Mirrors of the Unknown: Discovering ourselves through others
What I’m reading when I’m not writing to you
This year began with intensity for me, bringing both good news and its share of difficulties. That’s simply how life works—you don’t get everything at once. It’s a mixture of many things, rarely balanced, rarely clean.
At the moment, I’m going through a somewhat uncomfortable phase. I need to undergo oral surgery to remove my wisdom teeth, which stayed “wise” for a little too long, along with several other dental procedures to follow. It’s the kind of situation that could easily cause a migraine—though thankfully, not yet.
During one of my dental appointments, my dentist asked me so many questions that it led me to a simple realization: in general, we know very little about ourselves. It’s strange when you think about it. This is our body—we might assume we should understand it automatically. But that’s not the case.
I realized that the same is true when it comes to identity. We don’t fully know ourselves, and without taking the time to observe, reflect, and question who we are, we may not know ourselves at all.
That said, life is never just one-sided. Alongside these challenges and reflections, there are also good things.
Lately, my connections on Substack have been growing steadily. This month, The Mirror Room welcomed 54 new presences—the first time this has happened since its creation.
To celebrate this moment, and more importantly to thank each and every person who supports and helps sustain this space, I decided to share a special post.
Here are The Mirror Room’s recommendations for this month.
I want to start by someone special, always there, supporting, motivating others:
Margaret Williams, MS, ACC, an executive leadership coach and mental health professional focused on empowering marginalized leaders to increase their systemic impact and visibility.
She focuses on helping leaders navigate systemic challenges, develop resilience from personal struggles, and command authority in corporate and social environments.
PancakeSushi writer and one of the most active community member here on Substack, sharing introspective poetry, collaborative creative projects, and a focus on authenticity. Nice guy, kind, always supporting others and great talent.
He often explores "truth," "mystery of life," and the human condition, with depth and meaning.
On of the great poet I have the opportunity to read: amazing text, amazing flow, great emotional intensity, good vibe : Kua Ren
Tangled Words, on of my favorite collab. She’s amazing, that’s why I quote the comment of an other friend to present her, PancakeSushi :
”She's like this in real life too! Don't get on her bad side, or she'll make you a character in a boy-band fanfic! Seriously, she's a superlative poet, far more adept at unearthing and articulating heart-wrenching emotions than I am, with real depth and gravitas, and a kind, funny soul. I'm happy to call her a friend.”
Her Substack focuses on poetry and reflections on grief.
If you are interested in meditation, I found good advice from: john john
On discipline,
Good habits for the spirit and the body. Always sharing, notes and challenges on his subscriber chat.
Advice for personal development, self-empowering, self-freedom
New in Substack but already built a great portfolio and really active on the platform.
Her work centers on introspection, vulnerability, and the search for authentic connection. She often explores the "flame inside the spark" and the "melody of the soul".
Writing extensively on emotional intensity, the nature of love versus attachment, and the human tendency to build stories to fill gaps of uncertainty.
Aaliya, known for her deeply resonant reflections and supportive engagement with other writers.
Her writing style often explores complex themes like trust, betrayal, and hauntingly beautiful imagery, evoking an atmosphere that "lingers long after reading".
If you are a writer-poet, seeking a space to collaborate with others, a great community, to be part of a bigger picture, these one are great:
And let's not forget, of course, Kelly Trost and Wildwood Writer, two excellent writer-poet, holding a growing collection of mirror poems every month, I had the opportunity to be part of it, and it’s just amazing. And I’ll keep showing up with them and for them.
To wrap up this month's recommendations from The Mirror Room, a special shout-out to Chris B. Writes
If you haven't checked them out yet, I highly recommend visiting their pages to see their work. If they resonate with you as much as they did with me, go ahead and give them a follow and hit that subscribe button!
Thank you for taking the time to read and be here.
The third reflection on love will be shared tomorrow—exploring the self as a mirror of one’s love.
Until then, take care.
The Mirror Room
Odel A.
Yes, I completely agree with you. We know so little about ourselves, really, because we don’t give ourselves the time to get to know who we are—we just run on autopilot.
This resonates for me deeply. I am trying to discover who I am through reflections. I also admire your generosity in promoting others. Just subbed. Hope you sub back.