The Me-Time Mixtape: Three essential hand-curated links and resources on creative self-care. Carve out some me time this week!
I'm an empty-nester trying to reframe the next phase of my life as a "bird launcher" (Mel Robbins' preferred phrase). And as I watch my young adult daughter make her way in the world (and do so with great maturity and purpose), I marvel at her strength and independence. When I'm not doing that, however, I also worry about her, and all of us in this world. I worry about her safety, her happiness, her relationships, and on and on ... so once again, I'm writing about overthinking.
If my podcast downloads are any indication, you struggle with this issue as well; my most popular episodes are on this topic, so I'm returning to a resource that I published in January on creative self-care strategies to reduce overthinking, worry, and rumination. You can get your free copy here, but first, press play on the podcast episode and hear why creative self-care is my go-to strategy for calming my mind.
Today's episode explores eight self-care strategies across 4 creative modalities, including body wisdom and a connection to nature. 🎧Check it out!
#1 A Kind Message from a Friend and Listener
The other night, I was having a moment and was unable to fall asleep. I pulled up your podcast and listened, and you spoke of a lot of things that touched me right now, not the same circumstances, but about change. I was able to take everything down a notch after listening to you and was finally able to calm my mind and go to sleep. Your podcasts have so much value to them, and I may not get to them right away, but they are there when I need them, and they seem to hit the spot every time. Thanks, Jill 💜 (Wendy)
Thanks, Wendy! This lovely message via my Instagram DMs is the sort of connection that I cherish, and one of the main reasons I started the podcast. I wanted to build community and share insights with strong, smart, capable, open, loving women. Big thanks to Wendy and all of you who have reached out to tell me what you like about the show. 😍
📨 Hit reply and let me know which topics you want me to cover.
#2 Handling the Messy Middle
I'm in the middle of some messy times right now as I juggle my full-time job, podcasting/writing, and new coaching lessons in audiobook narration; I've got a lot going on. Oh, and there's this little thing called "caregiving" thrown in there, too. But as my coach piles on new narrating assignments, I realize that I'm in a very messy stage. That awkward stage where you know a little, but not nearly enough to make a go of things.
While reading this article, I connected most with the idea of adopting a beginner's mindset because lowering your expectations when you start a new endeavor is vital. Lower those expectations, practice, practice some more, and get comfortable with being uncomfortable. If you do that long enough, at some point, you grow and practice turns to accomplishment, understanding, and skill.
Greg Bell
#3 James Clear on Reducing Worry
I agree with Clear that worry reduces once you take action, but some problems don't have simple solutions or are resistant to change, even with targeted action. When that happens, creative self-care activities are my action of choice. They can impact the situation by diverting your attention away from your worry and placing some much-needed space between your thoughts and heart.
Stress and worry tend to be higher before you act. Without action, all you can do is worry. Once you begin, fear shrinks as you start to influence the outcome. (James Clear)
James Clear
Latest Podcast Episode
Episode #57: Calm Your Mind & Stop Overthinking with Creative Self-Care
BONUS: Check Out My Free Creative Guide to Reduce Overthinking & Worry
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 is an independent, member-supported publication (and podcast) launched in June 2023 by Jill Hodge. If you subscribe today, you'll have full access to the website and newsletter, including articles, podcast episodes, and the Me-Time Mixtape Newsletter. Members are vital to building a rich community of diverse voices. Join us by subscribing today; consider a paid subscription to support the community. Thank you!
