In this week’s open journal, I decided to do a video instead of my usual written chapter to summarize the latest happenings in my life. This week in particular is an eventful one, and I decided to focus my discussion around the current Etsy strike.

Diving in to this topic also opens a broader conversation around the emerging policies of large tech platforms that limit the earning potential of independent creators, and how to best navigate those changes to have a prosperous business.

“The creative process is a source of boundless fascination to me. It’s been a while since I felt a moment of stillness long enough to allow my thoughts to pour outward into words. And when I can create that pause, and be in an internal place for a beat, it feels amazing. I can only speculate, only imagine how this process must be for other writers. It’s not a feeling of being blocked, but a calling to express ideas and curiosities through other mediums that maps the span of time between my journal entries. I used to see it as an issue I had with consistency–but when I look into the reasons for this shift of focus more deeply, I realize that I’m always creating–it’s just not exclusively in the same form.”

In this week’s open journal, I catch up on the events of the past month and weeks to come. I share the experiences of two September road trips, to both the Rocky and Appalachian Mountains! An International Rock & Gem Show, a family wedding three years in the making…exciting adventure, beautiful people, and stunning scenery :)

In this week’s Open Journal, I took some time to reflect on experiences throughout my creative career that have taught me the importance of actively using my voice and trusting inner guidance. I dive into discussion around topics involving professional relationships, communication, and personal empowerment. My hope is to speak to those who are aspiring to create a living through their art, and to encourage them to confidently honor the value of their time and energy.

Over time, I have learned the importance of supporting your outer world to reflect the highest expression of your inner world. And, to allow that to change and evolve over time, as you do. For a very dark and pivotal period of my earlier life, home was not a happy place in the traditional sense. I think this outer environment, at the time, was what motivated me to create a strong sense of home from within. Essentially, a place where I could let my guard down, exhale, listen, create, and be honest with myself. This manifested into many songs, drawings, late night drives, and dreams of travel.

Today, I awoke at sunrise and headed to the banks of Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve, to hang out with the deer and share reflections from the week. In this Open Journal, I talk about new discoveries, engaging with the magic of nature, and generating new growth through embracing what truly lights up your soul.