Flow & Voice: a free monthly note with short, practical reflections on creativity and personal growth, plus occasional behind-the-scenes glimpses into my audio storytelling journey.
One of the benefits of aging is the subtle shift in mindset and the way patterns of overthinking, judgment, and angst have eased up. My mindset is more "easeful." Just to be clear, this isn't a state of mind that I feel all the time, especially in light of the political and civil unrest we are facing as a nation, but on a personal level, I'm better at advocating for my needs and less likely to sweat the small stuff. The dictionary defines easeful as "providing or offering comfort or peace," and my mind moves in that direction more and more with each passing year.
For example, I've always been the kind of person who gets to work or events early or on time (usually early), but lately I've been running a bit "late." Like 5 minutes late to work (still earlier than most), and instead of pushing forward, I've started to slow down, telling myself that I'll get there when I get there.
If I'm nervous for a meeting or event, I talk to myself gently and say, "You always have these butterflies in your stomach, but you're always OK." And I believe it because experience has taught me that it's true. I make it through by simply recognizing the discomfort but doing what I need to do anyway.
If someone wants more from me than I feel I can give, I pull back a bit with ease and tell myself that I'm allowed to do the things I want to do, and not do the things I don't.
Under the surface, even if a situation is a bit uncomfortable, there's also a sense of ease and calmness, too. Perhaps that is the gift of my 60s.
📨Hit reply and let me know your thoughts on this. Have you noticed an "easing up" as you get older?
Today's episode is about recognizing the good in other people and releasing judgment. It's lesson two in my 10-part series called "What My Mama Taught Me: 10 Life Lessons on Compassion, Creativity, and Courage.”
Check out episode #65 and find out how allowing people to be uniquely themselves and accepting them as they are offers freedom from judgment and negative assumptions. It has a freeing effect on your psyche, too. We start by recognizing the good in others – that's my mom's second lesson.
This Month on Let the Verse Flow
Episode 65: Recognizing the Good in Others — Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 2)
Episode 64: Let People Know You Love Them — Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 1)
🎙️Behind the Mic
I'm expanding my range – and I've just launched a new website for my audiobook narration and voice acting work. Find me here at jillhodgevo.com. As I continue my nonfiction audiobook narration coaching, I'm creating demos, writing bios, rebranding my social media, and much more.
If you want to check out my sound, you'll find demos here, everything from me narrating a thriller about a female FDNY marshal chasing a psychopathic arsonist to a nonfiction religious piece on the meaning of marriage.
📨Hit reply to this email and let me know what you think – I'd love to hear your thoughts.
📖 Worth Exploring (Hand-Picked Resources)
#1 You have good taste
When I fall short of my creative expectations, I remember that I have good taste and so I need to put in many reps before my creative output matches my taste. Don't quit before your creative work reaches your expectations! That should be every creative person's mission.
A reminder about the creative process.
#2 Ada Limon Poem
When the world feels hard and weary, and I'm afraid of the next steps I'll have to take, I look for poems to read, and I think about the struggles of those who came before me. They were strong in a way that I never learned to be, and yet perhaps now I must be. Here's an Ada Limon poem that comforts me, it's called While Everything Else Was Falling Apart.
Enjoy this newsletter? Forward it to a friend or hit reply to share your ideas and thoughts.
Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe today for free.
Let the Verse Flow (and its companion newsletter Flow & Voice) is a creative project created with love by writer, podcast host, and narrator Jill Hodge. If you subscribe today, you'll have full access to the website and newsletter, including articles, podcast episodes, and the Flow & Voice monthly note. Members are vital to building a rich community of diverse voices. Join us by subscribing today; consider a paid subscription to support Jill's work. Thank you!
