How does all that relate to the work of storytelling? Well, I find that storytelling isn’t just about what we share with others, what gets broadcast for critique and consumption—storytelling has much to do with the stories we tell ourselves. These sacred pauses I’ve been exploring, and honestly practicing long before I had a name or the awareness, have served as an exercise in both presence and reflection. Ain’t it amazing how the themes we explore were ever-present, supporting us until our awareness can take note? Some of the stories I’ve been telling myself needed to be retired, others updated to serve both the creator and the core.

How does this relate to handling business? Well, dear reader, I’ve recently agreed with myself to slow down. It is a foreign concept to an Aries and yet essential to my overall well-being and to creating this life of ease. As with any new agreement, it takes practice before it becomes a habit, and grace is a requirement. My moment with Marteen reminded me that in the hustle and bustle of being on set, wanting to do an amazing job, and adhering to time restraints because… budget, our well-intentioned agreement and practices can easily become an afterthought if thought of at all. And yet, we can always slow down and make time to get our energy right, giving ourselves what we need to handle our business.

Being able to communicate through various mediums and, most importantly, having the ability to allow people to feel something from what I shared was a gift I knew I had to lean into. And yet, every chance I got, I tapped out— until it got so uncomfortable doing something that brought me no value or joy that I had no choice but to lean in. That was how I took care of myself; that is how I continue to take care of myself and, now, others.