The Balanced Creative

“How do you grieve not only the person you lost, but the person you can no longer be? … There are identities and parts of ourselves we lose when we lose people we love.” Shelby Forsythia In this special episode, Chelene sits down with Shelby Forsythia to discuss the trials and tribulations that grief brings us through, in all avenues of life. When we experience any form of loss in our lives, it can bring our creative journey to a halt. Not only do we feel isolated from the world around us, but our entire perspective and relationship to the world changes. Shelby Forsythia is a grief coach, author, and podcast host here to share her experiences and insights into grief. In 2020, she founded Life After Loss Academy, an online course and community that has helped dozens of grievers find their way after death, divorce, diagnosis, and other major life transitions. Following her mother’s death in 2013, Shelby began calling herself a “student of grief” and now devotes her days to reading, writing, and speaking about loss. Through a combination of mindfulness tools and intuitive questions, she guides her clients to welcome grief as a teacher and create meaningful lives that honor and include the heartbreaks they’ve faced. Her work has been featured in Huffington Post, Bustle, and The Oprah Magazine. If you or someone you know is experiencing grief, and is seeking support and community in this process, be sure to visit Shelby’s website. https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/permission-to-grieve @‌shelbyforsythia on IG, Facebook, Threads | Website: http://shelbyforsythia.com Want to stay updated with latest podcast news? Join our email list!

As we reach the end of 2024, take a moment to pause, dear creative listener. Where has your creative path taken you this year? In today’s episode, Chelene is here to discuss a point in the process you’ve all experienced at least once: the rupture point. A moment of extreme, energized clarity about what your project is supposed to be and do. The part of the processes where suddenly, everything clicks, and that long emotional rut you’ve been in finally passes. But this point comes with facing something you may have been avoiding - starting over. Maybe you realize your characters aren’t making choices that align with their personality, or maybe you discover a key ingredient to your project that shows you exactly how to get back to point Z. The rupture point doesn’t happen when you’re working on your project - it usually appears when you begin to ask yourself “what do I need in order to continue?” Check out our free worksheet on building your emotional narrative to protect your priorities. Want to stay updated with the latest podcast news? Join our email list!

In a world that values word count over creative exploration, it’s not a surprise that imposter syndrome has become one of the main hindrances for creative joy. So why are we still allowing space for that? In today’s episode, we’ll take a look at: The importance of unstructured play Building confidence through clarity The role that comparison plays in all of this As mentioned in this episode, check out Due Quach's book Calm Clarity: How to Use Science to Rewire Your Brain for Greater Wisdom, Fulfillment, and Joy Are you a creative professional juggling multiple tasks and feeling overwhelmed? Let us help you design the creative life you've been envisioning. Apply to the Thrive Coaching Program discover valuable insights about yourself, enabling you to cultivate a more aligned and fulfilling creative practice. Want to stay updated with latest podcast news? Join our email list!

The art of self expression brings us an opportunity to see ourselves in a light that we otherwise wouldn’t make time to acknowledge. Whether you are a writer, a podcaster, a singer, or an artist, you will always choose the project that best reflects you at that moment. So consider your current project - what is it telling you about yourself? In today’s episode we’ll explore the importance of self awareness in our work, and how it can help us gain the clarity we need to then build confidence in it. Check out our free worksheet on building your emotional narrative to protect your priorities. Want to stay updated with the latest podcast news? Join our email list!

“There are no limitations to who we can be” Chelene Knight How long has it taken you, dear listener, to acknowledge the truth behind your perfectionist nature? As creatives, the fight between freedom to be ourselves and dependence on how our work is received can feel like a never-ending spiral. But it can also be a good indicator of what we choose to prioritize. Finding creative balance requires a strong understanding of what our needs are and how they can be met. In today’s episode, we will address the significance of comparison, encourage the mess of our projects' early drafts, and explore Chelene’s concept of “goal dominoes” that can help you move away from perfectionism’s rigid direction, and toward your own path, at your own pace. Want to stay updated with the latest podcast news? Join our email list! If you’re looking to join a community of brand new and seasoned writers to build processes, establish wellness & care, and gain publishing clarity, sign up for the Forever Writers Club! Our mission is to bring back the joy, confidence and balance of creation.

Take a deep breath, folks. This episode was created to shine a light on our creative kryptonite: guilt. As you listen, think of how guilt creeps into your room as you finally sit down to feed your creativity. Is it an obvious, nagging voice reminding you of all the things you haven’t yet done? Or is it disguised as a feeling of numbness that stops you from coming up with new ideas? Whatever the case, invite that guilt into today’s conversation as we discuss how guilt affects us, not only as creatives, but in how we relate to others, and how we show up for ourselves. Check out our free worksheet on building your emotional narrative to protect your priorities. Want to stay updated with the latest podcast news? Join our email list!

Here at Breathing Space Creative, we view time-blocking as more than just scheduling tasks - it’s about: Peeling back the layers of why we want to dedicate time to them Tracking our energy levels so we know when we can make the most of it Building on these priorities through intentional actions and becoming who we are trying to be. In today’s episode, Chelene reflects on how effective time-blocking has opened doors to a deeper perspective of creative entrepreneurship. As you listen to this episode, consider how you can take accountability for your creative projects while fostering a healthy relationship with your priorities and why you feel the need to strengthen it. As mentioned in this episode, you can listen to episode 14: Make space for creative joy, releasing expectations of yourself, wherever you listen to your podcasts. Don’t forget to sign up for our Say No With Love Workshop, held virtually on October 5th, 11 am - 12:30 pm PST! Want to stay updated with the latest podcast news? Join our email list!

“We feel the pressure to give everything for free, and then we don’t understand why this burnout is here.” In episode 12 of this season, Chelene discussed how to make your creative project ideas saleable in a gatekept industry. This lead us to consider the importance of protecting our energy while going into these spaces. In today’s episode, Chelene discusses the importance of protecting our time, energy, and MONEY in a world where people expect free or discounted products for your specialty. The balance between overextending yourself and getting your foot in the door can be hard to achieve, especially as a recovering people pleaser, so as you listen to this one, consider how you can protect your energy when it comes to your creative work. Don’t forget to sign up for our Say No With Love Workshop, held virtually on October 5th, 11am - 12:30pm PST! Want stay updated with latest podcast news? Join our email list!

“What is the cost of not doing the inner work?” “You’re either going to move forward, or you’re going to move backward. No one ever stays the same. It might feel like it… but you’re actually regressing.” In today’s special episode, follow a discussion between two coaches who specialize in burnout prevention. Chelene interviews coach Meiyoko Taylor on the importance of understanding The Self as a way to navigate burnout. As a two-time best-selling author, speaker, and a life transformation coach for business professionals, Meiyoko shares his insights on facing the root cause of burnout. Stay tuned for his upcoming book Yes is Back Are you a creative professional juggling multiple tasks and feeling overwhelmed? Let us help you design the creative life you've been envisioning. Apply to the https://www.breathingspacecreative.com/thrive-coaching-program discover valuable insights about yourself, enabling you to cultivate a more aligned and fulfilling creative practice. Want stay updated with latest podcast news? https://breathingspacecreative.ck.page/72db4e84a8 Follow Meiyoko on IG https://www.instagram.com/meiyokotaylor/

At Breathing Space Creative, we are always prioritizing emotional freedom and mindfulness practices for burnout prevention in creatives. By creating a space that fosters authenticity for everyone, it easily fuels the work we do. While this is a strong value for us, we recognize that there are many creatives who may not have spaces to show up authentically as themselves. Especially if they have a job that drains them. In this episode of The Balanced Creative, we are asking you, What does authenticity mean to you? And how can you protect that in an environment that isn’t accommodating? When you can no longer grow in an environment that seems to be holding you back, it can be hard to overcome self-doubt, or embrace positivity within your creative projects. That’s why it’s important to stay true to your vision and realign with yourself, until you are able to leave this environment, or change it. In this episode we will discuss: Finding flexibility within your environment in places you’ve never looked Addressing where we are looking to get our needs met How easily we compromise our authenticity without realizing it. Limiting environments can really test your boundaries. Check out our free worksheet on infusing rock solid boundaries into your daily life to remind yourself of the space you need! Want stay updated with latest podcast news? Join our email list!

How many times have you heard the term “don’t get your hopes up” when submitting your project to a contest or publishing organization? Whether this is a voice that comes externally, internally, or both, it can certainly throw a curveball in your emotional journey as a creative. The last thing you need when putting yourself out there is a voice telling you to reign your expectations in. But where do these expectations come from? Are they all negative? And how can they play a role in renewing your life? In today’s episode we’ll discuss: Not all expectations are negative. There are empowering expectations that can remind us of our Why. Why some expectations that may start off positive, can result in holding us back. Pulling the curtain back on these expectations to reveal narratives that need to be released. Always remember to be aware of your intentions, and take accountability for the expectations that could make or break your creative journey. Are you a creative professional juggling multiple tasks and feeling overwhelmed? Let us help you design the creative life you've been envisioning. Apply to the Thrive Coaching Program discover valuable insights about yourself, enabling you to cultivate a more aligned and fulfilling creative practice. Want stay updated with latest podcast news? Join our email list!

As creatives, we often spend a LOT of time in our heads, and in our emotions. Most of us rely on our creative practice as a healthy form of expression. It allows us to create a safe space to let go of limiting beliefs and to explore our inner worlds and their relation to their outer worlds. But we can’t just live in our heads, can we? In today’s episode, we’ll we’ll discuss the importance of prioritizing your body’s needs and how it affects the creative mind. You might be thinking to yourself, “I already know to take care of my body” That’s nice, but are you doing it? In this episode, we will explore Three ways to enhance your everyday life by building a healthy creative practice. Brain Fog and how to work with it, not against it The importance of tracking your energy levels Get your free Burnout Prevention Worksheet today. Want stay updated with latest podcast news? Join our email list!

A beautiful thing about working behind the curtain of a gatekept industry, is being the one who can later pull this curtain back for others who have been denied entry. In today’s episode, Chelene draws from her experience working in publishing and how it’s helped her turn industry blindspots into a path of joyful living for creatives. Reflecting on Chelene’s project pillars, redefining success, and reshaping of the language behind the word “gatekeeping”, this episode is here to plant the seeds for mindset shifts around your place in this creative world and how you can make it your own. Shoutout to House of Anansi, Canada’s leading independent publisher for creating such a positive experience for Chelene in her upcoming guided journal for writers, Safekeeping, you can pre-order today.

Here at The Balanced Creative, we like to prioritize discussions around burnout prevention and personal growth to help foster our creative endeavours. In today’s episode, guest Keyaira Horne takes on the topic of creative balance as a corporate professional. As a self-published children’s book writer, multidisciplinary artist, and corporate professional, Keyaira's journey involves weaving creativity and responsibilities, emphasizing proactive self-care to combat burnout. Find Keyaira on instagram at @mskeyairahorne Check out her books: All Around the world The Magic of Gratitude Are you a busy professional looking to carve time in your daily or weekly routines for creative practice? Check out our burnout prevention worksheet to help you identify your limits and create with intention, a balanced, creative life. Visit Breathing Space Creative for more insights and tools to help you navigate your priorities, and bring your ideas to reality. If you like our content, tell us your thoughts! Comment, review, or subscribe to The Balanced Creative and stay up to date on new episodes and exciting events.

One of the most powerful tools we can use to combat limiting beliefs in our creative lives is language. The way we speak to and about ourselves can make or break our journeys as creative entrepreneurs. In today’s episode, Chelene investigates the ripple effects that emerge from intentional self-talk. Intentional self-talk doesn’t always look like saying words of affirmation in a mirror, or using positivity when we aren’t in the space for it. While those tactics can be helpful in some ways, we’re taking a look into shifting our critical mind into a place of neutrality when it comes to self-perception. As you listen along, consider the language you use on yourself. This could be through talking with others, or the way you respond to certain thoughts. It can even determine how you show up for yourself. Language is also a great tool for building strong boundaries! Check out these 5 steps to infuse rock solid boundaries in your daily life!

One of the hardest things to consider when putting yourself out there as a creative entrepreneur, is showcasing your work. It’s easy to hide behind perfectionist tendencies as we go back into the planning, drafting or revising stages of our creative projects, but it’s another thing to say “this is it, this is me, here you go!” Today's episode delves deeply into the concept of authentic self-expression, emphasizing the importance of genuinely putting yourself out there. It highlights the significance of clarity in both intentions and messaging, illustrating how this clarity facilitates stronger connections with your audience. As you listen, consider how you show up for yourself as a creative entrepreneur. How can you embrace positive change and confidence in what you do? Looking to infuse rock solid boundaries in your daily life so you can keep moving forward along your creative journey? Check out our free Build Stronger Boundaries worksheet!

So… at this point into season two, you’ve made time to reflect on your “why”, you’ve been honest with yourself about the spaces that no longer align with you, and you understand what cleansing the creative palette means to you. Now what? In today’s episode, get ready for some mindset shifts as we explore the role of accountability in our creative lives. Much of this is related to bringing awareness to your energy levels. At Breathing Space Creative, we are always encouraging folks to consider their energy before taking action with their projects. This looks like: Assessing their priorities Observing limiting beliefs that set you back And being honest with how you can meet your needs right now. Open your mind to the idea that it’s not about needing more time, but learning how to better manage your energy. If you’re interested in learning more about protecting your energy and the things you want to focus on this season, join our free Say No With Love workshop on April 27th, 2024.

Today's episode is for all the listeners who are trying to balance creative work with entrepreneurship among all the other demands of daily life. Life won't always take us where we might want or expect it to, and our special guest is here to remind us that ultimately, it's because something better is coming. Carol Good is a writer, artist, and crafter, living the entrepreneurial life. When she isn't creating new journals and greeting cards for her shop Good Wares, she's busy working on her manuscript. Follow Carol on instagram @c.a.good and @good.wares to learn more about her journey! Carol is also a long-time member of the Forever Writers Club, and a contributor and associate editor for lifeasahuman.com.

At Breathing Space Creative, we are always discussing the evolution of our own creative journeys. Sometimes this involves letting go of spaces that no longer align with who we are. In today’s episode, Chelene discusses the importance of prioritizing our needs to make space for a healthy creative balance with guest Natasha “Tash” Helwig. Natasha is the Founder of Broken Heals Inc. where she works as a Facilitator, Coach and Writer helping women grow, love, heal and be heard for over 9 years, and recently she has become the Founder and COO of The Birdhouse, an initiative focused on providing workshops focused on inclusivity and creating a sense of belonging within organizations and amongst teams through storytelling and active listening workshops. Today’s heartfelt discussion takes an honest look at what burnout truly looks like in a post-pandemic world. As you listen to this episode, take an honest look at the spaces you’re already in. How are they holding you? What changes might you need to implement in order to protect your energy and time for things you love? Sign up for our upcoming Free Say No with Love Workshop today! You can learn more about Tash’s Deep Work/Soft Landing workshop or find her on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/natashalhelwig/ and https://www.instagram.com/broken_heals/ msUTflFdF4GvcGMFy6Ds

Here at Breathing Space Creative, we don't believe in writer's block... The reason you're not writing or creating probably has a LOT to do with how you're approaching your work. In today's episode, Chelene discusses the importance of cleansing your creative palette - otherwise known as learning when to reset your mind so you can go back to doing what you love the most. Give yourself a chance to truly pause and be present with yourself. How can you give yourself more space to cleanse your creative palette? What kind if unstructured play brings life into your art? Looking for more essential tips and guidance to keep you aligned with your creative energy? ⁠Start with our Identifying, Preventing, & Resisting Burnout worksheet!⁠