Throughout history, philosophers and artists have asked, "Why is life worth living?" A recent film revived that question for me, prompting a reflection on what makes all the beautiful and challenging aspects of my own life worthwhile.

My son immediately came to mind—his warm embrace as he sneaks into my bed on Sunday mornings.

Then came a cascade of images, sounds, and feelings: Schubert's Ave Maria, Op. 52 No. 6; Gena Rowlands in A Woman Under the Influence; Davis and Sarandon in Thelma & Louise; Sam Shepard, Brooke Adams, and Richard Gere in Days of Heaven; Ruth Gordon in Harold and Maude; and Sally Mann's evocative photography. I recalled long walks around Paris, the sweetness of a latte, and road trips through California's golden landscapes. I remembered a cigarette paired with a glass of wine, decorating the Christmas tree while listening to Dolly Parton, the vast expanse of the Sahara, the glow of Hanukkah candles, post-workout exhaustion, belly laughter with girlfriends, the bittersweet nature of change, the warmth of the sun on my skin, a rainy day in bed, and a steaming hot bath. Also, watching my son delight in life, re-reading my father's letters, the memory of a first kiss, the beauty of fall, and the simple pleasures of a great dress, red lipstick, a powerful suit, or a soft sweater.

Above all, what makes my life worth living is bringing the people I love together.

Last summer, while navigating a significant transition and packing up my Los Angeles home of 25 years in preparation for a move to Paris, I reflected deeply on the importance of connection—to the world around us, to others, to my own strength and vulnerability, and to my identity as a creator. Mostly to how those aspects would play out in this new chapter of my life.

What does this all mean in the context of a newsletter, a CEO and creative director of a brand, friend, sister, daughter, or simply being a woman? Like everyone else, I seek connection, community and a shared language.

And so, I share with you the world as I see it—the way I experience it: the people who inspire me, the things and places I love, my creative process and those who make it possible, the challenges I face, and the lessons I've learned and continue to learn. These are the elements that make it all worthwhile and, hopefully, will connect us.

Love,

Stephanie