This summer, I took some much-needed time off to reflect. That pause helped me realize that I want to take this Substack in a new direction. So much of my work is focused on countering misinformation, and that’s important, but I want this to be a space for something completely different. Ask Ari had been a place for answering common misconceptions about trans people. Ari’s Threads will focus on transformation, self-acceptance, and growth.
I have always considered myself a positive, empathetic person, and I need to make more space both to feel and share that value in my life. In this series, we’ll explore themes of self-love, simplicity, femininity, and embracing uncertainty as powerful, radical acts of self-care. I’ve always believed that the process of transforming yourself—whether through gender, identity, or lifestyle changes—is an ongoing journey. It's about not only who we become but the courage it takes to let go of who we once were.
Why Transformation Is Radical
Let’s be real for a second—society has a lot of opinions about how we’re supposed to live our lives. From the moment we’re born, we’re funneled into rigid boxes of identity, behavior, and success. Stepping outside those expectations, especially when it comes to gender or personal growth, feels like an act of defiance.
That’s why embracing transformation, softness, and femininity is more radical than we think. It’s choosing to reject the pressure to conform to someone else’s narrative and instead write your own. For many of us, that means moving past the trauma or limitations we’ve carried for years. It’s about saying, “I’m allowed to grow. I’m allowed to change.”
And with change comes a lot of uncertainty. There’s no easy map to becoming your most authentic self, especially when societal expectations tell you who you should be. But through vulnerability and reflection, we get to own our stories, and there’s so much power in that.
The Beauty of Simplicity and Peace
One of the core ideas I’m going to explore here is simplicity—not as a retreat from life but as a powerful way of connecting with who we truly are. So much of what we chase is a distraction. Whether it’s the pressure to be more productive, smarter, or more presentable, we’re constantly told that who we are isn’t enough.
In this Substack, I’ll encourage you to embrace simplicity by letting go of unnecessary noise—both internally and externally. That could be simplifying your daily routine or practicing self-compassion by allowing yourself to just be. There’s a radical power in reclaiming your time, your space, and your energy by focusing on what truly matters to you.
Peace isn’t about avoiding life’s complexities—it’s about creating space for them. It’s about accepting uncertainty and trusting that the person you’re becoming is someone worth knowing. If you’re going through a major life change, whether it’s transitioning or healing from past trauma, finding peace in your process is key.
Embracing Femininity as Strength
Femininity is often misunderstood as weakness in our society, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Whether you’re a trans woman stepping into your authentic self or someone embracing softness in a world that rewards aggression, femininity is a quiet, resilient form of power.
In this series, we’ll explore how femininity—whether in how we present ourselves or in how we treat others—becomes a tool for healing. The act of claiming femininity, especially if it’s been denied or repressed, is a celebration of who you are. It’s about rewriting the story of what strength looks like. Here, femininity isn’t something to be hidden or minimized—it’s a central part of your personal power.
What to Expect
Each column will take you through a different facet of personal growth, touching on everything from daily practices for finding peace to navigating life’s most profound transitions. You’ll find reflections on gender, identity, and the deep work of healing from trauma. And most importantly, we’ll talk about how to embrace your journey—no matter where you are on the path—with grace and self-compassion.
So, whether you’re stepping into a new identity, letting go of old versions of yourself, or just looking for some inspiration, Ari’s Threads is here for you. Together, we’ll explore what it means to embrace peace, femininity, and transformation, and how to turn those things into a life that feels aligned and free.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. There’s so much beauty in becoming, and I’m so excited to see where this path takes us.