the may note.
Hey hi hello!!
As always, I hope your month was just what you needed. If not, fret not—there’s always the beautiful month of May. It’s the perfect time to organise, make more space for the things you love, lean into your inner child, learn something new, or be inspired by something completely by accident. In other words—make moves!!
On that convenient note, my thought this month is about shifting locations. The idea that our physical space plays a big role in our level of motivation. Seeing new landscapes and observing how others live can spark positive change—or bring a sense of comfort (I'll get to that in a moment). These thoughts echo the March Note, where I mentioned how some people need a change in environment to kickstart their sense of arousal. Arousal here refers to the psychological term describing the spectrum of motivation or enthusiasm we feel toward something. This concept applies directly to our surroundings.
I recently spent some time in Albury—a beautiful little city nestled in a valley, just six hours from Sydney. I’ve visited a handful of times, and each time I’ve left feeling refreshed and inspired. Sure, it’s a holiday when I go—but I feel a similar sense of renewal just by moving my study setup from home to a park or the local library. This is a reminder that while going on a big trip has its benefits, a small shift in your environment is all it takes to create mindset shifts.
Now, comfortability. I think seeing the way others live can do one (or more) of three things:
It can help you appreciate your own life,
It can inspire you to work harder, or
It can offer a different way of living that simply feels right to you.
And honestly, that’s all I’ve got for you this month. Put away your phone, allow your curiosity to lead to somewhere new, soak in your surroundings. Let me know your thoughts.
yours truly,
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.