The Art of Creative Living

In this episode, host Nicola Newman interviews Amber Byers, a former attorney who transformed her life by following her creative calling. As an award-winning author and founder of Tadpole Press, Amber shares her journey from the legal world to building a thriving creative business centered around writing and community.Discover Amber's three powerful tenets for authentic creative living:Listen to your authentic voice and trust your body's wisdomHave fun with your creativity without taking yourself too seriouslyBuild a supportive community that champions your unique visionAmber opens up about winning gold at the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards for her book "Sophie and Spot," and how she created the popular Tadpole Press 100-word writing contest that now attracts entries from nearly 60 countries worldwide.This heartfelt conversation explores how embracing creativity as a safe playground can lead to personal fulfillment beyond traditional measures of success. Whether you're considering a creative career change or simply looking to reconnect with your authentic self, Amber's story will inspire you to listen to your inner wisdom and follow your heart.Visit www.tadpolepress.com to learn more about Amber's work and the Tadpole Press writing contest.

In this episode, writer Beth Cregan and I dive deep into the various tools and technology we use to support our creative lives. From good old-fashioned analog tools like planners, notebooks, and index cards to cutting-edge digital apps, software, and AI assistants, we cover a wide array of resources that help us organise, plan, create, and track our creative projects. Find all the details and links to these tools on the podcast show notes page at: www.nicolanewman.com/podcast/technology-tools-ai Nicola Newman: www.nicolanewman.com Beth Cregan: www.writeawaywithme.com Let's Connect! Share your favourite technology and tools with us on Instagram at @write.away.with.me and @nicolanewman_ Subscribe to our podcast for more discussions on creativity! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nicola-newman/message

Let's delve into the 'messy middle' of creative projects! Join Beth and me (Nicola) as we discuss our personal experiences and strategies to push forward. We delve into self-awareness including understanding one's own personality traits and energies which helps in personalising the creative process. Beth explains how having a clear vision of the final outcome can keep you motivated. We emphasize the importance of setting boundaries and prioritising the creative process. We also discuss the significance of remaining flexible and adaptive, and how sideways movement can be an integral part of the process, with challenges overcome often leading to substantial periods of rapid progress. Other aspects covered are the importance of self-compassion, embracing a sense of safety, understanding life circumstances, celebrating small wins, and wisely investing in skills and supplies that make the process easier. We are also thrilled and excited to announce "The Art of Creative Living" podcast has been selected by Feedspot as one of the Top 20 Australia Creativity Podcasts on the web.https://blog.feedspot.com/australia_creativity_podcasts/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nicola-newman/message

Join Nicola Newman & Beth Cregan for a meaningful conversation about the nature and importance of solitude, loneliness, and the creative process. Through the lens of Nic's sailing life, we explore the intricate balance between solitude and the potential for loneliness that creatives often encounter with their work. We delve into some of the struggles that are integral to our creative lives - from confronting the omnipresent fear of failure to navigating uncertainty without a roadmap! Yet, amidst these challenges, we discover that staying connected to ourselves and our work fosters self-trust, stamina and authenticity. This discussion is a compassionate guide for creatives facing the challenges that arise in the creative process. ⁠www.nicolanewman.com⁠ ⁠www.writeawaywithme.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nicola-newman/message

Welcome to another episode of "Nic and Beth's Creative Chats" with your hosts, Nicola Newman and Beth Cregan! Today, we're on a journey to uncover ways to nurture a deep and meaningful relationship with your creative self. Nicola and Beth open up about their personal reflective practices, anchors, and the daily rituals that keep their creativity flowing. They share how journaling becomes a supportive companion in their creative processes from morning pages to evening reflections. This episode goes deep into the significance of values and core desires, serving as the guiding compass that shapes and evolves your creative journey over time. We'll also dive into mindfulness practices in action – from gardening to sketching, along with Nic's 'Intuitive Pause', designed to ground you in the present moment. Anticipate a delightful blend of laughter, inspiration, and practical tips to elevate your creative living adventures. www.nicolanewman.com www.writeawaywithme.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nicola-newman/message

Join your hosts Nicola Newman and Beth Cregan as they unravel the transformative experiences of creative retreats. Beth, fresh from her solo writing retreat, and Nicola, having just hosted her second group creative retreat, delve into the rich tapestry of insights gained from both personal and group immersive escapes. In this episode, discover the power of solitude as Beth shares the revelations from her latest solo writing sojourn. (Spoiler alert – it didn't go exactly to plan!) Beth shares her honest experience of dealing with fear, her inner critic and creative resistance as well as tips for how to plan your own solo retreat. Nicola, with her pulse on the communal spirit of creative gatherings, provides a fascinating glimpse into the dynamics of hosting retreats—fostering joy, connection, collaboration, and the magic that happens when creative minds converge. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nicola-newman/message

Welcome to the inaugural episode of a new series on The Art of Creative Living Podcast, "Nic & Beth's Chats about Creative Living." Join us, your hosts Nicola Newman, an artist and creative mentor, and Beth Cregan, a writer and educator, as we dive headfirst into the world of creative living. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on our unique friendship forged through a shared passion for creative expression. From the genesis of our individual creative journeys to the moments of inspiration that fuel our work, we invite you to join us in celebrating the joy and complexity of the creative process. Whether you're an artist, writer, or simply someone interested in the joys of creative living, this episode sets the stage for a series of insightful conversations that will inspire, enlighten, and perhaps even spark your own creative flame. Find the Show Notes at http://www.nicolanewman.com/podcast Rate, Review & Share Episode Know someone who you think would love to hear this episode? Please be sure to pass it on! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nicola-newman/message

This meditation is designed to help you offer yourself self-compassion and cultivate a kind, nurturing relationship with yourself. By imagining yourself surrounded by a supportive community of fellow Creative Hearts, and wrapping your arms around yourself in a warm embrace, you can practice self-compassion and offer yourself words of validation, reassurance, and support. I invite you to take a few moments to listen to this meditation and explore how it can support you in caring for yourself as a creative. CONNECT WITH NICOLA NEWMAN  I am a business and life coach for creatives. My approach combines self-care, playfulness, and mindfulness to support sensitive, values-driven creatives to navigate self-doubt and cultivate deep self-trust so they can truly enjoy the creative process, bring together their body of work, make money doing what they love and leave a creative legacy they're proud of.⁠As an award-winning artist and creative mentor, my free resources, online courses, coaching programs, and retreats support Creative Hearts to embrace their passions, prioritise their creative expression, and build loving relationships with themselves. Visit my website: ⁠www.nicolanewman.com⁠ ⁠ Join my Creative Hearts Community: ⁠www.nicolanewman.com/community⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nicola-newman/message

Throughout my own creative journey, I've faced numerous setbacks and failures that have tested my resilience and determination. There have been moments when the pain of these experiences seemed insurmountable, making it difficult to see a way forward. However, in the midst of these challenges, I found an opportunity for growth and transformation. As I navigated the difficult terrain of my own personal development, I was introduced to the fascinating world of somatic therapy, neuroplasticity, nervous system regulation, the vagus nerve, and acceptance and commitment therapy. These fields of study provided me with valuable insights into how the human brain and body respond to adversity and how we can reshape our thinking and behaviour to overcome obstacles. Learning about these concepts has not only transformed my own approach to facing setbacks in my creative work but has also deeply enriched my coaching practice. By integrating the principles of neuroplasticity, nervous system regulation, and acceptance and commitment therapy into my coaching, I've been able to develop new ways of supporting my clients and community as they confront their own challenges. CONNECT WITH NICOLA NEWMAN  I am a business and life coach for creatives. My approach combines self-care, playfulness, and mindfulness to support sensitive, values-driven creatives to navigate self-doubt and cultivate deep self-trust so they can truly enjoy the creative process, bring together their body of work, make money doing what they love and leave a creative legacy they're proud of.⁠As an award-winning artist and creative mentor, my free resources, online courses, coaching programs, and retreats support Creative Hearts to embrace their passions, prioritise their creative expression, and build loving relationships with themselves. Visit my website: ⁠www.nicolanewman.com⁠ ⁠ Join my Creative Hearts Community: ⁠www.nicolanewman.com/community⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nicola-newman/message

This meditation is designed to help you overcome self-doubt and embrace the journey of sharing your work with the world. By connecting with your inner wisdom, and imagining yourself surrounded by a supportive community of fellow Creative Hearts, you can cultivate the courage and confidence to take the next step towards sharing your work with the world. I invite you to take a few moments to listen to this meditation and explore how it can support you in sharing your unique gifts with the world. CONNECT WITH NICOLA NEWMAN  I am a business and life coach for creatives. My approach combines self-care, playfulness, and mindfulness to support sensitive, values-driven creatives to navigate self-doubt and cultivate deep self-trust so they can truly enjoy the creative process, bring together their body of work, make money doing what they love and leave a creative legacy they're proud of.⁠As an award-winning artist and creative mentor, my free resources, online courses, coaching programs, and retreats support Creative Hearts to embrace their passions, prioritise their creative expression, and build loving relationships with themselves. Visit my website: ⁠www.nicolanewman.com⁠ ⁠ Join my Creative Hearts Community: ⁠www.nicolanewman.com/community⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nicola-newman/message

You know that nagging feeling that you're not really as talented or successful as people think you are, and that you're just one step away from being exposed as a fraud? Well, that's imposter syndrome, and in this episode I'm excited to shed some light on this topic and help you manage it so you can flourish in your creative life. So, let's explore how to overcome imposter syndrome! CONNECT WITH NICOLA NEWMAN  I am a business and life coach for creatives. My approach combines self-care, playfulness, and mindfulness to support sensitive, values-driven creatives to navigate self-doubt and cultivate deep self-trust so they can truly enjoy the creative process, bring together their body of work, make money doing what they love and leave a creative legacy they're proud of.⁠As an award-winning artist and creative mentor, my free resources, online courses, coaching programs, and retreats support Creative Hearts to embrace their passions, prioritise their creative expression, and build loving relationships with themselves. Visit my website: ⁠www.nicolanewman.com⁠ ⁠ Join my Creative Hearts Community: ⁠www.nicolanewman.com/community⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nicola-newman/message

Join Dawn Gibson-Winder and Nicola Newman for a wonderful, inspiring conversation filled with practical tips to help us carve out ways to care for our nervous systems and listen to ourselves, so we can intentionally create a life that fits us and honours our personal needs. A Journey from Chaos to Calm  Dawn shares her personal story and tools she's found to help her find more calm in her busy creative life. "After healing from the effects of Burnout, I knew I would have to create a different kind of work-life balance that didn't leave me depleted, but one that fed my soul, fuelled my energy and uplifted my spirit.I've learned I need to make sure I have balance in my work and personal life. I no longer feel the need to keep up with the fast-paced, hustle culture. I don't want to be constantly chasing and pushing myself to work harder."About Dawn Gibson-Winder Dawn is an experienced certified coach specialising in self-care. She has used her experience of recovering from Burnout to set up DawnedUpon, a Coaching and Mindful Lifestyle company. Dawn supports others who need to slow down and learn how to prioritise self-care, so they can break free of the fatigue and overwhelm of modern-day life.  She is a qualified Yoga Nidra meditation facilitator and has created a series of simple guided meditations that offer a way to deeply relax and achieve inner balance. Website: https://dawneduponcalm.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawneduponcalm CONNECT WITH NICOLA NEWMAN As a business and life coach for creatives, my approach combines self-care, playfulness, and mindfulness to support sensitive, values-driven creatives to navigate self-doubt and cultivate deep self-trust so they can truly enjoy the creative process, bring together their body of work, make money doing what they love and leave a creative legacy they're proud of.⁠ As an award-winning artist and creative mentor, my free resources, online courses, coaching programs, and retreats support Creative Hearts to embrace their passions, prioritise their creative expression, and build loving relationships with themselves. Website: https://www.nicolanewman.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nicola-newman/message

I wanted to share with you this meditation for Creative Hearts who want to feel in flow and connected to their creative expression. If you're looking to fully embrace your creativity and let go of any doubts or fears that may be holding you back, this practice is perfect for you. In this meditation, you will imagine yourself standing beside a beautiful stream in a rainforest, and allow yourself to feel in flow and energised in a gentle way. You will also connect with your inner wisdom, your values, passions, and dreams, and embrace your creativity with love and compassion. I invite you to find a comfortable seated position and allow yourself to fully immerse in this practice. You deserve to fully express yourself and connect with your inner strength. Trust in the unique and beautiful expression that emerges from within you. Take care and enjoy the practice, Nicola CONNECT WITH NICOLA NEWMAN I am a business and life coach for creatives. My approach combines self-care, playfulness, and mindfulness to support sensitive, values-driven creatives to navigate self-doubt and cultivate deep self-trust so they can truly enjoy the creative process, bring together their body of work, make money doing what they love and leave a creative legacy they're proud of.⁠As an award-winning artist and creative mentor, my free resources, online courses, coaching programs, and retreats support Creative Hearts to embrace their passions, prioritise their creative expression, and build loving relationships with themselves. Visit my website: www.nicolanewman.com⁠ Join my Creative Hearts Community: www.nicolanewman.com/community --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nicola-newman/message

Nurturing your creative community and building connections with fellow creatives is so valuable, it can make your creative life more sustainable, enjoyable and fulfilling in so many ways. I'll be sharing examples from my own life and how important building a creative community has been in my own development, satisfaction, and fulfillment. I'll also share tips and ideas of strategies you can use to build a nurturing creative community for your own creative life. Let's get started! CONNECT WITH NICOLA NEWMAN I am a business and life coach for creatives. My approach combines self-care, playfulness, and mindfulness to support sensitive, values-driven creatives to navigate self-doubt and cultivate deep self-trust so they can truly enjoy the creative process, bring together their body of work, make money doing what they love and leave a creative legacy they're proud of.⁠As an award-winning artist and creative mentor, my free resources, online courses, coaching programs, and retreats support Creative Hearts to embrace their passions, prioritise their creative expression, and build loving relationships with themselves. Visit my website: www.nicolanewman.com⁠ Join my Creative Hearts Community: www.nicolanewman.com/community --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nicola-newman/message

This meditation is designed to help you identify and use the resources you already have within you to care for yourself when you need it most. By asking yourself five simple questions and reflecting on your physical, mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual needs, you can cultivate a kinder, more nurturing relationship with yourself and trust in the unique and beautiful expression that emerges from within you. I invite you to take a few moments to listen to this meditation and explore how it can support you in caring for yourself as a creative. CONNECT WITH NICOLA NEWMAN I am a business and life coach for creatives. My approach combines self-care, playfulness, and mindfulness to support sensitive, values-driven creatives to navigate self-doubt and cultivate deep self-trust so they can truly enjoy the creative process, bring together their body of work, make money doing what they love and leave a creative legacy they're proud of.⁠As an award-winning artist and creative mentor, my free resources, online courses, coaching programs, and retreats support Creative Hearts to embrace their passions, prioritise their creative expression, and build loving relationships with themselves. Visit my website: https://www.nicolanewman.com⁠ Join my Creative Hearts Community: https://www.nicolanewman.com/community --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nicola-newman/message

"I've always been happiest in bright, colourful environments. From my childhood living on the fair, I was immersed in motion, sound, colour and energy. We travelled from place to place all summer and I know that's where I get my free spirit from and why I love to roam. This unique upbringing has given me a style all of my own," shares Kelly Herrick. "I am happiest outdoors, connecting to the natural world and seeing it through my paintbrush. I walk in my home county of Derbyshire and travel the country exploring our incredible landscapes and seascapes; you will see inspiration from all these places in my work. I find such joy in my art, it connects me to my flow and to nature in a way nothing else does. Painting allows me to dream a more positive and optimistic dream for the world, which is more important now than it has ever been. Beauty and connection breeds love and when we love something we treasure it and protect it." You can see Kelly's paintings and learn more about her courses, workshops and retreats here: https://www.kellyherrick.com/ CONNECT WITH NICOLA NEWMAN  I am a business and life coach for creatives. My approach combines self-care, playfulness, and mindfulness to support sensitive, values-driven creatives to navigate self-doubt and cultivate deep self-trust so they can truly enjoy the creative process, bring together their body of work, make money doing what they love and leave a creative legacy they're proud of.⁠As an award-winning artist and creative mentor, my free resources, online courses, coaching programs, and retreats support Creative Hearts to embrace their passions, prioritise their creative expression, and build loving relationships with themselves. Visit my website: ⁠www.nicolanewman.com⁠ ⁠ Join my Creative Hearts Community: ⁠www.nicolanewman.com/community⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nicola-newman/message

Whether you're an artist, writer, or entrepreneur, it's natural to encounter obstacles in your creative journey. In this episode, we'll explore gentle techniques for moving through these barriers and reigniting your creative spark. Drawing from my personal experiences and using a nurturing, mindful approach, we'll help you reconnect with your creativity. Creative blocks can take many forms, including lack of inspiration, self-doubt, perfectionism, or burnout. It's helpful to recognize that creative blocks are a normal part of the creative process, and facing them doesn't make you any less of a Creative. The key is to approach these obstacles with gentleness, self-care, and mindfulness. I've put together a list of ways to overcome creative blocks and I'm delighted to share them in this episode. Let's dive in! CONNECT WITH NICOLA NEWMAN I am a business and life coach for creatives. My approach combines self-care, playfulness, and mindfulness to support sensitive, values-driven creatives to navigate self-doubt and cultivate deep self-trust so they can truly enjoy the creative process, bring together their body of work, make money doing what they love and leave a creative legacy they're proud of.⁠ As an award-winning artist and creative mentor, my free resources, online courses, coaching programs, and retreats support Creative Hearts to embrace their passions, prioritise their creative expression, and build loving relationships with themselves. Visit my website: ⁠https://www.nicolanewman.com⁠⁠ Join my Creative Hearts Community: ⁠https://www.nicolanewman.com/community --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nicola-newman/message

For this episode I'm sharing a guest teacher session from Flourish: The Art of Creative Living, all about "Shaping Your Life Through Journalling & Self-Enquiry," with Vienda Maria. This session is full of Vienda's, and some of my own, personal stories and experiences with journaling, and how we have used it to process our emotions, listen to our intuition, clear creative and emotional blocks, implement boundaries that support us and shape a creative life that is always shifting, changing and growing. This "Creative Convo" episode is perfect for you if you are looking for processes to explore in your journaling practice to help you listen to yourself, hear your own inner wisdom, process emotions and build a loving, compassionate relationship with yourself through your journalling practice. I hope you love it! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nicola-newman/message

Have you ever dreamed of hosting a solo exhibition of your creative work? Wondered what it takes, how to go about it and where to start? Join artist Jennifer Carlson as she shares her experiences preparing for and hosting her first solo exhibition of paintings. Learn tips and strategies to manage your energy during the preparation stage, gather inspiration for a body of work, find a style that feels authentic and fulfilling for you, hang your show in the gallery, send out invitations and more. This episode was a live event inside my Creative Hearts Community and I'm excited to share the recording with you here on the podcast. I hope enjoy the episode! Jennifer is so lovely, inspiring and dedicated to her creative life. I think you'll find it very informative and inspiring! --------- Get Nicola's FREE Art of Creative Living Mini-Course - https://www.nicolanewman.com/flourishwithpainting Visit Nicola Newman's website -- https://www.nicolanewman.com/ Join Flourish: The Art of Creative Living - https://www.nicolanewman.com/flourish --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nicola-newman/message

As you move through this journey of exploring your creativity and finding what's possible for your creative life, remember to tune into your heart and do what is authentic to you. Not to impress anyone else. Being authentic to you, is about allowing yourself to follow your curiosities and investigate what lights you up. That is what will sustain you in your creative life. Not trying to win the approval of others. Now, I know following your heart and your curiosities can feel uncomfortable because we may have become so accustomed to doing things for everybody else. Unfortunately, if something feels too enjoyable or fun, we can view it as frivolous or even worse selfish. In this episode, we explore how being true and authentic to ourselves is where true fulfillment lies. And how we can cultivate a sustainable creative practice. By nestling in close to our own hearts, listening to ourselves, trusting our intuition and doing what we love, we find an endless well of inspiration and momentum for our creative lives. If you are feeling inspired to deepen your own relationship to creative living, including nurturing your creative expression and being kind to yourself, you can receive direct support, guidance and tools from me inside Flourish: The Art of Creative Living. It's a program that weaves together supportive practices for creative hearts from all walks of life - whether you're an aspiring creative, a creative professional, or a creative entrepreneur - into one complete tapestry. Along the way, you'll meet an incredible, encouraging community of fellow Creative Hearts, who you can both receive support from and offer support to in return while you explore painting, journaling, photography, writing, mindfulness, and other creative practices to help your craft a life that is deeply fulfilling, meaningful, and true to you. Registration for Flourish: The art of creative living is now open. You can find out more about it at http://www.nicolanewman.com/flourish. You're also invited to receive my free seven-day Art of Creative Living introductory course, which is a wonderful overview of my approach and gives you tools and practices you can implement right away, giving you a taste of what you'll experience inside the full program. You can find that free mini-course here https://www.nicolanewman.com/flourishwithpainting I hope you enjoy this episode! With my warmest wishes, Nicola --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nicola-newman/message

Years ago, I went to a yoga class and found I couldn't bend or be as flexible as the other participants there. And it triggered a moment of shame for me. I had to remind myself that if you are beginning a new creative process or project, you are beginning - and that's exactly where you should be! If you compare yourself with others and allow that to stop you from continuing on, it will cheat you of your own enjoyment and learning. In this episode, we explore the value of being aware of our own great expectations and how we can set ourselves up for greater enjoyment when we embrace where we are in the creative process. If you are feeling inspired to deepen your own relationship to creative living, including nurturing your creative expression and being kind to yourself, you can receive direct support, guidance and tools from me inside Flourish: The Art of Creative Living. It's a program that weaves together supportive practices for creative hearts from all walks of life - whether you're an aspiring creative, a creative professional, or a creative entrepreneur - into one complete tapestry. Along the way, you'll meet an incredible, encouraging community of fellow Creative Hearts, who you can both receive support from and offer support to in return while you explore painting, journaling, photography, writing, mindfulness, and other creative practices to help your craft a life that is deeply fulfilling, meaningful, and true to you. Registration for Flourish: The art of creative living is now open. You can find out more about it at http://www.nicolanewman.com/flourish. You're also invited to receive my free seven-day Art of Creative Living introductory course, which is a wonderful overview of my approach and gives you tools and practices you can implement right away, giving you a taste of what you'll experience inside the full program. You can find that free mini-course here https://www.nicolanewman.com/flourishwithpainting I hope you enjoy this episode! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nicola-newman/message

We all have inbuilt ideas about what makes something "good". Whether we have picked up tastes and values from our parents, society, or even scrolling social media, it's easy to believe that one form of creative expression is good and another is substandard. One form is valuable and another is not, but there's always a context that goes along with any creation. Join me as we explore how challenging and expanding our ideas about creativity actually leads to more freedom and authenticity in our own creative expression. If you are feeling inspired to deepen your own relationship to creative living, including nurturing your creative expression and being kind to yourself, you can receive direct support, guidance and tools from me inside Flourish: The Art of Creative Living. It's a program that weaves together supportive practices for Creative Hearts from all walks of life - whether you're an aspiring creative, a creative professional, or a creative entrepreneur - into one complete tapestry. Along the way you'll meet an incredible, encouraging community of fellow Creative Hearts, who you can both receive support from and offer support to in return while you explore painting, journaling, photography, writing, mindfulness, and other creative practices to help your craft a life that is deeply fulfilling, meaningful, and true to you. Registration for Flourish: The Art of Creative Living is now open. You can find out more about it at www.nicolanewman.com/flourish. You're also invited to receive my introductory free mini-course, which is a wonderful overview of my approach and gives you tools and practices you can implement right away, giving you a taste of what you'll experience inside the full program. Thank you for being here. It's my honor to support you in your creative living adventures. Until next time, be gentle with yourself, nurture your creativity and follow your heart. And I hope you have a beautiful day ahead! With my warmest wishes, Nicola x --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nicola-newman/message

Often when we begin a new creative project, we have a vague, or sometimes very upfront, fear of failure attached. We don't want to "get it wrong". We don't want to look like a fool or be embarrassed by what we create. We want people to be impressed! And we want to have the reassurance that it will all work out. However, what I've found after years of making things, whether it's been producing documentaries, renovating a house, making a website, writing a book, building a heart-led business, or making a painting is this, you've got to trust the process. But what does that mean - trust the process? In this episode, let's explore how trusting the process actually works and how it supports us in our creative lives. If you are feeling inspired to deepen your own relationship to creative living, including nurturing your creative expression and being kind to yourself, you can receive direct support, guidance and tools from me inside Flourish: The Art of Creative Living. It's a program that weaves together supportive practices for creative hearts from all walks of life - whether you're an aspiring creative, a creative professional, or a creative entrepreneur - into one complete tapestry. Along the way, you'll meet an incredible, encouraging community of fellow Creative Hearts, who you can both receive support from and offer support to in return while you explore painting, journaling, photography, writing, mindfulness, and other creative practices to help your craft a life that is deeply fulfilling, meaningful, and true to you. Registration for Flourish: The art of creative living is now open. You can find out more about it at http://www.nicolanewman.com/flourish. You're also invited to receive my free seven-day Art of Creative Living introductory course, which is a wonderful overview of my approach and gives you tools and practices you can implement right away, giving you a taste of what you'll experience inside the full program. You can find that free mini-course here https://www.nicolanewman.com/flourishwithpainting Now, I hope you enjoy this episode! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nicola-newman/message

Once we get past our thoughts and our resulting reluctance to begin a new project or creative process, we can embrace mindsets to support us in moving forward and making things happen. And when we do, we can be amazed by what we can create! In this new podcast episode, I share one of my favourite ways to deal with common obstacles we all face when living a creative life. You'll also hear the story of how I got started as a young artist. If you are feeling inspired to deepen your own relationship to creative living, including nurturing your creative expression and being kind to yourself, you can receive direct support, guidance and tools from me inside Flourish: The Art of Creative Living. It's a program that weaves together supportive practices for creative hearts from all walks of life - whether you're an aspiring creative, a creative professional, or a creative entrepreneur - into one complete tapestry. Along the way, you'll meet an incredible, encouraging community of fellow Creative Hearts, who you can both receive support from and offer support to in return while you explore painting, journaling, photography, writing, mindfulness, and other creative practices to help your craft a life that is deeply fulfilling, meaningful, and true to you. Registration for Flourish: The art of creative living is now open. You can find out more about it at http://www.nicolanewman.com/flourish. You're also invited to receive my free seven-day Art of Creative Living introductory course, which is a wonderful overview of my approach and gives you tools and practices you can implement right away, giving you a taste of what you'll experience inside the full program. You can find that free mini-course here https://www.nicolanewman.com/flourishwithpainting I hope you enjoy this episode! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nicola-newman/message

You can use this beautiful heart-based meditation to gently bring an intention into your heart and infuse it with more clarity, peace and inspiration. Perhaps you want to carve out more time for yourself amongst the demands of daily life, or you're feeling a craving to be able to express your creativity more freely and joyfully. Listen to this calming meditation when you want to bring your desire into your heart. Allow your intention to inspire you and draw you forward into the next chapter of your life. You are welcome to return to this meditation any time you need some calm, gentle focus to refocus on what is important to you. Please share this episode with other Creative Hearts and help me share tips, resources, and inspiration by reviewing my show on iTunes! You can easily do that by clicking here. Your review will help the show find its way to more people who want to prioritise, nurture and express their creativity and live intentional, creative lives! Thank you for helping me spread the word! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nicola-newman/message

I'm joined by Annie Gichuru, who is the founder of Uplifting Studios, a platform dedicated to supporting migrant women of colour. As a life coach and the producer and host of Uplifting Studios TV, Annie teaches how to unshackle self-limiting beliefs. Born in Kenya, Australia is her home where she lives with her husband and two young children. In this conversation we explore the topic of Creative Legacy and how we can intentionally cultivate creative projects that are meaningful, fulfilling and make a difference in the world. Motivated by those facing the same challenges she faced, Annie believes your future can be one of purpose and impact. Now in Season 3, Uplifting Studios TV is founded on positive storytelling, and showcasing inspiring stories through guest interviews and documentaries. In this conversation we explore Annie's personal creative living story, we discuss racism and learning about other people's perspectives, the process Annie guides her clients through when they are facing limiting beliefs, plus her personal gratitude practice and how she's simplified it over time, and lots more. I loved recording this episode with Annie and I'm so honoured to have her on the show. I'm really thrilled to share this one with you today. Annie Gichuru's Social Media and Popular Links Website: https://www.upliftingstudios.com.au/ Life Coaching with Annie Gichuru FREE Mindset Audio Guide: 3 Steps to Unshackle Your Self-Limiting beliefs LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anniegichuru Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upliftingstudiostv/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upliftingstudiostv/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/UpliftingStudiosTV Flourish: The Art of Creative Living Join us for a year of creative living in my global creativity school, Flourish: The Art of Creative Living. Flourish: The Art of Creative Living is a global, year-long creativity school for Creative Hearts who want to learn how to paint, dissolve creative blocks, build a loving relationship with themselves, cultivate mindfulness and expand their personal creative expression. Explore painting with acrylic, oil and watercolour paints, creative writing, photography and poetry. Flourish includes 12 months in my Creative Hearts Community to foster connection with like-minded souls and access fun-filled live creative workshops, virtual retreats, guest teachers, and monthly community calls. Find out more and join us here: https://www.nicolanewman.com/flourish/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nicola-newman/message

Today, I'm joined by Heather Ashley Baker, a creative business owner and coach, who is devoted to helping women move from dreaming into doing. She's a lifelong creative -- having spent time acting, directing, and working a 12 year career in design and tech. Originally from the US, Heather now proudly calls Australia home. Heather and I connected after she reached out to me just before the pandemic, and we've become firm friends over the past year. In this episode we explore her personal creative living story, her experience working as the manager of a design team for Cricket Australia, four ways she loves to talk back to the inner critic, her journey to finding her creative purpose, launching her business amidst a global pandemic and lots more. As always, I absolutely loved recording this episode with Heather. I could talk about these topics all day. Her story is so inspiring. I hope as you listen in, you feel inspired to listen to yourself, build your self-trust, be brave and follow your heart. I can't wait for you to hear our chat. Let's dive right in. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nicola-newman/message

I'm delighted to bring you today's conversation with someone whose energy, creativity, wisdom and experience inspires me in so many ways. Beth Cregan is a heart-led creative entrepreneur, writer and teacher who I could spend hours talking with about the joys, intricacies and practicalities that come with embracing creative living. Beth's teaching experience spans over 30 years. In 2010, she founded Write Away With Me, an organisation dedicated to inspiring the next generation of writers. She has presented writing workshops across Australia and internationally for primary students to teenagers and adults. When it comes to teaching writing, Beth has a keen sense of fun and a passion for words and language. She believes we are all storytellers and writers at heart and her workshops inspire writers to connect with their creativity and unlock new and exciting ways to tell their story. Beth has been a member in Flourish: The Art of Creative Living for many years now. I'm delighted that this year in 2021 she will also be a guest teacher, sharing a new workshop on writing poetry. In this workshop, she will guide members through playing with poetry and using poetic structures to give form and shape to your ideas. This is such a powerful way to bypass the inner critic and unlock your creative power. She will also play with journalling techniques that reach into your being and shine a light on your hidden thoughts and desires, as well as show you how to use words and images as anchors to help you chase your dreams. In this podcast episode, Beth and I and talk about her personal creative living story; how she wove creativity into her days alongside her daughters when they were little as a busy mother; the value of embracing partial solutions to help circumvent perfectionism; following your heart instead of measuring yourself in comparison with others - and much, much more. I think you'll feel like you're eavesdropping on a conversation between friends listening to this episode - because that's exactly what this is! I'm very excited to have Beth on the show. Let's dive in! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nicola-newman/message

Kelly Herrick is a British contemporary landscape artist who helps people fall back in love with nature. Kelly is also a guest teacher in Flourish: The Art of Creative Living and we talk about her guest teacher workshop. She's a wonderful inspiration of someone who has bravely embraced creative living. Kelly creates art and creative wellbeing events, is a creative strategist in an international design agency, and mum of two boys. In this episode we explore her personal creative living story, the power of letting go of old or outdated stories we carry about our creativity, she shares a peek into her creative wellbeing workshops in the woods, and she shares how mindfulness and flow in her creative practice help with managing stress, and lots more. I absolutely loved recording this episode with Kelly. She is so full of life and fun and overflowing with creative wisdom. I'm honoured to have her on the show and I'm so glad you are listening in to our chat. You're in for a real treat. Let's dive right in. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nicola-newman/message

In this episode, I'm joined by Emma Shields, who is a life coach and somatic therapist-in-training and has been a member of Flourish: The Art of Creative Living for many years now. In fact, she was part of the inaugural round way back in 2015 and I've loved being part of Emma's creative living adventures ever since. In this episode we explore her personal creative living story, how she learnt to cultivate a creative process that was easeful and produced results she felt proud of, how creative expression supports her in her full-time role at work, and lots more. I loved recording this episode with Emma and I'm so honoured to have her on the show. I'm really thrilled to share this one with you today. Let's dive right in. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nicola-newman/message

So what do you do when you want to express yourself, complete a new project that's important to your heart, your work, or to your creative legacy, but the fear of putting yourself out there is too much and you find yourself falling into a creative shame spiral? You're sitting on the couch and your mind is telling you that what you have to share, say, write, paint or produce isn't good enough, isn't polished enough, isn't unique enough. You don't have enough time, resources or experience to bring this important, heart-led project to life. Perhaps the deadline is looming. Or if you don't have a deadline, perhaps you just simply avoid the project altogether. Because the emotions that come up when you are about to pick up that paint brush, or begin to write those words or breath life into that project are too overwhelming. Too uncomfortable and icky. I've been there. So. Many. Times. When I'm working with private coaching clients and also sometimes members of Flourish: The Art of Creative Living, they might share how surprised they are to discover the intensity of some of the emotions that can be triggered during the creative process. Simultaneously, they are also relieved to hear they are not alone, strange or weird to be experiencing those emotions. Expressing our creativity is a vulnerable, brave thing to embark on. And depending on your personal Creative Living Story and history, it can be triggering or it can be joyful, full of freedom and playfulness. Meeting yourself with compassion and acceptance with whatever your experience is, will make the creative process easier, sustainable and a wonderful anchor to living authentically and finding more satisfaction. This process was adapted from Bari Tessler's framework for navigating difficult money situations. I love Bari and her work and find this process also works so well when applied to creative living. Let's dive in! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nicola-newman/message

Hello everyone and welcome to season two of The Art of Creative Living Podcast. I'm your host, Nicola Newman. I'm a professional artist, creative mentor, author and creator of Flourish: The Art of Creative Living, which is a global year-long creativity school for creative hearts who want to build a loving relationship with themselves through mindfulness and creative expression. I'm very excited to share some wonderful guests with you this season. I've had so many really great conversations with folks from my community and I'll be sharing a selection of excerpts from some of the guest teacher's sessions inside Flourish: The Art of Creative Living too. We'll also hear from a few Flourish members themselves as they generously share intimate conversations giving insights into their personal creative stories, and how they've overcome creative blocks, moved through creative shame and used mindfulness and creative expression to come home to themselves, regulate their nervous system in the face of the unknown, be kind to themselves and find deeper fulfilment in their lives. Let's dive in! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nicola-newman/message

I'm completely thrilled to share with you a very heartfelt conversation with Bronnie Ware, best-selling author, speaker, free spirit, mother, story teller, nature lover, teacher, song writer, traveller and gentle rebel. She's been called many things, but above all, she is authentic and bravely lives how her own heart guides her to live, free of any such labels or expectations. I have loved Bronnie and her message from afar for years now, and always hoped to get to connect with her after reading her incredible book, which you may have heard of, The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying. In fact, I was reading her book just at the time when we had decided to sell everything and buy a sail-boat, and it was confirmation during that time of transition that this was something my heart was calling me to do. Bronnie's journey to publishing the Top 5 Regrets of the Dying is a super inspiring one too - after being rejected by 25 publishers, it has now sold more than a million copies, been published in 31 languages and is also being transformed into a film. Bonnie and I had the most wonderful time chatting about the intricacies involved in following your heart. We explored everything from immersing yourself in the creative process, to setting boundaries to allow you to live a life in line with your values, to the importance of taking care of yourself while you create, why she left the stable world of working in finance, her practical advice to anyone wanting to reconnect with their creativity, and much more. I absolutely LOVED recording this episode with Bronnie. I don't recall ever speaking with someone who so clearly articulates and values the process involved in following your heart, rather than your fears, as Bronnie does in this conversation. I have learnt so much from this kind-hearted woman about what truly matters in life through her words and her writing, so I'm very, very honoured to share this chat with you today. Let's dive in. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nicola-newman/message

So for today's episode I'm joined by the awesome Hayley Carr, a life coach for superfreaks and folks at or near the top of their game. She's a 9-time karate world champion and one of the most wonderful humans I know. We dig into her routine and how she follows her heart, finds courage in the face of fear and creates more in her business and life. We also explore the journey of defining her personal values and how they underpin the work she does in the world. Hayley is a Guest Mentor in the Gentle Business Mastermind in 2019 and she has so much experience in building a business that is aligned to your strengths. I loved recording this episode with Hayley and I adore her as a friend, coach and superfreak, so I'm super excited to share this one with you today. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nicola-newman/message

Denise Duffield-Thomas is a money mindset mentor for the new wave of entrepreneurs and is one of the most inspiring, yet at the same time real and down-to-earth entrepreneurs I know. In this episode she shares some of the surprising ways she's cultivating her creativity these days and how that fits in with her business, plus she lays out the practical process she used to help her finish writing her new book Chillpreneur. We also talk about giving yourself permission to do business in a way that works for you and fits your personality and strengths. We had some great laughs in this conversation and after spending time with Denise I always come away feeling inspired and uplifted, so I'm truly delighted to get to share her with you today so you can be inspired too. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nicola-newman/message

Naomi Arnold, an award-winning life + business coach, entrepreneur, writer and researcher with a background in psychology, health and human rights, a fellow co-host in the Gentle Business Mastermind and one of my absolute dearest friends joins me on the show today! In this episode, Naomi shares practical frameworks to help you choose where to focus your energy, love and attention in your business, useful tips to help move through fear and the inner critic and much more. Plus, she has such a beautiful, calming presence I think you're going to really love this episode. Naomi has taught me so much about doing business gently, by developing systems and tools to help get projects completed with more joy. I'm super excited you get to learn from her too and hear how she likes to do business gently. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nicola-newman/message

I shared a post with my Inspiration Letters community recently and it really touched a nerve for many people. I've had more feedback, private emails and messages about this one post than anything I've written in a long while, so I wanted to share it here on the podcast too, in the hope it might bring some loving awareness and perhaps shine a light on an area that isn't often talked about, and thus, bring more joy, flow and freedom into your creative life too. The topic is Creative Shame and 4 Gentle Ways to Work with It. It is a message I want to share far and wide, so it is with great love I record this episode for you today. Let's dive in. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nicola-newman/message

Katherine McKenzie-Smith, a business and leadership coach, writer, and speaker who is a champion for introverted and highly sensitive leaders to find their own way to shine joins me on the show today! We dig into her routine and how she follows her heart, finds courage in the face of fear and creates more in her business and life. We also explore what it is to be highly sensitive and if you are a highly sensitive person, some handy tools to help support and manage your energy in the world. Katherine is a Guest Teacher in my year-long creativity school, Flourish: The Art of Creative Living and she has so much wisdom to share when it comes to taking care of your nervous system, working in a way that lights you up and embracing who you are and how you work best, so I'm really thrilled to share this one with you today. Let's dive right in. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nicola-newman/message

Cassie Mendoza-Jones, best-selling author, kinesiologist, business alignment coach, naturopath, writer and speaker is on the show today! We chatted about the creative process in business, moveable deadlines, the importance of taking care of yourself while you create, why Cass believes writer's block and creative caves are a myth, her practical advice to anyone wanting to pivot in their business, and much more. Cassie is a Guest Teacher in my year-long creativity school, Flourish: The Art of Creative Living and I absolutely LOVED recording this episode with her. I have learnt so much from her way of working as a heart-centred creative entrepreneur and completing creative projects with joy, so I'm excited to share this chat with you today. Let's jump in. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nicola-newman/message

Today's episode draws together excerpts from the draft of my new book, also called The Art of Creative Living, and I hope the show inspires you in your personal creative living journey. We dive into the three surprising benefits I've discovered as a professional artist and also as a creative mentor and teacher, that we experience when we choose to prioritise, nurture and express our creativity. These benefits aren't immediately obvious, but they can truly transform the way you experience the world and your day to day life, so I hope this short solo episode sparks some ideas and encourages you on this adventure. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nicola-newman/message

Amanda Rootsey, Founder of the teen academy, Shine From Within, Hay House author and one of my very best friends joins me on the show today. We dig into her routine and how she follows her heart, finds courage in the face of fear and creates more in her business and life. We also talk a little about the behind the scenes of our Gentle Business Mastermind and growing your business intentionally, slowly and gently. I loved recording this episode with Amanda and I'm constantly inspired by the work she is doing in the world, so I'm really thrilled to get to share this one with you today. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nicola-newman/message

In this first episode, I introduce myself, the intention of The Art of Creative Living podcast and the nine principles which underpin creative living. We talk about how to follow your heart, nurture your self-belief, and bring to life what you long to create in the world. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nicola-newman/message