Whispers to Bravery

When I went rock exploring with my kids, I realized something so simple, yet it's always been there, in fact, it's advice we're always told but until I experienced it on my own, my mind was blown! In this episode, I share four perspectives I picked up, well when I picked up a pebble and I hope you pick them up too! This concludes the first season of Whispers To Bravery! We'll be back for season 2 soon, I'm so thankful you came along this journey! You can also adventure along with me on Patreon, for as little as $1 a month, you can join the Backpack level, I’ll send you a video update of things I'm working on, how things are going, ideas, new things I'm learning, reading, and anything I think you might find helpful. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonnabon/ TikTok: @jonnabon Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whisperstobravery Music by jonnabon

Since playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons the past couple months, I've picked up some interesting connections in how we live and build our island in the game compared to the island we build for ourselves and our creativity IRL. Feeling like Tom Nook has got a plan to use you for his own goals, let's turn the tables on that furball and make our plans using 4 insights I've discovered while playing Animal Crossing! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonnabon/ TikTok: @jonnabon Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whisperstobravery Music by jonnabon Sound Effects by Storyblocks

In this episode, I meet Sensei Dan, a martial "artist", and let's just say it was interesting. Plus, find out a few ways to develop your own super move, or button combo to help get those ideas that go untouched or have been dormant for weeks, months, and sadly even years. Plus, stay tuned for a special activity I'll be sharing on Instagram, that'll help develop your own super move! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonnabon/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whisperstobravery Music by jonnabon

By now I'm sure lots of us know the Frozen songs by heart since quarantine time began. If you've seen Frozen 2 you know the song Anna sings when she feels like all hope is lost. With all that's been happening, listening when she sings "The Next Right Thing" really helped me out of a deep cave. I cave I know I'm not alone in, especially when we're feeling uncreative or maybe guilty for making art. But know this, it's ok as it's always been to feel uncreative, and it's time to make sure you're giving space in certain areas of life.  Instagram: instagram.com/jonlightle Patreon: patreon.com/whisperstobravery Music by Jon Lightle

The jack of all trades myth is one of my most disliked myths in the creative world. Sure I believe in dedicated long term focus in a skill, but that doesn't mean we can't learn from others along the way. Instead of the master of none, listen to why I think we should reframe this to the master of one. * In this episode we got some fresh new music, edits, and sound quality that your ears would enjoy. Instagram: instagram.com/jonlightle Patreon: patreon.com/whisperstobravery Music by Jon Lightle

In the creative world, we know we need to get out of our comfort zones. One thing we don't mention is we also need a comfort zone. We need a little space that we create our own little creative research lab, get absorbed into our world, welcome the muse, and allow the creative flow to happen. This can be a range of things, maybe coffee gets us going, maybe walking in nature primes our brain and ease our stress, to allow us to feel ready to come to our desk and crank out some work. Lucky socks? The old hat you won't let go of? You name it. Having a creative security blanket is not a bad thing, it might be a thing to allow us to break our comfort zone anyway. Instagram: instagram.com/jonlightle Patreon: patreon.com/whisperstobravery Music by Jon Lightle

I don't know about you, but the more time passes the more I grow aware of what forces are eating away at my time. It can be hard to meet all the demands that each day throws at us and I'm not sure but I feel like fighting for time is not the way to go. Up until recently, I've felt like I've tried to work harder and not smarter. If working harder is the route we choose, it will be difficult to see what those forces are that feel like they try to pull us away from our work, and rather than viewing everything as a negative distraction, we need to see which distractions are actually good for us and drive more energy back to us. This is not about annihilating distraction, it's about embracing it, and giving it a big old hug. Instagram: instagram.com/jonlightle Patreon: patreon.com/whisperstobravery Music by Jon Lightle

Manifestation talk can get weird sometimes. When we say let the universe take control, it doesn't mean let's sit on our butts and see what the universe fishes and reels in for us. Sure, patience and letting go are part of it, but if we don't move the universe doesn't move. I mean yes, the universe is constantly moving, of course obviously, at least in this sense I mean that if you don't put in the effort, there's no feedback from the universe. Push buttons and see what happens. Steve Jobs said (I think, I've seen it somewhere) something like this if you start pushing buttons then interesting things start happening. Do your part (the work), chill for bit, and let universe do its part. Instagram: instagram.com/jonlightle Patreon: patreon.com/whisperstobravery Music by me

2020 and the new decade have arrived! This sounds either terrifying or exciting depending on your perspective. So, let's shift our minds to a refreshing new outlook and no matter where you are on your path let's treat like day one of the new beginning. But wait! What if I don't know what I want to do? Well, that's a good place to start, because it's not about figuring it out, it's about setting your compass to a direction, whether you've discovered your true north or not. Last decade I didn't find mine until halfway through at 30 years old and I know I can't let another decade slip under the clutches of yester-decade. The BIG question I have for myself and you are whatever you're working towards or if you're still in search of something to work towards, can it wait another year? Can it wait another decade?  (^o^) Instagram: instagram.com/jonlightle Patreon: patreon.com/whisperstobravery Music by me

One thing I'm not doing this year is overplanning! The last couple of years I would plan for months, I would spend and sacrifice valuable time that I could have used on creating, instead just getting lost in perfecting every calendar day like it was going to go the way I wanted. Absolutely nope!! I get it, some basic planning is a really good idea and creating a map for which direction you want to take is necessary for your life and creative goals. Let's not get this twisted, I believe in setting goals, the right goals, and not setting unobtainable new year's resolutions. So, instead of listing goals, I asked what do I want to learn? I've found that this year finding what's sparking my curiosity has been my guiding light, bringing me new healthy challenges and creative stimulation, that's the word I'm looking for. Without creative stimulation, we turn our creative muscles to mush and we set back on our less passionate selves and go back to the rhythm of living our totally distracted lives. (^o^) Instagram: instagram.com/jonlightle Patreon: patreon.com/whisperstobravery Music by me 

First, let me explain the episode art here. One of my goals someday is to illustrate kid's graphic novels and if you're scratching your head on sometimes why the art is styled this way it's because of comic story panels. While my single illustrated pieces may have little line use, panels work well and quick with lines, at least for me. Besides, your art can be consistent and flexible at the same time homie. Ok, now the nitty gritty, ma friend. December is upon us! It's either a busy time or slow time for lots of folks. I choose the slow. I like festive and whatever but man it can wipe up your schedule getting all the holiday to-do's done. If it was up to me I'm down for a Charlie Brown Christmas tree, and chill to the beginning of the new year. BUT where I'm really washed out to dry is creativity, I'm burnt out, only enough flame to stay cozy and Hygge all month long. So in this episode, I chat about reflecting, being grateful, feeling proud, and some questions so you can start your Hygge vibes. (^o^) Instagram: instagram.com/jonlightle Patreon: patreon.com/whisperstobravery Music by me (I need to come up with a good name someday I can use for this spot.)

In part one I talked about how the adventure I was on felt like it was coming to an end. My guess is that encountering this feeling is going to happen many times over again in our years of making art. Of course, you know our good friend fear likes to play tricks and comes in many forms. Well after part one I had some more time to investigate and it turns out that if fear can change our perception we can change our perception of fear. So let's fluff up that fear and make it cuddly soft!! (^o^) Instagram: instagram.com/jonlightle Patreon: patreon.com/whisperstobravery Music by me (I need to come up with a good name someday I can use for this spot.)

A couple of weeks ago I experienced something weird and it spooked me out! For the past 4-5 years, things were feeling exciting, until they didn't. For some reason, fear was taking me down memory lane and I felt I was enjoying too much of the ride I was on and began to think what if this super pumped feeling just went away and I would have reverted back to my non-creative days. In this part, I talk about this feeling and find clues to help you and I get back on that exciting creative party bus! (^o^) Instagram: instagram.com/jonlightle Patreon: patreon.com/whisperstobravery Music by WhispersToBravery

Alright, it sounds like I had a convo with a sushi master, but I didn't, and I wish I could have. How cool would that be? How innovative can you be sushi? Well, in the documentary film "Jiro Dreams of Sushi" (streaming on Netflix), Jiro transforms sushi and takes his craft very, very seriously. Earning him customers that have to reserve nearly a year in advance, rave reviews from food critics, and a rare award of a Michelin 3 Star restaurant. The film focuses on 5 elements that are considered for mastery in one's profession and what it takes to be a Shokunin! In addition, to the film's main points, I believe there is so much more to take in, and possibly more to absorb in the future if you can watch it again. Jiro Dreams of Sushi - https://www.netflix.com/title/70181716 (^o^) Instagram: instagram.com/jonlightle Patreon: patreon.com/whisperstobravery Music by WhispersToBravery

No matter your craft, you can show your creativity in the big city or small town. In this episode, I share with you my experiences of showing my work in small local events and bigger events and how each has helped me stay inspired to keep going and to show the work I love doing. I believe there is no shame in bringing your work to less well-known industry events, and that by bringing yourself, your personality, generosity, and gift-giving will present you with new connections, friendships, and inspired fans! Instagram: instagram.com/jonlightle Patreon: patreon.com/whisperstobravery

The last month has been crazy due to air conditioner kicking the bucket, the heat, and family plans. I delayed the episodes back a bit due to the heat so I should be smooth sailing on a normal schedule again soon. In this episode I talk about how foggy moods are confusing, we try to understand them, and when we keep trying to push for the answer or  solution to how we feel, we exhaust ourselves and deplete our personal and creative energy much further than if we just let ourselves be and let it run it's course. Easier said than done, right? Sometimes by the time we discover how exhausted we feel it's too late. Patreon: patreon.com/whisperstobravery YouTube Vlog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CNFazh24oo Show Notes: Your Subconscious Brain Can Change Your Life by Dr. Mike Dow https://www.amazon.com/Your-Subconscious-Brain-Change-Life/dp/1401955851 Manual for Climbing Mountains by Paulo Coelho https://paulocoelhoblog.com/2017/02/28/manual-for-climbing-mountains-2/ Dr Wayne Dyer - 5 Minutes Before You Fall Asleep - Positive Affirmations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kvs-_22lwjA&list=WL&index=22&t=0s

You can follow me and this podcast on Instagram: @jonlightle In the first episode I didn't introduce much other than a proper introduction. So I felt bad and felt like there needs to be a make up. Not for the intro though! Just some encouragement if you feel like you're stuck at the beginning or just can't get passed making bad stuff. We've all been there, but knowing that this is part of the process helps a lot. In this episode I talk about a few things how I approach this awful place and make it a playground where the forest can sing and dance. :> Hey now! Heeey Nowwww! like that 80's song... er... sorry just wanted to say Whispers To Bravery and I are now on Patreon! You can support by becoming a backer starting $1 or if you want to support another way you leave a review! Links down below. Patreon: patreon.com/whisperstobravery YouTube Vlog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CNFazh24oo

Hi! In this first episode of Whispers to Bravery I talk shortly about my story of living uncreatively, giving up, and how dropping my kids off to their first day of school allowed the silence required to me hear the whispers to act bravely. By brave I mean starting from zero. Can’t afford more art schooling, can’t move up in the job I had, wife, two kids, turning 30, and having to choose make your life or it will be made for you. If you get anything from this episode, let it be an inspiration to you that it’s never to late to make a path for yourself. You can follow me on Instagram @jonlightle and @whisperstobravery JonLightle.com