5SmartReads

#5SmartReads is a regular summary that brings you the essential news, recommended books, and helpful tips to enhance your life. Whether you want a daily or weekly update, we curate the information you need to stay informed and inspired.

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are the boys okay?

3 days ago | hitha.substack.com | Hitha Palepu

There’s a Gloria Steinem quote that I think a lot about (and have tried to live by as a mom):“Though we have the courage to raise our daughters more like our sons, we've rarely had the courage to raise our sons like our daughters.”I felt like we’ve done a pretty good job of this, from when the kids were born to elementary school age. But as my kids get older (especially my eldest), it’s getting harder.
what are your travel habits/quirks?

1 week ago | hitha.substack.com | Hitha Palepu

I took two trips this week (a family reunion in Vancouver, a day trip to DC to meet an investor). It got me thinking about my many opinions about packing, and travel in general:I rarely use packing cubes. The only times I use them are for a multi-city trip, or when I’m packing my kids. I’m a self-proclaimed slutty packer - I roll some items, fold others, and stuff my underwear and socks into whatever nooks and crannies are left between my larger items.
the best of 5SR, vol. 1

2 weeks ago | hitha.substack.com | Hitha Palepu

I’m taking a beat this week to spend time with my family (currently in Vancouver to celebrate my aunt and uncle’s 65th anniversary), and to proactively rest instead of inevitably burning out. That said, the news is news-ing and I have some previous issues of #5SmartReads that offer some perspective - and solutions - for the problems we’re facing right now.
simple things that make my life easier

2 weeks ago | hitha.substack.com | Hitha Palepu

This little notebook changed my life. I purchased it to maintain my journaling routine during a busy, stressful stretch earlier this year. I started each day jotting down a quick gratitude list (rather than my usual 2-3 pages of manifestations and stream-of-consciousness journaling), and jump into the chaos of the day. Once things settled down and I got back to my regular morning routine, I’d keep this pocket notebook within reach.
the future we deserve (and one fun thing)

3 weeks ago | hitha.substack.com | Hitha Palepu

#5SmartReads is a Webby-honored weekly news digest that amplifies underreported news and underrepresented perspectives. My goal is to help you stay informed without being overwhelmed, and to embrace nuance and reflection over picking a side. The future to fighting airborne viruses is in…lamps? (Vox)It is.
hitting the reset button

3 weeks ago | hitha.substack.com | Hitha Palepu

Last week was a full one. It was full of connection, getting out of my comfort zone, and being out and ‘on’ more than I had in over a year. This week was a full one, but in a polar opposite way. After a brief anxiety spell on Sunday, I focused on recharging my internal battery beyond my usual routines. I slept way too late and woke up too early to finish ’s forthcoming book (smart, salacious, and un-put-downable).
why I went on a GLP-1

4 weeks ago | hitha.substack.com | Hitha Palepu

I want to be transparent about this process, and also protect myself in sharing more personal updates, especially ones that feel vulnerable. These essays will be behind the paywall, which is as low as Substack will allow me to go (I’m also offering a special lifetime discount, if you upgrade now). Over the past year, I worked really hard on building a healthy foundation to address some health concerns and to simply feel better. In November 2023, I felt like garbage.
a good week

1 month ago | hitha.substack.com | Hitha Palepu

This week was a full one - and an especially social one. It was my husband’s birthday on Monday, and we celebrated by seeing Zarna Garg and having one of the best dinners at Bungalow. I filled my cup with a lot of friend time (walks, rooftop hangs, coffee dates, a dinner at Leonatta for the launch of Localoka tequila). I spent Gentle Wednesday at the Frick Collection (my first visit, definitely not my last).
the plan - may 2025

1 month ago | hitha.substack.com | Hitha Palepu

April turned out to be my most consistent month of the year - and one of the most peaceful. A big part of this was starting a GLP-1, which I’m going to share more about in a separate post. The medication felt like a missing puzzle piece for my health (surprisingly, my mental health most of all), and was the key to sticking to April’s plan.
what kids deserve

1 month ago | hitha.substack.com | Hitha Palepu

#5SmartReads is a Webby-honored weekly news digest that amplifies underreported news and underrepresented perspectives. My goal is to help you stay informed without being overwhelmed, and to embrace nuance and reflection over picking a side. New Mexico made childcare free. It lifted 120,000 people above the poverty line (The Guardian)It's been 2 years since I shared how New Mexico is leading the country on state funded childcare.