In this episode, writer Beth Cregan and I dive deep into the various tools and technology we use to support our creative lives. From good old-fashioned analog tools like planners, notebooks, and index cards to cutting-edge digital apps, software, and AI assistants, we cover a wide array of resources that help us organise, plan, create, and track our creative projects.

Let's delve into the 'messy middle' of creative projects! Join Beth and me (Nicola) as we discuss our personal experiences and strategies to push forward.

We delve into self-awareness including understanding one's own personality traits and energies which helps in personalising the creative process. Beth explains how having a clear vision of the final outcome can keep you motivated. We emphasize the importance of setting boundaries and prioritising the creative process.

We also discuss the significance of remaining flexible and adaptive, and how sideways movement can be an integral part of the process, with challenges overcome often leading to substantial periods of rapid progress. Other aspects covered are the importance of self-compassion, embracing a sense of safety, understanding life circumstances, celebrating small wins, and wisely investing in skills and supplies that make the process easier.

Welcome to another episode of "Nic and Beth’s Creative Chats" with your hosts, Nicola Newman and Beth Cregan.

Join us for a meaningful conversation about the nature and importance of solitude, loneliness, and the creative process. Through the lens of Nic's sailing life, we explore the intricate balance between solitude and the potential for loneliness that creatives often encounter with their work.

We delve into some of the struggles that are integral to our creative lives - from confronting the omnipresent fear of failure to navigating uncertainty without a roadmap!

Yet, amidst these challenges, we discover that staying connected to ourselves and our work fosters self-trust, stamina and authenticity. This discussion is a compassionate guide for creatives facing the challenges that arise in the creative process.

Welcome to another episode of "Nic and Beth’s Creative Chats" with your hosts, Nicola Newman and Beth Cregan!

Today, we're on a journey to uncover ways to nurture a deep and meaningful relationship with your creative self. Nicola and Beth open up about their personal reflective practices, anchors, and the daily rituals that keep their creativity flowing. They share how journaling becomes a supportive companion in their creative processes from morning pages to evening reflections.

This episode goes deep into the significance of values and core desires, serving as the guiding compass that shapes and evolves your creative journey over time.

We'll also dive into mindfulness practices in action – from gardening to sketching, along with Nic's 'Intuitive Pause', designed to ground you in the present moment. Anticipate a delightful blend of laughter, inspiration, and practical tips to elevate your creative living adventures.

Join your hosts Nicola Newman and Beth Cregan as they unravel the transformative experiences of creative retreats. Beth, fresh from her solo writing retreat, and Nicola, having just hosted her second group artist retreat, delve into the rich tapestry of insights gained from both personal and group immersive escapes.

In this episode, discover the power of solitude as Beth shares the revelations from her latest solo writing sojourn. (Spoiler alert – it didn’t go exactly to plan!) Beth shares her honest experience of dealing with fear, her inner critic and creative resistance as well as tips for how to plan your own solo retreat. Nicola, with her pulse on the communal spirit of artistic gatherings, provides a fascinating glimpse into the dynamics of hosting retreats—fostering joy, connection, collaboration, and the magic that happens when creative minds converge.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of a new series on The Art of Creative Living Podcast, "Nic & Beth's Chats about Creative Living."

Join us, your hosts Nicola Newman, an artist and creative mentor, and Beth Cregan, a writer and educator, as we dive headfirst into the world of creative living.

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on our unique friendship forged through a shared passion for creative expression.

From the genesis of our individual creative journeys to the moments of inspiration that fuel our work, we invite you to join us in celebrating the joy and complexity of the creative process.

Whether you're an artist, writer, or simply someone interested in the joys of creative living, this episode sets the stage for a series of insightful conversations that will inspire, enlighten, and perhaps even spark your own creative flame.

This meditation is designed to help you offer yourself self-compassion and cultivate a kind, nurturing relationship with yourself. By imagining yourself surrounded by a supportive community of fellow Creative Hearts, and wrapping your arms around yourself in a warm embrace, you can practice self-compassion and offer yourself words of validation, reassurance, and support.

I invite you to take a few moments to listen to this meditation and explore how it can support you in caring for yourself as a creative.

Throughout my creative journey, I've faced numerous setbacks and failures that have tested my resilience and determination. There have been moments when the pain of these experiences seemed insurmountable, making it difficult to see a way forward. However, amid these challenges, I found an opportunity for growth and transformation.

This meditation is designed to help you overcome self-doubt and embrace the journey of sharing your work with the world. By connecting with your inner wisdom, and imagining yourself surrounded by a supportive community of fellow Creative Hearts, you can cultivate the courage and confidence to take the next step towards sharing your work with the world.

I invite you to take a few moments to listen to this meditation and explore how it can support you in sharing your unique gifts with the world.

You know that nagging feeling that you're not as talented or successful as people think you are, and that you're just one step away from being exposed as a fraud? It’s commonly known as imposter syndrome, and in this episode, I'm excited to shed some light on this topic and help you manage it so you can flourish in your creative life.

Join Dawn Gibson-Winder and Nicola Newman for a wonderful, inspiring conversation filled with practical tips to help us carve out ways to care for our nervous systems and listen to ourselves, so we can intentionally create a life that fits us and honours our personal needs.

A Journey from Chaos to Calm

Dawn shares her personal story and tools she's found to help her find more calm in her busy creative life. "After healing from the effects of Burnout, I knew I would have to create a different kind of work-life balance that didn't leave me depleted, but one that fed my soul, fuelled my energy and uplifted my spirit.

I've learned I need to make sure I have balance in my work and personal life. I no longer feel the need to keep up with the fast-paced, hustle culture. I don't want to be constantly chasing and pushing myself to work harder."

I wanted to share with you this meditation for Creative Hearts who want to feel in flow and connected to their creative expression. If you're looking to fully embrace your creativity and let go of any doubts or fears that may be holding you back, this practice is perfect for you.

In this meditation, you will imagine yourself standing beside a beautiful stream in a rainforest, and allow yourself to feel in flow and energised in a gentle way. You will also connect with your inner wisdom, your values, passions, and dreams, and embrace your creativity with love and compassion.

Through my own journey, I've discovered the immense value of connecting with like-minded individuals who share the same passion for creative expression, and I'll be sharing personal examples to illustrate just how transformative these connections can be.

Nurturing your creative community and building connections with fellow creatives is so valuable, it can make your creative life more sustainable, enjoyable and fulfilling in so many ways. I'll also share tips and ideas for strategies you can use to build a nurturing creative community for your own creative life.

This meditation is designed to help you identify and use the resources you already have within you to care for yourself when you need it most. By asking yourself five simple questions and reflecting on your physical, mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual needs, you can cultivate a kinder, more nurturing relationship with yourself and trust in the unique and beautiful expression that emerges from within you.

I invite you to take a few moments to listen to this meditation and explore how it can support you in caring for yourself as a creative.

I’m delighted to bring you this episode, recorded live inside my Creative Hearts Community, with artist and mentor, Kelly Herrick.

Kelly shares, "I am happiest outdoors, connecting to the natural world and seeing it through my paintbrush. I walk in my home county of Derbyshire and travel the country exploring our incredible landscapes and seascapes; you will see inspiration from all these places in my work. I find such joy in my art, it connects me to my flow and to nature in a way nothing else does.”

Whether you're an artist, writer, or entrepreneur, it's natural to encounter obstacles in your creative journey. In this episode, we'll explore gentle techniques for moving through these barriers and reigniting your creative spark.