In this episode, Ella takes you through her journey of studying abroad in Rome, from ancient streets and creative writing workshops to late-night pasta dinners and finding the courage to tell her own story.

Ella opens the episode with a personal reflection on her relationship with writing—how it’s always been her space to breathe, to dream, to release emotions, and to build entire worlds from a single spark of imagination. She talks about the freedom writing gives her: a place where she can shapeshift between identities, revisit memories, and create futures she’s still stepping into.

In a world that’s constantly rushing, what does it mean to slow down and come back to yourself?

In this episode of Ella Vance explores what it really means to be present in a world that constantly pulls us in every direction. I start by sharing why this topic is so close to my heart and reflect on how often I find myself caught up in rushing through life.

We’ll dive into the power of presence, what it means to fully engage in the current moment, why it’s so difficult in today’s world of notifications and to-do lists, and the surprising benefits it can bring: deeper connections, reduced anxiety, and more mental clarity. I’ll share personal stories of moments when I realized I wasn’t truly present, and how small shifts, like putting the phone away or taking a few deep breaths, changed everything.