Crafting Calm: Lucy Brennan on Creativity, Self-Worth, and Embracing Change
11/14/24 • 59 min
Crafting holds a meditative power, a truth that Lucy Brennan, also known as @CharmAboutYou (and she does a Saturday Night Craftalong on Instagram). embodies in her life journey. As she shares her story, we learn how the art of crafting, passed down from her grandmother and mother, became her refuge from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Balancing a full-time job and creative passions, Lucy reflects on how crafting has found its way back into the hearts of a younger generation, offering a peaceful counterbalance to modern-day stress.
Our conversation takes a heartfelt turn as we navigate through the emotional challenges Lucy faced over the past few years. Unexpected opportunities, such as TV appearances, arrived unplanned, alongside personal loss, all of which reshaped her understanding of self-worth. Through a playful meme comparing 2019 to 2023, we take a moment to acknowledge the shared anxieties of our times, while the wisdom of Eckhart Tolle guides our discussion on finding peace and reducing self-imposed pressures by staying anchored in the present.
In our exploration of personal growth, Lucy opens up about the vital role of gratitude, connection, and self-care in overcoming anxiety and depression. From music and movement to embracing one's divine energies, she shares practical strategies for lifting spirits and fostering a sense of self-worth. Whether it's through the metaphorical oxygen mask of self-care or the empowering act of stepping out of comfort zones, Lucy's experiences underscore the strength and resilience needed to embrace life's inevitable changes with grace and courage.
Crafting holds a meditative power, a truth that Lucy Brennan, also known as @CharmAboutYou (and she does a Saturday Night Craftalong on Instagram). embodies in her life journey. As she shares her story, we learn how the art of crafting, passed down from her grandmother and mother, became her refuge from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Balancing a full-time job and creative passions, Lucy reflects on how crafting has found its way back into the hearts of a younger generation, offering a peaceful counterbalance to modern-day stress.
Our conversation takes a heartfelt turn as we navigate through the emotional challenges Lucy faced over the past few years. Unexpected opportunities, such as TV appearances, arrived unplanned, alongside personal loss, all of which reshaped her understanding of self-worth. Through a playful meme comparing 2019 to 2023, we take a moment to acknowledge the shared anxieties of our times, while the wisdom of Eckhart Tolle guides our discussion on finding peace and reducing self-imposed pressures by staying anchored in the present.
In our exploration of personal growth, Lucy opens up about the vital role of gratitude, connection, and self-care in overcoming anxiety and depression. From music and movement to embracing one's divine energies, she shares practical strategies for lifting spirits and fostering a sense of self-worth. Whether it's through the metaphorical oxygen mask of self-care or the empowering act of stepping out of comfort zones, Lucy's experiences underscore the strength and resilience needed to embrace life's inevitable changes with grace and courage.
Previous Episode
The Art of Letting Go. Dee Bushrod Embraces Change
Ever felt trapped by the roles others expect you to play? Quilter Dee Bushrod of @pixelquilts knows that feeling all too well. Renowned for her intricate pixel quilts, Dee takes us through her emotional journey of overcoming depression, breaking free from people-pleasing habits, and bravely stepping away from a structured religious environment to embrace an authentic self. Listen as she recounts the touching story of attempting to gift a pixel quilt of the Queen during her Platinum Jubilee, a project that was met with an unexpected twist, highlighting the unexpected paths authenticity can lead us down.
Quilting became more than just a craft for Dee—it was a lifeline during times of family transition and personal struggles. A Billie Eilish-themed quilt, created to comfort her daughter, sparked a newfound passion that transformed dark times into moments of beauty and connection. Dee's experience is a testament to how creative expression can lead to self-discovery, illustrating the therapeutic power of embracing imperfections and celebrating authentic joy.
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Follow Dee on Insta @pixelquilts
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Artistic Transformation: Zak Foster on Quilting, Community, and Ancestral Reflection
Join me for an inspiring conversation with Zak Foster, a trailblazer in the artistic quilting community, whose journey from a high school Spanish teacher to a full-time artist and podcaster is nothing short of transformative. Zak shares the pivotal moments during the pandemic that led him to embrace his passion and create the Quilty Nook, a vibrant community for quilters. Through our discussion, we uncover how Zak uses his art not just for expression, but as a force for community building and social change, highlighting the courage required to leave a conventional career path in pursuit of one's passion.
Discover how "Apogee Jubilee," Zak’s innovative creative piece, serves as a metaphor for humanity's journey and potential, tackling future anxieties and championing self-awareness and connection. We discuss the subtle power of everyday interactions in combating loneliness and nurturing community ties, illustrated by Zak’s journey in crafting a festival quilt for a folk school. The conversation is peppered with insights on the balancing act between creativity and responsibility, the nuances of setting boundaries, and the vital role of self-care in sustaining leadership within community spaces.
This episode also takes a poignant turn into the realms of family history and ancestral trauma, with Zak exploring the silence surrounding his own roots. We address themes of privilege and identity, particularly through the lens of Zak’s experiences as a white, male, queer artist navigating Brooklyn's diverse landscape. As Zak uncovers the layers of his family's past, he stresses the importance of confronting historical truths and the transformative power of understanding one's heritage. This enriching conversation promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for art's role in community building and the courage required to follow one's true calling.
Breaking the Blocks - Crafting Calm: Lucy Brennan on Creativity, Self-Worth, and Embracing Change
Transcript
Well , hello , lovely podcast listener . Thank you so much for tuning in to another episode of Breaking the Blocks . I'm Rachel , and today my guest is Lucy Brennan . You might know her as CharmAboutYou on Instagram . She hosts a Saturday night craft along there . She's also been on the telly box . She was on the sewing quarter many years ago . But in this interview I wanted to ta
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