Weekly thoughts from an Aussie mum on creativity, mental health and raising kids.
Are we being pushed down rabbit holes of negative thought without our permission? Join me as I follow the train of my own thoughts about the insensitivity and irrationality of algorithms and how me might be able to find ways to interrupt the downward spiral of negativity and fear they generate.
With the world in distress and her people trying to come to terms with that, there comes a deafening sound of expression - the hopeful, the sad and the terrifying. After a long break I'm back to share something that cut through the cacophony for me recently. Peace x
Poetry is full of so much meaning that we may need to read less of it in order to receive more of what it has to say to us. Mentioned on today's episode: Making Sense with Sam Harris https://samharris.org/podcast/ Sam's episode with David Whyte https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/184-the-conversational-nature-of-reality/id733163012?i=1000464519320 David Whyte https://www.davidwhyte.com Mary Oliver reading her poem Wild Geese https://www.brainpickings.org/2014/09/24/mary-oliver-reads-wild-geese/
A fresh start doesn't always lead to real and lasting change. Often, after the initial exciting rush of 'doing a geographical', we're left still dealing with the things we ran away from in the first place. Today, I share how we recently succeeded at 'doing a geographical' well and why it was different to other attempts to start over.
As parents we 'hold' our children as they learn to safely rise and fall through the waves of their emotions. The hard part is that, to a degree, we ride the waves with them. So what happens when we feel the need to be 'held' too? Are there parts of the journey that we have to just go through untethered and alone?
Sacred places are found all over the world. Some are mighty and exude a skin-tingling sense of the wondrous. But others are as tiny as a warm burrow or the internal pages of a treasured journal.
Sometimes the creative heart just wants to talk about ironing for 20 minutes and why should I say no?
Therapy sometimes feels like a treasure hunt. We sift and sift trying to find the elusive "ah ha" moments - the clarity 'gold'. Today I share one of those shimmering moments I had while exploring schematherapy many years ago. Mentioned in this episode: Reinventing Your Life by Jeffrey E. Young https://tinyurl.com/qlw85zx
They say it’s not about the destination. They say enjoy the journey. But I’ve been thinking that maybe the beginning is the most interesting part of the whole picture. Where are you right now? In this episode I take a minute to look at my current location and think about the value of context and acknowledging my starting point.
Even though I’m not one for new year resolutions, I’ve found myself reflective this week and hopeful about reawakening creative pursuits I had left gathering dust. I also think it’s high time I shared more of my creativity with others. So, as well as dusting off my sewing machine recently, I thought I would be a little vulnerable and share some of my spoken word on the podcast.
This Christmas I've tried to be kinder to myself as I navigate the silliest of seasons. Today I share some of the ways I'm trying to see the holidays differently in order to have a Christmas that's got a little more joy, hope and peace. And if you listen to the end, I've included a Christmas gift for you to enjoy. Merry Christmas!
Tis the silly season! And to celebrate I've worked to bring you 10 pieces of rock solid advice ranging from how to butter your toast, to the life changing magic of whipping out a secret toothbrush at the kitchen sink. Enjoy the silly business on today's episode.
Self care is a big topic in today's society and it's an important one. But are we glamourising the simple act of looking after ourselves? Are we creating 'instagrammable' moments that leave us still feeling uncared for after the fact? It's possible that self care isn't as pretty as it sounds and I want to have an old fashioned rant about that exact thing today. Brianna Wiest's article about self care https://thoughtcatalog.com/brianna-wiest/2017/11/this-is-what-self-care-really-means-because-its-not-all-salt-baths-and-chocolate-cake/
Anxiety is a normal part of life. Anxious feelings have even saved our lives since the beginnings of the human race as we know it. In fact, it's quite the super power when you look into why we experience it and how it works. Join me as I look a little deeper at this oftentimes intense and problematic experience. A brief overview of the limbic system https://qbi.uq.edu.au/brain/brain-anatomy/limbic-system 2-minute neuroscience on the limbic system https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNs9ruzoTmI Lisa Feldman Barrett's TED talk https://www.ted.com/talks/lisa_feldman_barrett_you_aren_t_at_the_mercy_of_your_emotions_your_brain_creates_them?language=en Books: The brain that changes itself by Norman Doidge https://www.bookdepository.com/Brain-That-Changes-Itself-Norman-Doidge/9780141038872 The man who mistook his wife for a hat by Oliver Sacks https://www.bookdepository.com/Man-Who-Mistook-His-Wife-for-Hat-Oliver-Sacks/9780330523622?ref=grid-view&qid=1575184150128&sr=1-1
When life changes - whether it's our choice or not - we sometimes lose the things we love. For me, I've had to accept that some of my creative pursuits and projects have come to an end. And even if that is a "goodbye forever" or a "see you later", it's hard to let go. But letting go is part of life isn't it?
Therapy can be seen as scary, unnecessary or just plain weird. It can also be all those things just because it’s the unknown. Today, I open up about my experience beginning therapy and share insights to help you start therapy or get more out of it.
Ever bought a gym membership you’ve never used? A fancy pair of shoes that gather dust? We often indulge a fantasy version of ourselves - whether it’s who we wish we were or who we’re just curious about being. Seems odd to invest in something that doesn’t really exist. But maybe our ‘fantasy self’ is worth the expense. Maybe we could learn a thing or two about our true self by looking a little deeper into the mirage. Episode links Allison Anderson https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jjM2hg1LS0o Slow Home podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-slow-home-podcast-with-brooke-mcalary/id985005895 Buddhism for Mothers by Sarah Napthali https://www.bookdepository.com/Buddhism-for-Mothers-Sarah-Napthali/9781742377018?ref=grid-view&qid=1573356429177&sr=1-1 The Lifechanging Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo https://www.bookdepository.com/Life-Changing-Magic-Tidying-Up-Marie-Kondo/9781607747307?ref=grid-view&qid=1573356486468&sr=1-1 Eloise Rickman’s blog https://fridabemighty.com Amanda Watters’ blog https://homesongblog.com
By now we’re familiar with the taboo, stigma and social issues around breastfeeding. What I couldn’t predict was how breastfeeding my own kids introduced me to an unexpected taboo that still effects me today. Join me as I gingerly tiptoe through this very delicate topic.
After a bit of a crisis of confidence I’m back this week to chat about showing up even when it’s a mental mountain. Today's links: Ingrid Nilsen's podcast One Step https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1472227185 Ingrid's Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/Missglamorazzi
A new mantra is changing the way I think about progress and accomplishment. It’s another way I’m trying to be kinder to myself. Listen as I share the effect that fresh perspective is having in my life. Poeple mentioned: https://konmari.com http://www.flylady.net
Is it possible to live by our values every minute of every day? Or is there wiggle room when it comes to being consistent? Do we judge ourselves or others too harshly for our lack of congruency? Explore all these questions with me this week as I search for more areas where I can challenge my inner critic.
Sometimes it’s the simple things that are hard to do. How often do we stop, listen and really hear what others have to say? Are we missing out on something special?
Bec Nowell joins me to talk about rediscovering creativity after losing it in an online, monetized and marketing-fuelled space. During a good old chin wag we also explore manufactured creativity and finding yourself trapped by trends. Explore Bec’s creative expression over at becnowell.com Links mentioned in today’s episode: Youtube creator Klaire - https://www.youtube.com/user/KlairedelysArt Insta Repeat - https://www.instagram.com/insta_repeat
Chill out with me as I think out loud while soaking up the sounds of suburbia on a sunny winter's Saturday. Today I'm embracing the noise pollution and appreciating the friendly hum of birds, traffic, chatter and car stereos.
They say it takes a village to raise a child... I think the village is also a huge part of the pregnancy and childbirth journey. Without support I was lost. WITH support?... I felt safe, strong and even began to hope for a healing experience of birth. Hear how the lessons from my first birth gave me the gift of insight and the courage to ask for help when I needed it the most. Links to resources: Ina May's Guide to Childbirth https://tinyurl.com/yxpzajsl Childbirth Without Fear https://tinyurl.com/yxqthgs5 Calmbirth https://calmbirth.com.au
Ever heard a birth story that didn't mention much about birth? We're used to hearing all the juicy details but this time around I wanted to talk about birth in a different way. How did carrying my babies and birthing them change my life? In part one you'll hear about my first birth and how a series of unfortunate events caused a seismic shift in my thinking and started a lifelong journey of discovery and resilience-building. Mentioned today: Ina May's Guide to Childbirth https://www.bookdepository.com/Ina-Mays-Guide-to-Childbirth-Ina-May-Gaskin/9780091924157?redirected=true&utm_medium=Google&utm_campaign=Base1&utm_source=AU&utm_content=Ina-Mays-Guide-to-Childbirth&selectCurrency=AUD&w=AF45AU99TFYDMLA80T59&pdg=pla-104398303539:kwd-104398303539:cmp-680104063:adg-35441289072:crv-151945028117:pid-9780091924157:dev-c&gclid=CjwKCAjw1rnqBRAAEiwAr29II19nWsz9l65t24v0OhBlwvTo7Q_kPJ3hWyt89l4OKvdSnxRXD2Y3FRoCzC8QAvD_BwE
Parenting is hard and talking about it without sounding preachy is even harder! In this episode I get brave and share some of my parenting journey and the things that have helped keep me above water so far.
Storytelling is always fun. Today, I join my gorgeous 3 year old in telling you a couple of little tales. So without further ado, once upon a time...
Need something to smile about? Today I'm talking about little rays of sunshine that bring me smiles on the regular. Hopefully you'll have a smile while you hear about 8 feel good 'fings' I'm loving at the moment! Here are the links for today's mentions: The Michalaks https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Ex6mz9I0DS92uVoW6pfSg My Favorite Murder https://www.myfavoritemurder.com Manooni Shop https://www.instagram.com/manooni_shop/?hl=en Differently Morphous https://www.audible.com.au/pd/Differently-Morphous-Audiobook/B07959T974 Wind in the Willows (narrated by Alan Bennett) https://www.audible.com.au/pd/Alan-Bennett-Reads-Childhood-Classics-Audiobook/B01N4N5V74?qid=1563626283&sr=1-40&pf_rd_p=771c6463-05d7-4981-9b47-920dc34a70f1&pf_rd_r=HNP8TR40YFWZ35EJD8JS&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_2_20 103 year old makes pillow case dresses (oh sooooo sweet!!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJ3jXYAfwOk
Ever been tempted to blame your own frustrations on others? Are you overly critical of yourself? Today I talk about these questions and more as I share some 'brain meanderings' with you.
Today's episode is all about my leafy kids and how to care for them. I'm still an amateur when it comes to being a plant mum but I'm sharing what I've learnt so far.
Today I talk about the rise of cancel culture on Youtube and Brene Brown's thoughts on belonging. There are some brilliant TED talks online by Brene but you can also check out an interview with her about her book Braving the Wilderness at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9FopgKyAfI
In today's episode I talk about why being tired could be a good thing. Do we become a creative genius when we're on the blink? The research article mentioned can be found at https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/your-best-creative-time-not-when-you-think/
In this episode I introduce the podcast and talk about the inspiring and intimidating aspects of the stay-at-home mum side hustle.