In today’s Joy Session, Merideth chats with Sarah, who longs to commit more fully to her creative practice while balancing the demands of work and family. They explore the values driving Sarah's artistic pursuits and a perceived conflict with her desire for stability and security. The session delves into the internal shifts necessary for Sarah to embrace her artistic identity and prioritize her creative expression amidst life's responsibilities. As she redefines what taking her art more seriously means for her, she uncovers a powerful message for anyone living the complexities of a seeking fulfilling artistic life while juggling multiple roles and expectations.

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Mara Eller's "Wake Up Wanting to Write" Workshop (where she describes writing as a relationship)

This week on the podcast, Merideth coaches Robyn, a writer and editor who struggles with procrastination. Through the Joy Session, Robyn identifies the underlying fear and shame associated with her procrastination and explores ways to cultivate self-compassion. Merideth and Robyn explore deadlines and plans of action to reduce stress, and Robyn develops rituals of reflection and introspection so as to feel more grounded in her innate sense of worthiness.

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This week on the podcast, we will choose your word(s) of the year! Grab your journal and earbuds and explore the prompts paired with meditative music to craft an intentional, creative year with joy. 

1. Reflect on 2024: looking through your phone at photos of the last year, ask yourself: what do I wish there had been more of? If you had a word(s) of the year, in what ways did you see them reflected in your life? If you didn’t, based on the last twelve months, what words might you have been living by?

1. Now looking forward: Answer this question with a stream-of-consciousness list–

This year, regardless of my circumstances, I want to feel… 

Write as many words as possible about how you want to show up in 2025. 

1. Read your list and circle the words that resonate most. Look especially for verbs or action words. Take the list of circled words and make a fresh list. If anything is missing, add it now.

Sit with this list of words for a few days. Talk to a loved one, therapist, or coach about it. 

What activities, deadlines, trips, and events are coming up in 2025, and which of these word(s) will help you show up as you most want to, regardless of the outcomes or circumstances?

 Narrow it down to one (or more) words you’ll live by this year.

 Please share yours with me on Instagram on the post for this episode @artistsforjoy so we can cheer you on.

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This week on the podcast, our annual Christmas episode: a meditation originally released in essay form for the Advent Art series on Substack. This reflection explores the intersection of faith and creativity, delving into a lesser-known carol, "Of the Father's Love Begotten." It reflects on the beautiful-terrible human experience and how Christmas reminds us that each effort of creativity is an act of love.

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This week on the podcast, Merideth answers one listener question with a WHOLE episode: how do you cultivate a more joyful daily practice routine?   She offers five ideas for how to find joy in the creative process, even when you're faced with challenges like unproductive or frustrating practice sessions, writer's block, lack of inspiration and more.    Whether you're an artist seeking to reignite your passion or simply someone who yearns to embrace your creativity, this one has practical advice and inspiration for infusing your creative journey with joy.

 

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Energy episode

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Check out the GRAMMY nominee for Best Folk Album: American Patchwork Quartet

Read the crowd-sourced poem "Creativity Is..." by the Sage Cohort of "The Artist's Joy" on IG

 

This week is my 41st birthday! In celebration, I've got a throwback episode featuring my favorite coaching exercise to use with artists. Grab your journal and give it a listen. 

Do this exercise with me live this month in our Patreon community! Learn more here.

___

Original show notes:

Whatever you are feeling about fall, bring it on over to this the podcast equivalent of a fire pit and we’ll talk it out. This week Merideth shares a coaching exercise that will help you name your inner team members, resource their skills, and cultivate a sense of self-compassion for the multitudes you contain. 

Graydin

Episode 75

Beethoven's Heiligenstadt Testament

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Transcript

Today on the podcast: a mini-episode to keep you company during this holiday time!  Festive Focus–how to manage your time and not lose your joy during the holidays. Listen for practical tips and good questions to ponder when facing a crazy schedule laden with emotionally taxing--if joyful--time with friends and family. Stay to the end to hear an exciting announcement about a new offering in 2025.

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In today’s Joy Session, Merideth pulls back the curtain on creative coaching with Carrie who is longing to finish her memoir. They explore how finding the right tool at the right time is central to overcoming fears of not being good enough and making progress that feels sustainable and joyful. Carrie leaves with two new practices that will help her shift her lens around writing and surrender to the power of the creative process.

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This week on the podcast, Ask Merideth Anything! 

Merideth answers listener questions about creativity, burnout, parenting, and spirituality. You'll learn how to meet the inner artist's resistance with compassion, recognize creative burnout, and explore the intersection of artistic expression and spiritual practice. She shares insights on cultivating gratitude and creativity in children and navigating the challenges of parenting young artists. Merideth reflects on her evolving definition of success, and the episode concludes with a message of encouragement for listeners who are struggling at this moment in time. This one is full of wholehearted honesty and encouragement.

Burnout book

Burnout episode of Artists for Joy

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Email your question to be answered in future AMAs: [email protected]

This week, Merideth shares a vulnerable story of a recent self-hatred spiral. She explores how and why artists are particularly hard on themselves. If you've ever wondered if your mistakes are moral failings, this one is for you. Merideth gives practical advice for when you are stuck and shares how turning up the voices of self-compassion in the face of shame is crucial for sustainable growth and change.

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How to be you, Season 3, Episode 2

Musical Meditation: Inner Team Huddle

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