Happier with Gretchen Rubin A Little Happier: Have You Ever Felt Like an Employee of Your Former Self?
Dec 8, 2025
Explore the amusing insight from Ian McEwan about feeling like an employee of your former self, especially during book tours. Gretchen shares relatable scenarios where we find ourselves serving our past selves, from classes to home projects. She also contrasts this with the idea of working toward your future self, encouraging a mindset shift. Dive into the balance between creative work and promotional demands in a writer's life and discover how our past decisions shape our current roles.
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Holiday Whole Foods Ritual
- Gretchen Rubin and Alyssa joke about recurring holiday trips to Whole Foods.
- They list favorite ready-made items and seasonal treats they rely on during gatherings.
Writing As Core Identity
- Gretchen Rubin describes writing as her core identity and daily practice.
- She calls writing her "treehouse and my cubicle," emphasizing how essential it is to her life.
When Creation Ends, Promotion Begins
- Creative work often ends long before promotional duties begin.
- Gretchen Rubin observes that by tour time you serve the person your past self created.