What it Means to Embrace Vulnerability and Hard Work

Allow me to introduce you to Lindsey Kane Leaverton, a single mom, wealth manager, singer-songwriter, and author of the delightfully unconventional "Not Another Self Help Book". Sounds intense, right? Well, buckle up, because Lindsey’s story is a masterclass in crafting beauty from chaos.

Embracing Humble Beginnings and Vulnerabilities

Like many of us creative types, Lindsey didn’t start life in a cozy cocoon of success. No silk pajamas here, folks. This episode dives into the power of embracing those rocky, humble beginnings. Lindsey emphasizes that the scars and battle wounds of our past aren't things to be hidden away. Instead, they are what give depth to our work and substance to our stories.

So how do we embrace our beginnings? The key word here is vulnerability. Be open about your struggles, your anxieties, and your missteps. Lindsey’s openness about her sexual orientation and personality traits resonates with so many who’ve walked similar paths.

Actionable Steps:

1. Start a journal. Write about your past and how it shaped who you are today.

2. Share your story with someone you trust. Vulnerability breeds connection.

The Value of Hard Work and Dedication

Speaking of hard work, Lindsey doesn’t sugarcoat the grit required to create something meaningful. Dedication is the secret sauce, and she’s got a pantry stocked to the brim. Iterating, revising, taking those endless drafts and making something extraordinary—that’s the magic.

Lindsey’s creative process for writing her book was intense, involving long hours, deep dives into personal experiences, and constant rewrites. If you’re not willing to put in the work, you might as well pack up your art supplies and go home.

Actionable Steps:

1. Set a dedicated time each day for your creative work.

2. Don’t be afraid to scrap and start over. First drafts are meant to be rough.

The Right People: Your Tribe

Finding the right people to celebrate and accept you is vital. Lindsey stresses surrounding yourself with folks who understand and uplift you. Think of them as your personal cheerleading squad, minus the pom-poms (unless they’re into that).

She’s leveled up her life by finding her tribe, and she encourages everyone to do the same. Whether it’s through social media, local groups, or creative communities, find those who get you.

Actionable Steps:

1. Join a creative community, online or offline.

2. Attend local events related to your creative interests.

Self-Care: It’s Not Just Bubble Baths

Now, onto something we all love to neglect: self-care. Lindsey shared her practices that help keep the creative juices flowing. She spends time on her back porch, meditates, writes lyrics, and even listens to stand-up comedy for inspiration.

Yes, spending time in self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and face masks (although, who doesn’t love a good bath?). It’s about finding activities that rejuvenate you and give you mental space.

Actionable Steps:

1. Dedicate time each week to a relaxing activity that brings you joy.

2. Incorporate humor into your routine. Laugh. A lot.

Creativity as a Lifeline

For Lindsey, creativity isn’t just an outlet; it’s her lifeline. Whether it’s using her problem-solving skills in her professional life or finding ways to balance family logistics, creativity permeates everything she does. This episode really drives home that creative expression is indispensable for navigating life's challenges.

Actionable Steps:

1. Identify an area in your life where you can incorporate more creativity.

2. Use creative outlets to process emotional hardships. Try drawing, painting, or writing your thoughts down.

Versatility: Left-Brain Meets Right-Brain

Lindsey’s ability to combine left-brain and right-brain thinking is a superpower in her field. From financial strategies to writing poignant lyrics, she has learned to embrace both sides of her brain to create a harmonious life.

If you’re one of those people who think they need to choose between creativity and practicality, think again. Lindsey’s example teaches us that embracing both aspects can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

Actionable Steps:

1. Work on a project that requires both analytical and creative thinking.

2. Embrace your unique approach, even if it seems unconventional.

Final Words

Lindsey’s journey from humble beginnings to finding her tribe and balancing creativity with practicality offers valuable lessons for all of us. Remember, your story, struggles, and the hard work you put in can craft something beautiful. So, pick up that pen, brush, or guitar, and start creating.

After all, the world needs your unique brand of magic.

Actionable Steps Recap:

- Start a journal.

- Share your story.

- Dedicate time for your creative work.

- Find and join creative communities.

- Implement regular self-care activities.

- Use creativity to process emotions.

- Embrace both analytical and creative thinking.

So, what’s stopping you? Your creative journey awaits—take that first step today.

Listen to episode 234 of Creative Chats for my conversation with Lindsey Kane Leaverton.

Unleashing hidden potential through self-acceptance and inner work

Unhook Yourself from Negativity

You've heard the jargon: mindset, energy, vibration. But what does it really mean to "shift your energy"? According to my latest conversation with Calvin Correli—a guy who was literally strangled at birth and survived—this isn't just woo-woo nonsense. It's about transitioning into a state where the trivial dramas of life don't drag you down. Imagine drowning in emails, but somehow still swimming effortlessly, like some sort of office Michael Phelps. What if I told you, shifting your energy can get you there?

Calvin's journey started with unhooking himself from those nasty past experiences like getting bullied at school. Yep, school sucks for a lot of us, but you don’t have to let it define your future. Here’s how you can start:

1. Identify Your Triggers: Write down the thoughts that haunt you. Trust me, treating a journal like your therapist can work wonders.

2. Counter Your Inner Critic: Catch yourself in the act of negative self-talk and replace it with something kinder.

3. Visualize Your Higher Self: Picture a version of you that laughs in the face of your current problems. What does their day look like?

Embrace Your True Self

Let’s cut the BS—self-acceptance isn’t some kumbaya mantra you chant while holding crystals. It’s about looking in the mirror and not wincing. Calvin realized something sustainability-minded: you are your longest commitment. So why waste time criticizing yourself?

He emphasized the significance of embracing who you are. After all, if you can’t stand yourself, why should anyone else? Here’s how to put his words into action:

1. Daily Affirmations: Write a list of things you love about yourself. No, it’s not narcissism; it’s survival.

2. Surround Yourself with Positivity: Remove or limit interactions with energy vampires.

3. Celebrate Small Wins: Did you finally finish that ghastly report? Treat yourself. Your brain will thank you.

Business & Spirituality: A Match Made in Heaven

Calvin believes mixing business with spirituality is like adding peanut butter to chocolate—unconventional but heavenly. Entrepreneurs, in his view, can solve societal problems better when they fix their own mess first. He walks the talk by blending his entrepreneurial pursuits with spiritual growth, believing that business challenges often mirror personal hurdles.

If you’re an entrepreneur, here's a cheat sheet:

1. Align with Your Purpose: Make sure your business goals reflect your personal values.

2. Regular Self-Checks: Monitor both your emotional and business health. They’re more connected than you think.

3. Community Over Competition: Collaborate with others who share your holistic vision.

Injecting Joy & Love into Work

Calvin underscores the endearing importance of infusing love, joy, and a tiny bit of crazy into your work. Trust me, dry, impersonal work environments are passé—like fax machines and Blockbuster. He shared a moving story about reconnecting with his elementary school teacher, exemplifying the long-lasting impact of personal connections.

Want to bring some emotional zest into your professional life? Start here:

1. Personalize Your Workspace: Family photos, quirky desk toys, whatever floats your boat.

2. Express Appreciation: Ever thanked a colleague for their awesomeness? Do it.

3. Stay Playful: Find joy in what you do daily. Like Calvin did, maybe it's integrating something fun like a quirky team tradition.

Feeling Enough As You Are

Ah, the elusive quest for "enoughness." According to Calvin, always chasing external validation is like running on a hamster wheel. Sure, it burns calories, but it gets you nowhere. He emphasizes feeling "enough" and "complete" now—in this very moment.

Take these steps to slow down that darn wheel:

1. Mindfulness Practice: Five minutes of just being present can do wonders.

2. Gratitude Rituals: Start or end your day listing things you’re grateful for.

3. Enjoy the Journey: Learn to take pleasure in the process, not just the outcomes.

Transform Through Inner Work

To tie it all up, Calvin’s ultimate takeaway is that transformation isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder—it’s about getting off it and planting your own tree. Yes, you heard me. Radical, but effective. Addressing internal struggles and rewriting your personal narrative can lead to a life that’s rich in far more than monetary terms.

So what’s your next move?

1. Dive Deep: Reflect on your life’s purpose.

2. Find Your Tribe: Connect with like-minded individuals who encourage personal and spiritual growth.

3. Start Small: Make minor, manageable tweaks and enjoy the shifts in your experience.

Remember, the power to conquer your self-doubts and elevate your energy lies within. So, go on—embrace your higher self, mix in a dash of spirituality, and, for heaven's sake, shower your work with love and joy. Life’s too short for anything else.

Listen to my conversation with Calvin Correli on Creative Chats episode 236.