What Happens When You Finally Make Space
On shedding, breathing, and becoming your most authentic self
I’m writing to you from the Appalachian Trail.
I came out here to step away from the noise and give myself some space — space for my creative energy to bloom, space to reconnect with nature, space to just be without the constant pull of to‑do lists, emails, and the buzzing of my phone. Out here it’s just me, the steady rhythm of my steps, and the trees breathing all around me. And honestly? It feels like exactly what I needed.
Lately, I’ve been realizing that sometimes it’s not about doing more, but about making room. About clearing out the old so the new can finally arrive.
Why Space Matters
Ayurveda has a beautiful way of explaining this. It teaches that everything is made of five elements — and space is the one that allows all the others to exist. Without space, nothing can move or grow.
This year, I’ve been shedding old stories, identities, and beliefs that don’t feel like me anymore. It’s a little like hiking with an overstuffed backpack — eventually you realize you’re carrying way more than you need (like a harmonica, book, and razor). Letting go makes the walk so much lighter.
And here’s what I’ve noticed: when I create space, my nervous system finally exhales. I feel less pressure to do and more freedom to simply be. Space isn’t empty; it’s the fertile ground where your most authentic self can take root.
Listening for What You Long For
One quiet morning on the trail, as the sun filtered through the trees, I found myself asking not what should I be doing? but how do I want to feel?
Do I want more peace?
What am I called to create?
Do I want more connection with the people I love?
Do I want more joy in the simple things?
Out here, the answers didn’t come from a list or a plan — they surfaced naturally in the stillness. That’s the gift of creating space: it clears away the cobwebs so your inner voice finally has room to speak.
Simple Ways to Create Space (No Trail Required)
You don’t have to pack a bag and head for the mountains to feel this. You can start small, right where you are:
Morning pause: Before you check your phone, sit for 3 breaths. Ask yourself what feeling you want to carry through your day.
Mini reset: Choose one little corner of your home to keep clear and uncluttered. Let it be your tiny sanctuary.
Time boundary: Block off just 15 minutes in the evening for something that nourishes you — a cup of tea, some journaling, gentle stretching. Treat it like sacred time.
Even these little pockets of space are like trail markers pointing you back to yourself.
The Practice
Pick one place in your day where you can create just a little more space. Notice how it shifts the way you feel — maybe it’s more calm, more clarity, or even more joy.
As I keep walking these miles, I’m reminded: making space isn’t about emptiness. It’s about invitation. When we finally let go of what we’ve outgrown, we create room for the life and the self we’ve been waiting to meet.