When Life Gets in the Way of Your Passions: Why It’s Okay to Pause

This summer, I had to put my brushes down.

I had so many plans and ideas for new paintings, new projects, new things I wanted to share with the world. But as life unfolded — the heat of Sardinia, visits from family, and my daughter being home from school — I quickly realized: there simply wasn’t enough time or energy left for painting.

At first, this left me frustrated. I felt like I was failing — both as an artist and as a mother.

But then, slowly, something shifted.

I remembered that the core of my art has always been about rest. About slowing down, breathing, reconnecting with myself and with the beauty of the world around me. And maybe this pause wasn’t a failure at all — but a lesson.

A Different Kind of Productivity

In a society that constantly tells us to do more, achieve more, be more, it can feel almost “wrong” to simply pause. But here’s the truth: rest is not wasted time.

This summer, my most important “work” wasn’t painting. It was spending time with my daughter. Speaking German with her, watching her play freely, creating memories that we’ll both carry forever. That was the season I was meant to be in.

And when I finally gave myself permission to see it that way, the stress lifted. I realised: life is not a race. We don’t need to live by impossible standards. We can live by our own.

Inspiration Always Returns

The most beautiful part? Inspiration always finds its way back.

Through mornings by the sea, a boat trip to Tavolara Island, and quiet sunsets, I started to feel my creativity slowly waking up again. The pause had refilled my well. And when I finally will pick up my brush again, I know I will feel lighter, more grounded, and deeply inspired by the beauty I have witnessed all summer long.

A Gentle Reminder

So, if you’re in a season where you don’t have time for your passions, I want to remind you: that’s okay. Your creativity will wait for you. The pause is not the end of your story — it’s part of it.

Trust the timing of your life. Breathe. Be present. The art, the work, the dreams — they’ll still be there when you’re ready.

And when you do return, you might just find that your passion feels deeper and richer than before.

✨ The painting born from this summer’s pause has become a reminder of these truths. It’s now available as a fine art print — a little permission slip to rest and trust your own pace. You can find it here.