In Flow + On Fire

Are you tired of battling negative self-talk and feeling like you're constantly getting in your own way? This powerful video shares practical skills and mindset shifts to stop negative thoughts immediately and unlock your potential!

Learn how to identify negative thinking patterns and discover effective strategies to cultivate a more positive mindset. If you're looking for get out of your own way motivation, this video is for you. I'll share my personal journey of overcoming severe anxiety and depression through powerful techniques that helped me break free from the grip of negative thoughts and build lasting self confidence.

Whether you're a woman starting over at 40 or simply feeling bored in life and craving change, mastering your mindset is key. Discover actionable steps to get more energy during the day by quieting the inner critic and embracing a more supportive inner dialogue.

This video dives into:

• Understanding why negative thoughts happen and how they can sabotage your happiness and goals.

• 5 simple yet powerful techniques to stop negative thoughts immediately in their tracks.

• Perspective shifts that can lead to profound changes in your life – real mindset shifts that changed my life.

• Practical ways to challenge your negative stories and intentionally cultivate more positive and empowering beliefs.

It's time to break free from negative self thinking and create the life you truly desire. Learn how to take control of your thoughts, boost your motivation, and get out of your own way once and for all!

What's one negative thought you're ready to leave behind?

Fidget Bracelet

Watch this episode on YouTube

Welcome to the start of a brand new creative journey! In this video, I'm diving into the world of zines and launching my very own mindful storytelling project. Have you ever considered the power of storytelling for life, and even the power of storytelling for a better life? Join me as I explore how we shape our inner narratives through the unique and personal format of a zine.

So, what is a zine exactly? Think of it as a DIY, self-published little book, often filled with art, personal expression, and a whole lot of heart. In this video, I'll demystify zine making and share why I've chosen this medium to explore the fascinating connection between our stories and our well-being.

If you've ever been curious about diy zine making or are looking for zine ideas to steal (for inspiration, of course!), stick around! I'll be sharing my initial concepts and inviting you to follow along as this art project vlog unfolds. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at my artist vlogger journey and witness my creative process online as I bring this mindful zine to life.

I believe in the power of creativity for emotional well-being through creativity, and this zine is a way for me to explore this connection through art and thoughtful prompts. If you're interested in following an artist's creative process online and seeing how a personal project develops from the ground up, this series is for you!

The finished zine, filled with beautiful art and mindful prompts, will be exclusively available to my supporters on Substack and Patreon (links below!). By subscribing, you'll not only get your hands on a unique piece of handmade art but also support my ability to continue creating and sharing these kinds of projects.

In future weekly videos, I'll be sharing updates on the artwork, layout, and overall progress of the zine. So, make sure to subscribe to my channel and hit the notification bell so you don't miss a step of this creative adventure!

Have you ever made a zine? What are some of your favorite things about them? Or what's a story you're currently exploring in your own life? Share your thoughts in the comments below – I'd love to hear from you!

Mentioned in this video:

• Andy J Pizza

• Pigeon Zine by Giulia Casarotto

• What It's Like Being a Public Librarian by Eori Tokunaga

• Liminality by Amelia Leonards

• Wildlife by Daniela Sosa

• Meet Me in Eastlake by Eleanor Doughty

• Figma

• Procreate

Creative Inspo, Community & Zines for Substack & Patreon Subscribers: https://quinncurtis.substack.com/ https://www.patreon.com/c/QuinnCurtis

Subscribe for more tips on finding creative balance in a busy life! https://www.youtube.com/@QuinnCurtisArt

00:00 Introduction

00:33 Overcoming negative mindset

01:34 How to have more positive thoughts

02:12 What is a zine?

02:55 Examples of art zines

03:31 Librarian Zine

03:44 Art portfolio zine

03:59 Nature wildlife comic zine

04:21 Fantasy myth zine art

04:51 Pigeon illustration zine

05:51 Zines for authors writers

06:21 Content for my zine

09:46 BTS Behind the scenes zine creation

16:06 Where to find my zine

Get ready to be captivated by the magic of picture book art! In this video, I'm sharing my top 5 most beautifully illustrated children's books that are sure to spark wonder and ignite your creative spirit. We'll explore the importance of picture book illustration and delve into why illustrations matter in children's books for both children and adults alike.

These aren't just stories; they are visual masterpieces showcasing the power of picture book art and the incredible talent of inspiring children's book illustrators. If you're looking for inspiring picture books or seeking creative inspiration from picture books, you've come to the right place!

Inside, you'll discover heartwarming illustrated books that resonate on a deeper level, proving that picture books for older kids and even picture books for adults can offer profound and moving experiences. These selections are also fantastic ideas for the best picture childrens books for gifts, offering beauty and lasting impact.

For artists and creatives, we'll touch upon creative inspiration for picture books and how these stunning visuals can fuel your own imagination. We'll also highlight the joy of finding creative inspiration and how to get creative inspiration simply by immersing yourself in exceptional picture book illustration.

This video is a celebration of childrens picture book illustration and the artists who bring these worlds to life. We'll explore what makes these books so visually stunning and why supporting children's book illustrators is so important. You'll find picture book inspo galore and discover illustrated books for creative minds.

While these are timeless treasures, we'll also touch upon what makes a beautifully illustrated book stand out, relevant to discussions around the best picture books of all time and even looking forward to potential favorites in best picture books 2024 and best picture books 2025.

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, teacher, an artist, or simply someone who appreciates a good soulful book experience and the most beautiful illustrated books, I hope you'll find some new favorites here. We even have a couple of picture books that spark wonder and perhaps a picture book about nature that will take your breath away. These also make wonderful read aloud books for kids, where the visuals truly enhance the storytelling.

What are some of the most beautifully illustrated children's books that have touched your heart? Share your recommendations in the comments below!

NOTE: Watch this video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/hyjhNXkfhrA

🎨 Tired of Creative Block AND Feeling Overwhelmed by the News? Discover My Offline "Secret Weapon" for Endless Art Inspiration & a Peaceful Escape! 🎨

Do you ever sit down to create, whether it's painting, writing, or any form of art, only to find your mind completely blank? And lately, with everything happening in the news and the economy, are you also craving a healthy way to de-stress and find some peace? You're not alone! In this video, I'm sharing the one creative practice that completely changed the game for my art, my overall creative motivation, AND has become a wonderful way for me to find a mindful escape from daily stresses!

I'll walk you through how I broke free from the endless loop of online "inspiration" (especially on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, which often ate up all my creative time and left me feeling inadequate) and discovered a powerful offline method to consistently find art reference ideas and fuel my imagination, offering a much-needed recharge for my mental health and well-being.

This simple yet effective technique involves creating what I call my "inspo book" – think of it as a personalized art reference journal or a creative junk journal specifically designed to spark joy and new ideas without the pressure of perfection. It's like a tactile inspiration board that I can flip through anytime I need a creative boost and a gentle way to shift my focus away from worries.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why relying solely on online inspiration can actually kill your creativity and motivation, and how it can exacerbate feelings of overwhelm during stressful times.
• My personal journey of ditching the digital scroll for a more intentional approach to finding how to get inspired for art (with the added benefit of more daily calm and focus)
• What exactly my "inspo book" is and how it functions as a powerful art reference book and a source of mindful engagement.
• How this method helps me stay creatively motivated and inspired consistently.
• Why the focus is on play and experimentation, not perfection (perfect for beginners and for lowering stress!).
• How it differs from a traditional mood board and why I find it so effective as a grounding practice.
• The importance of using images for inspiration and not direct copying (plus a quick note on copyright for personal use).
• How this practice is helping me develop my own art style for beginners by exploring different themes and combinations
• Why this concept can work for ANY creative discipline – writing, music, photography, home decor, and more!
• How my inspo book helps me organize my thoughts, try out different ideas (like watercolor and embroidery!), and capture inspiring words and phrases.
• The incredible benefits I've experienced, including increased access to my creativity and a feeling of truly valuing my own inspiration, as well as a healthy way to manage stress.
• How to make your own inspiration board or junk journal for art inspiration using things you've already saved online or even photos from books and your own art!
• Get unique junk journal ideas and inspiration for artists to get you started on your creative escape.

If you're looking for a way tounlock your creative flow, say goodbye to inspiration block, and find a genuine connection to your artistic impulses without the internet, then this episode is for you!

NOTE: Watch this video on YouTube here https://youtu.be/sGJJ4OyGNWk

Struggling with being consistent with your creative practice amidst the chaos of a busy life? As a fellow artist juggling 5 kids and a full-time job, I FEEL YOU! 👋 Listen in for the 5 KEY LESSONS I learned after completing a 50-DAY ART STREAK.

This wasn't about creating masterpieces every day – it was about showing up, making time, and cracking the code to daily consistency even when life gets really busy and feels overwhelming. If you work a full time job, are a busy mom, or just dream of making more time for creativity but feel stuck in hot/cold, on-again/off-again inconsistency, this video is for you. I'm not sharing perfect solutions, but the real, practical tips and mindset shifts that actually helped me build a daily art habit without sacrificing everything else.

Listen up to hear my Actionable strategies for finding small pockets of time for art. (No huge impossible blocks of free time required!)

• Mindset shifts to overcome the guilt and pressure of inconsistent practice (or lack of work/life/creativity balance).
• Simple techniques to stay motivated and inspired even when you don't "feel like it."
• How to build momentum and celebrate small wins to fuel your consistency.
• The surprising lessons I learned about my own creativity and resilience during this 50-day journey.

NOTE: Watch this on YouTube here https://youtu.be/DN2pgEzEFn8

Dive in with me & Dr. Rebecca Simmons as we delve into the myth of Bluebeard, exploring its profound impact on personal growth, intuition, and the importance of listening to one's inner voice. We discuss the dangers of ignoring intuition, the cost of burying dreams, and the uncertainty that comes with self-discovery.

Download the free Bluebeard myth series study guide here: https://www.quinncurtis.com/oct-2024-free-study-guide

Our conversation emphasizes the distinction between dreams and fantasies, highlighting the vulnerability involved in pursuing true dreams. Ultimately, we encourage everyone listening to reclaim magic from darkness and embrace the richness that comes from facing one's fears and buried aspirations.

Top Takeaways

• Bluebeard is one of the most impactful myths for many.

• Myths and fairy tales shape our understanding of reality.

• The story of Bluebeard is not widely known in American culture.

• Intuition is crucial in navigating relationships and situations.

• Ignoring instincts can lead to dangerous outcomes.

• The myth illustrates the consequences of societal pressures on women.

• Buried dreams can lead to feelings of jealousy and anger.

• There is a distinction between dreams (core needs) and fantasies (unrealistic expectations).

• Pursuing dreams often requires vulnerability and risk.

• Facing darkness can lead to personal growth and magic.

NOTE: This is our final episode for Season 2 of the In Flow + On Fire podcast. Join us in 2025 for Season 3.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bluebeard and Its Impact 02:53 Cultural Significance of Myths and Fairy Tales 06:05 Personal Connections to the Bluebeard Myth 08:45 Listening to Intuition and Self-Trust 11:46 The Role of Female Relationships 14:46 Historical Context and Cautionary Tales 17:50 The Cost of Ignoring Dreams 20:54 The Bleeding Key: Confronting Hidden Truths 23:49 The Aftermath of Discovery 26:50 Reclaiming Dreams and Facing Vulnerability 29:38 Balancing Physical and Psychological Security 32:32 The Distinction Between Dreams and Fantasies 35:35 The Importance of Vulnerability in Pursuing Dreams 38:26 Finding Time for Creativity 41:19 Final Thoughts on the Bluebeard Myth

Come with me & Kathy on a chilling and empowering exploration of the haunting tale of Bluebeard. We're delving into themes of intuition, self-worth, and the societal conditioning of women. We discuss the importance of teaching children to trust their instincts, the impact of childhood experiences on self-doubt, and the complexities of identity.

Download the free Bluebeard myth series free study guide: https://www.quinncurtis.com/oct-2024-free-study-guide

Our conversation emphasizes the need for curiosity, the balance of masculine and feminine energies, and the urgency of living fully and authentically. Ultimately, we reflect on the importance of listening to one's intuition and the consequences of ignoring it, encouraging a deeper understanding of self and the courage to pursue dreams.

Top Takeaways

• The Bluebeard story reveals deep societal conditioning.

• Teaching children to trust their intuition is crucial.

• Parents play a significant role in nurturing self-worth.

• Ignoring intuition can lead to negative consequences.

• Friendship dilemmas often reflect deeper issues.

• Self-sabotage is a common struggle for many.

• The inner critic can undermine self-confidence.

• Childhood experiences shape our ability to trust ourselves.

• Shifting from shame to celebration can transform our mindset.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Connection

02:42 Exploring the Bluebeard Story

05:50 The Role of Intuition in Parenting

08:54 The Impact of Societal Conditioning

11:45 The Inner Critic and Self-Sabotage

14:58 Understanding Identity and Growth

17:39 The Importance of Vulnerability

20:35 Managing Perceptions and Safety

23:32 The Consequences of Ignoring Intuition

26:17 The Weight of Expectations

29:36 The Dichotomy of Strength and Weakness

32:21 The Journey of Self-Discovery

35:18 The Complexity of Values

38:04 The Burden of Being 'Good'

41:09 The Dangers of Rigidity

44:06 The Cost of Conformity

46:43 The Bleeding Key and Unacknowledged Truths

49:35 Final Reflections and Takeaways

Dive into the myth of Bluebeard with me & Calli as we explore its relevance to women's experiences and relationships. We discuss the importance of intuition, the impact of childhood trauma, and the complexities of understanding unhealthy dynamics in relationships.

Download the free Bluebeard study guide here: https://www.quinncurtis.com/oct-2024-free-study-guide

Our conversation emphasizes the need for self-discovery, healing the masculine and feminine within, and the power of storytelling in transforming beliefs and experiences. Ultimately, we highlight the journey towards wholeness and the significance of recognizing safe relationships.

Top Takeaways

• Bluebeard is a myth every woman should know.
• Trusting intuition is crucial in relationships.
• Childhood trauma can influence adult relationships.
• Bluebeard can manifest in both genders. - Healing requires understanding the inner Bluebeard.
• Self-compassion is essential for healing.
• The stories we tell ourselves shape our reality.
• Recognizing safe relationships is vital for well-being.
• Healing the masculine and feminine is transformative.
• Vulnerability is key to authentic connections.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 01:17 The Potency of the Bluebeard Myth 05:15 The Impact of Trauma on Relationships 07:03 Discerning Safe Relationships 09:50 Healing the Bluebeard Within Masculine Energy 13:08 Letting Go of the Belief in Universal Safety 33:32 The Impact of Societal Conditioning 36:47 The Response to Hurting Someone 39:05 The Truth of the Masculine 44:47 The Power of Storytelling

Each month here on the In Flow + On Fire podcast all episodes are centered around a specific myth or fairy tale and how it relates to modern life and challenges.

Download the free Bluebeard myth series study guide here: https://www.quinncurtis.com/oct-2024-free-study-guide

This month we're focusing on the "Bluebeard" fairy tale, which will help us explore the themes of recognizing and breaking free from the inner critic, predator, and killer of dreams.

Listen in to this episode to hear me reading my favorite version of the fairy tale, "Bluebeard" by Clarissa Pinkola Estes, from her book "Women Who Run with the Wolves."

Download the free study guide // Send us a voice memo

In this conversation, Quinn, Kathy, and Heidi discuss the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears and its deeper meaning. They reflect on their childhood experiences with the story and how their perspectives have changed as adults. They explore the concept of finding what's just right for oneself and the importance of self-worth, setting boundaries, and saying no. The conversation also touches on the dangers of perfectionism and black-and-white thinking, and the need to embrace the messy and adventurous aspects of life.

They discuss the Goldilocks Zone as a therapeutic concept to counter black-and-white thinking and find the middle way. They emphasize the importance of trusting oneself, embracing complexity, and letting go of societal expectations. The conversation explores the concept of finding what is 'just right' in life and embracing the middle path. It emphasizes the importance of giving ourselves permission to prioritize what feels right for us and to redefine success based on living by our values.

The discussion also touches on the significance of taking up space, accepting ourselves and others, and allowing our children to find their own path. The conversation encourages an experimental mindset, curiosity, and embracing life as an adventure.

Top Takeaways

Takeaways

• The story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears is more complex than it appears at first glance, with deeper themes of finding what's just right for oneself.

• As adults, the story resonates with the need to embrace the messy and adventurous aspects of life, set boundaries, and prioritize self-worth.

• Perfectionism and black-and-white thinking can hinder the ability to find what's just right and embrace the middle way.

• The Goldilocks Zone is a therapeutic concept that encourages finding the middle ground and embracing complexity.

• Trusting oneself, embracing complexity, and letting go of societal expectations are key to finding what's just right in life. Give yourself permission to prioritize what feels right for you and redefine success based on living by your values.

• Take up space and accept yourself as you are, and extend that acceptance to others.

• Allow your children to find their own path and support them along their journey.

• Embrace an experimental mindset and curiosity to discover what is 'just right' for you.

• View life as an adventure and approach it with excitement and openness.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts on the Story 02:08 Reflecting on Personal Experiences with the Story 08:31 The Perfectionism Trap and the Rainbow Zone 10:23 Challenges of Finding What's Just Right 19:49 Embracing the Messy and Imperfect 23:01 The Goldilocks Zone and Black and White Thinking 31:53 Trusting Oneself and Feeling Deserving 33:39 Embracing the Middle Path 36:23 Taking Up Space 39:02 Living by Your Values 49:18 Life as an Adventure