In episode 37, I share ideas on preparing a creative goodbye. My personal experiences with multiple tragedies motivated me to help many through the creative memorial planning process. I used alternatives to traditional funeral plans with less or zero corporate &/or religious involvement—and mapped out personalized, meaningful, creative memorial plans. I served as an unofficial celebrant for more than 20 memorials —including 4 personal losses.

I address life and death as one—with the understanding that we die as we’ve lived and that we can live more mindfully once we address death. Whatever inner life state we build during our lives, we take with us into the next natural chapter of death. Living an inspired life with creative energy stems from living fully—with mindfulness in the present moment as well as having the courage to face the difficult things.

How to prepare a collection of your legacy documents as a memorable family activity or a creative project of your own. One idea for your creative goodbye ritual is poetry. It could be a poem or collection that you wrote, by a loved one, or from your favorite famous poet. Poetry is a beautiful way to express the richness and joy of creativity within your loving legacy.

This episode features my poem, To Remember You, (to my late brother, John), from my book, Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Collection  Of Poetry And Lyrics.

✨ Free Resources

Experience the expressive power of words with my Poetry Sampler — a curated selection from Kaleidoscope of the Heart that invites reflection, emotional renewal, and creative inspiration.

Explore practical ways to nurture your creative energy and maintain wellness with my Creative Empowerment Sampler (expanded from my Inspirational Bookmark Trio)— a gentle, actionable guide anyone can use.

Reset your energy and support recovery

Got thoughts or feedback? Tap here to send me a quick note—I’d love to hear from you!

Support the show

Connect with Jenny Leigh:

• Beat blocks. Find flow. Start creating: Creative Empowerment Sampler
• Restore energy & balance: Burnout RESET Guide
• Nurture YOUR creative life: Creative Empowerment Coaching
• Get inspired with a book: 🌻 Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection or 🎹 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!

SUBSCRIBE to Your Creative Chord on Apple or Spotify! Please rate and review—it helps others find creative inspiration, too!

Help keep creativity flowing by supporting the mission and gaining access to free resources. 👉 Support Today

Your Creative Chord Podcast show music, Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins | All Content, music, poetry © 2026 Jenny Leigh Hodgins All Rights Reserved.

...

In episode 36, I show how to use struggles as stepping stones to happiness.

It's easy for any of us to be defeated by our problems. They can seem tailor-designed to knock us down. Regardless of specifics, when faced with difficulty, having the attitude to work toward a solution or win victory, is the first step to creating forward momentum.

If we first work on strengthening the attitude behind our actions, we stand a greater chance of overcoming the problem or reaching a goal. Actions we take are only part of the solution or winning strategy.

Excerpt from a poem, How To Feel The Sun, from my book, Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Collection  Of Poetry And Lyrics:

“In your heart, you have everything you need to break through

You must awaken to the fact that it all depends on you

There, inside, a battle wages between your darkness and light

You must focus all your energy on keeping victory in sight.”

There’s an Einstein quote I love, 'It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer.' Problems can function as beneficial to our lives because they push us into the proverbial corner until we learn to strengthen our belief in the unlimited potential within ourselves and humanity.

RELATED LINKS:
SGI-USA Buddhism https://www.sgi-usa.org/

✨ Free Resources

Experience the expressive power of words with my Poetry Sampler — a curated selection from Kaleidoscope of the Heart that invites reflection, emotional renewal, and creative inspiration.

Explore practical ways to nurture your creative energy and maintain wellness with my Creative Empowerment Sampler (expanded from my Inspirational Bookmark Trio)— a gentle, actionable guide anyone can use.

Reset your energy

Got thoughts or feedback? Tap here to send me a quick note—I’d love to hear from you!

Support the show

Connect with Jenny Leigh:

• Beat blocks. Find flow. Start creating: Creative Empowerment Sampler
• Restore energy & balance: Burnout RESET Guide
• Nurture YOUR creative life: Creative Empowerment Coaching
• Get inspired with a book: 🌻 Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection or 🎹 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!

SUBSCRIBE to Your Creative Chord on Apple or Spotify! Please rate and review—it helps others find creative inspiration, too!

Help keep creativity flowing by supporting the mission and gaining access to free resources. 👉 Support Today

Your Creative Chord Podcast show music, Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins | All Content, music, poetry © 2026 Jenny Leigh Hodgins All Rights Reserved.

...

This episode of Your Creative Chord Podcast features my chat with Florida-based artist, Jean Schienle on:the mission of artists,the influence of mentors, andthe power of art to empower others. 

HIGHLIGHTS:

Talking with Florida artist Jean Schienle about her art and the motivation that drives her to paint reminded me of something my life mentor, Daisaku Ikeda said, “Culture and the arts create a resonance of shared feeling in people’s hearts and bring them together.”

I asked Jean what motivates her art and she immediately responded with her desire to use art for personal development and the encouragement of others. She practices a philosophy to “be the best I can be and to empower others to reach their potential.”

Connect & Find Jean’s Art: Art by Jean Facebook page -https://www.facebook.com/Art-by-Jean-303133000475451

Safety Harbor Galleria - https://www.facebook.com/safetyharborgalleria/

Thistle Boutique - https://www.facebook.com/ThistleDunedin/

Dunedin Fine Arts Center - https://www.dfac.org/

Jean's spiritual mentor, Soka Gakkai International President Daisaku Ikeda -https://www.sgi.org/about-us/founding-presidents/daisaku-ikeda.html

SGI-USA Buddhism - https://www.sgi-usa.org/basics-of-buddhism/

✨ Free Resources
Explore practical ways to nurture your creative energy and maintain wellness with my Creative Empowerment Sampler — a gentle, actionable guide anyone can use.

Reset your energy and support recovery from burnout with my short, reflective Burnout RESET Guide — simple steps you can use right away.

Got thoughts or feedback? Tap here to send me a quick note—I’d love to hear from you!

Support the show

Connect with Jenny Leigh:

• Beat blocks. Find flow. Start creating: Creative Empowerment Sampler
• Restore energy & balance: Burnout RESET Guide
• Nurture YOUR creative life: Creative Empowerment Coaching
• Get inspired with a book: 🌻 Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection or 🎹 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!

SUBSCRIBE to Your Creative Chord on Apple or Spotify! Please rate and review—it helps others find creative inspiration, too!

Help keep creativity flowing by supporting the mission and gaining access to free resources. 👉 Support Today

Your Creative Chord Podcast show music, Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins | All Content, music, poetry © 2026 Jenny Leigh Hodgins All Rights Reserved.

...

In part 2, Episode 34, I chat with my guest, Empowerment and Productivity Coach, Agnese Rudzate, Switzerland-based Agnese Rudzate. Agnese is a productivity coach helping female entrepreneurs thrive in their businesses without 24/7 time investment. 

Her Freedom Business Formula is designed to bring structure so business owners can get rid of overwhelm and constant hustle by working smarter. Agnese is a firm believer that any business can increase its productivity by implementing her formula. With years of experience as a certified quality manager, she has gained insight, skills, knowledge, and confidence in creating, maintaining and implementing structure, systems, and processes that bring RESULTS.

Connect with Agnese Rudzate:

https://agneserudzate.com/work-with-me/freedom-business-formula/

https://agneserudzate.com

✨ Free Resources

Stay organized and boost your productivity with my Google Sheet Task Tracker — customize it for your creative projects, business tasks, or daily goals. 

Explore practical ways to nurture your creative energy and maintain wellness with my Creative Empowerment Sampler (expanded from my Inspirational Bookmark Trio)— a gentle, actionable guide anyone can use.

Reset your energy and support recovery from burnout with my short, reflective Burnout RESET Guide — simple steps you can use right away.

Got thoughts or feedback? Tap here to send me a quick note—I’d love to hear from you!

Support the show

Connect with Jenny Leigh:

• Beat blocks. Find flow. Start creating: Creative Empowerment Sampler
• Restore energy & balance: Burnout RESET Guide
• Nurture YOUR creative life: Creative Empowerment Coaching
• Get inspired with a book: 🌻 Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection or 🎹 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!

SUBSCRIBE to Your Creative Chord on Apple or Spotify! Please rate and review—it helps others find creative inspiration, too!

Help keep creativity flowing by supporting the mission and gaining access to free resources. 👉 Support Today

Your Creative Chord Podcast show music, Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins | All Content, music, poetry © 2026 Jenny Leigh Hodgins All Rights Reserved.

...

In episode 33, part 1 of 2 with my guest, Empowerment and Productivity Coach, Agnese Rudzate, we learn how she's helping female entrepreneurs thrive in their businesses without 24/7 time investment. Her Freedom Business Formula is designed to bring structure so business owners can get rid of overwhelm and constant hustle by working smarter. Rudzate’s Freedom Business Formula Involves: Mindset, Commitment, Implementation.

HIGHLIGHTS:

“Find that weak link, what’s not working. Focus on things that bring results. You increase your profits but decrease your hours because you focus on the right things.”

‘Ask yourself, “Are you being active? Or are you being productive?”

“If this is the only thing I accomplish today, will I be satisfied with my day?”

This puts things into perspective.’

“Without Mindset, there can’t be big results because you are your business.”

“When you start to see results, you get empowered. It all really comes down to the mindset.”

“List all your business tasks or processes. What can be delegated, automated, or eliminated?”

“Prioritizing is about what brings results. If it doesn’t, why is it there?”

“Just reach out to your mentor or role model. It doesn’t cost anything. Why wouldn’t you reach out?”

Connect with Agnese Rudzate:

https://agneserudzate.com/work-with-me/freedom-business-formula/

https://agneserudzate.com

✨ Free Resources

Stay organized and boost your productivity with my Google Sheet Task Tracker — customize it for your creative projects, business tasks, or daily goals. 

Explore practical ways to nurture your creative energy and maintain wellness with my Creative Empowerment Sampler (expanded from my Inspirational Bookmark Trio)— a gentle, actionable guide anyone can use.

Reset your energy and support recovery from burnout with my short, reflective Burnout RESET Guide — simple steps you can use right away.

Got thoughts or feedback? Tap here to send me a quick note—I’d love to hear from you!

Support the show

Connect with Jenny Leigh:

• Beat blocks. Find flow. Start creating: Creative Empowerment Sampler
• Restore energy & balance: Burnout RESET Guide
• Nurture YOUR creative life: Creative Empowerment Coaching
• Get inspired with a book: 🌻 Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection or 🎹 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!

SUBSCRIBE to Your Creative Chord on Apple or Spotify! Please rate and review—it helps others find creative inspiration, too!

Help keep creativity flowing by supporting the mission and gaining access to free resources. 👉 Support Today

Your Creative Chord Podcast show music, Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins | All Content, music, poetry © 2026 Jenny Leigh Hodgins All Rights Reserved.

...

Your Creative Chord Podcast Episode 32, “How Do We Progress Women Composers? Talk About It! continues a 2-part interview with UK Composer Kezia Tomsett. Composer Kezia Tomsett of Reading, England had just finished her BA Music degree at The University of Leeds. I was interested in hearing from her as a recent graduate and upcoming young female composer. I was especially intrigued that she’d done her dissertation on why there aren’t many women film composers.

Where to find Kezia Tomsett:

www.instagram.com/keziatomsett/@kezia-tomsett

✨ Free Resources

Experience the expressive power of words with my Poetry Sampler — a curated selection from Kaleidoscope of the Heartthat invites reflection, emotional renewal, and creative inspiration.

Explore practical ways to nurture your creative energy and maintain wellness with my Creative Empowerment Sampler — a gentle, actionable guide anyone can use.

Reset your energy and support recovery from burnout with my short, reflective Burnout RESET Guide — simple steps you can use right away.

Got thoughts or feedback? Tap here to send me a quick note—I’d love to hear from you!

Support the show

Connect with Jenny Leigh:

• Beat blocks. Find flow. Start creating: Creative Empowerment Sampler
• Restore energy & balance: Burnout RESET Guide
• Nurture YOUR creative life: Creative Empowerment Coaching
• Get inspired with a book: 🌻 Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection or 🎹 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!

SUBSCRIBE to Your Creative Chord on Apple or Spotify! Please rate and review—it helps others find creative inspiration, too!

Help keep creativity flowing by supporting the mission and gaining access to free resources. 👉 Support Today

Your Creative Chord Podcast show music, Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins | All Content, music, poetry © 2026 Jenny Leigh Hodgins All Rights Reserved.

...

Your Creative Chord Podcast Episode 31, “How Do We Progress Women Composers? Talk About It! begins a 2-part interview with UK Composer Kezia Tomsett. Composer Kezia Tomsett of Reading, England had just finished her BA Music degree at The University of Leeds. I was interested in hearing from her as a recent graduate and upcoming young female composer. I was especially intrigued that she’d done her dissertation on why there aren’t many women film composers.

Where to find Kezia Tomsett:

www.instagram.com/keziatomsett/@kezia-tomsett

✨ Free Resources

Experience the expressive power of words with my Poetry Sampler — a curated selection from Kaleidoscope of the Heartthat invites reflection, emotional renewal, and creative inspiration.

Explore practical ways to nurture your creative energy and maintain wellness with my Creative Empowerment Sampler — a gentle, actionable guide anyone can use.

Reset your energy and support recovery from burnout with my short, reflective Burnout RESET Guide — simple steps you can use right away.

Got thoughts or feedback? Tap here to send me a quick note—I’d love to hear from you!

Support the show

Connect with Jenny Leigh:

• Beat blocks. Find flow. Start creating: Creative Empowerment Sampler
• Restore energy & balance: Burnout RESET Guide
• Nurture YOUR creative life: Creative Empowerment Coaching
• Get inspired with a book: 🌻 Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection or 🎹 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!

SUBSCRIBE to Your Creative Chord on Apple or Spotify! Please rate and review—it helps others find creative inspiration, too!

Help keep creativity flowing by supporting the mission and gaining access to free resources. 👉 Support Today

Your Creative Chord Podcast show music, Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins | All Content, music, poetry © 2026 Jenny Leigh Hodgins All Rights Reserved.

...

Go After Your Dreams – Increase the Joy in Your Life! Episode 3 of 3

In this final episode of our series, Lynnis Woods-Mullins and I reflect on the key insights from our conversations, emphasizing gratitude, empowerment, and the ongoing pursuit of joy. We discuss ways to integrate mentorship, self-care, and creative exploration into daily life, inspiring women over 40 to embrace their potential, thrive, and continue living intentionally.

Connect with Lynnis Woods-Mullins:

https://www.wellnesswoman40.com

✨ Free Resources

Experience the expressive power of words with my Poetry Sampler — a curated selection from Kaleidoscope of the Heartthat invites reflection, emotional renewal, and creative inspiration.

Explore practical ways to nurture your creative energy and maintain wellness with my Creative Empowerment Sampler — a gentle, actionable guide anyone can use.

Reset your energy and support recovery from burnout with my short, reflective Burnout RESET Guide — simple steps you can use right away.

Got thoughts or feedback? Tap here to send me a quick note—I’d love to hear from you!

Support the show

Connect with Jenny Leigh:

• Beat blocks. Find flow. Start creating: Creative Empowerment Sampler
• Restore energy & balance: Burnout RESET Guide
• Nurture YOUR creative life: Creative Empowerment Coaching
• Get inspired with a book: 🌻 Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection or 🎹 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!

SUBSCRIBE to Your Creative Chord on Apple or Spotify! Please rate and review—it helps others find creative inspiration, too!

Help keep creativity flowing by supporting the mission and gaining access to free resources. 👉 Support Today

Your Creative Chord Podcast show music, Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins | All Content, music, poetry © 2026 Jenny Leigh Hodgins All Rights Reserved.

...

Go After Your Dreams – Increase the Joy in Your Life! Episode 2 of 3

In this episode, Lynnis Woods-Mullins and I continue our conversation about embracing mid-life as a period of growth and opportunity. We explore practical ways women can nurture their creativity, take charge of their personal and professional goals, and cultivate joy in everyday life. Lynnis shares additional stories of mentorship, resilience, and lessons learned from her experiences and role models.

Connect with Lynnis Woods-Mullins: 

https://www.wellnesswoman40.com

✨ Free Resources

Experience the expressive power of words with my Poetry Sampler — a curated selection from Kaleidoscope of the Heartthat invites reflection, emotional renewal, and creative inspiration.

Explore practical ways to nurture your creative energy and maintain wellness with my Creative Empowerment Sampler — a gentle, actionable guide anyone can use.

Reset your energy and support recovery from burnout with my short, reflective Burnout RESET Guide — simple steps you can use right away.

Got thoughts or feedback? Tap here to send me a quick note—I’d love to hear from you!

Support the show

Connect with Jenny Leigh:

• Beat blocks. Find flow. Start creating: Creative Empowerment Sampler
• Restore energy & balance: Burnout RESET Guide
• Nurture YOUR creative life: Creative Empowerment Coaching
• Get inspired with a book: 🌻 Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection or 🎹 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!

SUBSCRIBE to Your Creative Chord on Apple or Spotify! Please rate and review—it helps others find creative inspiration, too!

Help keep creativity flowing by supporting the mission and gaining access to free resources. 👉 Support Today

Your Creative Chord Podcast show music, Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins | All Content, music, poetry © 2026 Jenny Leigh Hodgins All Rights Reserved.

...

Go After Your Dreams – Increase the Joy in Your Life! Your Creative Chord Podcast Episode 1 of 3

In this episode, I chat with Certified Holistic Living & Wellness Expert and Life Coach, Lynnis Woods-Mullins, about how women over 40 can nurture creativity, pursue their dreams, and live an inspired life. Lynnis shares stories from her life, including the influence of role models like Susan Taylor (Essence magazine) and Dr. Johnetta B. Cole (Spelman College), and highlights the achievements and wisdom passed down from her mother and ancestors.

✨ Episode Highlights

• Mid-life as a time to thrive and embrace vibrancy, intuition, and joy
• Empowering women to move forward with optimism and courage
• Stories of mentorship, personal growth, and transformative life lessons

Connect with Lynnis Woods-Mullins: 

https://www.wellnesswoman40.com

✨ Free Resources

Experience the expressive power of words with my Poetry Sampler — a curated selection from Kaleidoscope of the Heartthat invites reflection, emotional renewal, and creative inspiration.

Explore practical ways to nurture your creative energy and maintain wellness with my Creative Empowerment Sampler — a gentle, actionable guide anyone can use.

Reset your energy and support recovery from burnout with my short, reflective Burnout RESET Guide — simple steps you can use right away.

Got thoughts or feedback? Tap here to send me a quick note—I’d love to hear from you!

Support the show

Connect with Jenny Leigh:

• Beat blocks. Find flow. Start creating: Creative Empowerment Sampler
• Restore energy & balance: Burnout RESET Guide
• Nurture YOUR creative life: Creative Empowerment Coaching
• Get inspired with a book: 🌻 Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection or 🎹 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!

SUBSCRIBE to Your Creative Chord on Apple or Spotify! Please rate and review—it helps others find creative inspiration, too!

Help keep creativity flowing by supporting the mission and gaining access to free resources. 👉 Support Today

Your Creative Chord Podcast show music, Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins | All Content, music, poetry © 2026 Jenny Leigh Hodgins All Rights Reserved.

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