Learning to Slow Down and Embrace Balance

I have been absent this summer...For the first time in 10 years, I have been silent on social media and sending emails. My heart is broken as my father, Dan passed away this summer. Normally I would not write about this but I think it is an important part of the human experience. Everyone dies. And here in the U.S. no one really talks about it. Aging or grief. We only hear about staying young and staying busy. No one can put off the inevitable. We all age and at some point, we will pass. The trick is to age gracefully and to die with dignity. Keep communication open, share and learn.

It took almost two years to make the decision to move my dad to where he could have help that was beyond my capabilities, to find an assisted living facility that was a good fit and to move him out of his condo. It only took six months for him to go downhill, to the ER and finally home with us in hospice care. In retrospect it was quick. 28 days of at home care was a decision we made and it was beautiful, sad and horrific all at once. I am grateful to have made the choice and create the time to spend with him.

My mother passed away 20 years ago and I probably went back to work in a week. This time, knowing better, I have been kind to myself and took time to reconnect to nature (the beach) and see family. All the things that have been waiting for me seem so inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. Silly and mundane. A distraction to keep me from what really matters. Taking care of myself, nature and embracing love in all it forms.

With that said, I am creating a new normal and new way of being. I am releasing the frenetic pace of work and overachieving. I am not responding to emails, voicemails or other requests in a breakneck speed. I am stepping away from all screens in a healthier way and embracing balance, real balance between work and play for the first time in my life.

I am grateful for the journey and the lessons learned. I am grateful to have a platform to share and grow. Thanks for growing with us and being a part of our studio. Creative and mindful pursuits are what we need more now than ever. Let’s keep sharing and evolving. Being thankful for finding like-minded being who enjoy and honor this thing called life.