(Not Quite) Losing It Podcast

Our expectations for ourselves need to take into account to the real constraints of our current season of life. At the same time, if we wait until “things calm down” to start prioritizing our creative selves… it might never happen. So where does that leave us? Basically, we argue that it’s going to look different at different stages of life, but no matter how busy you are, you can find ways to affirm and stretch your creative spirit. We offer practical, low-effort ways to intentionally preserve that part of yourself. Even if you don’t have time to make art, you can be training your artist’s eye. Leave snack: Choose at least one day this week to be intentionally observant — look for one art-worthy moment, sight, interaction, experience.Capture it quickly: write it down, voice-memo it, or text a friend.Bonus: Spend five minutes with it — doodle it, write about it, or express it in any form that feels natural. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit notquitelosingit.substack.com

In this episode, we decide that tying success to external outcomes like wealth or fame is a recipe for unhappiness. We discuss what our goals should look like in general, what kind of guidelines we should set for ourselves, and discuss our own specific goals. The homework for this week is to think about and write down specific, attainable goals for your own creative endeavors. Good-Fight Spotlight: Check out Hannah Miller’s embroidery on instagramCheck back later this week for some goal-setting worksheets/templates/resources. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit notquitelosingit.substack.com

In this episode, we discuss the idea that while most folks can run, at least a little bit, not everyone considers themselves a runner. How does this compare to creativity? Do you have to be “successful” at some kind of art form to consider yourself an artist or a Creative (with a capital C)? Homework: Make a list of ways you’ve used your smart brain to make things better. Consider how you’ve already woven creativity into your life. You’re probably doing it more than you think. Extra credit: Share some of that list here in the comments here so other folks can be inspired! Double Extra Credit: Go buy Brynn’s book. Triple Extra credit: Find out if Publix will give the moms a free cookie, too. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit notquitelosingit.substack.com

Brynn brings us an article that examines the important role of creativity in mental health: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/06/tchaikovsky-cure-anxiety-creativity/678786/The three of us definitely agree with the importance of having those creative outlets, but lament how hard it is to prioritize that when there are so many other demands on our time. Homework: Reconnect with your creative self. What would you like to be doing creatively? If it’s been a while since you’ve had a chance to nurture that part of yourself, think back about the last time you enjoyed a creative activity. Or what kind of project could you get excited about, if you had sufficient time, materials, and childcare? Journal about it, tell a friend, or post it here! We genuinely care about your creative ambitions and want to encourage you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit notquitelosingit.substack.com

Get to know your hosts! Hear a little about the wild weeks we had leading up to our first recording, then around 14 minutes, we jump into what brought us together and what we hope to accomplish. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit notquitelosingit.substack.com