Flying Sardines and Landing in Gratitude

I’ve been on a work trip — traveling this week, which means I haven’t had much time to write—and I’ve missed it. I’ve missed connecting with y’all here, where there’s always room for reflection (and mercifully, no fight over the armrest 😉).

Airports always amuse me. You see every walk of life streaming by: families balancing snacks and strollers, business travelers speed-walking to their gates, college kids curled up in hoodies. And then, somehow, we’re all crammed together on a plane—packed like sardines, shoulder to shoulder, each with one shared goal: get to our destination. A hundred strangers squeezed into the same space, each carrying their own story and reason for being there.

Now that I’m back home, I’m grateful for the pause. For the space to breathe, reflect, and return to the rhythm of writing. Travel reminds me how big and busy the world is. Home reminds me why I love slowing down—and connecting with you here.

— The Wallflower