#190: Making Sense of Life

This week on the podcast, I’ve got 10 things that are bringing me joy this fall. Some are deep and others may, at first glance, seem trivial, but this collection of what’s bringing me joy adds up to a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts: in a profoundly simple way, these small wonders are saving my life in this season.     By consciously bringing good things to mind, we teach our brains to look for the good, and we relive those joyful moments through the remembering.   Hit reply and let me know what's bringing you joy these days!   Links: (some are Affiliate, which means I make a few dollars when you purchase)     See pictures and find all the links in one place in this week's Substack NY Times Reader’s Choice Top 10 List Amazon storefront with all the products mentioned here (+ other things I love!) Home Chef: Get 18 meals for free when you sign up here Created Colorful: $20 off your color analysis with code FORJOY

This episode originally aired in October 2023. Enjoy this throwback while Merideth practices some self-care ;)  Read "Let Art Be Light," Merideth's latest substack piece  Original Show Notes: This week on the show, Merideth answers a question we all tend to ask when the world is on fire. How can I feel creative joy in the face of violence, injustice, and brokenness? She explores why art matters in these moments, especially, and how our creativity offers us a place to process the pain and turn our anxiety into energy that can make a difference. The late famous conductor, Leonard Bernstein, answers the age-old question, “How can we go on?” and we learn about two fantastic non-profits using creativity to change the world. Peace Drums Project Little Sun Pre-order Merideth’s book, The Artist’s Joy Buy Merideth a coffee Email your question to be read on the air: [email protected] Photo cred: littlesun.org    

In today’s podcast, the final installment of our Joy Sessions series, Merideth chats with Christina, a musician, coach, and teacher who wants to reexamine the beliefs and negative inner dialogue she’s been having about performing. They explore perfectionism, performance anxiety, how to show up authentically when we cannot stop judging ourselves, and so much more. By the end of the call, Christina begins to give herself permission to live out the advice she offers her students, to embrace and enjoy the very human and authentic experience of making music, and to offer herself self-compassion along the way.  Coach with Merideth (non-recorded) Join the email list to get the Friday episode in your inbox Support us on Patreon Apply to get a free coaching call and be featured on a Joy Session Buy Merideth’s book, The Artist’s Joy  

This week’s episode features a Joy Session with Mara, a writer who wants to write a novel but struggles to find the time or energy. We watch Mara identify the underlying reasons for her creative block, including fear of failure and too much focus on the product rather than the process. She names a deep desire for community and encouragement from other writers.   BONUS: At the end of this week's episode, Merideth shares an update from Mara about a week or so after the session, naming how an epiphany renewed her hope and motivation to continue pursuing her creative writing goals.   Links: Join the email list to get the Friday episode in your inbox Support us on Patreon Apply to get a free coaching call and be featured on a Joy Session Buy Merideth’s book, The Artist’s Joy

Continuing our new series, Joy Sessions, I chat with Jessi, a musician and educator who reflects on how, as a multipassionate artist, she could engage with music in a more meaningful way.   We explore the idea of experimentation and taking small, sustainable steps towards this goal, recognizing the need for a different kind of energy than the usual "discipline button" approach. The conversation highlights the importance of keeping the thread of musical engagement alive through exploration and connection, allowing for a more fulfilling and sustainable relationship with the art form.     If you are interested in doing a coaching call for a future Joy Sessions episode, click here. Links from the show notes: Subscribe to Merideth's email list  Learn more about coaching Join Patreon Buy Merideth’s book Tell us what resonated about the episode on IG

Introducing: Joy Sessions. Each week I'll feature excerpts from real sessions with artists of all disciplines, pulling back the curtain on creative coaching as we focus on overcoming creative challenges and finding joy in the artistic process. This week, Merideth chats with Ericka, a writer who longs to set herself free from the shame cycle of past and current criticism. Learn more about coaching Join Patreon Buy Merideth’s book Tell us what resonated about the episode on IG

This week on the podcast,  the first installment of a new series started earlier this week over on Substack called “Art’s Open Door,” where we’ll explore the profound ways creativity and spirituality intersect and how viewing art through a spiritual lens is a powerful tool for well-being, connection, and joy. Usually, these essays will only exist in blog form at artistsforjoy.substack.com, but this week, I am giving you a sneak peek into this new content.  If you enjoy these more spiritual writings, subscribe to Substack here.  The Common Heart: An Experience of Interreligious Dialogue Register for the Creative Enneagram 2.0 Workshop

This week on the podcast: a musical meditation for making sense of life.    In this guided reflection, explore the following: Consider your life’s puzzle. Hold a couple of pieces in your hand, and consider now the growth that each piece represents. What do you see? Look for the piece(s) that don’t seem to fit. What experiences or areas of growth or interest, disparate parts of your journey of life–good or hard—have you yet to accept as your own? Even though you may not yet be able to make sense of certain pieces, ask: what might they be teaching me? Find the jagged edge of the puzzle, and consider the ways you are growing, the piece you are filling in now. How can you love yourself as you are becoming? What do you want yourself to remember now, in this season? Links from the show notes: Join the next Creative Cluster Buy Merideth's book Get your printable journal Register for the Creative Enneagram 2.0 Workshop

This week on the podcast, a new metaphor to cultivate more resilience, perspective, and joy while we work to make sense of our lives. Join the next Creative Cluster Buy Merideth's book Get your printable journal

This week on the podcast, Merideth offers a pep talk for artists and creatives who feel overwhelmed or unmotivated, particularly during transitional periods like the month of August. Grab your worksheet, so you can:  Name your season Decide if you need a new routine or rhythm (or both!) Discover the small step you'd like to take toward your goal Join the next Creative Cluster Buy Merideth's book Watch the replay of the Procrastination Workshop by becoming a paid supporter on Patreon