Planning Without a Planner 😉

What made me opt out?

As the year started, I thought, Let’s get a pretty planner! The Universe—oh wait, I mean Instagram—conspired to help by flooding my feed with the cutest planners. But guess what? I conspired right back and opted out. 😆

What made me opt out?

The overwhelming number of choices, and the sudden realization that I was tired before even buying one. Would I actually use it? No clue. And those fancy ones? A bit too pricey for something I might abandon after a week. I figured I’d rather spend that money on something I know I’ll enjoy—like head massages throughout the year. Now that’s a trade-off I can get behind. 😉

And then it hit me — I already had a simple, no-fuss solution that worked just fine. Enter: sticky notes. 📝 Cheap, effective, and deeply satisfying to crumple and toss when I’m done. 😌✨

I realized I already had a system that works for me, and instead of spending money on something fancy, I’d rather save it—or spend it on things that help me relax after a long day.

Then I asked myself: Am I someone who plans out weeks/months in a beautiful planner, or do I simply love having a structured schedule for the day? Turns out, I’m the second one!

Instead of long, overwhelming to-do lists, I focus on:
✅ One most important task
✨ 3-4 supporting tasks (if possible!)

For many, planners are a game-changer. But for me? Sticky notes + Google Calendar = problem solved. Bonus: The satisfaction of crushing a used sticky note? Unmatched. (Okay, not as cute as a planner, but we can’t have it all! 😜)

This got me thinking: How often do we wait to start something until we buy the perfect tool? I get it. The urge to grab that cute stationery, the must-have pottery tool, or the new gadget that promises to make work better. But in the end, does the thing make the difference?

Let’s be honest—I have an active Procreate license, a pottery wheel, and I just bought crochet materials for making tulips. Still waiting on those masterpieces. 😂

Take a Little Pause 🌼

Is there something in your life you’ve been waiting to do until you get that tool/gadget/course? 🤔

Take a step back—do you already have something simple that works just as well? Maybe it’s time to start anyway.

And if you feel like sharing, reply here or drop a note in the chat! 😊

Nuggets for Your Soul💫

Become who you are by learning who you are.

— Pindar, Greek poet

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My Moment of Pause/Calm🌿

🎸 Picked up the ukulele after ages and started playing again. Feels so good!
🍵 Sipping a homemade concoction to heal my cold and sore throat. Feeling much better now. 😊

What have you heard, seen, or done this week that brought you a moment of calm? I’d love to hear! 💛

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Now?

Sharing what I’m watching, reading, and learning!

📺 Slowly watching: Midnight Diner on Netflix (taking it slow—this could take a while 😂).
📖 Happily reading: Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, The Healing Season of Pottery by Yeon Somin (almost finishing these two!) & Mastery by Robert Greene. (More book recs? Check my list!)
🎨 Doing: Crocheting tulips 🌷 and making my vision board.

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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 subscriber

Take care! 💛
Rachna