14. Needs

Dear friends,

I've been quiet lately. Sometimes my silence is a sign that I need to withdraw, listen to my inner voice, and restore my energy – something I often forget to do when burning the candle at both ends.

I'm writing from Berlin, where I'm in residency working on my upcoming solo show. Beside me is a brilliant artist, a painter whose creativity will bring the scenography to life. As we work, the story unfolds organically, bringing unexpected moments of goosebumps and tears. What began as a concert is transforming into something deeper – a performance piece.

Perhaps this is what I was meant to do all along. Not the life of a classical orchestral percussionist, not touring with a band, not writing a doctoral thesis, and not even becoming Scandinavia's best female drummer (a goal my wise coach once countered with: "Let's raise the bar – focus on becoming the best version of yourself").

Instead, my path is simpler yet more challenging: telling my story with complete vulnerability and truth. That's my focus until the premiere. After that... well, we'll see where the story takes us.

Thank you for your patience and for walking this path with me.

I appreciate you.

Love,

Maria

Picture from the amazing exhibition Introspection by Frank Ockenfels 3 at Fotografiska in Berlin.

https://berlin.fotografiska.com/en/exhibitions/frank-ockenfels-3