It’s the end of the day.

 

You find yourself alone, without the pressure of other people’s needs.

 

Glor-i-ous!

 

But you don’t know what to do because you’re too tired-exhausted-burnt out-irritated + depleted to really check-in with yourself.

 

Not. Glorious.

 

So, you pull out your phone + without thinking, open Instagram. You begin the doom scroll.

 

Or, you get cozy on the couch—it’s winter after all + maybe it’s the only time you get see your partner. You binge watch Real Housewives or Ted Lasso hoping to find sweet relief from the day.

 

But, 2 hours later, it’s time for bed + you STILL feel tired-exhausted-burnt out-irritated + depleted.

 

WHY is that, First name / friend?

 

It’s because you haven’t actually attended to YOUR own needs. But you already knew that.

 

As an artist, I'm admittedly biased when I say that creating is one of the MOST important elements to feeling more grounded + calm + present—but you don’t have to be an artist to experience the stress relief or positive effects on your mental health + well-being when you connect with Creative Self.

 

So, while I'm definitely *not* an expert in mental health, I AM a highly sensitive, introverted empath, who has struggled with depression + anxiety.

 

I definitely *do* believe in the importance of having a creative practice, because I HAVE SEEN IT work for me.

 

When I create, I am more joyful, happy + feel life is more meaningful.

 

And… I want that for YOU. I want that for all of us.
 

 

 

Free Beautiful Brush Basics Masterclass

 

Sign up for my Joy of Watercolor workshop

 

You don't have to use watercolor paper

 

Some things worth sharing + currently in my studio

The thing is, connecting with Creative Self is not a one + done method.

 

It IS a practice. And I need help—yes, me, too—with that practice.

 

That’s why I’m creating a monthly virtual meet up series starting in March. 

 

But first, I’m offering a FREE Beautiful Brush Basics Masterclass on February 8th at 8pm MST to kick things off.

 

To join, sign up + let me know you’re in so we can create together.

 

Beautiful Brush Basics is the foundation for the watercolor + doodling practice that helps me slip creativity into my daily life. Our time together will be an opportunity to connect with Creative Self + other women in a safe, nurturing environment. 

 

👉🏻Registration details for my meet up series will be in the next newsletter. Until then, DON'T FORGET to save your spot in my FREE Beautiful Brush Basics Masterclass on February 8th.

 

I'm so excited to create together. I hope you'll join me, First name / friend !

 

Pump it up a little more 👯‍♀️ You won't regret having a Jock Jams dance party to shake things up. You're welcome.

Another grain bowl🍲 My kids eat well when I serve grain bowls so I'm sharing the latest grain bowl. I'll be honest, I skipped the cauliflower + I was the biggest fan of the roasted red pepper sauce—I'm the cook so I cook food I want to eat. I froze the left over sauce in the mini muffin tin for small portions later. Also, consider holding off on the water in the sauce, I found it wasn't necessary. Do make sure you use parsley, like it calls for, not cilantro. 🤦🏼‍♀️

 

Upgrade your traditional polish 💅🏼 I love having my nails painted—the color brings me so much joy— but I hate waiting for them to dry + I'm always disappointed when they chip 4 days later. That's not the case with Dashing Diva Gloss nail stickers. I've had these stickers on for 4 weeks (!) There's a small learning curve to get the application right, but it's worth it for the joy these nail stickers brought all through the holiday season + beyond. They are also available at Target.

 

 

Thanks for reading this week's edition of The Art of Joy. If you're new here—Hiya! I'm Lexis, artist + educator behind Lexisworks. I send emails every other Thursday to help you connect to Creative Self so you feel more grounded, calm + present.

I'd love for you to stick around.

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