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What if releasing the grip of perfectionism could open the door to a more authentic and fulfilling life?

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Maria Bowler, an esteemed author, coach, and retreat leader, as she uncovers the transformative power of embracing imperfections. Maria shares her personal journey of navigating motherhood during the early days of the COVID pandemic, revealing how challenges and unpredictability shaped her understanding of presence, creativity, and authenticity. Discover how aligning internal values with external expressions can help bridge the gap between our inner desires and outward actions, making creativity a vital force in our daily lives.

In this episode, we tackle the hurdles of people-pleasing and perfectionism, especially among high-achieving women who fear that letting go will diminish their drive. Maria and I discuss how societal pressures and internalized fears can stifle true creativity and fulfillment, sharing insights on bringing authentic desires to the forefront. Through personal anecdotes, we highlight the power of embracing creativity in everyday moments, whether it's in business, motherhood, or simple activities like a walk. We also confront the resistance faced when adopting new perspectives, such as the Enneagram, and how overcoming these barriers can lead to more meaningful and genuine expressions of self. Tune in for a powerful reminder of the importance of being present and authentic in all facets of life.

Key Highlights:

1. The Performance Trap: Explore how the pressure to perform can overshadow our true selves and hinder personal growth (7:05).
2. Quality vs. Quantity: Discuss the balance between doing less and engaging in activities that bring genuine joy and energy (12:03).
3. Creative Authenticity: Learn why it’s crucial to share your creativity with those who trust your intentions, fostering deeper connections (19:07).
4. Taking Responsibility: Maria emphasizes the importance of owning our circumstances and the power we have to effect change (37:00).
5. Finding the Magic: Understand how focusing too much on tidying up can make us miss the beauty in life’s messiness (39:00).
6. Exploring the Shadows: Discover that resistance often signals the presence of informative "shadowy" parts of ourselves (56:38).
7. Redefining Productivity: Maria challenges the notion that we don’t want to do things; instead, we seek to do them differently. Releasing perfectionism can lead to a more authentic life (56:54).

About Maria:
Maria Bowler is an author, coach, and retreat leader. She holds a masters in religion and the arts from Yale University, is a former magazine editor, and has taught creative writing at the university level. Canadian by birth, she now lives in the Driftless Region of the US with her family.

Connect with Maria:
Website
Substack
Instagram
Pre-order her book

Join us next time as we continue to explore the multifaceted journey of motherhood.

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