welcome to as slow as possible ♡
a thoughtful corner of the internet dedicated to slow contemplation
Hello, I’m Tuğba. Welcome to my creative playground on the internet! With the new year starting and as this community grows, I thought it was the perfect time to introduce myself—both for old friends who’ve been here for a while and for new readers or passersby finding me for the very first time. I’m so happy you’re here.
In a world obsessed with speed, where everything demands to be done “as fast as possible,” I wanted to carve out a slower, more thoughtful corner of the internet dedicated to slow contemplation. A place where we can sit with an idea, savour a story, and immerse ourselves fully—like getting lost in a book you never want to put down.
what is this newsletter about?
People often ask me: “What do you write about?” Then, my brain goes into overdrive because I’m interested in so many things!
Yet, everything I write seems to fit under the umbrella of “as slow as possible.” I focus on the in-between spaces in life—the things we see but rarely notice or at least don’t give our full attention to. By slowing down, we can spotlight those overlooked moments and infuse them with meaning.
In practice, this includes stories about creativity and wellbeing, plus musings on living life on your own terms, always with a dash of Mediterranean spice—hey, we all love a little spice, right?!
who am I?
I’m half Turkish, half Greek—once dubbed “the child of peace” at a party. Though I was born and raised in Germany, I grew up in a very Mediterranean household: think loud family gatherings and all the traditions and customs that come with them. I love incorporating my memories, customs, and traditions into my writing.
I moved to the UK when I was 21 and lived there for 12 years. These days, I call Berlin home, though change may be on the horizon soon. Four days a week, I work in big tech; the rest of my time is devoted to writing and creating. I once blogged about fashion and beauty but stopped when the corporate world swept me away. Picking up this newsletter feels like a second chance—a homecoming, really.
Two years ago, I took a creative leap: I explored a host of different art forms, which led me to fall in love with ceramics and conceptual art. Now, I’m part of an artist collective in Berlin, and we hosted our second exhibition last autumn.
what you can expect?
I generally publish twice a month—sometimes three times if I feel inspired.
In a digital landscape flooded with superficial content and pressure to post daily, I strive to be intentional with my writing. I steer clear of rigid publishing schedules because I want each piece to feel deliberate, not like a hurried obligation. That way, when a new post arrives in your inbox, you can be assured that it is not just empty filler.
how can I show some love?
as slow as possible is a free, handcrafted publication. I don’t plan to add paywalls or advertisements. Your support through comments and shares means the world to me. If you share or restack my posts, of course, I am delighted! So, feel free to share the love.
Writing can often feel solitary, especially when delving into deeply personal topics. That’s why your support and shared thoughts mean so much to me—they remind me I’m not alone on this journey.
Some friends were surprised to learn that amazing discussions were happening in the comments. If you want to join in with those conversations, you’ll need a Substack account. But if you’d rather avoid adding yet another account to your digital space, you’re welcome to reply directly to any newsletter email to share your thoughts. I love reading them!
a selection from “as slow as possible”
1. my three most popular posts
2. my three personal favourites
3. three favourites from friends and family
(Feel free to dive in and see what resonates with you.)
While it may sound a bit robotic to say “thank you” in emails and at the end of posts, I’m genuinely grateful for this second chance to continue my writing journey—something that has weighed heavily on my heart for years. Thank you for taking a moment out of your busy day to spend time here.
If this all sounds like your cup of tea, I’d love for you to subscribe and stay connected. Welcome again and let’s wander slowly through life’s in-between spaces together.
Take care!
Your friend Tuğba
“I steer clear of rigid publishing schedules because I want each piece to feel deliberate, not like a hurried obligation. That way, when a new post arrives in your inbox, you can be assured that it is not just empty filler.”
Bravo! I want to embrace this. You’ve inspired me.
Great introduction! I just made one and almost immediately saw things I coukd’ve done differently. Taking notes, nice job!