No. 78 (100!) Ambition, identity + belonging with Meera Lee Patel
Today I’m joined by artist and author Meera Lee Patel, whose work centers on self-reflection, emotional awareness, and intentional living. Through her illustrations and writing, Meera helps people ask better questions and develop a deeper relationship with themselves.
Her newest journal, Learn to Let Go, was inspired by her own journey of accepting where you are, embracing change, and finding the courage to release what no longer serves you — which made her the perfect person to help answer today’s listener question.
Dear Evergreen,
I’ve been trying to live more mindfully, but part of me feels guilty for letting go of ambition and the pressure to “do more.” How do you find peace with simply being when the world keeps telling you to become more?
In this conversation, we explore:
Letting go of ambition and redefining what a meaningful life looks like
The tension between mindful living and productivity culture
Identity, belonging, and living in alignment with your values
Developing an authentic voice and expression over time
Learning to accept where you are while still growing
A thoughtful conversation about prioritizing yourself, listening inward, and creating a life that feels true.
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ASK YOUR QUESTION: (512) 655-9888 (USA)
For submitting questions or business inquiries, please email me at theevergreenrx@gmail.com
Disclaimer: Everything posted here is for educational or entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for individualized medical or mental health treatment. Please reach out to a professional therapist or doctor if you are in need of assistance. Listener questions may be specific to one individuals life or an amalgamation of common experiences and dilemmas.
Listen to full episode :
22 minidose episodes + 78 reg episodes = 100th ERx episode!
Your prescription for living well, dose for this week:
We are celebrating our 100th-episode 🎉 conversation with MEERA LEE PATEL! by exploring the tension between ambition + simply being, revealing that much of our guilt around “not doing enough” is conditioned, not innate. The key is to identify our true values, release inherited definitions of success + recognize that growth often includes grief for past versions of ourself. Ultimately, belonging doesn’t come from fitting into expectations—it comes from being fully yourself, even if that means changing environments, identities, or goals over time.
Reminders:
You don’t need to abandon ambition—you need to redefine it in alignment with your values.
The guilt you feel about “not doing enough” is often learned, + it dissolves when you prioritize not disappointing yourself.
You are allowed to evolve endlessly—who you are now doesn’t have to match who you were or who others expect you to be.
>>>>> Question where guilt is coming from. Revisit your values. Growth often feels like grief. Mindfulness + ambition are not opposites. The deeper issue may be belonging. Ask: Am I disappointing myself? Boundaries protect your ability to love well. Awareness is noticing the old voice without becoming it. Change requires desire, not just insight. Believe in your own infinity. 🌈
