What makes up life?

and how you can participate in this creation.

This week, I attended a random talk by a French author. I wasn’t familiar with his work, hadn’t read any of his books, and honestly, had no reason to go—except for one line in the email invite that caught my attention:

‘…widely recognized for his insightful and often humorous explorations of human relationships.’

I was intrigued. How does a writer talk about something so deep—yet make it humorous?

It turned out to be one of the most enriching (and hilarious) conversations I’ve attended yet. The facilitator did a brilliant job, and the author? The conversation was a witness to how the author is one with his writing style. He is his writing, and his writing is him. There was no facade of any sort. He was completely himself—unfiltered, candid, and even comfortable saying “I don’t know” when needed.

At one point, someone asked him, “How do you write about deep emotions in such a humorous way?”

His answer? “I notice the insignificant things. The tiny details most people overlook. Everyone talks about the actor who played Harry Potter, but few wonder about the other guy—the one who almost got the role. I want to write about him. Imagine the quiet disappointment, the feelings that lingered in his heart.”

We often wait for some big, life-changing event, thinking that’s what defines our journey. But in reality, life is made up of all the small, seemingly insignificant moments we rarely pay attention to.

This author is now a celebrated novelist, screenwriter, and director—but ten years ago, he was just another writer, consistently showing up for his craft. He didn’t wait for a big break to keep going. He wrote because writing filled his soul.

And maybe that’s what life is about— noticing & living all these tiny, everyday moments that, in hindsight, make up something meaningful.

I went to this random event, discovered a new author, met the facilitator—who also happens to run a beautiful bookstore in Jaipur—reconnected with old acquaintances I hadn’t seen in years, and stumbled upon some fiction books I now want to read by this author (which, of course, I’ll be buying from that bookstore!) and learned about a readers’ community.

I took note of all these insignificant events :) Maybe this is what life is all about.

Take a Little Pause 🌼

Reflect on all the small things that may have happened in your life to help you reach where you are today. What small practice, even just a minute or two, can you incorporate in your life from now on to reflect on these insignificant moments?

I do this by journaling before bed.

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

Nuggets for Your Soul💫

in the end / I want my heart / to be covered / in stretch marks

Andrea Gibson

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My Moment of Pause/Calm🌿

Witnessed these beautiful flowers while I was waiting for the event to start. Their vibrant colors instantly brought a sense of peace.

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: Mastery by Robert Greene, The Crossroads of Should and Must by Elle Luna (highly recommended), The Almanack Of Naval Ravikant by Eric Jorgenson. Also, I read Anything You Want by Derek Sivers - highly recommend!
🎨 Doing: Completing my 14-Day Yoga Intermediate course this Sunday :)

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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