The Joyful CreativE
The Joyful Creative is a source of inspiration for integrating creativity into your busy life. Whether you're into painting, writing, knitting, music, cooking, or gardening, I firmly believe that nurturing your creative practice is essential for your wellbeing.
Join me as we embark on a journey to reconnect with the creative passions that bring us joy. Together, we'll explore practical and holistic approaches to creativity, uncovering its profound impact on mental health and overall wellbeing. Through insightful discussions and practical tips, I'll help you navigate the challenges that often hinder regular creative expression. Whether you're looking to reignite your creative spark or embark on a new creative journey, The Joyful Creative is here to support and inspire you every step of the way.
Maintaining your creative practice alongside parenting can be challenging on so many levels. In this episode I share tips I wish I knew when I was in the throes of parenthood and finding my way as a creative.
The tips are:
Keep it small.
Get the kids involved!
Have your project ready to go.
Connect with other creative parents.
Seek support
The housework can wait.
Think outside the square.
Be okay with less than perfect.
How often do you allow self judgement to stop you from doing things that bring you joy? In this episode I introduce you to “The Dancing Man” and why I now aspire to be more like him!
So you have the time but not the motivation? Here are 8 tips to get you off the couch, away from the screen and into your studio when you just can’t be bothered. Anyone relate??
In short:
Allow yourself to do the minimum and celebrate those small wins.
Plan a big reward for finishing a project.
Get yourself an accountability partner.
Have inspiration in your environment.
Get physical.
Put down the phone!
Change up your medium.
Start with a simple warmup activity.
Don't let your ego stop you from doing your creative thing!
Lately I've found myself wondering if I should still be performing in a rock band at age 53.
After 35+ years in the biz, am I too old for this? Sometimes my aching body says yes! But more often it's my nasty nagging inner-critic (ego) that says I look too old and it's silly for a woman my age to be prancing around the stage, belting it out like Tina Turner. Nobody told Tina to stop doing it when she was 53 so why should I?
I believe that when your soul calls you to do something creative, it shouldn't matter what age, gender, type you are. Creativity transcends stereotype so just go for it!
I just completed an artwork that is a collaboration between myself and participants and staff at All Abilities Australia. This piece will be auctioned at their upcoming fundraising gala.
In this episode I share the process (what a journey!) and some insights I gained about creativity.
How do you get started if you’re keen to pick up a creative pursuit but don’t know where to start? From online resources to listening to the quiet voice within, I give you some ideas to get you going on your creative journey.
Why Joy? I didn’t call this podcast the JOYFUL Creative for nothing!
Is joy possible or even important in our busy lives, particularly in the world today? Listen in for my musings on joy, how we take a joyful perspective on the not-joyful aspects of our lives and how we can ensure our creative practice brings the joy it is meant to (not be another burdensome item on the to-do-list)
I get it, you’re super busy with life, job, kids, parents, all the things…. and you think “there’s NO WAY I can make my creative practice a regular priority!”
Well, I’ve been there and I can tell you there are ways to help make this a reality and bring the joy and wellbeing benefits of creativity into your life… yes, every day!
Who is this Deborah O'Toole anyway??
In this episode, I introduce myself, talk about my creative background and how I’ve come to where I am now.
In short, I'm a former full time Army vocalist who has always loved visual arts, I’m on a daily creative streak and I’m passionate about spreading the good word about creativity for well being. Oh, and I adore my labradoodle and morning coffee!
Listen in for the long story…