32 isn’t old. I checked.
Sent On →
Jan 22, 2025
Newsletter Issue →
4
Hey, it’s Sash:
Today is my birthday. I’m 32.
Here’s a list of amazing people who died at 32: Bruce Lee, Alexander the Great, John Bonham, Keith Moon, Cass Elliott, Srinivasa Ramanujan.
Their lives were short but incredibly impactful. It’s inspiring to think of all they accomplished — a reminder to keep going, raise my game, and make it count!
→ What I’m Creating
⨀ New Essay → “The Rhythm of Creativity”
This week, I reflected on the contraction (artistic output) and expansion (rest) of an artist’s soul.
With time, I’ve learnt that nonstop contraction leads to burnout. I still slip into old habits, but I’m better at honouring my own creative rhythm now.
⨀ New Poems
I uploaded seven new poems to my website.
My personal favourite → “el sol en la cara”
⨀ Next Single → She Can Be
My goal is to release this by the end of January (which is coming up fast!).
It’s been a deceptively tricky song to produce and mix — one of those where the challenge sneaks in when you least expect it.
But I’m starting to see the light and feeling confident I’ll pull it off in time.
→ What I’m Learning
⨀ Book Notes — Blood, Sweat, and Pixels
I just posted notes on this fascinating book about the unpredictable art of making video games.
It’s a much more non-linear creative process than music, painting, or writing.
Seeing the contrast between big studio projects (Uncharted) and indie solo efforts (Stardew Valley) was especially eye-opening.
As a creator, I’m naturally drawn to the indie approach — the scrappy determination and personal vision really resonate with me.
⨀ Slowing Down
Funnily enough, slowing down seems to be the answer to almost everything.
I was reminded of this recently in swimming: I couldn’t get my breathing or heart rate to settle, no matter how hard I tried. When I finally slowed down, everything clicked — I’m swimming more lengths now, watch out Léon Marchand!
It’s a great reminder for all areas of life: creative, professional, personal.
When you’re tempted to rush, try slowing down instead.
→ What I’m Loving
This week, I’m grateful for my body.
I’ve been exercising a lot, and it’s a blessing to have a healthy body that responds well to training.
Birthdays always remind me of mortality (see: how I opened this email), but they also remind me to appreciate what I have — and there’s still a lot of youth left to enjoy.
Thanks for being here with me. Signing off from Lekunberri now and heading to Donosti to celebrate with friends.
A closing thought:
“Don’t fear failure. — Not failure, but low aim, is the crime. In great attempts it is glorious even to fail.” ~ Bruce Lee
A fitting reminder as I celebrate another year of life — and another week of creating, learning, and growing.
And happy one-month birthday to this little newsletter — today’s the 4th issue!
Sash
⨀ Website: sashasmith.net
⨀ Email: sasha@sashasmith.net
⨀ What I’m doing now: sashasmith.net/now
P.S. How old are you? And when is your birthday?
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