249: Joy Session: Self-Judgment (Alicia)
Artists for Joy
In today's Joy Session, I chat with Alicia, an academic writer with a deep-seated block when writing fiction. Alicia's dream novel—one that speaks to the hearts of those who have felt "caged"—is so personal that the pressure and self-judgment are blocking creative flow. We explore the nature of pre-judgment, withdrawing from your artist self, and discuss concrete strategies like generative personal journaling and writing what moves your own heart. I think this one speaks to anyone who sits down to create and feels blank. Links: .
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248: When words sting
Artists for Joy
This week, I share three powerful shifts for navigating the sting of hurtful words. Drawing on my experience with negative feedback, I've gained insights into recognizing the impact of our words, distinguishing between facts and opinions, and finding empowering truths to ground us. May these help you turn pain into purpose and cultivate a joy-filled life, even when the winds of criticism blow. 🌳 November 21st, 12 PM EST--- Stress Cycle Completion Clinic: 3-5 micro-rituals that will help complete the stress cycle and prevent/heal burnout. December 19th, 12 PM EST --- The Artist’s...
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247: Creative Cauldron: Finding Freedom from the Unfinished
Artists for Joy
In this episode of Artists for Joy, we explore how to find freedom in unfinished projects (and just in time for Halloween!) to prevent them from "haunting" us. I’ve got some encouraging words from Brian Eno on keeping projects simmering, and invite you to embrace your unfinished work for what it is—a potent brew of potential masterpieces, emphasizing our true value is not tied to finished products. This episode previews a live Zoom workshop happening on October 31st at Noon EST within our Joyster Community on Patreon. To grab the link beforehand, click . If you’re listening after the...
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246: What's bringing joy this fall
Artists for Joy
This week on the podcast, one of our most popular episode types, I'm sharing what's bringing me joy this fall, including how I'm embracing "turtle mode" to recharge, some helpful tools, reflections on my creative journey, and one very comfortable pullover. I put all the links and pics in one post on , but make sure you listen to the podcast for some bonus content at the end--- some practical application! What's bringing you joy this fall? Tell us on or Links:
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245: Finding your flow when motivation dips
Artists for Joy
As a creative coach, I have more than enough tools (too many probably!) to lean on when I lack motivation. But what turned the creative tables this week surprised me…so, of course, I wrote an episode about it! ;) What helps you when you feel inexplicably disinterested and unmotivated? Tell me on .
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244: The Art of Technique (5 things for when you're discouraged)
Artists for Joy
This week on the podcast, I've got 5 essential principles that help when you're feeling discouraged about technique. I name a powerful mantra I will repeat to myself and my coaching clients until I'm blue in the face. Plus, we'll explore what sustainably motivates us and discuss the necessity of good practice. This one is full of practical tips and tricks from a seasoned musician and will apply to all artists, regardless of discipline. For you, I have loads of encouragement and compassion…and maybe some tough love, too. Links:
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243: Joy Session: Finding Your Voice When Life Changes (Rachel)
Artists for Joy
This week's episode is a Joy Session, a recorded coaching call with Rachel, a writer and creative, awaiting the arrival of her first child. She shares her fears about losing her creative voice amidst new responsibilities and her desire to integrate her past creative self with her new chapter of motherhood. If you are struggling to balance creative dreams with life changes, or if you've ever feared the loss of your creative voice, this one is for you. We've got insights into shifting routines, finding flexibility, and nurturing one's creative self even in chaotic times. (And listen all the way...
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242: The power of "what if"
Artists for Joy
This week we explore the power of "iffirmations" – positive statements prefaced with "what if" – as a way to navigate anxiety and foster hope, especially when traditional affirmations feel inauthentic. Through the lens of Ruth Duckworth’s mural “The Creation,” we name how even in the midst of uncertainty and chaos, embracing the creative, positive "what ifs" of life help us become agents of change in a broken world. Link:
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241: Find a way in
Artists for Joy
This week on the podcast, we explore how to overcome creative blocks at the start and find your unique entry point into a project. This metaphor of "finding another way in" is useful when the traditional "front door" is locked. Listen for some reflective questions about navigating creative challenges that plague us all when we are just getting started. Any Madeleine L'Engle fans out there? This episode is for you! Links:
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240: Micro Joys for Macro Grief
Artists for Joy
Today's episode was inspired by Glo Atanmo's quote, "Micro joys are how we survive macro grief." Listen for an invitation to shift your posture and practice joy as an act of resistance when life feels uncertain and full of grief. Links:
info_outlineThis summer, while I continue to heal from surgery and dream up Season 6, I am re-airing our most popular series: Creative Archetypes!
If you are unfamiliar with the Enneagram, you can listen to the intro episode from the original 2023 series here.
And if you are familiar and know your number, might I suggest you listen to each episode (even those that aren't about your number) to develop empathy and understanding of those who see the world differently. The Enneagram is a powerful tool for personal and relationship transformation, for artists and everyone!
If you have episode ideas, dream guest suggestions, or other feedback for me, drop me an email hello@artistsforjoy.org
Original show notes:
Our Creative Archetypes Series continues this week with Enneagram 2’s “The Helper.” Merideth chats with author Holly Oxhandler. Holly is the Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development and an Associate Professor at Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work. Holly studies religion/spirituality, health, and mental health, and as a studio art minor in college, she embeds creativity into every aspect of her life and work. Merideth and Holly explore how to be a helper without burning out and seeing creativity as an act of self-care and connection.
Other 2 voices in the episode: piano teacher and podcaster Christina Whitlock and author/spiritual growth coach Stephanie Miller.
Invitation:
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Put your oxygen mask on first. Write 3 pages of longhand stream of consciousness first thing upon waking. After you finish writing, step outside of yourself, re-read your pages and look for clues about what it is you need. What is one thing you could give to yourself today that you need? Be your own helper, mother, giver, or friend.
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Having taken care of yourself, look at those around you and ask the same question. What needs do I see? How can I serve them personally— with a phone call or a bouquet of fresh flowers— or creatively—with a handmade card or homecooked meal? Use your creativity to find connection and collaboration, to comfort yourself and others.
Connect with Christina Whitlock: Piano Instructor, Beyond Measure Podcast
Connect with Stephanie Miller: Author, Writing Coach, Spiritual Growth Coach