Creativity Is a Survival Skill: Guest Urmila Menon on Art, Journaling & Emotional Wellness

In this lively episode of Building a Creative Life, I’m joined by visual storyteller and creative wellness educator Urmila Menon, whose work bridges art, mental health, and empowerment. From her transition out of the corporate world to founding the Creative Wellness Project, Urmila shares how journaling, mindful creativity, and community can become essential tools for navigating change. This conversation is both practical and uplifting, filled with personal stories and grounded ways to reconnect with your creative voice - especially when life feels uncertain.Key Takeaways:* Creativity is essential for self-expression and emotional wellness.* Creative journaling can serve as a powerful tool for personal reflection and healing.* Engaging in creative play can help sustain one's creative energy.About Urmila:Urmila Menon is a Hong Kong-based visual storyteller, artist, educator, and creativity coach who uses her vibrant creativity to inspire connection, awareness, and well-being. With a background spanning corporate experience, education, writing, and artistry, she blends storytelling, wellness, and advocacy to empower others. As the founder of the Creative Wellness Project, Urmila champions the transformative power of art for personal growth and mental health, while also organizing impactful art fundraisers for social causes-featured in the South China Morning Post . Her work has been exhibited globally, from London, Australia, and India to Hong Kong. Through creativity workshops, Substack articles, and YouTube content, she inspires others to be mindful, indulge in the art of noticing, and unlock their creative potential to build resilience.Where to find her:https://www.youtube.com/@urmilamenon21https://substack.com/@urmilamenonhttps://www.instagram.com/urmimenon/?hl=enAbout Pam Vale (host):Artist, Author & Creative CheerleaderPam is a seasoned artist and creative instructor with almost 40 years of professional experience. Inspired by her father, renowned singer Jerry Vale, she's dedicated to redefining what creativity is.Pam has spent years as a licensing artist, writer, and creative problem-solver. But the most important thing she's learned? Creativity isn’t something you need to earn - it’s something you already have.Her favorite work now is about helping others, especially women in midlife who think they are not creative, find their creativity.Subscribe now (for free or paid) so that you don’t miss an inspiring conversation, insightful newsletter or helpful creative tool!Click her to subscribe:You Are Creativewww.pamvale.com Get full access to You Are Creative at pamvale.substack.com/subscribe