The last decade or so has felt like a blur to me. Given all we’ve been through — a global pandemic, geopolitical instability, increasing environmental catastrophes and lest we forget, the current battle for democracy and basic human rights — I’d bet there’s a good chance it’s been a bit of a blur for you too. Add in parenting, menopause, trying to make a living in the arts during these crazy years and losing too many family members and friends and it’s a wonder I remember anything at all.

As I settle into my fifties I have come to realize that living and LIVING are two very different ways to go through life. For me, the last decade has felt like lowercase living, putting out fires and protecting my family. Going forward, I am leaning in to big, bold, uppercase LIVING because as the character Ferris Bueller once reminded a generation, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”