I know you… but do I?
On changing friendships and a possible way to restore them.
Last month, I stayed at a friend’s house in another city for almost a week.
We talked about things we’d never touched upon in our quick meet-ups, WhatsApp video calls, or audio notes.
We went for morning walks together. Stopped at a favourite street food joint before hopping into an auto to catch the sunset. Sat leisurely on the couch at her home and talked about things that need time — the kind of time we rarely make. We made and ate breakfast together and lived the slowest, loveliest mornings.
None of this would have happened if I’d stayed at a hotel in the same city and just met her a few times. Or if I’d thought, maybe I should leave after finishing work. Or even if I’d let my usual worries creep in — Would it trouble her if I stayed at her home? What if she’s too busy? You know, the classic overthinking from someone who finds it hard to ask for help.
Sometimes I feel we’ve rushed our relationships in this fast-paced life we’re all running through. And honestly, I don’t even know what we’re trying to win.
I’ve realised that vulnerability needs time and space, and most of us are running short on both, with our demanding jobs, so-called busy life and never-ending OTT watchlists. 😉
So here’s what I’m planning to do to stay truly in touch with the people I care about: I will ask them to come stay with me. And won’t mind doing the same if they are comfortable accommodating me.
Take a Little Pause 🌼
When was the last time you had a heartfelt conversation with someone?
How can you create more space for moments like that?
I’d love to hear. 😊
My Moment of Pause/Calm🌿
An evening with my college friends and their families at one of the friends’ homes. I love that even their partners and kids enjoy this togetherness :)
Ditched my phone for a day.
What have you heard, seen, or done this week that brought you a moment of calm? I’d love to hear! 💛
Now?
Sharing what I’m watching, reading, and learning!
📺 Slowly watching: Nothing at the moment. Any suggestions?
📖 Happily reading: Feel-Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal, and a few Hindi novels (More book recs? Check my list!)
🎨 Doing: Getting back to my 100 Days of Procreate exploration. It took a back seat for a while… but we can always start again :)
PS: If this newsletter brought you a moment of calm or a spark of inspiration, feel free to share it with a friend! You can also tap the ❤️ button so others can discover it on Substack. No pressure—just love and good vibes. 💛
Ways to support my creative journey 🎨✨
License my illustrations – Because your brand deserves more than just another stock image. 😉
Hire me to illustrate for your brand or upcoming book – Test the waters with a one-time offer!
Become a paid Patreon - A little pause, right on your screen. Get an exclusive smartphone wallpaper each month✨💛
Take care! 💛
Rachna
I write Take a Little Pause for those who wish to live a wholehearted life. This newsletter is a journal of my experiments in living wholeheartedly, with each post accompanied by visuals created by me. If you’re on a similar journey, subscribe for free, or consider becoming a paid Patreon to support my writing and help me publish a coffee-table book. 💛