FAQ - Interview with Renee
How long have you been doing what you do and how did you become a‘Creativity Calms’ Inspirer?
To answer this question, it’s probably best that I share with you a defining moment and resulting “compelling story” that brought me to where I am today, inspiring you, on how to easily use creativity to calm your mind, ignite your joy and savor your life.
That defining moment in my life happened in August of 2009.
I became a Mom!
Before becoming a mom, I spent the majority of my life, especially during my mid-20s, extremely focused on my fears and worries, which led me to living my days filled with anxiety. Some days, it was so bad that I had to run out of stores because I couldn't handle all the "stuff" in the store and my anxiety mind would skyrocket.
And, creativity, ha! I always told myself and others that, "I AM NOT CREATIVE!"
To better myself, I thought constantly filling my mind up with “head spinning” nutrition information on how to eat right and exercise was my answer to reducing my stress and living a better life, because I refused to take medication for it. My anxiety did calm, but my stress was still winning the show.
When I became an elementary school teacher, my stress skyrocketed even more, which led me to become a Certified Holistic Health Coach at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City. I was super excited to help others eat more wholesome and nutritious foods to better themselves, but mainly, I was even more excited to help them lessen their stress by adding in more self-care to their lives (I LOVE SELF-CARE!).
But, after having my daughter, I began to notice some internal shifts occurring.
One day, while grocery shopping with my daughter, I looked down at my cart that was filled with wholesome, organic foods.
I thought to myself, “I eat this food every day. Every week. Every month. I'm even a hostess home to a local farmer and have a refrigerator filled with the best local meats I could ever get my hands on. I cook almost all my food from scratch. You’d think I’d be bouncing off the walls with natural energy, but I’m not. I’m tired. I'm exhausted. And I have no desire to do anything fun."
I looked at my daughter, who was upbeat, happy and loving life and then it hit me, “I’m spending way too much of my life, in my head, concerned and focused on food. Eat this. Not that. I’m not in the present moment. I'm not loving life in a way that I should be. I’m not filling my life up with what I truly love and I'm not focused on all the JOY that's currently in my life right now. It’s my thoughts. NOT the food. I don’t want to model this heavily, saturated, one-sided view of food to my daughter. I don’t want her to head to be filled with “spinning” thoughts on food like mine is and has been. I want her to grow up focusing only on what she loves, what she has passion for and what brings her joy!"
In that moment, I became more aware that my thoughts were still out of control, even though I ate the healthiest foods on the planet and exercised as much as my “mommy” time would allow.
I was gaining weight, hating military life (not my military man, just all the military moves), fearing food that wasn’t organic, stuck in rut with what my passions are beyond motherhood and I was pushing my “me time” further and further down on my to-do list, which had me feeling nowhere near calm.
At that very moment, I knew healthy living and feeling more calm was way more than just saturating my mind with nutrients of food and drowning in sweat on the treadmill.
But, I didn’t REALLY realize it until I honored my inner creative itch that had been calling out to me (for years) during my pregnancy with my daughter.
Before that moment in the grocery store, and a few months into my pregnancy, I rediscovered my love for photography and I immersed myself in it as much as I could. At the same time, I was having doubts about focusing so much on food, in a "good" and "bad" way, but wasn’t sure what that meant for me.
I continued on with embracing my love for my camera, all while still viewing food in a heavily, one-sided, health related way, but my inner creative itch was still calling out for more.
It was craving something along the lines of coloring with my hands. I had no idea WHY this inner need to color was calling out to me, but I listened and began to research online art journaling classes.
I thought, “Yes! I want to learn more about this. This feels right.” Even though I still thought, “I AM NOT CREATIVE!”
But, after signing up, I felt it was way over my head because I never, ever thought I was creative “artist” material AND the materials were causing me to FEEL even more stress because I had NO idea what they were and I add no desire to add something else to “figure out” on my already, filled to the max, mama to-do list.
Then by chance, I came across Whitney Freya and her Creatively Fit Programs. The second I heard her speak on left and right brain thinking, BIG aha’s exploded like fireworks right before my eyes.
I had been living my life “thinking” in very left-brain, dominated way. Full of overwhelm, trying to “figure out” how to be an adult and a mom, stress, worry, anxiety, my inner voice was craving more right brain, be in the moment, calming thoughts and joyful activities.
For years, I had tried everything to calm my thoughts; yoga, mediation, Chinese balls, walks in nature, jogging, dancing.
My body loved it, but my left-brain chatter (worry, to-do list, eat this, not that) was still taking over.
And that’s when it hit me even more.
I thought, “Even though I’m a health coach and have loads of nutrition information behind me, I’m still trying to figure out HOW to eat right and exercise right with the all the conflicting nutrition information that comes out daily AND on top of that, I’m still trying to figure out how to keep up with life. How to reconnect with my true passions. How to keep money flowing in for bills. How to stay grounded while being a military wife and moving every 3 to 4 years. How to be the best mom, wife, daughter, friend. How to get meals on the table day in and day out. How to thrive instead of survive adulthood, and most importantly, how to take better care of myself and add more “me” time into my overwhelming and stressful days. Because life is not going to get any slower...not for a very, long time."
And at that very moment, I made the commitment to immerse myself in absolutely everything that had to do with calming my mind with creativity and right brain activities, because I knew I needed and wanted to BE a more calm, happy and present mom to my kids, my husband and my life.
I took Whitney’s courses and signed up to become one of her Creatively Fit Coaches so I could share all of this creative amazingness that was bringing me back my calm, happy, passionate and present self with others. I read every book and Internet article I could find on left and right brain thinking. I even went back through all my nutrition information that I’ve learned and realized how this IS the missing link that I’ve been searching all these years for.
And, most importantly, I became a daily doodler. Something I never, ever thought I’d do (because, ya know, I’m not creative, right!? And, I’m not a kindergartner anymore, right!? I’m an adult with lots of adult responsibilities, right!?).
But, lo and behold, I learned how to calm my thoughts with daily creativity that involved crayons, colored pencils, markers, paint and photos, in which I just played like a kid again, no rules, just fun, which resulted in me feeling more calm. Being in the present moment. Connecting to everything I used to love before motherhood. Finding my passions. Connecting with new passions. Feeling kid-like JOY again. Viewing the world with more positive and loving thoughts than negative, complaining and judgmental ones. Balancing out my heavily, saturated, one-sided thoughts of food. Connecting and staying connected to my own inner wisdom, instead of the overwhelming, external one’s (because you know, I am the expert of my life). Making decisions based on how I feel, rather than how I think. And, living more like the calm, happy and present mom that I want to BE.
During all of these shifts, I even found ways to add in consistent daily “me” time; yoga, mediation, walks in nature, eating foods I love (no food is OFF limits anymore!), writing my daily gratitudes and joy, reading romance novels, journaling, live music, dancing, sitting still, doodling, painting, taking pictures, savoring my kids and husband (even if it's only for a few minutes), which has resulted in more energy, more passion, more fun and more relaxation in my life, all while taking care of myself, my two kiddos, my husband and our constant "moving” lifestyle.
But, most of all, not only was I staying even more connected to my LOVE for photography, but I was also falling in love with just how important it is to keep creativity alive and nourished in not only my life, but my kids lives as well and I was now believing, 100%, that "I AM CREATIVE!"
I'm not always calm and joyful. In fact, everyday, I still have many moments that leave me feeling like a FRAZZLED and bad mom. Except now, after going through my creative journey, I see it as a sign to slow down, as a reminder to tap into my right brain more (because I haven’t been!) and that’t I’ll always be a "work in progress” because I'll never be free or healed from the stressors of life, I'm just able to handle those stressors more calmly and embrace them with more ease than I ever have before thanks to mindless-creativity.
And because of that…
I’m on a mission to keep myself AND busy and stressed-out moms (who are like me!) inspired to easily use mindless-creativity to help us FEEL more calm, happy, relaxed, rejuvenated, patient, joyful, passionate and present, so when our kids are all grown up, we’ll look back with NO regrets, because even through all the ups and downs parenting provides, we'll know, in our hearts, that we took the time to (creatively!) slow down, to BE present, and to SAVOR (fully enjOY!) it all.
Because, you can't savor (fully enjoy!) your kids, your family or your life, when your mind is running five miles ahead or behind the present moment.
Now this, I know for sure! I'm SO thankful I went on this path when I did, because I now live my life anxiety free (I never needed meds!) and I'm way more focused on all the JOYS and LOVES and the HAPPY and BEAUTY that fills my life every single day, rather than all the stress, fear and worry (that are needed at times, but aren't meant to be focused on as much as I was) that my mind can tend to stay focused on.
Sure, those left-brain, worrisome thoughts creep back in, but when I'm at Chuck E Cheese with my kids, or at any other place that is extremely fast paced, I always give thanks for my path, because if I had my kids in my late 20s, I would've been running out of there as fast as I could, because my mind couldn't handle all the stimulation, which would of had me missing out on all the JOY that fills my kids hearts when they're in there, which would then, have them asking my husband, "Where did Mommy go?" and them being upset because "she's gone again" (all while still making sure we are all eating a 100% organic foods at every meal and exercising our hearts out and living a very fast paced life).
It brings tears to my eyes knowing how far I've come, all because, I became a mom and creativity (right brain activities!) found me. I now live my life in a way that I never thought was possible back then...in a way that is filled with more ease, more calm, more joy, more fun and most of all, more slow, so I can BE present and SAVOR all the JOYous moments that light me up with love and with the people who matter most to my heart, which is...my husband, my kids and my life!
I'll always have a big heart full of gratitude for this. Always! Because there's nothing more important to me than living slow so I can BE present and fully enjoy everyone I love and all the love that surrounds me. Love is ALWAYS there, we just have to slow down to SEE it and FEEL it.
What is a ‘Creativity Calms’ Inspirer?
As a Creativity Calms Inspirer, it’s my job to guide you with easy, step-by-step, mindless-creative activity recommendations that are geared toward helping you live a more calm, creative and energized (busy!) life. I inspire you to use doodles, doodle painting and photography to help melt away the stress of the day. Instead of providing you with way-over-your-head arts and crafts activities, I’ll be educating you on what I've learned and done for myself on how to feel calm and nourish myself with balanced thinking around creativity and self-care. I provide fabulous tips and tools to help you reconnect with your inner, creative self again (because everyone IS creative), all while helping you easily de-stress from the day. I make it fun to nourish yourself by offering a creative and colorful approach to wellness.
Because I’m going to “cheer” you on while you move toward a more calm mama lifestyle, I’ll also provide you with the highest level of support. By doing this, I’ll help you make a plan geared only toward the changes you want in your life. These changes will be unique and will not be “general” because everyone is different. Because of this, the recommendations I’ll be providing will be based on your individual needs. I’ll keep you accountable while being gentle and positive.
Do you find yourself saying that you just need more time for yourself so you can recharge and be a better mom to your kiddos? Have you ever thought that you’re just not creative, even though something creative is calling out to you, but you don’t know what it is, so you just gave up and went on with your life while leaving creativity to the “creative’s”?
I’ve definitely been there, and I know what it’s like. I’ve figured out how to have success with a completely different approach that doesn’t include “I’m NOT creative” thoughts or putting myself last on the to-do list.
My clients are able to make lifestyle changes that will last because we break creativity and mindset related activities down into small, manageable steps. All the steps build on one another to create a bigger picture of what we are trying to achieve. If you get stuck or don’t follow-through on a recommendation, that’s OK! I’ll gently support you. We will problem solve and work though your challenges and barriers together.
How are you different from a trained Creative Coach?
A Creative Coach is trained to help people who have creative projects that are unfinished, being worked on but are being pushed behind because they’re working another job that doesn’t fulfill them to pay the bills, have huge creative projects and dreams that they want to share with the world but are full of doubt and fear to get them out there, or have achieved success in the creative world but are struggling with what to do next. The creative information I provide doesn’t replace the advice from a Creative Coach.
If you consider yourself creative already and are working on projects and want to get them out into the world, I encourage you to connect with a Creative Coach. But I have to tell ya, my work can definitely help people who already consider themselves creative and want to share it with the world confidently, but my work is also for those who have never thought they had any creative sparks in them and for some reason are having a creative calling and don’t know what it is or how to even start.
The reason why my work can help creative’s and those who think they aren’t creative is that I use creativity as a mindless, slow down activity. I use it as an activity that helps you take a break from the hectic pace of the world, the external messages that fill our heads way too much and to finally connect within and melt away the worry, fear, doubt and stress of the day.
I’m a Creatively Fit Coach, meaning I’m going to help you calm those overly used left brain, overwhelming "to-do" list thoughts with adding in more right brain, creative activity to help balance and energize your thinking and the way you do life.
Why will coloring and painting like a kid again ignite my joy?
Because when you give your left-brain a break with a right brain, hands-on activity, such as doodling or doodle painting, any stuck or foggy feelings you have on what brings you joy, what you love and what you're passionate about, will start to lift and before you know it, you're feeling uplifted, rejuvenated and happy again. You'll connect with your inner, kid-like joy, that truly never goes away. It's always there, just waiting for you to tap into it again.
It's great to journal and answer questions that can have you tap into your joy, but when you set all writing materials down and you put down your phone or any material that you're reading on "how to" figure out something, and then you put a crayon or a paint brush on a blank sheet of paper, that's when the JOY magic happens. You start to focus on the present moment, the colors, the soothing way the crayon and brush move on the paper, and then your mind calms with trying "figure out" how to do things and then, before you know, you're remembering colors you used to love and you start connecting with ideas on what else you color or paint, which then, connects you even more to doing things you love when you're done and back out, living in the very, fast paced, left-brain world.
Your intuitive, right brain, voice starts to come out and play more. The voice that gets buried and hard to hear because the left-brain, the to-dos, the judgements, the keep us safe, voice gets all the attention. And, yes, our left-brain voice needs to be here, but it needs to be balanced with our right brain voice, too. The voice that, right now, in our society, is very, very deficient of.
Ever watch a child, especially a toddler, just play with paint? They're not trying to paint a picture to look exactly how a tree is supposed to look, they're just in the moment, trying out all different colors, painting on the white, with no fear, until the paint gets all mixed together and turns brown. Ever see them go up to that white paper and say, "I can't do it?" Nope, because it's FUN and it brings them JOY, and that's exactly what will happen again for you. Because, believe me, you were that toddler once, having no fear of playing with color and paint on a white, blank page, and you had no fear of sharing and showing your creation with others.
The more you creatively play, like you did as a kid, again, no rules, no certain outcomes, just for fun, the more you start to reconnect and connect to everything you love, everything you're passionate about and everything that brings you joy. And, the more confident you become to share your creative talents with others.
You'll find yourself taking more consistent action to keep your life filled with all things you love, because you'll start to connect with the FEELING that your JOY brings you, so you'll know that it's a must to keep that JOY alive and nourished in your life, because it's that JOY that's helping you BE the calm, happy and present mom you wanna BE.
When mom is happy and full of joy, everyone is happy and full of joy, right!? And, not to mention, when you do this for yourself, you'll now have the tools to help your kids stay connected to their creative joy well into their adult lives, too.
Once the mind calms with mindless, creative fun, inner JOY sparks ignite like no other. It's amazing and powerful stuff.
Why do you doodle uplifting 'word' doodles?
Because I'm a busy mom to two little kiddos, I don't have a lot of time to sit and doodle paint, even though I crave more time to do this, but, for now, in my season of motherhood, I've learned how to creatively calm my mind with just a few minutes here and there, through out the day.
I've also learned what "minimal" materials I can use that won't have my kids run over to try and grab out of my hand so they can have a try at it, which, has helped greatly, in helping me to be able to sit down and creatively calm my mind for a few minutes or so while they're happily playing or having a snack.
But, the real reason why I doodle uplifting 'word' doodles is because my mind can get stuck and stay stuck in negative thinking. And because of that, I've always been drawn to affirmations. But, I always struggled with saying them over and over in my head. When I started to color and doodle paint like a kid again, and my left-brain "how to" thoughts started to calm, I started to get intuitive hits from within to doodle words, like affirmations, to calm my mind.
My first word was the word calm, and I loved how it was helping me to FEEL more calm while I doodled it. Then, after I was done, and I was back being a busy mom, I noticed that I was seeing, in my mind, the calm word I had doodled. I'm very visual, and I knew this was the reason why this was happening. So, during a crazy, meltdown, kiddo moment, I'd see a flash from within, the world calm that I doodled.
From that point on, I was hooked. I never said to myself, "I wanna doodle uplifting words!" when I first started creatively, calming my mind. It came through to me one day, while I was coloring. That's the power of putting the self-help books, phones, laptops, articles and all the left-brain "how to's" away and picking up crayons, markers, paint and paint brushes instead. You never know what'll come through when you let your right brain come out and play.
So for me, when my day gets crazy, it's oh so calming for me to grab my super sharpie marker and my notebook and sit down for a minute to doodle an uplifting word. Tracing over the word over and over again is what brings me my ultimate mind calm, something, yet again, I connected with once I got my creative, kid calm on again.
The more I sat to doodle uplifting words, the more I connected with how doodling one, two or three uplifting words stuck in my head more, instead of a long affirmation sentence or a long, positive quote. Because I noticed that I was saying these shorter words over and over more in my head, something that I had spent years trying to do. It's amazing what intuitive hits that will nourish your soul come through when you start playing with color again, like you did when you were a kid.
It may be the same as mine, but I guarantee, it'll be something that works beautifully, just for you (it's different for everyone!). You just have to calm your left brain with some right brain, creative fun, for your intuitive hits that'll calm you, and only you, to come through. Playing with color like a kid again is just the door opener.
And, the coolest part for me, now, is that I never have to go searching for uplifting words anymore. Every day words just come to me.
Mindless, creative fun...it keeps you uplifted and thinking higher thoughts, and that's the exact reason why I'm here, sharing it with you. It's too easy to stay in negative thinking, but when you get your creative calm on, you'll find yourself not staying in those negative thoughts for long, hence, the reason for my uplifting 'doodle' words.
What's your philosophy when it comes to your kids getting their creative calm on?
First, and for most, I let my kids guide me when it comes to playing with color. I never tell them what we're going to do when it comes to having creative fun. No steps to follow and no trying to figure out what we're going to create beforehand, unless, they come up to me and ask make something. I let them come up with the ideas.
When we sit down to get our creative calm on, I only take out white paper, paints and paintbrushes or white paper and crayons, markers or colored pencils (yep, that's it! I don't use a lot of supplies, because it doesn't take much to creatively calm your mind and ignite your joy).
I never tell them, "Today, we're going to paint a tree that looks like this (insert an image from an art project or magazine). " Instead, I ask them, "what are we painting today?" And then they'll tell me all kinds of things. But, for the most part, I just let them do whatever they want on the paper (not my furniture!) and I sit by them while I paint over the white, over and over again. I never paint anything that looks like something, unless they tell me to.
When I do paint something, I ALWAYS make sure it looks exactly how their's looks, at the current, creative, drawing stage they’re in. The reason being, is because, we all know, that when kids see someone else draw something, especially when that someone else is older than them, they start saying, "Can you draw it for me?" or "I can't do it." I don't want my kids to lose connection with what what they can creatively draw and their inner creative selves.
If I happen to forget, and I start painting something that they can't paint yet, they immediately start saying those words to me. So I make a point to always remember to let them guide me. Because, when I do, just like when I doodle by myself, their inner, creative JOY sparks and talents begin to blossom. They start singing (especially my daughter), they're laughing, and they're coming up with SO many ideas of what to create. They are never stuck and they are never fearful of the blank page or giving their creative work to me, my husband, their babysitter, grandparents, friends, teachers...anyone!
And when they're done, they're SO much calmer and happier than before they started. Especially after a long day at school or when they're having meltdowns. Because they are learning so many rules and new things in life, they can get tired and fussy and stressed (just like we adults, after a long day on the job, right!?). So when they get to just "play" with color...with no rules, just fun and what feels good to them, they calm the stress of the day and come back to their calm, joyful selves again (just like what it does for us adults, too! Interesting, huh! Ha!).
Do you use coloring books?
I actually don't buy a lot of coloring books for my kids or myself. Coloring books are great and a really great start for an adult who hasn't picked up a crayon in years, but when you play with color on a blank sheet of paper, that's when the real calming, joyful and creative sparks start to ignite and come through.
You can definitely feel more calm when you color in someone else's creative work, but, in my opinion, you can't get all of the amazing benefits creativity provides. When you color in someone's else's work or you're copying someone else's creative talents, you just won't feel as calm and JOYful as you would if it was your own.
And, I have to say, it's pretty amazing to watch the difference in my kids from when they color in coloring book to when they color on a blank sheet of paper. They're filled with more JOY when they create on a blank page, then when they color in a picture from a coloring book. It's literally like night and day and pretty awesome stuff.
But, like I said, it's a great start, but it's more powerful, and more fun, to let your inner creative self come through beyond the coloring book, which is easier with a blank page and very minimal supplies. And, that's what I'm here to help you with! To ignite your creative calm and JOY beyond the coloring book.
Why do you call yourself a savoring life photographer?
Because I'm a busy mom, I can't spend all my hours sitting down to doodle and doodle paint. Oh, I wish I could, but because I can't, I use another, AMAZING, creative tool, that I have SO, SO much passion for, to help calm my mind and ignite my joy...my camera. It's very easy for me to pick up my camera, be it my iPhone or DSLR, at all times throughout the day while being a busy mom.
The more I picked up my camera, the more I learned how much I absolutely LOVE how it allowed me to slow down and savor the FEELING of moments that stop me in my tracks, have me smiling BIG and fill my entire self with happy tingles. But, what I learned the most, is that my head can stay stuck in, “my kids meltdowns are the worst!!” even though it happened hours ago and, how "I should of had my ‘career’ life figured out after finishing college almost 20 years ago” to “I need to do the laundry, clean the floors, make dinner, start a blog post, post a picture to Instagram,” thoughts than in the present, JOYful, moment.
So when I pick up my camera, because of something that’s making me stop and smile, I started to notice that all those past and future thoughts melted away and I was 100% focused on the moment. When I have my camera in hand, I sit down, in the moment when my kids were happily playing together, watching and snapping, all while smiling and being filled with love, instead of just walking by that moment really fast, acknowledging it for a second, and then throwing laundry into the washer and moving on to my next to-do list task.
Just like with doodling, my camera easily pulls me into the present, while helps me to NOT miss moments of my kids, my husband and my life that fill me with love and matter most to my heart. My camera helps me to fully enjoy life. My camera is the tool that allows me to snap a moment and then it helps me to continue on BEing in that moment I love, way after I've put my camera down. It reminds me to BE present and stay present for as long as I can.
But, here’s the kicker. I came to find, that the more I doodled and got my inner, creative calm on, the more I learned that for me, when it comes to taking pictures, I’m deeply passionate about shooting from the heart. I'm guided by something deep, within me. When my mind starts trying to take over, I get frustrated and stressed. When this happens, I take it as an intuitive sign that I'm not using my inner skills and talents the way they're supposed to be used. I'm not letting my heart guide me.
I always, ALWAYS, take pictures based on the JOY that I'm FEELING in my gut from something I'm seeing first. Lighting, composition, manual settings come second. My inner love, joy and happy feelings for life comes through in my pictures.
To me, there's nothing better using my camera to slow down and focus, 100%, on all the beauty that's happening, right now, in the present moment, instead of continuing to whiz right by them because I'm too busy analyzing all the 50 million to-do's in my head, well, maybe not 50 million, but some days it can sure feel like it. And, most of all, it helps me stay connected to all the JOY that is my life.
That’s what getting your creative calm will do for you. When you start to calm your mind through creativity, you’ll connect more and more to what ignites your JOY and fills your heart with love. For me, it’s photography, for you, it may be the same, or something else. But whatever it is, it’s there, waiting for you to tap into it again…and doodling (and photography!) is the tool to do just that!
Who are your clients exactly?
I work with people just like you! My clients are mostly busy women and moms who are really good at what they do; however, have never been taught exactly how to take exceptionally good care of themselves so they feel calm while taking care of everyone else. They've ve tried many things in the past to help them de-stress, get creative, lose weight and gain more energy, but have failed and became confused and exhausted, which has resulted in an overflow of negative thoughts.
Many of my clients work with me because they want to have more energy and less stress so they can spend quality time with their family. They want to be calm no matter what, be creative, feel and look healthy, feel at peace with themselves and not feel so run-down. My clients struggle with their self-care, creativity confidence, weight, energy level and guiltlessly "me" time, and they simply want to be happy with the way they're living as a mama. They want a new approach to stress management, creativity and healthy living without beating themselves up with self-defeating thoughts, depriving themselves and feeling guilty.
What type of person do you work best with and what is expected?
My ‘Creativity Calms’ programs were created for people who are absolutely excited and motivated about learning how to use colorful, mindless- creativity to help them slow down, tap into their inner creative juices again and create energizing nourishment for themselves from the inside and out so they can end what I call the “I’m-so-overwhelmed-that-I-just-want-to- scream” thoughts that replay over and over in their heads day after day.
The programs were created for you to slowly integrate new nourishing, creative habits that result in life-long lifestyle changes. My approach isn't a quick-fix. Think about when you’ve tried a quick-fix? Did it work for the long-term? It may have worked, but how long did you have to keep doing it? If you took a break from it, did the self-doubt thoughts? My approach is about making life-long changes. You may experience some quickly, but others may take some time, and that’s perfectly normal. And, honestly, you want the changes to take place slowly, because slow = long term results.
Being a highly motivated creative nourishment lifestyle go-getter myself, I’m known to work best with other highly motivated creative nourishment lifestyle go-getters who are super-ready to get going and just want to know exactly what steps to take to enjoy calm mama living. I work best with clients who are ready to put forth energy toward taking care of themselves. Many of my clients are moms to young children and busy professionals who don't have a lot of time, but that's OK. I actually help them to learn how to take care of themselves and feel more calm and energized, even though they are lacking time, because I'm in their shoes and have done it (and still doing it) myself. The most important thing is that you're committed to giving some time for yourself.
Consider what you'll do with me to be an action learning course. You'll be expected to follow recommendations and take consistent action. No excuses anymore, just a very different approach to thinking about your creative nourishment with full support while you achieve this incredibly exciting goal: more calm, more energy, more creativity and more positive and confident thoughts so you can slow down down and enjoy your family even more, connect more with your inner, creative child, have healthy energy that lasts throughout the day and more guilt-free "me" time to enjoy it all...no matter what the day brings.
For what type of person is this program NOT going to work?
Please know that I'm very selective in who I work with and I cherry-pick my clients, choosing to (gently) turn away people who aren't suited for my programs and won't get the results for which for which they have signed up for (it wouldn't be fair to them). I choose not to work with people who aren't willing and ready to invest in themselves with patience, making changes and financially.
My ‘Creativity Calms’ programs are NOT for those who are looking for a quick- fix, a magic pill and who have no desire of viewing themselves as creative.
What exactly is The ‘Creativity Calms’ Program and what does it include?
My ‘Creativity Calms’ program is EXACLTY what I’ve done for myself to calm my mind and ignite my joy and that I use with each of my clients to help them to truly enjoy taking care of themselves and feel more calm with mindless-creative activity, too. My clients achieve more creativity confidence and wholesome nourishment in all areas of their life. It's been the key to creating long- lasting changes for myself and for my clients. My ‘Creativity Calms’ program is effective, but it's not a quick-fix and results depend on you.
Here is what my program will do for you:
1. Make YOU a priority
First, you'll need to make the decision to commit to yourself if you want long-lasting changes in your thoughts and lifestyle. If you want different results from what you have done in the past, then you'll have to change something. We’ll make this easy by writing down visions that you want for yourself to ensure that you're able to make your whole, creative self a priority. You’ll be supported with action steps to help you reach these visions and your progress, success and challenges will be positively acknowledged.
2. Melt away stress without guilt
Who came up with the idea that being "busy" all the time means we're successful in life? When we're constantly on the go, our body and mind feel the affect. If we don't ever stop and smell the roses, we end up stressed, overwhelmed, exhausted and sick. The go, go, go mentality sets us up for depletion and exhaustion. You’ll be given many tools that’ll help you manage your stress levels and help slow down without feeling guilty about it.
3. Calm your thoughts
Always say, “I’m NOT creative"? Good! You’re the perfect fit for this program. Tired of your thoughts running five miles ahead of you when you try to relax? Oh yeah! You’ll be shown exactly WHY these thoughts tend to dominate your lifestyle, especially when you try to relax for a moment, and also how to tame them. Once you know WHY this happens, you'll be shown HOW to tame them so you feel more creative, calm and balanced. Let's just say it has a lot to do with becoming more aware of left and right brain thinking.
4. Reconnect with your inner, creative child again
You are creative! By the time you finish this program, you will be able to SEE and BELIEVE that about yourself. You'll be taken back to Kindergarten so you can reconnect with your inner-doodler again. The reason we go way back to this grade level is so that you reconnect with your inner, creative self again. When these doors are open again, you will feel more calm and more connected to your true, inner passions. Don't worry, if it's been awhile since you've drawn or painted, you'll be shown exactly how to do it again in the most visually, beautiful, step-by-step way.
5. Create with confidence
Have ideas that you want to work on and create, but your inner-critic keeps you stuck or unmotivated to do so? You'll be well on your way to taming your inner doubts and taking more action on what you want to create in your life. You'll begin to pursue things that you only dreamed of making them a reality. You'll have more creative confidence than ever before after taking this program.
6. Slow down with photography
Some say you can miss out on life when you spend too much of it behind your camera lens. Well, I think differently. You'll learn how to use your camera to help you easily stop and connect with the present moment. You'll leave this program loving your camera and BEing more aware and connected with the beauty that surrounds you on a daily basis. It requires absolutely NO camera skills or a fancy camera.
7. Easily pamper yourself
When you think of pampering yourself, does an hour long massage come to mind? Ahhh, yes, those are wonderful, and something I recommend, but we don't always have the time or money. You'll learn how to easily create "me" time that's simple, fun and inexpensive. If you don't stop and take care of yourself, how are you going to take care of everyone else around you?
8. Connect with Color
Have trouble thinking of what your favorite color is? Wanna redesign your house, but not sure where to even start when it comes colors you'd like? This course will help you to FEEL more connected to colors that truly brighten, calm and create calming energy to your life. You'll have more awareness of what colors bring you joy and which ones bring you more tension and discomfort. When your thoughts are balanced with mindless-creative activity, you'll reap the COLORful benefits!
9. Rely on long-lasting, creative energy
Do you have a great relationship with the coffee shop down the street or the vending machine at your office? If so, is it the ideal jump starter for you? Does it give you long- lasting energy and keep you satisfied? What about after a long day. Do you usually numb out on the couch in front of the TV, but deep down, you really want to do something different to take better care of yourself, but you're just too exhausted to even move, or, to even think? I won’t be telling you quit coffee and TV, but I will show you, in a way that's rarely talked about, on how to enjoy your coffee with pleasure, instead of only using it to help you get through the day, and how to create, long-lasting motivation to do activities that your body, mind and soul crave. No more start something. End something. Start again. End again cycle.
10. Creatively nourish YOU and your family
Nourishing yourself goes way further than just eating wholesome foods. If your overwhelming, stressed out thoughts are still in control, then you're wasting money on all those nutrient-dense foods for you and your family. When you begin to nourish your whole self through creativity, all areas in your life will begin to balance, which will create long, lasting feel good energy. You'll find yourself becoming more aware of when you need to take time out from the "hectic-to-do-list" world to nourish yourself with hands- on, creative activity that doesn't take much thought. You'll also find yourself passing on these activities to your family. When you nourish yourself in this way, you create more calm, more energy and more balance for many, many years to come.
These are the steps of my ‘Creativity Calms’ program that I've created after seeing the benefits in myself and with working with my clients to achieve lasting results. In addition to these ten categories, you will receive an abundance of support on your journey to living your healthiest, happiest life ever!
What are your coaching sessions like and what do they entail?
If you sign up for my 6-Month program, you will receive 12, one-on-one sessions, twice a month, for 6 months where I guide, mentor and inspire you to get your creative calm on while being a busy mom. The first 6 sessions are geared toward getting your creative, CALM, juices flowing again through step-by-step, mindless-creative doodling fun. It’s designed to slowly ease you into BEing your CREATIVE self again!
The last 6 sessions consist of step-by-step, mindless-creative, doodle painting fun. Painting in this fun, toddler, kid-like way is where the magic really happens! Remember, you don’t need to be an artist to do this and if it’s been a long time since you’ve ever picked up a crayon or a paint brush, I’m there to support you along the way, because, I, too, was just like you, thinking I wasn’t creative and hadn’t picked up a crayon or a paint brush since I was a kid.
The sessions aren’t only geared toward doodling and painting, they also are also filled self-care and slowing down with photography tips throughout all of your 12 sessions.
If you signed up for my 3-Month program, you will receive 6, one-on-one session, twice a month, for 3 months, where I do everything I do in my 6 month programs, in a shorter time frame. So you’ll get 3, step-by-step, mindless-creative doodling activities and 3, step-by-step, mindless-creative doodle painting activities, with self-care and slow down with photography tips and tricks sprinkled all throughout your 6 sessions.
Will you be teaching me how to be an Artist?
I'm not an artist, so I will not be teaching you how to be one, either. But, what I will be teaching you is how to reconnect with your inner- kindergartner again. You know, the one that loved coloring and painting, without any rules or judgments? The reason I bring you back to Kindergarten is so that you can calm your left brain (to-do) thoughts and let your right brain (ahhhh, relaxation thoughts) speak up for a change. I teach you how to mindlessly-create, with crayons and paint, to calm the stress of the day and to to help you nourish your true self with more ease.
Will I need to buy lots of expensive Art supplies for this course?
Not at all. The best part about my programs is that you don't need to put much "thought" into the activities. For all the mindless-creative activities, you can use kids crayons and paints, or, if you'd like, you can go to an arts and crafts store for your supplies. The choice is yours. There's no set rules. You'll need and art journal, crayons, colored pencils, acrylic paints (only primary colors), paintbrushes, a few canvas', a paper plate and a water container to get the full benefits of my program. All of the supplies are outlined in your Welcome Packet with visuals and links. Because, if you're like me, it's been quite some time since you've said hello to your inner- kindergartner, so all these supplies may be fuzzy to you, like they were to me. Have no fear. I'm here to support you and provide a safe place for you so that you'll be well on your way to incorporating de-stressing mindless-creative activity into your life.
Will you be teaching me how to be a photographer and will I need photography experience and fancy equipment?
I will not be teaching you how to be a professional photographer, but I might throw in some pointers on how to take photos. It will be a few here and there and just little pointers on how I take my own photos. This isn't a photography course where you'll be graded and critiqued, so you won't need any photography background for the programs. And, no you don't need a fancy camera for this program either. You can use your cell phone camera, point and shoot or DSLR. There's no special requirement. The only requirement is no rules, only fun!
Do your programs really work?
Yes! All of my clients have had amazing, long-lasting results when it comes to what they're creating and and how they're living. In fact, they're usually amazed and excited by the number of changes they have made while working with me.
When you truly start listening to your body and your self-care needs, everything will fall into place and you'll see many, many positive results. (See more Client Testimonials)
What results can I expect?
You can expect to:
* Make simple lifestyle changes.
* Add more creative activity in your life; things that you used to love as a kid will blossom more than ever.
* Easy and inexpensive ways to de-stress before, during or after a long and hectic day.
* Increase your JOYful energy throughout the day
* Your mind will be at ease because you won't be confused on how to take care of yourself
* Learn to listen to YOU instead of outside sources (you are the expert).
* Fearless around all creativity.
* More confident trips to the arts and craft store.
* Feel and look GREAT!
* Discover or reconnect with fitness routines that you will not only have fun doing, but you're passionate about.
* FEEL like a kid again.
* Focus on FUN ways to nourish and pamper yourself (no more feeling guilty about this one).
* Love yourself from the inside and out.
* Balanced thinking, which will result in a positive mindset and a positive life.
* Reduce worry and stress.
* Be more peaceful and relaxed.
* Quickly calm your mind.
* Positive mind-set toward body, mind and life.
* Less guilt.
* Revive your inner, creative child.
* Less overwhelm.
* More energy to play with your kids.
* Positive results that will last, and your family will too!
* Live slower
* Fully enjoying the present moment
* Savoring what matters most to your busy heart
* Handle the stress of parenthood with less frazzle and more ease
* See more of the JOY and LOVE that IS your life
* Live life with creative confidence and colorful FUN!
* More connection to who you are, what you love and what truly brings YOU joy!
* Connecting more to what FEELS GOOD to you and taking action to only fill your life UP with it
* And so much more..
Can I contact some of your former clients to see what it's like to work with you?
Yes! I encourage you to! Please go to my praise page and read all of them. See which ones you feel drawn to, either because the person received the results you want to get too, or perhaps because that person is in a similar situation. Then let me know who you want to speak with and I will give you their e-mail and phone number and you can call or e-mail them and ask what they got from working with me. Then e-mail me to let me know how it went.
How quickly can I expect results?
This obviously depends on your specific situation and the effort you put into the following the specific recommendations. That said, many clients start to experience changes after one or two sessions. Changes may include, among others, reconnecting with inner, creative passions again, more present with their family, increased energy, inner peace, changes in weight, more positivity in their life, more awareness of how they think about themselves and life.
What do I need to do to guarantee that I get the most of the program and reach my goals?
To get the most of your program, your success depends on you. This program is not a "quick-fix". But, it is a tool-kit that will last a lifetime. In order for you to get the best results, you'll need to follow the recommendations that are given, show up for your sessions on time, give me me honest feedback on how you're doing, what's working for you, what's not and what current needs you'd like addressed.
How will we work together and what do your programs entail?
You will receive my support during our one-on-one coaching sessions by phone or email. During the sessions we’ll talk about what you want to address when it comes to achieving more creativity and nourishment for yourself. We start with what is most important to you at the time. I provide unlimited support during your sessions and through e-mail, and I offer guidance when recommending simple and fun action steps to help you reach your goals. At the beginning of each session we’ll check-in to see how the, what I like to call “continue one with” steps went from the last session.
After each session, you’ll be provided notes that include: topics discussed, continue on with steps and positive changes, mindless-creative activities, resources and articles and an assortment of handouts and educational materials that will compliment what we discuss during your sessions. Some programs include creative supplies, self-care products, unlimited e-mail support and weekly check-in calls.
How long are the programs?
I offer 4 different programs via phone, email and video for new clients and they're 3 to 6 months long. All programs will result in positive, long-lasting, lifestyle changes. Having programs that last 3 to 6 months allows us to insure that changes you make at the beginning of the program are still being implemented toward the middle, end and beyond your program. This also provides you to really learn and become more aware of what works best for you.
Do people continue past 6 months?
Yes, many people love the ongoing support. Most people find that they successfully obtained their original goals by the end of the program, but often they want to go to the next level. I'm always happy to continue working with a client.
What are your coaching programs like?
As a new client, you have 3 different coaching options via phone, email and video to choose from, depending on how much time you want to focus on getting your creative, calm on, or based on budget level. These programs were created to offer something for everyone.
Do you offer programs via phone, email and or video?
Yes! And here's what they include:
1. The 6-Month ‘Creativity Calms’ MEGA Support Program
This program is for the individual who's highly motivated to improve their creative lifestyle and who would like a lot of time with me. I'll be providing many tips and tools that will help you with your creative nutrition goals. We'll be able to handle all the overwhelming "to-do" list thoughts because we'll have so much time together.
Two fifty-minute recorded sessions per month - 12 sessions total/6 months
Twice a month we will meet via phone to discuss your creative lifestyle and nutrition goals, your progress, your successes and your obstacles. This is your safe place to discuss what matters to you most. You’ll be able to ask questions and receive help on any challenges that you may face along the way. At the end of your session you will be given simple, easy and fun “continue on with” steps and recommendations to help you on your creative nutrition lifestyle journey. Each session will be recorded and e-mailed to you, so you can review them over and over again.
Mindless-Creative Activity, Photography and Self-Care Tips
After each session, I’ll email you quick and easy creative activities that will help calm you down and reconnect you with your inner creative sparks again, self-care tips and tools. The creative activities are perfect for those who haven’t picked up a crayon in years and, at the same time, they’re great for those who have, because they’re being used to help you melt away the stress of the day and your perfectionism thoughts. I provide in-the-moment photography inspiration to help you slow down and connect with the present moment and self-care tips that don’t require you to leave your home and bust your budget and are easy, fun and oh, so comforting.
Educational Materials
After each session, I’ll email you handouts and materials that will relate to topics discussed during your session. These materials are for your information and for you to read at your leisure. They’ll provide you wilt more knowledge while you become your own creative nutrition expert. I’ll encourage you to place these in a beautiful binder, decorated by you, of course. As your binder blossoms with useful information, your life will blossom, too! Your jammed packed binder is a great resource to have for your creative nutrition lifestyle!
Unlimited E-mail Support
You'll not only have access to me during sessions, but you can email me anytime with questions, your successes or obstacles at anytime. I'm your personal advocate for achieving success; so I do ask that you use me as much as needed during our time together, so if you need me in between your sessions, please e-mail me. I'll respond back to you within 48 hours or less.
Unlimited Phone Access
While working through your program you may experience a time when you feel stuck or overwhelmed. Or you may just have a question. Because of this, I provide weekly open office hours where you can call in for a 15-minute check-in. These calls are only available to clients participating in this program. This is your chance to write down any questions that may come up between sessions or what's challenging you. I'll provide you with specific answers to help you stay on track or if you just need extra support and motivation.
Unlimited Free Access to Classes and Events
You'll have unlimited free access to all of my healthy living teleclasses, talks and events during and after your program. This is a great way for you to keep learning way beyond your mega support program.
Mega Nourishment Goodie Package
At the beginning of your program, you’ll receive a package that’s filled with creative tools and self-care items that compliment each session. Each item will be labeled for you to open at each session. This makes it fun for you to try new creative activities, and self-care tips discussed during your sessions. This way you can try them right away to see if you like them before spending money on something you may or may not like.
This is the only program that offers:
❀ Unlimited Phone Access
❀ Unlimited Free Access to Calm Mama and Events
❀ Mega Nourishment Goodie Package
2. The 6-Month ‘Creativity Calms” WHOLE Support Program
This program was created for individuals who are highly motivated to take care of their creative self. You'll have support and guidance, but this is great for someone who doesn't feel that they need extra time with me.
This program includes:
❀ Two fifty-minute sessions per month - 12 sessions total/6 months}
❀ Mindless-Creative Activity, Photography and Self-Care Tips
❀ Educational Materials
❀ E-mail Support
3. The 3-Month ‘Creativity Calms’ EXPRESS Support Program
This program was created for individuals who are independent self-starters and are highly motivated to take care of their creative self but aren't ready to fully commit to six months.
This program includes:
❀ Two fifty-minute sessions per month - 6 sessions total/3 months
❀ Mindless-Creative Activity, Photography and Self-Care Tips
❀ Educational Materials
❀ E-mail Support
4. The ‘Creativity Calms’ Group Programs
This program was created for individual's who are highly motivated to take care of their creative self in a group setting. Not only will you have Renée's support, but you'll also have extra support from a "buddy" or "buddies" throughout your program. This a great program to do with your friends, family or co-workers!
This program includes:
❀ Mindless-Creative Activity, Photography and Self-Care Tips
❀ Education Materials
❀ Unlimited E-mail Support
2 people: 12, 60-minute sessions 3 people: 12, 90-minute sessions 4 people: 12, 90-minute sessions
*Additional private sessions are available during group programs if needed.
The ‘Creativity Calms’ Welcome Back Program
This program was created for clients who have completed a 6-month program and would like to come back for additional support. This is great for a client who wants to stay on track and get continued support when challenges arise while living their creative, colorful life.
This program includes:
❀ One fifty-minute session per month
❀ Unlimited E-mail Support
Which of these programs would work best for you? If you were to do this, when do you see yourself wanting to start?
How do your programs via e-mail work?
This type of coaching is perfect for those who currently don’t have the time to coach via phone, have their days filled which won’t allow a break in the schedule for phone coaching or just for someone who would rather be coached via writing though email, than on the phone. (I personally have done e- coaching. It worked great when I was at home taking care of my daughter. Once she was in bed, or napping, I could sit down and write an email to my coach, no matter what time it was. Genius!).
It works pretty much the same as individual coaching via phone. I’ll send you a Welcome Packet, you’ll fill it in with all your hopes and dreams for the most awesome creative lifestyle you want and then we correspond back and forth via email. I’ll be giving you a time frame, too, just like in my phone programs, that way you will stay supported through you creativity calms “virtual” journey.
Where are you located? Do you only work with local clients?
My office is located in Mandeville, Louisiana, but I work with my clients via phone, video and email. My clients are located both locally and in other parts of the country and world. I've found that working with clients by phone, video and email is extremely effective and I've developed incredible relationships with them. What's really great about working on the phone is that my clients sessions start on time and end on time, or by email, any time in a 2 week period, but all in the comfort of their own home so they can really make their sessions a "me" time event.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes! Actually, I only accept credit cards. You can either pay on a monthly basis or pay the whole program at once. It's totally up to you. Clients who choose to pay in full receive a bookkeeping discount.
I'm not sure if I can afford the monthly payments right now. Do you offer extended payment plans?
Yes! I offer extended payment plans that are based on your individual needs. I understand that that at times money can be tight, so if you are truly ready to sign-up for one of my programs, I will provide a way to make it work for you! Contact me today for optional payment plans.
If I'm not sure I'm ready to get started, how can I sample your work at low cost to see if it's the right solution for me?
A way to sample my ‘Creativity Calms’ program is by scheduling a FREE complimentary "Feel Calm, Mama!" session by phone or email with me. We'll discuss your specific situation and whether I can help you. It's a great way to see how your sessions will be. It's very similar to the program sessions. Contact me at renee@thecreativitycalmsmom.com to schedule your FREE complimentary "Feel Calm Mama" email session.
You can sample my work by subscribing to my e-mail newsletter. It’s is filled with ‘creativity calms’ articles and tips. Subscribe here!
Another way is to take one of my lower cost products to see if you like my style of teaching and if it's helping you at all. Some are even free of charge. You'll get a sense of my philosophy and how I work with clients. If you enjoy the products, imagine what you could enjoy in my program. Click here to view my products and services.
Can I do one or two sessions and see if I like it?
The best part about my program is that you will get to do a complimentary "Feel Calm, Mama!" session that works just like the sessions throughout the program. This is a great time to see if this is something you would like to take part in and see if we would work well together. Making lasting changes takes time, but it's worth it it! The program is a gradual progress and each session builds on each other. If you follow the simple recommendations and are honest, you will see lasting positive results. Because you're a unique individual, we will work on your health goals that suit your individual needs. If something doesn't work for you, that's OK, we'll work together to find the right fit for you.
I know starting a program like this takes time and commitment, so that's why I'm here to fully support you in every way possible. If you've tried past diets and felt like you struggled and gave up, I promise you that this is completely different. I'll be there with you every step, in a gently way. I'll also hold you accountable and provide structure that will work for you. Taking care of you doesn't have to be hard work or something that you have to schedule into your planner to get done. This program will show you how easy it can be to live a creatively, calm life without feeling stressed or guilty.
I have a family and a busy life. Although I want to reach my health goals, I don't have time to spare. How much time do I need?
What's great about my program is that it's easy to add into your busy schedule. If you can spare one hour per week, then you'll be able to take small steps a week. This approach does take longer than if you you learn everything all at once. And, that's what will bring long lasting results. Each small change will result in large changes over time. But, if you don't ever start, you'll never get there. If you really want this for yourself, you'll find the time for it!
OK! I'm ready to do this for myself, but I have a couple of additional questions. Can I call you?
Yippee! It sounds like you're ready to put YOU first. Yes, if you have a couple of questions, just e-mail me at renee@thecreativitycalmsmom.com. I'll be happy to walk you through the different options to see which one will be the very best for you. I can't wait to see you succeed and am honored to be the one to help you. Let's get going! Here's to creating a COLORFUL and CALM you!
If you'd like to learn more or have any questions, please email me email me. I'm happy to connect with you!
OK! I know which program I want. How do we get started?
Great! The first step toward calm mama living is making YOU number one on your to-do list. If this feels like the right time to focus on YOU and your needs, then go for it!
Here's what you do: just contact me at renee@thecreativitycalmsmom.com to schedule a FREE complimentary ‘Feel Calm, Mama!’ phone session. During this session we will discuss your ‘creativity calms’ visions and we'll see if you're a good fit for my programs. At the end you'll have a chance to let me know which program works best for you in terms of the results you want to get. We'll set up a day and time to start your program and you'll receive a welcome packet via e-mail. In it, you'll fill out your client information and goals. You'll send this back to me at least 2 days before your first session. I'll review your information and then customize a plan that meets your goals and where you are currently at so you can achieve the best possible results. I can't wait to meet you to get started on your path to living your most calm and creative mom life ever!