Not Exactly Ana | Substack

Women Are Not Incubators With Expiration Dates - And No One Is Late

A personal essay on being 26, unmarried, childfree, and refusing society’s timelines

Jan 15 • Not Exactly Ana

Honey, You Don’t Deserve Someone Who Just Leaves You on Seen

A Personal Look at Modern Dating, Real Love, and Why Being Seen Matters More Than Ever

Jan 6 • Not Exactly Ana

Being the Strongest Person in the Room is Lonely as Hell

I survived depression, left a safe job, and learned the true cost of growing up.

Jan 2 • Not Exactly Ana

I Stayed in an Abusive Relationship

A personal story about domestic violence and staying in an abusive relationship

Dec 22, 2025 • Not Exactly Ana

I Still Set an Empty Chair at Christmas: Coping with Loss and Missing Loved Ones

A Christmas reflection on grief, empty chairs, and the enduring hope for miracles and love

Dec 18, 2025 • Not Exactly Ana

💛 Start your healing journey today - because together, we are stronger.

Recent posts

When Fear Wins the Battle but Not the War: My Story of Social Anxiety

A personal story of overcoming social anxiety, body image fears, and finding courage to start my fitness journey.

Dec 8, 2025 • Not Exactly Ana

Join the Not Exactly Mental Health Club – Community, Support & Healing This December

A safe space for self‑care, connection, and holiday healing in December 2025

Dec 1, 2025 • Not Exactly Ana

What Depression Really Looks Like: A Raw Story About High-Functioning Struggle and Healing

Behind the smile, the chaos is real - and it’s time we finally talk about the hidden side of mental health.

Nov 19, 2025 • Not Exactly Ana

I Was Told I Wanted Too Much - So I Went After Even More

From cleaning luxury homes at 13 to building a life I’m proud of - this is what ambition really looks like.

Nov 12, 2025 • Not Exactly Ana

No Contact Doesn’t Always Heal: What You Need to Know About Real Closure After a Breakup

Why silence isn’t always the solution - and how to truly move on after heartbreak.

Nov 3, 2025 • Not Exactly Ana

I Don’t Feel Beautiful: How a Broken Tooth Stole (and Helped Me Rebuild) My Confidence

I’m learning to smile again - this is how a broken tooth taught me about beauty, shame, and self-worth.

Nov 1, 2025 • Not Exactly Ana

Podcasts

Not Exactly Ana Podcast

A Self-Forgiveness Letter That Helped Me Heal — And Might Help You Too

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