August 2025 Review
updates and some thoughts on Substack
Like seemingly everyone I follow on Substack, I’ve been feeling lukewarm about the platform.
Not because I don’t enjoy writing or want to share my thoughts and feelings with people who get it, but because I’m torn on whether Substack is actually a place for me to build that kind of community. When I first started this blog/newsletter, I was excited to share my own writing outside of my paid writing work, but that excitement has been waning over the past few months.
I’ve been publishing less and less here and not for lack of writing: I’ve written several different pieces that I chose not to post here for no reason other than that I felt “weird” about it. I don’t want to quit publishing here just because I feel “weird” because frankly, there’s little I don’t feel weird about, but I also don’t want to post just to post.
I started Substack because I wanted to write about stuff I like, share what I’ve been up to, and hopefully inspire other people to do the same. But lately I’ve been like I need to edit my writing to sound more “intellectual” (honestly this is so embarrassing to admit lol) and to offer more “value,” whatever that means, rather than using this as the outlet for self-expression I intended it to be. I don’t want to lose sight of that because I’m too busy thinking about how to write “better” or get more readers.
I’m not entirely sure how I want to use Substack going forward. I know I want to write about music, my own and others. I also know I like to write things I wish someone had told me earlier, so expect more of those. Other than that, I’m still feeling out how I want to use this platform. As always, I’m thankful for you taking the time to read my words and for your patience as I figure out whatever I’m doing here.
Without further ado, here are my August updates and review:
August Review: ??? out of ?????
I started posting (almost) daily on TikTok in an effort to get over my anxiety over being perceived online and honestly, it’s been really fun. It’s helped me realize that sharing stuff online doesn’t have to be serious or require a lot of effort; it can just be a way to document what’s going on in your life or as a form of self-expression. I know that’s incredibly obvious but it’s been freeing in a way to realize I can post something stupid and life goes on.
I’ve gotten back on my Youtube grind and uploaded a video where I chat about my history with disordered eating and how I feel weird vlogging/filming after gaining weight. It’s a bit scary sharing my vulnerabilities in that way but I hope it helps anyone who struggles with their body image. I know I’ve been feeling more pressure lately to be thinner, but I’ve finally (!!!) learned that my worth and my weight aren’t correlated. My relationship with food is honestly the healthiest it’s ever been despite that pressure. Focusing on strengthening and moving my body has really helped. I might write about this in its own post because I clearly have a lot of thoughts lol
Laguna Beach is probably my favorite beach in Orange County but Manhattan Beach is my favorite beach in all of Southern California.* I just really love the Strand I guess
I went to Laguna and took exactly one picture Favorite music from the month is easily Adéla’s new EP. She’s everything I want from a pop star right now
I used up an old World Market gift card by buying Milka chocolate hazelnut spread (better than Nutella) and Luscioux pistachio cream so I could make my own Qamaria pistachio latte at home. It’s not exactly the same but it works so well in coffee. If you love pistachio, definitely try it.
I didn’t read as much this month but I read the Inheritance Games books (the first three) and mostly enjoyed them
Got into Kagurabachi this month and also re-read Dandadan. Reading manga, new or old, really makes me feel connected to my inner child
That’s all for now! Thank you for reading and I hope September treats you kindly <3