Episode 207: Removing Roadblocks Through Creative Expression with SketchPoetic’s Sheila Darcey

At some point in our lives, we have all engaged in creative activities simply for casual enjoyment or as a hobby. From painting to writing to cooking or singing, there are many ways that creativity plays a part in our daily lives. But creative expression is far more than a hobby or a vocation. Throughout history, creativity has played a role in many aspects of human life. From technological advancements to mental health and well being, creative expression can unlock the roadblocks and barriers and fuel innovation and success. Meet our podcast guest and my good friend, Sheila Darcey, who is the founder of SketchPoetic - a creative expression practice for emotional healing and transformation. Sheila’s purpose is to elevate art as a tool for healing and be a catalyst to transform lives. Sheila is an innovator who has been instrumental in shaping the culture and diversity of companies, and is a strong advocate for women's leadership and empowerment across organizations. In this episode, Sheila shares what led her to become a health and wellness advocate, why daily self-care is so important, and how creative expression can help you remove roadblocks and unlock your transformation.  Visit https://www.iambeyondbarriers.com where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with Sheila. Highlights:  [03:17] The key mental health trend that emerged since 2020 and the pandemic [05:23] Addressing stigmas around mental health [07:25] What it means to be mentally in your body [09:23] What business leaders should embrace about health & wellness  [12:45] How busy professionals can practice self-care [16:45] Metaverse, crypto, and NFT - what’s the connection? [20:00] How to step into the metaverse and Web3 [23:12] Trusting our intuition [28:06] Sheila’s inspiration for her book, SKETCH BY SKETCH [31:10] Sheila’s process for writing [35:18] Living in a world of overconsumption [38:55] Key takeaways from SKETCH BY SKETCH [42:20] Lightning round questions [49:03] How our feelings of safety are triggered [53:22] Sheila’s power song Quotes: “What we value is what we pay attention to.” – Sheila Darcey   “The moment fear invades any situation or subject matter, it is going to be polarizing.” – Sheila Darcey   “There’s an inner peace and calmness that regulates your body when you’re doing the things you want to do.” – Sheila Darcey Lightning Round Questions:   What book has greatly influenced you?   The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho   What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?   And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.   What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself? SketchPoetic   What is one change you've implanted that made your life better?   Paying attention to my breath   What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?   Run the World (Girls) by Beyoncé   About Sheila Darcey:   Sheila Darcey is an innovator with 20 years of experience in transforming businesses across a variety of industries. She guides expert teams in crafting the strategies and building the digital products that help brands innovate. Sheila has been instrumental in shaping the culture of and diversity of companies. She is a strong advocate for women's leadership and empowerment across organizations.In addition to her corporate career, she recently returned to her artist's roots and founded SketchPoetic, a creative expression practice. Her purpose is to serve as a catalyst for people's transformation and elevate art as a tool for healing.“The beauty of SketchPoetic is in the process of creation itself. I want people to connect with the process as much as the outcome - to create without planning, without analyzing, without fear, and without expectations… because it’s liberating. It’s about being in a safe place to quiet the mind and spark the child-like curiosity we sometimes lose in our busy lives.” Links: Website: https://www.sketchpoetic.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Sketch-Creative-Emotional-Transformation-SketchPoetic/dp/1250773873/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheiladarcey/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sketchpoetic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/sheiladarcey