Ho Ho Ho, How are you?

How have you been??

How was Christmas? Had a blast, a peaceful day, or a lazy day??Doesn't matter!

Made your new resolution list? Vision board for 2025? New year plans sorted?

Isn’t it the time of the year to pretend to “get our lives together” by next month?

Too many plans, too many “should do’s,” and way too much pressure,?don’t you think it's a bit overwhelming?

It's just another day in the end. A fancy date change with a glittery countdown?

Okay, maybe I’m overthinking. For some, the idea of starting fresh might spark inspiration. But this time, I’m focusing on smaller things and going slow. Nah! Who am I kidding? Even I have 2025 goals and the inner urge to make it big.?

Capitalism is real. The rat race is real. The “no-hustle” mantra only works once you’ve reached somewhere, I guess?

In other random updates from my world (that you probably don’t care about):

I realized I cried more last week than I have all year and felt my lowest point.

But here’s the one thing that kept me going:

I could give you a thousand reasons why you should try The Steal Like an Artist Journal, but words wouldn’t be enough to explain how lovely and grounded it is. If you’re a creative (or just anyone who enjoys mindful fun exercises), this might be the best gift for yourself.

Oh, and the abrupt decision to start a LinkedIn newsletter, and the 950+ people who subscribed, I know not even half of them will open this, maybe 5 or 6 of you will make it this far.

So, thank you—genuinely!

The greatest treasure social media has given me is resonating with like-minded people. The joy of connecting with someone only through words or images!

If you are like me and enjoy finding joy in words, I’d urge you to check out this newsletter by Rishabh Khaneja . It’s pure delight!?

You’ll even get beautiful writing prompts and printable zines like this one:

I finished my Ahmedabad travel journal spread:

A couple of other journal spreads I did:

Tried a new way of journaling, with newspaper clippings and my thoughts:

And here’s to wrapping up the year, oh wait — new beginnings, that’s the term, right?

Thanks for being part of my little journey — seen or unseen, near or far. Here’s to surviving together on this crazy planet of pretenses and rat races.

Love and hugs,

Archana

PS: Tell me your most random New Year plan

Mine? To keep a tiny plant in my room and take a gloriously long nap!