Have you been wondering where I am? I don't blame you. It's been a few months.
Last time, I shared that a bad situation led me to abruptly quit my well-loved job of seven years, and that the sudden, brutal shift had left me feeling raw and a bit adrift. To be honest, I thought I'd be "over it" by now. But I'm learning that healing often comes in its own time. It's been a long and winding road, but I'm striving to trust that good things are coming, even when I can't see what's around the next bend.
Speaking of winding roads, it's peak leaf season here in Colorado, and I took a long drive through the mountains on Sunday to admire the golden aspen leaves. It was a spontaneous decision, born from a need to step away from the familiar and immerse myself in the breathtaking beauty. As I watched the landscape transform into a canvas of gold and green, I realized that nature has its own pace for change – and so do we.
Healing isn't linear. Some days, I feel like those vibrant aspen leaves, full of color and ready for whatever comes next. Other days, I'm more like the trees preparing for winter, shedding what no longer serves me and conserving energy for future growth.
This extended period of reflection and recovery has affected my creative life, too. My new manuscript is coming along, but the words are taking more time to fall into place just right. My new website and its online shop hit a snag, but it's coming together and should open in a few months. I am starting to understand that creativity, like healing, can't always be rushed. Sometimes the most important work happens in the quiet moments – in the spaces between the words, in the deep breaths taken in a golden aspen grove.
So to those of you waiting for my next book: thank you for your patience. And to those of you on your own healing journeys: be gentle with yourselves. We're all changing, growing, and finding our way – one leaf, one word, one day at a time.
How do you navigate unexpected life changes? What brings you comfort during times of transition? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Here's to embracing the journey, wherever it may lead us.
Happy, happy fall!
xo,
Sarah Madelin
