Welcome to Mending Creatively! In this heartfelt episode, we're diving into the complexities of mental health, the weight of comparison, and how these factors impact creativity. Joining me is the incredible Courtney Proctor, who brings thoughtful insights and valuable perspectives to the conversation.

Together, we unpack:

• The Connection Between Mental Health and Creativity: How your mental well-being shapes your creative flow, and vice versa.
• The Comparison Trap: The pitfalls of comparing yourself to others and how to break free from its grip.
• Practical Tips for Creative Self-Care: Simple, actionable steps to nurture both your mind and your artistic spirit.
• Courtney’s Insights: Real-world advice and wisdom from her unique experiences and creative journey.

This episode is a gentle reminder that creativity isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up for yourself, your process, and your passion. Whether you’re struggling with self-doubt or looking for ways to support your mental health, we hope this conversation leaves you feeling seen, inspired, and empowered to keep going.

Just keep going.

Are you feeling uninspired, burned out, or like your creative projects have become just another task on your to-do list? You’re not alone. In this episode of Mending Creatively, we’re diving into why creativity can sometimes feel like work, how burnout impacts our artistic flow, and practical strategies to rekindle the joy that brought you to your craft in the first place.

We’ll explore:
✨ The subtle signs of creative burnout and why it happens.
✨ How external pressures, perfectionism, and neglecting rest can steal your creative spark.
✨ Practical tips for navigating burnout, including reconnecting with your "why," creating boundaries, and embracing play.
✨ Resources like Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert to inspire and support your journey.

🌐 Research from the American Psychological Association on burnout and creative balance.
💡 Dr. Matthew Walker’s work on the connection between rest and creativity, as highlighted in his book Why We Sleep.

If you’re feeling stuck, try one of these small steps:

1. Set aside time to create something just for you.
2. Take an intentional break—your brain needs it!
3. Write down your “why” and put it somewhere visible to keep your purpose front and center.

If this episode resonated with you, here’s how you can help keep Mending Creatively going strong:
💌 Share this episode with a friend who might need a creativity boost.
⭐ Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps more people find the show.
🤝 Connect with me on Instagram @mendingcreatively to share your story or ask a question.
☕ Buy me a coffee (or tea!) to support the podcast and future episodes. Every little bit helps! buymeacoffee.com/MendingCreatively

How do you navigate burnout when creativity feels like work? I’d love to hear your story. Message me on Instagram or tag me in your posts—I love connecting with fellow creatives like you.

Remember, burnout doesn’t mean you’re not creative—it’s a sign that your creativity needs a little care. You’ve got this. And as always: just keep going.

In this episode of Mending Creatively, we explore the unique relationship between ADHD and creativity. From the endless stream of ideas to the moments of hyperfocus, ADHD brains are wired for innovation and artistry. But with that creative spark also come challenges like overwhelm and difficulty finishing projects. Together, we’ll unpack why ADHD brains are naturally creative, how to embrace the chaos, and strategies for harnessing your creative potential.

Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or someone looking to tap into your creative side, this episode is packed with insights, encouragement, and practical tips to help you thrive.

Resources Mentioned:

• Abraham, A., Windmann, S., Daum, I., & Güntürkün, O. (2005). "Creative thinking in divergent and convergent modes: The impact of ADHD." The Journal of Creative Behavior.
• Barkley, R. A. (2015). Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete Authoritative Guide for Parents.

Connect with Us:
Have a question, thought, or story to share? I’d love to hear from you!

• Instagram: @mendingcreatively
• Email: jen@mendingcreatively.com

Stay in the Loop:
Don’t miss out on future episodes of Mending Creatively! Be sure to:

• Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
• Subscribe to get notified as soon as a new episode drops.
• Leave a Review to help others discover the show and join our creative community!

Creativity thrives in imperfection. If you have ADHD, your brain is brimming with potential, ready to bring unique and meaningful ideas to life. Just keep going—you’ve got this.

Thanks for listening, and see you in the next episode! 🌟

4o

Mending Creatively is for educational and inspirational purposes only. The content shared in this podcast reflects personal experiences and cited research but does not constitute professional mental health or medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance

In this episode of Mending Creatively, we explore the powerful connection between mindfulness and creative expression. How can practicing mindfulness enhance your ability to create? Jen dives into the science, shares personal insights, and offers actionable mindfulness techniques tailored for busy creatives. Whether you’re a seasoned maker or just starting your creative journey, this episode will inspire you to embrace the present moment and unlock your full creative potential.

What You’ll Learn:

• How mindfulness improves creativity and supports your mental well-being.

• The science behind mindfulness and its impact on divergent thinking.

• Practical ways to incorporate mindfulness into your creative process.

• 
  

  
  

  Actionable Takeaways:

• 1. Start your creative session with mindful breathing.

  2. Engage your senses fully in your work to deepen your connection to the process.

  3. Try a gratitude journaling practice to shift your focus from results to the joy of creating.

     
     

     Citations and Resources Mentioned:

  1. Kabat-Zinn, J. (1990). Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness.

  2. Colzato, L. S., Ozturk, A., & Hommel, B. (2014). "Meditate to create: The impact of focused-attention and open-monitoring training on convergent and divergent thinking." Mindfulness.

  3. Brach, T. (2012). Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life with the Heart of a Buddha.

  4. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).

  5. Frontiers in Psychology (2020). Study on the impact of mindful movement on focus and stress relief.

     
     

     Connect With Us:

  • Follow us on Instagram: @mendingcreatively

  • Visit our website: mendingcreatively.com

  • Share your story or feedback: jen@mendingcreatively.com

  
  

As we close out 2024, this episode of Mending Creatively is all about helping you prepare for an incredible, creativity-filled 2025. I’m sharing the top five ways to make next year your most creative yet. Whether you’re looking to spark new ideas, overcome creative blocks, or simply enjoy the process of creating, this episode is packed with actionable tips, personal insights, and encouragement to get you started.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Reframe Creativity as a Daily Practice

   • How small, consistent actions can lead to big creative breakthroughs.

2. Build a Creative Environment

   • Simple ways to refresh your space to inspire more creativity.

3. Try Something New

   • Why stepping out of your comfort zone can unlock new creative potential.

4. Embrace Imperfection

   • Strategies to let go of perfectionism and focus on the joy of creating.

5. Connect with a Creative Community

   • How surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can fuel your creativity.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Suggestions for creating a more inspiring workspace
• Ideas for quick 10-minute creative exercises
• Tips for finding and connecting with a creative community

Key Takeaways:

• Creativity thrives on consistency and experimentation.
• Your environment plays a key role in fostering creativity.
• Letting go of perfectionism is essential to finding joy in the process.
• Community support can take your creativity to new heights.

Stay Connected:
✨ Follow the Podcast: Don’t miss an episode—subscribe to Mending Creatively on your favorite podcast platform!
✨ Join the Conversation: Share your creative goals for 2025 on Instagram @mendingcreatively.
✨ Let’s Connect: Have questions or ideas? Email me at jen@mendingcreatively.com.
✨ Join Our Facebook Group: Connect with other creatives at facebook.com/groups/mendingcreatively.

Thank You for an Incredible Year!
Thank you for being part of the Mending Creatively community in 2024. I can’t wait to continue this creative journey with you in 2025. Remember: just keep going. 💛

A quick Merry Christmas from your favorite pod <3

In this episode of Mending Creatively, we explore the fascinating world of flow—that magical state where creativity and focus collide. Learn what flow is, why it matters for your creative work, and how to set yourself up to enter this zone of peak performance. Backed by psychology and packed with practical tips, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and ready to tackle your next creative project with confidence.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The psychological science behind flow and its benefits.

• How to match challenges to your skill level for optimal creativity.

• The importance of eliminating distractions to maintain focus.

• How rituals can help signal your brain it’s time to create.

• Tips to find your most productive time of day for creative work.

• What to do when flow feels elusive and you’re stuck.

Key Takeaways:

• Flow happens when challenge and skill are perfectly balanced.

• Distractions are creativity’s enemy—set up a flow-friendly environment.

• Pre-creative rituals can prepare your mind and body for focus.

• Embrace the process, not the outcome, to reduce creative anxiety.

• Flow is a practice, not a one-time achievement.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

• Research from Frontiers in Psychology and The Journal of Positive Psychology

• University of California, Irvine study on distraction recovery times

Let’s Stay Connected! If you loved this episode, make sure to:

• Follow or subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode.

• Share this episode with a fellow creative who could use a little motivation.

• Leave a review to help this podcast reach more listeners like you.

Find more inspiration and updates on Instagram: @MendingCreatively

Support the Show: Your support makes this podcast possible! Check out The Bunny Lass for artisan home fragrances that help set the mood for your next creative session.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and motivational purposes only. The information shared is based on research and personal experience and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. If you’re experiencing significant challenges, please consult a qualified professional.

Thank you for joining today’s episode. Remember: finding flow is a journey, and every step forward counts. Just keep going!

In this episode, I sit down with Melissa Janson, a coach who specializes in helping people tackle that inner critic head-on. Together, we explore how this voice affects creativity, the sneaky ways perfectionism creeps into our work, and why self-compassion is one of the most powerful tools we have. Melissa shares practical, actionable strategies to help you recognize that critical voice, turn down its volume, and reclaim your creative confidence.

Whether you’re a professional creative, an aspiring artist, or someone who just wants to feel more confident in their everyday life, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

What You’ll Learn:

• What the "inner mean girl" is and how to spot her when she shows up.

• Why perfectionism often disguises itself as “standards” and how to let go of it.

• Actionable tips to challenge self-doubt and create more freely.

• How to reframe failure and rejection into stepping stones for growth.

• The role of self-compassion in sustaining long-term creativity.

Links and Resources:

• Connect with Melissa Janson:

https://melissajanson.com/

IG: @its.melissajanson

TikTok: @its.emjayy33

• Keep the conversation going:

@mendingcreatively on all socials

jen@mendingcreatively.com

Join us over at facebook.com/groups/mendingcreatively

Let’s keep creating together!

And remember: just keep going.