 YourCreativeChord Podcast features mindset coach for women, Kimberely Wiggins June 16 & 23, 2020.  Kimberely Wiggins, Mindset Coach For Women. by Jenny Leigh Hodgins I interviewed mindset coach Kimberley Wiggins to find out how she helps women cultivate the confidence to shine their brilliance. (The strategies are applicable to men, too!) Listen to our 2-part dialogue on YourCreativeChord PODCAST. Kimberley Wiggins is an empowerment coach, speaker, and the owner of Inspired Women Amazing Lives and A Voice Worth Sharing Productions. Wiggins works with women to help them build their confidence, become more visible in their business and get over themselves to build the success they desire on their own terms. She does this by “helping women reconnect with their brilliance.” Wiggins is also a podcast consultant helping those interested in learning how to start a podcast. She’s passionate about empowering women who have a message to share. We discussed self-compassion practices for women, as well as ways for nurturing creativity and living an inspired life. Wiggins minces no words when it comes to raising the bar for women to be empowered and authentic. In our interview, she shared how her mindset coaching practice centers on “awakening the core of who you are and sharing your brilliance!” HERE ARE A FEW SNEAK PEAK HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR CHAT: Wiggins is intent on dispelling the myth that women are victims or less capable than others. “We as women are not hurt or damaged; we have just somehow lost our brilliance. I help you to get it back.” Wiggins vigorously requests that more women take action without being apologetic or hesitant. “Don’t Ask! Do!” We talked about how standing up for truth or your truth sometimes elicits flack from others. We viewed this from the perspective of expecting resistance. “The resistance from the wind raises the plane!” Wiggins enthusiastically confirms, “Getting resistance is an indication you are on the right track!” We dove into how personal, financial, career or health issues can be changed from struggle into mission. “You’re in charge. Take full responsibility.” (You da boss!) For those wrestling with negative self-talk patterns, Wiggins recommends that you “Be able to identify who you are. Ask yourself: Who am I? Ask questions of yourself!” “Challenge negative self-talk by thinking differently. It’s not the negative stuff you’re saying—it’s what you are NOT saying to yourself.” “Stop accepting that. Speak to your subconscious mind and stop it. Let your subconscious mind know that you are in charge of who you are!” “Stop seeing yourself as not being able to move forward in your life.” Wiggins also shared a few of her tips for women to build more confidence and a positive self-image. “Consistent action and building your confidence is what helps awaken you to the greatness inside.” “Shining light on the good places within you crowds out the darkness.” We also talked about how to stop saying yes when you really need to say no. We talked through how to formulate a response to say no when you’ve got too much on your plate or it’s not a good fit for you (or the other party). We walked through a scenario illustrating how to incorporate healthy boundaries by postponing a concrete decision with the use of your calendar. “Go to your corner to determine if it’s a win-win.” “Being still to allow space gives you the ability to take your power back.” SUGGESTED SELF-CARE PRACTICE: Wiggins shared a few powerful ways that women can use to nurture themselves:
Find Mindset Coach Kimberley Wiggins at: www.inspiredwomenamazinglives.com https://www.facebook.com/kimwigginscoaching/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberleywiggins/ https://twitter.com/atime2shine http://bit.ly/InspiredWomenYouTube https://www.facebook.com/groups/inspiredwomenamazinglives/ *** Join YourCreativeChord to get empowering ways for nurturing creativity and inspiration!
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 Hi. Between those struck by the pandemic (including some of my family members!), the political news, the protests, and the stark divide in our country around deeply rooted racism, life has gotten intense and stressful for most of us. I've been listening and absorbing, aiming to educate myself and, honestly, taking a deep dive into self-care. I believe and have experienced that the power of an individual's determined intent can become as influential as the power of 10,000. But we must start within ourselves first. This is how nurturing creativity and living an inspired life can impact the world. Being creative isn't just about expressing yourself and doodling for fun. It's about getting in touch with your humanity, once you dig deeper than the muck or darkness--that we all have--and pulling out your Greater Self to face the challenges of our world. Let's make the world a better place by starting with ourselves. Let's battle through our own weakness through practicing positive mindset and affirmations. Here's a positive affirmation I created for one of my original nature product designs that I look at every single day: "Your view of yourself will follow the lead of your courageous action." Sometimes I don't feel courageous or hopeful. But by taking positive action, I train myself to be positive and proactive. I win over myself through action. I cannot change others. I can only work on myself and my personal contribution to make the world a little better from my own little corner of it. I've been creating Facebook Live video messages to clarify what YourCreativeChord offers, as a source for inspiration and hope, and to feature my nature-inspired products. Click here to see my video taking you behind the scenes in my workspace to show how I keep myself strong and positive in the face of struggle and historic turmoil. Click here to join me in my morning routine and to learn why what I do impacts not only my wellness, but how I show up in the world. I've also been posting Live videos in my new Facebook Creative Memorial Planning Group about alternatives to traditional funeral planning. If you want to learn more about how to prepare a meaningful, earth-friendly, cost-reducing, personalized memorial with less or zero religious or funeral business involvement, you can join my group here. Living an inspired and victorious life leads to a victorious death. The Buddhist teacher, Nichiren, taught that to understand life, one must understand death. This theme underlies my personal mission to share creative memorial planning options through my Facebook group, webinar, ebook, and through one on one consultations. I feel my services and education about these creative memorial options are especially relevant during this historically challenging time of the 2020 pandemic, economic situation, and the protests aimed at transforming deeply rooted racism. I've been proactively taking my business online, especially with Facebook, so if you want to connect with me there, you can click here. I hope you're encouraged and emboldened by this message and from watching my Facebook Live video. May my messages inspire you to keep taking care of yourself. This is how you'll forge your inner strength and the deep conviction that each action you take to polish your life becomes a meaningful and necessary addition to the ocean of our collective humanity. Stay strong and stay well and follow the lead of your courageous action. Jenny Leigh Hodgins 🎶💃🌻  Nature and positive affirmation designs by Jenny Leigh Hodgins available by clicking this image.  by Jenny Leigh Hodgins I recently featured Transformation Success Coach, Tiffeny Town as my guest on YourCreativeChord Podcast. Listen to the podcast here. After a long career in the financial and accounting industry, Tiffeny Town was seeking her life's purpose with a focus on how to help others. She’d had many previous paths—from network marketing, career coaching, and the medical field. She returned to the recurring theme of coaching, mentoring and inspiring other women. Based on her personal and professional experiences, Town applies her coaching services to removing emotional and mindset blocks so women may create the life they desire. TURNING CREDENTIAL INTO ALTRUISTIC MISSION Town’s story is an inspiration itself, and—in my mind—establishes her credential for turning her previous struggles into an altruistic mission. She uses her experience with being an adult child of an addict/alcoholic, overcoming abusive relationships, surviving financial hardships and bankruptcy, divorce, infertility, and having the courage to launch her business —as a foundation of her coaching practice. Her victory over her life’s obstacles resulted in paving her new purpose as a transformation success coach to help women overcome similar struggles. She’s done her share of working things out internally with her Life Coach. She’s gotten “serious about stepping into my own power and serving my purpose.” Town achieved Life Coach certification to solidify her commitment to herself and has opened her practice as a transformation success coach. See links below for more information on how to connect with or work with Town. HIGHLIGHTS from PODCAST Episode 1:
HIGHLIGHTS from Podcast Episode 2:
ON MENTORS, WELLNESS, & BECOMING UNCOMFORTABLE Town’s role models include Rachel Hollis, Mel Robbins, Vanessa Simpkins. When looking for mentors or role models, Town looks at their defined purpose and whether that aligns with her own. Town considers wellness to be much “more than just diet and exercise. It is a full mind, body, and spirit connection—and nurturing the balance of all three.” She’s practiced Tai Chi for more than 10 years and has been a volunteer instructor for the past 5 years. Town points to her Tai Chi practice for her balance of body, mind, and spirit and the opportunity to practice within herself while giving back to others. She mentioned that Tai Chi has helped her solidify the concept that “Mindset is key to all success.” The practice has taught Town to become comfortable with the uncomfortable. She describes the practice as an awkward sensation with her body movements simultaneously moving in different directions. She compares the Tai Chi practice to doing internal work through her coaching practice. Non-Tai Chi practitioners can achieve greater awareness through coaching. She explains that, although uncomfortable sometimes, developing inner awareness provides the key to a strong mindset. This positive mindset, based on awareness, is a successful strategy to overcome anxiety or negative self-beliefs. She describes Tai Chi practice as an uncomfortable struggle for body balance while being forced to single-mindedly focus her mind on the physical movements. As it’s an Eastern practice, the non-linear practice is challenging for Westerners. QUIETING THE MIND LEADS TO AWARENESS But embracing this different way of learning has taught Town that the body knows what to do for balance. She applies this same mentality toward trusting inner wisdom. The mindfulness from Tai Chi’s moving meditational aspects have helped Town grasp awareness within her personal and professional practice. She explains that the positive impact of Tai Chi is also from its necessity for quieting the mind. This quieting of one’s mind opens up awareness. Awareness is the key to polishing a positive, strong mindset. Town applies this to her coaching strategies by suggesting clients learn to sit still with themselves in silence, become aware of their physical sensations, what’s happening externally, and questioning their mental responses. Using a sense of present curiosity to ask what’s happening within and how it feels allows one to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. DON'T FORGET TO BREATHE! I related to this example. I recognize that I’m often so busy with my to-do list, my responsibilities, the news, and the noise of social media, that I forget to breathe. I forget critical self-care practices. Town’s coaching tips are a great reminder to slow down, breathe, sit still with oneself. And when negative thoughts arise, to step back from them enough to question their origin and validity. Gaining that space and quiet allows clarity to emerge, and slowing the breath through the discomfort of our anxiety or negative thoughts brings calm and stress relief. I congratulated Town on raising her step-son and launching her coaching business. For parents or caretakers, Town commented that nurturers tend to put aside their needs or neglect self-care to help others. She offered the advice of practicing kindness and love within oneself. Town’s philosophy is that “we are all made for something more and our past should not define who we choose to be. Awareness and taking action are the only way to move forward.” Tools to keep forward momentum when life becomes overwhelming and stressful:
Town uses gratitude to set her positive intent for each day. She emphasizes that each expression of appreciation should evoke emotion. Rather than just a busy activity to fill a space—Town suggests instead to prioritize things that truly inspire your feelings. Without the emotion behind gratitude expression, there is less power in its impact. Town uses gratitude to successfully combat anxiety. We discussed how your mind can only focus on one thing at a time, so shifting focus to gratitude is a huge force for mental wellness. Town has a Facebook group where she offers daily inspirational content, live video tips from overcoming her anxiety. She has a new 90-Day Program called Action for Change designed specifically for women who are ready to step into their power of financial, spiritual, and emotional strength. Connect with Transformation Success Coach Tiffeny Town: https://inspireyourlifecoach.com/ https://www.facebook.com/inspireyourlifecoach/ http://bit.ly/WTAFCGroup If you’re a woman feeling stuck and not sure how to move forward, book a free 30-minute breakthrough call with Tiffeny Town to take a look at where you are and where you want to be: http://bit.ly/TiffenysBreakthroughCall Recommended Content: How To Feel Spring Emerging From Your Heart Creativity Brings Comfort, Courage, and Hope Special Episode For British Radio Station, ResonanceFM & International Women's Day YourCreativeChord Podcast How To Live A Life of Joyful Creativity Part 2 | YourCreativeChord Podcast How To Live A Life of Joyful Creativity: An Interview with Ryan Hargrove On Creative Process Part 1 | YourCreativeChord Podcast What Self-Care Has To Do With Creativity Set Your Positive Intent & Inspire Yourself 
by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
I'm a creator, composer, poet, writer, blogger, and podcast host of YourCreativeChord. YourCreativeChord is all about NURTURING CREATIVITY and INSPIRATION. My designs that I offer (via Zazzle) feature nature immersion and positive self-care affirmations. These are intended to:
My designs are in sync with my personal use of taking nature photos as a way to nurture creativity and live an inspired life. All my creations are intended to leave you refreshed and joyfully inspired to authentically express your creativity. I now have brand new face masks featuring my nature photos to bring a bit of cheer and comfort to others. As we navigate the current pandemic together--yet socially distanced for everyone's safety--I thought what a joy it could be for us to have these nature-inspired masks on our faces! Especially for caregivers and health care workers, these have an insert to allow disposable face masks to be placed inside for additional protection. These nature-inspired, cheerful face masks are machine washable, too! I hope these colorful nature scenes will bring you a bit of calm, comfort, and joy as you wear them and share them with others!
Let me know which of these face mask designs are your favorite! And if you like these, you'll love my motivational nature-inspired products, too. Check them out at the button below!
 Monarch butterfly on pink Hibiscus flower, Port Richey, Florida photo © 2020 Jenny Leigh Hodgins
by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
Does all this isolation leave you in need of stress relief? No worries. Watch my new video and experience the therapeutic power of music and nature! This one features graceful monarch butterflies (I used to rescue them in my Florida gardens) and my original musical theatre-style vocal/piano songs. Enjoy my short video for a meditative break with nature. If you are able to go outdoors, please get some fresh air and movement while continuing to socially distance for your protection. Staying home and distanced pays respect and honor to our health care and grocery workers, police, fire fighters, and others in higher risk brackets. Thank you. Be well. Feel free to share your original and/or favorite creative works, links, or responses by leaving a comment below. Share this link with your social media. You can also forward the link to this podcast by email to your friends! Thanks for helping spread the word so YourCreativeChord Podcast can continue bringing you inspiring interviews and stories! Created/Produced/Hosted by Jenny Leigh Hodgins Content & Music © 2020 Jenny Leigh Hodgins Recommended Content: What Are Ways For Nurturing Creativity And Inspiration? Part 1 What Are Ways For Nurturing Creativity And Inspiration? Part 2 How To Feel Spring Emerging From Your Heart Creativity Brings Comfort, Courage, and Hope Special Episode For British Radio Station, ResonanceFM & International Women's Day YourCreativeChord Podcast How To Live A Life of Joyful Creativity Part 2 | YourCreativeChord Podcast How To Live A Life of Joyful Creativity: An Interview with Ryan Hargrove On Creative Process Part 1 | YourCreativeChord Podcast What Self-Care Has To Do With Creativity Set Your Positive Intent & Inspire Yourself  Creator Jenny Leigh Hodgins enjoying the view at Ringling Gardens, Sarasota, Florida. Hello. You'll find great resources for self-care, creativity, nature-immersion and inspiration available here! My SHOP pages (top right menu button on desktop, top left on mobile device) include:
Everything available on these pages is to benefit YOU with ways for nurturing your creativity and inspiration! PERSONALLY RECOMMENDED QUALITY PRODUCTS! The products on my SHOP pages are those I recommend. Most I've used myself. I don't recommend anything I wouldn't use myself. So you can trust the quality of these products. INSPIRATIONAL GIFT IDEAS! My SHOP pages are packed with great gift ideas, ways to nurture YOUR creativity, get inspired or pampered. There are some awesome ideas here, so take a look: YOUR SUPPORT KEEPS YOURCREATIVECHORD'S QUALITY CONTENT FLOWING! Your support helps me continue building resources, content, and community for nurturing creativity and inspiration. How YOU Can Help Support YourCreativeChord: Here's how you can help: IF you already enjoy shopping on Amazon—your purchases can actually help keep my content going and growing--at no extra cost to you!
From that point—EVEN if you don’t buy anything directly appearing in my SHOP—when you shop and purchase something from Amazon--I earn a percentage (affiliate marketing). So, if you like shopping at Amazon (the perks are great savings and having things delivered to your doorstep!)--at no extra cost to you--anything you'd normally buy anyway can help me grow my business! But, again, you don't have to actually purchase anything directly from YourCreativeChord. I earn MORE if you actually purchase something I have in my SHOP. But no pressure to do that. If you normally purchase from Amazon, going through my SHOP is a great way for you to support YourCreativeChord Podcast and Blog! Thank you for your support! It helps me continue bringing you great content, and soon, products, books, and courses! THANK YOU in advance for supporting YCC in this way! And FEEL FREE TO FORWARD THIS MESSAGE TO ANYONE! THANK YOU for your help! Creatively Yours, Jenny Leigh Hodgins 🎶💃🌻 P.S. This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase after clicking one of these links, I’ll earn a small commission, which helps support YourCreativeChord Podcast and my Blogs on NURTURING CREATIVITY AND INSPIRATION!
 Weeping Cherry Blooms, Lexington Kentucky Photo © 2020 Jenny Leigh Hodgins by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
As a creator, I decided the best way I could serve you through the challenging coronavirus 19 pandemic would be sharing my creativity to encourage you. Nurturing creativity and inspiration through the power of art and nature is my passion. These spiritually rejuvenating sources are scientifically proven to empower and fuel our inner strength and wisdom. I share my creativity with the sincere intent that it brings you a bit of comfort and sparks courageous hope. Below is the text for the poetry I shared with you through my earlier podcast, Creativity Brings Comfort, Courage, and Hope. They are in the order of appearance during that podcast episode. LISTEN TO THAT PODCAST HERE. Struggle Stop the banging, the racket, the jitters, the drums that shake you, break you, run you in circles from that lopsided spinning wheel barreling your mind Leave that torturous neurotic noise behind Use an image, like stuffing all your crazy into an over-sized balloon that flies away Or dump all that ugly, murky blackness in your head into a dark, wide sea and sail your boat instead The point is, your hell is created from inside, so make it a world that is beautiful to find… Whatever trips you up, wind it up another way; Your darkness is treasure—in the light of day Dull, dim clouds of grey blocking your sky? You are a rainy season--who’s to question why So let it pour, let it roar, let it thunder—storm-- Who’s to say, anyway, that is not your norm Bad weather, like relentless weeds, has a place Serves a purpose and a need to fill a space Lesson learned, universal shift, and… Suddenly those clouds will lift Leaving something growing there, Something brand new to appear, Everything refreshed by the light coming through this rising transformation that originates from you. Finding Hope There is benefit, value, and hope in every trouble so long as you are not defeated in the struggle. A treasure greater than anything lies nowhere outside but within. Born of courage that you muster in the face of challenge, loss, disaster-- a kind of strength forged deeply-- the basis for a joy that lives eternally. For it is only in bravery that we will see the path to take to become truly free to reach the lofty noble state of life in which our hearts are fully open wide. And it is only through adversity that we can ever really be free. Independent of any pain, we clearly stand to gain. For, by dealing head-on with hardships, we find the points we’ve missed; Those inner places of our lives where darkness tends to thrive. It is by facing ourselves this way that we begin to create change; An inner transformation through self-realization A process of evolution. A rather simple solution, Yet the result is total freedom-- a completely positive outcome a deeply lasting value dependent solely on you. Everything rests on your mindset Your attitude determines what you get. So if you regard everything you face as a good influence to embrace, you’re guaranteed to find your way to a path that leads to a bright and happy day Lions In My Dreams Last night I dreamed of lions There were lions everywhere They were in the green meadow. They were along the mountainside, They were roaming the forests. They were sleeping in silence. They were rising with the sun as they raced about my bed. They were on the beach. They were on the highway. They were leaping. They were roaring. There were lions, lions, lions--for as far as I could see... When I woke today, I noticed there were courage, power, and audacity written all over me. What’s in the Garden Roses fading with every bloom Pansies profusely shining like happy elves Pampas grass flowing like a woman with a new hairstyle Milkweed attracting too many aphids Rosemary quadrupling in size Tiny flower seeds popping up as greenery Lavender sprouting like human limbs Small trees losing their leaves for the winter Sunlight Sunlight floats like a balloon filling with helium Glowing gradually like a musical crescendo Rising above the horizon… Then dropping like a silent ball in the ocean Fire Fire awakens with golden fury Roaring like a vicious lion Cackling, spitting and scratching the air And whimpers like a child at the splash of a water bucket Rain Rain drizzles sporadically Arriving like secret elves dancing on tippy-toes, Then leaping and stomping on rooftops, gardens, and streets everywhere. And suddenly dribbles to a silent stop. Music Spiritual link Continuously playing In the orchestra of my mind Always moving my life Belief Developing Struggle--Revolutionize In the privacy of my heart Determination Now Mentor Spiritual guide Lighting my way with wisdom In the treasure house of my life Let me rise up for you Hold On Hold on to who you are Hold on to hope --even if there seems to be only darkness blocking your path Hold on to the light burning in your heart --even if no one sees it but you Hold on to everything you dream of --even if you've already dreamed it for years Hold on to belief in yourself --even if you can't see your potential clearly Hold on to breaking through your struggle --even when you want to sit down and quit. Feel free to share your original and/or favorite creative works, links, or responses to this episode by leaving a comment below. Thank you for showing your love of my content with a LIKE or by sharing this blog with others. All poetry, photos and music content © 2020 Jenny Leigh Hodgins  Weeping Cherry Blossoms & Tulip Trees, Lexington Cemetery, KY photo © 2020 Jenny Leigh Hodgins
by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
This is the 4th music & nature video in a series I've created to lift your spirits! Click either image to watch this video. More inspiring creative content for your encouragement: How To Feel Spring Emerging From Your Heart Creativity Brings Comfort, Courage, and Hope How To Live A Life of Joyful Creativity Part 2 | YourCreativeChord Podcast Set Your Positive Intent & Inspire Yourself Feel free to share your original and/or favorite creative works, links, or responses by leaving a comment below. Share this link with your social media. You can also forward the link to this podcast by email to your friends! Thanks for helping spread the word so YourCreativeChord Podcast can continue bringing you inspiring interviews and stories! Created/Produced/Hosted by Jenny Leigh Hodgins Content & Music © 2020 Jenny Leigh Hodgins
by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
This is part of my series of creative posts as encouragement through pandemic 2020. We have many obstacles to challenge, but one thing’s for sure; our wellness of mind, body, and spirit will impact our successful response. Enjoy my video above (click the PLAY button and have your speakers or headphones on!) to experience the healing power of nature immersion and mellow music. This video includes nature photos taken in my hometown of Lexington, Kentucky. The spring blooms and rich landscape of Kentucky are stunningly beautiful. My original music in the above nature video is called, ‘On The Wings Of Faith.' I composed this piece last year for my late friend, Tina. She died of heart failure before her 50th birthday. A HEART THAT NEVER FAILS Ironically, her heart never failed in life. She was a relentless, ever-present friend who ceaselessly encouraged me to see my better self. She had a way of making me feel that I was the most important person in the room and her best friend. But Tina had countless friends in her life who felt about her the same way I did. Tina’s undying belief in my ability to rise up despite any obstacle or my own perceived inadequacies is what deeply inspired me to compose this short piece for her memorial. Her constant encouragement and never-give-up cheer remain deeply wedged within my heart and soul. You may have noticed that friendship is a huge theme in my creative process. Friends like Tina (and Linda, Kay, Jean, Kristy, Kathy, Terry, and Barbara, etc) have boosted my spirits in the darkest moments of my life. For this reason, I feel creativity emerge unstoppable from within me. EMBRACE EVERY SEASON AS A WAY TO GROW This is like the season of spring now. Despite the craziness of dealing with a global pandemic, the season’s explosion of color, blooms, and gorgeous textures has burst forth. This is the way life goes up and down, testing us to become better and stronger in our clarity and vision of purpose than before. This is how I view my creative world, too. Every season, problem, illness, or loss has meaning only if I embrace the opportunity to grow in some way. Creative expression is how I use transition as fuel for my inner strength and as a way to give hope to others. May this video of nature’s beauty and my musical tribute to the significance of friendship embolden you toward greater heights. Please continue to stay at home as much as possible and socially distance to protect yourself and others. While you’re at home more than usual, please enjoy the music, poetry, and nature videos (like this one above) I’ve created as meditative therapy. If you can't get outdoors, or you just want to relax or de-stress for a moment, this nature music video will help elevate your mood and keep you calm. Thank you for showing your love of my content with a LIKE or by sharing this blog with others. If this resonates with you, please leave your comment or ask a question below! I'd love to hear from you! Recommended Content: What Are Ways For Nurturing Creativity And Inspiration? Part 1 What Are Ways For Nurturing Creativity And Inspiration? Part 2 How To Feel Spring Emerging From Your Heart Creativity Brings Comfort, Courage, and Hope Special Episode For British Radio Station, ResonanceFM & International Women's Day YourCreativeChord Podcast How To Live A Life of Joyful Creativity Part 2 | YourCreativeChord Podcast How To Live A Life of Joyful Creativity: An Interview with Ryan Hargrove On Creative Process Part 1 | YourCreativeChord Podcast What Self-Care Has To Do With Creativity Set Your Positive Intent & Inspire Yourself
by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
This is part of my series of creative posts to encourage you during this pandemic and through the inherent challenges we all face as a result. I hope you are doing your best to stay at home as much as possible to socially distance yourself and protect others. Since you are at home more than usual, I've created music, poetry, and nature videos (starting with this one above) as meditative therapy for you. If you can get outdoors--while keeping safely distanced from others--the fresh air and healing power of nature immersion will improve your mood. Everyday, get some movement for your body as best you can to boost your wellness. If you can't get outdoors, or you just want to relax or de-stress for a moment, this nature music video will help elevate your mood and keep you calm. Watch my video above (click the PLAY button and have your speakers or headphones on!) and experience the healing power of nature immersion and soothing piano music. The video includes nature photos taken in my hometown of Lexington, Kentucky. I've been strategically taking my 80-year young mother to local parks, careful to avoid crowds of people during off-hours. Walks through these parks and my bike rides inspired me to snap photos to celebrate the rise of spring. As hard as it is now with everyone focused on lowering exposure to the coronavirus, nature still moves ever forward with its jubilant burst of blooms and color. Life goes on, the ebb and flow of good times, prosperity, and wellness reminding us that the cycle will continue. Let's use nature's gorgeous vibrance as encouragement to weather this new challenge with the hope of new growth and deeper meaning in our lives. My original piano music in the above nature video is called, 'Simply You.' I composed this piece for my late friend, Linda. Her down-to-earth manner and ceaseless optimism moved me to compose this music as a tangible representation of her positive influence on me and others. Her friendship was one of simplicity and authentic expression. She was able to always look squarely at reality and find something positive out of even the worst scenario. I feel this is a fitting piece for our shared struggle through pandemic 2020. Dark times reveal who we really are. May we be 'simply ourselves' as we use the current difficulties to polish our better selves. Let's use this time to forge stronger courage and compassion. Let's emerge from this tumultuous season like spring blossoms, with our greatest energy to transform this poisonous situation into medicinal value. Our successful response depends on our individual wellness and inner strength. May my music and nature video be a catalyst for yours. YourCreativeChord offers quality content, a positive community, and support for those interested in nurturing creativity and inspiration. I’d love to hear from you. It means a lot to me that my content is helpful and empowers you. Please take a moment to join the conversation below to let me know if you find this post helpful or if you have questions or suggestions! Recommended Content: Relieve Your Stress With Music & Nature 4 What Are Ways For Nurturing Creativity And Inspiration? Part 1 What Are Ways For Nurturing Creativity And Inspiration? Part 2 How To Feel Spring Emerging From Your Heart Creativity Brings Comfort, Courage, and Hope Special Episode For British Radio Station, ResonanceFM & International Women's Day YourCreativeChord Podcast How To Live A Life of Joyful Creativity Part 2 | YourCreativeChord Podcast How To Live A Life of Joyful Creativity: An Interview with Ryan Hargrove On Creative Process Part 1 | YourCreativeChord Podcast What Self-Care Has To Do With Creativity Set Your Positive Intent & Inspire Yourself
Click LISTEN IN BROWSER and the above PLAY button to enjoy my original piano music with this nature video I made from photos taken on my bike rides or walks. (Or listen only in SoundCloud)
Original Music & Photos © 2016/2020 Jenny Leigh Hodgins
by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
For a moment of meditative calm, please enjoy my original piano music with this short nature video I made from photos taken on my bike rides or neighborhood walks. (Click LISTEN IN BROWSER and the above orange PLAY button to enjoy my original piano music with this nature video I made from photos taken on my bike rides or walks. Or listen only in SoundCloud.) Out of my sincere desire to bring encouragement to you during this pandemic, I’m sharing original music, poetry, and videos from my nature photos. Once you’ve had a chance to listen and watch, I hope you’ll be motivated and inspired to move yourself a bit in the great outdoors when possible and while continuing to safely socially distance yourself. The fresh air and nature immersion will lift your spirits. It’s my hope my post today will also bring you comfort and help you keep calm amid this new storm. Music can speak our hearts and communicate from soul to soul in a profound way. I hope while listening to this short piano composition, you feel my heart, too. The audio track in this post (above) is one of my original piano compositions. It's the music I use for YourCreativeChord Podcast’s introduction and exit for each episode, too. There is a reason I chose this particular music as the backdrop to my podcast. More on that below. What This Music Has To Do With You & Your Wellness I composed this piano piece out of appreciation to my dear friend, Kay. Kay has been a friend in the deepest sense. In the 30 years of our friendship, she always expressed enthusiastic belief in my artistic talents, and in my ability to succeed in my creative mission. Mystically, when I struggled the most with my doubt or fears, my friend's words of encouragement would pierce my heart to motivate my greater self to rise to each challenge. That’s the spirit behind this music, too. It’s called ‘Finding Spring’ because once my friend encouraged me, I was able to look for hope within myself and in my life. By looking for hope, I find it every time. That’s what friendship does. That's what my music is about. Shared Experience, Community, and Heart To Heart Friendship My piano piece embodies my personal and professional intent to use my creative expression to encourage others. I chose this particular piano music for my podcast because the personal story behind my music represents the spirit of shared experience, community, and heart to heart friendship. These are powerful fuel for nurturing creativity and inspiration. It’s significant that while in the middle of a pandemic—a dark time for all of us--the signs of spring within nature are appearing from trees, blooms, colors, and fragrant blossoms. As you listen to my music and watch the short nature video from photos I snapped during short jaunts outdoors in my neighborhood, may you begin to also feel spring emerging from within your heart. Transform Sufferings Into Powerful Meaning Yes, the situation is daunting. But as human beings, you and I have the unlimited potential to transform our sufferings into powerful meaning. This current global, yet uniquely individual suffering can be the source from which to springboard ourselves and our society into exponential growth. How? By looking for the hope within our lives and finding spring. May you be well and live with inner strength. We are together in this shared experience. Let’s win a new historical victory with the power of humanity and hope by keeping our spirits strong. Feel free to share your original and/or favorite creative works, links, or responses by leaving a comment below. Share this link with your social media. You can also forward the link to this podcast by email to your friends! Thanks for helping spread the word so YourCreativeChord Podcast can continue bringing you inspiring interviews and stories! Created/Produced/Hosted by Jenny Leigh Hodgins Content & Music © 2020 Jenny Leigh Hodgins Recommended Content: What Are Ways For Nurturing Creativity And Inspiration? Part 1 What Are Ways For Nurturing Creativity And Inspiration? Part 2 How To Feel Spring Emerging From Your Heart Creativity Brings Comfort, Courage, and Hope Special Episode For British Radio Station, ResonanceFM & International Women's Day YourCreativeChord Podcast How To Live A Life of Joyful Creativity Part 2 | YourCreativeChord Podcast How To Live A Life of Joyful Creativity: An Interview with Ryan Hargrove On Creative Process Part 1 | YourCreativeChord Podcast What Self-Care Has To Do With Creativity Set Your Positive Intent & Inspire Yourself 
by Jenny Leigh Hodgins I listened to Mel Robbins’ Work It Out on Audible. I’d never heard of her books until a woman entrepreneur I interviewed mentioned her as a mentor. So I checked out her content. I’m hooked. What I Loved About The Book I loved the author’s style. I wonder if I’d like it as well if I’d read the book versus listening to it. But I rarely sit still long enough to read a book. I’m always digitally researching and as an online solopreneur, my task list is never-ending. So, I listen to books on Audible while doing errands, exercising, and before bed. I loved Mel Robbins’ style because she matches my pace where I am. Her book contains no fluff. She gets straight into giving valuable content and then she spells it out for you at the end of each chapter in case you missed the key points. There’s No Fluff—Robbins Gets To The Point Without Wasting Your Time I loved her quick pacing, her blatant way of calling us women out on habits that don’t serve us or anyone else (like dimming our own brilliance), and her humor which lands perfectly in sync with how most women feel post 50. The main thing I loved about this author’s tone is that she didn’t waste my time. I am a fast-paced and constant thinker. I hate when books are filled with useless padding just to fill a space. I hate when I have to fast forward through blogs, podcasts, webinars, videos, courses, and books to get to the meat of the main point. Mel Robbins’ book was value-packed and illuminating from start to finish. Stories Have A Clear Thread Of Connection To YOU I generally am bored when I see ‘case studies’ used as ‘examples’ to make the point. But Robbins used her actual coaching sessions with various real women to begin driving her value home. Smart, because these women are relatable to the women reading this material. They are our soul sisters. Twins in karmic tendencies, whether it be relationship or career issues blocking progress. Direct Line Between Your Life And Your Career Robbins makes a significant emphasis on the reality that our lives and our careers are interconnected. We bring our lives to work with us. She points out that any baggage or patterns in our personal lives absolutely are playing out within our careers. And she digs in deep to uncover those patterns within each woman featured in her coaching session. She clearly and articulately draws the direct connection between the individual problems experienced by her clients and the women reading her book. It’s highly relevant and amazingly on point with, for example, my personal and career issues. The Advice For Transformation Is Solid This made the book fly by and I devoured it and Robbins’ tips for addressing and transforming negative patterns into strengths and liberation. That leads to why I was happy with this book; it is a positively transformative guide for women to thrive in relationships and career. I found it so rewarding to have ‘a-ha’ moments throughout the chapters of this book, and to know there are actual strategies I can use and practice—based on Robbins’ wise advice—to change my life for the better. There’s A Workbook For You To ‘Work It Out’ There’s also a comprehensive accompanying workbook to use as a guide for uncovering patterns that are holding women back. It offers concrete advice and tips to put in place--or replace old habits that are no longer serving. I haven’t yet started the workbook, but I decided I will. I had revelation after revelation about how my relationships have molded my thinking and how some of these responses no longer work for my survival, coping skills, much less my success and happiness. Connecting And Highlighting The Positive Mission Of Women But the book is uncanny in its ability to find common threads for women everywhere. Work It Out is a light in a tunnel. I recommend we use Robbins’ beautiful and powerful book to make our way through to a new place of joyful fulfillment. In honor of International Women’s Day, and for women everywhere, we deserve to thrive in expression of our greatest potential. Thank you, Mel Robbins, for your contribution to this beautiful mission. Get ‘Work It Out’ and other books by Mel Robbins here:  by Jenny Leigh Hodgins This month, YourCreativeChord Podcast will feature my conversation with guest, Dr. Tara Sanderson, a “Licensed Psychologist, Author, and Clinical Supervisor in Oregon.” The podcast will post in two episodes on March 17 and 31. LISTEN to EPISODE 1 HERE. Dr. Sanderson has been “helping people learn the skills to live their best lives” for more than 20 years. I read her new book, "Too Much, Not Enough A guide to decreasing anxiety and finding balance through intentional choices," and reviewed it earlier here. I invited Dr. Sanderson to be a guest on my podcast because her experience as a counselor and someone who wrestles with perfectionism and anxiety, is perfectly in sync with nurturing creativity and inspiration. The Dance Between Anxiety And Creative Flow Getting or staying inspired sometimes comes with its own brand of anxieties for many creative people. I wanted to tap Dr. Sanderson's expertise on addressing this kind of negative self-talk. We dove into the strategies she put forth in her book about decreasing anxiety. She shared a mindfulness tool she learned in a workshop, called SOBER: S = Stop O = Observe B = Breathe E = Examine the options R = Respond In our chat, Dr. Sanderson walked me through how to use each step of the SOBER tool. Our conversation is relevant for those who struggle with perfectionism, overachieving, anxiety, depression, and “the inner critic.” E Is For Examine Options Versus Extreme Emotion The step 'E' in SOBER particularly struck me as useful for those prone to anxiety or perfectionism. Examining the options within a particular scenario is a solid strategy for getting out of extreme, black-and-white thinking that is common for someone in an anxious state. Dr. Sanderson demonstrated the use of initiating a dialogue with the 'inner critic.’ This inner voice, or self-talk, typically presents an extremely negative option. Dr. Sanderson’s technique suggests brainstorming five different options versus the one negative option, opening the opportunity for making choices that feel better. Addressing this internal voice directly with alternate options instead of the one extreme reaction commonly offered by the ‘inner critic’ opens the mental space for calm, reason, and a better outcome. 3 Keys For Inspiring Bumperstickers Dr. Sanderson's technique for handling a stressful choice is to follow the SOBER steps until you're able to respond in a way that's 'on purpose,' 'non-judgmental,' and 'fully present.' I joked that each of these slogans would make great posters or bumperstickers! Seriously, can you imagine being stuck in constant traffic. You pull up behind a car, fuming frustration at the waste of time to get from point A to point B. Suddenly you see the bumpersticker in front of you, “Fully Present.” And…you…BREATHE. Wow, what a difference that could make on blood pressure, mood, and productive energy! But, I digress… It struck me that Dr. Sanderson’s approach with these three key points in mind when addressing a challenge is in dramatic yet calming contrast to the knee-jerk extreme emotional reactions we tend to roll with when anxious about something. Our discussion of the mindfulness tools Dr. Sanderson uses both with herself and within her work as a counselor offers tremendous value for those eager to become less stressed. Walk-Through For Self-Publishing Your Book I also asked Dr. Sanderson to walk through her process for writing her new book on decreasing anxiety. She shared from idea conception, writing practice, to promotion, publishing and launching her book. As I'm writing several nonfiction books under the 'nurturing creativity and inspiration' umbrella, to self-publish those soon on Amazon (and build courses based on them), it was fun to hear how Dr. Sanderson worked through her first book publishing process. She also shared her process for creating an audio version of her book (which is available on Audible), and a second book to be co-written with her husband is in progress. In this digital age, the options to publish a book are vastly different from the era of traditional publishing. Dr. Sanderson and I talked about the different ways writers could potentially get their story out or offer value through a book. Whether you're an author, aspiring writer, or a reader who appreciates good books, this part of our chat illuminates the self-publishing and creative process for writing a book. LISTEN to EPISODE 1 HERE. Tune in Tuesday, March 31 for Part 2 of 2 episodes of YourCreativeChord Podcast to hear my in-depth conversation with Dr. Tara Sanderson. Please let me know in the comments which parts of this blog resonates most with you. Share your thoughts or ask a question! I'd love to hear from you about these intriguing topics, or any tips you'd like to share! Read my blog reviewing Dr. Tara Sanderson's book here: How To Decrease Your Anxiety & Live More Mindfully; An Empathetic Perfectionist Helps You Balance Your Life Checkout Dr. Tara Sanderson's new book, "Too Much, Not Enough A guide to decreasing anxiety and finding balance through intentional choices." Find Dr. Tara Sanderson on Twitter Instagram Facebook and through her website, https://www.drtarasanderson.com  YourCreativeChord.com Podcast host Jenny Leigh Hodgins interviews Counselor and New Author, Dr. Tara Sanderson. Stay tuned for the Podcast episodes on March 17 and 24!
 Photo of sun over cornfield, Lexington, KY © 2019 Jenny Leigh Hodgins by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
It's easy for any of us to be defeated by our problems. Whether they are big or small doesn't matter. They're our problems and because of that, they can seem tailor-designed to knock us down. Someone recently asked me how to overcome their problems. Regardless of specifics, when faced with difficulty, having the attitude to work toward a solution or win victory, is the first step to creating forward momentum. I praised this person for having the desire to find a way through their challenges. The Buddhist philosophy I practice has taught me that struggles are actually precious treasures to appreciate. We can actually use them as stepping stones to deeper happiness, solid inner strength and an awakening to our inherent wisdom. All this personal expansion leads to experiencing a rich, more fulfilled life. The conversation with the person who asked for my help reminded me that I need to repeatedly polish my attitude and actions toward the challenges in my life. I've learned that developing a determined spirit to win over difficulties is powerful. No matter what the problem is, having that spirit to keep fighting is itself the key to victory. It’s when we lose hope, or stop believing in our vast potential to achieve or transform anything, that problems get the better of us. There are many things we can do to deal with our problems. But without the mindset toward winning ultimate victory, the results may prove less than satisfactory. In other words, we can take plenty of action, but if we still hold doubt in our hearts about ourselves or our desired positive outcome, we diminish our results. You Get Stronger Through Challenging A Problem If we first work on strengthening the attitude behind our actions, we stand a greater chance of overcoming the problem or reaching a goal. Actions we take are only part of the solution or winning strategy. Equally as valuable is the inner strength we forge by enduring the problem state. As long as we resolve never to give up on ourselves, every problem actually can serve as a springboard toward improving ourselves and our quality of life. Building a strong inner intent ultimately manifests in taking wise action. This is the basis for creating a happier environment, and advancing our personal growth. Plus, the added perk of solving our problem. Be Like Einstein; Stay Longer There’s an Einstein quote I love that goes, "It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer." Problems can function as beneficial to our lives because they push us into the proverbial corner until we learn to strengthen our belief in the unlimited potential within ourselves and humanity. Problems can force us to work harder to mine that golden potential. Perhaps if we didn't experience our difficulties, we'd never make the kind of effort necessary to uncover our full abilities. The fact is that we all have problems. Our capacity to overcome these is infinite. And by winning over them, we give others incredible hope to do the same. Let's continue seeking ways to overcome our problems. In that sense, we are already winning. By the way, my photo essay, How To Use Difficulties To Inspire Appreciation & Creativity, touches on this same point. I hope it encourages you and others reading this! Thank you for showing your love of my content with a LIKE or by sharing this blog with others. Leave your comment or ask a question below. Even When We're Derailed
by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
As a new online course creator, blogger and podcaster finishing two short nonfiction ebooks for piano learners, while caregiving for my 80-year Mom, I'm learning to juggle a lot. Most of it's new to me. My journey as a creator is a struggle to overcome life-long patterns of anxiety, challenge the new, balance my family responsibilities, and keep my creative fires burning. Can you relate? My goal is to launch my first online course for new or returning piano learners on how to practice piano effectively in April 2020. I've announced this goal originally for January and February—and missed my target dates. Wish you could see my face. I'm disappointed in myself for that. I didn't want to share that with anyone, either. Why Sharing Our Vulnerability And Failures Is Important But I decided this is actually a great lesson for practicing authenticity and developing self-compassion. By being honest and transparent here, I'm showing myself and you how important it is that we share our vulnerability, our seeming failures—and still keep going no matter what. The truth is we're all human. We all experience failures and setbacks. Hiding those away is antithetical to creative living. It's also counter to the reality that success often comes directly from failure. Holding myself accountable publicly is a way to show myself that I can get back up on the horse. Even if I've fallen into the slop, and am covered in it, I can still get back up and try again. There's a short video flying around social media of a little girl trying to mount a pony. The video shows her jumping up, falling down, grasping the pony's mane, slipping off, lunging forward, in multiple attempts to get on that pony. Over and over again, she fails. It's remarkable to watch this child's attitude. She doesn't waver once. She just keeps trying. And she finally succeeds. Wow, the look on her face when she makes that glorious break-through is a monumental statement for having the never-give-up attitude! Plans In The Works For Nurturing Creativity And Inspiration I muster that little girl in myself to refresh my resolve. I'm determined to have my first online course and books for new and returning piano learners all rolling by early spring. I'm also planning a course offering how to use nature and self-care based on spiritual optimism for overcoming blocks, and nurturing creativity and inspiration with a variety of activities. I have another course on overcoming that negative inner critic planned next. And still another course about nontraditional memorial planning. I also have an idea percolating about creating a community for those interested in nurturing creativity and inspiration, but that's after my products, books and courses are established... I'm now editing podcasts featuring interviews with wonderful artists of all kinds. Those are phenomenal sources of inspiration, as these wonderful creators share their creative practices and personal stories. I've designed some beautiful new products, featuring nature immersion and self-care affirmations! From notecards, journals, posters, pillows, puzzles, playing cards, coffee and tea mugs, T-shirts, kitchen and bath towels, these products are a splash of nature's energy with inspirational messages. I think you'll love everything! (See photo and video on this page for a sneak peak of a few notecards.) Click here to explore my new products designed for nurturing creativity and inspiration! Creativity Integrates Many Moving Parts The balance between my creative output while learning and doing the technical and administrative parts of launching my online business as a new creativepreneur is an ongoing, steep climb. Some days I want to hurl my computer out the window! But I'm getting better at it! All my upcoming products, books and courses are completely in sync with how I roll as a creator and in line with how YourCreativeChord harmonizes many moving parts. Like an ocean contains many kinds of waves. Peaceful, subtle, flowing, roaring, crashing, stormy. It’s all part of the same beautiful ocean. I juggle multiple ideas and skills constantly. I think this is how most people function. But sometimes we forget how varied our creative outlets may be! We also forget how these diverse interests and skills function to replenish our creative juices! You may have noticed my focus is on piano right now. That's because my current priorities are to get my course and both books for piano learners on Amazon. I want to empower those interested in expanding their creative flow through piano playing! I have so much piano experience, I can help many people embark on a joyful journey of piano progress! Once that's underway, I'll be tackling the other courses, with books, and of course, regular blogs and podcasts, too. ACHIEVING VICTORY OVER--SCRATCH THAT--BECAUSE OF OBSTACLES You'll always get new content each Tuesday (and sometimes Thursdays). I've spent this year getting weekly blogs and podcasts to you while building systems to launch my upcoming products, books and courses. I'm packing in as much value for you as possible, whether it's a blog, podcast, a short video, my upcoming new books, products or course! I'm sharing this with you because everything I do as a blogger, composer, writer, poet, visual designer, nature photographer, creator-with-a-capital-C embodies what YourCreativeChord offers: My mission as an artist is to lead, by example, through my creative strategies, achieving victory over obstacles and fulfilling my life's greatest potential. Even if I get derailed, or slowed down, by life's difficulties, or tackling new stuff as an entrepreneur, I will never give up. I will deepen my determination to show victory as an artist for peace. That’s what creativity is about:
I recently listened to the audiobook, The Obstacle Is The Way by Ryan Holiday. It was perfect timing for me to recognize that a new challenge, problem or obstacle is not just something to "overcome." Rather, I learned through this wonderful book that it is precisely because of difficulties that I'm able to tap capability, ingenuity, determination, resilience and wisdom that would otherwise lie dormant. The obstacles we each face become the way to greater creative flow, stronger conviction, and more committed action! EXPANDING COMMUNITY & COLLABORATION By the way, I've just updated my website HOME and ABOUT pages with a call-to-action for any bloggers or podcasters to interview me or collaborate. If you know of anyone interested in creativity, piano, personal development, wellness, or caregiving, please share this with them! I'm on a mission to expand my community and collaborate with more creative and inspirational people! You can definitely support me by sharing this with your social media or forwarding to a friend by email! Thanks for keeping me accountable! Join the conversation by sharing a comment with me below, or connect with me on social media using the icons below! ^_^
 Photo of Ringling Gardens, Sarasota © 2019 Jenny Leigh Hodgins by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
If I could go back in time to speak to myself in my youth, or, if there’s one thing I could say to those remaining after I’m gone, the message would be, “Don’t waste your time being afraid.” Fear has been the one internal opponent that has slowed me down, held me back, or blocked my ideas and actions. Not external obstacles or misfortunes, but this inner voice of anxiety. In the past 2 years, I’ve started living Eleanor Roosevelt’s advice to do something everyday that scares me. I’ve learned it’s liberating to challenge myself to experience new things, ideas or experiences, or go for higher, different goals as a way to grow my courage overall. But I’ve also learned that getting to the root of fear is hugely important. The inner energy of my intent or feeling while taking action makes a powerful impact on the outcome. It is important to act. Yes, do that. But go deeper. Look at that fear. Deal with that emotion. Get to the core of it. Spell it out. Analyze it. Ask yourself what you’re afraid of. Once you get to the root of that fear and dissect it, you find clarity. When you see clearly what your fear is based on, you can use reason to counter each fear. Let’s use an example: I’m launching my new online business. This new venture requires that I learn things I’ve never done. That alone has caused me fear. But when I look at that fear through the lens of reason, I find it’s absolutely reasonable to feel fear simply because this is a new experience for me. Things we haven’t challenged before often naturally make us anxious. This helps me see my fear as normal for my situation. This viewpoint relaxes me and diminishes my fear. I feel calmer and a bit proud that I’m pushing myself into new things and beyond my comfort zone. One way to decrease fear is to acknowledge your courage in taking on new endeavors, in pushing yourself to feel the fear and take action anyway. It’s important to take a moment to celebrate that kind of victory. Celebrations of personal accomplishment are also a strong deterrent to feeling fearful! As a new entrepreneur, and a highly sensitive person with OCD tendencies, I have many things that make me feel anxious. I start a cascade of inner questions to myself:
As a new business owner, the stress can seem relentless and unending. But by getting all my worries in focus in front of me, I can begin to break things down into a clear plan with my critical priorities mapped out. I'm learning that having all my fears written down allows me a chance to face each one and brainstorm a solution for it. Next, I brainstorm ideas for a contingency plan in case my first solution doesn't work or something else happens to derail it. Sometimes this process enlightens me to a need to re-prioritize or shift my plans to accommodate additional issues and/or time. Keeping my daily plan and inner intent in line with these priorities allows my mind to find ease, knowing I’m actively addressing everything necessary for reaching my goals. One of the most powerful anecdotes to any fear is taking concrete action. Taking action based on a plan through which I've faced my fears puts me back in the driver's seat of my life and my business success. How To Get Back Up After A Failure But, yes, sometimes I flat-out fail to reach goals. Or, I get out of rhythm with my priorities. Sometimes, I start spiraling into a downward stress mode where insomnia rears its head. I get run-down, and out of whack. Yes, other personal, family or health issues distract my focus or throw me for a loop. I’m human. When any of this happens--and things will happen--I get back to self-care basics. I refresh my determination. I refresh my determination again. And again. I go back to review my fears and center myself on my values. As an entrepreneur, and hell, as a human being, I’m learning that it’s not a straight line to happiness and success. Rather, it’s a dramatic, magnificent drama with these crazy, off-the-beaten-path excursions, unexpected adventures, and hurdles that appear from out of nowhere. It’s heavy storms and strong gales of unforeseen problems that completely drench and knock me down into the sloppy mud. That’s the story. That’s the part of life that creates the dynamic arch of climactic engagement. It’s also the fuel for catalytic flow to unleash new, fresh, robust, colorful creative juice that leads to a view of an amazing, vast vista. That new vista is a vision of your joyful fulfillment and the start of a new chapter for previously unimaginable victories. But, this up-and-down, twisty, turning story cannot emerge without dealing head-on with fear, or without hitting plateaus of illusive limitations that cause you to rear back or stop dead in your tracks. These obstacles force you to take three steps back, like the lion prepares an attack on his prey, to regroup. Assess. Take care of your inner world. Do whatever you need to refresh yourself and rebuild your inner fortitude. Then, you may lunge forward, with all your might. That momentum gained from ripping out each fear by their roots will propel you forward in a way that you’ve not experienced until this moment. Why? Fear makes you face your problems to break through your self-imposed limitations so you may unleash your massive, unlimited, creative, beautiful human potential. Fear makes you better yourself, both for your own happiness and for others in your life. I’m learning that for every negative emotion, problem or experience, there is a positive. A way to convert whatever it is into value, inner strength and a source for deeper personal growth and wider progress. It all goes back to nurturing creativity and inspiration, based on self-care. When we truly do the things that are beneficial for ourselves, we spur positive health, creative energy and the inner qualities we need to improve ourselves and for others. How Dealing With Your Fear Buoys Your Success That’s why I’m becoming grateful for my bouts with fear. After wholeheartedly, directly wrestling with my fear, I find that interaction miraculously morphs into a kind of bearhug, leading me to a moment of gratitude. This shift is an amazing metamorphosis that allows me a more informed view of my true self and my situation. I feel a burst of powerful confidence, with the strength to go after my goals with clear action. This mood change propels the reach of my actions. The energy behind my actions grows more confident, joyful, compassionate, deliberate and resilient. This personal development process reveals how dealing with fear buoys powerful action toward success and growth. When you see fear as a part of your necessary growth process, it has the potential to be your friend. Fear becomes your guiding voice of wisdom to do the things you must do for a richer, happier life. So let’s embrace our fears. Addressing our fear is the way to successful, enlightened living.  YourCreativeChord's Nature Products display at Wicked Glass & Wanderlust Designs, 234 W. Main St, Frankfort, Kentucky 859-693-4426 By Jenny Leigh Hodgins Whether you’re someone who enjoys exploring local shops, looking for something to do, a business owner, or thinking about launching a business, visiting Wicked Glass & Wanderlust Designs in Frankfort, Kentucky is a must. If you’re interested in self-care, spirituality, metaphysics, crystals, reiki, massage, or anything mystical, you definitely want to visit the downtown Frankfort, Kentucky Main Street shop! But no matter your interests, visit the shop for the life lessons and eye-opening revelations you’ll find there. If you’re in a rut, or feeling a bit creatively stuck, or simply need a healthy pick-me-up, this is the place for you. The owner, Belinda Davis-Lesniak, has a laid-back persona, allowing you to meander at your own leisurely pace throughout the store. Inevitably, I’ve watched customers gravitate toward the owner with questions or purchases, and become naturally engaged in conversations that span light small talk, questions about her eclectic products, to exploring metaphysical topics, and longer exchanges of a deeper sharing of personal stories. The owner and her shop exude a positive vibe (and the store smells divine, too! Aromatherapy is real!) that seems to mystically draw people in, inward, yet simultaneously, toward an outpouring of the heart. I’ve visited the shop several times, and I host YourCreativeChord’s self-care-themed inspiring nature photo products there. (You can also find my notecards, puzzles, posters, kitchen towels, T-shirts, and playing cards online by clicking here.) Witnessing the friendly interactions between the shop owner and her customers, and having my own share of stimulating dialogue with Davis-Lesniak, has inspired my understanding of community-building. The owner has an incredible knack for building a sense of community. Though she claims to be an introvert like me, she’s a natural at creating an authentic and irrepressible outflow of camaraderie. Through this uncanny ability, she forges a network of vendors, local businesses, and individuals who in some way interact or contribute to Wicked Glass & Wanderlust Designs inventory or offerings. The owner is remarkably and enthusiastically always coming up with a new workshop, event, service, or collaboration with someone in the community. This is an incredible lesson about how to network, build community and creative collaboration. Involving contributions from and giving to other individuals or businesses is an ingenious way to grow a business, create a movement, or simply expand your friendships. Getting in the flow of a natural exchange, learning something new, or bringing something to contribute are all ways that bring a sense of community to anyone. This kind of interconnection with others is something that fuels creativity and boosts your emotion or mood. That’s why I strongly urge anyone to visit Davis-Lesniak’s shop. Click here to learn more about Wicked Glass & Wanderlust Designs, FIND THE SHOP on Facebook, or call 859-693-4426. Thank you for showing your love of my content with a LIKE or by sharing this blog with others. Leave your comment or ask a question below. Recommended articles: LEARNING TO BE CREATIVE How To Open Your Heart To Find Beauty Within Suffering & Loss Belief In Your Own Creative Vision Keep Looking For Moments Like These To Celebrate & Appreciate How To Use Nature To Reinvigorate Your Spirit How To Maintain Body Mind Balance As Fuel For Your Creativity 5 Ways To Use Music & Nature For Self-Care Believing In The Positive How I Created The Ocean With Music Find YourCreativeChord on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedinand Facebook! Photos of Wicked Glass & Wanderlust Designs, 234 W. Main St, Frankfort, Kentucky 859-693-4426
By Jenny Leigh Hodgins Nurturing creativity and triggering inspiration often comes straight from interaction with other creative people. Seeking out these relationships is a common practice for successful creators. Listening to the story behind an artiste’s creative process, or watching their specific technique for an artwork can open up new neurological pathways for your own innovative thinking. This is where much creative spark begins. It may seem counterintuitive for introverted creators like myself, who thrive in solitary work routines. But seeking out and learning from other creative people is an incredible boost to fresh inspiration. Hence, I look for opportunities for creative collaboration. That’s why I love interviewing creative people for YourCreativeChord podcasts and blogs. I’ve spoken with creators from all over the world, thanks to the miracle of digital technology. Positive Creative Community in a Local Shop I believe it’s important to also support connections locally, and I’ve gratefully found a wonderful collaboration with a local shop and its owner in downtown Frankfort, Kentucky. Belinda Davis-Lesniak’s flavorful shop is a boon to downtown Frankfort, adding a robustly diverse retail experience with energetic and upbeat character. For those who are far away from my home state of Kentucky, have no fear; this wonderful shop is easily accessed online, too. I also highly encourage a visit to this ‘hidden gem’ of a city, with its geographical position next to the beautiful Kentucky River, and uniquely characteristic limestone and Italianate architecture dating back to the late 1800s. Welcome To My Exclusive Home For Inspiration! I’ve chosen this local small business to exclusively host my 2020 inspiring nature photo calendars. Additional products will soon include notecards, posters, puzzles, playing cards, kitchen towels, T-shirts, sketch- and notebooks. All my products feature the beauty of nature with self-care themes for nurturing creativity. I selected this shop because of the intersection of our mutual branding about fostering positivity, inspiration, harmonious living, nature love, spiritual wellness and self-care. It’s a wonderful fit for my upcoming nature photo designs and new products. I’m so excited to introduce and offer a bit of behind the scenes insight into this beautiful shop and its lovely, warm-hearted owner, Belinda Davis-Lesniak. Infusing A New Spirit With Connection & Compassion In sync with Downtown Frankfort, Inc’s vision and website slogan, “there’s a new spirit infusing downtown Frankfort,” Kentucky, I felt it for myself in Davis-Lesniak’s welcoming shop at 234 West Main Street (Frankfort, KY 40601), “where new age meets Bohemian with a wanderlust flair.” I popped in to meet the owner, for what I expected to be a short visit to see her store, Wicked Glass & Wanderlust Designs. Two and a half hours later, I reluctantly gathered myself and my mother for the short drive back to Lexington. This woman business owner is an incredible inspiration, oozing friendly vibes and opening her heart in conversation to a depth that instantly makes you feel you’ve been friends for many lifetimes. She has a spirit of compassion and creativity that resonated immediately with me (and my mother). The size of her heart was evident as she showed us the stray kitten in a box she had just rescued from the streets. Her newly opened Frankfort shop is a smorgasbord of spiritually positive products and experiences ranging from native American Indian photography, to metaphysical philosophy books, crystals, tarot cards, pagan, Buddhist and holistic nature-revering practices, to self-care offerings of massage and Reiki treatments, and even Tea Leaf and Tarot readings, ‘Make and Take Earring’ workshops, and guided shamanic journey adventures. There’s also Alchemy of England jewelry, ‘alternative,’ handcrafted designs from Leicestershire, England, and sterling silver gemstone jewelry. For the Bohemian flair, there are handbags, dreamcatchers, musical percussion instruments (hand drums, thunder makers, rainsticks, egg shakers, and African thumb pianos) and windchimes. Her shop is a haven for self-care products, including essential oils, handcrafted candles, incense, soaps, uplifting books, notecards, banners, window stickers and a range of calendars. What I especially love is that local artists’ works, including painting and photography (and my new 2020 calendars) are uniquely featured, infusing the store with an air of vibrant inspiration. The owner’s creative energy enlivened our visit as she shared like a flowing fountain, her ideas to expand the shop’s back section into an area for community workshops, and a way to feature a local artist with a commissioned ceiling mural. Downtown Frankfort renovations are underway to draw more local artists and business owners to provide a boon of attraction for locals and tourists. Davis-Lesniak’s new, colorful store is a perfect addition to fit this downtown vision. Click here to learn more about Wicked Glass & Wanderlust Designs, FIND THE SHOP on Facebook, or call 859-693-4426.
CLICK HERE TO FIND MORE upcoming Wicked Glass & Wanderlust Designs' events. Thank you for showing your love of my content with a LIKE or by sharing this blog with others. Recommended articles: LEARNING TO BE CREATIVE How To Open Your Heart To Find Beauty Within Suffering & Loss Belief In Your Own Creative Vision Keep Looking For Moments Like These To Celebrate & Appreciate How To Use Nature To Reinvigorate Your Spirit How To Maintain Body Mind Balance As Fuel For Your Creativity 5 Ways To Use Music & Nature For Self-Care Believing In The Positive How I Created The Ocean With Music Find YourCreativeChord on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedinand Facebook!  Photo of Bernheim Forest © 2019 by Jenny Leigh Hodgins  by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
I struggle with my anxieties and fears. Everyone does in some way, right? But I’m managing to breakthrough to new levels of courage through developing a better understanding of my fears. It’s important to recognize that being afraid is a normal experience and a positive indication that we‘re challenging ourselves beyond the norm. Whenever we explore new territory or challenge ourselves to do something bigger or different, it can bring out our fear. When we feel fear, it’s important to acknowledge that we are pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zone and appreciate our courage in doing so. That’s something I tend to forget when I’m going through intense fear. But I want to stop and acknowledge my bravery in continuing to deal with something that challenges my fears. Taking a moment to assess and acknowledge being courageous is in itself a way to relieve stress. Stress coping mechanisms can decrease fear and improve confidence. So take a moment to pat yourself on the back for continuing through a difficult moment! I’m learning that fear is also an indicator of inner wisdom. I’ve learned to listen to my fear and try to address what wisdom it’s leading me to reveal. Fear is a normal function in human life that's intrinsically set up to protect our lives. It‘s up to us to do the inner work to figure out what fear wants to protect us against. I find that once I work through the things I’m concerned about, I’m better able to pull up the wisdom to find solutions or ways to take action and move forward. This is what fear wants me to do; Take a look at the issues causing concern and use my problem-solving skills to open up a new vista. When I do that, fear has no need to function in my life, and departs. All of us have this inner wisdom. I think fear is a powerful catalyst for tapping into our inner strengths. I often turn to historical figures for their wisdom and encourage-ment. I especially like Eleanor Roosevelt’s famous quote; “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.' You must do the thing you think you cannot do." This means that we must use fear to develop TRUST in our own ability to handle anything in our lives. Experiencing fear shows GROWTH of our potential and expansion into new levels of our LIMITLESS capacity. Sometimes this kind of growth comes through tragedy or misfortune. When I faced a personal loss in my family, I faced some of my darkest fears. But the inner growth I had to go through during that time was exponentially greater than other chapters in my life. Having gone through such a difficult internal challenge has made me stronger, more compassionate, and able to perceive life through a broader scope of rich meaning and gratitude. I’m learning to look at fear as an incredibly positive barometer of my self-development! Each time in my life I‘ve felt most fearful was a period in which I was pushing myself to become a better human being, develop new skills, or challenge myself to more advanced levels of accomplishment. Let’s aim to be grateful for our courage and for continually challenging our fears. What lessons or inspiration do your fears teach you? Join the conversation with a comment below. Recommended articles: How To Live A Life of Joyful Creativity How To Inspire And Drive An Artist’s Creativity It's ALL Okay-Just Do YOU Why Should You Dream Too Big & Harness Your Powerful Imagination? Defeat Fear & Doubt with Your Courage & Capability How To Decrease Your Anxiety & Live More Mindfully; An Empathetic Perfectionist Helps You Balance Your Life How To Deflect Negativity To Become Happier Believing In The Positive How Can Memorial Planning Be Inspiring? Your Troubles Are Your Progress Barometer & Catalyst For Your Full Potential Find YourCreativeChord on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedinand Facebook!  Challenges provide opportunity for our maximum potential. Photo by Jenny L Hodgins. All rights reserved.
by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
Challenging circumstances are an opportunity to awaken and polish our maximum potential as well as develop qualities like compassion, courage, creative thinking, discipline, flexibility, patience and honed focus. Challenges also spur a heightened energy due to the urgency for a much-needed break-through. How A Spiritual Workout Builds Your Strength Much like a good physical workout will push the limits of our endurance, stamina and strength in order to improve overall health, difficulties in daily life provide a spiritual and mental workout which can result in a stronger life-force, an optimistic state of mind and a more balanced personality. This outcome is dependent on our chosen outlook of the particular situation. When our mindset is resolutely centered on remaining positively undaunted by external or internal obstacles, we’re able to tap wisdom with fresh ideas for opening the way forward. SGI President Daisaku Ikeda states, “Never for an instant forget the effort to renew your life, to build yourself anew. Creativity means to push open the heavy, groaning doorway of life itself. This is not an easy task. Indeed, it may be the most severely challenging struggle there is. For opening the door to your own life is in the end more difficult than opening the door to all the mysteries of the universe.” How Struggle Helps You Tap Your Creative Well-Spring Creativity is found through the struggle to push open this door to our inner life. Perhaps this is partly why some of the greatest art is born of the struggling artist. Artists tend to search inwardly to a deeper level (sometimes even while fighting for survival), embrace the full spectrum of both emotional and psychological experiences, and question or attack civilization’s problems with greater gusto than most. As a result of the artist’s vehement battle, a well-spring of imaginative innovation is unleashed. But the creative life is not the sole patented property of artists. Creativity is found in the willingness to fight against our own perceived limitations, or those of the outside world, with the intent to improve ourselves or our environment, no matter the resistance inevitably endured. This is the ‘never give up’ spirit of great figures in history who spearheaded revolution. Thinking outside the box is all that’s required to open that box. This act itself ignites courage, resilience, and the energy for empathy. Compassion can arise from having gone through these deeper struggles, allowing us to become aware of the human experience to a greater degree. How Your Problems Connect You With The World This universal connection to others, the realization that one is not isolated or alone in life, is one of the reasons art, music, literature and poetry can be so powerful. So whether it’s to tap creativity, become a person with broader awareness and ability, fulfill our maximum potential, or affect change in the world, life’s hardest problems are in actuality, a wonderful opportunity for positive, exponentially more significant metamorphosis. Since nothing is certain in life but change itself, the perspective to use it for the betterment of self and society is the most positive, productive way to go. Everything depends on the outlook we choose; Do we selfishly dwell on our problems, making ourselves and others suffer? Or, do we look at everything as a chance to expand our character, develop the best of ourselves, and encourage compassion and connection with others, to create value as a foundation for our future? How has your mindset affected an outcome or a change in a relationship? Share in the comments below! I’d love to hear from you. It means a lot to me that my content is helpful and empowers you. Please take a moment to join the conversation below to let me know if you find this helpful, or if you have questions or suggestions! Recommended Articles: LEARNING TO BE CREATIVE Belief In Your Own Creative Vision Keep Looking For Moments Like These To Celebrate & Appreciate How To Use Nature To Reinvigorate Your Spirit Why Should You Dream Too Big & Harness Your Powerful Imagination? Your Troubles Are Your Progress Barometer & Catalyst For Your Full Potential 5 Ways To Use Music & Nature For Self-Care Defeat Fear & Doubt with Your Courage & Capability How To Deflect Negativity To Become Happier Believing In The Positive My Top Tips For Winning Over Your Insomnia How To Live A Life of Joyful Creativity Connect with YourCreativeChord on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook!  Quote from SGI President Daisaku Ikeda by Jenny Leigh Hodgins BIG PLAN A I’ve had surprising challenges since I set out to achieve personal goals. I made bold decisions to leave a career I’d outgrown, sell my home, move out-of-state to be in place as caregiver for my aging parent, then use my new situation to apply myself toward my lifelong dreams of working from home as a creator. CHANGE CAN BE AWKWARD I’ve learned through this process that just because I’m doing something for a good reason (help my mother and relieve other family members) doesn’t mean it will be easy or even appreciated by others. Big changes bring out big obstacles. People need time to adjust to significant transitions. Sometimes the initial shift brings out uncomfortable aspects within a relationship or from within a person. People just flat-out respond differently (including me) when facing new challenges. I’m learning to check my expectations at the door, lower my judgment, strive to listen to opposing perspectives, and work on the only person I have control over; me. EXPECT NOTHING TO BE EASY I’ve also learned that going after my dreams doesn’t mean they will be handed to me on a silver platter. It’s been my experience that thinking the hardest part is over is almost always wrong. Something more difficult or unexpected often presents itself. It is best to prepare myself to expect nothing to be easy, and to forge a life-state ready for impending problems. I’ve found that being true to myself and going all out for my dreams means I may face resistance in the form of judgment from others whose values differ from my own, or who have an outdated version of me in their psyche. That means I must embolden myself to withstand countering views, to stand my ground and persist on paving my new pathway without support or understanding. Again, expect nothing. DISCOVERING YOUR ABILITY TO CREATE PLAN B Reflecting on myself through this period of troubles, I’ve found my weaknesses as well as strengths I didn’t realize were in me. On the plus side, I’ve discovered that despite the fact my best laid plans were completely skewed from the start, I have qualities that enable me to push through and create Plan B. Let me share a bit of my story to make my point. My plan was to sell my home, and use the profits to cover 6-months to a year's expenses for my out-of-state move while building my online business as a blogger, podcast host and course creator. This plan and timeline were both utterly botched by an inexperienced realtor, an unforeseen hurricane, and unexpected family health emergencies. My home was under contract to close when I moved to Kentucky from Florida last July. But the buyer strung me and my realtor along a series of peculiar delays. In hindsight, I now know these delays should’ve been avoided by my realtor quickly cancelling that buyer’s contract early on, to immediately put my lovely home back on market. Instead, that buyer failed to win loan approval after three months’ delay, just in time for a hurricane of historic power (Irma) to strike near my home, causing a housing slow-down (but, fortunately no damage to my home). After the hurricane passed, I stressed to my realtor my urgency to sell my home, as I had not anticipated moving out of state before my home sale. She had a melt-down during our phone conversation, and instead vindictively sabotaged my home sale. Though I attempted giving her time and the benefit of doubt, due to no showings in 6 months, I finally found a second realtor. My new realtor showed the home 11 times in less than 2 months during the slowest (holidays) season, and in February, I finally sold my home after an 8-month delay. (Whew!) FINDING THE VALUE WITHIN YOUR STRUGGLES This is only a partial view of the story, as I simultaneously dealt with additional unanticipated challenges as a new caregiver, a bizarre botching of my investment funds from my previous job's Human Resources department, and with other family issues that slowed down my focus on establishing my online business. But, I also had a variety of mystic protection and benefits. I was eligible for disaster relief due to the hurricane, even though my home suffered zero damage! This allowed me nearly 6 months of freedom from one credit card and my mortgage payments! Thanks to my diligent juggling with living off my credit cards while waiting for my home sale, I achieved my goal to keep my credit score unscathed (currently 836!). Having struggled for many years to transform my credit score from horrible to stellar, and keep it there, was a true personal victory. Due to the delay, I managed to grow my IRA to more than I anticipated, and finally got my funds transferred to my account. I had a wonderful local group of capable men volunteer (in 20° snowy weather!) to move my belongings from an expensive pod to an affordable, more convenient storage unit! YOUR TRUE VICTORY IS WITHIN YOUR PROBLEMS I’m grateful for these wonderful benefits, but find my struggles exponentially more valuable. Through adversity, I began to forge tenacity, resourcefulness, flexibility, appreciation, develop patience, tap into my inherent wisdom, and fuel my sense of empathy for others facing unforeseen challenge. I also learned that my tendencies to doubt myself, complain about my hardships, or be inflexible and narrow-minded do not add value nor provide solutions, relief or comfort to me or anyone around me. Having to experience a failed Plan A, move on to Plan B, while juggling all the complications that entails, is an infinitely more valuable chapter in my life than having had everything go smoothly from the start. Why? CHALLENGING WORKOUTS BUILD STRENGTH Difficulties are like climbing mountains. The higher the altitude gets, the more the climber has to develop and expand in survival capacity. Just walking down a straight, flat road doesn’t test or build one’s abilities in comparison to climbing a mountain. But after climbing a mountain, a walk down the road feels like a vacation. What I’ve learned is that Plan B is about my behavior as a human being. How do I become the most capable, compassionate, wise, person? How do I fulfill my greatest potential? Setting goals that seem impossible to achieve, getting my plans crushed and having to devise a new way through--being forced to find innovative ways to get through a challenge--is what dreams are made of. Responding to each surprising obstacle with the determination to win victory no matter what is crucial to my becoming the best I can be. INTERCONNECTIONS The developments I make through struggles in one aspect of my life interconnect and apply toward other aspects of my life. Through my 8-month journey, I forged discipline to write, compose and network, bringing me a sudden burst of freelance work, creative projects, and personal connections. I'm also becoming a better writer, social media manager, and have expanded my content to podcasts and affiliate marketing. These are in sync with what I envision as my lifelong dream path to manifest my full potential as an artist for peace. Plan B is about my behavior as a human being. It’s about how to respond to the difficulties in front of me. It’s about how I create a better me out of the situation. Creating value out of any situation is transformational for me and those around me. Plan B, from this moment forward, is about brilliant transformation. I'd love to hear your thoughts about my perspective on struggles as a means to make improvement. Please share your comments below. Recommended articles: How To Use Nature To Reinvigorate Your Spirit LEARNING TO BE CREATIVE How To Use Self-Care To Feel Happy 5 Ways To Use Music & Nature For Self-Care Defeat Fear & Doubt with Your Courage & Capability How To Deflect Negativity To Become Happier Believing In The Positive To Climb Again My Kilimanjaro You can also find me on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook!  Monarch Butterfly newly enclosed, after transformation from caterpillar to chrysalis to winged creature. Photo by Jenny Leigh Hodgins  Holding a Never Give Up notebook at my Buddhist altar before my morning prayer. Photo JL Hodgins by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
People think I have a large life. My energy commands a room. But it’s not intentional. In fact, sometimes I think I have two personalities. And, no, I'm not schizophrenic. I developed my exterior confidence through my job as a music educator, and my role as a Buddhist facilitator. Directing, leading and teaching large groups of people performing music, and facilitating faith-based activities with diverse groups provided abundant training. When I’ve had the opportunity to lead, there was no room for ego or attention to myself. There was a task to do. I’ve honed that skill to focus on the task at hand without regard to my personal feelings. I appreciate this skill. It enabled me to achieve more as a teacher, chorus conductor, faith leader and performing musician. It allowed me to see beyond myself and do more than I would have otherwise envisioned had I stopped to ponder my capability. Battling An Attack of Self-Doubt On the flip side, my alter-ego is debilitatingly shy and constantly fighting doubt. Through sheer life experience and in particular debt to my SGI-USA Buddhist philosophy, I’ve managed to function well—beyond my insecurity. But it relentlessly attacked me when least expected with insomnia. Even when I thought I’d confronted my inner demons, fear and doubt insidiously assaulted my thoughts until the wee hours of morning. I’d combat it with my intellect, of course. I spoke to myself with a voice of calmness about reality and fool-proof strategies to turn away my inner demons. I distracted myself with reading, deep breathing and imagery of relaxed, happy visions. I chanted my Buddhist mantra while attempting to empty the barrage of negativity swirling in my brain. I got out of bed and stretched. I wrote my thoughts in my journal. I fought the battle until 3am, despite exhaustion. Finally, I’d drift off for about three hours of rest. In the morning, it would all seem perfectly stupid. In the light of day, my evening struggle seemed like a mirage. Except that I was depleted for two days afterwards. Making Headway By Forging Inner Strength This darkness beat at my inner doors all my life. I’ve dramatically lessened the effects of it. It used to cause such stomach-upset agony I couldn’t function beyond bed-rest. It caused me to develop respiratory issues. I had no stamina against this demon. I continued consistently battling it from the inside out with my determined prayer. I forced myself through the exact experiences that caused me anxiety, repeatedly. I forged directly through anxiety until I incrementally gained strength over it. I no longer have those anxiety attacks that shook my whole body with nausea or stomach pain. I no longer get respiratory illness or stage fright. I have no qualms about public speaking, performing, or facilitating. I've led hundreds of groups as a music educator and chorus conductor, performed in front of thousands as a vocalist/pianist, and spoken in front of countless audiences from musical to community events, from weddings to funerals and beyond. I don’t worry about what people think of me anymore. All those battles forged my strength and grew my confidence. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.' Notably, when I’m striving to reach a personal goal, or break through to a new level of success in any aspect of my life, my doubts rear their ugliness to challenge me. That’s how I know I’m on the right track. A Strong Opponent Builds Your Spiritual Muscle My Buddhist practice confirms this is a sign of my inner growth; I’m pushing myself beyond comfort and growing my capacity larger than before. There should be some fear or doubt because...I’m human. I’m tackling new and bold territory. I’m on to these twin evils (fear and doubt). They appear so I may open the path to my future with my true essence—my inner power fueled by belief in the human heart. My heart. There’s resistance so I may develop spiritual muscle. These most powerful opponents enable me to forge my full potential. Anything easy would not warrant a victory celebration. I wage on—with a resolute vow to never give up until I win absolute victory over every new challenge. I know it is always a test of my faith. A chance for me to see how my determined prayer—starting from the inner realm—manifests in tangible, conspicuous external proof, based on the interconnectedness of life. I just have to do the inner work first. Take that, doubt and fear. Take THAT. I'd LOVE to hear from you. Please share your thoughts in the comments below. Thank you for liking and sharing this blog with someone who may benefit from the information. Recommended Articles: Your Troubles Are Your Progress Barometer & Catalyst For Your Full Potential 5 Ways To Use Music & Nature For Self-Care Defeat Fear & Doubt with Your Courage & Capability How To Deflect Negativity To Become Happier Believing In The Positive My Top Tips For Winning Over Insomnia You can also find me on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook!  Jenny Leigh Hodgins riding her Trek bicycle in honor of her late brother, John Everett Hodgins. by Jenny Leigh Hodgins My last conversation with my brother, before he tragically died in a late-night car accident ten days before his 29th birthday, was about riding a bicycle. John was a true naturalist, hiker, camper, gardener, cyclist, outdoor-man. In our last chat at our parents’ Kentucky home, he put his all into coercing me to get a bike and take up cycling. So, after he died, in my 42nd summer, I bought my first bicycle since my youth. It was a Trek road bike that cost me almost $1000. Just before purchasing, I had a bit of a desperate conversation in my heart with John, neurotically seeking his approval of my first fairly-expensive-for-me bike choice. As if on cue, and out of the blue, John’s best friend, James, walked into the bike shop! (Scheller's Fitness & Cycling Shop, which my brother had highly recommended.) Of all days, he had come to the same bike shop to check on repairs of an old bicycle my brother had given him. I showed him the Trek, explained this was something John had wanted me to explore, and got enthusiastic approval from James that this bicycle was a great choice. I felt as though my brother was speaking to me through his buddy to encourage me to get on this bicycle and roll forward. Since that day, I’ve ridden my cherished road bike up and down suburban hills, behind the Kentucky Horse Park in (my hometown) Lexington, Kentucky, through Talon Winery & Vineyards for a quick tasting with a cheese snack, to the beautiful Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, the Arboretum on Alumni Drive (both Raven Run and the Arboretum must be explored only on foot, so bring your bike lock!). I've cycled through winding, country roads where gorgeous horses trotted parallel to my dual road wheels past scenic farms with white fences in Paris, Kentucky. Each of my bike rides is a personal tribute to my brother, his ode to the natural world, and to living fully in the present. Having moved to Florida in 2006, my days of huffing and puffing up Kentucky hills were replaced with sweating bullets through the heat and humidity of Florida's tropical flatland. I’ve pedaled my way on multiple rides through the Starkey Park Trail in New Port Richey to the Suncoast Parkway, along the Pinellas Bike Trail from downtown Tarpon Springs to the Greek Sponge Docks, to Honeymoon Island Beach, Caledesi Island State Park, Wall Springs Park in Palm Harbor, and through downtown Dunedin. As I have passed the big five-OH, I’m more interested in stepping off my bicycle for some R & R. There are some fun things to explore along the northern Pinellas Trail if you want to park your two wheels along the way. Start in downtown Tarpon Springs and cycle to the Sponge Docks for a look-see (and maybe even buy) at the plethora of small shops on Dodecanese Boulevard. A unique way to explore Greek culture, or introduce a guest to a leisurely afternoon in Florida, is to view the beautiful hand-made Greek jewelry, wonderfully aromatic, organic hand-made soaps, explore a tea and spice shop full of unique fragrance and flavors, or grab a few, big, soft sponges and assorted, fun souvenirs. Make sure you’re wearing a backpack for your treasures! There are short boat cruises featuring dolphin sightings and sunset views you can book ahead on days with good weather. I love grabbing a delicious Greek lunch or dinner at Dmitri’s On The Water and enjoying a quiet view at the dock alone, or with friends before getting back on my wheels for the jaunt to my car at downtown Tarpon Springs. On one of my previous rides, upon return to Tarpon Springs, a friend and I got a coffee and decadent chocolate dessert at what used to be an Irish pub (it is now Currents upscale restaurant), and sat outside listening to a young guy playing the bagpipes on the Pinellas Trail at sunset. Another great bike ride is from Tarpon Springs to Honeymoon Island Beach. Nothing beats a moment to take in the relaxing atmosphere there; colorful kites floating above invisible strings held by kids on family outings, sailboats skating smoothly past the horizon in the distance, the distinctive yakking of sea gulls flying a little too closely as they scout for food, the salty, gentle breeze brushing over you, the warmth of the famous Florida sun, and those beautiful waves of water slapping and bubbling onto the white, sandy shores. Another fun option is to lock your bike wheels to rent a few hours on a kayak, sailboat or a paddleboat at Sail Honeymoon, Inc. The bright rainbow of upright kayaks there has been the subject of many photos (mine hang in my ocean-themed bathroom). On the way back from the beach, boost your energy at Strachan’s Ice Cream & Desserts on Dunedin Causeway, then ride back to Tarpon Springs for dinner. Burning calories makes you hungry! Speaking of food; you can go all the way to Dunedin from Tarpon Springs to have a scrumptious pan-seared salmon dinner at Cafe Alfresco. Dunedin is full of options for future bike trips to include leisurely strolls in its abundant, small art galleries and gift shops. On one bike ride, at Lafayette and Rushmford Home, I found an almost realistic, brown Cuban cigar ornament with a glittery red and gold-painted label—a silly, impulsive Christmas gift purchase that held a private history and packed a humorous punch for my four-foot eleven-inch, petite, blonde, younger sister. One of my favorite places along the Pinellas Trail is an old boxcar called Express Cafe, where you can get an amazingly delicious chocolate smoothie. They also have hot and cold coffee, quiche, breakfast, dessert items and various snacks. A great place to chill on a bench with your bicycle parked close-by in a bike rack. All these food options give me the sustenance to cycle my way back, taking time to view the lovely Wall Springs Park in Palm Harbor, or stop on top of the overpass at Palm Harbor Boulevard to catch my breath while I snap a few photos of the mangroves down below. Every bike ride I’ve taken along the northern end of the Pinellas Trail has been a wonderful tribute to my brother’s adventurous spirit, as well as enjoyable, leisurely and refreshing. It’s about discovery, getting out there, doing new things, touching the spirituality in nature, being present and appreciative of the small things and little excursions, always inspired to continue pedaling ever forward, on to the next adventure. Just have some fun. Get rolling. THANK YOU FOR SHARING this with others who may benefit from this info! I’d love to hear from you. It means a lot to me that my content is helpful and empowers you. Please take a moment to let me know your thoughts below! Recommended articles: Why Should You Dream Too Big & Harness Your Powerful Imagination? Defeat Fear & Doubt with Your Courage & Capability How To Deflect Negativity To Become Happier Believing In The Positive My Top Tips For Winning Over Your Insomnia How To Live A Life of Joyful Creativity You can also find me on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook!   Photo Courtesy of Dr. Tara Sanderson, author of "Too Much, Not Enough" A Book Review By Jenny Leigh Hodgins In sync with my constant quest for more inspiration, creativity hacks and self-care strategies, I recently read Dr. Tara Sanderson’s new ebook, Too Much, Not Enough A guide to decreasing anxiety and finding balance through intentional choices. The book title captured my attention as something that would fit in with my current journey toward being more mindful. I’m always open to new, positive ways to transform negative self-talk, doubt and fear. Aren’t you? So, along with adding meditations to my morning Buddhist chanting and exercise routines, I eagerly read through Sanderson’s book. I was looking for tips or practices that could help me and TEAM YCC (YourCreativeChord, aka, you) deal with life’s inevitable challenges, that little inner critic, ways to improve rapport within relationships, and smooth out my perfectionist, overachieving tendencies. I found all these in Sanderson’s book and more. The author begins and continues through to the last page of the book with blatant personal transparency, laying out intimate details of her personal struggles in a way that is immediately disarming. Her willingness to show her own vulnerability through every step of the way puts the reader at ease on the level field of humanity with this credentialed new author. Sanderson is a “Licensed Psychologist, Author, and Clinical Supervisor in Oregon.” For more than 20 years, she has been “helping people learn the skills to live their best lives. Using tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, she specializes in working with clients who struggle with Perfectionism, Overachieving, Anxiety, and Depression. (from her website, https://www.drtarasanderson.com ) Sanderson dives right in to the core of issues. She shares inner feelings and life scenarios that are readily relatable. Though that may be awkward or troubling to note, she brings her wisdom and random humorous anecdotes just in the nick of time, comforting us enough to keep digging. She gently urges us to see that the big reward of continuing to sit through that discomfort, and along with it, grieve “the loss of our expectations” is that “experiencing difficult emotions makes us present.” Sanderson’s advice resonates deeply with the benefit of practicing mindfulness; being present, sitting still with our thoughts and negative feelings. We learn that the more we sit with our discomfort, the more we can tune in to ourselves and what we need to transform our feelings and/or situation. Just when we begin to feel what is most painful about ourselves, and as if she’s reading our minds that we want to walk away from this, Sanderson chimes in that “Broken-ness doesn’t have to be life ending. It can be a new beginning with a history,” bringing us peace of mind that we are okay despite our fragments and broken hearts. She gives tools and reminders that our future has the hope of becoming a rich story based precisely on our struggles and endings, followed by new chapters of beginnings with our growing resilience that will come from doing the work Sanderson suggests we undertake. She offers encouragement with the tools she practices professionally, such as reframing our situation or ourselves to see more options available to us than the extreme black and white areas of life that we often get stuck between. As an example, she doesn’t tell “clients they’re going to be a gold-laden bowl in 2 weeks. I am telling them we are ready to start picking up the pieces.” She gently explains, “Sometimes we need to be broken in order to move forward in a new and different way. Brokenness isn’t final. It’s a thing that happens and we decide how to move on from it.” Her soft power approach coaxes away the fears of endings or weaknesses, allowing the reader to breathe through the process of personal development. Sanderson’s professional skills come through her book, without overtly flashing those credentials in the reader’s face. She walks us through various real-life scenarios, interspersing humor into her unadorned initial responses to paint a relatable picture of a problem state. She gets the reader down in the trenches of the typical emotional state of an overachiever, until we feel that problem or it brings up something parallel in our lives. For those dealing with anxiety, Sanderson’s guiding voice compels the reader to let go of extremes to see the gray areas of life, and with those, the opportunities for releasing fears and finding hope. As a person with tendencies toward anxiety, I relaxed my brain to embrace her reminders that life is full of options, is never truly black and white, and that decision-making is a process that is not final. This may seem obvious to non-perfectionists. But Sanderson clearly speaks to her tribe. A critical chapter in the book is for those from dysfunctional backgrounds who haven’t learned the art of training others to respect personal boundaries. Sanderson covers the issue of setting boundaries with the heart of a poet, reminding us of how important it is to treasure ourselves, and to teach others how to treasure our lives, too, “Recognize your worth. You are a gift. When you have something valuable where do you keep it? You are valuable. You don’t just hand over your heart, your mind, your soul to whoever comes around. You keep it safe until you trust them. You deserve to be protected from those who might ignore your boundaries.” This is where Sanderson segues into the importance of self-care as an important way of assuring we have enough to live our best lives. One of my favorite quotes from the book is, “Self-care is less about the value of the person and more about the fullness of the cup.” Sanderson’s book shows us how critical it is to find ways to take care of ourselves, whether that’s solitude, listening to or playing music, exercising, spending time in nature, hanging out with friends or family, prayer, or good food. Sanderson makes it okay to treat yourself in the name of bringing your best to the situation and the people in your life. Sanderson walks you through various situations that typically provoke negative emotions or friction within relationships. She voices the common responses that tend toward extremes of black and white options, then eases the reader to acknowledge a wealth of in-betweens that could be used to transform mindset, perspective, and ultimately the relationship or situation. She brings the reader to an understanding that victim mentality is flimsy but taking full responsibility for one’s choices is empowering. She says, “Love it or change it,” working through potential negative feelings step by step to uncover alternative options that are feasible, and in bite-sized chunks that seem palatable. The author guides you through levels of anxiety or knee-jerk reactions to find a space within your mind where you may practice new, healthier techniques. Sanderson reminds those of us who are anxiety-prone that our choices are valid and trustworthy. Even if rusty, shaky, or completely new to healthy, mindful practices, she offers you manageable methods for dealing with internal struggle, and leads you to create new habits of self-talk, communication with others, and the tools to find reasonable outcomes for challenging circumstances. Sanderson, being a perfectionist, overachiever herself, knows the path to anxiety well enough to anticipate the typical objections from one anxious person to another. She repeatedly, gently and often humorously reminds the reader that these kinds of behavioral or life changes require time to acquire and practice to master. In her words, “Being changeable is a good start, but making the change is another thing altogether. To make a change, we need another skill; we need to be willing to practice. We need to be willing to fail until we get it right.” Welcoming failure as part of the legitimacy of practicing toward mastery is not an easy concept for the perfectionist. But Sanderson is always one step ahead, offering comfort and cheering you on through the process. Getting support and guidance from someone who is not only credentialed in the science of behavior and psychology, but more importantly—to many of us anxiety-ridden folks--knows that darkness from within her own mind, is just what it takes to gain the golden egg of trust. If you’re someone who tends toward worrying, depression, OCD habits, or self-doubt, Sanderson’s book has the stuff to sway you to believe in your ability to make intentional choices that lead to a healthier, satisfying way of life. She knows you want to do everything yourself, yet need some help sometimes. Sanderson’s book is a strategy for you to learn how to believe in yourself, your capacity for handling everything you feel you must. More than this, Sanderson brings you to find hope. For all who worry or doubt, including Sanderson herself, she knows, “Hope is a nightlight for our soul.” Dr. Tara Sanderson’s book is FREE for 5 days starting TODAY, September 10, 2019! Get your copy Here! Find Dr. Tara Sanderson at: DrTaraSanderson.com Website I’d love to hear from you. It means a lot to me that my content is helpful and empowers you. Please take a moment to join the conversation below to let me know if you find this blog helpful or if you have questions or suggestions! My Pinterest boards have more self-care ideas. Please check them out and let me know if you've found any of my ideas helpful. You may also find some lovely nature photos & self-care mini-blogs at my Instagram account here. Also connect with YourCreativeChord on: Tumblr Recommended articles: Why Should You Dream Too Big & Harness Your Powerful Imagination? Defeat Fear & Doubt with Your Courage & Capability How To Deflect Negativity To Become Happier Believing In The Positive My Top Tips For Winning Over Your Insomnia How To Live A Life of Joyful Creativity |
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INSPIRATION!In my INSPIRATION blogs, you’ll find ways to overcome obstacles, reach goals, and experience more joy in the moment with spiritual awareness and inner transformation. Archives
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