You’re so right: being content doesn’t mean you can’t wish for better and more…and move towards getting it…
There is nothing worse in life than feeling stuck…when you know what you want and can’t get out of what you don’t want…you were lucky your brother handed you the stick…I can relate to the after feeling of happiness…wishing you a great year to come…
You're right, nothing worse than feeling stuck, it's a horrible feeling. And I am very lucky to have good people around me! Also wishing you a great year, and thanks for taking the time to read!
Love this pub , Stefano. Honest, raw, and full of real-life relatable tips.
I'm glad to know your life changed on June 30 bc that also happens to have been my case - as my birthday is June 30th 🤣
And I'm glad to have you join me in being HIGH ON LIFE, clean and clear. No drugs necessary as LIFE itself is the ULTIMATE HIGH! ✨✨✨welcome to the HIGHEST life!
I quit drinking two years ago and just quit smoking weed for the new year cause I realized it was a crutch that was demotivating and no longer helping me. Slowly rediscovering my passions and sense of self again. I've been thinking about starting a substack of my own as I used to be a creative person and a writer but alcoholism took that all away from me. Substack is the only social media I have now, I am trying to break my reddit addiction as we speak, quitting weed was easier than quitting the endless scroll but its getting easier I am on the same journey as you friend, you have a new follower.
Thanks for sharing your experience. It’s good to get it out, right? It sounds like we are on the same path, I stopped smoking weed and stopped drinking alcohol and replaced it with writing and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.
You should definitely start writing if it’s something you’ve been thinking about doing. Just empty your mind and understand how you feel, that’s how I started and it was so helpful.
Happy to have more of a conversation with your in DMs if you want! I’ve written a few other posts about stopping smoking weed as well.
Stefano I am amazed that you responded to my comment--thank you. Yes, change is part of the ebb and flow of life and one either readjusts to the balls over the plate or they get hit. My background lends itself to foreseeing good and bad typically that comes with "living" . That said when my partner announced her departure "I need 48 hours" out of the blue it totally shocked me. As I told some of my friends that were also shocked--"it was like getting hit by a sniper round in my flak jacket"--survived but boy does that hurt! Keep writing my friend you just never know what your words can do for someone
Hey Marsh, thank you so much for the kind words again!
We can never change what happens, but we can always control how we react. Some things might be awful, and we need time to come out the other side, but just got to keep pushing. Keep going Marsh!
I'm reading this essay in the middle of the night because I can't sleep. It's made me seriously consider what I need to do over the next few months to become unstuck so thank you for sharing
Well written and great observations especially about the phone and social media!! My forever partner left 14, Feb 2024--out of the blue no warning--gone! Life changing events like this can certainly redirect ones life but that takes time. Continue with your passion ie... writing. Thanks for posting
Hey Marsh! Thanks for the kind comment I really appreciate it.
Sorry to hear about the change in your life, I hope you’re doing better now. Change is necessary and we need to learn to flow with the change instead of trying to fight against it and reinstate an old way of life that is gone.
Thanks for reading my friend. And you are right, doing what makes us happy does change everything. You work harder on the things you actually enjoy because you’re not doing it against your will.
Thank you for your honesty Stefano, its especially relatable since I found myself rock bottom after my ex broke up on the 30th of June, 2024. Beautiful to read how far you've come! I sprouted an avocado pit at the time, and seeing now the plant it became is my way of observing growth. Congratulations on being sober, it's part of my journey is well. Head on, I'm rooting for you and your writings!
Hey Lincy, wow that sounds eerily similar to mine situation! I hope you're doing better now. Sometimes these things need to happen for us to figure out what we want from life and how we should move forward. If you ever need to talk, please send a message I would be glad to help in any way I can. Sending you hugs!
This was so fantastic, Stefano! I love that you’re living with so much radical authenticity, AND that people are resonating with it so much. Looking forward to reading more.
I particularly love the parts about sobriety and axing people who don’t support you (even your mum). I used to believe weed wasn’t a “a real drug” but it destroyed my dreams (now I’m 15 months sober and haven’t drank for >17 years 🙌). Also, I set firm boundaries with family and people in my life. There are 8 billion people in the world—we don’t need to spend a single second with those who make us feel like shit.
Man, you are so right with everything you’ve said. Great points Cory.
And 17 years sober without alcohol is incredible! I was of the same belief as you with weed. I thought it wasn’t a real drug and convinced myself it wasn’t because I wanted to keep doing it. The only way I could keep doing it was to feed myself this lie. But it is pretty bad for you, and you definitely shouldn’t do it if you’re not in a good space in life—if you are going to do it, manage it well and do it when you’re genuinely content with life.
I didn’t axe my mum! I love her very much. But the point stands. Sometimes, when you’re making positive changes in life you need to get rid of people who are holding you back. It’s very important.
Thank you for your support my friend.
And good luck with your sailing adventures! You definitely have more courage than me to do that! I will be following.
Literally one of the best and most relatable articles I've read about someone's journey.... I'm glad that you turned your life around and that you're so much feeling better, mate
Hey Andreas, thank you my friend. That means a lot to me! I am doing much better now. Happy I made the changes. They were hard, but very necessary. Appreciate the support sir!
Writing changed everything for me. In ways I thought were never possible. It's the best thing I ever started doing. Thank you so much for reading Alexandra!
Love it Stefano, you are an example to others in not just what you write, but in how you act too. I think I have said it to you before, maybe more than once but you made so many massive decisions in such a short space of time that you really have changed your whole life and that's so inspiring.
I'm off to throw my phone in the sea and start building that treehouse.... but how will I know how to build the treehouse if I can't watch youtube? Oh well, there goes that plan.
Words are really powerful, I realise when someone writes them to me! Yes, I’m really happy with all the changes I have made, but there is still a long way to go and I have so much to learn.
Well, we can figure it out together, just need to meet up in the same place before we throw our phones in the ocean and then we can build the treehouse.
Or, we can build a treehouse in the middle of the ocean?
A long way to go but don't lose track of how far you've come already. Don't burn out by shining too bright for too long. A slow steady burn keeps you warm for longer than one large fire.
I am writing about this right now. We know what we should be doing, and there are no shortcuts. The quickest way to progress is to just do what you know you should be doing. That’s it!
Looking forward to that one, being mindful of realising when to apply the knowledge I know is the hardest for me. I can see it in retrospect, but in the moment, instinct or emotion take over. I need to train the instinct to lean away from emotion.
Isn't it funny that sometimes the only lies we believe are our own. Great writing, you have the skill of explaining something so that everyone can understand it.
Yep, the person who lies to us the most is ourselves.
We don’t like facing the truth—it’s a hard pill to swallow!
And thanks for the nice comment about my writing being easy to follow. That is my intention to keep it as simple as possible so everyone can understand it!
Inspiring…🩶
You’re so right: being content doesn’t mean you can’t wish for better and more…and move towards getting it…
There is nothing worse in life than feeling stuck…when you know what you want and can’t get out of what you don’t want…you were lucky your brother handed you the stick…I can relate to the after feeling of happiness…wishing you a great year to come…
Live well…Live happy 🩶
Hi Nemm! Nice to see you around here again!
You're right, nothing worse than feeling stuck, it's a horrible feeling. And I am very lucky to have good people around me! Also wishing you a great year, and thanks for taking the time to read!
I love your radical style
I love his radical spirit, too! Great way to put it 😎
Thank you Cory, I’m seeing you everywhere and appreciate the boost my man!
Thank you Paolo! Just trying to be as honest as I can!
Love this pub , Stefano. Honest, raw, and full of real-life relatable tips.
I'm glad to know your life changed on June 30 bc that also happens to have been my case - as my birthday is June 30th 🤣
And I'm glad to have you join me in being HIGH ON LIFE, clean and clear. No drugs necessary as LIFE itself is the ULTIMATE HIGH! ✨✨✨welcome to the HIGHEST life!
Haha well what are the odds!
I am also a June baby!
Life is the ultimate high, you are so right.
I am glad to be on the same journey as you Tamy!
I quit drinking two years ago and just quit smoking weed for the new year cause I realized it was a crutch that was demotivating and no longer helping me. Slowly rediscovering my passions and sense of self again. I've been thinking about starting a substack of my own as I used to be a creative person and a writer but alcoholism took that all away from me. Substack is the only social media I have now, I am trying to break my reddit addiction as we speak, quitting weed was easier than quitting the endless scroll but its getting easier I am on the same journey as you friend, you have a new follower.
Hey Andy!
Thanks for sharing your experience. It’s good to get it out, right? It sounds like we are on the same path, I stopped smoking weed and stopped drinking alcohol and replaced it with writing and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.
You should definitely start writing if it’s something you’ve been thinking about doing. Just empty your mind and understand how you feel, that’s how I started and it was so helpful.
Happy to have more of a conversation with your in DMs if you want! I’ve written a few other posts about stopping smoking weed as well.
Good luck on your journey Andy 🙏🏼
😊✨🙏👊
Truth, I resonate with raw grit
Being serious about Substack is one of my goals.
https://substack.com/@thewisemillenial/note/c-84770401?r=494bem
Loved the 3 affirmations Pearl! Thanks!
You thank you.
What did you like in particular?
I want to launch a digital product soon, and I'd love to know what problem to solve.
What problem would you like to be solved regarding my product?
That’s good
Thanks Paolo!
Stefano I am amazed that you responded to my comment--thank you. Yes, change is part of the ebb and flow of life and one either readjusts to the balls over the plate or they get hit. My background lends itself to foreseeing good and bad typically that comes with "living" . That said when my partner announced her departure "I need 48 hours" out of the blue it totally shocked me. As I told some of my friends that were also shocked--"it was like getting hit by a sniper round in my flak jacket"--survived but boy does that hurt! Keep writing my friend you just never know what your words can do for someone
Hey Marsh, thank you so much for the kind words again!
We can never change what happens, but we can always control how we react. Some things might be awful, and we need time to come out the other side, but just got to keep pushing. Keep going Marsh!
I'm reading this essay in the middle of the night because I can't sleep. It's made me seriously consider what I need to do over the next few months to become unstuck so thank you for sharing
Hey Zed, thanks for reading and thank you for sharing where you are now.
Would love to chat more, maybe I can help.
What are some things in your life right now you don’t like? Things you know are not beneficial for you but you still do/or continue with, anyway?
Let me know if I can do anything. And good luck. 🤞
Hey Stefano, don't think you can do anything but would be great to chat!
Oh the irony. If I had 'thrown my phone into the ocean' I wouldn't have been able to read this apparent wisdom.
Could have read it on your laptop 😉
Well written and great observations especially about the phone and social media!! My forever partner left 14, Feb 2024--out of the blue no warning--gone! Life changing events like this can certainly redirect ones life but that takes time. Continue with your passion ie... writing. Thanks for posting
Hey Marsh! Thanks for the kind comment I really appreciate it.
Sorry to hear about the change in your life, I hope you’re doing better now. Change is necessary and we need to learn to flow with the change instead of trying to fight against it and reinstate an old way of life that is gone.
How are you managing now?
True! Living honestly and doing what truly makes us happy and can change everything.
Hey Shanmuka!
Thanks for reading my friend. And you are right, doing what makes us happy does change everything. You work harder on the things you actually enjoy because you’re not doing it against your will.
Thank you for your honesty Stefano, its especially relatable since I found myself rock bottom after my ex broke up on the 30th of June, 2024. Beautiful to read how far you've come! I sprouted an avocado pit at the time, and seeing now the plant it became is my way of observing growth. Congratulations on being sober, it's part of my journey is well. Head on, I'm rooting for you and your writings!
Hey Lincy, wow that sounds eerily similar to mine situation! I hope you're doing better now. Sometimes these things need to happen for us to figure out what we want from life and how we should move forward. If you ever need to talk, please send a message I would be glad to help in any way I can. Sending you hugs!
This was so fantastic, Stefano! I love that you’re living with so much radical authenticity, AND that people are resonating with it so much. Looking forward to reading more.
I particularly love the parts about sobriety and axing people who don’t support you (even your mum). I used to believe weed wasn’t a “a real drug” but it destroyed my dreams (now I’m 15 months sober and haven’t drank for >17 years 🙌). Also, I set firm boundaries with family and people in my life. There are 8 billion people in the world—we don’t need to spend a single second with those who make us feel like shit.
Man, you are so right with everything you’ve said. Great points Cory.
And 17 years sober without alcohol is incredible! I was of the same belief as you with weed. I thought it wasn’t a real drug and convinced myself it wasn’t because I wanted to keep doing it. The only way I could keep doing it was to feed myself this lie. But it is pretty bad for you, and you definitely shouldn’t do it if you’re not in a good space in life—if you are going to do it, manage it well and do it when you’re genuinely content with life.
I didn’t axe my mum! I love her very much. But the point stands. Sometimes, when you’re making positive changes in life you need to get rid of people who are holding you back. It’s very important.
Thank you for your support my friend.
And good luck with your sailing adventures! You definitely have more courage than me to do that! I will be following.
Thanks for the thoughtful reply, Stefano. I love the way that you're approaching life and sharing about your journey.
Good to know you didn't axe your mum! Haha. Me neither!
Thanks for the kind comment. I'm so excited to get going on this new adventure. I appreciate you following along, my friend!
No problem Cory, it’s really brave and admirable. Look forward to seeing where you end up. I wouldn’t be able to do it, I’d get sea-sick haha.
Literally one of the best and most relatable articles I've read about someone's journey.... I'm glad that you turned your life around and that you're so much feeling better, mate
Hey Andreas, thank you my friend. That means a lot to me! I am doing much better now. Happy I made the changes. They were hard, but very necessary. Appreciate the support sir!
This was such a good article.
It feels familiar, and you make solid points about avoidance, and being honest with yourself.
Lastly, you are right. Writing has a way of making everything better.
Writing changed everything for me. In ways I thought were never possible. It's the best thing I ever started doing. Thank you so much for reading Alexandra!
I enjoyed the article so very much keep on writing it was a pleasure to read your work
Hey Felton! Thank you very much for your support, I really appreciate it, you don't know how much motivation this gives me!
Love it Stefano, you are an example to others in not just what you write, but in how you act too. I think I have said it to you before, maybe more than once but you made so many massive decisions in such a short space of time that you really have changed your whole life and that's so inspiring.
I'm off to throw my phone in the sea and start building that treehouse.... but how will I know how to build the treehouse if I can't watch youtube? Oh well, there goes that plan.
Thank you so much Mark! 🥹
Words are really powerful, I realise when someone writes them to me! Yes, I’m really happy with all the changes I have made, but there is still a long way to go and I have so much to learn.
Well, we can figure it out together, just need to meet up in the same place before we throw our phones in the ocean and then we can build the treehouse.
Or, we can build a treehouse in the middle of the ocean?
I'll look for the tree, you order the wood 😂
A long way to go but don't lose track of how far you've come already. Don't burn out by shining too bright for too long. A slow steady burn keeps you warm for longer than one large fire.
Thank you mark, it’s important you remind me because I often don’t know how to slow down and am quite bad at seeing all the progress I’ve made!
It’s difficult isn’t it, even knowing what you’re supposed to do doesn’t mean you can always see when you need to do it!
I am writing about this right now. We know what we should be doing, and there are no shortcuts. The quickest way to progress is to just do what you know you should be doing. That’s it!
Looking forward to that one, being mindful of realising when to apply the knowledge I know is the hardest for me. I can see it in retrospect, but in the moment, instinct or emotion take over. I need to train the instinct to lean away from emotion.
Isn't it funny that sometimes the only lies we believe are our own. Great writing, you have the skill of explaining something so that everyone can understand it.
Yep, the person who lies to us the most is ourselves.
We don’t like facing the truth—it’s a hard pill to swallow!
And thanks for the nice comment about my writing being easy to follow. That is my intention to keep it as simple as possible so everyone can understand it!