How to Get out of a Creative Rut

There are many reasons or theories why we find ourselves blocked creatively. Sometimes you will need to take action, while other times, you will need to heal the underlying root cause first. In this blog, I will discuss a few reasons why the inspirational flow seems to dry up and then you will learn how to get back into the flow again.

Why are you experiencing a creative block?

Fearful thoughts

Many creative blocks are born within your own mind. Faulty or distorted thinking can throw a wrench into any kind of artistic work.

Your thoughts are powerful. If you believe, you aren’t good enough, have a fear of success or even a fear of visibility, you will struggle with these areas. Cognitive therapy works well to restructure insecure thoughts and create a new reality.

Is trauma at play?

For some, the block may not be in their thoughts but rather a trauma reaction. Trauma re-wires your brain away from the creative process into a protective process of fight, flight or freeze syndrome. In this instance; heal the trauma, heal the creative block.

Are you absorbing other’s energy?

When you spent time with a person who is jealous or insecure of your success, you will be on the receiving end of unsupportive comments or actions. If you are dealing with a person who has a personality disorder, these behaviors can be downright abusive.

The problem occurs when you accept their negative thoughts as true or take their behavior personally. In these instances, your creative energy is vulnerable to becoming blocked. Proper energetic boundaries are needed to deflect other’s negativity and lower energies. As an empath or empathic person, you need to ask; Is this me or someone else’s energy I am absorbing and living out?

What can a creative do?

Don’t think, just do.

For some people, it isn’t important to know why their creativity is blocked but rather to take some form of action. If you are amongst this group, exploring thoughts and feelings aren’t as important as moving forward. You know and trust, you are creative. It will return again through taking the proper steps.

Schedule dates in your calendar to be creative. Creativity just doesn’t happen for some of us, it comes through commitment and work. Make a plan each day to write, sing or paint.

Let it all go!

The more you try to make the writing or art happen, the worse it gets. Do anything else but the creative work. Release any resistance and fear.

Try something brand new or something you haven’t done in a really long time.

When you feel bored or stagnant, creativity suffers. Many people have been feeling as if they have been living in a Groundhog Day movie because of the pandemic. You know, the same routine day in and day out. Even though the restrictions are lifted, it does not mean the energy magically shifts. Try a new creative activity or pull out something you haven’t done in a long time.

Go within.

Listen to the wisdom of your soul. What would make you happy right now? Go and do that. Sit and breathe, allow any and all feelings to surface. Feel them and release them.

Don’t give up.

National bestselling author, Julia Cameron, who wrote, The Artist Way said, “It is through quantity that you find quality.” Write down all your ideas and suspend judgment. You need one really good idea for a concept or for your creativity to take off. Believe, hold hope close to your heart and have faith.

Practice being open.

We have all been through a lot this past year. It is challenging to be open and feel when you have experienced heartache. It is through the state of “being”, ideas flow into your mind and heart. Remember, the best creative works come from our darkest hours. You can help others through the struggles you face.

Get support.

Every successful, happy, and healthy creative seeks out support from others. Psychotherapy sessions, with a licensed professional, work with you to help you heal and uncover hidden motivations, faulty thoughts and trauma. Together, we release patterns that block your growth and creativity.

What causes your creative ruts and how do you get out of them?

Lisa Hutchison LMHC is a licensed psychotherapist and writing coach. She works for caring professionals, who want to prevent or treat compassion fatigue. Her specialty is teaching stress management, assertiveness and boundary setting. Lisa is the Amazon bestselling author of I Fill My Cup: A Journal for Compassionate Helpers and the kindle book Setting Ethical Limits for Caring & Competent Professionals. Get a FREE 10 page E-book; Why Compassionate People Run Out of Energy and What You Can Do About It at http://www.lisahutchison.net

Check out my YouTube Channel: Lisa Hutchison LMHC

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5 Benefits of Slowing Down in Life

“The great benefit of slowing down is reclaiming the time and tranquility to make meaningful connections-with people, with culture, with work, with nature, with our own bodies and minds”- Carl Honore

The coronavirus pandemic forced us all to slow down and some of us chose to re-assess our life. Many worry we will return to our old ways of being. I believe those who are awakened, have come too far to do that. Our consciousness has changed and we will continue to change. There is no going back to the old ways for many of us.

Redefining Slow

Our life has become more deliberate in an effort to slow and stop the spread of COVID-19. We are asked to be more mindful around others by keeping space and wearing a mask. Many people’s work has slowed down.

At this time, I am not teaching at senior centers, having booths at health fairs or expos, and I have not had in person writing, counseling or angel card reading sessions. I have been writing a book and a new training for psychotherapists, while offering phone and video calls. The other part of my time is spent organizing my home, meditating, reading, praying and walking.

Slowing down does not have to be negative. Life is our perception of it. Remember the story of the tortoise and the hare? Slow and steady wins the race. If you choose to be open to the lessons, you can benefit from a slower pace of life.

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1. Learning Patience– You can survive without instant gratification. We have experienced event cancellations this year and even delays in obtaining supplies, such as toilet paper, disinfectant and masks. When you are patient, you see there is enough for us all. Some people have become quite creative; making their own toilet paper, liquid sanitizers and cloth masks. You can learn to tolerate delays, without getting angry or upset. Healing takes time, whether it is within ourselves, others, or your world.
2. Acceptance– Patience and acceptance go hand in hand. Acceptance is the willingness to tolerate a difficult situation. Everything in this world is impermanent. Even the most challenging of situations, changes. When you have the wisdom to know the difference between what you can and cannot change, you find peace.
3. Building Resiliency– Having more alone time can build character. You learn you can handle more than you thought you could. If you can survive this tough situation, you can survive anything.
4. Appreciating What and Who are Essential– Many of us have downsized our life and will continue to do so. You learn what you value most; whether it is stuff in your house, the people you associate with or your family. Your relationship to yourself, others and your things improves.
5. Exercising All Aspects of Yourself- You have the time to move not only your body, but also your mind and spirit. You can choose to walk, read, pray or meditate. While, others have been called to use their voice in peaceful protests.

Lisa Hutchison LMHC is a licensed psychotherapist and writing coach who helps sensitive souls not just survive but shine. She is the Amazon bestselling author of I Fill My Cup: A Journal for Compassionate Helpers and the kindle book Setting Ethical Limits for Caring & Competent Professionals. Get a FREE 10 page E-book; 8 Simple Things That Release Chaos from Your Life Now at http://www.lisahutchison.net

Why Archangel Gabriel is the Best Writer’s Angel

There are many angels and archangels to assist a writer with their creative practice. If you are looking for specialization, Archangel Gabriel is the messenger angel, who works with writers and all communicators. When you write and publish your book, you will also need to market your book. Gabriel can help with every step in this process.

Archangel Gabriel gives motivation, courage, and opportunities to those who feel guided to write. The desire to write is a signal, this is a part of your life purpose. Those who have repetitive thoughts such as, I want to be a writer, are receiving Divine guidance to express heavenly messages through a book, article, blog, or other medium. In some cases, Gabriel will suggest journaling or keeping a diary as a way to open up and receive inspiration. Whatever form your writing takes, the process of putting pen to paper or finger to keyboard is soul stirring.

My personal call

I first received the message to be a writer in 2009, after a thyroid cancer scare. I prayed to God. “What can I do?” I heard, be a writer. I had the surgery to remove half of my thyroid gland and nodule in 2009. When I returned home, I was informed my first article was published. This lead to numerous other magazine publications, my stories being published in soon to be three Chicken Soup for the Soul Books, various #1 international bestselling anthology books, continuing education writings, guest blogging and meditation recordings. In 2019, my first self-published book: I Fill My Cup: A Journal for Compassionate Helpers became an Amazon best seller, in addition to Setting Ethical Limits: For Caring and Competent Professionals kindle book.  I also teach others how to improve their creative writing through various classes and individual coaching sessions.

How will I know I am connecting with Gabriel?

1. You will be drawn to children- This archangel, spoke to Elizabeth and Mother Mary to tell them about the birth of their sons. Gabriel also helps Moms and children. You may find yourself being drawn to children in your family or circle of friends more. Gabriel plants this seed to help children but also connects you with play and laughter. Being carefree and silly, boosts creativity and your mood. This lightheartedness keeps you motivated to write.
2. Seeing or hearing trumpets- Since, Gabriel is the messenger angel, you may see or hear a trumpet. I read a book about Gabriel and visited Prince Edward Island, Canada. As we drove by a cemetery, I was compelled to stop. There were two beautiful Gabriel statues with trumpets.

Some other ways to recognize Gabriel:

Hearing or reading references to Gabriel

Meeting people named Gabriel

A sudden, strong desire to write

Feeling Gabriel is with you

Many artists pray to Gabriel to assist with their creative work

Writers and speakers, work with Gabriel to clearly communicate their message. Gabriel helps with all types of communication. This includes email, texts, the online world, journaling, speaking, publications and writing a memo. I work with Gabriel when I coach or teach writing. You may also find certain publishers and agents, who are open to Gabriel’s energies.

Your sensitivity and creativity are Divine gifts. Nurture your dreams by embracing and expressing these parts of yourself. Ask for spiritual support and you will not only heal yourself but also others.

To further your self-exploration

I highly recommend Archangel Gabriel Oracle Cards, you can purchase this deck on Amazon.com. Each week, I keep a couple of openings available for thirty minute angel card readings through Zoom or by phone, schedule your reading here.

Lisa Hutchison LMHC is an Amazon bestselling author of, I Fill My Cup: A Journal for Compassionate Helpers and Setting Ethical Limits: For Caring and Competent Professionals. She is also a contributor in soon to be three Chicken Soup for the Soul Books. Lisa is a writing coach, who utilizes her publication knowledge, psychotherapy skills and intuition to help writers express themselves through the written word. Ms. Hutchison has been connecting with the angels for over 20 years and is a certified angel card reader. http://www.lisahutchison.net  

4 Easy Ways to Refill Your Cup

How do you recharge and rejuvenate your energies after a long day caring for others? 

I spent many days coming home from work, exhausted on the couch. I would tune out from my hectic day by switching on the TV. Weekends were spent much the same way with the dreaded Sunday afternoon and night thinking, I have to go back to work. I didn’t see a way out of this pattern.

My body began to break down. I became sick and tired physically, mentally and spiritually. I hit my rock bottom with this way of living and decided; enough is enough. I did research, consulted healers, found what depleted my energy and what rejuvenated it. Things began to turn around when I learned how to fill my cup.

1. Become aware

This takes some time and practice, as the society we live in does not support introspection. I recently heard; why are introverts told to speak up yet extroverts are not told to listen more? The point is you cannot change who you are. Whether you are introverted, extroverted or a combination known as ambivert, each energy is needed to create the beautiful world we live in.

Learn what kind of personality you have and become mindful of your present moment. When you witness what is happening within your body and around you, you become empowered to make healthier choices about your energy.

2. Learn how to identify and put your experience into words

Many helpers are outwardly focused on how others feel. Often you ask; what can I do to make you feel better? In order to refill, you need to turn some of that compassionate focus around.

You cannot solve a problem, you cannot name. Sometimes you don’t even know what questions to ask yourself to turn this problem around. I had this issue when I was stuck in the work-fatigue cycle. Start to journal each day, even briefly. This helps you connect within and write out what you are thinking and feeling. You can speak it, but there is a power in seeing your truth in the written word.

3. Plan to protect your energy

As a compassionate helper, it is important to learn how to protect your energies from people, places and situations. There are numerous ways to do this. Once you find what works for you, implement these strategies into your schedule each day.

4. Find ways to maintain your energy

What gives you energy and fuels your passion? Look at what is working in your life. These activities and people will help you rejuvenate your energies.

Lastly, learn about and buy this new Amazon bestseller I Fill My Cup: A Journal for Compassionate Helpers. 

Whether you are feeling disconnected and depleted or are already connected and looking for new ways to increase your energy awareness, this journal provides lots of easy ways to recharge and rejuvenate your energy. Filled with helpful suggestions, writing prompts and space to journal your thoughts, you will generate problem solving for this common issue many helpers face.

Here’s what inside:

How to Use this Journal

The Energy Scale

Are you an Ambivert, Extrovert or Introvert?

Writing Prompts

Plans to Protect or Rejuvenate Your Energy

Ways to Maintain Your Energy

Plus, you get ten to eleven weeks of space to journal and record your observations.

This makes a great gift for friends, family and other loved ones, of course do not forget to include yourself!

BUY yours first and then get one for a friend on Amazon.com

Lisa Hutchison LMHC is the bestselling author of I Fill My Cup: A Journal for Compassionate Helpers, a licensed psychotherapist and writing coach. She specializes in working with professionals who often get drained from their helping efforts, recharge and rejuvenate their energies. Lisa’s psychological advice has been featured in Reader’s Digest and The Huffington Post. http://www.lisahutchison.net

5 Ways Expressive Arts Heal Unexpressed Pain

 “Art can permeate the very deepest part of us, where no words exist.” 
― Eileen Miller, The Girl Who Spoke with Pictures: Autism Through Art

Expressive art therapy combines creativity with psychotherapy. It feels fun, yet is a deep form of healing for people who can’t put their emotional pain into the spoken word. Creative methods help people process post traumatic stress, grief, and terminal or chronic medical conditions. It can help anyone decrease depression and anxiety. Expressive art therapy is most effective when the client has an interest in creativity and you work with a licensed psychotherapist, who has knowledge of expressive art therapy techniques.

What is expressive art?

Expressive art is any type of creative activity (painting, writing, singing, dancing) in which you experience a decrease in symptoms, such as anxiety or depression. Its purpose is to shift emotions, in order to process them. Unlike traditional art, expressive art it is not about making a pretty picture. Although, you can end up with a beautiful piece of art in the end. Here your focus is on the process, not the finished product.

5 Ways Expressive Arts Heal Unexpressed Pain

Art holds a space for transformation to take place. You are in control of how much you express and when. If the process feels too overwhelming, put the art aside. Together, with your therapist, you decide when to re-enter the work. The page, paper or room where art is created, holds the space for you without judgment, as a therapist does in any talk psychotherapy session. This safe place for healing, allows you to open up, connect, and accept the pain inside. When you allow yourself the space and freedom to express creatively, healing takes place no matter what type of art modality you choose.

Relaxes and opens you to new possibilities. Play is important for everyone, not just young kids. Expressive art gives you a chance to have fun and let go. Think back to a time, when you were caught up in the moment of creation. You experienced a sense of timelessness or an expanded sense of time. Afterwards, many of you asked, “Where did the time go?” You returned to this moment, renewed and refreshed. This type of surrendering to spirit is when the most healing happens.

Helps you process terminal and chronic illnesses. It is difficult to connect with emotions when you are in physical pain. No matter how ill you are, you have the power of your imagination. It is common to experience anxiety and depression with any form of illness, including chronic pain. “The Expressive Arts, including painting, sculpture, music, dance, and literature, can bring joy, pleasure, and laughter to patients and staff in medical settings, qualities often in short supply. Making art or hearing music reminds us that no matter how ill or busy we are, we can always tap into the magic of our imagination. This frees patients from being just “the cancer patient in bed 4,” passive with no power, to the person who has cancer who still also has an imagination, a creative spark. This spark can be utilized to tell her story, imagine her healing, aid in her recovery” (Heath, 2005).

Heals Trauma. After a tragic event, people feel overwhelmed. Their nervous system reacts in one of three ways; fight, flight or freeze mode, releasing various stress hormones. When these chemicals don’t reset after a trauma, it changes the actual physical structures in the brain. The good news is with treatment these structures can be restored. Creative arts helps clients who have adversity, process these unspeakable experiences and organize them within the brain. Art helps contain these emotions and break them down into mentally digestible pieces. People find healing by telling their story in a different way, which reduces trauma symptoms.

Contains the Devastation of Grief and Loss. Often after a death, it is difficult to put your experience into words. Art gives you a safe place to express all of your feelings after a loss; whether it is anger, sadness, bargaining, depression, or acceptance. This process is also helpful when facing denial, as it helps you take in a small portion of the pain to work through at a time. There is no judgement with art; no one tells you to get over your loss or move on. Often through art, one not only heals but also finds a way to keep their loved one’s memory alive.

Reference: Creating Connections between Nursing Care and the Creative Arts Therapies: Expanding the Concept of Holistic Care by Carole-Lynne Le Navenec, Laurel Bridges (2005)   Chapter 7 The Spark of Creativity: Expressive Arts in a Hospital Setting by Wende Heath. 

Lisa Hutchison LMHC is a licensed psychotherapist with over fifteen years experience in counseling and nine years of experience using expressive art techniques. She specializes in working with professionals who often get drained from their helping efforts, giving them the tools and support to recharge and rejuvenate their energies. Get her free gift here a 10 page E-book: 8 Simple Things That Release Chaos from Your Life Now!  

Learn How Meditation Makes You a Better Writer

Everyone has a story to tell, but not everyone can tell their story. Writer’s block prevents many people from writing and sharing their stories. You either don’t know where to begin or get hung up in the middle of the writing process. I know how difficult it can be to establish and maintain a consistent writing routine. I have found as a writer and writing coach, one sure-fire way to get the creative juices flowing is to practice meditation.

My story

Meditation has saved my sanity as an empath and writer. It helps me let go of other people’s energy and reconnects me to my soul. Without meditation, I experience writer’s block, feel anxious, depressed and overwhelmed. I am inspired, passionate, and creative, when I slow down, relax the body and release excess energy.

The Benefits of Meditation for Writer’s:

1.) Releases you from the Dreaded Grip of Writer’s Block. Did you know writer’s block develops when your brain is overwhelmed and engulfed by too many ideas? It is the abundance of stimuli, not the lack of ideas at the root of this issue. This excessive input is what causes your brain to freeze and stop.

Writer’s block can also be the result of post traumatic stress. When the brain experiences a traumatic event, it switches into the fight, flight or freeze response. This survival mechanism works great in a life threatening situation. The problem begins when the brain gets stuck in this mode after the trauma has past. When your brain operates from these types of functions, it can not access creativity. If you have this kind of creative block, feel free to practice meditation, as it can help. In order to heal, seek out a trained psychotherapist who has knowledge of expressive arts, writing and post traumatic stress.

A meditation practice will begin to thaw the frozen brain. It allows the racing thoughts to slow down enough for you to consciously choose which ones to focus on. When you identify the individual fear, you can process and let it go. This is when your inspiration will start to flow.

2.) Connects you to Your Inner Voice. Often empathic artists shut down their  connection within as an attempt to cope with an emotionally, chaotic world. The result is an empty page or screen. Instead of being creative, you feel fatigued, irritable and impatient because you have a story inside yearning to be told. It is no fun being a blocked creative.

Meditation decreases overwhelm and increases your coping skills. When the busy thoughts slow down; your mind, body and spirit settles. This allows you to connect deeply within. Listen to your heart and soul. Write down each message you receive and you will be led on your writer’s journey.

3.) Improves your Concentration. When you let go of fear, stress and responsibility, your focus will improve with a meditation practice. You become an observer of your thoughts through the practice of detachment. Mindfulness allows you to experience this present moment. You are not stuck in a fearful future or the regrets of the past. With this clarity, you will establish and achieve your writing goals.

When you are connect within to spirit, listen to your inner voice and practice your writing goals, you become a better writer.

I am honored to have written, recorded and created this MP3 for writers like you.

Are you blocked with your writing or looking for new ways to keep the creative juices flowing? Release those fears and get motivated to write. In The Writer’s Meditation: A Guided Journey to Creativity & Spirit  Lisa Hutchison LMHC helps you open to your creative flow and connect with spirit. Get the tools you need to write easily and effortlessly with each 20 minute journey.

Music: “Temple of Healing Love by Thaddeus.”  Used with permission

Buy your MP3 copy today here: The Writer’s Meditation: A Guided Journey of Creativity & Spirit. 

Now more than ever, compassionate writers like you have a desire to express your authentic voice. Writing helps heal yourself and others. You have a message inside, won’t you share it?

Enjoy this meditation!

Lisa Hutchison LMHC is a licensed psychotherapist, writing coach and a contributing writer for two Chicken Soup for the Soul Books. She teaches creative writing classes throughout Massachusetts, offering in person and by phone writing coaching sessions. Her psychological advice has been featured in Reader’s Digest and The Huffington Post. http://www.lisahutchison.net 

 

Why Angels are Important in the Manifestation Process

Growing up, my Mom told me everyone has a guardian angel. This angel is with you since birth helping you throughout your life. It was 20 years ago, I bought my first angel card oracle deck. I had a tarot deck, animal oracle cards and rune cards yet I preferred my connection to the angels. I found them to be gentle and direct with their guidance, which is the perfect combination for an empath like me. From there, I bought thirteen angel card decks, a mediumship card deck and a goddess oracle card deck.

The angels have helped manifest many goals and intentions. They guided me to release what blocked my progress and where to increase my energy. I have found angels can help with anything, from the mundane areas of life to the most important. Your only limitation is your own mind because any area of life is a possibility for growth. All you have to do is ask!

Here are some specific areas angels help with the manifestation process, remember the list is endless.

1.) Find work you love and live your life’s purpose. When you are uncertain, the angels can show you how to increase your confidence, be more assertive, hone in on your skills and interests. Archangel Michael’s specialty is work and life purpose.

2.) Heal chronic pain and health issues. When you have tried everything you can think of, turn to the angels. Angels give you the hope to try something new in regards to your health whether you are suffering on a mental, physical or spiritual level. They give you gentle guidance to take the next step and improve your well being. Archangel Raphael is a magnificent healer.

3.)  Find your soulmate or the love you desire.  Looking for love? The angels can tell you the areas you need to heal in order to open up and attract a partner. They also give guidance to those who are in established relationships whether it is to bring in more romance and passion or how to let go of a relationship.

4.) Heal Your Grief– The angels give you comfort and help put things into perspective in a time where everything is turned upside down. Often they have connected me and my clients with deceased loved ones (humans and animals) in order to resolve unfinished business.

5.) Children and Creativity- Angels remind you to be lighthearted and to play. They can help you with fertility and pregnancy, through all the years of your child’s development. Archangel Gabriel loves to assist with children and creative writing.

6.) A New Home- Ask for the angels help in finding a new home or selling your current one. They can help with financing to relocation issues. Once you move in, they can assist you in making your house a home.

Lisa Hutchison LMHC is a licensed psychotherapist, certified angel card reader and Divine Channel. With over 15 years experience as a mental health counselor she gives you the encouragement, guidance and support you need to take the next step forward. If you would like an individual reading for angels or mediumship contact Lisa as she offers in person and phone readings all over the world. 

Pick up her FREE gift 8 Simple Things That Release Chaos From Your Life Now! at http://www.lisahutchison.net

 

 

 

 

 

The Liebster Award

 

I have to admit, I have not heard of the Liebster award before today. I am honored to be recognized by a fellow blogger at https://keepahappyheartblog.wordpress.com/  and nominated for it. Thank you Camy!

Here is what I learned from https://theglobalaussie.com/blog/liebster-award-2017/

The Liebster Award 2017 is an award that exists only on the internet, and is given to bloggers by other bloggers. The earliest case of the award goes as far back as 2011. Liebster in German means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome.

I love that Liebster is a German word, you may not know this but a part of my heritage is from Bavaria. I do like the idea of spreading kindness to other bloggers through recognition. The choice is yours whether you chose to nominate others or not and nothing bad will happen to you if you do not. 🙂

To participate:

Acknowledge the blogger who nominated you which is me. Lisa Hutchison LMHC at https://connectingempathichelpersandartiststospirit.wordpress.com

Answer the questions I ask at the bottom of this blog

Nominate blogs you enjoy

Ask them your own questions

Here are the questions I was asked and my answers:

1.When did you start your Blog?

I published my very first blog on April 13, 2015 called  https://connectingempathichelpersandartiststospirit.wordpress.com/2015/04/13/six-simple-steps-for-awesome-angel-readings/

I have never missed a month since, publishing one blog post every month.

 2. Is there a specific reason why choosing WordPress instead of other providers?

When I decided to start blogging I asked my other writing friends which site they blog on. They all recommended WordPress for its ease of use. I have been very happy on the site.

3. Do you write just to inspire others through your Blog, or is there a bigger goal?

My hope is to inspire and educate others by bringing more awareness to compassion and empathy. I believe now more than ever we need sensitive souls to step up and lead. It can be difficult to manage your sensitivity in today’s world this is why I fill each blog with helpful tips.

4. Did you participate in any blogger training? Or, are you planning to?

Nope! I don’t plan to. Interestingly, I did not go to school for writing or take any classes. I teach many writing classes and am a writing coach. I have been told many times that writing is an innate talent for me, I believe they are correct. I allow spirit to work through me.

5. What type of Blog grabs your attention?

I like blogs that inspire me to think differently about myself and others.

6. How do you think is the best way to overcome a writer’s block?

I don’t believe that there is only one way. First you have to become aware of it and then do something different to change that energy.

7. Do you possess any other passion or talent besides writing?

Yes. I also enjoy spirituality, being a counselor and writing coach, traveling, connecting to like-minded others, photography, painting, animals, nature. I could go on and on.

8. Do you believe these Blog Awards can really help writers being discovered?

Anything is possible.

9. When you monitor comments on your Blog, do you allow criticism to be posted?

Yes, as long as it is constructive and not a part of cyber bulling. No trolls are tolerated on my blog.

10. Do you consider writing the best way for self- expression?

Even though writing is one of my passions, I don’t believe writing is the best self- expression for everyone. I worked as an expressive art therapist in a partial hospitalization program. I saw that some people could not read or write and others could not form phrases the way they wanted to.  For them, I would recommend a different creative art; singing, dancing, drawing etc.

And here are my nominees, I realize some of you may have received this award in the past. I want to give a shout out to you and your awesome work!

https://positiveprovocations.com/

http://www.debrareble.com/blog/

http://www.debraoakland.com/blog/

http://susanwilkinghoran.com/blog/

http://www.onesaltykiss.com/

http://healthnutgirl.com/author/rkieffer/

http://innerprosperityacademy.com/blog/

https://respectfocusedtherapy.wordpress.com

https://lorriebowden.com/

https://suedreamwalker.wordpress.com/

If you choose to accept and participate

Here are questions for my nominees:

1. Where do you see yourself (and your blog) in 5 years?
2. How did you choose your blog’s niche?
3. What are three things you cannot blog without?
4. What’s the favorite post that you’ve published? (Link, please!)
5. Describe yourself in three words.
6. What is something you enjoy doing besides blogging?
7. What is one fun fact about you?
8. What is on your list of top 3 destinations?
9. If you could change something in the world what would it be?
10. What advice do you have for other bloggers?

For more information on this award click here http://www.liebsterawards.com/q-a/

3 Ways to Outsmart Creative Saboteurs and Be Successful

Creative saboteurs are sneaky and underhanded due to the subconscious fears they project. Often like the boogeyman in the closet, these fears lose power once faced head on. Whether they appear from your family, a friend or even a colleague, their main goal is to block your progress. The biggest saboteur that I have encountered is within myself.

 

My personal journey

I have been enjoying a great flow of creative success coming off of two bestselling collaborative books, obtaining a contract for a CEU I have written for licensed therapists and hearing that Chicken Soup for the Soul is publishing my story, Focusing on What Have in a second book devoted to Mom’s. In addition, I accepted an opportunity to speak at my women’s business networking group presenting a creative group activity. At first, I was happy and then scared sh*tless. I felt off physically, mentally and emotionally which was different than the normal performance anxiety. To dig deeper and release what I no longer needed, I scheduled a healing session.

During my session, I received the following messages from my angels; “You are doing good and you can do this.” These reassuring statements put me at ease, which allowed me to hear the next message delivered in the form of one word, “saboteur.” That message struck a chord of truth within me. I told this saboteur energy, I know you are trying to protect me but I can do this. After I spoke up and faced this inner demon, I heard snippets of various lyrics all featuring the word “love.” Through this Reiki healing session balancing my energies and my inner awakening, I felt 100 % better!

Let’s look a little deeper at the saboteur energy

The saboteur energy causes disruption when you are experiencing a flow of success. It is based on subconscious fears that we all have within our psyche. Some people turn this energy outward to destroy another person’s success, while others turn it inward to block their own success.

As an empath, you always need to ask is this me or someone else’s energy I am absorbing and living out? Often times it is both and here is why. When you are around a person who is jealous or insecure of your success they speak comments or show behaviors to you that are less than supportive. If you are not protecting your energies and keeping a present moment awareness, you take the ball and run with it, believing these fears and blocking your own success.

What is a creative to do?

1. Awareness– Get to know your inner saboteur and make friends with him or her. Listen and observe how this energy shows up in your life.
2. Acknowledging– When this energy shows up, talk to the fear and thank him or her.
3. Action– Take action to show you can do this! Step into your power and take the next step with confidence and ease.

 

If you get hung up on any step, seek support.

Every successful, happy and healthy creative gets support from others. Healing sessions are wonderful for releasing old patterns as you grow as I have demonstrated in this piece. Psychotherapy sessions are essential for uncovering hidden motivations such as the saboteur and bringing them to light.

 

More about Lisa: Lisa Hutchison is a licensed mental health counselor with over 14 years of experience offering therapy sessions in person and by phone. As an international bestselling author, she understands the ups and downs of the creative life and will show you specific ways to get you unstuck. As a certified angel card reader she channels the angels messages to help you move forward in clear, gentle ways. http://www.lisahutchison.net

 

Welcome!

I love sharing information for empathic helpers & artists to inspire, motivate and heal.  I write about compassionate helpers in order to help sensitive souls not just survive but shine. I do this because I believe the world needs your sensitivity now more than ever. I would love to see your comments and please feel free to share any blog that resonates with you.

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Many Blessings!
Lisa