by jlouden | Apr 3, 2019 | Blog, Creativity, Self-Care & Comfort
When you read this, I’ll be halfway through a seven-day writer’s retreat in a cabin off the grid, up high in the Colorado Rockies. I wanted to share my prep and my fears about going on a creative writing retreat because while I lead super fantastic in-person and...
by jlouden | Mar 27, 2019 | Blog, Creativity, Self-Care & Comfort
From where I stand, too many conversations about life purpose centers around making money, being original, becoming well-known, making a big impact, garnering a ton of Instagram followers, or having ONE TRUE PURPOSE. As if your life purpose was singular and final,...
by jlouden | Mar 20, 2019 | Blog, Creativity, Self-Care & Comfort
It’s okay to feel exactly what you’re feeling. You don’t need to feel any different than you do. (I often forget this and try to fix what I’m feeling rather than witnessing and welcoming.) Raise your arms up overhead. Exhale long and slow. Relax your shoulders. You...
by jlouden | Oct 16, 2018 | Creativity, Self-Care & Comfort
I recently watched the documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor? about Fred Rogers and his long-running children’s show. I was so moved by his mission to help each child feel loved, to know they are loveable, and not because they do or accomplish anything. Mr. Roger’s...
by jlouden | Apr 11, 2018 | Creativity, Self-Care & Comfort
Many of us learn pretty dang early to hide. To hide our talents, our voices, our bodies, our opinions, our sexuality, our light (cue the hymn “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine” – oh wait, only kidding.) Maybe it was your dad saying, “You’re...
by jlouden | Apr 4, 2018 | Blog, Creativity, Self-Care & Comfort
As I shared last month, the memoir I sweated over for four years and 120,000 words is kaput. I’ve started calling it “the book that shall not be named.” I promised I would share what I learned from the book failing. I hope these are useful to you. #1 – NOTHING...
