This week we celebrate motherhood-- with all of its virtues and vices. In this episode I am joined by parenting expert Rachel Nielson, host of the 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms podcast, who is sharing her framework for taking a look into the closet of our mothering, and making space for what serves us best. Find Rachel at 3in30podcast.com or follow her on instagram at @3in30podcast Join a live retreat! livefreecreative.co/retreats Find full show notes at livefreecreative.co/podcast Follow Miranda o...
May 11, 2023•1 hr 2 min
It's the final stretch and I am feeling it. Big Time. Here are a couple tools I'm trying to use as I battle burnout. Resources: The Paradox of Choice, Barry Schwartz The Resilience Factor, Karen Reivich Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 05, 2023•18 min
Envy and jealousy are natural, human emotions. And, how much do you really know about them? Did you know that research characterizes envy into two types-- one helpful and one unhelpful? Here is a deep dive into how to learn from envy and come away more self-aware and motivated as a result. Sponsor: Preserve family stories and memories with Storyworth! Take $10 off of your order with code LIVEFREE Join a retreat! livefreecreative.co/retreats Find full show notes at livefreecreative.co/podcast Fol...
May 04, 2023•49 min•Season 5Ep. 237
Class is over-- next up in the graduate school journey: FINALS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 28, 2023•18 min
Did you know we have a thriving instinct, just like we have a survival instinct? It can best be described by Barbara Fredrickson's research on positive emotions and the Broaden and Build Theory. Listen in to hear how positive emotions can benefit our progress and thriving as an opposite reaction to simply surviving. Sponsors: Take 22% off your first order at iHerb.com with code LIVEFREE Commission a personalized song with Songfinch and take $20 off before May 14th using code LIVEFREE Join a retr...
Apr 27, 2023•38 min•Season 5Ep. 236
This final week of class, I met my small group Team Bright Ideas for a site-visit at Perryville Prison Complex in Phoenix Arizona. I am forever changed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 21, 2023•23 min
What is currently in transition in your life? Is it your body? Career? Family Season? Hobbies? Relationships? At almost all times at least one area of our life is actively changing. This show is about that process. The messy middle of a transition from one creature to another. Our metamorphosis. Reference: Meleis, A. et al., Experiencing Transitions: An Emerging Middle-Range Theory. Advances in Nursing Science 23(1):p 12-28, September 2000. Join a retreat! livefreecreative.co/retreats Find full ...
Apr 20, 2023•42 min•Season 5Ep. 235
This week we are wrapping up the application materials for our ASU Center for Correctional Solutions project, and I wrote a paper on Women and Creativity about 30 minutes before the deadline on Easter. Only one more weekend of class before I graduate next month! References: Hora, S., Badura, K. L., Lemoine, G. J., & Grijalva, E. (2022). A meta-analytic examination of the gender difference in creative performance. Journal of Applied Psychology, 107(11), 1926–1950. Learn more about your ad cho...
Apr 14, 2023•19 min
Last month my 3 sisters, mom, and one of my 2 sisters-in-law and I explored Morocco. Here's how the trip came about, some of how we planned the itinerary, and a full overview of what we did! Find all the links at livefreecreative.co/episode-234-10-days-in-morocco Sponsor: Get 15% off your first order of fully personalized haircare at prose.com/livefree Join a retreat! livefreecreative.co/retreats Find full show notes at livefreecreative.co/podcast Follow Miranda on Instagram @livefreemiranda Get...
Apr 13, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Season 5Ep. 234
I had a catch-up week with Creative Camp hosting, then my kids' Spring Break. Luckily, I'm not too behind, and I am happy to be creating real-life programing. Tune in to hear about passive poetry listening and skewed box breathing. References: Arruda, M. A. L. B., Garcia, M. A., & Garcia, J. B. S. (2016). Evaluation of the Effects of Music and Poetry in Oncologic Pain Relief: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 19(9), 943–948. https://doi.org/10.1089/jpm.2015.0528 De...
Apr 07, 2023•22 min
We all have an inner critic that often yells their opinion at us, like it or not. Have you also invited your inner champion to have some air time? What about risk management or R&D? In this episode, I share a metaphor that has been super helpful for me in making decisions and moving forward giving space for all of my wisdom to shine through in my inner board room. Join a retreat! livefreecreative.co/retreats Find full show notes at livefreecreative.co/podcast Follow Miranda on Instagram @liv...
Apr 06, 2023•45 min•Season 5Ep. 233
I spend another amazing weekend with classmates-- this time in the sunshine of Palm Springs, California. One of my favorite lectures was about the neuroscience of creativity. Here's some insights! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 31, 2023•19 min
This is the time of year I normally throw open the windows, dig through the drawers, and declutter the depths of my home. A few years ago, I realized my MIND could use the same treatment. What beliefs are you holding onto that no longer serve you? Listen in to find out! Sponsor: Receive 30 days of the full headspace mindfulness app FREE by signing up here: headspace.com/livefree Join a retreat! livefreecreative.co/retreats Find full show notes at livefreecreative.co/podcast Follow Miranda on Ins...
Mar 30, 2023•51 min•Season 5Ep. 232
You're walking along, minding your business, and BOOM: you fall face-first-into an untrue, unhelpful THINKING TRAP. What do you do? Here's an idea to get you started. Reference: Reivich, K., & Shatté, A. (2003). The resilience factor: 7 keys to finding your inner strenght and overcoming life’s hurdles(Nachdr.). Broadway Books. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 24, 2023•21 min
The way we experience life is different from the way we remember it. Our brains compress some emotional experiences as more impactful as others-- specifically the "peak" and "end." In this episode, I share the ins and outs of this research and how to use it intentionally in your life! Sponsor: Try AG1 by Athletic Greens at athleticgreens.com/LIVEFREE Join a retreat! livefreecreative.co/retreats Find full show notes at livefreecreative.co/podcast Follow Miranda on Instagram @livefreemiranda Get o...
Mar 23, 2023•37 min•Season 5Ep. 231
Some of us are artists, some are mothers, some are accountants, some are all or none of the aforementioned. However, all of us are creative. In this episode I share some ideas for thinking about creativity outside of the field of art--rather as a daily exercise in openness and curiosity. Sponsor: Try Prose personalized haircare for 15% off at prose.com/livefree Join a retreat! livefreecreative.co/retreats Find full show notes at livefreecreative.co/podcast Follow Miranda on Instagram @livefreemi...
Mar 16, 2023•42 min•Season 5Ep. 230
This weekend I was in Philadelphia with 17 other classmates for a virtual/in-person hybrid weekend. It was so refreshing to be WITH the other students, get to know each other, and speak the same language. Also, big news! I decided on a capstone topic and have an advisor! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 10, 2023•19 min
We learn to write as children, but often the context stays very utilitarian: write a paper, write an email, write a holiday card. What about writing for healing, reflection, and self-discovery? I am excited to share about some of these impactful ways to use writing in your life beyond work. Sponsors: Try AG1 by Athletic Greens! Visit AthleticGreens.com/LIVEFREE to get free Vitamin D for a year with your order. Let Care/Of take care of your personal wellness with personalized supplements. Visit t...
Mar 09, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Season 5Ep. 229
I'm back in class this weekend (excited to be on Penn campus in Philadelphia). My favorite moment of this week of classwork was stumbling across the (apparent) Mother of Positive Psychology. Tune in to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 03, 2023•19 min
Do you love the idea of decluttering and organizing, but get hung up on the details? This episode is for you. I share 10 specific, practical ways to get rid of what is no longer serving you. SPONSORS: Try the Headspace app for 30 days FREE with code LIVEFREE Protect your family's financial future with Fabric by Gerber Life Help your kids learn emotional regulation with LuvBugLearning.com Join a retreat! livefreecreative.co/retreats Find full show notes at livefreecreative.co/podcast Follow Miran...
Mar 02, 2023•52 min•Season 5Ep. 228
This week I felt a spark of joy for a long-lost talent, met with some students in person to celebrate a baby shower, and dove into the benefits of adult coloring. Reference: Eaton, J., & Tieber, C. (2017). The Effects of Coloring on Anxiety, Mood, and Perseverance. Art Therapy, 34(1), 42–46. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 24, 2023•19 min
There are a lot of myths around minimalism, the forefront of which may be that it is boring, lifeless, or bare. I'm here to tell you that has not been my experience. In fact, my life feels more MAXIMAL since I decided what mattered most and elevated it! Tune in to learn more about how practical minimalism might be exactly the maximizing your life needs. Sponsors: Visit thrivemarket.com/livefree for 30% off your first order and at $60 gift! Take 65% off at HelloFresh.com with code LIVEFREE65! Joi...
Feb 23, 2023•50 min•Season 5Ep. 227
I just finished another weekend of class, and am excited for some upcoming assignments--including creating a Positive Artwork. Tune in to hear more about art for well-being and this week of MAPP. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 17, 2023•15 min
From rock climbing to friendship building, when you lift with your STRENGTHS, you will get higher and feel better. Tune in to learn more about how to discover YOUR strengths and use them! Sponsors: Nativedeo.com/LIVEFREE or use promo code livefree at checkout for 20% off your first order Prose.com/LIVEFREE for your FREE in-depth hair consultation and 15% off Join a retreat! livefreecreative.co/retreats Find full show notes at livefreecreative.co/podcast Follow Miranda on Instagram @livefreemiran...
Feb 16, 2023•40 min•Season 5Ep. 226
This week felt light, as we prepare for another class weekend. I read an article for my Neuroscience class that had me questioning our underlying cultural ideas about perseverance and when we are expected to achieve. I also share my top 5 and lowest 5 Character Strengths and invite you to learn your own. Visit https://www.viacharacter.org/ to take the free survey! Reference: White, R. E. et al., (2017). The “Batman Effect”: Improving Perseverance in Young Children. Child Development, 88(5), 1563...
Feb 10, 2023•19 min
Today I turn 40, and feel pretty great about it. In this episode, I answer 40 questions as I reflect on this last year. Find a free PDF download of the questions in the show notes! Join a retreat! livefreecreative.co/retreats Find full show notes at livefreecreative.co/podcast Follow Miranda on Instagram @livefreemiranda Get one-on-one coaching with Miranda at Patreon.com/livefreecreative Buy More Than Enough on Amazon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 09, 2023•50 min•Season 5Ep. 225
This week I turned in my section of a big group project, felt grateful for the timing of the assignments and homework with my birthday weekend (I'll be stress-free!) and dove into the idea of Music affecting Well-Being. Reference: Coopersmith, J., Music Flourishes. For inclusion in A. Celenza (Ed.) Music and human flourishing. Manuscript in preparation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 03, 2023•21 min
We know a lot about physical vital signs: blood pressure, pulse rate, temperature. These help us determine physical health, and give us a range for normal. What about emotional/mental/social/spiritual vitality? Do you recognize what activities and relationships are life-giving for you individually? If so, do you treat them as vital? Let's dive in! Sponsor: visit TakeCareOf.com and use code LIVEFREE50 for 50% off your first order! Join a retreat! livefreecreative.co/retreats Find full show notes ...
Feb 02, 2023•45 min•Season 5Ep. 224
This week things are feeling a bit lighter-- more up my alley! I share about the organization my group will be working with this semester, and a few thoughts on teamwork. Plus, HQCs. Reference: Stephens, J. P., Heaphy, E., & Dutton, J. E. (2011). High-quality Connections. Oxford University Press. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 27, 2023•21 min
Did you know that quality connections with other people increases your life satisfaction, well-being, and even helps you live longer? No better reasons to begin a book club this year! (Or a knitting club, dinner club or podcast club!) My book club has been a lifeblood for me this past year and in every city where I've lived. I always have been the one who started it-- listen in for how I do it! Join a retreat! livefreecreative.co/retreats Find full show notes at livefreecreative.co/podcast Follo...
Jan 26, 2023•44 min•Season 5Ep. 223
