YOURCREATIVECHORD.COM
  • Get My Ebook!
  • GET 2020 Calendars!
  • Home
    • ABOUT
    • TESTIMONIALS
    • Links
    • Contact
  • Sign-Up!
  • INSPIRATION
    • PODCAST
    • CAREGIVER
  • CREATIVITY
    • PIANO
    • INTERVIEWS WITH CREATORS
    • COMPOSING
  • RESOURCES
    • Inspiring Books
    • Self-Care Resources
    • Music Resources >
      • PIANO RESOURCES >
        • Piano Basics Ebook
      • Music-Related For Children
    • Pool & Outdoor Resources >
      • Nature Books For Children

Boost Your Creative Energy Through Collaboration

11/14/2019

0 Comments

 
SAVE 30% ON ALL INSPIRING 2020 NATURE PHOTO CALENDARS THROUGH DECEMBER 31!
Picture
Wicked Glass & Wanderlust Designs Shop Owner, Belinda Davis-Lesniak (with newly rescued kitten). Photo courtesy B Davis-Lesniak
Picture
Wicked Glass & Wanderlust Designs, 234 West Main Street, Frankfort, KY 40601. Phone: 859-693-4426
GET EMPOWERING STRATEGIES FOR CREATIVITY & INSPIRATION!
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. 
GET EMPOWERING STRATEGIES FOR CREATIVITY & INSPIRATION!
SAVE 30% ON ALL INSPIRING 2020 NATURE PHOTO CALENDARS THROUGH DECEMBER 31!
Click here to learn more about Wicked Glass & Wanderlust Designs, FIND THE SHOP on Facebook, or call 859-693-4426.


UPCOMING EVENTS:
November 26: Massage treatments. Choose from Bamboo, Hot Stone, Swedish Deep Tissue Massage, Crystal Reiki or Reiki with Rachel Cintron, of FeatherTouch Wellness. You may choose to book 30-, 60-, 90-minutes, or 2-hour sessions.

November 30: Shamanic
Consultations With JoAnna Dickey.

20, 30, 40, or 60 minute consultant appointments. Shamanic Reiki as an added feature service of the day, Try it as a 15 minute session for only $15. This is a special introductory price for this day only. Shamanic Reiki, combines the energy healing techniques of Usui Reiki and Shamanic healing.

To reserve an appointment for a Shamanic consult or Shamanic Reiki session, contact JoAnna at woundedhealerky@gmail.com

Small Business Saturday SALE

December 7: Wreath-Making Class The wreath form will be provided, along with fresh Christmas greenery, ribbon and ornaments! If there is something specific you have in mind, you are more than welcome to bring your own ribbon and ornaments as well.

December 10: Shamanic
Consultations With JoAnna Dickey.

20, 30, 40, or 60 minute consultant appointments. Shamanic Reiki as an added feature service of the day, Try it as a 15 minute session for only $15. This is a special introductory price for this day only. Shamanic Reiki, combines the energy healing techniques of Usui Reiki and Shamanic healing.

To reserve an appointment for a Shamanic consult or Shamanic Reiki session, contact JoAnna at woundedhealerky@gmail.com

December 14: Wicked Glass & Wanderlust Designs will be at Central Kentucky Mystical Market! This event is held at The Plantory, 501 West 6th Street in Lexington, KY. You can find all kinds of readers, vendors and healers the second Saturday of each month!

February 15: Tea Leaf and Tarot Readings. Join us for a cup of tea and tarot and see what your recent future holds. Is it love? A new job? With a decade of professional experience and a lifetime of practice some see what Bertena sees in your cup.


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!
SAVE 30% ON ALL INSPIRING 2020 NATURE PHOTO CALENDARS THROUGH DECEMBER 31!
0 Comments

How Facing Your Fear Helps You

11/7/2019

2 Comments

 
GET YOURCREATIVECHORD'S 2020 NATURE PHOTO CALENDAR HERE!
Photo of Bernheim Forest © 2019 by Jenny Leigh Hodgins. Beautiful fall changing colors. How does facing your fear help you?
Photo of Bernheim Forest © 2019 by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
See my recommended Resources for Self-Care, Inspiring Books, Music, Creative Inspiration & More!
Scale The Wall, a poem about coping with fear 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!


GET MY TOP TIPS FOR WINNING OVER INSOMNIA!
2 Comments

How To Transform Your Problems Into Creativity & Connection

10/26/2019

1 Comment

 
GET YOUR FREE CHECKLIST: HOW TO PRIORITIZE FOR BEST RESULTS!
GET my recommended resources for creativity & inspiration!
YourCreativeChord.com logo sunflower keyboard microphone writing painting creatingChallenges 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!

GET YOUR FREE CHECKLIST: HOW TO PRIORITIZE FOR BEST RESULTS!
1 Comment

Plan B is For Behavior; How To Transform Struggle

10/25/2019

0 Comments

 
Get more empowering content when you join TEAM YCC! (YourCreativeChord)
Quote about personal growth from SGI President Daisaku IkedaQuote 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!

​See my Recommended Self Care Resources!
Monarch Butterfly newly enclosed, after transformation from caterpillar to chrysalis to winged creature. Photo by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
Monarch Butterfly newly enclosed, after transformation from caterpillar to chrysalis to winged creature. Photo by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
Looking for garden or outdoor ideas? Find them here!
0 Comments

Spiritual Muscle; How To Develop Yours

10/25/2019

0 Comments

 
CLICK HERE TO IGNITE YOUR CREATIVITY & INSPIRATION!
Holding a Never Give Up notebook at my Buddhist altar before my morning prayer. Photo by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
Holding a Never Give Up notebook at my Buddhist altar before my morning prayer. Photo JL Hodgins
CLICK HERE TO IGNITE YOUR CREATIVITY & INSPIRATION!
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!
Click HERE for My Recommended creativity & inspiration Resources!
0 Comments

Biking Adventures From Kentucky To Florida

9/29/2019

0 Comments

 
GET YOUR FREE CHECKLIST: HOW TO PRIORITIZE FOR BEST RESULTS!
Jenny Leigh Hodgins cycling in honor of her brother, John Everett Hodgins. 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.

SEE MY RECOMMENDED outdoor RESOURCES!
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!
Ignite your creativity and inspiration!
0 Comments

How To Decrease Your Anxiety & Live More Mindfully; An Empathetic Perfectionist Helps You Balance Your Life

9/10/2019

0 Comments

 
get more empowering strategies for creativity & inspiration!
cards with words on them: wealth, order, friendship, very important/not important/somewhat important to me, power, creativity
GET YOUR FREE COPY OF Dr. Tara Sanderson’s book, Too Much, Not Enough A guide to decreasing anxiety and finding balance through intentional choices!
Dr. Tara Sanderson, author of 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


Twitter


Facebook


Instagram


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:

Facebook

LinkedIn

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



Get your Free checklist on How To Prioritize For Best Results!
see my recommended resources for creativity, inspiration & self-care!
0 Comments

5 Ways To Use Music & Nature For Self-Care

7/21/2019

0 Comments

 
Get Your FREE Checklist: How to Prioritize For Best Results!
This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing but helps me continue to grow my content! Please see disclosure for details. Thank you for supporting YourCreativeChord.com!
IGNITE Your Creativity & Inspiration!
Photos, music, video content ©2018 Jenny Leigh Hodgins
See My Recommended Self-Care Resources!
by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
​

LISTEN to the podcast here.
​
We know the importance of balancing our lives with self-care. There are research-based blogs, news, videos and magazine articles stressing this point everywhere you look.

The benefits of taking time for yourself to do something you enjoy, play, relax, rest, or simply do nothing are powerful. Studies prove that doing nothing or taking time to play games or just relax leads to better productivity, inspired creativity, and greater wellness overall.

How To Change Your Old Habits With New Proof
However, getting more accustomed to taking a break for yourself takes practice for those of us who aren't used to it. For people like me, changing old thought processes can feel counterproductive. But I am challenging my mindset habits like thinking, "doing nothing is lazy" or "will cause me to fall behind", because science proves the opposite is true.

Proactively Look For Easy Self-Care Opportunities
Both the success of my entrepreneurial life and my mother's health depend on me being in the best shape. So I'm becoming more proactive toward finding more opportunities to take care of myself.

The truth is that when I feel good, I have more positive energy, take better action and am more compassionate for others. So self-care is becoming more of a priority.

5 Self-Care Ideas To Try
I've found several things work for me. Perhaps some of these suggestions will be helpful for you to embrace a bit of self-care in your life, too.

1. Pool or Garden. When I lived in Florida, I found relaxing in my saltwater pool while enjoying my tropical garden of flowers, fruits, plants, butterflies, bumblebees and dragonflies brought me great relief. Now that I've moved back to my Kentucky hometown as caregiver for Mom, I enjoy the pool here only during summer months.

If you have a chance to swim, whether in your backyard, at your condo or apartment, a local YMCA or gym, take advantage of it. Swimming is great exercise, and even better if you have your own oasis to enjoy while floating in your pool.

2. Cycle. Here in beautiful Lexington, I have found cycling on the Legacy Trail to be another self-care practice. If you are able to ride a bicycle, find a local trail or even just cycle around your neighborhood to refresh your energy.

Pedaling gets your heart rate up, and the fresh air against you while rolling forward feels great. If you're lucky enough to have a beautiful greenway like Legacy Trail, or Tarpon Springs and Dunedin, Florida's Pinellas Trail, take advantage of the adventure.

3. Take A Walk. During cold winter months (when there is no ice or snow on the sidewalks), taking a walk outdoors has become my short, meditative practice. It's tempting to avoid going out into the cold weather, but every time I take a short walk I come back invigorated.

4. Be Still With Yourself. Meditation is another form of self-care and can include anything from watching the sun set, listening to a guided audio meditation, reading upon first waking up, sitting silently with your thoughts, or chanting. For me, just being in nature is meditative.

When I lived in Florida, meandering through my tropical private garden, looking for Monarch eggs or caterpillars, weeding, harvesting pineapples, squash, lettuce or kale, or planting new wildflowers was my meditation.

The quiet of the morning, with the sun just rising, surrounded by greenery and colorful plants eased me into the day. Nature's abundance and life cycles never ceased to encourage me.

5. Explore Creativity. Nature or meditation often may lead to self-expression through a creative outlet. Creative expression is good for the soul and often considered another form of 'play.' Creative play boosts wellness, cognitive function and productivity.

Time in nature inspires me to create. Nature walks and my cycling adventures led me to start taking nature photos with the simplicity of an iPhone button push.

Explore creative outlets like playing a musical instrument, composing music, drumming, taking photos, painting, knitting, writing a poem or a journal entry. Taking an acting class or experimenting with stand-up comedy, or a dance class are all fun options for tapping new creative paths.

Standing Still With Yourself Inspires New Creative Energy
When I take time for nature's beauty, I'm inspired to create music and take photos. Initially, I gratefully absorb the textures, sizes, colors, lighting, shapes, silences, and sounds from the wind, animals, and in the environment.

Being still with my spiritual core while experiencing fresh air and taking in nature's vibrations and visual stimulation, fills me with appreciation and calms my thoughts. This does wonders for stress relief.

Take A Moment To Relax With Nature And Music
Below is a nature video I made as a kind of self-care meditation for you. Even in the coldest of wintry elements, nature is abundant with pleasing, meditative, healing force. Take a moment to relax while watching my nature music video below.

Click on the play button below to enjoy my winter scene nature video ​and hear my original music, "Moonlight In My Heart".


                                                 ⬇︎⬇︎⬇︎

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:

Facebook

LinkedIn

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
GET Empowering Strategies for Nurturing Creativity & Inspiration!
CHECKOUT MY RECOMMENDED MUSIC RESOURCES & PRODUCTS!
CHECKOUT MY RECOMMENDED self-care resources and products!
0 Comments

Winning Against The Lower Worlds

7/8/2019

0 Comments

 
This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing but helps me continue to grow my content! Please see disclosure for details. Thank you for supporting YourCreativeChord.com!
Get Your FREE Checklist: How to Prioritize For Best Results!
Sunflower rising toward the lightSunflower rising toward the light.
By Jenny Leigh Hodgins


The following is a poetic essay about how the inner battle to defeat negativity results in visible changes in our world.


To listen to this as a podcast, click here.
​
​
I’m an artist with the heart of steel determination, wielding my unlimited power of faith in my world. My influence runs deeply into the roots that intertwine both with my soul and yours. My reach is unfathomable and undefeatable.

It pierces through our karmic layers of greed, doubt, fear and foolishness to open the storage-house of our collective inner power; the compassionate rhythm of life’s pulsing vibration. This is our eternal truth of interconnection.


Bursting from the dark soil of my lesser self—I arise, like the indomitable sunflower facing the sun, even while absorbing toxicity. I am a flower of culture; representing the unifying exchange of a dialogue that surpasses all languages to communicate our musical art of love, truth, wisdom, energy and peace.

I stand tall and bright, boldly declaring our mission together; to
overcome all obstacles, no matter the terrain or weather, undeterred by any attack or storm. For we are invincible in our capacity for boundless friendship based on our commonality as human beings. 

My artist journey is a mission for illuminating this universal and eternal bond. I, like you, am a lion of justice. I roar with all my might and pounce at every challenge with the undaunted stature of a great leader. The bravery shines from my face as a beacon toward peace and happiness equally for all.

You and I, together writing our stories of victory, as protagonists inspiring each other, are the key to leading global society to the new dawn of peace.

Starting with the first sentence of the first page of a chapter to fight against our personal demons. We face the fear and darkness within our hearts. We begin the greatest battle here, moment to moment winning against the lower worlds within our minds. 


Crushing negativity with the voice of courage, we resolve to contribute to a larger cause. We use each small breakthrough as part of the growing surge of powerful prayer to defeat inherent darkness with bold faith in the eternal rhythm of life that permeates all phenomenon.

​Defending the dignity and sanctity of life begins in the smallest moment within the corners of the human heart.

​From my heart to yours, we are already winning.



​
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!

See My Recommended Resources for Creativity & Inspiration!
Bleeding hearts are symbolic of how  beauty and value can arise out of pain.
Bleeding hearts are symbolic of how beauty and value can arise out of pain.
GET YOUR FREE DOWNLOAD: TOP 10 THINGS TO HELP YOU REACH YOUR GOALS!
0 Comments

Your Troubles Are Your Progress Barometer & Catalyst For Your Full Potential

5/28/2019

0 Comments

 
This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing but helps me continue to grow my content! Please see disclosure for details. Thank you for supporting YourCreativeChord.com!
GET YOUR FREE DOWNLOAD: TOP 10 THINGS TO HELP YOU REACH YOUR GOALS!
Photo of Legacy Trail by Jenny Leigh HodginsPhoto of Legacy Trail by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
By Jenny Leigh Hodgins

I recently read a Buddhist reference to a mythical insect called the kalakula that inspired me to see problems in a completely different way. Legend has it that the kalakula grows larger while resisting strong winds. The wind increases its size until the insect becomes big enough to devour any living thing. Quite the image, right?

(I don’t intend to go heavily into Buddhist theory here, but feel free to ask me anything about my 32+ year SGI-USA* Buddhist practice in the comments. Explore SGI-USA and SGI for more info.)

The More Problems You Have--The Closer You Are To Fulfillment
This Buddhist bug story alerted me that I’ve held an unenlightened view of my struggles. I’ve been falsely looking at my problems as;
​
  • things that slow me down,
  • get in my way, or worse,
  • as deserved punishment for misdeeds or failures.

The latter has sent me into many a tailspin of negative self-talk.

But this Buddhist analogy explains that the more handicaps, persecutions, obstacles or challenges thrown my way, the closer I actually am to developing my true potential.

What Does A Bug Story Have To Do With Your Potential?
Ok, sorry, I didn’t exactly explain what the bug and the wind are all about. The insect represents me (or you), my (your) progress, potential, capability and strength. The wind symbolizes all the crap in life that happens (relationship troubles, grief, financial struggle, illness, etc.).

The more heavily the wind (problems in life) attacks the bug (you or me), the larger it (we) grows, until it’s able to devour any opponent! The wind triggers the bug’s strength and growth.

Obstacles do the same for you and me, IF we are able to use them as a catalyst for tapping our full potential. All the difficulties we face are the mark of our impending potential and the barometer of the progress we’ve made.

This simple analogy shows me the wonderful result of shifting my perspective. Life’s challenges are not insurmountable and are not indicative of my inadequacy or inability. They are also not a burden.

Problems Point To Opportunities For Your Potential
Challenges are the complete opposite. They reveal how much strength my life contains, and that I’m powerful enough to handle what’s happening next. Difficulties point to my opportunity to unleash my full potential.

Forging my full potential by facing my problems through this enlightened perspective brings the benefit of confidence, and the joy of victory. This shift of my viewpoint provides energy to reach my goals and feel a kind of happiness that’s independent of inevitable ups and downs.

Recognizing that problems can be the powerful catalyst for inspired growth ignites my determination. This awareness deepens my faith in my capacity for empowerment. Seeing myself as a worthy opponent to life’s obstacles leads me to encourage and lead others on the same path.

Your Pretend Rival Helps You Succeed
Mystically, this same point came up today while listening to a podcast I randomly selected. The podcast, Optimal Living Daily, hosted by Benjamin Hardy, featured Nir Eyal on the topic How To Achieve Your Goals By Creating An Enemy. The episode was about how creating a fake opponent actually helps people “summon the tenacity to succeed” and “work harder to attain goals.”

Easy paths don’t lead to accomplishing goals or dreams. Defeating a weak rival is no real victory. But, rebelling against our problems by seeing them as ‘the enemy’ can spur us to pull out the necessary qualities for victory. A fierce adversary (or difficult situation/person) is one that forces me to develop my full potential so I can win.

Resistance is critical to strengthen oneself. The more difficult the challenge, the greater the chance to forge strength for undeniable victory. Having this kind of fighting spirit is what it takes to overcome challenges and win success.

Problems Make You A Worthy Opponent
​
Doubting myself or others means I’m disbelieving in the greater potential that resides in every life. I now recognize that seeing my obstacles as indicative of my flaws, propensity toward failure, or as punishment for past negative karma (effects received through having made negative causes) is self-slander. That is the worst negative cause because it essentially denies the true potential of my life, other’s lives, and the sanctity of life itself.

How To Win Over Your Negativity
Treasuring life is the way to replace negative causes. Making good causes is the way to create a pattern for good effects in the future. Learning to treasure my life, which includes actually embracing my every flaw, shortcoming, arduous circumstance, or mistake, is an enlightened perspective. Viewing difficulties this way honors my life and others.

I had been mulling on past failures and setbacks. But the Buddhist wind versus bug story changed my viewpoint. It showed me that life’s snags are not there to reveal my mediocrity. My personal battle, and yours, is rather more about how we can fulfill our potential by using everything to create value.

When I use my struggles as a springboard toward deepening my commitment to develop myself, I become stronger than my opponent (hardship). This creates momentum for confident decision-making, and manifests itself in one small victory after another.

Obstacles Are The Path Itself
I’ve learned that troubles are not an indication of my tendency to fall short. Nor are they there to highlight my distance from success. Instead, obstacles, failures, setbacks, and/or handicaps are the path itself to success, happiness, and enlightenment.

The most valuable way I can live is to show proof of how remaining undefeated by obstructions along life’s road leads to a more meaningful life, successful contribution to the world, and the joy of believing in human potential.

​

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 this blog is helpful or if you have questions or suggestions! 


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

*
​*Although I'm a proud member of SGI-USA, I'm not an official spokesperson for SGI-USA. Though I base my actions on my personal Buddhist practice as an SGI-USA member, my online business and content associated with YourCreativeChord is not in any way affiliated with SGI-USA.

Get Your FREE Checklist: How to Prioritize For Best Results!
Recommended Resources For Nurturing Creativity & Inspiration!
Photo of red and purple tulips and lavender weeping cherry tree by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
Photo by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
0 Comments

My Top Tips For Winning Over Your Insomnia

4/30/2019

2 Comments

 
This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing but helps me continue to grow my content! Please see disclosure for details. Thank you for supporting YourCreativeChord.com!
GET MORE Empowering Strategies!
Guard your night routine. Pic of bedroom, gold comforter and black and grey cats on bed, photo by Jenny Leigh Hodgins, YourCreativeChord.comPhoto by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
by Jenny Leigh Hodgins

I took a major leap of faith to make a big transition into launching my second career as a 50+ single woman. I left a stable  music education job, sold my Florida home, and moved to my Kentucky home-state to be in place as my mother’s caregiver (fulfilling a promise I made to my father on his deathbed in 2014).


Now I have the chance to work from home as I pursue my life-long dream of writing, composing music, and creating online products and courses.


Going down the path to my dreams isn’t easy. I’ve had some crazy, unanticipated obstacles. People have disappointed me in ways I never saw coming. I’ve made mistakes. Some things failed entirely. I’ve gotten worn down by the constant juggling of entrepreneurial, caregiver, volunteer, and creative tasks.


My Closest Companions, Fear And Doubt
During the first 18 months of this transition, my closest companions were my overwhelming self-doubt and fear. My tendency toward insomnia escalated dramatically with my nightly battle against anxiety.


The switch from my steady teaching job to being a caregiver and entrepreneur in a new living scenario raised my deepest doubts. This constantly interfered with my sleep patterns and stunted my wisdom to make decisive, appropriate business decisions. I often felt paralyzed with my self-doubt.


In fairness, I’ve battled my self-doubt my entire life. I’m a worrier, a deep thinker, and have tremendous perfectionism and OCD tendencies. But this new chapter of my life tapped into my inner fears more deeply than ever.


Wrestling my negative feelings head-on, I’ve pulled out all the stops to win over them. I’m gratefully making wonderful progress with overcoming insomnia, and with winning over my mental angst.


Read more about how I’m defeating fear and doubt here.


Guard Your Sleep Routine
I’ve discovered the power of a regular routine. I vigilantly guard my night routine. As a deep thinker, it takes effort to stop my mind from swirling. I can’t sleep if I’m thinking!


Early Versus Later
It takes me more than one hour to get to sleep. If I don’t go to sleep early enough, I think all night at the sacrifice of sleep. I’ve learned that going to bed earlier helps me sleep more. If I go to bed late, my mind starts twitching and I end up tossing and turning all night.


Be Consistent
Consistency helps train my body and brain to get more rest. As I maintain my early-to-bed, early-to-rise routine, I’m getting more restful sleep. The more I protect my regular sleep and morning routines, the easier it gets for me to relax into sleep. There is power in a regular routine.


Get Outdoors & Move
Regular exercise helps wear me out enough to overpower my mind with pure physical exhaustion. I aim to walk or cycle every afternoon. This helps alleviate the muscle tension from sitting at a computer or piano keyboard all day.


Exercise also refreshes my state of mind, gives me a dose of fresh air, inspires me with the beauty of nature, and often gives me a second wind to keep working after dinner.


In my blog, Why Taking Care of Yourself Is The Best Thing For Others, I share how research has proven that when people take breaks, they refuel creativity and are more productive at work.


Getting outdoors for some quiet reflection, a vigorous walk or bike ride, or participating in an outdoor sport are all ways to give yourself a break from constant mental work or a sedentary lifestyle. Doing so helps balance your emotions, refresh your productivity, and help your body relax.


Shut Things Down
When it’s time for sleep, I must deliberately close down electronics, work, and even social interaction to give myself time to wind down toward rest.


Here are my Top Tips For Winning Over Insomnia:


  • stop looking at any kind of screen (no TV, iPhone, iPad, laptop, computer!) 90 minutes to 2 hours before bedtime
 
  • take a shower or bath
 
  • listen to a positive or relaxing podcast, sleep meditation or music 
 
  • do gentle yoga to relax and relieve any body stiffness or pain
 
  • read in bed at least 30 minutes before bedtime. Choose upbeat material.
​
I highly recommend my recent and current selections, which include; 

Living Buddhism magazine

The Wisdom For Creating Happiness & Peace by Daisaku Ikeda 

Tribe of Mentors by Tim Ferris
 
Reaching Beyond by Herbie Hancock

Possibilities by Herbie Hancock

The Book of Doing and Being: Rediscovering Creativity in Life, Love, and Work by Barnet Bain
 
The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield
 
Napolean Hill’s Think And Grow Rich

Broadcasting Happiness: The Science of Igniting and Sustaining Positive Change
by Michelle Gielan

The One Thing: The surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results
by Gary Keller (read my blog with more about this book here.)

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert



  • keep as regular with bedtime and wake times as possible (mine is 9:30pm lights out for sleep meditation/6am awake for yoga and chanting routine)
 
  • turn off all electronics and light in my bedroom (meditations auto-off)
 
  • use a diffuser with essential oils to support breathing and relaxing, and
 
  • use a silk eye mask and ear plugs if necessary when traveling or during holidays when loud noises may disturb sleep


As unoriginal as it sounds, exercise, healthy diet and a steady daily routine do wonders for your overall wellness. One of the best bits of advice I received, was to establish a consistent daily rhythm. Having a morning and evening routine helps set the tone for my day and paves the way for restful sleep at night.


Developing a daily routine while vigilantly training my brain to see my best self has been helping me achieve more as I continue forging my new adventurous path. I plan to keep moving forward toward my dreams as I challenge myself to fulfill my potential.


I hope my strategy for sleep is helpful to you, too. Please let me know in the comments below if it is, or if you have any questions or other topics you’d like me to explore more deeply!

I sincerely pray this content inspires YourCreativeChord!


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:

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

Get Your FREE Checklist: Top 10 Things To Help You Reach Your Biggest Goals!
See My RECOMMENDED RESOURCES FOR CREATIVITY, Music, SELF-CARE, Nature & inspiration!
Sunset on Safety Harbor, calm blue water, orange and yellow sunset in baby blue sky, photo by Jenny Leigh Hodgins, yourcreativechord.com
Photo by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
2 Comments

Defeat Fear & Doubt With Your Courage & Capability

4/23/2019

1 Comment

 
Get Recommended Resources For Nurturing Creativity & Inspiration!
Tree on hill with sunlight photo by Jenny Leigh HodginsPhoto by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
by Jenny Leigh Hodgins

Change Requires Taking A Leap Of Faith
A chat with a close friend this week was so enlightening and helpful I want to share it. This friend has been by my side through thick and thin for the past 18 months.


She was there as I resigned my music ed position, sold my Florida home, and moved back to my home state (Kentucky) to be in place as Mom’s caregiver. (My two sisters helped Mom through our father’s battle with cancer. He passed away 5 years ago. I determined to help with Mom as needed.)


I took a major leap of faith to make this huge transition into launching a second career as a 50+ single woman. I’m pursuing my lifelong dream to be a professional writer, composer, and online product and course creator.


It hasn’t been easy. I’ve had numerous unexpected obstacles. People have disappointed me. I’ve made mistakes. Some things failed entirely.


When Your Closest Friends Are Fear And Doubt
During my journey for the past year and a half, my closest companions were my overwhelming self-doubt and fear. My tendency toward insomnia escalated dramatically from my nightly battle against anxiety.


The switch from a steady teaching job to being a caregiver and entrepreneur raised my deepest doubts. This constantly interfered with my sleep patterns and stunted my wisdom to make decisive, appropriate business decisions. I often felt paralyzed with fear of failure.


I’ve discussed my fears repeatedly with the friend mentioned above. As I’ve wrestled my negative feelings head-on, I’ve pulled out all the stops for the solution to win over them. I’m gratefully making tremendous progress with overcoming insomnia, and with winning over my angst.


Fear Reveals Your Courage
I’d like to share some of the things that are working for me, as they may be useful to you. First I want to point out how my friend illuminated things for me; She said that the fact I’ve battled so strongly with fear is an indication of my courage. I wouldn’t even have my courage, without my fear.


That pierced my heart with hope as it made me realize how much I’ve been challenging myself to grow beyond my comfort zone! If I had stayed in my secure job, in my comfy home, and didn’t choose to tackle the responsibility of being my parent’s caregiver or go after my dream as an online entrepreneur and creator, that fear would not appear in my life.


Your Fear Proves Your Growth
If I’d remained where I was 2 years ago, I’d be “safe.” But I wouldn’t be developing my potential or expanding my happiness.


It’s important to remember that when we tackle new adventures, learn new things, or face unexpected difficulties, we are in the fantastic position to transform our lives.


While constant devouring entrepreneurial, self-improvement, and Buddhist literature, I came across the idea that fear is completely natural when launching something new or facing unexpected challenge.


Fear is an indicator of growth. It means we’re going in the right direction, we’re demanding more of our limitless potential.


Find Your Best Self Through The Mirror of Fresh Perspective
Another thing that encouraged the hell out of me, was my friend’s tone of confidence when she mentioned that whatever I do from now will be successful because I’m so capable. We don’t often have the fortune to hear anyone, including ourselves, showering praise for our innate capability.


People don’t tend to mention how inevitable our success will be because of our unique abilities. If anyone does mention it, we often don’t hear it.


Instead, we typically ingrain oodles of negativity from the voices of others. Those old tapes get stuck in our minds, replaying over and over, while the positive encouragement so often gets lost amid that noise.


Hearing my friend’s voice of confidence in me stopped me in my tracks. It made me look at the mirror of my mind with fresh perspective.


The idea of recognizing and trusting in my capacity (talent, wisdom, experience, skill, compassionate energy) nearly shocked me with the reality that I tend to constantly negate my potential.


This led me to immediately ask myself,


“What if I believed in myself as much as my friend believes in me?”


Pretend You Are Amazing
This leads me to concentrate fully on envisioning my life through the lens of self-belief. Even if I have to pretend I’m someone else who believes in me.


I’m not condoning selfishness or ego. Rather, I’m referring to envisioning myself through the perspective of my best qualities.


Defining your qualities may bring up a self-depreciating attitude. But, sometimes what we think are our worst qualities are seen as admirable from someone else’s perspective!


Every tendency of your life has both a negative and positive aspect. Keep pretending that you are amazing, imagining that each trait you possess is functioning in the most positive way.


I’ve learned that if I look for the good in myself and others, I will find it. Even if I feel I must dig deeper to see something positive, it is through that burst of concentrated effort that I uncover value.


The act of searching for that positive value is the process that delivers actual proof and enables progress. In other words, the effort made to win over negativity is the very thing that leads to victory and developing inner strength. The more I use that muscle, the easier it gets, too.


Use Your Gratitude As Fuel For Action
My friend served as a catalyst for my awareness of my courage and capability. This inspires me to do my best to repay my gratitude to people like my dear friend, who encourages my faith, personal development, and success in life and business.


Writing a list in my daily journal of what I appreciate in my life helps remind me why I’m doing what I’m doing. Appreciation is a strong weapon against fear and doubt, too.


When I think of my friend and others who have believed in me, encouraged and supported me in my life, it fuels my determined action. This helps me create momentum to power through fear and doubt.


Focus On The Positive Boosts Drive
Imagining my greatest potential, acknowledging my innate courage, and taking action to repay my debt of gratitude to others are things I now use as focal points going forward. Focusing on the positive, and taking action from that place redirects me away from my negativity.


What we think about becomes our reality. Buddhism teaches the law of cause and effect; What I think or do creates the kind of life I have. My mentor, Buddhist leader and peace activist, Daisaku Ikeda explains, “The reality of your future self is forged by your current action, in your behavior now.”


Defeat Fear With Constant Action
In the past, I’ve allowed my anxiety and self-slander to stunt my progress, or stop me from achieving my goals. Now, I’m actively experiencing how my inner voice determines my external progress. Training myself to think proactively and positively is working.


I take more energetic action, get more accomplished, appreciate myself more, have better moods, and sleep better as a result.


I’ve learned to replace fear with action that is based on positive mindset. I aim to focus on the positive and envision the best outcome as I take action.


But, sometimes I still have to battle my inner demons. Even if I feel doubtful or have anxiety, I find that setting clear daily goals and taking decisive action helps me win over my negative self-talk.


I find that the less time I allow myself to think about my insecurities, and the more I do toward my daily goals, the stronger my inner voice of confidence becomes.


Use Prayer To Transform Your Anxiety
Here’s what’s working for me in my battle against mental angst:


As an SGI Buddhist, I start and end my day with prayer. My mornings start with an hour of Buddhist chanting, during which I set a determination for the day’s success and productivity.


I also use that time to send waves of prayer to others in my life, from family to friends, and you, my online audience.


I resolve to be effective and to fulfill my potential through my daily actions. In the evenings, I do a short 4-minute prayer to reflect and appreciate the day’s progress and life lessons.


The health and positive mental effects of my daily Buddhist practice are profound. Chanting gives me hope, boosts my compassion, and restores my energy. It’s an amazing tool I’ve used for 32 years. If you’d like to learn more about SGI Buddhism, please click here.


Build Your Positivity Fortress
Besides my incredibly supportive friends, and my participation in SGI-USA activities, I immerse myself in positivity.


From listening to upbeat podcasts, blogs, and my favorite music, to reading books on positive mindset, to my SGI-USA Buddhist publications, I devour all things about positive-thinking.


The more I delve into this kind of content, the easier it is for me to shift my focus to it. This dramatically diminishes or replaces my negative self-talk.


Developing a daily routine while vigilantly training my brain to see my best self has been helping me achieve more as I continue forging my new adventurous path. I plan to keep moving forward toward my dreams as I challenge myself to fulfill my potential.


I hope giving you an inside peak into my journey is helpful to you, too. Please let me know in the comments below if it is, or if you have any questions or other topics you’d like me to explore more deeply!



I sincerely pray this content inspires YourCreativeChord!

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 this blog is helpful or if you have questions or suggestions! 

Recommended articles:

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

Get your FREE download of YCC's Top 10 Things To Help You Reach Your Goals!
​Checkout My Recommended Self-Care Resources!
Beautiful pink blossoms, photo by Jenny Leigh Hodgins, YourCreativeChord.com
Photo by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
1 Comment

How Nature Teaches The Hidden Potential in You & Me

2/26/2019

4 Comments

 
GET YOUR FREE CHECKLIST: HOW TO PRIORITIZE FOR BEST RESULTS!
Monarch butterfly chrysalis. Photo by Jenny Leigh HodginsMonarch butterfly chrysalis. Photo by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
By Jenny Leigh Hodgins
All photos, music, video content © 2018 J. L. Hodgins


A couple of years ago, while leisurely checking on my plants in my Florida garden, I discovered 13 caterpillars on my tropical milkweed. New to the whole idea of gardening and unaware that these were Monarch caterpillars, I quickly did a Google search and found a Facebook group to consult.

The Race To Rescue Began
I didn’t know anything about Monarch butterflies. I learned from the Facebook group and online research that the Monarch’s numbers are drastically dwindling in our region and the world. I learned that due to pesticides (i.e., in Florida neighborhoods, regular trucks spray for mosquitos), only a few survive disease. Those that live face the threat of predators (like wasps and lizards) if left alone with mother nature.

Instead of killing these critters for eating my milkweed, instead, based on the advice of The Beautiful Monarch Facebook group and other friends with Monarch expertise, I actually decided to bring the caterpillars indoors.

This is how I began my first experience with ‘rescuing’ Monarchs from predators or harsh elements. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, as I tediously coaxed the hungry caterpillars onto fresh milkweed leaves and stems, to transfer into a mesh container.

For those who don’t know, mature Monarch caterpillars climb onto something where they sew an attachment from which they can hang upside down in a ‘J’ shape. They later shake a shimmy-like dance to shed their caterpillar skin and form a chrysalis which hardens. (Watch my video below showing that process.) During a period of time, they undergo a mystifying metamorphosis to emerge as an orange and black Monarch butterfly!


After a quick local internet search, I learned the importance of having a closed container so that I wouldn’t have caterpillars forming chrysalides everywhere inside my home. Since I have two real cats who would be driven mad from curiosity about these new indoor roommates, I knew I had to get the 13 caterpillars in a solidly closed container.

I had a race against time as these big fifth stage cats were already beginning to spin their silks before I could get them into a properly sealed container. At 9:30pm, I ran down to a local store to buy a pop-up, zippered laundry basket, only to discover holes for handles when I got home. Consulting with the Facebook group butterfly aficionados, I knew I needed to seal the holes to prevent escapes.

I called my mother in Kentucky, whose many artistic talents include being a seamstress. At 10pm, she taught me over the phone how to quickly sew tulle across the laundry handles to end escape routes. I am not a seamstress by any stretch of imagination, so dealing with tulle and a needle was a tortuous and annoying task. (I'm sure Mom could relay the cursing and grunting vividly.)

Once the containers were sealed securely, I transferred ten fat caterpillars and one chrysalis that had already formed on a milkweed stem propped through saran-wrap in a cup of water. Two chrysalides had already formed in separate mesh containers, so I put them under my patio table's umbrella netting, double-sealing the container openings with T-shirts, towels and rubberbands. What a botched job!

By the next day all but two caterpillars had morphed into solid green chrysalides hanging from the mesh at the top of the laundry basket. I discovered one green chrysalis had formed on my bedroom dresser top!

Coaxed carefully by my new Facebook group mentors, I managed to gently detach and transport it to join the others in the large mesh container. I pinned it to scotch tape across the top of the container. I felt like a doctor performing my first important surgery.


The final caterpillar finally shed its face to reveal its beautiful green and gold-rimmed chrysalis right in front of me just three days after I had rescued it. See my short video (below) of this remarkable transformation.

I barely had enough time to get these caterpillars into containers before they morphed into chrysalides. The fast-paced learning curve that was keeping me on my toes took another sharp turn when I discovered four chrysalides turning brown and one with long white strings hanging from it.


Again, my dear Facebook group butterfly mothers came to my aid. This was my first heartbreak; discovering I had to freeze these chrysalides due to the parasite fly that had infected them. It was important to quickly separate the infected ones from those remaining. (This also taught me to rescue earlier than later to avoid such infestation.)

Down to nine small, beautiful, dainty light-green chrysalides with sparkly gold bands around the top layers (see photos below), I began the countdown to see how many butterflies would survive to healthfully emerge.

Why Bother With Creeping Crawling Critters?
Some of my friends thought I’d gone off the deep end when they heard about this project. Especially considering I knew next to nothing about the Monarch Butterfly, am generally freaked out by insects of any kind, and already have too many irons in the fire, my singular focus must have seemed a bit bizarre. What compelled me to put so much effort into creeping, crawling things I knew little about?

The Preciousness of Each Life Mirrors Our Value As Individuals
I instinctively knew the value of this life-form. Rather, I was moved by the value of any and all life-forms, and wanted to protect it if I had the power to do so. (I'm that kind of person who scoots lizards and spiders out the door versus squishing them.)

I had no idea if my efforts would save even one Monarch. But since each caterpillar is a form of life, it struck me as precious and worth every effort. Something about these creatures pushed a button in me.


The experience showed me a deeper, philosophical and beautiful meaning. It opened my eyes to my challenge to see each person in my life through that same ‘life is precious’ filter. I knew that for me to be able to value the dignity of people around me, fundamentally I must value my own life.

Deepening my vision to see past differences and flaws to revere the positive potential of each individual life underlying these superficialities is my new determination. Wow, what a bunch of caterpillars have taught me about my life-view. Imagine what an emerging butterfly would accomplish!


​If you enjoyed this blog, please let me know in the comments below!

Click Here for a list of butterfly rescue supplies I use and recommend.

Recommended articles:
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


Viewing The Road Forward

get your FREE download of YCC's Top 10 Things To Help You Reach Your Goals!
Watch my video below to see a Monarch caterpillar shake a shimmy-like dance to shed his caterpillar skin and form a chrysalis which hardens into a green and gold gem.
Picture
Picture
See My Recommended Self-care Resources!
Picture
Picture
4 Comments

How To Deflect Negativity To Become Happier

11/12/2018

2 Comments

 
handling stress, dealing with unpleasant people and negativity, overcoming negative habitsPhoto by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
by Jenny Leigh Hodgins

[Listen to this as a podcast here.]
​
This week, I’ve had some unpleasant experiences with people. It prompted me to reflect on how I responded. Despite realizing intellectually that people are negative because they are unhappy or suffering, I discovered I tend to take things personally, absorb outer ugliness internally, and dwell on that negativity.

AWAKENING TO HABITS
Wow, what an eye-opener for my personal growth. Even when it is obvious that the issue is coming from the other party’s corner, my tendency is to allow their negativity to overwhelm me. This has shed light on some of my deeper, connected habits.

I found that, amid multiple positive things or situations or people, I gravitate toward finding that one negative thing. I find it, spotlight it, analyze it, speculate on it and generally mope about it. UGH.

ADDRESSING OLD PATTERNS
This is directly tied to those old, well-ingrained thought patterns to doubt or slander myself. As I’m currently on a major personal campaign to change my Debby Downer self-talk patterns, having these uncomfortable experiences with others recently has pushed a button. It’s the button I thought I was getting under control.

Working on my thought processes is a major endeavor of itself. I have been consciously working to replace habitual self-slander with the most opposite, positive, affirmative statements possible.

MOVING TOWARD POSITIVITY
When I experience fear or doubt, I practice replacing those feelings with immediate, positive action based on my goals. This is hard, internal work for me, in the darkest, most vulnerable places of my heart. It requires a strategic, bold effort, sometimes from moment to moment, to overcome my critical self-talk and move myself in a positive direction.

I’ve made incremental progress with having a better outlook, and with appreciating versus belittling myself. I became acutely aware that treasuring myself does not come naturally to me, and I have to actively work on self-care.

I’m doing this emotional and psychological challenge while juggling with major financial and business aspects. My plate is full all the time as a single woman entrepreneur launching a second career in her mid-fifties. I’m learning to both swim as a new business owner and balance my life with being a caregiver for my mother.

I’m transitioning from having lived my entire adult life independently, to having downsized to a roommate in a smaller space at my mother’s condo. It’s a work in progress. But I’m adjusting myself to keep growing professionally, as a creator (composer/writer), and as a caregiver, with all its adjoining issues.

DOING THE WORK
I sometimes feel I’m climbing a steep mountain alone, while the air gets thinner, and the terrain grows more difficult. But that’s life, I tell myself. Armed with my daily Buddhist chanting, a kind of active meditation that boosts my spiritual optimism, I forge ahead, step by step.

I re-determine my determinations daily. I take action and knock things off my to-do list. I’ve learned the importance of working through issues with my mother to be a better daughter. I’ve started being more productive with my work-life by prioritizing to allow some downtime for myself.

FALLING DOWN
Ah. Just when I felt I was getting into the groove of riding the waves, a few people with their baggage of problems, knocked me down. I know better than to take on other people’s baggage, and yet, somehow, my old habits resurface lickety-split. I wasn’t quite as stable on that wave as I thought, eh?

TRANSFORMING NEGATIVE INTO POSITIVE
This has boosted my soul-search to find that I have to do three things to generate a positive outcome from this:

The first thing is that I must regularly prepare my life-condition. When I have taken care of myself, I’m in a much better place when sh*$ hits the fan. I can dodge it better.

When I’m strong internally, the external things and people don’t have the power to sway me as easily. That’s a real key to handling difficult situations for me. Empowering myself so that I’m in such a positive, strong state that I influence my environment. Not the other way around.

handling stress, dealing with unpleasant people and negativity, overcoming negative habitsPhoto by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
LET GO OF NEGATIVITY
The second thing I must practice is letting go. I must let go of that magnetic pull that darkness has with my heart, and instead turn toward the light. If there is one negative thing, I must learn to ignore that and
use all my focus to appreciate the good things and people.

FIND THE GOOD THERE
Finding the good is a scavenger hunt in the dark, but it leads to brilliant, beautiful treasures of the heart. When I keep my mind clear of the unpleasant, and look instead at what is useful or valuable there, I have the power to transform myself and the situation.

get more strategies for nurturing creativity & inspiration!
Beautiful autumn colors, KY autumn leaves, handling stress, dealing with unpleasant people and negativity, overcoming negative habits, spiritual wellness tipsPhoto by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
It’s probably one of the hardest struggles for me to simply look away from the negative. But as I’ve begun working on my personal affirmations and using my fears as fuel for action, I’ve already experienced positive results. So now I must expand my attention beyond my internal work, to my environment…

​
PRAY FOR THE SUFFERING
The third thing I have to do is pray for the happiness of the people spewing negativity in my environment. Happy people don’t dish out crap to others. Suffering people are the ones who stain the pot with corruption. When I take enough care of myself, I’m better equipped to open my heart toward relieving others’ misery.

I don’t necessarily need to do anything or say anything to those suffering. Everyone has their own journey and creates awareness on their own timetable.

PRAYER LEADS TO POSITIVE CHANGE
But I know that prayer for others’ happiness is effective at developing my empathy. Prayer also has the strength to diffuse a tense situation. People can feel what comes from my heart, even if I don’t express it.

TAKE CHARGE OF WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL
This brings me full circle back to myself. I can only control myself. I can only change myself, not others. If I take care of myself, pray for myself and others, and practice appreciation, eventually, I make the situation better. I either improve myself, or find the good or value in the person or situation.

CELEBRATE YOUR GREATEST WIN
Being able to create value--especially in the darkest situation or most difficult relationships, is a huge accomplishment. Being positive in easy circumstances is no biggie. Forging my inner life to be strong, wise, joyful and compassionate, regardless of my environment, is the real victory.

​


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 my blog helpful or if you have questions or suggestions! 


My Pinterest inspiration and caregiver 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:

Facebook

LinkedIn

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

recommended resources for creativity, music, self-care, and inspiration!
2 Comments

Bouncing Back From Betrayal

10/17/2018

0 Comments

 
Lonely moonlit sky. Dealing with betrayal.Photo by Jenny L Hodgins
​by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
​
Being betrayed is grueling. Learning someone you trusted is not honorable can be shocking. It may be the catalyst for emotional upheaval. But, you can use this delicate predicament as a springboard toward a more fulfilling, positive direction.

What matters more in this situation is not what or who has happened to you, but how you respond. It is not an easy process. You’re human, of course. Regardless of your disposition, an emotional process is natural. The question is how to navigate your feelings to steer things in a more positive direction?

1. Don’t retaliate. Instead, clarify. If possible, aim for an objective dialogue to rule out any miscommunication. Whether the other party refuses to talk it through, or you manage to have a conversation, you will learn something. You'll discover a miscommunication and clear it up. Or, you’ll discover someone is not who you thought they were.

2. Take a beat. Being betrayed pushes your buttons. Give yourself some space and time to absorb before responding. This gives you time to reflect without making the situation worse.

3. Find a safe place where you may feel what you feel. If you’re angry, punch a pillow. Take a long bike ride, using your anger to pedal yourself further (literally and figuratively). Exercise helps lower stress. Vent. Talk to someone close to you who is completely trustworthy and supportive of you. Or write in your journal. If you’re creative, fire up a new creative project. Whatever you choose, it’s important to safely vent your feelings.

4. Break free. If possible, cut all ties completely so you are free to move forward in a different direction. Do so with the utmost professionalism and courtesy. How others behaved speaks volumes about them, not you. Always take the high road.

5. Reflect on the gain. Appreciate you are not stuck in a situation with people who create negative causes or drama, or who cannot be trusted. Appreciate that you are free of toxic people. Difficult experiences can teach you lessons about yourself. Learn what you can from the situation.

It may be a catalyst for you to rely more on and believe in yourself. It may train you to become a better judge of character. Or, it may serve as a guide for you to create a stronger, more harmonious team based on a shared vision. The outcome may free you to do more of something you’d rather do but hadn’t had the time for it.

Life is full of unexpected challenges and difficult people. Handling the situation with optimism, while squarely facing the challenging reality creates value.

Remember that other people‘s actions say more about them than you. Use everything as a learning curve to become a stronger, more compassionate, wiser you. Turn the ordeal into fuel for momentum toward a more positive direction.

“It’s not about the cards you’re dealt, but how you play the hand.”
― Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture


Feel free to leave a comment answering these questions:

Have you turned a betrayal into something positive?

What did you learn from the experience?



​SIGN-UP HERE to get your FREE download of YCC's Top 10 Things To Help You Reach Your Goals!  Plus get more more strategies for creativity, piano, caregiver and spiritual wellness!


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!

0 Comments

How Problems Help You Be Your Best

9/15/2018

2 Comments

 
GET YOUR FREE CHECKLIST: HOW TO PRIORITIZE FOR BEST RESULTS!
problems help you be your bestProblems bring out your strengths like the sunflower rises despite absorbing toxins. Photo Jenny L Hodgins
​by Jenny Leigh Hodgins

​This past year tested my ability to overcome difficulties while remaining undefeated. I experienced one obstacle followed by another. My breakthrough target date increasingly shifted further beyond my grasp. I went through an emotional ride that continues teaching me about myself.

I’m tougher than I thought. I set out on my journey with a strong, passionate determination, and perhaps some naivety that my goals would quickly be achieved. But when an onslaught of unexpected challenges swirled about me, I stood my ground. Like Superwoman. Hands on hips. Chin up.

Granted, I then had to grab on to things to stabilize me so I wouldn’t fly off the ground. But I dug in my heels and stayed the course.

I hung on with great tenacity. But, internally, the difficulties brought out my deepest fears and most piercing self-doubt. Going through tremendous problems tapped my innermost psychological tendencies. Mine surfaced blatantly as disbelief in my ability to win. More specifically, I questioned my worthiness to accept success and victory.

Oooh, that’s deep, too. Why on earth would I think I don’t deserve to win?

Facing enormous new vistas led me into the darkest regions of my heart, and it was not pretty. My deeply ingrained, false belief is the culprit for stalling my momentum and blocking my actions. My self-doubt barred me from making progress. It stopped me dead in my tracks.

But if I hadn’t had to face such difficult circumstances, my karmic pattern to limit myself would have remained masked. Fortunately, one of my greatest personal traits is my seeking spirit to improve myself. Which leads me to my relentless quest to create value from any situation, a concept I’ve gained from practicing as an SGI-USA Buddhist for 32 years.

Going through rough times has taught me to have an appreciation for who I am, and to see the positive aspect of every supposed negative trait I’ve got. My doubt in myself reveals my great sensitivity, which is a large catalyst for my creativity, and generates natural empathy toward others. Because I struggle so vehemently with myself, I’m in a position to better understand and even encourage someone else.

My experiences of enduring life’s inevitable sufferings, which may hit me in ways I never anticipated, still bring me back to learning what I’m made of. Endurance, tenacity, determination, sincere striving for personal growth. These are things about myself that help balance against my tendency to doubt.

When I look objectively at how I’ve handled a really tough year of transition and challenge, I have to admit I am a person worthy of respect and victory. As I embrace myself with more acceptance and compassion, I become a person who can advance for both self and others. When I can balance care and humility for myself, I become better equipped to be there as a positive support for others, too.
​
Struggles provide the opportunity for transforming failure into a turning point for victory, poison into medicine and creating value from suffering. When going through tough times, my inner battle against my lower tendencies becomes the springboard for me to rise more strongly, and to find the better part of myself.


The better part of myself is the same as my best self and greatest potential. Using difficulties or the struggles to reach my goals is the path to forge my essential best self. So, obstacles? Bring it!

What do you learn about yourself when going through struggles?

How can you use difficulties to forge your best self?



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:

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!

GET YOUR FREE CHECKLIST: HOW TO PRIORITIZE FOR BEST RESULTS!
checkout my creativity & spiritual wellness resources!
2 Comments

Believing In The Positive

8/8/2018

3 Comments

 
Moonlite over city night lights.
Moon in Night Sky Photo by Jenny Leigh Hodgins ​
yellow sunflower facing the sun, hopeful, believing in the positive, yourcreativechord.com, Jenny Leigh hodginsFacing the sun no matter what. Photo by Jenny Leigh Hodgins.
​By Jenny Leigh Hodgins

YOU ARE YOUR WORST ENEMY
Have you ever realized that despite wanting to blame your personal failures or inability to accomplish your goals on external things like circumstances or people in your environment, the real reason you are unable to reach your goals is that you are your biggest obstacle? It is your own doubt of your ability that keeps you from crossing that victorious finish line.

We all have our obstacles; we’re mystically either born poor, or rich, beautiful or plain, athletic or clumsy, creatively-inclined or blocked, healthy or unwell, connected or isolated, and so on.

​But the truth is that even those with the most challenging circumstances often succeed well beyond what others, with seemingly much more positive odds stacked in their favor, only dream about. In the game of life, having more fortunate circumstances does not fundamentally determine success or happiness.

BELIEVE IN YOUR POWER
If we would move forward through our respective difficulties with the inner determination that comes from solid self-confidence, we would feel the empowerment that core belief brings. This self-empowerment fuels the discovery of our own resources to persevere toward one accomplishment after another. Believing in human potential, in our inherent capabilities is itself the powerful drive that enables successful people to win over incredible odds.
​
There are myriad examples of these kinds of success stories throughout history. Helen Keller, Franklin Roosevelt, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Edison are great examples of people who overcame health issues, poverty and multiple failures to emerge as strong, powerful, balanced, happy and successful role models whom others aspire to emulate.

Attaining this kind of inner faith is not about self-centeredness. It is about believing in the positive potential within life itself. But it is nearly impossible to see the highest potential in others if you cannot find it in yourself. And vice versa. The possibilities are astounding if you consider the impact of believing in the positive capacity within yourself and of those in your daily environment.
​
USE IMAGINATION
Imagine how that would transform your view of daily life. How would finding the infinite potential within yourself and others change our world? Imagine how your day, your week, your life would play out if you started thinking:

“I am doing enough. I am on the right track to my happiness. I’m making the right causes toward success because I’m sincerely focused on developing compassion, wisdom, taking responsibility, being the best I can be, and contributing to others. I trust in my own potential. I know that I will reach my goals, so time is inconsequent.”

Imagine how your work-life, family, and community would be different if you thought, “I trust this person will do the right thing, get the job done, step up, has the best of intentions.” Fighting against your negative tendencies to see the better side of people goes a long way toward building both inner happiness and a more harmonious world.

Let’s face it, we’re all working against problems within ourselves, our histories, our daily situations. But we all basically want to be at peace and happy. Let’s focus on that commonality, building trust that we each have what it takes to make the world a better place.


​

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 spiritual wellness and caregiver boards have more self-care ideas. Please check them out and let me know if you've found any of my ideas helpful. 

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!

3 Comments

Viewing The Road Forward

7/14/2018

0 Comments

 
GET YOUR FREEBIE: Top 10 Things To Help You Reach Your Biggest Goals!
Yellow Autumn leaves and the curved road forward.Viewing The Road Forward
By Jenny Leigh Hodgins 

I spent the past month carving 1 to 4 hours out of my freelance schedule four days weekly to teach a young woman to drive. Her personal experience of being in car accidents delayed her interest in learning to drive until her early 20s. I knew teaching her to drive would be a special challenge because of the psychological pressure she endured. 


I did my best to guide her from the nervous, apprehensive state she had at the start, to become the competent, safe driver she is now. Watching her face her fears head-on, practice to overcome her weaknesses and master each new skill gave me a sense of personal satisfaction. She is a youth who represents the potential in all of us. 


She is part of the generation whose task will be to lead our society out of the darkness we older humans have created. Doing whatever we can to find opportunities to raise a capable youth to feel empowered by her own abilities is a source of hope and strength.

Encouraging this young woman to acknowledge her self-slandering remarks as she tackled a completely new world, and deliberately let go of her doubts, while dealing with her fears from past experiences, was a constant in our driving lessons.



It was good to see her gradually leave the scaffolding of fear and doubt behind as she began embracing her competency as a driver. An emerging self-reliance, along with a rising sense of independence and courage have begun to grow in her.

This is only the beginning of her capacity as a powerful, strong, independent young woman who will do her part to contribute to a better world. A single, young person feeling good about herself has the ultimate power to impact others in profound and lasting ways. 



Looking for opportunities to offer whatever we can to raise capable youth is the responsibility of my generation. It is time we help young people overcome their internal obstacles, as this is the key for their victory over inevitable difficulties in life. Each person winning over their inner struggle is a force for good, harmony and peace in a world that desperately needs mending.


None of this was easy for me; I gave up critical time from my business, as my workflow and productivity were severely interrupted. The daily sessions were mentally stressful for this 54-year old.

I racked my brain every step of the way to find adequate words to guide my unseasoned driving student toward a grasp of handling a vehicle for the first time in multiple scenarios. Giving up my daily routine toward helping someone else was a sacrifice. Now I must pay for it by working fast and twice as hard to catch up on lost business and productivity.  



But the process taught me that each person, including myself, has something that can help another person. My personal relationship with this young woman developed based on her trust that I care about her. That trust, plus my years as a teacher made me the right person, with the right strategy, to encourage her. 


This reminded me of my duty, as someone whose youthfulness is now in my rearview mirror, to find more chances to raise capable youth for our future. Now that we have another safe, capable driver on the road, I’m looking outside my box to encourage the next young person toward their limitless potential. Our world is in need of mentors. Young people are ready to lead. Let’s roll forward on that.



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:

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 


You can also find me on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook!

CHECKOUT MY CREATIVITY & SPIRITUAL WELLNESS RESOURCES!
0 Comments

5 Ways To Master Caregiver Learning Curve

2/4/2018

0 Comments

 
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREEBIE: WHAT YOU NEED TO BEAT YOUR INSOMNIA!
Mother daughter photo, 5 Ways To Master Caregiver Learning CurveJenny L Hodgins with her mother, Minva Hodgins
(This piece originally appeared at TheCaregiverSpace.org )
By Jenny Leigh Hodgins

I segued into the role of caregiver for my aging parent quicker than expected. Last year, I left my 30-year career, and sold my Florida home to move back to Kentucky as my mother’s caregiver. I planned to be in place well ahead of need, while I transitioned to working remotely as a freelancer.

1. LIFE’S CURVEBALLS AND SLEDGEHAMMERS
Things don’t always go according to plan. Life hits with big moments whenever it damn well feels like it. Like many adult children, I face the bittersweet reality of being a caregiver to my parent before either of us are ready. I thought I’d have time to ease into the role, but sometimes health issues pop up or wallop like a sledgehammer.

​What a wake-up call, being there when Mom is ill, pained face, weak and trembling, incoherent and out-of-it. Alone in that moment, feeling the full burden of being responsible for her well-being can be an enormously scary place. Facing the impending reality of that final chapter in the cycle of life is not for sissies.

The foreign world of medical terms, insurance and co-pays, increasingly hectic medical appointment schedule, and daily living responsibilities can add up to an overwhelming mountain of pressure. I hadn’t anticipated how my own daily rhythm would be derailed, interrupted or flat-out sacrificed at times.

2. GET AHEAD OF THE CURVE
The learning curve comes swiftly, so I’ve found it best to get my game plan in place, and build my life-state to be ready to play. I’ve discovered the importance of taking care of myself. Putting that oxygen mask on myself first enables me to ward against getting overwhelmed or sick, and be better prepared emotionally, spiritually and practically as caregiver.

3. GET YOUR GAME ON
That means I have to protect my daily rhythm. To be effective in my work as a writer and composer, as a caregiver, and more balanced in my wellness, I have to establish ‘me time’. I rise early to pray, eat and have uninterrupted workflow when I function at my best.

I schedule exercise later in the day to maintain my energy. I use my smartphone calendar app to send me alerts so I stay, or get back on, task. Mapping out my own daily schedule and preserving it as best I can keeps me on top of things and less overwhelmed when Mom’s needs arise.

4. PLAN TO BE THERE IN ADVANCE
I’m grateful to have already settled in, so I’m here when Mom needs me. Not having to rush from another state, or even across town, or leave my workplace, is one load of worry off our minds. My being in place takes some burden off my other family members who don’t have the liberty of leaving jobs, children or properties.

5. TEAM HUDDLE
Keeping open communication with Mom and family members about her health, financial and social needs, as well as legal plans, distributes the caregiving load and assures Mom that we are onboard and unified to uphold her wishes. Getting things in place beforehand helps alleviate worry from all.

This attempt to keep all in the loop brings us closer in harmony to one another. For the caregiver, that support from family team players is indispensable to peace of mind, providing further strength for the tasks ahead.

6. KNOW WHAT YOU KNOW
Getting to know my mother’s daily rhythm gives me knowledge useful for effective emergency response. Being familiar with her usual mannerisms, daily lifestyle, energy, verbal and cognitive responses makes it easy to recognize when something isn’t right.

Paying attention to symptoms early on allows early detection and an upper hand in maintaining her wellness. Knowing her doctors, appointments, medications, and health issues is powerful ammunition against mishaps, and preventative against health problems that could run undetected.

ENDGAME
The role of caregiver can present itself sooner than anticipated, bringing unexpected, new challenges. But I’m finding that having a game plan, a great team that communicates well, a strategy for maintaining my wellness, and tackling challenges with gusto allows me to respond well even to the hardest curveball. ​



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! 


My Pinterest inspiration and caregiver 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. 


Recommended articles:

How To Ease Burden By Your Loving Preparation

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR END-OF-LIFE STORY

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



Connect with YourCreativeChord on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook!


RESOURCES:
Caregiver Smartphone Apps:
Best Calendar Apps
10 Daily Apps to Help Caregivers
Best Apps for Caregivers

Free Downloadable Forms:
Power of Attorney Form
Will Form
Advance Directive Forms
National Association of Attorneys General 202-326-6000 Email: feedback@naag.org

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREEBIE: WHAT YOU NEED TO BEAT YOUR INSOMNIA!
Checkout my self-care resources!
0 Comments
    GET YOUR INSPIRING 2020 NATURE PHOTO CALENDAR HERE!

    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.

    See My Recommended Resources for Self-Care!

    RSS Feed

    Archives

    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    July 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    February 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    February 2018

    Categories

    All
    2020 Calendar
    2020 Inspiring Nature Photo Calendars
    2020 Nature Photo Calendar
    234 West Main Street Frankfort
    50+ Single Woman
    About My Behavior As A Human Being
    Abundant Training
    Acceptance
    Accomplishing Goals Or Dreams
    Achieve
    Achieve More As A Teacher
    Achieve Personal Goals
    Activities With Diverse Groups
    Add Value
    Adjust To Significant Transition
    Adult Children
    Adventure
    Adventurous Spirit
    Adversity
    Affect Change In The World
    Afraid
    African Thumb Pianos
    After Climbing A Mountain
    Aging Parent
    A Guide To Decreasing Anxiety And Finding Balance Through Intentional Choices
    Air Of Vibrant Inspiration
    Alchemy Of England
    Alchemy Of England Jewelry
    Alleviate Worry
    All Of Us Have This Inner Wisdom
    All The Difficulties We Face
    Alone In Life
    Alter-ego
    ‘alternative
    A More Meaningful Life
    A Much-needed Break-through
    An Artist For Peace
    And African Thumb Pianos
    And Clinical Supervisor In Oregon.
    And Confidence By Every Experience In Which You Really Stop To Look Fear In The Face. You Are Able To Say To Yourself
    And Depression
    A New Spirit
    An Incredible Inspiration
    An Optimistic State Of Mind
    Anxiety
    Anxiety And Fear
    Anxiety Attacks
    Anxiety Prone
    Anxiety-prone
    Anxious
    Appreciate Our Courage
    Appreciation
    Arboretum
    Architecture Dating Back To The Late 1800s
    Area For Community Workshops
    Art
    Artist
    Artist For Peace
    Artistic Journey
    Artists
    Art Technique
    Artwork
    A Skill To Focus On The Task At Hand
    A Spirit Of Compassion
    A Spirit Of Compassion And Creativity
    A Task To Do
    Attack Of Self Doubt
    Attack Of Self-Doubt
    Attraction For Locals And Tourists
    Author
    Autumn Colors
    Autumn In Kentucky
    Autumn Leaves
    Awaken And Polish Our Maximum Potential
    A Walk Down The Road Feels Like A Vacation
    Aware Of The Human Experience
    A Well-spring Of Imaginative Innovation
    Balanced
    Balance Your Life
    Banners
    Barrage Of Negativity
    Based On Our Commonality As Human Beings
    Battles Forged My Strength
    Battle To Defeat Negativity
    Battling An Attack Of Self Doubt
    Battling An Attack Of Self-Doubt
    Battling Anxiety
    Battling Self Doubt
    Battling Self-doubt
    Beat Insomnia
    Beautiful Autumn Colors
    Beautiful Fall Colors
    Beautiful Kentucky
    Beautiful Kentucky River
    Beautiful Nature Photos
    Beautiful Shop
    Beautiful Shops In Kentucky
    Beautiful Transformation
    Beauty Of Nature
    Become A Better Human Being
    Become Caregiver For My Aging Parent
    Become Happier
    Become The Most Capable
    Becoming The Best
    Bedtime Routine
    Been Friends For Many Lifetimes
    Be Grateful
    Behavior
    Behavioral Or Life Changes
    Behavioral Or Life Changes Require Time
    Behavior As A Human Being
    Be Inflexible
    Being A Caregiver
    Being Afraid
    Being A Perfectionist
    Being Courageous
    Being Forced To Find Innovative Ways To Get Through A Challenge
    Being In Place
    Being More Mindful
    Being Present
    Being True To Myself
    Be In Place As Caregiver For My Aging Parent
    Belief In The Human Heart.
    Belief In Your Own Creative Vision
    Believe In Your Ability
    Believe In Yourself
    Believing In Human Potential
    Believing In The Positive
    Belinda Davis Lesniak
    Belinda Davis-Lesniak
    Benefit Of Practicing Mindfulness
    Be Ready
    Bernheim Forest
    Bernhiem
    Best Life
    Better Prepared
    Better World
    Beyond Our Comfort Zone
    Beyond The Norm
    Bicycle
    Big Changes Bring Out Big Obstacles
    Bike
    Bike Lock
    Bike Shop
    Black And White Areas Of Life
    Blogger
    Blogging
    Bohemian
    Bohemian Flair
    Bohemian Handbags
    Bohemian Musical Instruments
    Bold Faith
    Boost Creativity
    Boost To Fresh Inspiration
    Brave
    Bravery
    Break-through
    Break Through To A New Level Of Success
    Breathe
    Brilliant Transformation
    Brother
    Buddhist
    Buddhist Analogy
    Buddhist Books
    Buddhist Practice
    Build Your Positivity
    Build Your Spiritual Muscle
    Build Your Strength
    Business Owner
    Business Women
    Butterflies
    Butterfly Rescue
    Cafe Alfresco
    Caledesi Island
    Caledesi Island State Park
    Calendars
    Calms My Thoughts
    Camper
    Candles
    Capability
    Capable
    Car Accident
    Caregiver
    Caregiver For My Aging Parent
    Caregiver Responsibilities
    Caregiving Load
    Catalyst
    Caterpillars
    Ceiling Mural
    Challenges
    Challenges As A Caregiver
    Challenges Spur A Heightened Energy
    Challenging
    Challenging Beyond The Norm
    Challenging Circumstances
    Challenging Circumstances Are An Opportunity
    Challenging Fear
    Challenging Our Fear
    CHALLENGING WORKOUTS BUILD STRENGTH
    Change
    CHANGE CAN BE AWKWARD
    Change In A Relationship
    Changing Colors
    Chanted
    Chanted My Buddhist Mantra
    Chanting
    Chapters In My Life
    Climbing A Mountain
    Climbing Mountains
    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
    Collaboration With A Local Shop
    Colorful Store
    Comfort Zone
    Commissioned Ceiling Mural
    Communicate Our Musical Art
    Communication With Others
    Community In A Local Shop
    Compassion
    Compassionate
    Compassionate Rhythm Of Life
    Complain About My Hardships
    Compose
    Composing
    Composing Music
    Confidence
    Confronted My Inner Demons
    Connection
    Connection & Compassion
    Connection With Others
    Consistent
    Consistently Battling It From The Inside Out
    Conspicuous External Proof
    Constantly Fighting Doubt
    Continually Challenging Our Fears
    Continuing Through A Difficult Moment
    Contribute To A Larger Cause
    Coping Mechanisms
    Copingwithstress
    Coping With Stress
    Couldn’t Function Beyond Bed-rest
    Counterintuitive For Introverted Creators
    Courage
    Courage And Confidence By Every Experience In Which You Really Stop To Look Fear In The Face. You Are Able To Say To Yourself
    Courageous
    Create New Habits Of Self-talk
    Create Plan B
    Create Value
    Create Value As A Foundation For Our Future
    Creating A Video
    Creating Value
    Creating Value Out Of Any Situation
    Creative
    Creative Collaboration
    Creative Community
    Creative Energy
    Creative Life
    Creative Outlet
    Creative People
    Creative Process
    Creative Spark
    Creative Spark Begins
    Creative Thinking
    Creative Well-Spring
    Creative Workshops
    Creativity
    Creativity And Inspiration
    Creativity & Connection
    Creativity Means To Push Open The Heavy
    Creators
    Creators From All Over The World
    Credentialed New Author
    Crushing Negativity
    Cycling
    Cycling Adventures
    Cyclist
    Daily Journal
    Daily Living
    Daily Schedule
    Daily Stress
    Daisaku Ikeda
    Darkness
    Dawn Of Peace
    Dealing With Anxiety
    Dealingwithbetrayal
    Dealingwithdifficulty
    Dealing With Internal Struggle
    Deal With Life’s Inevitable Challenges
    Debilitatingly Shy
    Decision-making Is A Process
    Decision-making Is A Process That Is Not Final
    Decisions To Leave A Career
    Decrease Your Anxiety
    Decreasing Anxiety
    Deep Breathing And Imagery
    Defeat Fear & Doubt With Your Courage & Capability
    Deflecting Negativity
    Depression
    Designs From Leicestershire
    Determination
    Determination To Win
    Determined Prayer
    Develop
    Develop And Expand
    Develop Compassion
    Develop Courage
    Develop Discipline
    Develop Flexibility
    Develop Focus
    Developing Confidence
    Developing Stamina
    Develop My Full Potential
    Develop New Skills
    Develop Patience
    Develop Spiritual Muscle
    Develop The Best Of Ourselves
    Develop TRUST In Our Own Ability
    Dialectical Behavior Therapy
    Difficulties
    Difficulties Are Like Climbing Mountains
    Difficulties In Daily Life
    Difficult Internal Challenge
    Difficult Moment
    Difficulty
    Dignity Of People
    Directing
    Disaster Relief
    Discipline
    DISCOVERING YOUR ABILITY
    Discovery
    Diverse Retail Experience
    Doesn’t Mean It Will Be Easy Or Even Appreciated By Others
    Doing The Work
    Do More Than I Would Have Otherwise Envisioned
    Do Something Bigger
    Do Something Different
    Do The Inner Work First
    Doubt
    Doubt And Fear
    Doubting Myself
    Doubts
    Downtown
    Downtown Dunedin
    Downtown Frankfort
    Downtown Frankfort Renovations
    Do Your Fears Teach You
    Draw More Local Artists And Business Owners
    Dream
    Dreamcatcher
    Dreams
    Drive Back To Lexington
    Driving Lessons
    Dr. Tara Sanderson
    Dr. Tara Sanderson’s Book
    Dunedin
    Dunedin Causeway
    Dysfunctional Backgrounds
    Early Detection
    Easily Accessed Online
    Effective Emergency Response
    Egg Shakers
    Eleanor Roosevelt
    Eleanor Roosevelt’s Famous Quote;
    Eligible For Disaster Relief Due To The Hurricane
    Embracing My Every Flaw
    Emotional
    Emotional And Psychological
    Emotionalism
    Empathetic
    Empathy
    Empower
    Empowering
    Empowers
    Empowers You
    Empty The Barrage Of Negativity Swirling In My Brain
    Encourage
    Encourage Compassion
    Encouragement
    Endurance
    Energetic And Upbeat Character
    Energy Commands A Room
    Energy For Empathy
    England
    Enlightened Perspective
    Entrepreneur
    Envisioned
    Essential Oils
    Eternal Rhythm Of Life
    Evening Struggle Seemed Like A Mirage
    Everything Depends On The Outlook We Choose
    Exchange Of A Dialogue
    Exercise Beats Insomnia
    Exercise Refreshes
    Exercising
    Exhaustion
    Expand
    Expand Our Character
    Expansion Into New Levels
    Expectations
    Expect Nothing
    EXPECT NOTHING TO BE EASY
    Experiencing Difficult Emotions
    Experiencing Fear
    Explore New Territory
    Express Cafe
    Expressing
    Exterior Confidence
    Face Resistance
    Face The Fear And Darkness
    Facilitating
    Facing Fear
    Facing Resistance
    Facing Unforeseen Challenge
    Failure
    Failure As Part Of The Legitimacy Of Practicing Toward Mastery
    Fall Colors
    Fall Leaves
    Family
    Family Members
    Fear
    Fear And Darkness
    Fear And Doubt
    Fear And Self Doubt
    Fear And Self-doubt
    Fear Has No Need To Function In My Life
    Fear Is A Normal Function In Human Life
    Fear Is A Powerful Catalyst
    Fears Of Endings Or Weaknesses
    Fear Wants To Protect Us
    Feature A Local Artist
    Feature A Local Artist With A Commissioned Ceiling Mural
    Feel What Is Most Painful
    Fierce Opponent
    Fight Against Our Own Perceived Limitations
    Fighting For Survival
    Figure Out What Fear Wants
    Financial
    Find A Space Within Your Mind
    Find Hope
    Finding Hope
    Finding Inner Strength
    Finding Strength
    FINDING THE VALUE WITHIN YOUR STRUGGLES
    Find Innovative Ways To Get Through A Challenge
    Find Solutions
    Find Ways To Take Care Of Ourselves
    First Bicycle
    First Published Book
    Florida
    Florida Garden
    Florida's Tropical Flatland
    Flower Of Culture
    Flowers
    Flowing Fountain
    Focusonthepositive
    Focus On The Task At Hand
    Fool-proof Strategies To Turn Away My Inner Demons
    For All Who Worry Or Doubt
    Force For Good
    Forge A Life-state
    Forge Full Potential
    FORGE YOUR BEST SELF
    FORGING INNER STRENGTH
    For The Betterment Of Self And Society
    For Those Dealing With Anxiety
    For Those From Dysfunctional Backgrounds
    Fostering Positivity
    Foundation For Our Future
    Found My Weaknesses As Well As Strengths
    Frankfort
    Frankfort Mom And Pop Shops
    Freelance Writing
    Fresh Air
    Fresh Inspiration
    Fresh Perspective
    Friction Within Relationships
    Friendship
    Fuel Sense Of Empathy For Others
    Fulfill
    Fulfill Greatest Potential
    Fulfill Maximum Potential
    Fulfill My Greatest Potential
    Full Potential
    Gardener
    Get On This Bicycle And Roll Forward
    Get Out Of Bed And Stretch
    Get Sleep
    Get Through A Challenge
    Getting My Plans Crushed
    Getting Sleep
    Going After My Dreams Doesn’t Mean They Will Be Handed To Me On A Silver Platter
    Good Food
    Good Physical Workout
    Good Physical Workout Will Push The Limits Of Our Endurance
    Grateful
    Gratitude
    Greatest Art
    Greatest Potential
    Great Figures In History
    Great Figures In History Who Spearheaded Revolution
    Greek Sponge Docks
    Grew My Confidence
    Grief
    Groaning Doorway Of Life Itself. This Is Not An Easy Task. Indeed
    Growing Capacity
    Growing Resilience
    Growth Comes Through Tragedy
    GROWTH Of Our Potential
    Guided Shamanic
    Guided Shamanic Journey
    Guided Shamanic Journey Adventures
    Handcrafted
    Handcrafted Candles
    ’ Handcrafted Designs
    Handcrafted Soaps
    Hand Drums
    Handle Anything In Our Lives
    Hanging Out With Friends
    Happy Visions
    Harmonious Living
    Has Your Mindset Affected An Outcome
    Have A Large Life
    Haven For Self-care Products
    Have Those Anxiety Attacks That Shook My Whole Body With Nausea Or Stomach Pain
    Having A Game Plan
    Having To Devise A New Way Through
    Healing Force
    Health
    Healthandwellness
    Healthier
    Healthier Techniques
    Healthy
    Heart Of A Poet
    Heightened Energy
    Help
    Hidden Gem
    Hiker
    Holiday Stress
    Home State Of Kentucky
    Honed A Skill To Focus
    Honeymoon Island Beach
    Horse Farms
    Hosted By Benjamin Hardy
    Housing Slow-down
    How A Spiritual Workout Builds Your Strength
    How Facing Your Fear Helps You
    How I Know I’m On The Right Track.
    How Important It Is To Treasure Ourselves
    How Struggle Helps You
    How Struggle Helps You Tap Your Creative Well-Spring
    How To Achieve Your Goals By Creating An Enemy.
    How To Believe In Yourself
    How To Create A Better Life
    How To Decrease Your Anxiety & Live More Mindfully; An Empathetic Perfectionist Helps You Balance Your Life
    How To Respond
    How To Respond To The Difficulties
    How To Transform Your Problems
    How To Transform Your Problems Into Creativity & Connection
    How To Transform Your Problems To Ignite Creativity & Connection
    How To Use Your Problems
    How To Use Your Problems To Ignite Creativity & Connection
    HOW TO WIN
    HOW TO WIN VICTORY
    HOW TO WIN VICTORY OVER A STRONG OPPONENT
    How Your Problems Connect You
    How Your Problems Connect You With The World
    Hurricane
    Hurricane Irma
    Hurricane Of Historic Power Struck Near My Home
    Ideas To Expand The Shop
    Ignite Creativity & Connection
    '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.
    'I Lived Through This Horror. I Can Take The Next Thing That Comes Along
    Imaginative
    Imaginative Innovation
    Importance Of Self Care
    Importance Of Self-care
    Improve
    Improve Our Environment
    Improve Rapport Within Relationships
    Improve Relationships
    Inc
    Incense
    Independent
    Inevitable Ups And Downs
    Infusing A New Spirit With Connection & Compassion
    Inner Demons
    Inner Growth
    Inner Life
    Inner Power Fueled By Belief
    Inner Strength
    Inner Wisdom
    Innovation
    Innovative Thinking
    Insecure
    Insecurities
    Insomnia
    Insomniac
    Inspiration
    Inspirational Blog
    Inspirational Blogger
    Inspiration Blogger
    Inspiration From Nature
    Inspire
    Inspired Growth
    Inspiring
    Inspiring Books
    Inspiring Stories
    Instantly Makes You Feel
    Instantly Makes You Feel You’ve Been Friends For Many Lifetimes
    Intense Fear
    Intent To Improve Ourselves
    Interconnectedness Of Life
    Interviewing Creative People
    In The Light Of Day
    Introverted Creators
    Invincible
    Isolated
    Italianate Architecture
    Italianate Architecture Dating Back To The Late 1800s
    It Is Always A Test Of My Faith
    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.
    It‘s Up To Us To Do The Inner Work
    Jenny Leigh Hodgins
    Jewelry
    Journal
    Journal Entry
    Journalling
    Journey
    Juggling Adversity
    Just Breathe
    Kalakula
    Kentucky
    Kentucky Architecture
    Kentucky Autumn
    Kentucky Beauty
    Kentucky Business
    Kentucky Business Owner
    Kentucky Fall
    Kentucky Fall Colors
    Kentucky From Florida
    Kentucky Hills
    Kentucky Horse Park
    Kentucky Living
    Kentucky Nature
    Kentucky Nature Photos
    Kentucky Nature Pix
    Kentucky Photos
    Kentucky River
    Kentucky Small Business
    Kentucky Small Business Owners
    Kentucky State Arboretum
    Kentucky Tourism
    Kentucky Trees
    Kentucky Women Business Owners
    Kentucky Women In Business
    Key To Victory
    Kitchen Towels
    Knee-jerk Reactions
    KY
    KY 40601
    Lack Of Sleep
    Leader
    Leading And Teaching Large Groups
    Learned To Listen
    Learn How To Believe In Yourself
    Learning From Other Creative People
    LEARNING TO BE CREATIVE
    Learning To Look At Fear
    Legal Plans
    Leicestershire
    Lessening Anxiety
    Lessening Insomnia
    Levels Of Anxiety
    Lexington
    Lexington Arboretum
    Licensed Psychologist
    Life Changes
    Life Experience
    Life Is Full Of Options
    Lifelong Dream
    Lifelong Dream Path
    Lifelong Dreams
    Life's Interconnectedness
    Lifestyle
    Limitations
    Limitless
    Limitless Capacity
    Limitless Potential
    Lion Of Justice
    Listening To Or Playing Music
    Listen To My Fear
    Listen To Opposing Perspectives
    Literature
    Literature And Poetry
    Live More Mindfully
    Live More Mindfully Through Intentional Choices
    Local Artisan Shops
    Local Artists’ Works
    Local Kentucky Artisan Shops
    Local Mom And Pop
    Local Shop
    Local Small Business
    Local Small Business To Exclusively Host
    Look At Everything As A Chance To Expand
    Look At The Issues Causing Concern
    Looking Outside My Box
    Loss
    Lower Judgment
    Main Street Frankfort
    Make And Take Earring
    Make Intentional Choices
    Manageable Methods For Dealing With Internal Struggle
    Managed To Function Well
    Manifest My Full Potential
    Massage
    Massage And Reiki
    Massage And Reiki Treatments
    Maximum Potential
    Medical Appointment
    Medical Terms
    Meditation
    Meditations
    Meet The Owner
    Mental
    Mental Angst
    Mental Anxiety
    Mental Health
    Mental Wellness
    Mentors
    Metamorphoses
    Metaphysical
    Metaphysical Books
    Metaphysical Practices
    Metaphysical Products
    Metaphysics
    Mindbodyspirit
    Mindfulness
    Mindful Practices
    Mindset
    Mind-set Is Resolutely Centered
    Mindset Is Resolutely Centered
    Misfortune
    Mom And Pop
    Mom And Pop Shop
    Monarch
    Monarch Butterflies
    Monarch Rescue
    More Advanced Levels Of Accomplishment
    More Balanced Personality
    More Compassionate
    Most Fearful
    Most Positive
    Most Powerful Opponents
    Motivational Interviewing
    Move Forward
    Music
    Musical Instruments
    Music Composing
    Must Embolden Myself
    Mutual Branding
    My Darkest Fears
    My Inner Demons
    Narrow-minded
    Native American Indian
    Native American Indian Products
    Native Indian
    Native Indian Art
    Native Indian Dreamcatchers
    Native Indian Photography
    Naturalist
    Nature
    Nature As Inspiration
    Nature As Muse
    Nature As Spiritual Practice
    Nature Inspires
    Nature Love
    Nature Music Video
    Nature Photo
    Nature Photo Calendar
    Nature Photo Designs
    Nature Photos
    Nature's Beauty
    Nature's Vibrations
    Need Some Help
    Need Time To Adjust
    Negative Emotions
    Negativity
    Negativity Swirling In My Brain
    Nerves
    Nervous
    Nervousness
    Network
    Never Give Up
    Never Give Up Until I Win Absolute Victory
    New
    New Age
    New Age Meets Bohemian
    New Author
    New Challenges
    New Dawn Of Peace
    New Ebook
    New Level Of Success
    Newly Opened Frankfort Shop
    Nick Lesniak
    Nightly Routine
    Nighttime Routine
    Nir Eyal
    No Matter What
    Non-perfectionists
    Normal Experience
    No Room For Ego
    No Sleep
    Notecards
    Not Enough
    Nothing Is Certain In Life But Change Itself
    Nurturing
    Nurturing Creativity
    Nurturing Creativity And Inspiration
    Nurturing Your Creative Soul
    Oasis
    Obstacles
    Obstacles Are The Path Itself
    OCD
    Oil Diffusers
    Okay To Treat Yourself
    Oozing Friendly Vibes
    Open Communication
    Opening Her Heart In Conversation
    Open The Door To Inner Life
    Open The Path To My Future
    Open Up New Neurological Pathways
    Opportunities
    Opportunities For Creative Collaboration
    Opportunity
    Opposing Perspectives
    Optimal Living Daily
    Orange And Black Butterfly
    Or Facilitating
    Original Designs
    Our Choices Are Valid And Trustworthy
    Our LIMITLESS Capacity
    Outdoor-man
    Outside The Box
    Overachiever
    Overachievers
    Overachieving
    Overachieving Tendencies
    Overcome Challenges
    Overcome Obstacles
    Overcoming
    Overcoming Lack Of Confidence
    Overcoming Stage Fright
    Painting And Photography
    Palm Harbor
    Park Your Two Wheels
    Past Failures And Setbacks
    Pat Yourself On The Back
    Paving My New Pathway
    Paying Attention To Symptoms
    Perceived Limitations
    Perceive Life Through A Broader Scope
    Percussion
    Percussion Instruments
    Perfectionism
    Perfectionist
    Performing
    Person
    Personal Demons
    Personal Dev
    Personal Dev Blogger
    Personal Development
    Personal Goal
    Personal Goals
    Personal Growth
    Personal Loss
    Personal Struggles
    Perspective
    Photo By Jenny Leigh Hodgins
    Pinellas Bike Trail
    Pinellas Trail
    Playing Cards
    Playing Piano
    Poem
    Poem About Fear
    Poetry
    Poetry By Jenny Leigh Hodgins
    Polish Maximum Potential
    Positive
    Positive Creative Community
    Positive Creative Community In A Local Shop
    Positive Indication
    Positivevibe
    Positive Ways To Transform Negative Self Talk
    Positive Ways To Transform Negative Self-talk
    Positivity
    Posters
    Potential
    Potential Of Each Individual
    Powerful Catalyst
    Powerful Catalyst For Tapping Into
    Powerful Imagination
    Powerful Opponents Forge Full Potential
    Powerful Prayer
    Practice New
    Prayer
    Prayer Manifests
    Prayer Manifests In Tangible
    Problems
    Problems Are Opportunity
    Problems In Life
    Problem-solving Skills
    Problem State
    Process Of Personal Development
    Productive Way
    Products Feature The Beauty Of Nature
    Products Feature The Beauty Of Nature With Self-care Themes
    Products Feature The Beauty Of Nature With Self-care Themes For Nurturing Creativity
    Protagonists
    Protect Our Lives
    Provide Solutions
    Provoke Negative Emotions
    Psychological
    Psychological Pressure
    Psychology
    Public Speaking
    Pull Up The Wisdom
    Pushing Beyond Comfort
    Pushing Ourselves Beyond Our Comfort Zone
    Puzzles
    Rainsticks
    Rain Sticks
    Raise Capable Youth
    Raven Run
    Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
    Reach A Personal Goal
    Reading
    Ready For Impending Challenges
    Reality
    Realization
    Real-life Scenarios
    Recommended Music Resources
    Recommended Self-care Products
    Reflecting On Myself
    Reflecting On Myself Through This Process
    Reframing
    Reframing Our Situation Or Ourselves
    Reiki
    Relationship
    Relaxed
    Releasing Fears
    Relentlessly Attacked By Insomnia
    Relief Or Comfort
    Relieve Stress
    Remaining Positively Undaunted
    Remaining Positively Undaunted By External Or Internal Obstacles
    Remaining Undefeated
    Renovations Are Underway To Draw More Local Artists And Business Owners To Provide A Boon Of Attraction For Locals And Tourists
    Resilience
    Resistance
    Resistance In The Form Of Judgment From Others
    Resourcefulness
    Responding To Each Surprising Obstacle With The Determination To Win
    Retail Experience
    Revere The Positive
    Revolution
    Rich Meaning And Gratitude
    Riding A Bicycle
    Road Bike
    Role Of Caregiver
    Roosevelt
    Routine
    Sanctity Of Life
    Satisfying Way Of Life
    Scenic Farms
    Search Inwardly
    See Beyond Myself
    See More Options Available
    See Past Differences
    Self
    Selfcare
    Self Care
    Self-care
    Selfcare Ideas
    Self-care Meditation
    Self-care Offerings
    Self-care Products
    Self Care Strategies
    Self-care Strategies
    Self-care Themes
    Self Compassion
    Self-compassion
    Self Confidence
    Self-development
    Self Doubt
    Self-doubt
    Self Growth
    Self-growth
    Self Improvement
    Self-improvement
    Selflove
    Set Out To Achieve Personal Goals
    Setting Boundaries
    Setting Goals
    Setting Goals That Seem Impossible
    Setting Goals That Seem Impossible To Achieve
    Sgi
    SGI President Daisaku Ikeda
    Sgi Usa
    Sgi-usa
    Shamanic
    Shamanic Journey
    Sheer Life Experience
    Shook My Whole Body
    Significant Metamorphosis
    Significant Transitions
    Sign Of My Inner Growth
    Sitting Silently With Your Thoughts
    Sitting Still With Our Thoughts And Negative Feelings
    Situations That Typically Provoke Negative Emotions
    Sketch- And Notebooks
    Sleep
    Sleep Habits
    Sleep-inducing
    Smorgasbord Of Spiritually Positive Products And Experiences
    Soaps
    Social Needs
    Soft Power Approach
    Solitude
    Some Of The Greatest Art Is Born Of The Struggling Artist
    Someone Who Tends Toward Worrying
    Something More Difficult Or Unexpected
    Something More Difficult Or Unexpected Often Presents Itself
    Specializes In Working With Clients Who Struggle With Perfectionism
    Specific Technique For An Artwork
    Spending Time In Nature
    Spiritual Core
    Spirituality
    Spiritually Positive Products
    Spiritual Muscle
    Spiritual Products
    Spiritualwellness
    Spiritual Wellness
    Spiritual Wellness And Self-care
    Spiritual Workout
    Spoke To Myself With A Voice Of Calmness
    Stage Fright
    Stamina And Strength
    Stamina Over Insomnia
    Starkey Park
    Starkey Park Trail
    Starting From The Inner Realm
    Starting New
    Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewelry
    Stomach-upset Agony
    Stories Of Victory
    Strachan's Ice Cream
    Strategy For Wellness
    Strategy For You To Learn How To Believe In Yourself
    Strengthen Oneself
    Strengths I Didn’t Realize Were In Me
    Stress
    Stress Coping
    Stress Coping Mechanisms
    Stress Relief
    Stress Tips
    Strive To Listen To Opposing Perspectives
    Striving To Reach A Personal Goal
    Stronger
    Stronger Life-force
    Struggle
    Struggles
    Struggles Exponentially More Valuable
    Struggles In One Aspect Of My Life Interconnect And Apply Toward Other Aspects Of My Life
    Struggling Artist
    Success
    Suffering
    Suncoast Parkway
    Sunflower Facing The Sun
    Sunflowers
    Support And Guidance
    Support Connections Locally
    Support From Family
    Surprising Challenges
    Survival Capacity
    Tackling New And Bold Territory
    Take Action
    Take A Moment To Relax
    Take Up Cycling
    Taking Care Of Myself
    Taking Full Responsibility For One’s Choices
    Taking Full Responsibility For One’s Choices Is Empowering
    Taking Photos
    Talon Winery
    Tangible
    Tap Creativity
    Tap Into Inherent Wisdom
    Tapping Into Our Inner Strengths
    Tap Wisdom
    Tap Wisdom With Fresh Ideas
    Tap Your Creative Well-Spring
    Tarot Readings
    Tarpon Springs
    Teach Others How To Treasure Our Lives
    Tea Leaf
    Tea Leaf And Tarot Readings
    Tenacity
    Tendencies To Doubt Myself
    Test Or Build One’s Abilities
    That Little Inner Critic
    The Artists Rule
    The Artists Way
    The Beautiful Monarch
    The Beautiful Monarch Facebook Group
    The Key To Leading Global Society
    The ‘never Give Up’ Spirit
    The Opportunity To Lead
    The Outlook We Choose
    The Owner’s Creative Energy
    There’s A New Spirit Infusing Downtown Frankfort
    The Story Behind An Artiste’s Creative Process
    The Voice Of Courage
    Thinking
    Thinking Outside The Box
    Thinking The Hardest Part Is Over Is Almost Always Wrong
    Through Adversity
    Through This Process
    Thunder Makers
    Tipsforstressrelief
    Tips For Winning Over Insomnia
    Tools To Find Reasonable Outcomes For Challenging Circumstances
    Too Much
    To Stand My Ground
    Tragedy
    Tragically Died
    Training Others To Respect Your Personal Boundaries
    Transformational
    Transforming
    Transformingrelationships
    Transform Mindset
    Transform My Credit Score
    Transform Negative Self Talk
    Transform Negative Self-talk
    Transform Your Problems
    Transition
    Transitions
    Treasuring Life
    Treat Yourself In The Name Of Bringing Your Best To The Situation
    Trek
    Troubles
    True Personal Victory
    T-shirts
    Tune In To Ourselves
    Turn To Historical Figures For Their Wisdom
    Turn To Historical Figures For Their Wisdom And Encourage-ment
    Typical Emotional State Of An Overachiever
    Uncomfortable Aspects Within A Relationship
    Undaunted
    Undaunted By External Or Internal Obstacles
    Understanding Fear
    Undeterred
    Uniquely Characteristic Limestone
    Universal Connection
    Unlimited Power Of Faith
    Upbeat Podcasts
    Uplifting Books
    Urgency For A Much-needed Break-through
    Use Fear To Develop TRUST In Our Own Ability To Handle Anything In Our Lives
    Use My Struggles
    Use Nature For Self Care
    Use Nature For Self-care
    Use Problem-solving Skills
    Use Problem-solving Skills To Open Up
    Value My Own Life
    Vibrant Inspiration
    Victim Mentality
    Victory
    Victory Celebration
    Victory Over A Strong Opponent
    Victory Over Every New Challenge
    Visible Changes In Our World
    Visit To This ‘hidden Gem’ Of A City
    Voice Of Calmness
    Voice Of Confidence
    Voices Of Others
    Vow To Never Give Up
    Walking Outdoors
    Wall Springs
    Wall Springs Park
    Ways To Take Care Of Ourselves
    We Are Invincible
    Wee Hours Of Morning
    Welcoming Failure
    Wellness
    Well-spring Of Imagination
    What Dreams Are Made Of
    What I Envision As My Lifelong Dream
    What If I Believed In Myself
    What Lessons Or Inspiration Do Your Fears Teach You?
    What We Need To Transform Our Feelings And/or Situation
    WHEN PLAN A LEADS TO PLAN B
    When Something Isn't Right
    When We Feel Fear
    Where New Age Meets Bohemian With A Wanderlust Flair
    Wicked Glass & Wanderlust Designs
    Willingness To Fight Against Our Own Perceived Limitations
    Windchimes
    Wind Chimes
    Window Stickers
    Window Stickers And A Range Of Calendars
    Winning
    Winning Against The Lower Worlds
    Winning Life
    Win Success
    WIN VICTORY
    Win Victory No Matter What
    Wisdom
    Wise
    With A Resolute Vow
    With My Determined Prayer
    Without Support Or Understanding
    Withstand Countering Views
    Women Business Owners
    Women In Business
    Women Owners
    Women Who Own Small Business
    Working Through Potential Negative Feelings
    Workshops
    Work Through Concerns
    Worry About What People Think
    Worrying
    Worry Or Doubt
    Write
    Write Thoughts In Journal
    Writing
    Writing A Poem
    Writing Our Stories Of Victory
    You Gain Strength
    Your Best Self
    YourCreativeChord
    YourCreativeChord Blogs
    YourCreativeChord Podcasts
    Your Full Potential
    Your Own Innovative Thinking
    Your Problems Connect You
    Your Troubles
    Your Troubles Are Your Progress Barometer & Catalyst For Your Full Potential
    YOUR TRUE VICTORY IS WITHIN YOUR PROBLEMS
    You Want To Do Everything Yourself

    RSS Feed

Creative Strategies

Creativity
Interviews with Creators
Composing
Piano
Caregiver
Inspiration

YourCreativeChord

About

Support

Terms of Use
​Contact
​
Affiliates Disclosure
Privacy Policy

Resources

Pool & Outdoor
Music
Self-Care
Inspiring Books 
© COPYRIGHT 2018/2019. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Get My Ebook!
  • GET 2020 Calendars!
  • Home
    • ABOUT
    • TESTIMONIALS
    • Links
    • Contact
  • Sign-Up!
  • INSPIRATION
    • PODCAST
    • CAREGIVER
  • CREATIVITY
    • PIANO
    • INTERVIEWS WITH CREATORS
    • COMPOSING
  • RESOURCES
    • Inspiring Books
    • Self-Care Resources
    • Music Resources >
      • PIANO RESOURCES >
        • Piano Basics Ebook
      • Music-Related For Children
    • Pool & Outdoor Resources >
      • Nature Books For Children