alex is writing (or supposed to be!)

I just wish that tech platforms resisted the urge to become everything platforms. I admire that Medium for example, is, on the whole, only a space for writing. Imho, not everything needs video, & the intro of video & livestream into EVER platform feels overwhelming. & this is coming from a TikToker!

I think we need some platforms that are solely for words & we should make every effort to make words accessible to the visually impaired with audio read-aloud & other accessibility features. But the infusion of word-based platforms w/ image based FYPs, video, livestream, etc feels like a dilution.

What’s Happening to Reading? For many people, A.I. may be bringing the age of traditional text to an end.

But perhaps what I am reacting to is that in many was we are witnessing the close of the Gutenberg parenthesis, facilitated by the omnipresence of big tech, personal devices, AI, and social media. It's mad times we're in. www.newyorker.com/culture/open...

What’s Happening to Reading? For many people, A.I. may be bringing the age of traditional text to an end.

But perhaps what I am reacting to is that in many was we are witnessing the close of the Gutenberg parenthesis, facilitated by the omnipresence of big tech, personal devices, AI, and social media. It's mad times we're in. www.newyorker.com/culture/open...

I think we need some platforms that are solely for words & we should make every effort to make words accessible to the visually impaired with audio read-aloud & other accessibility features. But the infusion of word-based platforms w/ image based FYPs, video, livestream, etc feels like a dilution.

I just wish that tech platforms resisted the urge to become everything platforms. I admire that Medium for example, is, on the whole, only a space for writing. Imho, not everything needs video, & the intro of video & livestream into EVER platform feels overwhelming. & this is coming from a TikToker!

Does anyone else feel overwhelmed by Substack?

I've been posting essays there since 2021, but this past year in particular, as it has become more and more of a social media and video platform, I find it harder to share essays.

There is a kind of resistance emerging that I didn't feel before.

It's still a beautiful place in so many ways and I welcome the new ways for writers to find discoverability via the FYP, but it seems that each year the platform becomes less about writing and more about images and video and I just makes me uneasy.

That being said, still fantastic work being shared, from writers at all stages. One of my favorite essays this week was from a 22 y/o English major and perhaps had these new changes not come to the platform, I would've never been served that essay on my feed. So there's pros and cons.

That being said, still fantastic work being shared, from writers at all stages. One of my favorite essays this week was from a 22 y/o English major and perhaps had these new changes not come to the platform, I would've never been served that essay on my feed. So there's pros and cons.

It's still a beautiful place in so many ways and I welcome the new ways for writers to find discoverability via the FYP, but it seems that each year the platform becomes less about writing and more about images and video and I just makes me uneasy.

Does anyone else feel overwhelmed by Substack?

I've been posting essays there since 2021, but this past year in particular, as it has become more and more of a social media and video platform, I find it harder to share essays.

There is a kind of resistance emerging that I didn't feel before.

Stop comparing yourself to others. Everyone is on their own path. No-one is ahead of you or behind you because they're not walking the same path as you.

What is a way you can be kinder to yourself today?

What is bringing you joy today?

What is a way you can be kinder to yourself today?

What is bringing you joy today?

Has anyone had any breakthroughs with the self-defeating thought loop of "I am not enough" as it pertains to work, life, relationships, etc? Any books, meditations or things that help with grounding yourself in worthiness & enough-ness, something that helps to silence or replace negative self-talk?

Has anyone had any breakthroughs with the self-defeating thought loop of "I am not enough" as it pertains to work, life, relationships, etc? Any books, meditations or things that help with grounding yourself in worthiness & enough-ness, something that helps to silence or replace negative self-talk?

This book is SO good!!!

Thank you, Nita! I really needed to hear this today 🥹

That sounds delightful!!! French press coffee is so good!! Sending good vibes to you & your family!! <3

Love this so much!! That is such a beautiful reflection & thank you so much for sharing this, this is inspiring me to do the same with my own space <3

I love that so much!! That makes me so happy 😃

As I age, I find it is harder for me to slow down.

In youth, I never rushed.

I held wisdom that seems to have since eroded.

I spent entire afternoons marveling at a tree's intricate roots.

Days dedicated to birdsong.

How do I find my way back to that life?

To the self before expectation.

As I age, I find it is harder for me to slow down.

In youth, I never rushed.

I held wisdom that seems to have since eroded.

I spent entire afternoons marveling at a tree's intricate roots.

Days dedicated to birdsong.

How do I find my way back to that life?

To the self before expectation.

you are more than enough.

you are more than enough.

🧵❣️

what is one small way that you could be kind and self-compassionate to yourself today?