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 102: Creative Rituals for Darker Days with Emma Sullivan Uebele
We’re stepping into one of the most potent thresholds of the year. The winter solstice. The shortest day, the longest night. That quiet hinge in the season when the world slows, the light thins, and many of us feel heavier without quite knowing why. Because creativity can be a lantern in moments like this, I wanted to devote an entire episode to the rituals and tiny practices that help us feel held when the days feel dark.
I’m joined by expressive arts therapist and trauma-informed care consultant Emma Sullivan Uebele for a grounding and deeply human conversation about how our bodies and nervous systems respond to winter, and why so much of what we experience during this season is completely natural. We explore how creativity can meet us gently when we’re tired, anxious, or disconnected, and how simple, accessible rituals can offer steadiness, reflection, and care during the darker days of the year.
Topics Covered:
- The emotional, physical, and ancestral meaning of the dark season.
- How reduced light affects our nervous systems, energy, and creativity.
- Why winter naturally invites rest, introspection, and slower rhythms.
- Creative rituals for people who feel tired, overwhelmed, or uninspired.
- Using expressive arts as a companion rather than a performance.
- Low-stakes creative practices like collage, blind contour drawing, and breath drawing.
- Distinguishing between shadow moments that need compassion and seeds that hold potential.
- Holding both darkness and hope as the light begins its quiet return.
Here are some actions you can take, whether you have 5 minutes or 50:
- If you have 5 minutes, I encourage you to think about some creative rituals you can build into your week. Maybe you want to do something specific for the winter solstice.
- If you have 50 minutes, check out Emma’s seasonal expressive arts workbooks in the show notes. They are a beautiful way to navigate winter with intention and warmth. And she pairs them with an accompanying workshop.
Connect with Emma!
Website: https://emmasullivan.art/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmasullivanart/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-sullivan-uebele/
Expressive arts workbooks: https://emmasullivan.art/shop
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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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