2024 has been a special year for me. After years dominated by obligations, learning, and constant thinking about efficiency and productivity, for the first time, I truly feel like I can relax.  

No more endless studying, no more pressure to push forward faster.

Instead, I’ve realized that now is the time to pass on my knowledge—while also creating space for myself.

What has changed?

This year, I’ve noticed that significant, time-consuming aspects of my life started shifting.  

For example, my children have become much more independent, and after years of focusing on constant self-education, I’ve reached a point where I can feel proud of my learning achievements.  

Of course, I still want to keep learning—who ever really stops?  

But I no longer feel like there are any gaps I *must* fill.

It’s an incredibly liberating feeling.  

Suddenly, there is much more room for me—and I’ve taken full advantage of it!  

Additionally, for the first time since becoming a mom, I decided to take the entire summer off.  

No work for the blog, no projects for my business—just a complete break from any work whatsoever.  

It was a conscious decision to allow myself this time of rest.  

And you know what? It felt amazing.

The Power of Letting Go: Summer Holidays Without Obligations

For the first time ever, I allowed myself to close my laptop and completely step away from work for a few weeks.  

Instead, I read books, spent lots of time with my family, and mostly let the garden take care of itself.  

No plans, no to-do lists—just being.  

And the surprising part?

The garden still bloomed and life went on, even without my constant control.  

This realization showed me that sometimes, in our own lives, we can afford to loosen the reins a little.  

Not everything requires our constant intervention to flourish.

A Summer of Books and Inspiration

During this downtime, I read some wonderful books that not only brought me joy but also connected deeply with my love for nature and botanical art.  

Because I know you’re wondering what books they were, here’s the list:

• The Invention of Nature: The Adventures of Alexander von Humboldt, the Lost Hero of Science by Andrea Wulf

  It took me into the fascinating world of a man who revolutionized our modern view of nature.  

  I felt like I was on an expedition myself, so vividly does Wulf describe Humboldt’s curiosity and spirit of discovery.  

  This book reminded me how important it is to stay curious.

• The Plant Messiah: Adventures in Search of the World’s Rarest Species by Carlos Magdalena

  This was an adventurous journey to some of the rarest plants in the world.  

  While reading, I wondered: what rare plants could I discover in my own garden?  

  It felt almost like a treasure hunt—only the treasure was the nature growing right outside my door.

• Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses by Robin Wall Kimmerer

  This book touched me deeply. The way Kimmerer talks about moss—so poetically and profoundly—made me see the tiniest plants in my garden with new eyes.  

  She reminds us of how valuable even the most unnoticed elements of nature can be if we take the time to truly observe them.

• If Women Rose Rooted - A life-changing journey to authenticity and belonging by Sharon Blackie

  Finally, this book felt like a journey into myself.  

  It inspired me to rediscover my inner roots—not just metaphorically, but also in terms of my connection to nature and community.  

  It’s a powerful plea for authenticity and belonging, something I deeply long for in my own life as well.

The Power of Rest and the Desire for Community

What became especially clear to me during these weeks of rest was this:  

Restful phases are just as important as active ones.  

They are not a sign of weakness or laziness but are essential for gaining clarity and recharging.  

We live in a world that constantly drives us to do more, learn more, achieve more.  

Yet, it’s the moments of pause that help us process what we’ve learned and move forward with renewed energy.  

During this time, I also realized that I long for more community.  

Running an online business is wonderful and fulfills me in so many ways—but it can also be lonely.  

Yes, I have online connections with other women walking a similar path, but real, local connections are sometimes missing.  

That’s why I’ve decided to focus not only on my online offerings but also on creating opportunities locally.  

I want to build a community here, in my region—Northern Bavaria—where we can support and exchange with one another.  

Through botanical art, but also beyond that.

Conclusion: Embrace Rest and Seek Community

This year has shown me how important it is not only to allow restful phases but to actively seek them out.  

These moments are not wasted time—on the contrary, they are the foundation for new ideas, clarity, and inner growth.  

You don’t always need to be productive to be successful.  

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is let go and trust in nature—and in your own life.  

I’ve also learned that community and connection are essential.  

We are social beings, and especially as self-employed individuals, it can sometimes feel lonely.  

That’s why I want to not only have an online presence but also create opportunities locally that inspire and bring others together.

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And You?

When was the last time you gave yourself a conscious break?  

Maybe it’s time to loosen the reins a bit and see what “rare plants” you might discover in your own life when you make room for rest.  

I invite you to think about how you can incorporate small moments of retreat and community into your daily life.  

Sometimes, it’s the quiet moments that leave the deepest impact.  

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!