A Great Listen...

I listened to a really great podcast episode today, from Dr. Mona Amin. She's been to the studio before, which is how I learned about her podcast.

This most recent episode really struck a chord with me. I come from a "finish your plate" family.

I've been on a journey for a healthier lifestyle and a lower number on the scale, over the last couple of years. I've always had issues with body image, but recently...it really hit hard. I've accomplished so much in the last two years, including building healthier habits and a substantial weight loss. But...

I HATE how I look in pictures and videos, right now. I struggle to love my body when I see it from the other side of a lens. And Dr. Mona nailed it. Loving my body was another thing for me not to accomplish.

Listen to this podcast. It's so informative and helpful for parents striving to raise kids with a healthy relationship to their body and food. There is a lot in here that I wish my son's pediatrician had been telling me a decade ago. Things I could have benefitted from had I heard it said when I was a teenager.

Now, you might be thinking, "Katie, this has nothing to do with art or the studio." Here is how I tie these things together. A lot of the things we do as parents, and even as people, are geared towards self-care, self-awareness, and good mental well-being. Art helps with all of those. Doing art also helped me build confidence and have a healthy mindset about trying new things and being willing to experiment, even if I might fail at first. It all helped me build healthier habits. The things I learn in the studio, always help me tackle other challenges in life outside the studio.

Bring your kiddos in to do some art. Paint with them and give yourself those same self-care, creative moments. It has such a positive effect. I want us all to have happy, healthy children, who respect and care for themselves and others.

Thanks for coming to my TedTalk. I hope we'll see you and your kiddos in the studio this holiday season!