If you’re just tuning into this newsletter, welcome to Daily Self!
My name is Marek and I’m the founder, editor, head writer, and only writer of this newsletter. I’m also a small business owner; an expert consultant in user experience design for technology-enabled products; a co-parenting Dad; and a trans man.
Despite Gigachad memes and the manosphere, all humans have feelings. And, as adults, feelings can get really big, especially when we’re dealing with all the BS that life dishes out, every single day.
Because I’m always looking for ways to improve Because I’m constantly questioning my purpose in life and continuously bumping up against vulnerability, self-love, negativity, failure, and resilience, one of my hobbies is reading self-help books. And, I’ve read a lot of them.
So, I started this newsletter as a way to compile, distill, simplify, and share my learnings with anyone else on a similar quest. Basically, self-help in a nutshell.
One thing for you to think about
Most of us are not ok at least 17 times a day. I wasn’t ok the entire month of July (well, with a fews exceptions thanks to a new 🔥). I had a mysterious “not-Covid-but-basically-Covid” virus that lasted all month and emergency dental surgery that led to an infected tooth. Hence, me being less consistent with writing Daily Self. Sorry about that.
I wasn’t ok.
And… that’s ok.
Life is not perfect—far from it—and neither are we. Anyone who tells you differently is turning their back on a fundamental thing that all humans have in common: we are flawed.
It’s our flaws and our “not oks” that foster connection, empathy, vulnerability, and compassion.
EMPATHY: You’re not ok? I’ve been there.
VULNERABILITY: You’re not ok? You are brave for saying that and you inspire me to be brave.
COMPASSION: You’re not ok? I’m sorry and I’m here for you.
So, as you navigate big, complex, messy feelings, remember—it's ok to “not be ok.” It's human. It's raw. It's real. And sharing our "not ok" moments? That’s where true strength lies.
It's in these honest exchanges that we break down barriers, build bridges, and create genuine connections. Embrace the chaos, the struggle, the vulnerability. Share your "not ok" with people you love and trust. Because in doing so, you're not just acknowledging your humanity—you're celebrating it.
Discovery: Every day is an opportunity to learn more about yourself and others. Reflect on these ideas and consider sharing.
Two things for you to ask yourself
When you’re not ok, how long does it take you to share that with someone?
Once you share, do you feel better or worse?
Use these questions as journaling prompts.
One thing for you to try
One practical way to foster authenticity is by doing daily self-reflection. Just take a few minutes each day to ask yourself, "How am I really doing today?"
It's not about judging or evaluating your feelings, but simply acknowledging them, no matter what they are. This honest self-assessment practice can be a powerful tool. It helps you embrace your vulnerability and authenticity, and also gives you the empathy and understanding to connect better with others.
Experiment: Growth happens when you step outside of your comfort zone and make brave choices. Reply to this email or leave a comment and let me know how it went.
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