In this episode of the Soulbound Studios Podcast, I initially planned to discuss how to know you're on the right path. However, during my recordings, I often find myself deviating from the planned topics. I've come to realize the importance of being flexible with my outline and giving myself grace.

In recent months, I faced setbacks in achieving the goals I set in October. I had ambitious plans, from paying off debt to writing a book and maintaining a successful podcast. However, life took an unexpected turn, and I met someone in November. While it brought a beautiful connection, it also led to a shift in focus, affecting my initial goals.

Acknowledging this, I want to emphasize the normalcy of setbacks and failures in pursuing one's goals. It's crucial to give yourself grace during these times rather than feeling pressured to be 100% committed all the time.

Reflecting on my experiences, I've learned the significance of viewing setbacks as part of a journey. Adjusting goals and expectations, practicing self-awareness, and embracing the process have become essential in moving forward.

I share my personal journey to encourage others facing setbacks. If you have your own experiences or questions, feel free to reach out at soulboundartstudios.com. Your support means a lot, and I'm grateful for each listener joining me on this adventure. Thank you!

Today is my very first Christmas Morning without my babies in the house.

I could get into the difficulties of divorce... the sharing of time... whatever. But really, I'm thinkin of my mom.

She keeps saying how no one tells you that the hardest part of parenting is when your kids are grown up and you're on your own.

When we are in the thick of the season of Toddlers and small children, we can easily say, "Oh I cannot wait to be able to decorate without them getting into shit."But ironically, that's what my mom misses the most. She said to me recently, "There is no one here to yell at for getting into shit." (and of course I laughed... because she's funny.)

But this year, my heart misses the Christmas Magic.

Yes, I got my kids gifts this year. But all their presents were too big to wrap and they weren't from Santa. I didn't do Santa this year because the kids are with their dad on Christmas morning.

And this could quite possibly be the very last year my oldest believes in Santa.

I feel like I missed the opportunity to have Christmas Magic in my home this year and I'm kicking myself for it a bit.

These years are going by so fast. I thought Santa not coming to my house this year was a relief. Like, "one less thing I have to worry about." and my budget got soaked up by the playroom makeover gift from ME.

But I will forever do Santa with my kids. Especially after this heart breaking morning. I hope when my kids are grown up, they will come visit me and Santa will come.

My mom always said, "If you don't believe, you don't receive." I always thought she was silly for "believing" in Santa as an adult. But I get it now.

Santa is Magic.

Santa is seeing the light in your children's eyes.

Santa is the love you feel when your house is quiet.

Santa is tiptoeing around to surprise your babies.

Santa is the LOVE you pour into your family.

I saw a Facebook post that said, "As a grown up, I've realized that all the Christmas magic I felt as a child was really a mom who loved me SO much."

I feel that so hard this morning.

In this episode of my podcast, I have an intimate chat about finding your purpose and passion in life. I open up about my own journey through severe postpartum depression and a suicide attempt, which left me feeling lost and questioning my reason for being alive. I describe the pivotal moment where I prayed to God for guidance, and felt led to go back to school for architecture and pursue drawing and painting. This sparked a new sense of identity and purpose for me. Though I found painting very healing for many years, this past year I struggled to connect with it and instead found comfort through writing. The episode focuses on diving into your curiosities instead of pressuring yourself to instantly identify your one true passion. I share an impactful excerpt from Elizabeth Gilbert's "Big Magic" about exploring even tiny sparks of interest. I explain how my curiosity about an architectural writing class led me to suddenly feel compelled to write a book, which I'm now actively working on. I conclude with an encouragement to give yourself permission to try new things that intrigue you without needing to master them overnight. By following your curiosity and leaning into what speaks to your soul, you may uncover hidden talents and a deeper sense of who you want to become.

Choosing an intention word for the year instead of a New Years Resolution.

I was so excited to have my dear friend Jess on the first official episode of my new Soulbound Studios Podcast. We go way back to 2020 when we bonded over art and co-ran an art membership for about a year before going our separate ways to focus on personal growth. 

I updated Jess on my journey since then - going back to school, getting divorced, starting an amazing new marketing job, and finding inspiration to relaunch Soulbound Studios as a podcast + brand. Meanwhile, Jess described growing her thriving graphic design business and starting a custom hat side hustle. 

We got real about the challenges all artists face when taking commissions, from creative blocks to handling feedback. I opened up about rediscovering my passion for writing and working on a book. We discussed overcoming fear as creators when putting your vision out there, but also how sharing your gifts can inspire others waiting to see someone succeed. 

It was so special to reconnect and remind one another why we must continue showing up authentically, chasing every spark, and nurturing our souls through art and entrepreneurship. I'm grateful Jess helped breathe life back into Soulbound Studios originally - now I get to pay that magic forward!

Follow Jess @jmmartistdesigner

For information on her Graphic Design services - Check out jmmartistdesigner.com

What to expect from this new podcast launching December 3, 2023.