The Cringe Won’t Die: Substack and Netflix Keep It Alive

Telling our stories will set us free.

Image by 愚木混株 Cdd20

Last week's post about the cringe became a thing after one of our dear PIYS subscribers,

Paulette Bodeman

, took it to the next level. Thank you, Paulette, for reminding me of another cringe moment when I split my pants in fourth grade but, more importantly, how fear plays into shame, embarrassment, and guilt. 

Paulette is a yoga teacher and life coach. You can read her words about the power of “the cringe” here.

Paulette’s post got me thinking.

Too many of us are quietly chained to that embarrassing thing that happened, while others are loud, proud, and unaffected by anything cringe-related.

Are they immune to these emotions? 

Or do they know the secret to freeing ourselves?

"Shame thrives on secrecy, silence, and judgment. Shame can't survive being spoken." Brene Brown 

Secrecy, silence, and judgment hold us captive while releasing our stories sets us free.

Remember that you are so much more than your worst mistakes. The essence of who you are never changes, no matter what happens.

Regrets in the form of woulda, coulda, shoulda’s may loop around your brain like a fanny on a wagon wheel. It’s done now. Move on.

Speak and let it go.

It's funny how the universe is conspiring with me on this topic. My husband and I watched Baby Reindeer last week. Could there have been a more appropriate film to watch about cringe?

Actor Richard Gadd is a writer and comedian who wrote and starred in a film about the worst time in his life. I won't spoil it for you, but his show has many embarrassing, shame-filled, and cringe-worthy scenes.

And Mr. Gadd is lucky enough to have his most embarrassing story listed as #1 trending on Netflix. 

As Stormy Daniels might say, Richard reclaimed the narrative.

There's freedom and joy in that. I want that for all of us.

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Enough about cringe. This week, I'd like to introduce you to some of my favorite Substack creators.

I'm excited when their latest post lands in my inbox every week.

Elin Petronella

got me super-excited about embroidery again. Honestly, I thought it was a craft for dinosaurs. I used to reserve this hobby for when I was stuck in airports, but now I see it as new and innovative. Elin embroiders cool designs on clothing, too. She and her husband are working artists doing amazing things.

If you’re looking for food porn, then

andrew gruel

is your guy. I love getting recipes in my inbox to stop me from the torture of thinking about what’s for dinner.

Marlo Leaman

and her husband pursued a dream and bought a hotel in Costa Rica a few years ago. She and her husband write about their wild time living and working there. Spoiler alert: shit happened!

I have a girl crush on

Lindsey Dickson

because she is an absolute delight and cute as a button. She lives in Suffolk, England, and her publication is deliberately niche-less. She writes whatever she fancies, which *may* include gardening, nature, wellness, and second-hand bargains.

I’ve got more, but I’ll save them for another time. If you like what you see, consider subscribing to their newsletters.

If you enjoy what you read here, consider supporting my work by becoming a paying member. If you can’t right now, know I appreciate each of you for being here. ❤️❤️❤️