Less
& Other Plans for 2026
As I reflect on 2025, and set hopes for 2026 here on Substack and beyond, I’m called to the word “less”. Here’s what that means to me, and what it might look like here in this little virtual space.
Unsubscribing from:
Substacks that don’t currently resonate
“Celebrity” Writers
Anyone selling things (beyond having paid subscriptions turned on… though I historically don’t follow folks with paywalls for a majority of their posts1.)
Folks using AI for images, or not crediting the maker. Until we can care well for our planet, all its creatures, and the 8.2+ billion humans that inhabit it, I don’t have time for silly robots.2
This isn’t to say anyone I’ve unsubscribed from isn’t worthy of being subscribed to. There’s no shortage of beautiful and creative souls sharing their written and visual work on here. What a gift! Instead, I’m recognizing my time for “consuming” is worthy of limits. While I’ve found value in all the folks I’ve followed during my time here, for one reason or another, I currently desire to be extra picky about where my attention is spent.
“Right/Write Before Breakfast” & “Wanderings & Wonderings”
Wanderings & Wonderings: weekly (or maybe bi-weekly?) posts will recommence in 2026! It has brought me loads of joy to reflect on each of my weeks—though I’ve obviously missed a few—and I plan to continue this practice. Generally the format will stay the same with some minor additions and tweaks. The questions I pose at the end of each post are some of my favorite ways to connect with you lovely and generous readers! Thanks for indulging me, from time to time.
Knowing my daily habits and work routines really rush away the day, I’m going to try and set aside time “Right Before Breakfast” to “Write Before Breakfast”. What may come of this? Bleary-eyed ramblings, morning reflections, and primitive poetry are all on the table. Though I make no promises.
With Less There are Possibilities for More…
Poetry
Notes/Snapshots
Intentional connection and community
Unstructured posts
Highlight/reshares of notable (to me) recent pieces I’ve read here
If any of this sounds interesting or worthy of your time, join me. If not, no hard feelings. I’m grateful you found me here, if only for this moment.
Until next time.
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My Substack is free, and always will be, but if you want to contribute to fueling my adventures beyond liking, commenting, or sharing, you can do so below:
I’d love to hear your perspective on this. For me, it comes down to be rather anti-capitalist. While I think everyone should be provided a living wage (hell, in our world we can afford to provide all folks with luxuries at this point!), I don’t believe in cordoning off access to creativity, in any form. Long live libraries! Free museums! Unrestricted substacks!
Who, I know, are anything but silly, but sheesh. AI is not for me. And it's not really “for” anyone besides those in power. Why we are even entertaining an idea where robots get to create but humans barely get their basic needs met is beyond me.
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Creating more than we consume should be a goal for all of us Niquelle! It's something I've been trying to work on a lot this year. So I've become very selective about what I consume, whether that's books, YouTube videos, conversations with people, activities which make me feel like I'm not using my time as I'd like to. In the end, this is all for the purpose of preserving my energy so I can create something and put it out into the world. Good luck for 2026 :)
I'm also a big fan of writing unstructured posts and not worrying so much about coherence.