Oh Maia, you have spoken so eloquently and beautifully on this subject that I find myself nodding along while holding you close in my heart.

Yes to all of it - all of the gentle slowing down, the conscious stepping back, the intentional purpose behind our decisions.

I also heartily endorse the idea that a house without books is not a home. YES! And to acknowledge this profound truth so well:

"I want for my work to connect with people — but at the heart of it all, I know that first, I must feel connected to what I’m doing. That is the relationship I need to nurture.

Everything else will come."

Indeed it will. In good time and due course.

Thank you for writing this gorgeous piece and thank you so much for that very kind shout out. You've made my day.