read this instead of watching the super bowl

Hello.

I’m working on those lists of favorites for you: beauty, home, fragrance, candle, etc. They’ll be in your inbox this week.

I’ve been thinking a lot about this article

Raquel Alvarado

wrote recently. She reflects on the evolving landscape of online writing and the concept of the intellectual as an influencer capturing the tension between creativity and commodification in the digital age. She highlights the paradox of artists navigating the demands of personal branding and the relentless pace set by social media trends, all while grappling with the existential threat posed by AI to human-led content creation.

This is something I’m struggling with deeply- the pressure to create create create and push out content. In a world where we are constantly being inundated with content and digital overconsumption, I almost feel hesitant to create and write to you daily. Sometimes I feel like the pressure I put on myself to write to you (almost) daily, takes away from the joy and quality of writing I know I’m capable of producing.

This scenario underscores a broader cultural shift where the traditional boundaries between creator and audience blur, and the authenticity of artistic expression is challenged by the imperatives of visibility and engagement in the digital marketplace.

As a consumer, do you enjoy daily newsletters or do you prefer once or twice a week letters? I’m asking for personal reasons pertaining to my substack, but I’m also curious. Do you really need another email in your inbox every day?

I’ve personally enjoyed substack as a consumer (and creator) more than any other “social media” channel that has ever existed. I’ve connected with so many incredible writers in this space. This platform doesn’t feel as overwhelming as some of the others. Some final parting thoughts before we get into today’s news… I also can’t help but feel like we’re approaching a cataclysmic fall of social media and what it means to be an “influencer” in today’s society. Oh, I have so many thoughts on this…

a swedish love story (1970)

News:

If You Would Rather Lay In Bed And Rot, You May Be Experiencing This Lesser Known Condition

If you find yourself consistently opting for extended periods of rest, feeling disengaged and unmotivated, you might be experiencing more than just the need for downtime. This state, known as "languishing," represents a middle ground in mental health, not as severe as depression but more than just the occasional blues. It's characterized by a sense of stagnation, a lack of fulfillment, and a pervasive sense of emptiness despite not necessarily feeling sad. Overcoming languishing involves setting small, achievable goals, trying new activities, maintaining social connections, and prioritizing self-care to reignite a sense of purpose and vitality in life.

HuffPost