Is it necessary to be miserable in order to tap into our creative genius and make great art? Great art has indeed come out of deep pain and suffering and for many artists, that dark space can become a path to one’s tragic demise. Think Vincent Van Gogh, Mark Rothko or Ernest Hemingway to name a few.

Back in 2015 and 2016, I did something many dream of but few dare to undertake. I took a two-year break and traveled the world in the pursuit of reconnecting to my creative free spirit and heal my heart from a divorce that left me emotionally shattered.

For those two years, I lived as a nomad out of a suitcase, traveled to 14 countries and immersed myself in diverse cultures, each offering new insights and sparking creativity in unexpected ways.

What is it that feeds the negative voice inside our head? A belief system that is powered by a scarcity mindset. When the inner engine is fueled by fear and self doubt, the actions we take from that mindset will never bring us the outcome we desire.

Transitions can be subtle or can shake us to our core. Unless we have the tools to navigate through these challenging periods, we may find ourselves stuck and unable to move forward.

Have you ever experienced the feeling of wanting to do something that you know will support your personal or professional growth but when it comes time to pull the trigger and commit to it you decided that it’s not the right time?

The practice of emotional hygiene opens the door to inner peace and self-love. As we clear our emotional bodies of clutter, we make room for love, joy, extension, and freedom to flourish.

I recently stumbled upon this profound quote by Howard Thurman:

'Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.'

This question resonates with me, as what stirs our souls evolves alongside our growth.

What stands in the way of living a creative life? What stops us from bringing forth the treasures that are hidden within us? Fear does. We're afraid we're not good enough, that we aren't worthy, that we don't have the talent or that we're too old or too young to start anything new.And the list goes on.

Have you ever considered that your relationship with money could be more about your emotions than about money?  Money anxiety, a common companion for many of the people I guide, whispers doubts and fears into their ears.  It infiltrates their thoughts, undermining confidence and self-worth. It can lead to a cycle of negative thinking, where they doubt their abilities and fall into a victim mindset. 

Feeling stuck and uncertain about whether we're on the right path is a common experience in our creative industry. I encounter this issue with almost everyone I mentor. Often, feeling stuck is the result of following a path laid out by societal expectations or the pursuit of security and success as defined by others, rather than listening to our own hearts.

Here’s a list of things you can do to love yourself better.

Dragons, in various cultures, symbolize power, strength, and wisdom. Yet, they also embody the internal battles we all face. The dragons within us breathe the fires of doubt, fear, and criticism, often obscuring the path to our authentic selves.

If you really knew me, you would know that I am 56 and I have been financially liberated since the age of 43. Being financially liberated goes beyond the accumulation of wealth or the absence of debt. For me, it embodies a deeper, more holistic approach to understanding and interacting with money.

For us creatives, the journey of self-exploration is not just about self-discovery; it's about tapping into the deep wells of inspiration and originality.   Our triggers, those emotional flare-ups that catch us off guard, are not mere roadblocks. They are, in fact, a treasure chest of creative potential, waiting to be unearthed and transformed into art.   

I learned something very valuable 20 years ago. I felt stuck running my design firm and I didn’t know how to get out. The agency was my only source of income and I wasn’t in a position to simply walk away. Even thought the business was doing well, the work itself has lost its magic for me. I was bored with the work and I wasn’t growing anymore.

Worry. It's like a family member you didn't ask for, showing up at your door uninvited, feet on the coffee table, helping themselves to the leftovers you were looking forward to eating all day. And just like that family member, worry seems impossible to evict once it's settled in.