Creativity, Coaching and Self Discovery is the rainbow of topics I’m excited to share with my new friend, Nicolina Werther. She shares about her experiences through 2020 as a coach and how the industry has supported a need for people to connect and navigate life choices or emotional chaos. Join the conversation as we talk about the overlap of our creative work. Supporting community and inspiring connection.

When it comes to struggle, trauma and navigating with grace, my friend and colleague is an unsung hero. Sandy Rivers retired months before Covid changed the landscape of the mental health profession. I was amazed listening to the layers of intense work experience, and the many multiple vulnerable populations she supported as well as the caregivers she supervised over the years. Her passion goes far beyond the 9-5 routine day so it’s no surprise that retirement hasn’t led to “idle time” for this heart-centered leader. Learn about the passion and personal story that fuels the momentum behind her life’s mission. Sandy shares a long list of much needed trainings and areas of support specifically in the arena of recovery from substance use disorder and family support. I am blessed to share time with this inspiring woman and I hope you share this episode with any friend or family in search of resource or connection. Our connection is rooted in the need for multiple pathways for recovery and healing. Hear more about the creative outlets we use for our own healing. Sandy’s belief that everyone has the power to heal is a reflection of how much love she pours into creating connections with the intention to empower, heal and inspire others.

Honoring the process, creating ceremonial bridges and making life choices with purpose. Wow! I could talk about these arenas all day!...or at least 47 minutes in this episode with author, teacher, retired psychotherapist, and coach, Dr. Eric Maisel. I recently found Dr. Maisel on YouTube by chance. I was instantly compelled to have a conversation around these two powerful statements: “The creative process is one choice after another.” and “You can’t escape anxiety if you are a creative person”. Dr. Maisel truly is a culture changer and a leader in both the arts and the mental health care professions. In this episode, he shares a few self care practices and some interesting discussion about the search for purpose or meaning. I believe he sheds light where shadows tend to lurk and he sparks some very important conversations. Dr. Maisel writes the “Rethink Mental Health” blog for psychology today. He has written over 50 books including his more recent works: Redesign Your Mind, The Power of Daily Practice and Unleashing the Artist Within. You can learn more about his books, creativity coaching and how to connect by visiting his website: www.ericmaisel.com

Can I share my gratitude for a few minutes? Our first classes in the new studio have been filled with smiles, laughter and gratitude. We are all happy to be back and I’d like to read you my favorite quote that’s hanging in the studio...for the past 12 years! It says it all. This studio and our community is a gift. Thank you to all who continue to be a part of this dream.

“When it’s a gloomy day, I like to say what my son always says... only on the outside, mom.” Join this episode today with, my friend, Midge Werth. I was inspired and in awe listening to the twists and turns of her life’s journey... sprinkled with trauma, loss and unexpected situations that would send most people into a life of self pity. Midge turns her experiences into positivity. Her “ray of sunshine” personality enlightens our art studio classes every week. I was thrilled she agreed to share a conversation about her incredible life events. I’ve heard some before today as she often shares with someone in struggle and drops seeds of wisdom from her own personal experiences. Midge is an inspiration and she’d be the first person to say no to that statement. But I have witnessed her generous spirit and her ability to set boundaries to care for her self. I know, first hand, that comes from struggle and from big life lessons. and she confirmed that today when she shared her message which is such a big part of my faith: everything happens for a reason. Surviving the loss of family at an early age, a debilitating injury and maintaining a life of service as teacher, mother and wife...she makes time to commit to her own self care. We talk about the healing power of discovering your creative outlet and the secret place we (who make the time to go there) can attest to: the zone! Sometimes deeper than meditation and often more healing than a visit to the doctor....self expression through the medium that calls to our hearts can offer a new beginning, a reunion with our true self and opportunities to connect with others. Enjoy our conversation! I know I did.

Her passion around keeping the arts and culture alive is inspirational. Join this conversation with Americana singer/songwriter, Kay Miracle in this episode about her writing workshops, her powerful work with veterans and how the creative process brings inspiration to her in so many surprising ways that even she seems surprised to share the stories! So let’s take a walk along a new creative pathway, let go of the outcome and enjoy finding our voice with Kay.

I decided to write about this story because I believe that, as a country, we need hope filled stories displaying how important our communities are to our survival. That statement is a foundation I built this business upon almost 2 decades ago and this pandemic wasn’t a force powerful enough to destroy the vision thanks to the power forces within community, love, connection and faith.

How can art practices inspire resilience and deepen connection? Allow me to share a little about my 2018 TEDX Talk, The Art of Letting Go. Maybe you can find some seeds of inspiration to create your own creative self care practice? This episode is just a little monologue I wanted to offer to you as a more personal conversation and offer a few prompts for you to explore what inspires or motivates you? How do you create safe space for your self care time? And can YOU let go of the outcome? That is key. Because when we let go of the outcome, we become present. That is a gift we give to ourselves. I hope you listen and maybe even discover your creative pathways....leading you to well being.

Join in some inspiring conversations about art, life and the powerful ways we can healing through discovering our creative pathway. I’m your host, Sandra Sabene. Let’s talk and walk and chat creatively.