Julie Jewels Smoot

A hand carefully pulls a wooden block labeled "CHOICE" from a stacked tower, symbolizing decision-making. There is something I have learned through my experiences as a United States Navy veteran, a survivor of sexual violence, an advocate, and a woman living with Complex PTSD. Having a choice matters. It matters when someone enters a room. It matters when someone approaches your body. It matters when someone asks you a personal question. It matters when someone invites you to

The pause after a gong. The quiet following a Tibetan singing bowl. The moment before a hand pan melody begins. The natural sounds that may be present in the recording environment. Those spaces create room for the sounds to be heard individually. They also influence the overall rhythm of the recording.

We are encouraged to wake up early, work harder, exercise more, accomplish our goals, and keep moving toward the next achievement. Rest is often treated as something we earn after we have done enough. Slowing down can feel uncomfortable when we have spent years believing that our value is connected to how much we accomplish.

I know what I have accomplished. I know the hours behind the writing. I know the vulnerability behind the music. I know the effort behind advocacy. I know the quiet discipline behind personal growth. I know the moments when choosing myself required more courage than anyone else could see.