Sophie Grégoire Instagram – “Sophie, is your book like a love letter to the world?” my friend and ally @gabormatemd asked me as he generously helped me launch #CloserTogether in Vancouver. He got me teary from the get go as I realized that I want my whole life to be a cry of love for this world through all its pain, beauty, darkness and light. But none of it is about me; it’s about each and every one of us being allowed deeper inside ourselves, guided, supported, courageous and vulnerable. Emotional leadership is learning how to fall back in love with ourselves with time and patience. To take that seat and be able to gauge and regulate our mind, thoughts and emotions. I want to thank the sold out crowd and everyone at the @vancouverwritersfest for coming out, hosting us, and starting this work themselves. It’s the hardest work we will ever do but the healing and strength that comes out of it is necessary for us to evolve in peace within ourselves and in the world. No piece of cake. But we can do it. 📸: Séamus Easton