The hard part of life
and what also make it easy in the long-run
First of all, thank you for subscribing and reading my posts. It means a lot to me 🙂
I don’t write clickbait. No viral hooks. So I truly rely on you to open these posts, read them, like them and maybe even share how you feel.
Now let’s talk about something that’s hard for me. Consider it a gentle heart spill 💌, inviting you to join me in sharing yours too.
For me, the hard thing is losing people I’ve felt even the slightest connection with. It feels a bit like heartbreak every single time. Sunsign, I’m totally following your script with all these emotions 😅
And somewhere, it has made me stay a little longer in relationships that weren’t right for me. Even when the other person could be phenomenal for someone else, maybe.
Over time, I’ve learned something important. It’s okay to let go of people who don’t align with the values I hold close. Because a relationship without that shared foundation becomes fragile. It hangs on a fragile thread that breaks the moment one person stops doing things the way the other expects.
But the funny thing about life is that most of the hard lessons come in the form of people. Ughhh! Why can’t we just learn these through books? It hurts, man.
Nearly four decades in, I’ve slowly become someone (mostly in my late 30s) who lets go. And many times, I’ve even been the one to start those tough conversations when something feels surface-level or hollow. My younger ‘I will do it all for you’ self would be so happy reading this.
Some patterns I’ve noticed in the past when I’ve walked away:
Shallow conversations
Actions not matching words
Gender bias and superiority of any kind
Self-interest over mutual care
Financial loans taken and never repaid
Opposites may attract, but they will always be…opposites.
So now, I ask myself, “Am I okay with the distance that comes in this relationship with how different we two are? Or does it offer an opportunity to build up something beautiful together, even with the differences?”
If not, I let go.
With gratitude, and a little ache.
Take a Little Pause 🌼
Do you ever find yourself trying to break up with someone but just holding up? What would be the kindest way to tell them?
Do it.
I’d love to hear. 😊
My Moment of Pause/Calm🌿
Lately, I’ve been in this strange but beautiful zone where it feels like everything in life is working for me. Even the things that didn’t.
There’s peace in accepting what is and being content with what I already have.
I’ve stuck little affirmations in spaces where I spend most of my time — my work desk, bedside, and mirror (to see myself saying it loud). And they quietly comfort me when things aren’t going my way.
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
📖 Happily reading: Tiny Experiments by Anne-Laure, You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay, and a few Hindi novels (More book recs? Check my list!)
🎨 Doing: Continuing with my Procreate exploration.
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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Become a paid Patreon - Support me in publishing a coffee table book. As a thank you, get an exclusive smartphone wallpaper each month 💛
Take care of your heart this week. You don’t need to carry what no longer feels right. Letting go is also an act of self-love 🌷
See you next Friday,
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. 💛