I became a lot better at slowing down and being present after having kids. Mostly as a survival technique—a toddler-paced walk can feel excruciating if you can’t learn to slow down and take in your surroundings. That doesn’t mean I’m always that way, I hide in my phone or have hamster wheel thoughts too, but at least when I’m outside or have access to a window, I can tap into a few moments of calm and ease. This helps revive me for creative practice and gives space for creative thoughts to bloom.