258: A Litany for Trying

About this episode

Merideth shares a pep talk about embracing the effort of trying as we step into the new year.

We're back with our first new episode of 2026! I'm sharing a pep talk for anyone (including myself!) who is stepping into the new year with trepidation. This episode is especially for you if you're in the process of submitting your work to be judged or critiqued. Inspired by the "whiplash" I felt after submitting a major grant application this week, I encourage you to shift your focus from the outcome (the product) to the sheer effort and the vulnerable act of trying. Links and Calls to Action Mentioned: Support the Show: Become a Joyster on my Patreon for hours of creative discovery and recovery content. Joyster Monthly Meet Up: Learn more and register for our next meeting on February 13th at noon EST to chat about inspiration and "filling the well." New Book Pre-order: My newest book, Art is How God Loves Us , is available for pre-order now. Art's Open Door, Substack Subscription: I'm moving to bi-monthly podcast episodes, and on the "off weeks," I'll be publishing some writing over on Substack. You can subscribe to that separate email list to get my voice and words in your inbox each Friday. Connect Online: Instagram: @artistsforjoy Email: hello@artistsforjoy.org

Topics covered

• new year
• creativity
• vulnerability
• effort

Keywords

• pep talk
• grant application
• submission
• critique

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Substack, Patreon

Books & works: Art is How God Loves Us, Art's Open Door, Substack Subscription

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