The creative process is rarely linear. It unfolds in phases—some intuitive, some chaotic, and all essential. For many artists and creatives, the process doesn’t begin with a clear vision. It begins with an impression—a feeling, a color, a word, or a mood.
One way to support emotional well-being is to become more fluent in describing positive emotions. This can be done using an emotions wheel—a visual tool that offers a broader range of emotional vocabulary beyond “happy” or “fine.”
In modern life, it’s easy for joy to feel indulgent or misplaced. Many people live in a state of high alert—navigating work demands, social comparison, and ongoing collective stress.
Joy often arises in simple, ordinary moments—a smile from a loved one, the scent of blooming flowers, a shared laugh, or the satisfaction of creative expression. These experiences can be brief, but they are real and meaningful.
Being a beginner teaches us to be patient with ourselves. To stay curious when we’re uncomfortable. To stay present when outcomes are unclear.
Being a beginner teaches us to be patient with ourselves. To stay curious when we’re uncomfortable. To stay present when outcomes are unclear.
A few weeks ago, I was having dinner with friends when one of them shared her personal challenge: to try something new each month. As she recounted the experiences she had pursued so far this year, I felt admiration rise—and then something else.
We hear a lot about self-care—eat well, sleep, meditate. These things matter. But sometimes, what we need isn’t more advice or another routine. What we need is a deeper way of relating to ourselves.
Life moves quickly. Between work, relationships, and the daily demands of living, there’s often little space to pause.
Resistance is information.
When we face a blank page or a creative block, it’s easy to assume something is wrong. But it’s often part of the process. It reflects our fears, perfectionism, or inner doubts—not failure.
