Let's just kick this off, shall we?

I wanted there to be at least one post in this Substack publication, so this is that post. Actually, let’s do a little Q&A.

Q. How did the idea for this publication come about?

I constantly have ideas for Substacks to start, but always move on from them within a few days (gawd I hope this one is different). The idea for this one came while I was taking a quick break from work, walking through the little forest behind my house.

I decided to ask ChatGPT for some help, by asking:

I’m looking for words that start with “man” like manifesto or manuscript. The goal is to make a play on words with human. Like humanifesto or humanuscript as a name for a newsletter. Any ideas?

After a little back and forth and some decent suggestions (Humanagerie, Humanifold, Humantra) I came up with Humanhood. It was a play on manhood and womanhood, and expanding it as far out as possible to human.

I wanted something that really touches on the entirety of the human experience. The things that we all go through during our humanhood.

Q. What topics will be covered in Humanhood?

Here are some themes I brainstormed. I may or may not tackle them, but it should give you an idea of the types of things you can expect.

1. Identity Formation: The development of the distinct personality of an individual.
2. Moral and Ethical Dilemmas: Struggling with questions of right and wrong.
3. Search for Meaning: The philosophical quest to understand life’s purpose.
4. Cognitive Biases: Systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment.
5. Social Influence and Conformity: How individuals’ behaviors are impacted by others.
6. Existential Anxiety: Contemplating existence, freedom, and death.
7. Interpersonal Relationships: Dynamics of interactions and connections with others.
8. Cultural Norms and Values: Beliefs and behaviors that are considered normal within a society.
9. Personal Growth and Self-Actualization: The pursuit of realizing one’s full potential.
10. Power and Control Dynamics: Influence and authority over others or oneself.
11. Resilience in the Face of Adversity: The ability to recover from difficulties.
12. Mindfulness and Awareness: The practice of maintaining a nonjudgmental state of heightened or complete awareness.
13. Social Roles and Status: The position or rank of a person or group within the society.
14. Perception of Time and Space: How individuals or cultures conceptualize and experience time and space.
15. Cognitive Dissonance: The mental discomfort experienced by a person who holds contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values.

Q. Who are you, Nick, and why should I care what you have to say?

Geez, so forthright. Well, the truth is I’m just a human like you. I’m not famous, or well-known. I’ve done some writing online but you likely haven’t read any of it. I was published in Scary Mommy, Fatherly, and Huffington Post back in the day. I guess that’s something.

I want to produce something of value, share my experience in the hopes that it resonates with others, and feel a sense of belonging. This year, my 43rd on this planet, was one of change, growth, heartache, loss, introspection. It really ran the gamut. And, dammit, I made it to the other side.

Now, I want to harness my creativity and combine it with what will hopefully be some interesting ideas, and see where that can take me in 2024 and beyond.