WHEN THE WORLD FEELS HEAVY, CREATE ANYWAYS

I'd be remiss not to acknowledge the devastation and grief California residents are experiencing right now. My heart goes out to all who have been impacted by the wildfires. Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed by the harsh realities of the world and maybe even guilty for focusing on our own lives when so much is happening around us. Be discerning with your media consumption, do what you can where you are with the resources available to you. Connect with anyone you know who lives there while staying committed to your own sturdiness. When anxiety or intrusive thoughts arise, I find turning toward sensory experiences for grounding and focusing on what is real and true in the present moment to be helpful.

 

First name / friend, this is where creativity becomes such a powerful force against anxiety. When we're fully immersed in making something - whether writing, painting, cooking, gardening, or any other creative pursuit - we naturally anchor ourselves in the present moment. Our racing thoughts slow as we focus on immediate sensations: the feel of dough beneath our fingers, the interplay of colors on canvas, the rhythm of words flowing onto a page, or our hands in the cool soil. Unlike anxiety, which pulls us into imagined futures or dwells on past regrets, creativity demands our complete presence in the now.

 

With January unfolding before us, where are you directing your time, energy, and focus? Aside from the "must-dos," are you making time to create? To engage with something that lights you up and adds energy to your life? I find when we prioritize creativity, it becomes fuel for everything else. In moments of overwhelm, creative practice offers us a sanctuary where we can both express and transform our anxious energy into something meaningful.

 

Speaking of creativity, when anxiety tells us to wait for the 'perfect moment' or questions if we're ready, there's profound power in choosing to create anyway. I've experienced this firsthand with a project that has been brewing in my heart for years – a podcast with my identical twin sister! The anxious mind might say 'What if it's not the right time?' or 'What if it's not perfect?' But like many meaningful ventures, when you trust in your own timing and dare to begin, it often develops into something even better than you could have imagined. The act of creating becomes its own answer to those anxious questions.

 

This trust in the creative process ultimately led to our new podcast: DOUBLE TAKE: Navigating Life's Second Act. Twin sisters, two voices, and one raw and real conversation about midlife.  Join us as we explore the unvarnished truth of perimenopause and life's middle chapters – from raising teenagers to questioning "what's next?" Through our shared DNA but distinct journeys, we dive into the real stuff: identity, relationships, health, career curiosities, and future dreams. Each episode offers honest insights, genuine laughter, and the comfort of knowing you're not alone in this season of reflection and possibility.

 

I'd love for you to be part of this journey with us. The first three episodes have dropped! You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts. Until then, I encourage you to embrace your own creative sparks, wherever they may lead. Remember that creativity isn't just about making art – it's about making space for possibility, even (and especially) when anxiety tries to convince us otherwise. And as always, stay open, brave, and on-purpose.