10 things of interest #19
be bad at things, gratitude lists and frozen ducks
The beauty of Notes on Substack is discovering new writers all the time. Here are ten of my favourite pieces from February. Happy reading.
This adorable note from
about finding snow ducks in her neighbourhood.Carina writes in “If Love is In the Air” that love exists in the smallest, everyday moments — kind gestures, quiet observations, and unnoticed acts of care — reminding us that poetry is found in people. I love that, despite the chaos of the world, she chooses to see and appreciate these moments fill life with meaning and warmth.
I loved
perspective on women solo travelling. In “Why women should take more solo trips,” she reflects on the joy and fulfilment of spending time alone, particularly as a woman, she emphasises that “sometimes we forget that being alone — whether for a weekend or a lifetime — can be a choice, not some sad, unwanted circumstance.” She goes on to describe that solitude enhances appreciation for companionship, advocating for more women to embrace independent adventures without hesitation or shame.Time’s “Why Voice Notes Are a Small Act of Love” — Author Rainesford Stauffer talks about the growing popularity and emotional significance of voice notes, initially hesitant but later finding comfort in their ability to create connection. Voice notes sit somewhere between texts and phone calls, giving people the flexibility to reply when they can while still keeping that emotional closeness. She writes, “Different relationships have different communication preferences. But I cherish getting to listen in as friends narrate their grocery trips, vent about their bosses, or just want to hear what’s up lately. It’s a small act of love, I think, to want to talk to someone—however you choose to do it.”
In “are you sitting comfortably? on stillness and feeling at home,” Sophie Rainbow from
, reflects on her evolving relationship with her flat, initially seeing it as a cosy refuge, then feeling restless and dissatisfied, believing a move would fix her discontent. I know exactly how she feels, and it’s only after embracing the present rather than seeking escape that she rediscovers comfort and contentment. She writes, “we’ve allowed ourselves to invest in our own surroundings, to care more about smaller things, about ourselves. we’ve learnt to enjoy the present, rather than keeping our eyes constantly turned to the horizon. you end up living half a life, that way.”- from Sundaze Book Cafe’s adorable list of “Open-hearted joys” — I stumbled across Michelle’s lists on Notes. She shares a gratitude list with her readers each week.
“I think you should be bad at more things,” Macey Shofroth realises that perfection isn’t necessary and that showing up and trying is what matters. She argues that too many people hold back from new experiences out of fear of not being great at them, sacrificing creativity and joy in the process. The key? Being willing to be bad at things. And I can’t help but agree with her.
- documents her whimsical, colourful second-hand fashion and I adore having her vibrant outfits pop up on my Substack Notes.
- from Stir the Pot wrote in “things i notice when i'm not rushing” that there is power in slowing down and truly noticing the world. When we move at a calmer pace, we see details we would otherwise miss; it is a quiet rebellion against a world obsessed with speed and productivity.
- from Best Excuse on “If you're feeling behind in life...” — As someone who feels to be in a perpetual crisis mode about how fast I should be moving through life, Sarah’s piece nails exactly how I feel. She discusses the pressure of traditional life milestones and the feeling of being “behind” despite following the expected path—education, career, marriage. At 35, she has rejected the idea that success is measured by career advancement or major life events, instead embracing personal fulfilment, joy, and small daily celebrations.
sorry for only just spotting this, but thank you so much for including me!! 🥰