The four culprits...

hiding behind me

This week, I was just thinking, what the hell is stopping me from waiting for my dream life to come to me… and instead, going and getting it?"

And the simplest answer is ME. But what within me? I asked.

I found four culprits:

1. The fear of not earning enough money.

2. The fear of the unknown.

3. The weight of shoulds—duty, obligation, responsibility.

4. Waiting for everything to align perfectly.

And what melts all of this away?

Being fully in the NOW. When I’m truly present, content in the moment, most of the fear loses its grip.

A few years ago, I remember telling a close friend when she asked what I want most in my life. I replied, “I just want to be happy with myself (Main apne aap se khush rehna chahti hoon).” To feel satisfied with what I’m doing and how much I’m doing. And a few years down the line, I still have the same reply.

Lately, I’ve been feeling this strong pull:

• I want less screen time.

• I want more art.

• More creativity.

• More things made by hand.

But something inside me holds back.

And when I go deeper, it’s the first culprit- money fears - roaring the loudest.

I’m currently reading The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. Some parts feel a bit beyond me right now, spiritually and intellectually. But then a sentence lands, and I get it.

There’s actually nothing wrong in the present moment. Most of the heaviness I carry comes from the past or the future. And right now, in this very moment... things are okay. And yes, I do have enough money.

Still, I feel less courageous about pursuing something more creative. I’ve always believed that action helps when we feel stuck.

But here I am — low on energy, unsure of the next step and unable to push myself to take action.

Still pondering over this question: How do I surrender, yet keep taking steps toward the more aligned path?

Take a Little Pause 🌼

Have you ever felt something similar? What’s one thing that helped you take a tiny step forward?

If you feel like sharing, drop a comment or reply to this email! 😊

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My Moment of Pause/Calm🌿

I’m continuing my experiment with two no-phone days every week—now successfully in week six! 😊 I noticed that I feel less overwhelmed and a bit more present.

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: Anne with an E (I found it while reading Hour of the Heart).
📖 Happily reading: Clear Thinking by Shane Parrish, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle and Hour of the Heart by Irvin & Benjamin Yalom (More book recs? Check my list!)
🎨 Doing: I gently let go of the 21-video challenge after making 8 videos. Currently on Day 13 of my 100 Days of Procreate :)

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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. 💛

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Take care! 💛
Rachna

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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. 💛