Sitting here in this quiet haven, surrounded by the gentle hum of nature, I feel like I’m finally rediscovering what it means to just be. There’s no schedule to keep, no deadlines to chase—just me, the trees, and the rhythm of the earth. The Artist Fellowship has offered me a gift I didn’t realize I needed so desperately: permission to slow down.
The mornings here are my favorite. The air is crisp, carrying the scent of pine and earth, and the sunlight feels like a soft embrace through the window. I’ve started each day with simple rituals—breathing deeply, stretching, and letting my mind wander as I journal or sketch. In this space, my thoughts aren’t tied to outcomes; they’re free to roam like the wind weaving through the forest.
During the afternoons, I take long walks, letting my feet guide me. The rhythm of my steps mirrors the rhythm of my heart—steady, unhurried, present. The trees stand tall, growing slowly and steadily over time. The streams flow gently, finding their path with ease. Everything around me exists in harmony, moving at its own pace, and yet nothing feels incomplete.
This slower pace has become a teacher. It’s taught me to listen—to the whispers of my own body and to the wisdom in silence. It’s shown me that rest isn’t indulgent; it’s essential. For so long, I’ve been caught up in the idea that I need to be in constant motion to create, to contribute, to matter. But here, in this stillness, I feel more connected to my creativity, my purpose, and myself than I have in a long time.
As the sun sets each evening, painting the sky with hues of orange and purple, I sit by the window with a cup of tea, watching the light fade and the stars emerge. I’m reminded that even in darkness, there is beauty, and even in rest, there is growth.
I’m leaving this experience with a deep sense of gratitude—for the space to heal, for the opportunity to reconnect with the natural world, and for the reminder that life doesn’t need to be hurried to be fulfilling.
This is the gift I’ll carry with me: the knowledge that I can move forward at my own pace, trusting that everything will unfold in its time. 🌿✨