I recently had a Big Talk conversation with one of my favorite people on this earth: Hospice Nurse Julie. She shared with me one of the most beautiful ways she has ever seen someone die.

At the end of the conversation, she shared the words someone once said to a dying loved one that have stayed with her:

“You were so easy to love.”

I’ve thought about those words often, and in the comments below the Instagram video, I’ve been floored by other people’s stories about how they saw their loved ones off.

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Over the past couple of months, I’ve had the opportunity to lead various Big Talk workshops and events. A few weeks ago, I spoke virtually for the Fulbright Program, traveled to Quantico, Virginia, to speak with military families, and headed to Malibu for a book salon about Big Talk.

It’s always meaningful to see Big Talk find its way into such different rooms and communities.

I have also had some incredibly beautiful encounters like this one with a father who cares for his son.

I will continue to share these encounters and lead Big Talk workshops. But I’ve started to think about new ways to make an impact through Big Talk. This question is always at the back of my mind: What’s next for Big Talk?

A friend recently reminded me that some of the most magical and meaningful experiences in Big Talk—and in my life—have happened when I wasn’t looking for them.

One of my friends calls this in-between period “creative loitering.”

I’ve also been calling it the “fertile void.”

So instead of rushing to figure out what’s next, I’ve been trying to enjoy this in-between space.

Lately, that's looked like watching documentaries, going to community events, enjoying live music, cooking, reading books and newspapers, painting and doing pottery, surfing, spending time with family and friends, and being a little more present for whatever is happening around me.

A question for us to reflect on this season:

“What’s something good that came into your life when you weren’t looking for it?”

I’d love to hear your answer!

Thank you for reading!

As always, please feel free to reply to this email with thoughts, questions, ideas, or just to say hello.

Kind regards,

Kalina

Big Talk: Skip the small talk and make more meaningful connections.

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