In a world obsessed with optimization, what happens when your quest to “be better” becomes a cage? In this episode, we’re breaking up with the exhausting chase of constant self-improvement—and reconnecting with the art of contentment. I’m diving into the pressure to upgrade every corner of our lives, and how it can quietly stifle our creativity, joy, and humanity.

We’ll talk about how your definitions of a rich, successful, creative life can and should change over time—and how the ultra-optimized version of life (you know, waking up at 5am, cold plunges, perfect productivity?) might just be a little... boring. We’ll explore how news consumption adds to our background hum of unease, how maintenance (inspired by Angela Garbes’ Essential Labor) is its own kind of sacred creativity, and how your family, your marriage, your past work—all of it deserves to be lived in, not just leveled up.

You’ll hear references to Shannan Martin’s wisdom about showing up in ordinary places, some big truths from dopamine and anxiety researchers, and an invitation to let your life be less of a highlight reel and more of a plot-twisty indie film—with beauty in every slow scene.

If you’ve been tired of chasing the next version of yourself, this one’s for you.

Mentions:

✨Ep 32: Gratitude, Creativity’s Secret Lover

✨Shannan Martin Start with Hello

✨Angela Garbes Essential Labor

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