the mayfly letter.
words worth passing down.
What is The Mayfly Letter?
Hey! John Conrad here.
I'm an independent writer, wandering collector of timeless insights, and professional deep-thinker-in-pajamas.
This little publication was born from a simple realization: we're all searching for timeless wisdom that actually works—those insights that help us navigate relationships, find meaning in our work, handle stress, or just feel more at peace with ourselves.
The problem is that these nuggets of wisdom aren't always where you'd expect to find them, and yesterday's noise often drowns out centuries of good advice.
The Mayfly Letter is my attempt to uncover these simple, enduring truths and deliver them to you with fresh perspective (and yes, a healthy dose of my characteristic humor).
Think of it as an artfully designed "email magazine" landing in your inbox about 10 times a month. We'll explore everything from the art of conversation to the science of habit formation, from finding peace in your morning routine to recovering gracefully when you mess up.
In a world of clickbait and hot takes, consider this your sanctuary for ideas that matter.
A mayfly spends a year preparing for just a short, single day above water. In the same way, history has more than enough wisdom to prepare us well for our lives ahead.
So pull up a chair. We saved you a spot.
John Conrad
Editor and Chief Wisdom Archeologist
I'm an independent writer, wandering collector of timeless insights, and professional deep-thinker-in-pajamas.
This little publication was born from a simple realization: we're all searching for timeless wisdom that actually works—those insights that help us navigate relationships, find meaning in our work, handle stress, or just feel more at peace with ourselves.
The problem is that these nuggets of wisdom aren't always where you'd expect to find them, and yesterday's noise often drowns out centuries of good advice.
The Mayfly Letter is my attempt to uncover these simple, enduring truths and deliver them to you with fresh perspective (and yes, a healthy dose of my characteristic humor).
Think of it as an artfully designed "email magazine" landing in your inbox about 10 times a month. We'll explore everything from the art of conversation to the science of habit formation, from finding peace in your morning routine to recovering gracefully when you mess up.
In a world of clickbait and hot takes, consider this your sanctuary for ideas that matter.
A mayfly spends a year preparing for just a short, single day above water. In the same way, history has more than enough wisdom to prepare us well for our lives ahead.
So pull up a chair. We saved you a spot.
John Conrad
Editor and Chief Wisdom Archeologist
Upcoming Features
How to Build a New Habit
My attempts at building new habits have the life expectancy of ice cream in August, melting away just as I'm reaching for the sprinkles of success.
Reading Bedtime Stories
Nothing tests your improvisational skills quite like accidentally skipping three pages and having to explain why the princess suddenly has a pet dragon named Steve.
Why It Feels Good to Do-It-Yourself
Even if your vocabulary expands a little bit, and not in a good way.
How to Become a Great Conversationalist
I've perfected the art of turning "How are you?" into a twenty-minute monologue that leaves strangers eyeing nearby exits with the desperation of someone trapped in a burning building.
The Forgotten Art of Being Alone With Your Thoughts
You're not alone; my mind in solitude functions like an unsupervised blender without a lid—thoughts splattered everywhere and somehow the ceiling gets involved.
What Gardeners Know About Long-Term Thinking
I've killed so many houseplants that I now whisper "good luck" to each seedling in the spring.
Revive the Family Dinner Table
Our family dinners taught me that every meaningful conversation sits precisely three bites away from a political argument that resurrects grievances from 1997.
Grandma's Advice for Simple Eating
My grandmother's entire nutritional philosophy—"Are you crying because you're hungry?"—somehow produced healthier humans than my entire collection of diet books.
Sleep, The Swiss-Army Knife of Self-Improvement
Many of us approach sleep the way most people approach flossing—intellectually acknowledging its importance while systematically avoiding it until we are essentially begging for mercy from our own body.
How to Pass Down a Tradition
The most enduring tradition in my family is our remarkable ability to simultaneously remember every embarrassing thing I've ever done while forgetting where we put the holiday decorations every single year.
My attempts at building new habits have the life expectancy of ice cream in August, melting away just as I'm reaching for the sprinkles of success.
Reading Bedtime Stories
Nothing tests your improvisational skills quite like accidentally skipping three pages and having to explain why the princess suddenly has a pet dragon named Steve.
Why It Feels Good to Do-It-Yourself
Even if your vocabulary expands a little bit, and not in a good way.
How to Become a Great Conversationalist
I've perfected the art of turning "How are you?" into a twenty-minute monologue that leaves strangers eyeing nearby exits with the desperation of someone trapped in a burning building.
The Forgotten Art of Being Alone With Your Thoughts
You're not alone; my mind in solitude functions like an unsupervised blender without a lid—thoughts splattered everywhere and somehow the ceiling gets involved.
What Gardeners Know About Long-Term Thinking
I've killed so many houseplants that I now whisper "good luck" to each seedling in the spring.
Revive the Family Dinner Table
Our family dinners taught me that every meaningful conversation sits precisely three bites away from a political argument that resurrects grievances from 1997.
Grandma's Advice for Simple Eating
My grandmother's entire nutritional philosophy—"Are you crying because you're hungry?"—somehow produced healthier humans than my entire collection of diet books.
Sleep, The Swiss-Army Knife of Self-Improvement
Many of us approach sleep the way most people approach flossing—intellectually acknowledging its importance while systematically avoiding it until we are essentially begging for mercy from our own body.
How to Pass Down a Tradition
The most enduring tradition in my family is our remarkable ability to simultaneously remember every embarrassing thing I've ever done while forgetting where we put the holiday decorations every single year.
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The Mayfly Letter follows a simple pay-what-you-can model. If you’re able, a suggested subscription of ten dollars per month helps keep us going. We think you'll find it's well worth it.
But truly, we don't want anyone turned away. You can start reading The Mayfly for just a dollar.
Join in at the level that feels right for you. We wholeheartedly appreciate your support!
subscribe hereBut truly, we don't want anyone turned away. You can start reading The Mayfly for just a dollar.
Join in at the level that feels right for you. We wholeheartedly appreciate your support!
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