Welcome to Creative Soul Life, a place to rediscover the power of feminine self-care through the magic of creativity. I’m your host, Charlotte DeMolay, artist, mid-lifer and empty-nester. It’s time to ditch the guilt and get ready to cultivate a life filled with self-expression, exploration and discovering the vibrant energy that lives within you.
Episode 13 – The Magic of Rituals, Routines and Habits
Feeling exhausted by daily decisions? This episode of Creative Soul Life dives into the power of habits, routines, and rituals to simplify your life and free up mental energy for what truly matters.
We explore the science behind decision fatigue and how these practices can conserve your brainpower. Habits, like brushing your teeth, become automatic, requiring minimal thought. Routines, like a morning coffee ritual, link activities to reduce decision-making.
But the magic lies in rituals. They elevate everyday routines by adding intention and meaning. Imagine lighting a candle before starting work, or saying a gratitude prayer before a meal. These rituals create a sense of control and a transition between activities.
Show Notes
The Importance of Creating Habits and Routine, Katherine R Arlinghaus, Craig A Johnston, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6378489/
What doctors wish patients knew about decision fatigue, Sara Berg, https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-decision-fatigue
The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg, https://www.amazon.com/Power-Habit-What-Life-Business-ebook/
Atomic Habits, James Clear, https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break-ebook/
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey, https://www.amazon.com/Habits-Highly-Effective-People-Infographics-ebook
Episode 12 – Creative Ways to Say No
In this episode of Creative Soul Life, we dive deep into the challenging but essential skill of saying no. We’ll explore the various reasons why you might need to decline invitations, requests, or commitments, from preserving your sanity to simply avoiding unnecessary stress.
We’ll discuss effective strategies for saying no to friends, family, and even yourself, including direct approaches, humorous excuses, and diplomatic tactics. This episode offers valuable insights to help you reclaim your time and energy.
Episode 11 – The Calm Before the Storm
In this episode of Creative Soul Life, we plan for the upcoming storm…the holidays. We’ll delve into your ideal holiday scenario and discuss the expectations that often arise during this time.
Whether you’re dreaming of a tropical escape with family or a quiet moment of solitude, we’ll help you identify your top priorities and determine what truly matters. We’ll also explore the societal, family, and personal expectations that can pile up during the holidays and how they align with your goals.
To maintain your strength and well-being, we’ll discuss the importance of sticking to your routines, asking for help, and learning to say “no” when necessary. We’ll also explore the difference between real and perceived expectations and offer tips for nurturing your soul through faith, family, and creative outlets.
Whether you’re a holiday enthusiast or simply trying to survive the season, this episode provides valuable insights for navigating the holiday season with intention and grace.
Episode 10 – Reviewing Gift from the Sea
Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s Gift from the Sea is a timeless meditation on creativity, self-care, and the complexities of modern womanhood. Through her musings on the natural world and her own experiences, Lindbergh invites readers to slow down, reflect, and discover the importance of focusing on your own care.
The book delves into themes of creativity, emphasizing the importance of nurturing one’s artistic spirit and finding joy in the creative process. Lindbergh also offers invaluable insights on self-care, encouraging readers to prioritize their well-being and create space for rest and rejuvenation.
For any woman navigating the complexities of life, Lindbergh’s reflections resonate deeply. Her exploration of identity, relationships, and the balance between external expectations and internal desires provides a relatable and empowering perspective. Join me at Creative Soul Life in doing a deep dive on this timeless classic.
Episode 9 – Perfectly Good Enough
You can make bad art, you can make good enough art, but what happens when you want it to be perfect?
In this episode of Creative Soul Life, we explore the concept of perfectionism and how it can hinder our creative process. We discuss the importance of embracing the “good enough” mindset and the power of imperfection.
We delve into the reasons why we create, whether it’s for personal growth, experimentation, or sharing with others. We also discuss the importance of self-assessment and knowing when a piece of work is “finished enough.”
Finally, we address the negative impact of perfectionism and encourage listeners to let go of unrealistic expectations and embrace their unique creative voice.
Show Notes
Episode 8 – When Being BAD is GOOD
Whether it’s a new creative endeavor or your life’s work…you have to accept being bad is the only way to be good. In this episode of Creative Soul Life, we discuss how embracing imperfection is essential for creative growth and how it can help us overcome creative blocks.
We’ll dive into the importance of practice and experimentation, and how these can lead to significant improvements in our creative work. We’ll also discuss the concept of “good enough” and why it’s often more beneficial than striving for perfection.
We’ll explore the work of various artists and writers who have embraced imperfection as a key part of their creative process, including Anne Lamott, Seth Godin, and Austin Kleon. We’ll discuss how to overcome fear and self-doubt, and how to develop a growth mindset to support our creative endeavors.
Ultimately, this episode will encourage you to embrace your creative journey, no matter how messy or imperfect it may be.
Episode 7 – Creative Play
We all know children need play. It aids their development and nourishes their soul. Why do we stop as adults? In this episode of Creative Soul Life, we delve into the reasons why play is essential for both children and adults, highlighting its role in boosting creativity, reducing stress, and fostering a sense of joy and wonder.
We’ll share practical tips on how to incorporate more play into your daily life, including micro-play activities, mindful practices, and creative daydreaming. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, you’ll discover the joy and freedom that comes from embracing your inner child and engaging in creative play.
Episode 6 – The Comparison Trap
You know the feeling…doom scrolling social media and seeing all the things you want to do. All the projects, all the perfect meals…it’s all so good, how do you even compare? Why even try?
You’ve been caught in the Comparison Trap. We’re going to talk about what you’re seeing is NOT what you think. And we are going to set you free from the trap.
In this episode of Creative Soul Life, we dive into the common pitfall of comparing ourselves to others. We’ll discuss how curated online personas can create unrealistic expectations and lead to feelings of inadequacy. We’ll explore strategies to overcome the comparison trap, including understanding the limitations of social media, recognizing the hidden costs of perfectionism, and embracing a more realistic and compassionate approach to creativity and productivity.
By the end of this episode, you’ll be empowered to break free from the comparison trap and focus on your own unique journey.
Episode 5 – Reviewing Refuse to Choose
Got too many ideas? Feeling the pressure to choose? You don’t have to! I’ll tell you about the book that helped me see that having lots of interests is ok.
In this episode of Creative Soul Life, we delve into the world of “scanners,” individuals with a wide range of interests and passions. We discuss the concept of “Refuse to Choose,” popularized by Barbara Sher, and how it can empower scanners to embrace their multifaceted nature.
We’ll explore the challenges and joys of being a scanner, from the fear of judgment to the thrill of constant discovery. We’ll also provide practical tips for managing multiple interests, setting realistic goals, and overcoming self-doubt.
Whether you’re a seasoned scanner or just beginning to explore your diverse passions, this episode will inspire you to embrace your unique identity and live a more fulfilling life.
Episode 4 – Curiosity is Key
What the source of a creative life? CURIOSITY!
In this episode of Creative Soul Life, we explore the transformative power of curiosity. We discuss how cultivating curiosity can lead to increased knowledge, enhanced creativity, and deeper connections with the world around us.
We’ll delve into practical tips for fostering curiosity, such as asking open-ended questions, seeking out new experiences, and embracing a playful mindset. We’ll also explore the work of renowned psychologist Todd Kashdan, who has extensively studied the benefits of curiosity.
By the end of this episode, you’ll be inspired to embrace curiosity as a lifelong journey of discovery and growth.
Show Notes
Todd Kashdan, PhD. – Interesting studies, books, talks, etc on curiosity.
Episode 3 – Just Start
You know you want to get going…but what’s holding you back? Let’s talk about the enemies of starting and how to get going.
In this episode of Creative Soul Life, we dive into the common challenge of procrastination and self-doubt that can hinder creative pursuits. We’ll discuss the fear of failure, the imposter syndrome, and the paralyzing effects of perfectionism.
We’ll explore practical strategies to overcome these obstacles, including setting realistic goals, breaking down larger projects into smaller steps, and celebrating small victories. We’ll also discuss the importance of learning from mistakes and embracing the process of growth and development.
By the end of this episode, you’ll be empowered to take the first step, no matter how small, and start creating.
Episode 2 – Creativity and YOU
Not creative? Think again. Let’s talk about what creativity is in this episode. It’s more than you think!
In this episode, we challenge the common misconception that creativity is a special talent reserved for a select few. We explore the idea that everyone is inherently creative, and that creativity can be expressed in countless ways, from the arts to everyday life.
We’ll delve into how creativity appears in your everyday life and identify ways you are probably already being creative. Join me as we celebrate the power of human creativity and inspire you to embrace your inner artist.
Episode 1 – Creativity as Self-Care
Welcome to the first episode of Creative Soul Life. In this first episode of Creative Soul Life, I’ll introduce myself and talk about how I’m discovering creativity as a form of self-care.
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Show Notes
Ali Abdaal’s Wheel of Life Quiz or download my Simple Life Self-Assessment