The long awaited Pit Stop People Part 2 — almost one year later. For those of you that are still around… thanks for being here. As always, here’s a song to listen to while you read: All The Light by Ryan Harris
I’m still in awe every time I think about the people that I’ve encountered in my life that are no longer a part of it. It’s fascinating. It’s moving. It’s sometimes what I can’t put into words. It’s all of the above.
People don’t always stay in our lives but the words often have a funny way of sticking around. Two years ago, I met someone who impacted my creative life deeply. It was during a time when I longed for so much more than what I let myself have.
It’s interesting to think about this idea - longing for something and knowing at the same time you’re the only person standing in the way. It’s humbling and it also kind of hits you in the gut. No, it doesn’t also kind of hit you in the gut. It actually just hits you in the gut. Because at the end of the day, it’s up to you. Anything you do or don’t do, you have the control.
I was oscillating between these thoughts for a long time. I was also dreaming. I was becoming more clear on what I wanted. I would constantly catch myself drifting and daydreaming while simultaneously narrowing in on the life I desired. And sometimes, I even caught glimpses of it.
I remember instances where I would be driving and weirdly, out of nowhere, feel an overwhelming sense of calm and joy rush through me with some image that I could never describe now. It felt so familiar as if it were already a part of me yet, at the same, I recognized that it was a feeling I had not experienced. I didn’t have an option but to feel it fully and I wanted to stay there forever. However, I knew and I told myself, “this is what it will feel like”, “this is what I am after”, etc. What I desire - it’s attainable.
Those small snippets were foreshadowing what was to come. And not just to come randomly, but it was a trailer of what was just around the corner.
In early 2024, my days were saturated with the idea of writing a book. I had never written a book. I had no idea where to start. I’m not even much of a reader and here I was with this desire to write a book. I felt ill-equipped with a full steam ahead spirit. I just knew there were words that I wanted to put out into the world - not on instagram, not in a blog. But in a physical book. There were plenty of obstacles and for a period of time, I let them convince me I wasn’t ready.
But, there was someone in my life at the time who I told this idea to. And they said without hesitation, “see it through no matter what.”
When I wasn’t working on the book, the words obviously crept in. See it through no matter what. See it through even though you don’t know what you’re doing. See it through even though you’re not a reader. See it through even though you’ll make mistakes. See it through even though it’s your first time. See it through even though you’re scared.
This is a dedication to that person. And a reminder to myself - beyond this book - to see it through no matter what.
This has become a stepping stone for what is next - to get closer to the life that I envision. I used to see that life as something far in the future but what I’ve realized is that what I’m building now in the present is very much a part of it. You never know how truly sweet it can be until one day it just is, so lean in and enjoy.
Alexandra