Christie Purifoy joins the show to talk about a fascinating adventure that takes her from earning a PhD at the University of Chicago to trading the academic life for an old Pennsylvania farmhouse called Maplehurst. Now she cultivates art and space for people to experience beauty, wonder, and peace as a gardener, writer, and photographer.

Why did the “The Secret Garden” have such a significant impact on Christie’s life? What does it take to move from a career in the academic world to one as a gardener and writer? What if the first book you write only has an audience of one? How do our physical experiences contribute to breakthrough for creative work? Why does giving one small “yes” unlock more than building up to a massive leap?

Check out this episode for the answers to these questions and another inspiring story of creativity meeting courage.

Christie’s Website: https://www.christiepurifoy.com/

Christie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christiepurifoy/

Seedtime and Harvest: https://www.christiepurifoy.com/seedtime-and-harvest-book/

The Secret Garden: https://www.amazon.com/Frances-Hodgson-Childrens-Curiosity-Exploration/dp/1774021765

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:58 Discovering a Love for Gardening

06:40 Turning Points and Taking Risks

09:24 The Importance of Small Yeses

12:09 Teaching and Creating Community

16:28 Transitioning from Academia to Writing

23:21 Overcoming Stuck(ness) and Embracing Rest

27:01 Engaging in Other Creative Pursuits

29:09 Finding Community and Learning from Others

36:19 Overcoming Fear and Sharing Your Work

42:23 Detaching Your Identity from Your Creations

46:16 Embracing Rest and Seasons of Life

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