Just a note to say how much I appreciate your writing and reasoning — and the way you challenge our pervasive cultural narratives, norms, and expectations - as well as my own!. Your reflections are incredibly valuable: you don’t offer short-term “fixes,” but instead ask penetrating questions that require reflection. In an age where independent thinking is often reduced to vague notions of self-reflection and awareness, I truly appreciate the depth and clarity your work brings.
Well this has made my week. In a world when it's easier to just scroll on (or be negative/criticise), thank you for taking the time out of your day to say that. I do indeed try hard not to tie things up in a nice neat bow, or offer 'advice' on fixes. Ha I just spot the patterns man.
This is my first time reading one of your posts and certainly will not be my last. I source content for a public health podcast for work and ggthe beauty consumption is a public health issue really activated my brain cells. You deserve to be on that list. This is GREAT!
Thanks so much, that is so kind of you. Welcome. And totally agree with you...Jessica's 'public health issue' essay altered my brain chemistry (as the young'ens say).
Beth this is a brilliantly insightful piece and echoes so many thoughts I’ve had just lurking under the surface. I’m sure so many are beginning to recognise this feeling… your words help to bring it more into focus. I’m a new reader to your Substack and it’s SO good!
Tysm for your kindness Amanda. I love trying to put words to things a lot of us are probably feeling/sensing in our own lives. Welcome to Pat Rec! Glad you're here x
A thought provoking read, thank you for writing and sharing! I do now wonder if it’s ever possible to achieve total enlightenment. Because even if you had everything, you still need toilet paper - which would be an insecurity if you didn’t have any! Ah it likes a never ending brain challenge 😂
I just found you in the notes section and really appreciate this post! I’m a decluttering expert who, in reality, mostly helps people deal with the emotions of their overconsumption (and the physical side too, of course). I love finding resources like yours to help clients look at their own thought and behavior patterns as we try to free their minds and their spaces of all of the crap they’re holding onto.
Hey it's a good thing that u wrote about it and i liked it very much it my first time reading your post and I think that maybe you can connect this story with some real world examples like you can take a product something likea an iPhone or anything I think that might connect a little more . And also the way you expressed is really good.
Thanks for this. As a recent creative retiree of the advertising, marketing and branding world, your Substack POV helps both scratch my interest itch and validate my complicated reasons for saying goodbye.
Really insightful piece. Interested to hear your take on how brands can do better? What would be a narrative that actually encouraged people to feel good about themselves? Is it impossible to sell something and to say “you are enough” at the same time?
Just a note to say how much I appreciate your writing and reasoning — and the way you challenge our pervasive cultural narratives, norms, and expectations - as well as my own!. Your reflections are incredibly valuable: you don’t offer short-term “fixes,” but instead ask penetrating questions that require reflection. In an age where independent thinking is often reduced to vague notions of self-reflection and awareness, I truly appreciate the depth and clarity your work brings.
Well this has made my week. In a world when it's easier to just scroll on (or be negative/criticise), thank you for taking the time out of your day to say that. I do indeed try hard not to tie things up in a nice neat bow, or offer 'advice' on fixes. Ha I just spot the patterns man.
I have to say I agree with this, and Beth, you’ve gained a new subscriber as a result of this. 🖤
That’s so kind of you to say. Thanks Carly. Welcome!
This is my first time reading one of your posts and certainly will not be my last. I source content for a public health podcast for work and ggthe beauty consumption is a public health issue really activated my brain cells. You deserve to be on that list. This is GREAT!
Thanks so much, that is so kind of you. Welcome. And totally agree with you...Jessica's 'public health issue' essay altered my brain chemistry (as the young'ens say).
Beth this is a brilliantly insightful piece and echoes so many thoughts I’ve had just lurking under the surface. I’m sure so many are beginning to recognise this feeling… your words help to bring it more into focus. I’m a new reader to your Substack and it’s SO good!
Tysm for your kindness Amanda. I love trying to put words to things a lot of us are probably feeling/sensing in our own lives. Welcome to Pat Rec! Glad you're here x
A thought provoking read, thank you for writing and sharing! I do now wonder if it’s ever possible to achieve total enlightenment. Because even if you had everything, you still need toilet paper - which would be an insecurity if you didn’t have any! Ah it likes a never ending brain challenge 😂
ha. yes I think you are def right on that!
Another brilliant take, Beth.
Thank you Rachel :)
I just found you in the notes section and really appreciate this post! I’m a decluttering expert who, in reality, mostly helps people deal with the emotions of their overconsumption (and the physical side too, of course). I love finding resources like yours to help clients look at their own thought and behavior patterns as we try to free their minds and their spaces of all of the crap they’re holding onto.
Hey it's a good thing that u wrote about it and i liked it very much it my first time reading your post and I think that maybe you can connect this story with some real world examples like you can take a product something likea an iPhone or anything I think that might connect a little more . And also the way you expressed is really good.
So insightful and interesting, but also painfully true.
Thank you. True + painful is my Venn diagram hahaha
Reader number one here ♥️. Self awareness and critical thinking move us. TYSM
You are an OG ❤️ thank you for always supporting me!
🥰
Thanks for this. As a recent creative retiree of the advertising, marketing and branding world, your Substack POV helps both scratch my interest itch and validate my complicated reasons for saying goodbye.
How interesting. I love that. I bet we have all sorts of things in common! Thanks for reading it x
Another great read. I’d love to hear more about your work experience and how you now navigate these understandings while still “helping” brands.
Really insightful piece. Interested to hear your take on how brands can do better? What would be a narrative that actually encouraged people to feel good about themselves? Is it impossible to sell something and to say “you are enough” at the same time?