I finally cleared off the top of my dresser last week.
The pile of clothes that needed tailoring? I dropped them off on Monday.
The messy detritus from switching out handbags over the past few weeks has finally been tossed, recycled, or put away.
All of those bags are neatly stuffed on a shelf in my closet, waiting to be organized.
I’ve also been slowly adding goodies to a box for a newsletter subscriber giveaway, which is now full (entry details are at the end of this section).
I can’t remember the last time this space was this tidy. And I may be reaching here, but the state of my dresser over these past few months mirrors my mental health journey this year.
The year started with some semblance of control. However, as the weeks passed, my calendar filled up, and I struggled to balance my commitments with my own well-being. By the end of February, I hit a low point and felt overwhelmed by…well, everything. I had no choice but to confront my mess—mental, emotional, and physical—and I ruthlessly pared down everything that wasn’t essential to my work (Rhoshan Pharma and shooting TDS) or my family.
I’ve reluctantly accepted that messes will inevitably pile up again, and with each mess, there will be new lessons to learn.
Looking back on the first quarter, I feel a sense of pride in making it through and starting April with a relatively fresh slate. This month, I plan to tackle my home office (on the physical front) and establish a new writing routine that’s sustainable and enjoyable (on the mental front).
Right now, having this intention feels sufficient. How and when it’ll happen is anyone’s guess, but I’d like to keep this moment of clarity going.
I’d love to celebrate your messy wins and learn what they’ve taught you. Leave a comment on this Substack, and I’ll randomly select one of the commenters to receive the aforementioned giveaway box (books, beauty products, and some delicious items).
In case you missed them:
The first episode of That Desi Spark is up - I hope you watch it (and please subscribe to our YouTube channel).
Over on Instagram, I shared what Monday morning looked like, re-introduced myself with all of my roles and answered some this-or-that questions, crowdsourced your favorite comfort books/shows/movies/rituals,
And over on Threads, I was generally unhinged or helpfully attacking you. You’re welcome.
Duckbill.AI has truly changed my life. Instead of jotting that nagging task (doctor’s appointments, dinner reservations, sending flowers) into my Notes app only to never find it again, I just enter it into the app and someone/thing (a combination of AI and a real person) handles it for me. I have the individual plan ($99 for 8 task credits a month), and you can get 50% off your first two months with this link.
- ’s episode on our attention spans (or lack thereof) is a must listen.
A few outfits I’m loving right now - this Cher Horowitz set from Armoire, a cozy Sunday look (perfect for running the kids to karate and then for book club), and a Indo-Western look that was perfect for filming an episode of That Desi Spark.
Can a necklace make you less stressed? Debatable…but my new “worry pebble” necklace has given me a new ritual to follow (hold the pendant between my index finger and thumb and take deep breaths until it feels warm in my hand) has been more restorative than scrolling and switching between Instagram and Threads. I also keep these earrings on my desk, to help me feel more polished during Zoom meetings.
Frozen shoulder is one of those annoying perimenopause symptoms, and reared its ugly head for me this week. This stretch routine, this walking workout, and cupping & acupuncture really helped, as did a heating pad. I also picked up How to Menopause because I definitely need some help.
This thermal brush is the only hair styling tool I’ve been using lately. I can smooth out my air-dried hair in 15 minutes, and can listen to an audiobook/podcast/Mamma Mia! soundtrack because it’s completely silent
My friend Olivia is hosting this restorative virtual retreat that I think all of us could use right about now, and is offering us a generous 50% discount with the code FRIENDS (total cost is $25).
If you’ve made it this far, THANK YOU. And if you enjoyed this Substack, please:
tap the ❤️ icon below.
tap the 💬 and share your messy win + wisdom you learned from it
tap the ‘share’ button to send this to someone who may enjoy my writing
Celebrate that messy win, my friend.
xo,
HPN
My messy win is finally going through clothing boxes that I was holding onto in hopes I would fit back into them and accepting I won't. Next messy win is hopefully getting rid of the clothes via donation or consignment!
Good luck with frozen shoulder. I hope that you can defrost without too much difficulty. Re: meno sources, please consider checking out Dr. Jen Gunter. She’s evidence based, unlike some very popular IG meno influencers. Take good care.