Why I Disappeared: A Photo Essay-Explanation

Alone in the mountains, I...took...a...break.

(AKA other moments of courage—big and small)

• Taking a do-nothing vacation: I normally triple stuff my travel itineraries, but this year, I’m learning that idle time isn’t wasted time. Salta was my first ever trip with no phone, no plans, no purpose. And boy, it was delicious.

• Riding a horse: After almost dying on a horse as a kid, I developed a severe case of the Hell-Nos. Alone in Salta, I felt called to get back in the saddle for the first time in eighteen years. I might have screamed bloody murder as we galloped into the mountains, but this experience was one of the most liberating highlights of my year and dare I say…life.

• Stepping away from this newsletter: After meeting most of my self-imposed newsletter deadlines last year, I felt burnt out and conflicted. Crafting these stories brings me a level of joy and flow I don’t find elsewhere, but putting pressure on myself to produce when I needed to pause didn’t feel brave. So I stepped away to recharge, eat Argentine asado, and follow my heart until it said: Come back.

• Coming out of creative hibernation: Here’s what no one told me about taking a break from a project: It’s even scarier to start again. Do I remember how to Substack? Do people remember this project? Do I even know what I’m doing? No! But as I illustrated when I first launched Brazenface last year:

Plus a new illustration just in time for this fine Wednesday morning:

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Tatiana Gallardo is a freelance copywriter and illustrator based around the world. She likes long walks in the mountains, facing all her fears, and oo-wee-mama: taking needed breaks.