This Week’s Featured Creator
This week, I’m delighted to introduce Maya Sarin, the writer behind Just This.
Quick Introduction
It’s been a complete joy getting to know Maya and gaining insight into her creative works here on Substack.
I was immediately drawn to her authenticity and courageous journey, which reminds us that when we take the time to listen and be fully present, the answers we seek are always within.
I hope you enjoy getting to know Maya as much as I have, whether reading her poetry or spending time wandering around her publication ‘Just This ‘; you are sure to find tender morsels of inspiration to carry forward into your own life’s journey.
Conversation with Maya Sarin
What is the heart of your Substack, and what do you hope readers experience when they spend time there?
My Substack, Just This, is about living authentically, joyfully, and peacefully. I share glimpses from my own inward journey that support this way of living. Sometimes, these reflections take the form of a poem.
My journey started three years ago when I faced a life-threatening illness. As I turned inward, so much became available to me. So much opened up. It felt like a complete rebirth, a shedding of what didn’t belong and a return to what was true.
My goal with Just This is to inspire others to embrace their interior life and live their best life.
On occasion, I also share insights from the self-publishing journey; earlier this year I published my first poetry collection called Ultraviolet: Meditations on Healing & Transformation.
What inspired you to begin writing or creating on Substack?
I was healing from illness and wanted to share my experiences with others who might be going through something similar.
Is there a topic, question, or idea that continually calls you back in your work? If so, what is it, and why does it matter to you?
Yes, there are a few questions that call me back to my work:
How can we reach our highest potential?
Why are some of us able to remain resilient and optimistic, no matter what life throws at us?
And why do some of us struggle with depression, or come to believe that life is happening to us, rather than for us?
This matters to me because of the strength, trust, and inner resources I was able to discover through my own experience. I believe that this inner support is available to each of us.
Sometimes we need the right guidance, some encouragement, or a gentle nudge to find our way back to ourselves.
If your writing or creative work could make one meaningful difference in someone’s life, what would you hope that difference would be?
To give others hope and to remind them that the answers we are seeking can be found in the natural world around us and within us. When we turn inward, the Universe, Spirit, the Divine, or our highest self seems to respond. The more time we spend there, the more we cultivate that relationship, and the more supported we can feel in our lives.
A Favorite Photograph
This is the original oil-on-wood painting that is featured in my poetry book, Ultraviolet. It is my most precious piece of artwork. It depicts me flying on the scrub jay through the unknown. This bird played a pivotal role in my healing journey from illness.
What is something that brings you joy or peace in your everyday life outside of writing?
Tarot and journaling have become important parts of my daily wellness practice. Tarot found me just a few years ago, and it has become a surprisingly meaningful part of my day.
It is both special and empowering, a way to pause, ask questions, and listen to what wants to come through. And then there’s the simple beauty of tarot. You get to hold beautiful cards in your hands and look at beautiful art. It’s a win-win!
I love writing ‘morning pages,’ too. It creates space for whatever wants to emerge and that’s powerful.
Featured Article
Click the link below to read:
The Missing Anchor in Modern Life
Connect With This Creator
Creator Name: Maya Sarin
Publication Name: Just This & On Instagram @mayapens
What advice would you offer someone who is just beginning their creative journey?
Just create. Just write without overthinking it or worrying how it will be received. There is so much honesty and freedom in creating from that place. Your work doesn’t have to reach everyone; it will naturally find its way to the people who need to receive it.
If This Resonates With You
One of the most meaningful ways to support a creator is simply to read their work and stay connected to it.
If something here speaks to you, I encourage you to take a moment to explore Maya’s Substack.
You can also support their work in small but powerful ways:
Subscribe to their publication so you don’t miss new writing
Leave a comment to let them know what resonated
Restack or share a piece you loved
Pass their work along to someone who might need it
These small actions are what help independent writers continue creating and what make spaces like Substack feel alive.
Interested in Being Featured?
Creator Spotlight exists to celebrate writers, artists, and creators whose work brings meaning, reflection, creativity, and connection to the Substack community.
If you’d like to be considered for a future feature, feel free to reach out. I’m always open to discovering new voices and sharing work that deserves to be seen.
Want More Discoveries Like This?
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Each week, I feature a creator whose work brings insight, creativity, encouragement, and heart into the world.
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Thank you for being part of a space where creators support creators and thoughtful work is shared and celebrated. Your presence here means the world to me.
With much love and gratitude,
Lis 💖
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Creator Spotlight: Courtney Cunningham
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Creator Spotlight: Saira Anwar
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Creator Spotlight: Sam Messersmith
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Creator Spotlight: Colin Durrant
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Savor Life Studio Weekly Schedule
Tuesdays – Anchor Reflection
Personal reflections on life, creativity, and living slowly and meaningfullyFridays – Creator Spotlight
Featuring inspiring voices and creative work across SubstackSundays – Community Table
Free resources, creative gifts, and shared inspiration
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Savor Life Studio ~ Create, Connect, and Grow in Peace is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
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Dear Lis, thank you for giving me the opportunity to be featured in your wonderful publication! Substack is lucky to have you. I appreciate your kindness & generosity. 🙏