I never realised how much I use my left hand until I fractured it. Shoutout to my left hand for silently doing 1,000 things a day—until a few days ago. Now, even simple things like tying my hair require me to call for help. And for someone as independent as me, that feels a bit irritating and humbling at the same time.
The toughest thing for me is to ask for help. And I think life has its own creative ways of teaching me this lesson, again and again.
I was staying at a friend’s place when I fell. Being taken care of by someone other than close family members felt incredibly special. Like I had earned something invaluable in life.
Coming back home and being cared for by my parents and siblings felt like a deep sigh of relief. I’ve always been a giver. But recently, I’ve realised how important it is to ask and receive too. That shift happened when I felt tired of giving. I want to be able to ask for help, no matter how small the ask. I’m learning that receiving care also takes strength.
I’ve now unlocked a whole new skillset: Doing Life (One-Handed Edition).
Some of these life hacks look hilarious when viewed from a distance. Like holding a box between my knees to open it, or balancing a book just right so it doesn’t knock me out mid-chapter. Oh, and my current fashion statement? Only the loosest clothes in the wardrobe…because buttons and zippers are dead to me.
As for rest? My inner critic is screaming in the background: “Why rest? Your right hand works just fine!” Luckily, my painkillers are louder. They knock me out before I can argue. 😌
Hopefully, this accidental adventure wraps up by next week. Until then, I’m pampering my tiniest-but-mighty left hand with all the love it clearly deserved all along. Lefty, I see you now. 💅🏼
Take a Little Pause 🌼
Have you ever realised how important a tiny part of your body is? Did it make you care for your body a little more?
I’d love to hear. 😊
My Moment of Pause/Calm🌿
Reading books while lying on a friend’s couch.
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: Anne with an E (found it while reading Hour of the Heart).
📖 Happily reading: Tiny Experiments by Anne-Laure (More book recs? Check my list!)
🎨 Doing: Letting myself just be and accepting whatever I can do in this moment.
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. 😉
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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. 💛
Wishing you a speedy recovery 💜