I want to talk today about jealousy and creating your own opportunities. And many of us experience this, I know I’m not the only one, we see other creators and wish we were doing what they’re doing, and then realize - hey - you know Danielle, you can always go and create that thing for yourself in your own way. 

And every so often some of my creative friends, my musician friends will say to me things like, 

• I wish I had a holiday album I could share every year. 
• Or I wish I had done a music video when I released that one song
• Or I wish I could be brave and do a podcast.

And I feel so much compassion for that feeling of wishing, because I SO get it. I’ve always tried to figure out that part of me, that part of human nature that wishes we could do what other people do, because it’s fascinating when we break it down, what it is that holds people back, or what it is that makes the difference between creating your own opportunities and those of...

I’m so excited to share this topic on future focus, why I love it and why I think you will too. It came up for me this last weekend, I was able to spend a beautiful getaway with my husband at the very same place we spent our honeymoon thirty one years ago, the same spot on the beach on the Oregon Coast. We had time to talk and laugh, and reminisce, we enjoyed lots of  fresh seafood at our favorite restaurants, we saw whales just off the coast and that was exciting, we stopped at our favorite candy shoppe and picked out our favorite salt water taffy flavors, he loves peppermint, and I love orange cream and cinnamon, and we took time to reflect on the ups and downs we’ve been through. My husband asked me, he said, “what kind of thoughts do you have today when you think about us and our future versus how you thought about our future on our honeymoon?” And I was like, woah!! That’s such a great question.

So when we talk about Future Focus, this can be...

Have you ever wondered, when you see another person upset, “what the heck do I say right now?” or “this is so awkward!” Do you wonder how to draw a quiet, withdrawn teenager out of their shell and get them to talk to you more, to open up to you if there’s distance in the relationship? Do you wonder “why doesn't my child listen to me?”

When your partner is upset or hurting - and you want to help but you’re so worried about the problem you don’t even know what to say and everything you DO say seems to be the wrong thing? 

Or what about when your spouse is having a hard time, say it’s a problem at work, and you know the solution, but the more you offer suggestions, the more frustrating the conversation becomes? 

The #1 reason even the most “well-intended” conversations can fall flat - and it has to do with the role we are taking on in the moment we are witnessing a loved one having a hard time.

...

Have you ever wondered if being an artist is frivolous? Do you wonder how it's possible to honor your inner artist while also making a living?

I've noticed that 'creative' types struggle sometimes with finding the balance. (me raising my hand, too!)

Recently, I interviewed Jonny Tanner @spirit.painter, (give him a follow if you want more light & positivity to show up in your Instagram feed!) and we dive into how to honor your inner artist.

I am on a mission to mentor and help artists show up for their creativity - to create a life they are proud of with no regrets.

About ten years ago, I read a book that changed the trajectory of my songwriting career and helped me achieve some fun successes as a singer/songwriter, it’s called, “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron, and I’ve since read the book countless times. It’s about honoring and even healing the creative artist all of us have within – which can be a little bit of a delicate...

Naturopathic Medicine with Dr. Allison Brumley

I recently interview Dr. Allison Brumley, a dear friend, about her journey to becoming a naturopathic doctor.  We discussed everything from what inspired her to study naturopathic medicine to how she feels about intuitive eating.   I was very inspired and uplifted by her insights and knowledge about the human body and I think that you will be too.  I'm sharing some of the highlights here, but if you want the full experience be sure to listen to the podcast!  Here are the insights about naturopathic medicine from Dr. Allison Brumley.  No matter what your beliefs are about naturopathic medicine, you can learn from this amazing woman.

Dr. Brumley has weathered the storms of life graciously and has an amazing outlook on how the body works as a whole and how we can better serve our bodies, minds, and spirits.   We can all benefit from her knowledge and experience.  I asked her the following...

Friends,

I’ve had to learn how to handle criticism in the realm of singing, songwriting, classical piano performance, jazz piano and yoga instructing.

It’s never been easy.

Have you ever been criticized for something you’ve worked hard toward, only to be judged or spoken of in harsh ways?

How is it that one person who says, “that sucks,” can cancel out one hundred people who absolutely adore what you’ve made?

Even just one hater can send us into questioning everything.

It’s common and I know this doesn’t happen to just me.

The truth is, the more I’ve put myself out there, the more I’ve entered the arena, the more criticism has come my way.

I’ve had to really work on establishing a healthy self-concept and mindset around criticism.

As humans, there’s always the tendency to think critically (or critically think - which aren't the same thing) and find ways to...