My Promise: No More Streaking

I'm happier for it!

One afternoon, I decided to explore Madrid, and I stumbled upon the Rose Garden of Madrid (Rosaleda de Madrid)

Recently, I returned from a transformative trip to Spain, marking my first visit to this beautiful country. Although I’ve traveled to Europe before, this journey stood out as an actual vacation, free from the work commitments that often accompany my travels. The experience was terrific, offering me a much-needed break and the opportunity to immerse myself fully in Spanish culture.

On the left, I’m cooling off in the shade next to the Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real). On the top right is a beautiful and quaint strolling area near our Airbnb with many shops, cafes, and a park where we enjoyed playing outdoor table tennis. On the bottom right is the view from the Garden of the Temple of Debod (Jardines del Templo de Debod).

Our stay in Madrid was particularly memorable. The city’s vibrant community left a lasting impression on me. I was captivated by the abundance of green spaces, charming cafes, and walkable areas that invited exploration and relaxation. The pleasant weather and warm hospitality of the locals added to the overall appeal, making it difficult to leave when the time came.

This trip also provided me with valuable time for introspection. Reflecting on my life and current circumstances, I realized I had fallen into a pattern with my Substack writing. What had once been a joyful process had become somewhat rigid and compulsive. I focused more on meeting weekly deadlines than on the pleasure of writing itself. This realization led me to step back from my regular writing schedule. And maybe you noticed (or perhaps you didn’t), but I didn’t publish anything last week.

Moving forward, I plan to approach my writing more organically, allowing myself to explore topics and publish content when appropriate. This may mean that my subscribers will see fewer posts in their inboxes for a while, but I believe this shift will ultimately lead to more meaningful and authentic content.

Newly Inspired For Love of Languages

During my time away, I also rekindled my interest in language learning, particularly Spanish. Over the past five to six years, I’ve made several attempts to learn the language, trying various methods, from online classes, apps, and books to conversation practice with native speakers. However, traditional learning approaches never quite clicked for me. Ultimately, I felt defeated and believed I couldn’t learn the language.

Recently, I discovered a “new” method that has proven surprisingly effective. Inspired by a conversation with someone who had success learning through immersion, I began watching Spanish-language videos and podcasts. I found a YouTube channel that offers well-produced content with clear pronunciation and an engaging pace. To my surprise, I found myself picking up the language naturally, without consciously trying to memorize vocabulary or grammar rules. Recently, this week, I woke up dreaming in Spanish. No joke!

This approach aligns with research suggesting that language acquisition is most effective when it mimics how children learn their native tongue - through immersion and passive absorption rather than rote memorization. As someone who considers myself an A2 level (or elementary level) Spanish speaker (according to the European Union’s language proficiency scale), I’m excited to continue this method and see how my skills progress.

In addition to Spanish, I have also reconnected with my Polish roots. Polish was my first language, which I spoke at home during childhood and adolescence. However, due to complicated family dynamics, particularly with my father, I distanced myself from the language for nearly two decades. Hearing Polish often triggered negative emotions and childhood patterns.

Interestingly, my trip to Spain sparked a renewed interest in Polish. I’ve begun practicing the language again, listening to Polish podcasts, and reading Polish texts. This process is not just about language acquisition; it’s a healing journey. I’m working to overcome the trauma associated with my family of origin and to forge a more positive connection with my Polish heritage.

I’m No Longer Streaking

A shift in my daily journaling habit preceded these recent changes in my writing and language learning approach. For 85 consecutive days, I used the Rosebud app to journal daily. While this practice has been highly beneficial, I realized that maintaining the streak had become a burden. I felt an unexpected relief when I accidentally missed a day and broke the streak.

This experience made me reevaluate the pressure I put on myself to maintain various streaks and habits. I’ve since adopted a more flexible approach to journaling, using the app when it feels right rather than forcing myself to write daily. This newfound flexibility has extended to other areas of my life, including my yoga practice and meditation routine.

I’ve understood that missing a day or taking a break from these activities is okay without feeling guilty. The world doesn’t end if I skip a day of journaling, yoga, or meditation. I can always return to these practices the next day without self-judgment. With the time I would have spent on those activities, I can practice my Spanish, paint with my watercolor brush pens, or mindfully explore a beautiful European town or city.

This realization has been liberating and ultimately led me to intentionally break my 26-week streak of weekly Substack publications. By letting go of the need to prove something to myself or others through maintaining streaks, I’m creating space for more authentic and meaningful engagement with my writing and personal growth practices. Let’s be honest: For whom am I doing all of this anyway?

As I progress, I’ll continue to write on Substack, but with less frequency and without the pressure of a rigid schedule. This time, I will focus on myself, my family, and my personal growth. I’m excited about this new chapter and the opportunity to elevate my being to the next level.

To my readers: thank you for your understanding and continued support. I look forward to sharing more insights with you as I navigate this new phase of my journey.

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About David Rich Sol:

As a child, I wished to exchange my brain for someone else’s. Growing up, I felt misunderstood and lonely. If only I had received my confirmation of neurodivergence when I was a child, I could have avoided some trauma and emotional pain.

Now, as a late-discovered (and diagnosed) Autistic ADHDer, everything is finally making more sense, and I’m rediscovering and loving myself. I spent many years figuring out “what’s wrong with me,” only to discover nothing was “wrong with me.” I’m just not neurotypical (that is, I’m neurodivergent). Not better, not worse—just different.

My intent with Courage To Love Yourself is to rewrite and share my story and insights and help others better understand and accept themselves. I hope you learn to love and accept yourself to live a healthy, happy, and joy-filled life.

Check out my website: https://couragetoloveyourself.com.