Who Is Your Alternate Dream Self?

+ My "Picture This!" Comedy Show!

If S4B has brought you joy, if you find this space of artsy reflection comforting, if you value the work of small, independent artists— please consider going paid today!

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I find myself pondering alternate versions of myself.

Not because I don’t love my life.

But because I find it to be an empowering thought experiment.

We constantly ask children who they want to be when they grow up.

But why do we stop asking ourselves who we want to be?

I like to think about alternate dream selves because it helps me to understand my evolving values and desires.

Modern life is a whirlwind.

Many of us are so overwhelmed that we don’t even realize we’re unwell.

We compulsively numb out on our phones, or alcohol, or weed, etc.

We disconnect from our bodies and ourselves.

Before you know it a year has passed— then another, and another.

Most of us are not giving ourselves the space to process and to remember who we are.

What we authentically want vanishes beneath the weight of our addictions.

So why not reflect right now?

Let’s Dream Together!

Who Is Your Alt-Dream-Self?:

1. Where do you live?

2. What do you do for a living?

3. How do you pass your free time?

4. What does your social life look like?

5. How do you present yourself physically?

If you’re interested in this exercise go ahead and ask yourself any additional questions (or scrap any of mine that don’t resonate).

One of my dream selves owns a coffee shop in San Francisco.

The shop fosters community through open mic nights and other events. We sell simple, well-crafted espresso drinks and local baked goods.

A part of me wonders if I’d ever give up my art career for such a pivot.

There is no version of myself that ever stops drawing, but maybe there’s a version of me that stops trying to make money from it.

Maybe this would be good for me. Maybe not. I don’t know.

⭐Would you like me to draw your Alt-Dream-Self?⭐

If you become a paid subscriber to ‘Shit for Breakfast’ today through the end of May (2025) I will draw your Alt-Dream-Self just as I depicted my own above!

✨Message me through Substack if you’re interested.✨

Once you flesh out your alt-dream-self you will likely find that there are elements that are unattainable to you, in your real life.

That’s normal and still worth the reflection.

But I believe most of us will find mini-dreams within that are actually achievable.

Becoming Your Alt-Dream-Self

I’ve been reflecting on different versions of my own alt-dream-self for a while.

I have many iterations that I like to visit and reflect on.

Some are vastly different; others are only slightly altered in particular ways.

Several months ago I saw a fellow New Yorker cartoonist, Jason Chatfield, draw live alongside comedians in NYC and I thought:

“Wow, that’s bad ass as fuck.”

Then I thought, “Alternate Dream Erika would definitely be doing that.”

“Wait. I should do that. Can I do that? I can do that!”

And guess what my friends? I FUCKING DID THAT!!!

Proudly waving to the audience after drawing a dick on Sonic The Hedgehog.

I got to hang out with super cool comedians and cartoonists in the green room. It was truly a dream! We all had notebooks filled with notes and drawings. It was incredible.

And I got to meet Aparna Nancherla!!! My name was on the same performers print out, haha. Sorry, I have to geek out on this or I’ll burst into flame.

Aparna Nancherla

I was extremely nervous about doing this show because I am a shy cartoonist, not a stage performer. I basically draw as a means to connect while simultaneously hiding.

But it has become increasingly important to me to push myself outside of my comfort zone. I find it really bolsters my self-esteem to do scary things.

It felt so good to be so bold and brave. I am very proud of real-life-Erika.

Flyer I made for the show.

Comments (Let’s Chat!):

• Who is your alternate dream self?

• What is something scary you did recently that made you feel proud?

• I’m trying to figure out thoughtful offerings for paid subscribers. Is there anything you think sounds worth going paid for? Example ideas:

  • Private chat for paid subscribers with recurring arts & culture-related questions and prompts from yours truly.

  • Drawing tutorials.

  • Extra behind-the-pay-wall sketchbook art.

  • Regularly scheduled drawing on Substack Live.

    • Happy for any and all feedback!

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Listening to:

^My friend Inés just dropped this bomb ass single.

Give ‘er a listen. Add to a playlist.

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