Spark Your Inner Fire for Creatives

An athletes worst nightmare... an injury. I just never thought it would happen to me, at least so soon. I share a quick glimpse into some pivotal moments facing dread, bitterness, and impactful lessons. I recognize the many pivots so many are faced with right now so I'm working on something exciting to help others so they don't have to go through what I did. Some are going through it now so I'm working as fast as I can. If you want to be the first to know when it launches then go here: Passion 2.0 WOOHOO!!

Oh and disclosure, as I talk about some retired dancers in this episode, this doesn't apply to all retired dancers that I know, just a few I've worked with so don't get your panties in a twist (or under-g for my stage peeps lol ;) 

"My body could stand the crutches, but my mind couldn't stand the sideline" -Michael Jordon

Have we entered the Twilight Zone? It sure feels like it lately! This episode puts politics aside so you can take a breather for a few minutes. I paint a picture of the middle ground between shadow and substance, things and ideas (I'm quoting the intro to the Twilight Zone theme here) But hopefully help to navigate some of this crazy climate after you're finished listening. I talk about one of my favorite Twilight Zone episodes, "Monsters Are Due on Maple Street." The writer, Rod Serling was such a genius, ahead of his time with his timeless stories & messages that are still so applicable today. So in my best Rod Serling impression, "You've now crossed over into, the twilight zone!" 

"Imagination... it's limits are only those of the mind itself." -Rod Serling

Halloween is coming, and as we put on our costumes and masks, I couldn't help but think of another type of mask we often put on. These happen often during transitions and new beginnings. The transitions in life can be overwhelming, and make us feel like we're losing ourselves in the process of becoming. The transitions can be having a baby, starting a new career, getting married, starting a business, and so many other huge transitions in life that probably aren't talked about enough. This episode digs to that very topic and some easy implementations to help navigate the process with ease. 

For the download I mentioned in the episode go to: https://www.sparkyourinnerfire.com/gift

“As we develop new beliefs about who we are, our behavior will change to support the new identity.” —Anthony Robbins

Anyone else have an aversion to working out? I sure do. I'm a professional at talking myself out of it and pretending to distract myself with less important things or justify why I've worked out enough this week. **insert eye roll** I found some tricks this week that actually helped to keep my head in the game and add some excitement to finishing the dreaded workout. I've since been looking forward to it. So if it's a workout for you or another goal that you keep avoiding, this episode is sure to help you move the needle forward. 

"I don't count my sit-ups; I only start counting when it starts hurting because they're the only ones that count." --Muhammad Ali 

You'll never be able to measure the impact you make in this world! Crazy thought if you think about it. In this episode I talk about the ripple effect of kindness and how seemingly insignificant tasks can help one another. Also, if you're a batman fan, you'll appreciate this and my horrible Batman impression, yea I went there, all for you!! haha

Can I just say, you matter, you're needed, you are loved, and you make a difference even if it doesn't feel like it. Sending my love! 

PS: Click to join the free Creative Spark Challenge  |    More info 

Sometimes the people we care about most don't relate to our level of excitement that we have about the things we're so passionate about. Some times we're met by discouraging words by those very people that we would have hoped to be the MOST understanding and supportive. In this episode I talk about a time I went into a downward spiral of doubt when I was hit with some discouraging words by a friend. I go over 2 practical applications you can do right away to start counteracting this to be prepared the next time, as well as a new perspective to looking at unsupportive people in our lives. 

"Ships don't sink because of the water around them; ships sink because of the water that gets in them. Don't allow what's happening around you get inside you and weigh you down." -unknown

PS: New 5 day challenge coming soon! Click to be notified when I launch the Passion 2.0 Challenge   |    More info

I'll never forget a tour I was on, the MC thanked the incredible audience at the end of the show by saying, "Applause is food for the performer, thank you for the banquet." 

Those words lingered for me and painted a picture of what the applause truly represents for us. 

Contrary to what many may believe, the applause is not to stroke our ego, our performance is a gift from us to you, and the applause tells us you enjoyed the gift. THAT is the gift the audience gives us. We did our job and we did it well, although that gift comes at a cost. 

In this episode, against all resistance I was feeling about sharing these deep inner thoughts, I know I'm not alone when I express this. So I bit the bullet and shared a poem I wrote last year that talks about this very topic. Enjoy!

An estimated 20 million jobs will be replaced by robots by 2030! That's frightening, but it doesn't have to be if you play your cards right and get ahead of it. In today's episode I go over:

"It is the capacity to develop and improve their skills that distinguishes leaders from followers." -Warren G. Bennis

"Commit yourself to lifelong learning. The most valuable asset you'll ever have is your mind and what you put into it." Brian Tracy

PS: New 5 day challenge coming soon! Click to be notified when I launch the Passion 2.0 Challenge    |    More info 

Raise your hand if you’re a perfectionist! (Raising my hand.) Sometimes perfectionism can be crippling to the potential of our life’s work. It can stop us from showing the world the very thing we were meant to create. 

In this episode:

As mentioned, I go deeper into perfectionism in my Free Creative Spark Challenge, sign up here:

www.sparkyourinnerfire.com/creativesparkchallenge

"Perfection is just fear in really good shoes." -Elizabeth Gilbert

“The seed of your next artwork lies embedded in the imperfections of your current piece.” - David Bayles

“There is a difference between obsessive perfectionism and taking time to create something that is the best you can offer. Knowing what needs to be better and stretching to improve yourself is what separates the mediocre from the marvellous.” - Suzanna Reeves