I’ve never been known for my tendency to overanalyze things. Hyperfocused has never been a descriptive term that’s been used by friends when they’re asked how they would describe me. Impulsive, instinctive, passionate…me, me, me. I’ve always specialized in knee jerk reactions when I’ve chosen most things in my life. It’s been a practice that has served me well in life more times than it hasn’t and one that I’ve come to trust. However, like anyone, I love the things, relationships and moments that catch my attention, make me sit up straighter, break or warm my heart. This platform seems like the right place to entertain these musings and this seems like the right moment in my life for it. Field Notes from the Mirror is my thoughts on all the things that reflect brightest upon me. As someone who used to write all the time, it’s something I’ve missed. Call me inspired these days….
I don’t have an intended direction for this substack except to guarantee it will be a fair representation of the contents of my head. Most days you’ll have to forgive and hopefully embrace the randomness that this might become. My brain is rarely quiet and can swing wildly from politics to travel, from current events in my life to current fashions that meets my stylists eye. I have a page on Instagram (@mrs.derm) with a singular focus as my experiences and life of being the wife of a dermatologist, having been the point person in developing my husbands practice into what it is today. and using the knowledge I’ve accrued over the last decade and a half to help my friends and followers alike navigate what can be an overwhelming field of medicine. It’s been something that I’m incredibly proud of. Some of that content will of course bleed into this as it’s an encyclopedic amount of information and experiences I’ve gained over the years, a constant topic of conversation in my life and it’s something I enjoy. However as someone who seems to be incapable of not looking for creative outlets, I find myself seeking more.
A huge part of my life centers around so many other topics and encounters that I feel like there are times I lose my focus on those things as my Instagram alter ego can become a full time job. She’s me but…she’s just a small part of me. However it’s part of me that’s been rewarding from a personal point of view as its been instrumental in so many new friendships and experiences but in some ways…seems lacking for no other reason than its narrowness in scope. Contrary to what seems to be the internets belief, there really is only so much one can discuss about skin that’s going to be productive. A lot of it is just becomes warning people how not to waste their time or money, which in itself is a worthy endeavor if not an exhausting one at times. The great thing about substack is it’s relatively new and so the pressure to perform á la Instagram just isn’t there. Yet. Seems refreshing to me.
I haven’t decided on a paywall feature as I just want to feel my way through this. I’m not sure it makes sense for me right now but if there’s a post where is makes sense to link the items referenced, I will finally relent and do it as has been requested by my followers for over on Instagram since the inception of that page. For now though this page will remain free. I make no promises on frequency of posts, I imagine sometimes you’ll hear from me more than others
I feel like it’s important to note that as I expect to import a lot of the same followers from Mrs. Derm that while I believe in maintaining the integrity of that page in terms of topics I will and won’t cover, they should except to see a lot more freedom of thought and expression over here. This will obviously be more lengthy in prose and more personal in views. For all that wish to only view me from the lens of Instagram it’ll always be available to you. For everyone else…
Wish me luck
Welcome to the neighborhood! Excited to read you here. And thanks for reminding me what this platform is all about—casual musings that are always authentic ❤️