Hi, you guys, in this video I'll talk about life, about our trip to Michigan and much more. You can turn down the volume to let the drumming of my voice help you fall asleep or you're welcome to listen to my thoughts. Thank you for being here! ♥ 00:00 Intro, nervously relaxing myself into speaking, haha :) 02:52 Trips this year so far, traveling alone, family, water 10:35 Growing up in a tiny town, childhood without limits 15:42 Earning money, my views on money and debt 22:00 Painting prints and souvenirs from Michigan 29:51 Mental health, feeling blessed but not belonging 32:51 Back issues 34:50 What I learned that helps with back pain 38:35 Latest interests 41:17 Goodbyes :)

we ARE okay listening to you, Maria. Thank you so much to buid up the courage and energy to show yourself to us and take the time for this kind of talk!

Wasn't expecting to cry but you expressed what I (and so many others) have struggled with. As much as I enjoy your scripted ASMR videos, these open, honest rambles are better to me than "tingles." They remind us that we're not alone. That's all anyone really wants - a sense of connection. ❤️ Happy belated birthday, Maria.

You sharing your struggles is not the same as complaining! We care about you and want to know how you are. I’m so sorry you’re in pain. That can have a huge impact on mental health. You are an amazing person 💛

I started listening to you during my pregnancy when I was 18. My daughter is now 13 and we both still listen to you. You have no idea how much you helped me during those tough years. Thank you ❤️😊

I am so sorry you feel this sadness Maria. There is a lot going on in the world right now, so it is normal to feel sad and out of place. I’m praying for your happiness and well being. 🙏🏻

Sometimes I think I watch Maria just to feel like everything is going to be alright in the end. You're like the big sister I needed as a kid. Your authenticity and vulnerability is deeply soothing.Thank you so much for continuing to do these videos and sharing your heart with us.

‘I feel like I’m not very well anymore. Maybe I never was’ stuck me so deeply. These open honest conversations are so important ❤️

I’m not a sad person, but I’m a person with a lot of sadness. This always resonates with me: “If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.”- C. S. Lewis Wishing you well on your journey.

Maria! Do not hesitate to post videos like this or feel like no one is listening, I absolutely love them. They are perfect for listening to and doing work to. asmr is not just about tingles or making videos that are aesthetically pleasing/satisfying, it’s also about that connection with your audience and reducing feelings of loneliness. So, if making videos like this makes you happy or helps you express feelings that otherwise go unexpressed, please do!

Maria, you are such an incredibly compassionate, kind, and wonderful person. You are a light to so many and have been there for thousands to millions of people at various stages and emotions of life - some like me for more than a decade! You MORE than deserve the same support and love in return. I love these videos of just getting to see and hear you 🤍 Thank you for all you do.

I feel like Masha has one of the most interesting life stories and inner perspectives/ philosophies, and she doesn't even know it. I am always here for this kinds of chats, sending lots of love ❤

Maria, i see and hear your videos for over 10 Years. You helped me when i can't fall asleep after a hard day of work on an IntensivCareUnit. You inspiratet me for coming down when my world was broken after my Mom pasted and my friend pasted too young. I am hypnotized when i hear you voice every day. You let me dream when my hearth was broken and dark outside. You gave me love when i felt alone. I was los and you find me back so that i walk back straith my life. I say THANK YOU FOR SO MANY HELP YOU GIVE ME. You dont know how much you have given to me let my Life living so much better. I love you like a Friend a good Friend. I thank you so much. I wish you every Luck and Health you need. I hope your get ok. Sharing your Videos and any lifestamps. I am your Friend forever . You have the best Fans because you are the absolutely Queen of ASMR. The Best of the world for me.❤❤❤❤❤ Greetings from Germany, Duisburg Christian.

I love listening to you talking “at” us too, I’ve never felt a disconnect or something like that. One of my favourite things about your videos is whether you’re doing roleplays or chit-chats it’s so immersive and relaxing my mind forgets I’m watching a video for the moment, it truly feels like we’re just being pampered and/or hanging out. ❤ Wishing you peace & good health Maria, you’re such a wonderful soul and creator and we are all so grateful for all your hard work and what you share with us!

Maria!!! My husband has struggled with back pain and I can tell you from our experience that finding him a physical therapist was soooo helpful! He does stretches every single day and his PT said that walking and movement is supposed to be a good thing! He also ices every night. It’ll get better but having back issues is a roller coaster. You got this!! ❤❤❤

Stress and depression can definitely bring on physical pain. I know how you feel when you said that you felt like you don't belong. Maybe home is within you, because you help so many people? I too live with pain as well. You are such a sweetheart Maria. I would love to meet someone like you. When I feel down, I just remember to treat myself with kindness. Sending you healing vibes! Thank you for being you. I truly appreciate you ❤️

i’ve lived in michigan my whole life so it’s nice to hear someone praise it like this 💜

Sometimes we need to feel sad, feel our feelings, in order to process them. No kick in the butt, no feeling like you shouldn't feel sad because of the blessing you have. Just let the sadness be, don't rationalize it away. Lovely video ❤

I love that you share your trip recaps with us, these chit chats videos feel very comforting for me and I imagine so many others. You have a way of making me feel like I’m right there with you. Thank you Maria. You’re so appreciated. You’re a light in this world, and I hope you know how loved you are.

You are our community’s mother, sister, friend, and safe space. Please allow yourself the same space to express your inner thoughts (when you’re comfortable). Whenever you post a personal update video I always check them out because I love to hear what you do and think outside of the asmr centered videos. I’ve known you since 2014 and I continue to hold a special place in my heart for you. Your relatability and vulnerability has picked me up when I’ve been low in my own life. I wish you nothing but the best and I hope you find the place that makes you feel like you truly belong

Hi Masha! I have been watching you for I think around 7 years now and I am super grateful for every single video that you post. You were the first ASMRtist I have ever watched and still my favourite to this day. If I can't relax or I can't fall asleep or I am on the hunt for tingles I can always rely on your videos to help me. Your family is beautiful and I absolutely love your vlog channel. I can feel how genuine u are through your videos and your positivity is contagious. Whenever I'm gardening or ironing im always doing it with your videos playing in the background. You have inspired me to practice more self care and to pay more attention to my health. You have had such a positive impact in my life and I am sure on many other peoples lives and for that I am super grateful. I wish you Mila and Daryl all the health and happiness in the world💕

Feeling like you’re an odd one out, like you’re never at home around people, is so relatable - sending a giant hug ❤ ps. Saying how you feel, be it overwhelmed, or anxious, is not complaining! You can have a totally blessed life and also struggle with emotions. Our heads and hearts are often struggling to keep up with each other, so never feel bad to trying to voice your current state. Life is confusing and complex and it is so much better to talk about it than pretend everything is perfect ❤

Maria, as a person that has suffered from back pain due to scoliosis issues since I was a teenager , let me tell you our bodies are able to adjust to things more than you think! This may sound sad, but I have learned to live with the pain. I have also found things myself that help, like foam rolling, those creams that warm up your back, and warming pads, but honestly, its reached a point where I don't even think about it that much. And it may sound sad, but honestly I think it's great, because it doesn't take up any capacity in my thoughts! Its more like something in the background, that I navigate around and often times forget about! I also believe that my back pain has let me to start great activities that I wouldn't have otherwise done, like yoga, more exercise and a lot of stretching, and I have more of a motivation to do them than your average person that is in pain, so I am also grateful for that. Like I said, we can endure more than you think! Also, I believe its totally fine to share your concerns! I don't think its complaining, sadly bad things happen in life that we can't control, and its impossible to constantly have a smile on your face. There is nothing wrong with recognizing your emotions and expressing them! And no, you are not boring, we are happy to be here to hear your concerns! Thank you for all your content all these years, you have helped me through some really tough times ❤❤

listened to this during my 4 mile walk today and it felt like you and I were walking together, chatting, and catching up. God bless you and your family Maria 🩷🩷

Very much appreciate your thoughts on solo travel. Being yourself in public without the demands of others is really an amazing thing. I'm really glad you got to go. Being of a third culture is tough. When I'm with my Hispanic family, I'm the white girl and when I'm with my French family, I'm the Latina. When I'm in everyday public spaces, I get, "where are you from?". It's a real thing. I'm also so sorry to hear about your recurring back injuries and chronic pain.

I really relate to your feeling of being sad while you’re happy. For me I think it’s because I’m getting older and I feel sad and nostalgic for the past version of myself who was more carefree and able to just trust that my parents would handle every situation. As an adult now, I’m happy in life, but I am sad because of the nostalgia if that makes sense. Sending you all my love!! I hope you find the place where you feel you truly belong soon ❤️

Maria, I’m not sure if you’ll see this but I struggled with back pain for SO LONG (10 years). You mean so so much to bringing health and stability to my life with your videos it breaks my heart to hear about your back pain. For TOO LONG I thought my back pain was part of normal life or my fault from working at a desk or not being active enough. After my family/friends realized how crippling my pain was and confronted me…I finally went to a orthopedic DR who referred me to go to PT, even the DR thought I had early onset arthritis at 30! As soon as I started working with my PT I started to learn that retraining my little muscles and toning those is what I needed to do to help my back. I was using my back to overcompensate for the use of soooo many other muscles. It was a big change to dedicate every day to very specific stretches and strange exercises. I went from experiencing pain daily at a level of 7-8 out of 10 and using tiger balm/icy hot rub everyday to 12 weeks later living pain free most days and bad days being 2-3 out of 10 with the tools/stretches to bring that down to a 1 or 0. I really cannot more highly recommend you try to get a script to go to PT, if you message me I can also DM you the exact plans I got from my Physical Therapist too. Wishing you nothing but the best and please know life does not have to be so physically painful!!

Maria, I was born and raised in Michigan, and it’s so heartwarming to hear you talk about it with such love. The nature truly is so beautiful, and the people are so kind and open. You fit right in. Only a few days ago, I moved away from my family in northern Michigan for a job in Germany. I’ve been feeling homesickness and watching ASMR as a comfort, and scrolled through your channel and found this! It was like a virtual hug, seeing all those prints and hearing what a lovely trip you had. Michigan would be lucky to have you, if you ever think about making a move ⛵️💌 Sending love 🌅

And you are not complaining. You are just expressing your emotions and thoughts and that is okay, it's best to let it out than to keep it inside....❤

Thank you for sharing your journey with us. The highs and all the lows. What you said about feeling like an alien, and not feeling at home anywhere, really struck me. It felt validating to hear someone else articulate what I so often struggle with. I hope anyone struggling with these feelings can find peace and contentment.

Maria comes across as such a human, human being. A beautiful woman.

Не оставляю надежду ,что болталка выйдет и на русском , очень бы этого хотелось ))) Машенька, спасибо за труд ! И хочу поздравить с прошедшим днём рождения! Пожелать только лучшего в жизни и конечно крепчайшего здоровья Вам и Вашим родным людям !

Its okay to struggle. Its okay to have bad days. You are human. It is your vulneraibilty that makes you so endearing and loveable, and I have found it very comforting to know that I am not alone in some of my struggles. You are so genuninely kind and thoughtful. Praying you will find comfort and healing soon. ❤

I’m always so happy to hear you sharing your personal experiences; because I admire you so much. We do not blame you for becoming more nervous to “talk to us not at us”… as a KZfaqr, you are signing up for harsh criticism. I just want you to know how much we support and love you. Keeping it real ALWAYS wins ❤️

I listen to your videos every night and have rewatched them with so much comfort and relaxation. This has been one of my favorites so far. Allowing yourself to express the deep feelings that so many of us carry around but never share is such a blessing. Thank you for your courage and openness. I too injured my back and was down and unable to garden, dance or do most anything at all for so long that I got very internalized and depressed. I knew I had to pull myself out of that no matter how much pain I was in because I wasn’t seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s hard but my mother always told me, “this too shall pass” sometimes I thought that wasn’t helpful but she helped me realize that my situation was a season and it won’t last forever… and it didn’t. I’ll pray for you and thank you again for what you give to this community. I hope you feel that we are here for you too.

Don’t feel guilty for being in a season of life of wanting privacy for yourself and your family. We are always here supporting you, whatever that means for you 💕

Soft spoken is the best ❤❤❤

I love this side of Maria and completely understand the health issues, it can be so tiring, I'm struggling with them myself. But maybe one day we won't feel this pain, because it keeps us from enjoying life

Maria, you were the first ASMR that I every watched about 10+ years ago. You are so precious, take all of the space that you need. We love whatever you choose to share. ❤️✨

I’m sorry to hear you’ve been having some struggles emotionally and physically. You are not alone, and it is healthy to express how you feel. ❤ Sending you love and support.

As a Michigander, I am SO excited to hear about your trip! Have you ever been to Mackinac Island? You would LOVE it! I feel it is the absolute treasure of Michigan, much like you are the absolute treasure of ASMR. Thank you so much for all you do! ❤

Поздравляю с прошедшим днем рождения! Творите и делайте всё в удовольствие! Мы Вас бесконечно любим и ценим ❤

Maria, as others have said, sharing feelings is not equivalent to complaining. Moreover, it doesn't matter how many friends you have, how much money a person has or how many blessings a person has, emotions including difficult ones are completely normal. Big hugs to you and sincere appreciation for being so authentic.

I was just thinking about how I'd like to travel alone. I think people don't realize how great it is to be in 100% of your adventure. Also, what you said, about how we all still "perform" a little bit with other people, especially friends. That's so true and nicely said!

This video healed a small piece of me. It’s beautiful to see you authentically sharing a bit of your life with us. You are so inspiring and an incredible role model for me. Thank you, Maria.

Maria! I'm a massage therapist who does mostly a technique called Myofascial Release. It's a gentle technique for releasing the muscles and fascia that are stuck and keep that returning pain coming back. I suggest you look up a therapist in your area, I have seen it take back pain from a 10 to a 2 or even have it go away completely with a few sessions. I'm so sorry you've been dealing with all this and wish I could help personally. You're an amazing light in this world and deserve to feel good all the time. ❤

Мария, я из Украины, я смотрю вас уже много лет и вы помогаете мне успокоиться в такое непростое время. Понимаю ваши чувства по поводу дома и очень желаю вам найти гармонию и спокойствие в душе, где бы вы ни были

Maria, you don’t always have to be okay. Everyone has a right to complain and not feel grateful 24/7. It’s part of life. I know constant pain, especially back pain, can also severely affect your mood & all around outlook on life. I’m so sorry you’re having a difficult time. Your videos have always helped me through my difficult times, so i only wish the best for you.

Thank you for being so open about your struggles with us and just know that I see you. I teared up with you when you described your feeling of not belonging; you are so lovely and compassionate and it was sad to hear. But know that you will always belong with Darryl and Mila, and you are their home 😊

I wish you peace on your journey to find that feeling of home.

Your chit chat videos are my favorite! What I love most is that you are courageous and willing to share your thoughts and details of your life. You are warm, and relatable. Listening to you brings me so much peace.

As someone who has lived abroad and whose parents now live abroad, I’ve always really struggled with a sense of belonging and trying to figure out where “home” is. It have a sign on my wall now that says “home is not a place, it’s a feeling” and I’m trying to live by that. That means, for me, being in a place in my life with good social ties, exploring, doing things I enjoy. I have lived in some incredible places and felt the worst loneliness and then have lived in a flat that I moved into three weeks before the lockdown in 2020 and got stuck there for 6 months and didn’t know anyone. Strangely during that time I felt ok. I used the time to get into running again, watching theatre on the internet, baking. So really it’s not about where you are physically, but doing as much as you can to bring a sense of belonging from everything around you. I’ve felt myself dipping back into that sadness about belonging recently, so that’s a reminder to myself that I need to make some changes again. You will get there! Sending so much love from a very rainy Scotland! ❤

You've done so much, Dear Maria! You're doing great. Don't let anything stand in your way. We love you and support you.❤

Здравствуйте,Маша!Поздравляю с прошедшим днем рождения!Здоровья и радости! Я тоже отметила недавно свой юбилей,21 июля.Жаль,что недоступны субтитры,не пойму почему.Но из коментов я поняла,что вы говорили о больной спине,ну если я не ошибаюсь.Посмотрите на свою боль с другой стороны.Спина болит у тех,кто много на себе тащит, больше ,чем нужно . Сама страдаю от этого. Удачи🎉

I listened til the end, as I have for many years. From the beginning today, your sadness, other burdens were evident. Being a therapist for several decades, you seem so ready to sort some things out with a trained person you are comfortable with. I was wanting to ask you so many questions as you were talking. Anyway, my prayers are with you. ❤

Your comments on travel really spoke to me :). I am a highly sensitive person, and my entire life I've felt like I couldn't really *breathe* if I was around other people. Even my close family and friends who I tell everything too. Solo travel is great because there's no one else to cater to. You can do whatever you want, whenever you want.

I think we feel like we know you already because you’re so open. Sometimes we forget to thank you for your openness and overcoming the discomfort that you’re feeling. Thank you and you are truly, deeply appreciated!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Maria. I love listening to you "preach" and "ramble". You are very insightful, thoughtful, reflective and purposeful in the way you live your life and I think that is so amazing.

Maria, I felt the same way after I hurt my ribs, our body and mind are so linked ,I was suffering with depression and felt really off, this is totally normal when our lives are rearranged and we are no longer able to do what we love, but I believe this is where you find true strength and grit! You have to push kick and have faith that you are right where you should be and everything always works out!! ❤

Dear , Maria I promise you I have never ever felt boring of watching this kind of videos. I actually enjoy it a lot because it makes me feel like I’m chatting with a friend talking coffee or something lol so don’t ever feel like your sharing too much, there’s someone here totally loving it 🙋🏼‍♀️💜

Sounds like you’re ready to make a move❤. Do it now, while you’re young and your daughter is a young girl. I’m from the Midwest… and I agree with all that you said. It’s a family vibe here, with very kind people. Wishing you well 😊

I think the location doesn’t matter; it’s the people that matter. Those memories and experiences you have in Michigan and Russia, I have very similar ones in California. My dad would take me to the lake as a kid to be with friends I had known my whole life because our parents were childhood friends. We’d play in the water and swim, or go on the boat and water ski, have barbecues…just have fun. Or we’d be at the ranch owned by the grandparents (most of my friends were cousins with each other) and we would play hide and seek and watch fireworks. That was a good and safe space for me, and very importantly, not judgmental. It was an escape from my friends at school who I didn’t feel very comfortable with and who I felt judged by. But that’s because those childhood friends were my family. I wasn’t genetically their cousin but they were more family to me than just friends. I missed them so much when I was at school because I could be myself. My school friends just made me cry and feel unimportant. So just to say, that feeling of peace and not being judged and having a good time…that’s the more the people, not the place. Because like for me, the midwest is always a weird experience because of my race. I’ve been to Michigan, Iowa, Ohio, Illinois…I’ve been stared at, glared at, and made to feel unwelcome in small towns because of my color. So as you said…it’s because they’re family. That’s the part that matters. Judgmental strangers (and “friends”) exist everywhere.

You're truly a wonderful mother Maria. Listening to you talk from your heart is so refreshing. Thank you for being you!

Тронули ваши воспоминания о детстве. Для меня тоже время, проведенное ребенком в деревне, где можно было свободно исследовать поля, леса и реки и ничего не бояться, драгоценно. В России и правда много свободы в этом смысле. По крайней мере, в те далекие времена было так, нам очень повезло ♥️

Maria, your videos have been helping me for about a decade. I am so grateful for you, no matter what you do, we will support and love you. Thank you for being yourself x😊

You are not alone Masha! There are so many of us who truly enjoy getting glimpses into your real life and personality outside of ASMR. Very grateful you’re vulnerable and open with us, I will cherish it as long as you’re willing to show us this side!

That feeling of not belonging has happened to me before. It simply means that you might not be in the right place. It might be time to make a change or keep trying new things until you find what’s meant for you. Everybody goes through rough seasons. Just keep going and what’s meant will happen for you at the right time and in the right place. You are so loved Maria! Keep your head up! You have great things ahead!

You seem like such great parents! Wonderful job Maria!

Cheers to the Misfits, Maria ❤ It’s not an easy road to travel, but the love you’re able to give and receive is immeasurable. Keep being you. xo

it just hit me that i’ve been watching you for 7 years now. like i remember first coming across your videos in 6th grade and i now i just graduated high school 🥲 u got me through a lot ngl

I love this style. So softly spoken and just chit chat. Bless you beautiful woman

Hello Maria. I can sense how much you love Michigan. I think this is the second video you have done about your trip there. I was born in Ann Arbor, MI in the early 60s. My mother could not handle the cold weather though so we all moved to FL when I was 3. My grandparents lived off the land on their farm in Hubbard Lake across from the lake. We spent every year there on vacation. Swimming, looking for deer, eating venison, berries, exploring…It is my very best childhood memory. Sadly, I haven’t been there since I was a kid, and my daughter who is 18 never got to meet my grandparents or enjoy their farm. It is such a regret of mine as I am now 61. My 90 year old uncle still lives in their home and my goal is to get up there before he passes. You’re on the right track Maria. 🩷🩷🩷

I have felt so many similar feelings, like I rarely if ever truly "fit in" or feel at home. There is nothing like the feeling of being in a room full of people but still feeling alone. We love you as you are

Thank you for opening up. I can understand what you’re saying. I relate very much. I will pray for you to find your sense of home in all ways. May God bless you and take away your pain and anxiety.

Oh Masha I wanna hug you! I know exactly what you mean with not feeling like you belong. I pray that you find your sense of home and that you can be happy again❤️ you are loved by so many people, even though we are strangers. You are such a light and I hope you know that💗

Happy happy birthday Maria! It was wonderful walking down memory lane with you. 💜

Thank you, Maria. Your content is always fantastic. Everyone has those moments where someone says something critical or constructive and it sticks with them, and then the anxiety builds over time. But it shouldn’t be the case. We/you cannot please everyone. There will be someone who thought the opposite and you might disappoint them instead? So ignore them both. Because you DO please so MANY people already with your amazing content. Please try not to worry about the one person who thought you didn’t speak enough to them. ❤

Maria when i found your channel, I was in the 10th grade. I am now 25. I remember being in high school and listening to your “card tapping” videos while playing minecraft, and now sometimes when i am very anxious I listen to your videos at my job to help me calm down and relax. I genuinely appreciate what you have done for the ASMR community, and for myself as the child of a mother who also comes from a foreign country. Your perspective and attitude are very relatable and overall I just really hope you get all the credit you deserve for how awesome you are

Oh maria, your not complaining 🩵 your mental health is so important and talking about it is so important. I have been struggling myself lately and talking about it is the only way you can get some relief. Im so sorry you feel this way🩵

Maria, I also moved to the US when I was younger and what you mentioned about being here and feeling like an outsider, and going back to your home country and feeling like an outsider there too, really resonated with me. What I did that REALLY helped me was volunteering at my church. It made it feel like home, since I felt like I was in the loop by being there more often than just Sundays. I met so many wonderful people too, and they really made me feel like I belonged. Just thought I’d offer that in case you want to consider it. Take care ❤

So many people don’t realize how beautiful Michigan is. The west side is so majestic & up north is out of this world. 😍😍😍

Maria, these are my favorite kinds of videos! When I was growing up, my parents had a similar philosophy on teaching me the value of money. They never gave me an "allowance" for chores, but they did encourage me to start working in any way I could as soon as I was old enough. And when I wanted to go out with friends, buy something I didn't "need", etc., it was coming from my money. It was hard and a little frustrating when many of my friends didn't have the same experience and were able to spend a lot more, but it absolutely taught me the value of a dollar, how to manage my finances, and helped me make informed decisions later.

31:11 this part really got me. The whole section, truly, but especially about restricting yourself and being "different." I, too, have found friends that love me for who I am, but those who I've known longest are seeing me "change" and they're becoming less and less in my life because of it. You are not alone in your anxiety of feeling like you're not enough and also not wanting to complain.... don't worry Maria, we see you. Many of us directly relate to this, and we are here for you on any form you want to share with us. ❤

Мария, с днём рождения! спасибо за Ваше творчество :) обожаю видео подобного формата, просто болталки - такая замечательная атмосфера ✨ simply perfect

man the soft spoken videos with this audio quality are my absolute favorite

Maria, you are by far the queen. Noone does this better. You could talk about anything and everything. We all really care about you, and we all love to hear you. Thank you so much for doing what you do, it means so much to us. Thank you maria. ❤

It's amazing how I haven't watched ASMR for a few days so today I thought "I needed a very basic and soft video to relax without so many noises, sounds and things like that" and then you appeared. Sometimes simple is all we need. Thank you for all these years of helping so many people, including me 💜

I aspire to educate my child on finances one day too, she’s 2.5 years old now. Thanks for chatting about it. Listening on, I’m sure your back pain leaves you feeling unsettled and uncertain. You are such a unique person, with a unique career, history, opinions, etc. No doubt it’s hard to find people who you truly relate to and who you can build community with, especially in a season of transition like you’re in. I hope you find peace with your back soon, this too shall pass. ❤ I encourage you to use your platform to talk about your back pain if you want. You have a huge, loving community who may have great suggestions. If not, we at least get to hear more rambling (which we love!).

Ooh Maria, I’ve been watching you esporadically (life is never constant) for 10 years now. I can say I have an admiration for you and you are dear to me similar to like a family member. I really love when you talk about life and experiences, I relate so much! Wish you and your family all the best ❤

I dont usually post, but your sense of sadness and loss currently is significant. Its very natural to have these feelings when you are experiencing deep physical pain. I am recovering from breast cancer this past year and I have lost a lot in that time. But what I do know is that nothing stays the same forever- both good and bad. Ive realised I just need to adapt like water over a rocky stream. Home will be wherever your heart is and wherever yoyr passions are too. Sometimes passions change over time amd thats ok. Wishing you well and light and ease going forward. Enjoy your culinary advenrures. Where one door closes another will open.

She has been a major support for me during my worst depression. I love you!

Thank you for feeling comfortable enough to be vulnerable with us ❤️

I absolutely love to hear people hyping up Michigan.🥰 Lived here my whole life (that i remember anyways, since 3yrs old). . It truly is so great & beautiful & peaceful, as long as you just go to the right spots. I'm outside of Detroit, take an annual trip to the Upper Peninsula, awesome little small town surrounded by inland lakes, or "village" as you say. . Can't wait to get back up there in less than a month, incredible people & vibes. 😌

Maria, that feeling of belonging resonates with my soul. One thing that I began putting into my expectation of what “belonging” looked and felt like, was WHO felt like home. You have Darryl and Mila. Think of them as your home, your safe place. No matter where the 3 of you go, you’re together and that means you ARE home❤

Listening to you and what you are feeling lately really resonated with me and made me feel less alone ❤ I have a two month old baby and suffer with PPD and anxiety, which led to a big panic attack that I'm still recovering from. I always have trouble coming back to myself after panic attacks, recovering my normal train of thoughts and feelings, grounding myself and reconnecting with reality and happiness. So I am happy to see my beautiful baby, but also feel sadness inside. You gave me hope and comfort that both can coexist, so thank you ❤❤

I feel so sad today and I needed your video so, so, so much 😢 Thank you for posting.

Talk at us, to us, whatever you want! You, your voice and your asmr are amazing Maria. We are lucky to have you in any way, shape or form! Take care, lots of love from Australia 🇦🇺 Xx

I appreciate the way you vocalize that while you are so blessed and grateful, things still don’t feel quite right. it’s definitely valid to feel this way, even when you have a life that you value. hope things get better soon Maria, we love and appreciate you every day🤍

I empathise deeply with your struggles of belonging. I moved countries 3 years ago and I still feel lost with no home. Sending hugs ❤

As a Michigander I love hearing how much our state has brought you happiness Maria. Thank you for all you do 🥰