Hey, it's Maggie.

This week, we are revisiting some of our favorite poems and reflections from the season so far. I'm Maggie Smith, and this is The Slowdown. During the hardest times in my life,

I found comfort and hope in a lot of different places.

I found it in art, in books, in poems, in music, and in films.

I found it in philosophy and spirituality, particularly in the Buddhist teachings of Pemashodran and Tiknahan.

I found it in long walks, in meditation, and an exercise,

and yes, in traditional therapy. But what comforted me the most and gave me the most hope was community,

the family and friends and neighbors who rallied around me,

the kind people who delivered meals

or who invited me out for coffee

or drinks or dancing or live music

or even roller skating.

The people who showed up, listened, and loved me unconditionally.

Research shows this to be true.

Nothing is more integral to your happiness than the quality of your relationships. A famous Harvard study

proved that embracing community helps us live longer and be happier. We need people we can look out for

and who are looking out for us.

When people show up for us, it's life-changing.

But eventually, the meals stop arriving, and maybe the calls and texts and notes slow down,

and life gets a little quieter.

There is no expiration date on grief.

When you lose someone you love or go through something particularly devastating,

...