Reaching the top and leaving it all behind

I recently came across an amazing, heartfelt, vulnerable Creative Mornings’ talk given by Grace Bonney. She’s widely popular and well known for her blog Design*Sponge (a daily design blog founded in 2003). She’s also a best-selling author. Yet, after 15 years and at the top of career and industry, she’s walking away from it all. By choice. This talk hit home for me. Her message echoed the sentiments and restlessness that I felt a few years ago myself. The desire to grow and to try something new is one of the many reasons why I started A Dose of Zen last year.

I, too, wanted more meaningful connections with people outside of the daily grind and the addictive use of technology. A Dose of Zen has allowed to me the opportunity to follow my newfound passion for writing along with the privilege to interview like-minded individuals seeking more meaning in life by pursuing their own new paths. One of the greatest pleasures is being able to share these beautiful stories of self-reinvention with our readers.

Grace Bonney reflects beautifully on the life lessons she’s learned. To her astonishment, they were not through her online platform or success in the design industry, but with real people in real situations. These encounters changed her perception of self-worth and gave her the courage to change her own course. Even though she is still figuring out what’s next, she’s doing it with courage and compassion. Grace seems perfectly at peace enjoying what will be the company’s final year.

Some of her beautiful words:

People matter.
Real lessons happen in real life.
Invest in people.
Nurture relationships with those you love.
Put down your phone.
Make a plan to meet someone in person.

Thank you, Grace, for reminding us all that life is a gift worth sharing, and living on our own terms, in our own way.