Create-Today with Beth Buffington

Latest Episodes:

E38 - Transform Your Life with Daily Creative Habits. Simple Steps to Find Joy and Fulfillment Sep 05, 2024

Show notes

Harnessing Daily Creativity for a Happier, Healthier You!
In this episode of “Create Today,” we explore how the power of creativity can enhance happiness, health, and even your creative success. We realize the importance of a daily creative practice, and how it can improve cognitive function, emotional resilience, and overall well-being. Plus, you’ll discover how being part of a supportive community, like Create Today, can fuel your creative journey and help you find the inspiration needed to keep a daily creative practice in motion. Don’t miss out on these simple, usable tips for maintaining a daily practice and…find out about an exciting doodle meditation workshop available this fall! So much goodness! Come and join me!

00:00 Welcome to BDI Create Today!
00:31 Creativity Stories
03:11 The Importance of a Daily Creative Practice
04:58 Benefits of Daily Creativity
08:45 Creative Meditation
09:50 Finding Joy in the Creative Process
13:46 The Create Today Community
17:13 Join the Create Today Community
18:16 Upcoming Doodle Meditation Workshop
19:43 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Discover the resources inside the Create-Today Community 
Sign up for the Workshops this Fall! 
https://www.bdi-create.today

Links to the research from today’s episode: 
https://www.verywellmind.com/how-creativity-positively-impacts-your-health-5113162

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-my-brain-works/202404/creativity-and-the-brain-how-to-be-a-creative-thinker

E37 - Surviving Life’s Challenges with the Power of Your Creativity Aug 29, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of “Create-Today”, we talk about how my daily routine was upended this past Thursday - by a sudden family crisis. Together you and I will explore the role of creativity in maintaining resilience during crisis, and how leaning on a creative community can provide much-needed support. Get practical tips on staying creatively connected, so you can build the mental strength to handle life's unexpected challenges. Whether it's through keeping a journal, engaging in mindful practices, or networking with creative friends, learn how creativity can help you “dig deep” and navigate turbulent times – and if you’re like me… creativity can calm your overactive imagination. My hope is you’ll leave this episode with newfound clarity and strength by understanding the incredible power of your creativity…and your creative community. Sending you hugs, my creative friend. ~xo Beth
00:00 Introduction: A Summer of Creativity and Routine
01:05 Unexpected Challenges: A Life-Altering Call
04:22 The Power of Creative Communities
09:21 Digging Deep: Finding Strength in Creativity
13:20 Building Creative Resilience: Practical Tips
20:18 Conclusion: Embracing Creativity in Tough Times

Links to Create-Today
Get my Free Kickstart Video: 
https://www.bdi-create.today/kickstart

Join the Create-Today Community: 
https://www.bdi-create.today

36 - Protect Your Creativity. What in the World Are You Absorbing? Aug 22, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Create Today, we explore the concept of how our creativity mirrors a sponge, absorbing everything in its environment. You’ll discover how our creative minds—absorb both good and bad influences. Listen in and learn easy ideas to ensure your creative sponge is soaking in a positive and inspiring environment. Tune in to discover how to protect and nourish and GROW your creativity!

00:00 The Olympics Were Amazing This Summer
02:14 Will's Hilarious Take on Fencing
03:20 Will's Diving Board Adventures
05:26 Welcome to Create Today
06:07 Children Are Like Sponges
07:45 The Good and Bad of Being a Sponge
08:42 Your Creativity Is a Sponge Too
12:33 External Influences on Creativity
18:45 Internal Influences on Creativity
22:26 Nourishing Your Creative Sponge
22:53 Practical Tips for Creative Nourishment
29:52 Protecting Your Creative Resource
30:17 Thank You for Tuning In

Links to Create-Today
Get my Free Kickstart Video: 
https://www.bdi-create.today/kickstart

Join the Create-Today Community: 
https://www.bdi-create.today

E35 Be happier… use the power of colors…and the magic of crayons Aug 15, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Create Today, join me as we reminisce about the joy of getting that new box of crayons when it was time to go “back to school.” We’ll explore the emotional power of each of the eight iconic crayon colors. From the vivid reds to grounding browns, you’ll realize how each of these eight powerful colors can build confidence, fuel creativity, and influence YOUR daily life. We also discuss how crayons have a lasting impact on childhood creativity – that IF– we allow it…will accompany us throughout our lives. Discover how to embrace the power of colors and let them inspire you to “create today!”

00:00 Welcome to Create Today
00:08 Back to School Memories
01:58 The Magic of New Crayons
03:31 The Story of Crayola
05:56 Exploring the Eight Iconic Crayon Colors
11:43 Harnessing the Power of Colors
16:31 Conclusion: Embrace the Colors

Links to Create-Today
Get my Free Kickstart Video: 
https://www.bdi-create.today/kickstart

Join the Create-Today Community: 
https://www.bdi-create.today

Dance Like No One's Watching: The Power of Creative Abandon Aug 08, 2024

Show notes

Today, we explore how embracing the positive aspect of 'abandon' can supercharge your creativity and enhance your happiness. Let’s explore how simple acts of creativity can relieve stress and improve mental well-being. Discover how simply dancing in your kitchen or doodling with a “what the hell, no one is watching” attitude can strengthen your well being, and increase your creative process. Join me as we unlock creative potential, and find joy in pure self-expression.

00:00 Introduction: A Love for Theater
00:59 Discovering 'Dance with Abandon'
02:01 Exploring the Word 'Abandon'
03:57 The Positive Side of Abandon
07:09 Creating with Abandon
11:05 Practical Tips for Creating with Abandon
17:19 Benefits of Creating with Abandon
21:02 Conclusion: Embrace Your Creative Freedom

Links to Create-Today
Get my Free Kickstart Video: 
https://www.bdi-create.today/kickstart

Join the Create-Today Community: 
https://www.bdi-create.today

E33 - Snack Your Way to Creative Genius - Great Tips for Busy Minds Aug 01, 2024

Show notes

Snack your way to Creative Genius? Yes you can! Learn how to keep your imagination vibrant and stay focused by incorporating small, enjoyable creative activities into your daily life. From artistic tapas to avoiding creative junk food—discover amazing—and very useful hacks and strategies to enhance your creativity and achieve a balanced and healthy creative routine. Perfect for anyone looking to boost their creative energy and/or work on large projects without feeling overwhelmed.

00:00 Introduction and Upcoming Road Trip
02:15 The Importance of Snacks on a Road Trip
04:22 Creative Snacking: A Metaphor
06:41 Artistic Tapas: Small Bites of Creativity
09:05 Nutritional Creative Snacks
10:59 Incorporating Creative Snacks into Daily Life
14:01 Tackling Large Projects with Snackable Tasks
18:14 Creative Junk Food vs. Creative Superfoods
22:42 Creating a Healthier Creative Routine
24:55 Conclusion and Community Invitation

Links to Create-Today
Get my Free Kickstart Video: 
https://www.bdi-create.today/kickstart

Join the Create-Today Community: 
https://www.bdi-create.today

32 - How creative facets help you through life's challenges Jul 25, 2024

Show notes

Lately…life has been loud with news…extreme weather…conflicts.
In this episode of BDI Create Today, we look at the significance of creativity in our daily lives, discussing how it allows us to be stronger for life’s daily hurdles— by helping us power up our creativity—enabling us to see beauty in opposites, foster innovation, and build empathy. We will examine how to carve out time for creative pursuits—highlighting the benefits of creativity in reducing stress and increasing happiness. Get ready for some news about how the Create Today community can help you take time away from life’s chaos…to have some creative fun— while you grow your creative confidence and realize how to have a daily creative practice that will strengthen you in heart, mind, body and soul.

00:00 Welcome to BDI Create Today
00:52 Facing Life's Daily Hurdles
02:44 The Power of Creativity
05:19 Embracing Opposites in Creativity
06:59 The Multifaceted Nature of Creativity
11:26 Cultivating Your Creative Strengths
16:29 Join the Create Today Community
18:47 Sign up to the Community

Links to Create-Today
Get my Free Kickstart Video:  
https://www.bdi-create.today/kickstart

Join the Create-Today Community:  
https://www.bdi-create.today

Push Me–Pull You… Tandem strength will increase your creativity! Jul 18, 2024

Show notes

This week Beth explores the creative power of combining tandem strengths. Building on last week's interview with Mary Jo Hoffman, author of 'Still, the Art of Noticing,' Beth explores how mixing your creative strengths (like riding a tandem bike) can amplify your creativity. This episode offers powerful but usable ideas about how YOU can strengthen your creative skills by using and perfecting your tandem strengths (cause you have them, my friend!) Come…and discover three easy activities to integrate tandem strengths into your creative passion!

00:00 Introduction and Recap
00:42 Building a Creative Practice
01:35 The Tandem Metaphor
04:02 Tandem Strengths in Muscles
05:18 Combining Creative Strengths
09:20 Inner and Outer Strengths
13:50 Practical Ideas for Tandem Strengths
22:56 Conclusion and Create-Today Community Invitation @ www.bdi-create.today

Links to Create-Today
Get my Free Kickstart Video: 
https://www.bdi-create.today/kickstart

Join the Create-Today Community: 
https://www.bdi-create.today

E30- Mary Jo Hoffman - How to get daily creative power! Jul 11, 2024

Show notes

This week Beth chats with Mary Jo Hoffman about her transformative journey from aerospace engineering to professional artist and author. Mary Jo shares how her personal project, “Still”, born out of a challenge to photograph found nature, evolved into over a decade-long creative practice. Listen is to a delightful discussion about the importance of consistency, how focus on a daily commitment can override perfectionism, the significance of your artistic voice, and the delights of noticing the world around us. Learn powerful and transforming tips on maintaining a daily creative habit and get inspired to start your own by listening to Mary Jo’s insightful experiences and advice.

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement
01:00 Mary Jo Hoffman's Creative Journey
01:58 Having a Daily Challenge and Its Impact
02:28 Finding an Online Creative Community
03:33 The Birth of the 'Still' Project
17:54 The Artistic Process and Overcoming Perfectionism
29:55 Perfectionism in Engineering and Creativity
31:59 The Hip Bump Technique
33:40 Daily Practice and Confidence
39:13 Balancing Busy Schedules with Creativity
42:02 Finding Joy in Daily Creative Practices
43:22 Starting a Creative Project
48:48 Practicing for Retirement
51:33 Publishing a Book 56:53 Embracing Seasonal Changes
57:33 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Show Notes:  

How to find Mary Jo Hoffman:
Mary Jo's Blog:
https://stillblog.net/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/maryjohoffman/
A Link to buy her book:
Amazon

Links to Create-Today

Get my Free Kickstart Video: 
https://www.bdi-create.today/kickstart

Information about Create-Today offerings: 
https://www.bdi-create.today

E29 Creativity with Lori Siebert: A Journey of Passion, Curiosity, and Facing Fears Jul 04, 2024

Show notes

Our Create Today guest, Lori Siebert shares her creative journey, from art lessons at a young age to becoming a successful designer, teacher, and mentor. Lori highlights the importance of passion and curiosity in her work, recounts stories of overcoming fear, and encourages others to explore and honor their creative instincts. She discusses the significance of travel, collaboration, and the ritual of daily creativity. Listeners also learn about Lori's various projects, including Art Biz Jam, and the impact creativity has on one's personal and professional growth.

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement
01:08 Lori Siebert's Creative Journey
05:16 The Role of Curiosity in Creativity
08:30 The Importance of Passion Projects
20:47 Facing Fears and Embracing Collaboration
35:03 Finding Joy in Small Creative Acts
36:05 The Power of Simple Creative Practices
38:39 Building Confidence Through Creativity
40:55 Facing Fears and Embracing Growth
45:19 Advice for Aspiring Creatives
51:37 Balancing Work and Creative Life
58:52 Upcoming Events and Opportunities
01:00:12 Final Thoughts on Creativity

Links to Lori
Lori’s website: 
https://lorisiebert.com/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/lorisiebert.studio/

ArtBizJam:
https://artbizjam.com/

Links to Create-Today
Get my Free Kickstart Video: 
https://www.bdi-create.today/kickstart

Information about Create-Today offerings: 
https://www.bdi-create.today