by natalie zubi

creative expressionist, cannabinoid enthusiast, psychology student, writer, blogger, artist, audhder, mother of cats

[bynataliezubi]

Real talk: Today was ROUGH. Like, full-on sobbing-in-my-car-feeling-like-an-embarrassment-and-wanting-to-delete-my-entire-online-life rough. 🫠 All while spending the day writing about authenticity, vulnerability, and ignoring the fear of judgment. The irony isn't lost on me.

The anxiety and self-doubt spiraled HARD. Had a setback (yep, bought another vape after deciding to quit), felt stupid for everything I write and share, and almost let the old self-hatred win. It's humbling and human.

But here's the thing: Setbacks happen. Personal growth isn't pretty or linear. It includes these messy, broken, puddle-of-human moments. Self-acceptance means loving this part too, not just the strong parts. So, instead of hiding or giving up, I wrote through it.

My new post on my newsletter dives into the messy reality of navigating mental health struggles, dealing with setbacks like these, and the conscious choice to keep going even when every fiber of your being wants to retreat. If you've ever felt like giving up after a hard day, or if vulnerability feels scary, maybe this raw share will help you feel less alone.

Read "Setbacks happen. Keep going anyway" – live on Tuesday. Subscribe to get it when it drops via the link in bio. We don't have to be perfect to keep moving forward. ❤️

#SetbacksHappen #KeepGoing #MentalHealthMatters #Vulnerability #Authenticity #PersonalGrowthJourney #SelfDoubt #AnxietyAwareness #Neurodivergent #WritersLife #MyNewsletter #FearOfJudgment #SelfAcceptance #MentalWellness #KeepMovingForward #RealTalk #EmotionalWellbeing #CopingSkills #ItsOkayNotToBeOkay #ProgressNotPerfection

[bynataliezubi]

Okay, peeps, let's get uncomfy. 😈 I'm about to say some things about porn that might make you clutch your pearls... or maybe nod your head in agreement. 🤷‍♀️

I've always had such a complicated relationship with the stuff. Like, yeah, it can be a quick fix, but is it really fixing anything? 🤔 What's it doing to our brains, our relationships, and our expectations about sex?

I'm diving into the ethics (hello, exploitation!), the body image BS (because who actually looks like that?), and the sneaky ways it can mess with your head. But don't worry, I'm not just here to bum you out! 😉

I'm also sharing my favorite tips for finding pleasure without the screen – think mindful masturbation, sensual self-care, and connecting with your partner on a real level.

Ready to ditch the digital and reclaim your sex life? Read the full post (NSFW) on my Substack and tell me what you think! 👇

The Truth About Porn: It's Not All Rainbows and Orgasms

Exploring the ethics, body image issues, and addictive tendencies of porn, and how to reclaim your sexuality.

[resqectable]

“The bravest thing I ever did was continuing my life when I wanted to die.”

— Juliette Lewis

[remanence-of-love]

[beingmentalisgood]

You will heal

[vexheart]

[bynataliezubi]

Let’s talk about self-care-but not just the Instagram-perfect version. Real self-care for burnout and mental health self-care goes way beyond bubble baths and candles. Sometimes, authentic self-care means setting boundaries, saying “no,” and letting yourself rest-even if that means a full day of “goblin mode” on the couch. If you’re feeling exhausted from the demands of life, you’re not alone. Burnout recovery starts with giving yourself permission to rest, recharge, and ask for support when you need it.

Self-care is about balance: sometimes it’s healthy habits, sometimes it’s doing nothing without guilt. Your best will look different every day, and that’s okay. Remember, mental health matters, and reaching out for help is a sign of strength.

If you’re looking for practical self-care tips for burnout, mental wellness, or just want to feel less alone in your journey, check out my latest post. I share real-life strategies, personal insights, and resources for mental health support.

by natalie zubi | Life, mental health, wellness, psychology, and more. Subscribe for new posts or support my work via Linktree!

Authentic Self-Care for Recovery: Why Doing Nothing Is Sometimes the Best Medicine

Embrace your own version of self-care with actionable tips for rest, mental wellness, and thriving in a demanding world.

[bynataliezubi]

Feeling stuck in your creativity?

Like you know you have something inside you worth sharing, but the words, the art, the voice just won’t come out right? You’re not alone. I’ve been there too — that frustrating, lonely place where fear and doubt keep you frozen.

But here’s the truth: you don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to start. Even if it’s 10 minutes. Even if it’s messy. Even if it’s scary.

I wrote about breaking through those blocks — how to make space for your creativity, celebrate every tiny win, and embrace imperfection as part of the journey. Because the only way forward is through.

Break Through Creative Blocks: 5 Strategies to Reignite Your Inspiration

Unlock Your Creative Flow with Practical Tips for Overcoming Self-Doubt, Distraction, and Fear

If you want to read more real talk about creativity, mental wellness, and personal growth, come find me on my Substack. It’s a safe space for messy, honest exploration and encouragement.

✨ bynataliezubi.substack.com ✨

Let’s break free together. 💫

#creativeblock #mentalhealth #selfgrowth #startsmall #embraceimperfection #bynataliezubi #substack #creativejourney

[bynataliezubi]

Wanted to share this fun post from my second Substack, Natalie After Dark, where I explore shit like ouid and other extra curricular activities, personal stories, smex, technology, and the slightly unhinged.

Here’s a snippet from this post:

““stepping” into second life the first time was an unreal experience. first of all, it’s filled with lifelike avatars, many of which are scantily clad, beautiful places to explore, conversations taking place, and music playing everywhere you go. not only that, but this place has NIGHT CLUBS! i’m talking, get dressed up, meet up with the crew, a bar, actual DJ’s with equipment and everything, good music, and seemingly infinite ways you can make your avatar dance—it’s so cool.”

check it out!

exploring intimacy, dating, and wild adventures in the metaverse: my second life experience

i had sex in the metaverse so you don't have to!

[perfeqt]

“When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.”

— Alexander den Heijer

[bynataliezubi]

Craving deep, meaningful conversations about the universe and the human condition... but also needing approximately 3-5 business days of silent recovery time after any social interaction exceeding 20 minutes. It's called ✨ balance ✨ sweaty. Or maybe just autism. 🤷‍♀️

[remanence-of-love]

[quotefeeling]

“It all begins and ends in your mind. What you give power to, has power over you, if you allow it.”

— Unknown

[resqectable]

“You have to meet people where they are, and sometimes you have to leave them there.”

— Iyanla Vanzant

[bynataliezubi]

Feeling like a writer for the first time... and it's kind of terrifying? 🤔

For years, I had a graveyard of abandoned blogs. But writing on Substack? It's different. The readers actually give a shit. Now, this psych major is seriously wondering if I should ditch the textbooks and just... write instead.

I dove into my messy journey – from a witchy phase (yes, tiny cauldron included) to an abstract art era – and how it all led here, to questioning my entire life path (again!).

Read the full story of my latest identity crisis on Natalie after Dark: https://natalieafterdark.substack.com/p/substack-broke-my-brain-and-my-5?r=5engqm

#psychology #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #therapy #identitycrisis #selfcare #selflove #wellness #psychologystudent #mentalhealthmatters #depression #existentialcrisis #storytelling #blogging #writersofsubstack #studentlife #careerchange #endthestigma

[bynataliezubi]

Just published a new post on “by natalie zubi”—this one’s all about breaking free from negative self-talk and building self-compassion, with science-backed strategies you can use right now. If you’ve ever struggled with your inner critic, this is for you!

The Psychology of Self-Talk: How to Quiet Your Inner Critic and Build Self-Compassion

Practical, research-backed techniques to help you challenge your inner critic and nurture self-acceptance.

My Substack explores mental health, self-growth, psychology, neurodiversity, and practical tips for living well. Join our community of 170+ readers and help us reach 200! Subscribe for insights on self-care, productivity, and embracing imperfection, plus access to exclusive content and my personal growth shop.

Let’s grow together—read the latest post, subscribe, and share if it resonates!

#MentalHealth #SelfCompassion #PersonalGrowth #Wellness #Neurodiversity #Psychology #SelfCare #Newsletter #Substack #GrowthMindset #Inspiration

[bynataliezubi]

Due to the harmful rhetoric I’ve been seeing getting spewed by the likes of RFK Jr about Autism (during Autism Awareness Month, no less), I figured it’s a good time to share this post. People with Autism, like myself, deserve advocacy, understanding, and support—not erasure and misinformation being spread like it is. Get educated and spread awareness because there are more autistic people than we’re even aware of and they deserve to be seen and heard, too.

This Month, and Every Month: Understanding Autism

What Autistic People Might Want You to Remember

[bynataliezubi]

life’s challenges and blessings come in waves—sometimes gentle, sometimes crashing, but always moving. lately, i’ve been thinking about how change is the only constant, and how finding balance and nurturing our well-being is an ongoing journey. i’ve moved more times than i can count, navigated family chaos, and weathered emotional storms that left me feeling like i was barely keeping my head above water. but i’ve also learned that we can ride these waves instead of letting them pull us under.

if you’ve ever felt like life is a rollercoaster—one minute you’re up, the next you’re tumbling—this one’s for you. i share my own story of adapting to change, facing uncertainty, and learning to breathe mindfully through it all. i talk about the importance of validating your feelings, resting when you need to, and remembering that your worth isn’t tied to how fast you bounce back. it’s about embracing both the darkness and the light, and realizing you’re not broken—you’re just human.

in the full post, i dive into practical coping strategies for when the waves get rough: from journaling and dancing it out, to grounding yourself in nature and reaching out for support. i share my favorite reminders for self-care and why it’s not selfish to put yourself first. life is messy, beautiful, and always in motion, but you’re more resilient than you think.

if you need a little pep talk or just want to feel less alone in the chaos, read the full post on substack. i’d love for you to join the conversation, share your own stories, and connect with others riding the same waves.

read the full post at bynataliezubi.substack.com

#lifeadvice #mentalhealth #wellness #selfcare #personalgrowth #mindfulness #emotionalresilience #changemanagement #journaling #copingstrategies