Become the CREATOR of your art and your life | Amy L. Bernstein

In this episode of Soul-Led Creative Women, host Sam Horton engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Amy L. Bernstein, author of Wrangling the Doubt Monster: Fighting Fears, Finding Inspiration. Amy shares her deeply personal journey of evolving into her full creative identity after years of professional writing. She reveals how societal pressures, self-doubt, and fear often prevent individuals from embracing their creative selves and discusses how to navigate these challenges with courage, curiosity, and small, intentional changes.

Amy reflects on how creativity has the power to transform lives, not just as a professional endeavour but as an integral part of self-care and personal fulfilment. The episode is a heartfelt exploration of what it means to connect with your creative spirit, embrace risk, and redefine success beyond societal expectations. Through personal anecdotes and actionable insights, Amy inspires listeners to reclaim their inner artist and step boldly into a more creatively authentic life.

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Summary:

Embracing Creativity and Identity

Creativity is a fundamental part of human nature, and everyone has an artist within them. Amy emphasizes that reclaiming this creative identity is often a journey of self-discovery, one that requires vulnerability and introspection. For her, the realization came late in life—despite making a living as a writer, she hesitated to call herself a “writer” until she was well past 50. This hesitation stemmed from societal conditioning that often discourages individuals from embracing creative labels. She encourages listeners to step into their creative identity unapologetically, reminding them that creativity takes many forms and doesn’t have to fit conventional definitions.

Reconnecting with creativity doesn’t mean becoming a professional artist or writer. Instead, it’s about acknowledging and nurturing this innate part of yourself. Whether through painting, writing or simply daydreaming, allowing your creative self to emerge can lead to profound personal growth and joy.

Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt

Fear is one of the biggest obstacles to living a creative life. Many people struggle with fears of failure, judgment, or the uncertainty of pursuing something new. Amy shares how fear and self-doubt often held her back and discusses the importance of taking small, manageable steps toward creative goals. Rather than leaping into the unknown all at once, Amy advises breaking the journey into smaller, less intimidating actions. For example, she spent time exploring different creative opportunities, like shadowing a theatre director and taking playwriting classes, before fully committing to her creative transformation.

Self-doubt doesn’t disappear overnight, but it can be managed by building confidence gradually. Amy stresses that creating space to experiment and explore without the pressure of perfection or immediate success is essential for overcoming fear and building momentum.

The Power of Permission and Play

One of the most powerful steps in any creative journey is giving yourself permission to dream and explore. Amy reflects on how our childhoods are often filled with uninhibited play and creativity, but as adults, societal expectations and responsibilities can stifle this freedom. She encourages listeners to reconnect with the simple joy of creating without an agenda, such as doodling with crayons or experimenting with new artistic mediums. By letting go of the need for perfection or practicality, we can rediscover the playful, imaginative side of ourselves.

Permission to play isn’t just about creating art—it’s about opening up to new possibilities and perspectives. This act of curiosity and experimentation can lead to unexpected insights and a renewed sense of purpose. Amy reminds us that creativity is not always about the outcome but the act of engaging with the process itself.

Reframing Creativity as Self-Care

Amy emphasizes the importance of viewing creativity not as a luxury or a hobby but as a vital form of self-care. She explains that creative expression offers an outlet for emotions, a way to reconnect with oneself, and a tool for healing. However, she cautions against conflating creativity with productivity. Society often values output and achievement, but Amy argues that creativity doesn’t need to have a tangible result. It’s okay to create just for the joy of it, without the pressure to monetize or perfect your work.

This reframing allows people to see creativity as a way to nurture their souls rather than as another task on their to-do list. Amy encourages listeners to make time for creative activities that bring them happiness, whether that means painting, journaling, or simply daydreaming, as a way to restore balance and fulfilment in their lives.

Navigating Change

Change can feel overwhelming, especially when it involves stepping away from the familiar. Amy shares how she navigated significant life transitions by taking small, deliberate steps rather than making drastic leaps. She recounts the transformative experience of exploring new creative outlets, like spending time with a theatre director, which helped her test her interests and build confidence in her new path. These incremental shifts allowed her to build momentum and reduce the fear associated with change.

Amy also highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive allies who encourage your growth. Change can be threatening to those around you, but finding a community that uplifts and inspires you is essential for sustaining your creative journey. By embracing risk and leaning into discomfort, change becomes an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.

Redefining Success

Amy challenges the cultural narrative that equates success with external validation, such as fame or financial gain. Instead, she redefines success as the internal reward of creating something meaningful to you. Finishing a project—whether it’s a novel, a painting, or a quilt—is a success in itself, regardless of whether it’s commercially recognized. She warns against the negative effects of social media and celebrity culture, which often distort perceptions of what it means to be successful in the arts.

By focusing on the joy and fulfilment that creativity brings, rather than external metrics, artists can stay connected to their passion and purpose. Amy’s message is clear: the act of creating itself is enough. Success doesn’t need to be measured by others’ standards, but by the sense of satisfaction and growth, it brings to your life.

This episode serves as a powerful reminder that creativity is a vital part of the human experience. Amy’s insights inspire listeners to embrace their creative identity, take small but meaningful steps toward change, and rediscover the joy and fulfilment that comes from creating.

^{Amy L. Bernstein
Amy writes stories that let readers feel while making them think.}

^{Her novels include The Potrero Complex; the award-winning The Nighthawkers; Dreams of Song Times; and Fran, The Second Time Around. Her nonfiction book, Wrangling the Doubt Monster: Fighting Fears, Finding Inspiration, will be published in the fall of 2024.}

^{Amy is an award-winning journalist, speechwriter, playwright, and certified nonfiction book coach. She also teaches workshops on various aspects of the craft of writing. She loves inspiring others to unlock their inner artist and explore all aspects of writing, publishing, and taking creative risks every day.}

^{Website: https://amywrites.live/ 
Your Next Step: "Wrangling the Doubt Monster" 
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