Do you hold yourself to a high standard that isn’t always attainable? A lot of creatives find themselves doing this and it can set us up to be really hard on ourselves when we don’t meet those expectations. In this episode, I was joined by painter and author Tracy Verdugo. We talked about setting realistic expectations for ourselves and our creative projects. She shares so much wisdom in this episode about seeing the world through the eyes of a child, how to get more involved in the creative community during the pandemic and advice on taking the leap into the creative venture you’ve been dreaming about! (This episode was pre-recorded on July 6, 2020) What’s in this episode: How Tracy crafts a life she loves What it was like having Elizabeth Gilbert take her workshop How she’s navigating the art classes during the pandemic How art gives you both an escape and a way to be mindfully present Her advice for making the leap into your creative endeavor Tracy’s thoughts on seeing the world through the eyes of a child Why you should learn to be less hard on yourself Things she constantly reminds herself and students of  Pivots and turning points she’s made throughout her life How to feel more involved in the creative community virtually Her advice on having a lifelong lasting marriage About Tracy: If Tracy Verdugo was given the opportunity to coin a term for a new art movement based around what she teaches she might call it “Curiosity and Wonderism” or maybe “Loosen-upism” or “Endless possibilitism”. When she is not hanging out with her family in their artsy adobe home in a small village on the shores of Jervis Bay, Australia, or throwing paint around in her little purple studio in their backyard, you may find her painting beside thermal pools on an Italian island with an eager group of students, Aperol Spritz in one hand, paintbrush in the other, or sitting in a circle on St Pete Beach, Florida, listening intently as women share their stories of creative longing. Tracy is an inspiration instigator, prolific painter, bestselling author and lover of the written word, smitten traveler and soaker up of all that is beauty-full. She teaches her Paint Mojo and other creative workshops all over this amazing planet and reminds her students of the wonder that already resides within them. Her works are vibrant and filled with joy, inspired both by global travels and the simple beauty of the focused moment. Since 2000 Tracy has held 18 successful solo exhibitions and her works are held in collections both in Australia and internationally. Mostly though, she is mama bear to two gorgeous, zest-filled daughters, Santana and Cece, and co-adventurer in life with her amor of 34 years, the talented and brilliant Marco. Connect With Tracy: Website | Instagram | Facebook Links: Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert The Power of Intention: Learning to Co-create Your World Your Way by Wayne W. Dyer Real Magic: Creating Miracles in Everyday by Wayne W. Dyer Hope you’ve enjoyed this episode! Would love to hear from you. What is one thing you can do with the wisdom and guidance you’ve extracted from this episode to make a positive and lasting change in your own life? Connect with me on social media. You can find me @amytangerine on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and pretty much anywhere. If you’re enjoying this podcast, please rate and review on iTunes, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and let your friends know about it too! The more we spread the creativity and happiness that comes from pursuing our passions, the better off our amazing community will be. Hope you feel uplifted, energized and inspired.