Stop Living on Autopilot — Wild, Free & Joyful — Susan Hensley | Ep 152

In this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I sit down with Susan Hensley, a transformational coach and author, whose mantra "wild, free, and filled with joy" became her guiding light during one of life's most uncertain seasons. Susan opens up about the pressures she faced as a global HR executive during the pandemic and how art journaling helped her turn fear and anxiety into creativity and self-expression. We dive deep into the power of art journaling—not just as an artistic outlet, but as a playful, private, and healing tool for processing difficult emotions. Susan shares her journey of trading a high-stress corporate life for one filled with curiosity, spontaneity, and service, showing how the meaning of her mantra has evolved from grand adventures to everyday acts of kindness and presence. Listeners will walk away inspired to embrace small moments of play, tap into their creative side, and discover new ways to navigate life’s transitions with more resilience, purpose, and joy.Connect With Susan HensleyWebsite: https://susan-hensley.comBook (Art for Your Sanity)If Relatable Wisdom speaks to you—if a quote shared makes you pause, smile, or see things differently—consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a minute, leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday voices and the wisdom they carry. Your support means the world.Every episode has more to it than what you hear. Join the Relatable Wisdom newsletter to get thoughtful reflections, behind-the-scenes extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a calm space to stay inspired between listens.Sign up here: https://relatablewisdom.com/joinIf the quotes and stories you hear here offer you comfort, clarity, or connection, you can help support the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every small contribution helps keep these everyday voices and shared wisdom going strong.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhqWant to be a guest on Relatable Wisdom? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/relatablewisdomChapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:38 Meet Susan Hensley00:51 The Mantra: Wild, Free, and Filled With Joy01:55 Discovering Art Journaling03:28 How the Mantra’s Meaning Evolved04:08 Life Changes and Bold Adventures04:55 Service, Spontaneity, and Everyday Joy05:44 Art Journaling for Life Transitions06:20 What Is Art Journaling?07:53 How Art Journaling Connects to the Mantra08:56 The Power of Play and Curiosity10:20 Art Journaling Before the Mantra12:07 Introducing "Art For Your Sanity"14:17 A Simple Practice Listeners Can Try16:28 The Role of Joy and Playfulness in Healing19:02 Is Joy Escaping or Empowering?21:03 How the Mantra Reshaped Susan’s Life23:33 Spontaneity, Presence, and Everyday Kindness25:06 Wild, Free, and Awake—Right Now25:18 What Readers Will Find in the Book26:12 Where to Find Susan Hensley26:53 Closing and Takeaways