Market Day Reflections: A Journey of Growth and Connection

Today, I attended the Capital Food Market with my debut book, You Can’t Rush Friendships, which was recently launched. As an autistic creator, this day was significant for me. I woke up at 6:30 AM to set up by 8:00 AM. By the afternoon, I had definitely reached my limit.

A Journey Beyond Comfort Zones

Over the past five months, I’ve embarked on a journey I never expected. Starting Zosimos Curra™ has pushed me far beyond my comfort zone. I often doubted my skills and confidence. However, little by little, I’ve found myself growing. My social skills have improved significantly, even though they don’t always come easily.

At the market today, I had the chance to engage with kids and parents about the book. Everyone was curious about where the idea originated, and it was enjoyable to share the story behind it. Talking about my creations feels natural to me.

People also appreciated my drawings. Drawing helps me cope at events like these. I believe it’s my version of stimming, and it keeps me grounded.

Meanwhile, Mum truly enjoys connecting with people at our stall. She talks passionately about our progress. She is definitely better at selling the book than I am, but I think we make a great team. I also value the way she advocates for me and the support she provides. When we got home, she was thrilled to see a parent comment on our post saying, "My daughter loved the book."

That reminder of why we do this means a lot.

Lessons Learned Along the Way

One lesson I’ve learned over the last five months is that stepping outside your comfort zone, no matter who you are, adds up. The version of you today can be stronger, braver, or more capable than the version of you yesterday. As Mum often reminds me, “Daily deliberate actions compound." She read that in a book somewhere, although she can never quite remember which one. She has read so many books over the years that the sayings all start to blend together. I think it’s her way of reminding me that even small steps matter.

Looking back, I can see how each small step has shaped who I am becoming. Starting Zosimos Curra™ has not just been about creating books and art, but about learning who I am and what I’m capable of. I’m still figuring it out, but I know that I’m growing into someone stronger, braver, and more myself every day.

The Power of Community

I want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of community. The support I received today was overwhelming. Each interaction, each smile, and each word of encouragement fueled my passion. It reminded me that I am not alone on this journey.

Community is vital for creators like me. It provides a sense of belonging and understanding. When people connect with my work, it validates my efforts and inspires me to keep going. I am grateful for every person who stopped by, bought the book, and said hello.

Moving Forward

As I look ahead, I am excited about what the future holds. I plan to continue sharing my journey through Zosimos Curra™. I want to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness and step outside their comfort zones.

I encourage anyone reading this to take that leap. Whether it’s starting a new project, meeting new people, or simply trying something different, remember that every small step counts.

I’m sharing some photos from today, and I want to say a big thank you to everyone who supported us.

Nat 💚

P.S. If you missed out on buying our book, you can click here to grab your copy on Amazon 👇

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