Yes, there are more of us out here. You could have been writing this about me (minus the part about growing up in Greece and working for Emirates of course). I feel very seen. Thank you for sharing. Also, I miss your youtube videos, but I'm glad you are doing whatever it is you need to do for you, we should all be consuming less videos and living more actual life anyways.
As someone who started going by her uncommon middle name almost ten years ago and has been wondering whether it's cringe, I relate to this so much. The same for constantly experiencing a change in style and taste. Really enjoyed your writing.
As an "Ashely" and not an "Ashley," I can relate on the spelling nightmare. I always have the passport office calling me to confirm that is, in fact, how my mom spelled it.
On another relatable note, I also went through this crisis of self-identity, I think it's pretty common in the modern digitally-connected, globalized world. When I was doing my MA in religious studies, I started to think that our individual obsession with identity has a lot to do with that loss of connection we have had to our cultures and faiths. And no, I'm not proselytizing any faith here, just noting that as we entered into secular capitalism, we never replaced that deep, meaningful social function that our historically close knit communities and faith institutions had.
Yes, there are more of us out here. You could have been writing this about me (minus the part about growing up in Greece and working for Emirates of course). I feel very seen. Thank you for sharing. Also, I miss your youtube videos, but I'm glad you are doing whatever it is you need to do for you, we should all be consuming less videos and living more actual life anyways.
There’s more of us out there! Coming back to youtube really soon!
As someone who started going by her uncommon middle name almost ten years ago and has been wondering whether it's cringe, I relate to this so much. The same for constantly experiencing a change in style and taste. Really enjoyed your writing.
I’ve always wondered why my parents named me Kristen. It’s always been kinda cringe to me. 😐
This is the most relatable post I've ever read on Substack
As an "Ashely" and not an "Ashley," I can relate on the spelling nightmare. I always have the passport office calling me to confirm that is, in fact, how my mom spelled it.
On another relatable note, I also went through this crisis of self-identity, I think it's pretty common in the modern digitally-connected, globalized world. When I was doing my MA in religious studies, I started to think that our individual obsession with identity has a lot to do with that loss of connection we have had to our cultures and faiths. And no, I'm not proselytizing any faith here, just noting that as we entered into secular capitalism, we never replaced that deep, meaningful social function that our historically close knit communities and faith institutions had.
I wrote about it here, if anyone is interested: https://ashelycrouch.substack.com/p/why-are-we-obsessed-with-individual-identity-and-labels-0eecb90a993d
Omg Kristen obsessed with your writing - so glad you’re on substack 🫠
Your vulnerability is beautiful.
I came to your Substack after finding your 'back from control freak rehab'
and you came back into my life at the perfect time.
I am so excited to experience your evolution through your writing and art.
So beautifully written, so relateable... 💓
As a 63 year old who never 'knew' what I wanted 'to be' - why just do or even be one thing? Thanks! You are a gifted writer💜