27 Comments
User's avatar
ely's avatar

such a good summary of this new age dilemma. bring back simply existing! bring back doing whatever you want whenever you feel like it!!

Expand full comment
Stella Brown's avatar

so many incredible quotes in here....! We're wiring ourselves and the next generations to grow up valuing the perceived versions of ourselves rather than ones we truly are and know. An endless battle that will only set us up for failure, and not the kind that creates such resilience as you so beautifully mentioned!

Expand full comment
Maalvika's avatar

thank you, sweet stella!

Expand full comment
Mika's avatar

I think this is my favourite post from you yet. I've seen content that touches on this idea recently, but they focused on different aspects/consequences. I really enjoyed this perspective and how you put connected all these dots. Great work. :)

Expand full comment
Maalvika's avatar

ah, thank you Mika! glad you liked it :)

Expand full comment
bhumika gupta's avatar

i've always had on my mind (both forefront and back) how hobbies are becoming increasingly monetized (personally noticed the rise especially during quarantine) and the constant, and I think somewhat damaging, necessity to brand yourself in a specific way, essentially "selling" yourself and your identity to an audience. you've put so many of my thoughts in such an articulate and clarifying way, which really puts things into perspective and i'm so glad you've put this out there for many to read! always a pleasure to read/listen/watch anything you put out there :) <3

Expand full comment
honeyy's avatar

you’re one of my favorite creators on TikTok. everytime I come across your page whether here or on there it’s always so thought provoking. you’re an amazing writer!!

Expand full comment
Maalvika's avatar

oh my god thank you for being here!!! i appreciate u :”)

Expand full comment
Nivita Sriram's avatar

you have so thoughtfully put into words what has been on my mind lately <3 (as usual!!!!)

Expand full comment
Mimi's avatar

Idk if writers get a notification every time someone restack their quotes but i have been restacking so many lines from this article i cant count. Beautiful writing!

Expand full comment
Mónica Bozinoski's avatar

Such an incredible essay, loved every moment of this!

Expand full comment
Khushi's avatar

this was incredibly well written! your words never fail to leave an impression on me

Expand full comment
Maalvika's avatar

ah, thank you Khushi!

Expand full comment
Alice Clara's avatar

I want to highlight and restack everything. Oh my goodness. Thank you; it’s such a gift that you’re writing.

Expand full comment
Sarah Gantner's avatar

this new dynamic has left me feeling stuck, almost sick. like i don’t know who i am or what i am supposed to do because the idea of always keeping up, the constant pressure to perform…is SO exhausting! yet i feel like i am always seeing myself from an outside lens looking in rather than making choices, exploring interests, and living my life from my own vantage point. thank you for articulating this so perfectly and exploring every nuance - love your brain as always

Expand full comment
rada's avatar

thank you for this article! i can definitely relate to the pressure of making money off every hobby that we have: i knit in my free time and at some point attempted to be a knitfluencer. but to be one, you have to constantly interrupt knitting to film a video or take a picture, and one always have to keep it on the back of their mind. the process just becomes not as enjoyable anymore. when i see people who are influencers from their hobbies or make money with it, i'm in awe but i realize that behind it might be the need to brand oneself and make money, rather than to enjoy your free time

Expand full comment
els!'s avatar

not the mindfulness apps

...i love my headspace account 😔

Expand full comment
els!'s avatar

as an econ major i loveeeed this one hahaha

Expand full comment
Hoodlum's avatar

Another reminder to love the lazy, simple, easy-going ways of myself and not chastise my habits just because they don't give me more opportunities to learn how to make money. I hope I remember this piece for years and years, either to be revitalised by another piece or a passing memory that draws me back to my true mself

Expand full comment
風揚波's avatar

This article is realy awesome!

Expand full comment