I created this course essentially as a documentation of the process I went through as a Type A, control 'freak', shy introvert to bring more balance into my life through enhancing creativity and taking the pressure off myself to be perfect and productive all the time.
I used to find it very difficult to relax and working in corporate finance for 25 years as of 2024 I found myself to be out of balance. Anxiety was dictating my life and my stress levels had reached dizzying heights. It took a health scare for me to jolt myself into making some changes. I now want others who are in the position and state I was in regain control of their lives in a more soft and gentle way that they are used to!
How to go through the Creative Cosy Retreat
My default setting is to plough through courses and books at a quick pace just because I'm always so eager to consume information. My suggestion is to go through the course at your own pace. You can go through in one sitting to get an idea of what is involved and then go through it again doing the exercises and investigating the resources. Or you can work through it step by step completing the exercises before moving onto the next section.
There are a number of exercises and resources to look into and this does not have to be done in one sitting!
Where appropriate I have added affiliate links to my recommendations where I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.
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FAQs:
How long do I have access to the course?
You have lifetime access to this course. If there are any unforeseen circumstances resulting in changes to this I will let you know.
Is this course suitable for beginners?
Yes, it's for anyone who wants to live a more creative and soft life, though it is targeted at those of us who are Type A Control Freak Introverts.
Can I work through the course at my own pace?
Yes - this is a self guided course, please take your time.
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1. Introduction to Creativity and Introversion
Understanding Creativity:
Creativity comes in many forms and everyone has creative potential. It does not matter what the medium or the outlet is, it is the...
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2. Introduction to the Soft Life Concept
Defining the Soft Life:
My definition of a soft life is one where we choose to live with ease, choosing simplicity and prioritising mental and physical well...
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3. Setting Personal Goals
Setting Personal Goals:
Take some time now to identify your creative aspirations and what you plan to achieve by the end of the course. You can use your Ikigai...
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4. Overcoming Creative Barriers: Identifying Obstacles
Identifying Obstacles:
Some common challenges that introverts face in creativity include fear of judgment, perfectionism, and overthinking.
I had found it...
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5. Overcoming Creative Barriers: Building Confidence
Building Confidence:
Some strategies for increasing self-confidence in creative abilities include positive self-talk and small, manageable creative tasks.
In...
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6. Overcoming Creative Barriers
Dealing with Creative Block:
Techniques for overcoming creative block, such as mind mapping, freewriting, and physical activities that stimulate the mind.
Creative...
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7. Mindset Shift: Embracing Ease and Letting Go
Letting Go of the Hustle Mentality:
In recent years there has been a focus on and encouragement of the hustle culture. This can work for some people but I have found it to...
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8. Harnessing Introverted Strengths:
Leveraging Deep Focus:
Introverts tend to have a natural ability for deep focus and this can be used to enhance creativity.
It is important to schedule in time...
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9. Cultivating a Creative Mindset
Mindfulness and Creativity:
Mindfulness is the practice of doing any activity with your full attention and being fully present in the current moment.
Introducing a...
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10. Exploring Different Creative Mediums
Trying New Forms of Expression:
There are a multitude of creative outlets, such as writing, drawing, music, photography, and digital arts. Sometimes we can become...
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11. Incorporating Creativity into Daily Life
Daily Creative Rituals:
Once you have decided on a particular activity you would like to pursue (and remember nothing is permanent…we can always change our...
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12. Enhancing Creative Skills
Learning from Others:
Research some famous creative introverts. Studying the work of creative introverts and analysing what makes their work resonate with you...
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13. Sharing and Showcasing Creativity
Comfortable Ways to Share Work:
Though it is sometimes a scary thought, a way to move out of comfort zone and grow is to share your work, but should be done in a way...
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14. Sustaining Creativity Over Time
Maintaining Inspiration:
To maintain the creative journey one must employ strategies to stay inspired and motivated. This can including keeping a creative...
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15. Simplifying Your Life
Decluttering Physical Spaces:
When creating space for creativity, to approach with a soft life mentality would be to declutter the physical space we live and work in....
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16. Prioritising Self-Care
Building a Self-Care Routine:
Setting time aside for self care is very important and our creativity practices can be included in this time. Again a routine should be...
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17. Financial Wellness for a Soft Life
Simplified Budgeting:
It is easy to become overwhelmed with finances but it is in your power to take control and understanding what is coming into and going...
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18. Cultivating Mindful Relationships
Setting Healthy Boundaries:
Setting boundaries in all areas of life will help protect your peace and well being. Having a soft life approach means that we should be...
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19. Aligning Work and Lifestyle
Evaluate your Work Values and Goals:
Identify what matters most to you by reflecting on what you value in your work life - is it flexibility, creativity, autonomy or a sense...
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20. Course Review and Next Steps
Reflecting on Growth:
It’s all about the journey not the end destination is a sentiment I have been told many times! It is necessary to review one’s personal...