Are fears driving your life? Do you feel like opportunities have passed you by? Are you constantly hustling, searching for that elusive "special thing"? Do you feel the need to prove yourself? Today on the podcast I am joined by Artist's Kelcy Swanstrum & Mariah Hardy! In this podcast episode, we explore what it means to be a Wholehearted Artist—someone who embraces all parts of themselves without abandoning any. We discuss the struggles of navigating life without knowing how to regulate our emotions, and how this can make taking risks seem overwhelming. Join us as we delve into: Releasing the pressure on your creativity Recognizing when we're in pain versus living in a fantasy.Balancing the tension between fantasy and dreaming.Deconstructing idealized notions in relationships.Confronting perfectionism and its impact on our sense of worthiness.Building resilience against shame and fostering inner safety.Navigating triggers while collaboratingCultivating internal safety as a foundation for taking creative risks. We also share a personal story where Mariah and Kelcy navigate triggers, collaborate, and stage a performance, illustrating the journey towards emotional and creative authenticity. Mariah and Kelcy are actors, friends, and roommates who found each other at drama school and never looked back. With panache, sass, and a whole lot of class, they are passionate about bringing authentically human stories to the North State with heart and truth. Powerful stories need powerful storytellers. Theatre provides a medium for explosive art, the kind that confronts, heals, and strengthens communities by reflecting our common humanity back to us. Website: https://www.mischieftheatreco.com/ Follow Kelcy on instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/kelcyswan Follow Mariah on instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/mariahgracehardy