French Kissing Life
If you were free to be who you really are deep down and who you were always meant to be, what would your life look like? What does it mean to have a zest for life? Can you *really* invite more joy into your everyday living through doable steps that don’t take a lot of time? Yes, yes, and more yes!
French Kissing Life is an inspirational podcast that guides you toward finding your spark and unleashing it into the world. If you’ve been yearning to celebrate your unique presence and fall in love with who you truly are, then you’ve found your tribe. If you believe the world needs what only you can offer, this community will be your biggest cheerleader. Picture this podcast as your weekly dose of encouragement – a sanctuary where you can escape the noise of the world and embrace the beauty of your own existence.
From skinny dipping in Portugal to auctioning herself off for a date and testing whether a slinky will go down an ancient pyramid, host Shawnna Stiver knows a thing or two about going for it and the hilarious stories that await. Through heartfelt, playful and funny conversations, Shawnna helps you discover what makes your heart race, your soul dance and your spirit soar. You’ll also hear from guest experts who share insights on how to navigate the journey of self-discovery and invite the world to come alive alongside you.
In a world that demands you be anything but yourself, this is your permission slip to be a little more YOU. Together, we’ll make every moment count and create a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside. If you’re ready to shed the shoulds and welcome in a life that feels uniquely, beautifully, and authentically yours, subscribe now and let’s make every episode a celebration of YOU! Buckle up for an adventure where realness reigns, inspiration thrives and fun is the name of the game. Are you ready to french kiss life?!
French Kissing Life
Ep 89: Using Art Therapy Exercises for Stress Relief with Susan Day
We’ve been drawing on cave walls longer than we’ve been talking. That little fact alone hints at just how primal and healing art can be.
In this episode, I’m joined by mindful arts coach, author, and app developer Susan Day for a conversation that is full of heart, color, and quiet revelation. We explore the healing power of creativity, not as something performative or polished, but as a deeply personal and cathartic practice. Whether it's a crayon on the back of an envelope or a full-blown collage session, Susan shows us how creativity can become a gentle companion for navigating stress, anxiety, and even trauma.
We talk about why you don’t need to be an artist to benefit from art therapy, what’s really happening in your body and brain when you create from the heart, and how simple rituals can help you come home to yourself. It’s a soulful and spark-filled conversation that just might inspire you to pick up a pencil or tear up a magazine page.
Topics Covered:
- Why the process of creating matters more than the final result.
- How mindful art practices can soothe the nervous system.
- The neuroscience of creativity and why it bypasses the need for words.
- Collage, color, sculpture, and how each medium supports different emotions.
- Susan’s personal story of discovering art therapy through both grief and joy.
- How to use rituals to enter a creative mindset.
- The surprising emotional power of tearing paper or scribbling with a crayon.
- Why Susan developed a therapy app and how technology can support healing.
Here are some actions you can take, whether you have 5 minutes or 50:
- If you have 5 minutes, sign up for Susan’s newsletter called the Soulful Spark. You’ll get a free art therapy activity each week, and she is generously sharing a free copy of her book, Rekindling Your Souful Spark, which is not available anywhere else.
- If you have 50 minutes, I invite you to check out Susan’s other brainchild, the Art Therapy App, which is an absolutely genius resource and user-friendly platform for creative expression.
Connect with Susan!
Website: https://mindfulartstherapy.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindfulartstherapy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindfulartstherapy/
Instagram (app): https://www.instagram.com/theartt
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Contact French Kissing Life Podcast
- DM us at @shawnnarstiver on Instagram or Facebook
- Connect with Shawnna Stiver on LinkedIn
- Email us at frenchkissinglifepodcast@gmail.com
Until next time, muah!
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French Kissing Life is sponsored by Ampersand Copy and Content. Ready to convert browsers into buyers? If you want to master your messaging, stand out in a saturated market and become a crushed-on, go-to brand, contact us today!
Website: https://ampersandcopyandcontent.com/
Email: shawnna@ampersandcopyandcontent.com