'Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.' which I'm sure you know. https://www.carermentor.com/
You seem cool. I just followed you.
Christoph, I lived in the woods in northern California for a year and a half at one point and I love that area. I was between Los Gatos and Santa Cruz. So much beauty there!
yes that area is gorgeous. I'm in a little artist town called Nevada City in the foothills about halfway between Lake Tahoe and Sacramento. Great to meet you, look forward to reading your stuff
Yes, and ditto!
Former therapist turned hospital chaplain, I'm all about the beauty in the sadness. Looking forward to reading your work.
What wonderful work, Christine! I'm looking forward to reading Journeying Alongside.
You said that just right 😇
Thank you and I will look forward to more conversation. :)
Love this, finding beauty in small things is definitely my life philosophy and something I find myself writing about a lot !
I love seeing all the fellow therapists! Just gave you a follow. Glad you’re here
Ditto loving all the fellow therapists. I’ll be looking everyone up to read more as I have time today. :)
I'm realising that if you all had a club I'd sign up - I just followed every therapist on this thread!
Ooh, my old blog tagline used to be "finding beauty in the most unlikely of places." Look forward to getting to know you through your writing, Billie!
Oh, wow - can’t wait! :)))
Billie, we are on the same page! Following you now. My summary is below but if you can't find it, let me put it here again!
INTERESTS: JOY (but no toxic BS), WELL-BEING/MENTAL HEALTH, PSYCHEDELICS, INTEGRATIVE HEALTH
I AM an Integrative Mental Health (practiced primary care for 25+ years)/Psychedelic Medicine MD, author of Joy Is My Justice (Hachette, 2023), TEDx speaker and mother to a dying child. I write about all of the above and would love to connect with others who do the same or are interested in the ways we can live as humans with more joy despite all the messed up parts of this world and our own sorrows.
Tanmeet, thanks for you info, I’m so glad you added it here so I could easily read it. I’m very interested in the work being done with psychedelics in therapy; I attended a workshop that was fascinating and have seen many videos in other trainings of the outcomes for some clients who gave permission for their responses to be shared. After many years of referring clients out for EMDR work, I did intensive training in 2023 and have been so excited about the things it is doing for clients. I love how you put the living as humans with joy despite all the messed up parts of this world.
So much yes! Finding beauty in a hectic world. I have to find the source, but someone here on Substack does a practice of writing down one beautiful thing each night before bed. I've started doing it and it's a lovely way to keep an eye out for beauty during the day. I often have many things to write down by bedtime. I just followed you. ❤
Oh, I love that! Between my horses and miniature donkeys and my native plant gardening, I find myself simply walking the well-worn path to the barn and to the garden beds to get big doses of beauty and joy. So happy we have connected!
Hi,
I am an aspiring therapist (waiting to hear back from graduate programs as we speak) and would love to connect with others who are writers and mental healthcare professionals. Following!
How exciting that you’re at the beginning of your therapist journey! Very happy to connect and I hope you get into the places you most love!
That is lovely, Billie, same interests here. Looking forward reading more!
I’m also a therapist who reaches for beauty and connectedness. I’ve just started my Substack about a month ago. I’m adding chapters as I write my new book Staying Together. I’ll also be adding random thoughts about living along the way.
CATEGORIES: HEALTH & WELLNESS, PHILOSOPHY, CULTURE, MINDSET, GRIEF, CAREGIVING, GARDENING. I write about how to heal and transform, connect and recuperate, and listen to your inner self. I’m a coach, healer & songcatcher, a former academic, a New Canadian (20 years here) and native Texan, an ALS widow and mom of 3. I love to connect with people interested in the messy and unexplored spaces between intellect and intuition.
What a wonderful description - such scope! "Songcatcher" - love it. I share many of your interests. Following and look forward to reading your writing.
I too am finding my way through grief thanks to creativity. Following!
right up my ally Celia.
Healing through creativity - yes! I’m all about that too. Following!
Hi Celia, I’m also intrigued by the “unexplored spaces between intellect and intuition” - well said!
Thanks Joanna! Now following you. Reading your bio I think we have shared intellectual interests.
I’m a New Canadian, too! (31 years here, almost 19 as a citizen. So maybe not so new….) I’m also a former (very short-lived) academic (MFA, not PhD. Now I work at a university writing center) who spent five years reading to my neighbor with ALS who couldn’t hold a book. So there’s a couple more things we have in common. Nice to meet you.
Hi Debby! I’ve been here 20 years now, a citizen for 14. So not so new either. But I like that phrase. Great to meet you! Following!
Following b/c I am ALL about gardening. Look forward to getting to know you through your writing, Celia!
Yay! Following back. I'm working on my first post about my front garden and communality on what I expect to be a never-ending series, The Garden Chronicles.
Hi Celia, I'm an emergency physician and was struck by how you described yourself as a healer. Our system is so broken that I realized I don't self-identify that way. Creativity and intuition have been areas of exploration for me recently. Excited to get to know you and your writing better.
It would be more precise to say a conduit for healing, but that’s a mouthful…. There are definite things I do directly to improve health and outcomes, but mostly I’m supporting people in their healing, though whatever treatment they need. The Canadian system has its issues, but it’s not broken like the US system. Following you!
Do have to say though that I have very severe reaction to stinging nettles. Not anaphylactic but close.
Yikes, unfortunately no medicine is for everyone. I actually used the sting as sort of a natural icy hot after a car accident this summer, but mostly just eat it or drink its tea? Is your reaction When you are stung or when eating or drinking tea (or both)?
I’ve used it as greens and as tea just fine (though I couldn’t collect it myself). So it seems to be only by touch. I have a similar but not quite as severe reaction to borage and sunflowers, so 🤷♀️. I spend a fair amount of time as a healer explaining that particular medicines or treatments are not beneficial for everyone.
That has been a challenge for me over recent years to recognize when my needs are different than other people's and meet them anyway. Sounds like it’s both that not all medicines are for everyone and not all forms of those medicines are for everyone.
Hi Celia - we're already connected! lovely to see your post ;-)
"The messy and unexplored spaced between intellect and intuition." This is so interesting to me! I can't wait to read what you write. Followed and subscribed. xo
Thanks Joselyn! Following!
Hi Celia- lots of common interests and experiences, I love the intuition/intellect intersection.
Following you.
Yes! I’m also interested (and ignorant, since I live in Canada) in the American health care system. I have a US client, in remission again, but dealing with cancer for 18 years, and so much of her time and energy is spent navigating the system when she should be focusing on healing. ❤️🩹
Also, following!
Then we’ll help each other! I want to know more about the Canadian system. I’m a dual citizen but have never lived in Canada
I’m so sad for all the patients who must navigate the terrible mess corporate medicine has made. Your client might consider a ‘concierge’ primary care doctor (if she has the financial resources) who can help her through.
Hi Rosalind - following you. https://www.carermentor.com/ My Website - Raising awareness of caregiving to 'would-be' carers, communicating empathy and support to 'former/current' carers. I offer personal reflections and wealth of resources to support anyone through career/ life transitions. I’m a Carer to my Mum, a Mentor to clients seeking support along their career-life journeys, and an Advocate of carers.
I'm already following Celia - I would be delighted if you both subscribed to my work for further discussions.
e.g. https://www.carermentor.com/p/recommendation-chris-hayes-podcast
thanks for reaching out, Victoria- I’m subscribed!
Looking forward reading more from you. I am a philosopher therapist and people often do not expect that combo. Hallo to Canada!
Definitely aligned! Following you now. Here's my summary below as well but the thread is overwhelming!
INTERESTS: JOY (but no toxic BS), WELL-BEING/MENTAL HEALTH, PSYCHEDELICS, INTEGRATIVE HEALTH
I AM an Integrative Mental Health (practiced primary care for 25+ years)/Psychedelic Medicine MD, author of Joy Is My Justice (Hachette, 2023), TEDx speaker and mother to a dying child. I write about all of the above and would love to connect with others who do the same or are interested in the ways we can live as humans with more joy despite all the messed up parts of this world and our own sorrows.
Thanks for the summary! I have gotten overwhelmed with the thread. We have lots of interests in common. Following!
I love all things brutiful! Just subscribed. I'm a hospital chaplain and have seen the power in integrative mental health first hand.
I imagine you have. What a gift to bear witness and hold others in this way. Following you as well!
CATEGORIES: CREATIVE PRACTICE AND PLAY FOR PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION, ART, POETRY, INSPIRATION. I write about getting out of our own way and connecting to what matters using creative prompts — and I host monthly generative gatherings featuring mellow soundscapes, meditation, drawing, writing and a healthy dose of magic.
"Creative chaos rituals" and "a healthy dose of magic" - I'm in! Following and look forward to connecting (and playing) on Notes.
Ooh! “The winding trail between grief and creativity” must be the tender road that connects us, Jackie. I’m happy to subscribe to your journey now too 🫶🏼
I love that - "the tender road" - and what a journey it is! Great to be connected with you
Love this, following!
Oh! I’m so happy we connected here Christina! Thank you
Subscribed. Fellow poet (and writer who gets in her own way). Great to connect, Lisette!
Heidi! So happy to connect here, thank you!
Following!
INSPIRATION and SPIRITUALITY
I don’t love those words but that’s how I’m niched by Substack. Lately, I’m taking a deep dive into forgiveness which has led me to write about how to understand and deal with anger (forgiveness is an antidote to anger). I draw from psychology, philosophy, religion, yoga, meditation, and more.
I’d love to connect!
What you write about sounds fascinating, Dan. Following, and look forward to connecting on Notes.
Running into you everywhere the last couple of days! 😂
I’ve only recently been spending time on Notes. Seems we travel in similar circles. 😊
Here's to traveling with you!
Forgiveness as antidote to anger. So much yes. I write about love as the answer to everything. ;) Forgiveness is big power. Followed and subscribed. Looking forward to reading your writing! 🙏
Presbyterian minister here (and I agree that I don't love those terms that I use to describe myself either!) Looking forward to reading about forgiveness from you!
If you’re interested, this is a good post to start with. https://open.substack.com/pub/danehrenkrantz/p/is-there-a-difference-between-forgiveness?r=eqk6z&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Following!
Stephen W Smith
Care of the soul
Moving from busyness to a life of contemplation and action from a healthy place
How to live sanely an insane world.
I write at pottersinn.Substack.com
All of that, my new friend. Following you now!
Good to meet you. I love your word, "humaning." I'll look you up and follow you likewise.
love this!
Mmmm, overlap. Following!
I'm a fellow spiritual director - looking forward to gleaning from your contemplations!
Love it! Following!
CATEGORIES: WRITING, FAMILY LIFE, STORIES, NATURE, MOTHERHOOD. I'm an author who lives by the sea in Cornwall. I write about things that inspire me and share my experiences as an author and a mum. I'm interested in connecting with other writers and readers and anyone curious about other people's stories.
I'm a fellow mom and author! Would love to connect. 😊
Hello! I'd love to connect too. I've just read a couple of your posts and followed you :)
Thank you, I appreciate it! If I keep following enough moms from the UK I'm going to start calling myself a "mum" and I have absolutely no problem with that! 😊
I love Cornwall - spent so many happy times on Lands' End peninsula. A fellow curious writer and reader here! Following, and look forward to reading your work.
There's something magical about Cornwall isn't there? It's lovely to meet you. I've just followed your Substack too and will look forward to reading more of it x
Cornwall is truly magical, a special place. Lovely to meet you too - your new welcome post is great! I've subscribed and look forward to reading your stories by the sea.
Thanks so much! x
Im always curious!
Hello! It's lovely to connect. Curious is the best way to be!
So many wonderful memories of Cornwall. I worked in that region during the 80’s and 90’s and would vacation there with family. It has a rugged beauty with strong Celtic links.
It's such a beautiful part of the world!
WOMEN'S HEALTH, THE PATRIARCHY, MENTAL HEALTH, BOOKS. I write about how to reframe and reclaim women's mental health. I'm interested in connecting with other feminist writers, nonfiction authors, and anyone who loves to chat about books!
had me at THE PATRIARCHY! FOLLOWING!
The patriarchy + books? YES!!! Look forward to getting to know you through your writing, Misty.
Wonderful, I look forward to connecting with you as well!
Misty, we are so aligned. I am an Integrative/Psychedelic MD, author and my book, Joy Is My Justice, is all about disrupting the oppressive mental health conversation. Following you now!
Amazing, following you too Tanmeet! Will check your book out!!
My life is always in need of more strong feminist voices. Your work looks super interesting!
Thank you, and same for me in terms of strong feminist voices! So happy to connect!
Hi Misty- Have worked in women's health and women's mental health for decades- I love 'reclaiming women's mental health. And yes, the patriarchy. I'm a nonfiction writer., too.
Great to connect, Rosalind! Will subscribe!
CATEGORIES: SPIRITUALITY, PSYCHOLOGY, RELATIONSHIPS. I write about welcoming our whole self and our whole story so we can truly open our hearts to our people and to our lives. Relationship transformation through loving self-examination. Our Humaning community of exceptionally kind and graceful souls is a highlight of my creative life.
Really loved checking out your writing Kelly- thanks for sharing here.
Thank you, Lisette! "Meaning making through story." Following you now!
Following! I recently started a mini-series on The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown. I'm looking forward to connecting with others who are exploring wholehearted living!
https://thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/letting-go-of-exhaustion-as-a-status
Love this idea! Following you now too!
Thank you! I feel like she's the Mother of whole-hearted living and just keeps giving us new tools and practices for understanding our own wholeness. 💗
Hi Kelly - I'm already following you from Sarah Fay's party time. I was wondering if you've worked with caregivers? So many thoughts and ideas sparking from your newsletter. Relationships between Caregiver and the loved one, or difficult conversations between adult child and ageing parent? Thoughts - would you subscribe to my website and newsletter & give me your thoughts? https://www.carermentor.com/p/recommendation-chris-hayes-podcast
It's not a niche I tend to focus on, Victoria, but I love that you're wanting to translate the wisdom you're finding elsewhere to the people you serve! In the coming weeks, I'm going to be introducing a bi-monthly Relationship Lab in which I answer specific questions from readers about relationships. Would love to connect more about this there!
Thanks Kelly - noted. Putting a reminder into my 'system'.
Following!
I could use a good laugh, following you now, too!
Awesome, thanks!
Beautiful! Following!
Likewise!
CATEGORIES: POLITICS, FAITH/SPIRITUALITY, AI, CULTURE, WELLNESS, THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THEM ALL. I’m an unconventional former constitutional law academic at Cambridge University/entrepreneur/policy person who attempts to connect the dots between different areas in my writing. I’m British but will be spending more time in the US so keen to connect with readers and writers over there/likeminded people. Fun fact: I’ve written political history AND wellness for British Vogue (I don’t think I’ve met anyone else who can do both). Side interests: fashion, music, meditation, tea drinking.
You had me at 'What is social media doing to our souls?' - I'm also super interested in probing more deeply into the relationship between the internet and our minds/selves/souls and have a nascent essay series called Screens and Minds. Looking forward to reading!
Likewise Kate!
Another Brit in USA here, also writing and reading about AI impact with more of a startup focus but looking forward to read your human and culture take!
Thank you Chris! Also very interested in startups and startup life!
Yes! What IS social media doing to our souls?? Following!
CATEGORIES: TRAVEL, LITERATURE-MEMOIR, MEXICO, THE MAYA I write about Mexico, the Maya culture, MX travel, history, food, art, expat essays and MX current events. I'm condensing and posting my travel memoir on buying land, building a house and opening a bookstore in a fishing village on the MX-Caribbean coast, alternating w/ news and events of the day. I like to read about others' travel experiences, writing and literature, archeology. I hope to connect w/ fellow travelers and writers who are changed by their experiences as they beat feet around the globe.
following! i love reading expat journeys and i love mexico
Gracias Kirsten!! Thanks for this opportunity to grow and meet others.
Aww we meet again at another party! Already following you Jeanine - I remember your bookstore!
Great!! Hello again!
omg where?! i live outside of merida!
Puerto Morelos. Store is Alma Libre Libros Bookstore. Now in the capable hands of Caleb and Nicole. You'll love it!
thank you for doing this! I write about LIVING ABROAD (I’m a Canadian in Turkey), TRAVEL, SPIRITUALITY, and 12-STEP RECOVERY (feels like i’m yelling 😂). And being A MIDDLE-AGED WOMAN and all that entails. Looking to connect with other truth-tellers and other folks making a new home away from home.
following!
following! (into wellness travel, curious about living abroad, 3 years sober too)!
following back! My recovery is mainly i process addictions for now (fyi) but i follow lots of sober people of all kinds—it always inspires me!
Love Turkey, spirit holds me, 36 years sober.
🙏🙏🙏🙏♥️
CATEGORIES: INTERNATIONAL, DESIGN, GARDENING, FOOD AND WINE. I write about expat life in Italy and Germany, Italian food and wine, finding your truth and living it, and my loves, pottery and growing a garden. I love connecting with people who are or desire to living their truth and creating lifestyle from scratch.
Ooh immediately following! I have schemes to move abroad in the next few years.
TOPICS: RETIRING HAPPILY, AGING WELL, EMBRACING WHAT’S NEXT @60+. I'm a late bloomer to writing full-time. I've freelanced magazine articles throughout my 46-year corporate career & authored a career blog for 7 years. I’m an Amherst Writer & Artists affiliate based in Indianapolis offering writing groups. My WIP is a memoir set in 1970s Chicago about murder, family secrets and healing.
CATEGORIES: WITCHY WISDOM, HEALING THROUGH NATURE, SLOW AND MINDFUL LIVING, CHRONIC ILLNESS, RECIPROCITY
I currently am writing a series on how I've navigated the five stages of grief after a life altering diagnosis through wisdom I've found in nature and witchy ways.
I'm looking to connect with others who have similar interests, are in the chronic illness community as well as those who write about climate justice, issues related to marginalized communities, and sustainable communities. I also enjoy comedic and lighthearted writers since I deal with a lot of heavy stuff.
following!
had me at WITCHY WISDOM!
All in for witchy wisdom!!
Following!
I’m Katherine. Categories: FICTION WRITING, JOURNALISM, HISTORY, HISTORICAL FICTION, HIKING and DRAWING
I’m a Washington, DC-based TV reporter who made a conscious effort starting about six years ago to not be so obsessed with my job and politics. I turned back to my loves of writing historical novels, long distance hiking (think the Camino Santiago) and now starting a daily drawing practice. Happy to meet everyone
Just subscribed! I have write about historical fiction too :)
PREGNANCY LOSS, GRIEF
I write about my own experiences with loss in an effort to de-stigmatize the topic and help others feel less alone. I’m a Chicago journalist who had two kids with no issues followed by two miscarriages that took me by surprise and changed my whole world. Looking to connect with others in this dreadful club! (Or those who want to understand it better) ❤️
important work Katie!
Thank you, I really appreciate that. And thanks for the opportunity to share and connect!
My two boys are now 32 and 30. But before they were born there were multiple miscarriages—one at five months. Important to bring these experiences into the open.
I'm so sorry for all of your losses. Thank you for sharing that with me. I agree, there should be more public discourse about it.
Oh how powerful it is to share your story. I'm a member of that club, both personally and professionally. I write a lot about grief in my work as a hospital chaplain. I haven't done a post on pregnancy loss yet, but it's on the list of topics to cover.
I'm sorry to hear you're a part of this club! Thank you so much for reaching out. I am looking forward to reading about your work!
Thrilled to find you Katie. I’ve suffered the heartbreak of miscarriage and then infant loss close after and it can be such a lonely road to walk. So glad to find other women who are trying to figure it all out as well.
Oh no, I'm so sorry for all of your losses! It is definitely a lonely road. Hearing from others has brought me much comfort, though, so thank you very much for reaching out and I look forward to learning more about your story, as well. ❤️
Relate to this. I also had multiple miscarriages and only grieved them years after they happened. The lack of acknowledgement in our society of the impact of the loss doesn’t help one connect to it either.
I'm sorry for all of your losses. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. This kind of grief is so difficult to navigate. I agree -- the lack of acknowledgment is just brutal and makes a terrible experience way worse.
CATEGORIES: TRAVEL, MINDFULNESS, MIDLIFE. I write about living authentically and against societal expectations. I am trying to get better at writing and am looking to connect with writers who can share courses, feedback, etc on how to get better! I feel so good when I write, I want to keep going. Substack has been a good jumping off point. I live in Napoli, Italy and am originally from the US. Happy Friday ragazzi 🌋🍕
Def keep writing! I love your Substack!
I love your description. Following, and look forward to reading your writing
Love this, following! Here's my info so you don't have to search thread!
INTERESTS: JOY (but no toxic BS), WELL-BEING/MENTAL HEALTH, PSYCHEDELICS, INTEGRATIVE HEALTH
I AM an Integrative Mental Health (practiced primary care for 25+ years)/Psychedelic Medicine MD, author of Joy Is My Justice (Hachette, 2023), TEDx speaker and mother to a dying child. I write about all of the above and would love to connect with others who do the same or are interested in the ways we can live as humans with more joy despite all the messed up parts of this world and our own sorrows.
CATEGORIES: THE CREATIVE PROCESS, NOVEL WRITING, WORKING IN THE SERVICE INDUSTRY
I write as a first time novelist about the writing process as well as my day job of waiting tables at a country club. I also have a podcast on my Substack that, through author interviews,explores work and how to balance making money with making art. I love connecting with others who are interested in the nitty gritty of the writing process!
I sure can relate, though I'm a weird-comics writer, not a real writer. Ex-waitress as well, still in the service industry in a different way.
Hi! Always nice to meet a fellow waitress haha do you ever write about it?
I'm actually retired from waitressing and working in the spa business, which is also very much a service industry. I write about that job here:
https://roseannethorne.substack.com/p/texzen
and here:
https://roseannethorne.substack.com/p/sleeping-on-the-job
Mostly fictionalized, but some truth in there too.
CATEGORIES: LITERATURE AND CULTURE WITH AN EMPHASIS ON WEALTH, CLASS, PRIVILEGE, AND CAPITALISM IN AMERICA TODAY
I'd love to connect with writers who touch upon these issues.
Kirsten, I'd love to connect with you as you have a POV on these matters. My email is robertsdavidn@gmail.com
Let me know if you'd be open to a zoom where we could compare notes and views.
david i'v enjoyed your writing. I'm in the writing cave on a book idea + moving to Italy so not adding anything to my calendar for the forseeable future but I'm going to start doing Zoom time with subscribers so keep an eye out for that and it will be an opp for these kinds of conversations.
Kristen (I just Paid subscribed thanks for this awesome party!) - before I lose my place in the thread! - I thought I'd offer - since I've done 18 relocations and moved all over the place - 10 countries (just not Italy, though). If you need any tips or to vent, I'd happily offer thoughts if that's helpful.
TY for the paid subscription—means a lot to me! Thank you for this offer—I’ll might take you up on it! Right now just taking it one step at a time. Won’t be relocating until the Trullo is renovated so abt 6 mos
Welcome. You've got my email. I'm easiest to reach that way, given my caregiving routine. Aside from all the 'how to organise and plan for cargo-load vs air freight' I highly recommend booking a week in a hotel near your home and on the other side...this way you can have an in-between 'dump spot' and time after closing the house/apartment, instead of hassling and hustling direct to airport. Also, have at least 2 boxes empty to ship via post on the last day in the US...you'll always have overspill from suitcases...geez maybe I write a relocation going away for you;-)
oh i'm hardly bringing anything! our house--which we are building-- will be tiny (1100 sq feet) and the Trullo I'll be staying in the first year is maybe 400 sq feet so I don't have to worry about all that. Part of this move will be a serious downsizing from American living!
beautiful!
Like the sound of this! Following.
CATEGORIES: HEALTH, YOGA, FITNESS, WRITING (I'm currently in the midst of the editorial process of my first novel), TRAVELING, CHALLENGING AGEISM ASSUMPTIONS.
I don't have a Substack (yet..) but love reading newsletters about living more intentionally and different social dynamics around the world. My husband is from Caven, Ireland and we're planning on hopefully retiring there someday. Love to read stories about expats that have started their new lives in other countries. Cheers to having the courage to jump!! :)
I hope you're able to move to Ireland someday, that sounds like a beautiful plan! I write about living abroad in Spain, if you're interested!
My Substack: MUSIC
I write about forgotten gems and future classic through the lens of someone that misses the days of the mixtape.
I am interested in any music 'Stacks you may write or read. I am also interested in finding more AVIATION (and adjacent) 'Stacks. Note: I mean aviation and/or aerospace, not travel.
EGO | NOT KNOWING | CURIOSITY. I write about learning to let go. Letting go of the need to be an ‘expert’ and letting go of the need to ‘prove’ your worth. Learning to shift your mindset to be more curious and accept what is.
I’ve just started my Substack and publicly sharing my writing. I’m not an expert 😉… so interested in connected with anyone who’s open to share their journey and/or advice to improve my practice.
you are the expert of the life you have lived--so you actually are an expert.
Ooo - love that that thinking. Redefining what I think of when I hear ‘expert.’ Thank you!
CATEGORIES: HEALTH AND WELLNESS, MENTAL HEALTH, HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, CARETAKING, GROWING, AGING I'm a burnt-out primary care doctor who also writes and teaches writing to medical trainees- as a self-care tool and to promote connection as human beings, since medical training can knock out your sense of self.
My newsletter is about being a human, a writer, and a doctor in the precarious US healthcare system. It's also about understanding that 'wellness' is not just 'lack of illness' - and our bodies and mind can't be separated
If you'd like to see posts about particular aspects the healthcare system or writing and medicine, please tell me- I just got going on Substack but plan to get some guest authors for posts.
Kirsten- thanks for doing this- so smart and so generous!
following! this is very important work you are doing.
Hi Rosalind, I'm so happy to know you are here. I am an emergency physician and I have been looking for like minded docs here on substack. I write about the emotional aspects of being a doctor, the wounds of medical training, how we wound people because of the resulting lack of emotional capacity as well as the initiatory journeys of motherhood and COVID. I include some creative writing and storytelling as well, and your book sounds AMAZING.
Hi Amy! I am so happy that you’re here as well! I know lots of doctors who write but mostly standard ‘narrative medicine’- I think it’s still scary for
some to get into the deeper, more personal stuff. But I know that writing has helped me to let go of some of the traumas of training and practice and to find a more authentic self under all the layers I took on to survive. and
I looked at some of your posts and I’m excited to take a deeper dive tomorrow! Thanks for touching base!
Awesome! I look forward to connecting further.
Very excited to read your perspectives!
CATEGORIES: ALL THINGS EVENTS ✨. I write about weird events from ancient history to today, and share resources/tips/tricks planning to empower anyone to plan an unforgettable event (even if you've never planned anything before in your life).
I see events as an amazing part of both business and personal life for growth, combating lonliness, connecting with our communities, exchanging ideas, and more.
what an interesting topic - subscribed! :)
CATEGORIES: CULTURE, WRITING, HEALTH, MUSIC, AND DEMOCRACY. We share live and on-demand classes hosted by people we admire. More than 100 creative thinkers and leaders and many, many great writers – including fellow Substack writers like Maya C. Popa, Cheryl Strayed, Steven Johnson, Rick Wilson, and Allison Moorer. You can view the first ten minutes of every on-demand class here on Substack, and see more and see personal invitations to the live classes coming next at myfivethings.com.
(And thanks for this good idea Kirsten! We're big admirers of all you're up to!)
TY! Following!
Following!
CATEGORIES: MUSIC, CULTURE
I recommend a single album to listen to every Friday on my Substack (Phil's Phriday Picks). I have been collecting records and CDs for close to 40 years and friends are always asking me for recommendations for what to listen to, so it inspired me to write about it. There are close to 4 years of archives to explore that run the gamut from rock to jazz to country (modern and classic) and everything in between.
Following! Am stuck in a 90’s and BBC6 music rut, so hoping to find more to cook and read to
CATEGORIES: CREATIVE BUSINESS, COACHING, NEW ECONOMICS, ARTS & CULTURE, WORKING WITH THE SEASONS. My substack is new this year so feeling my way through writing and the platform; it's a space for reflection and thinking out loud on my work as an innovation/enterprise coach and my own emerging creative practice. Would love to connect with others in the arts and creative industries, neuroscience and psycology, anyone on a journey to reconnect with narure and their inner widsom :)
following!
POETRY | VIGNETTES | PERSONAL ESSAYS | LATE DIAGNOSED NEURODIVERGENCE | CONNECTION | VULNERABILITY | IDENTITY
I have been writing since I was a child but getting late diagnoses of AuDHD last year brought me here and I share personal, vulnerable and hopefully relatable personal essays on the journey I'm going through.
I find it Wonderful to find and connect with those on or in a similar position.
In addition I share my poetry and vignettes which can be an extension of my processing - Im discovering a new or renewed passion for story telling.
I write at thethoughtlibrary.substack.com and am relatively active on notes and in responding, commenting as this is where true connection happens 😊
i got an adult ADHD diagnosis, which isn't exactly the same but it did make so many things make sense that hadn't made sense before.
Yes, absolutely - not knowing how your brain works, in whatever way that it is different, has a huge impact and answers a lot of questions whilst asking lots of new ones. I'm glad you received yours and it helped you towards better/further understanding of yourself 😊
Following. I look forward to reading your writing, Casper
Thank you Jackie ☺️
CATEGORIES: WORK, CAPITALISM, JOY, MUSIC, ART, PSYCHOLOGY, SCIENCE
I'm an ethnographic researcher studying what it means to have a healthy relationship with work — I use insights from my own study to outline the beliefs and behaviors that keep us trapped in lives we hate living and offer doorways out.
I want to connect with anyone who passionately pursuing a life off the track or determined to find a way out of the capitalist doom-loop.
I am a designer and a mother who loves growing things, making and eating good food, listening to great music and let's be honest, prestige TV.
oooooo, "a healthy relationship with work"...isn't this what we all want/need?! definitely following!
Thank you Sasha!! looks like we have a lot in common 😭
CATEGORIES: MUSIC, POETRY, CONTEMPLATION, SOUL CARE. I seek to invite people into moments of contemplation through themed playlists that I create for the Acoustic Blend radio program (folk, singer-songwriter, roots, americana, with a little jazz, blues and spoken word on occasion). I'd love to connect with other contemplatives and music lovers, poets and songwriters, plus anyone who might enjoy the show.
This is awesome! Looking forward to diving into your writings.
CATEGORIES: SELF-EMPOWERMENT, PERSONAL FULFILMENT AND GROWTH, WAYS OF SLOW AND SUSTAINABLE LIVING. I write about seeking pathways to more purposeful living.
My 4 main goals are:
1. to help us learn new things, discuss interesting topics and do cool stuff
2. to help us discover, awaken and nourish ourselves and each other
3. to give my readers regular doses of connection and accountability
4. to get to know my audience, the people reading my newsletter
I'm particularly interested in reading newsletters about: permaculture, homesteading, foraging, fermenting, spirituality, indigenous knowledge and teachings, herbalism, the natural world, gardening, food production, regenerative farming, agroforestry, food preservation.
This is so fun Kirsten!
Thx for being here Leyla! Love your Substack!
Categories: NONFICTION WRITING, PUBLISHING, BOOKS, & FOSTER PARENTING
I am a former acquisitions editor and now coach/ghostwriter writing to help nonfiction authors figure out their books and publish successfully. (Plus, I often share about my life as a new foster mom!)
I'm looking to connect with book lovers and aspiring nonfiction authors of any kind - memoirists, self-help gurus, teachers and consultants who want to change the world. 🌟
Already following!
HUMOR, CULTURE. I write essays mostly about my life and pop culture, both of which can be quite fun and very odd. I also have a section called Stuff & Nonsense where I publish short humor pieces. We could all use more funny stuff in our lives, so I hope you'll subscribe.
While I love comedy and would be thrilled to connect with other humor writers, I have a ton of other interests from lifestyle to music to tech to health to spirituality to self-improvement and many more. I'm interested in anyone who writes from the heart and with passion about the things they care about.
CATEGORIES: IDENTITY, ANTI-CAPITALISM, WELLNESS, RELATIONSHIPS, CHRONIC ILLNESS, COACHING, and loosely TRAVEL / FOREIGNNESS. (i’m an american currently living in mexico with my ecuadorian husband. i am a coach, writer, and teacher. always open to new friends, collaborations, and learning new things. 🙏🏼)
CATEGORIES: PSYCHOLOGY, FAITH, CREATIVITY, FATHERHOOD, GRIEF, the thread- FOSTERING VULNERABILITY & SELF COMPASSION
I’m a therapist and writer in Nashville. *not using this as a marketing ploy but in mention of vulnerability* I’m a suicide attempt survivor and I’m still “figuring it all out” as I’m helping others do the same. And I write about that process.
My newsletter inspires self-reflection & growth through a combo of personal essays, clinical perspectives, and exercises to support you on your journey toward wholeness.
glad you are here blake!
POETRY, FICTION --- The night before I posted my first newsletter I almost threw up (sorry if that's TMI). I'm a little less than a month into my Substack and finally shaking off the nerves! I write poetic fiction and release poems every Friday that are part of a larger story linked to a little dive bar in the midwest. Reading through other posts and connecting with a community of creative (and supportive) minds has really helped me step outside my comfort zone and into this crazy bar fly / poetry journey.
https://heididarby.substack.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web
heidi that's totally normal -- most people can't get past the fear so good for you for pushing through it. Not sure if you read my essays on 'doing it scared' or 'resistance' but they are both relevant to this issue
Thank you for the recommendations, I’ll definitely check them out!
Amazing that you pushed through the fear, so much to learn in that discomfort! And looks like a really exciting project, I love the idea of a love letter to your home town too. Would love to be part of that supportive community
Thank you for the kind words, Daniela!
Good for you for pushing past, Heidi!
Thank you, Rachel! Now that I’m swimming out I’m really enjoying the waters. ♥️
Phenomenal <3
MINDFULNESS, SAVORING LIFE, SLOWING DOWN, TRAVEL, READING. I write about experiencing life and sometimes go slowly through a book sharing my thoughts along the way (currently A NEW EARTH, Eckhart Tolle). I am a yoga and mindfulness teacher, an American living in Switzerland for more than 15 years now and loving it. I look forward to connecting here - right now off to teach! シ
i love that book!
I’m in HEALTH, WELLNESS & FOOD. I write about food , health and wellness discussing thins that are controversial and illuminating different concepts. such as gut health, hormones etc . Right now I’m waiting to go to the operating room for surgery and this how I’m passing the time - pls ignore any typos - don’t have my glasses on. I’m looking for people who wrote interesting perspectives on different topics.
glad we can distract you before surgery-- hope it goes well!
Thanks
CATEGORIES: CREATIVITY, DIGITAL LIFE, SPIRITUALITY, WELLBEING (but my 'official' categories are PHILOSOPHY and LITERATURE)
I write about finding joy, making meaning and navigating the forces that make this difficult. Recent topics have included doing less, my difficulties sticking with meditation, and my squeamishness about the word 'spirituality' (even though it has a big role in my life). I also have a nascent series called Screens and Minds where I'm trying to delve into what my screen use is *actually doing* to me.
Happy to see some familiar names on this thread already - looking to make connections with people interested in my topics but also people whose writing can open my mind in new ways!
Subscribed!
Thank you!!
Love it! Following!
Thanks Jen, likewise! 😊
PARENTING, EDUCATION, NEURODIVERSITY, MENTAL HEALTH, SOBRIETY
Learn with Dr. Emily is a newsletter for parents and educators raising and teaching neurodivergent youth. I teach readers about neurodivergent kids through my writing but also emphasize how we must take care of ourselves to keep showing up for our kids who are growing up in a world that wasn’t built for them (and how we can change it through relationships from the bottom up).
I’m looking to connect with parents, educators, and mental health providers interested in promoting the cross-section of neurodiversity, mental health, and education.💙
Parent of ND kiddos here! Subscribed + following!
Excited to connect!
MENTAL HEALTH, BEING A THERAPIST, GRIEF
I am clinical psychologist who is growing beyond my comfort zone in real time by writing and sharing about my experiences through the lense of a therapist and mother. My content may interest anyone who is curious about psychology, and I am especially looking for the other therapists and psychologists on substack!
there are more than a few on this thread!
CATEGORIES: PARENTING, EDUCATING, BOOKS, CHILDREN
My newsletter, www.ReadableMomentsBookClub.com, helps adults find the perfect children’s book for life’s reachable moments. I just recently published a post on why diversity in children’s books is so critical. I hope you’ll check it out.
In the same vein, I’m looking to talk to people who have felt underrepresented when it comes to children’s books. Would love to hear from you if you’re someone who’s ever felt that way or have kids that have felt this way. Thanks!
Father of twins plus one more with special needs here! Any particular resources for fathers of autistic & ADHD kids you can recommend?
Hey Chris! Here’s a round up of new books featuring autistic characters I wrote last year: https://www.parentmap.com/article/best-new-book-titles-honor-world-autism-awareness-month
Thank you!
Hi Chris, I'm actually working on a piece on that now! Without knowing too much about your situation (and you can always email me if you want to be more specific about what you're looking for: readablemomentsbookclub at gmail dot com), here's a few that you might be interested in checking out: 'Lost Inside My Head' by Vigg, 'Benji, the Bad Day, and Me' by Sally J. Pla, 'A Friend for Henry' by Jenn Bailey (a classic!), 'A Day With No Words' by Tiffany Hammond
Thank you! I will check those out
Ok I love this and always need more books for my foster babies! Giving them the gift of reading and a love of books is one of my goals
Yes, that's the ultimate goal for my newsletter!
CATEGORIES: MENTAL HEALTH, WELLNESS, LIFE ADVICE AND MUSINGS. I explore and write about a wide range of topics that touch on the human experience. Ranging from deciding whether to move to the benefits of walking and moon rituals. I’m a therapist and social worker with a passion for creating and have been loving my time on substack so far! I love connecting with other writers, especially other therapists and wellness experts.
following!
Following! Here's my info so you don't have to search thread!
INTERESTS: JOY (but no toxic BS), WELL-BEING/MENTAL HEALTH, PSYCHEDELICS, INTEGRATIVE HEALTH
I AM an Integrative Mental Health (practiced primary care for 25+ years)/Psychedelic Medicine MD, author of Joy Is My Justice (Hachette, 2023), TEDx speaker and mother to a dying child. I write about all of the above and would love to connect with others who do the same or are interested in the ways we can live as humans with more joy despite all the messed up parts of this world and our own sorrows.
I want to know more about moon rituals!
I talk about it in my latest post about believing in the unknown :)
CATEGORIES: EVANGELICALS, RELIGION, SPIRITUALITY, TRANSFORMATION. I'm writing a serialized memoir about my former life as an Evangelical. Interested in connecting with others about writing topics, going through tremendous change, parenting, motherhood, music, so many things! l just saw someone below post that they are writing about Irish history -- l wouldn't have known l was looking for that, but am definitely interested.
Ex-evangelical HERE FOR THIS!
Glad to meet you here!
Ex-evangelical worship leader here
Hi, Zach! It's great to meet you here!
I work with a lot of ex-evangelicals in my spiritual direction practice, so much material to excavate there and I'm glad you are sharing your stories to normalize others' experiences.
That's great to hear that you're a resource, Christine! Thanks for being supportive!
CATEGORIES: (I haven’t started writing a Substack yet) EVOLVING AFTER CAREGIVING, PROTECTING THE NATURAL WORLD, PRACTICING KINDNESS WHEN IT’S HARD, HOLISTIC PHYSICAL STUFF. I was super involved in caring for my mother, who had Alzheimer’s, but even before the dementia, I had been kind of on call for her as she aged, and I’ve been emerging from that identity since she died this past August. I live in a place where I face a woods and stream and I love the natural world and feel tremendous sadness for it too. The state of our country, especially the vibe of hatred evident in so many, pulls me in like a moth to the flame as I read about it and can’t stop thinking about it. I teach qigong and am generally interested in mind-body-spirit stuff.
FOXY CRONEHOOD. POST-MENOPAUSAL VIBES, ANCESTOR HEALING, ENERGY WORK, ✨MAGIC. CANCER SURVIVOR. DECOLONIALISM, ANTI RACISM, CAPITALISM, HOUSEHOLD ECONOMICS.
I'm a recently empty-nested (!) solo mom - then my 80-ish parents moved 1500 miles to live with me (!!). We're deep-diving & healing with the help of 130 treasured postcards addressed to my great-grandmother: born in Cork in 1895, worked as a maid outside Manchester until she was 18, came through Ellis Island & single mom-ed it in a Pennsylvania coal town.
I'm a mediocre academic, yogi, and Reiki Master. Extensive travel, nostalgic former expat. I am not a disciplined writer but I am trying to figure it out; would love to connect with kind, funny hags & witches ✨
“Foxy cronehood” 💜💜💜💜
Hooked at “foxy cronehood”! Subscribed and excited to read more ☀️
AN INTERSECTION OF CHRISTIAN FAITH, MEDICINE, AND THE CHURCH. I have a crazy background and have never taken the “traditional” way of entering any of my previous professions and current vocation. I began as a military medic, a civilian Paramedic who also taught until my back was blown out…then I taught anatomy & physiology and equine animal science (another crazy off-ramp that led to an equine artificial insemination practice) and then my lifelong goal of becoming a priest….but celibacy was not an option so I chose the Lutheran faith….and at age 70 all of this life is coming together in interesting ways.
GRIEF, LOSS, SUICIDE, FAMILY SECRETS, RESILIENCE, FAMILY DYNAMICS, LITERATURE/MEMOIR, FOOD, WEIGHT, BODY IMAGE, JUDAISM, RELIGION. I started my substack to serialize my memoir about the decades it took me to learn and accept that my dad's death, when I was 13, was not an accident but a suicide, and to write about related matters which I address in the memor, all of which are up there in capital letters. I am excited to connect with people who share my interests, to learn more about what they're doing and more about Substacking. Thanks for this opportunity!
CATEGORIES: COMMUNICATION, EMOTIONAL RESILIENCY, STOICISM, LIFE ABROAD
My aim with Substack is to help people flourish through Stoicism, communication, and global exploration.
I first moved abroad on my own at age 18 (England) and eventually moved to Italy and became a dual citizen thanks to my ancestry. I'd love to connect with fellow citizens of the world -- expats, aspiring expats, and any other kindhearted 'experiences not things' people ❤️
Following! I am a soon to be expat in Italy!
I'm excited to follow your journey! Which visa are you going on? I could talk Italy recommendations all day!
I don’t know yet — still figuring it out!