the april note
Hey hi hello,
April already? I hope March was good to you. And if nothing else, I hope it taught you something valuable. Conserve moments!
"Don’t bite off more than you can chew." Or so they say, and I agree. Make time to pause—actually block out time for the things that feed your soul. It’s easy to get caught up in everything we “have to” do or “want to get done” and forget the importance of simply being.
Feeding the soul is something I’ve struggled with this past month. I found myself pushing through sickness, trying to ease the stress of those around me. But moving at 50% capacity is not the same as moving at 100%. It affects not just your work but your experiences and interactions with others. And the body always finds a way to catch up with you. You can only ignore its needs for so long before it forces you to slow down. The truth is, rest isn’t just about sleeping—it’s about giving yourself space to recharge in different ways.
A few weeks ago, I came across something that really stuck with me: there are actually seven types of rest we need to feel whole:
Physical rest – Sleep, stretching, or even just lying down.
Mental rest – Taking breaks, journaling, or quieting the mind.
Sensory rest – Less screen time, dim lights, or silence.
Creative rest – Enjoying art, nature, or something inspiring.
Emotional rest – Setting boundaries and expressing feelings.
Social rest – Stepping away from draining interactions and surrounding yourself with uplifting people.
Spiritual rest – Connecting with something greater than yourself, whether through meditation, prayer, or nature.
I realised that while I was physically resting, I wasn’t truly resting—I was still mentally and emotionally drained. I’m one of those people who, when sick, thinks, What even is rest? because I sometimes forget what truly nourishes me. I get so caught up in responsibilities that I neglect small but essential comforts—like a quiet painting session, tea before bed with a book, or even something as simple as carrying a water bottle throughout the day.
These seven types of rest weave through every part of life. They aren’t just about stopping—they’re about replenishing. So, I’m reminding myself (and you) to take rest in all its forms, in small, manageable bites.
the march note.
Hey hi hello,
I hope you’re doing well and that February treated you kindly. Speaking of February — love, growth, and all that jazz — I want to remind you of something important: people change.
Sometimes.
Now, don’t take that and run with it like I’m telling you to hold out hope for your toxic ex or that “friend” who’s only nice when it benefits them. No. Cut them off. A swift block, followed by immersing yourself in your own interests, will do wonders for your peace of mind.
What I mean is, you won’t always experience the version of someone you wish they could be. People evolve through different environments and experiences, and those changes are part of personal growth. When you’re constantly around people you’ve always known, it can be hard to work on yourself — especially if they’re not doing the same.
Getting out into the world adds layers to a person. Sometimes your presence reinforces someone’s patterns; other times, it takes distance for change to happen. But change can happen. And if you’ve tried everything, communicated openly, and nothing shifts? It might be time to walk away. Don’t back yourself into a corner trying to fix what isn’t yours to fix.
Growth requires space — that’s why we repot plants when they outgrow their containers. People are no different.
For example, if you want to start going to the gym, someone else isn’t going to magically want to join you unless they decide that for themselves. Maybe they’re just not ready yet. People need their own source of intrinsic motivation, and we’ve talked about this before. If you choose to go solo, you’re building habits that strengthen your independence. And whether you inspire them or not, you’ll be okay.
Also, try not to take it personally if they eventually start working out with someone else. It’s not a reflection of you — we’re all wired differently, with unique blends of brain chemistry, personality, and life experiences. Those factors shape what motivates us and when we feel ready to change.
This realization hit me hard in my early 20s, especially around friendship. Three of my biggest fears have always been feeling like a burden, being left behind, and unintentionally making others feel that way. I genuinely thought the friends I left high school with would be my forever people. When that didn’t pan out, I questioned whether I was just bad at socialising.
But university shifted my perspective. The person I saw in the mirror was social, courageous, kind, and reliable. I wasn’t lacking; I was just growing.
And so are you.
Let people evolve — and give yourself the freedom to do the same.
With love,