The Creative Edit

13 More Days Until UNBLOCKED. Join Me!

As the Busy Season Arrives, Here's One Thing You Need to Make Sure You Don't Forget

Chalice Nelson, LPC — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 23:39:33 GMT

Happy Tuesday!

Summer is officially here (so is the heat) and for many creatives, this is when things pick up, more opportunities, more travel, more connections, but it is so important that you don’t forget about YOU.

And even if right now you are rolling your eyes thinking “Don’t be ridiculous,” as a counselor/therapist I see this every summer. The opportunities come in, you’re outside having fun, you’re pushing yourself to the limit then BOOM! fall comes and you realize that you put your self-care practices to the side, and you’re sliding down the wall crying trying to figure out how you got here.

That doesn’t have to be the case.

This summer you can have fun and still prioritize your wellbeing.

You can pursue your dreams and not lose your creativity (or your mind).

You can acknowledge that the first half of the year was hard and still make miracles happen in the second half.

You can take a break and that doesn’t mean that you aren’t taking your work seriously.

I’m excited to share that I’ve got something for every creative this summer. Whether you need to spend more time inward to make better art, detach from all the outside noise, get serious about your dreams or just need a quick break to catch your breath, check out my offerings below to find the best one for you.

Come & Vibe IRL

I’m taking a much needed extended break this weekend and I might not get my email done before I’m on vacation mode, so if you don’t hear from me Sunday, we’ll be back on our regularly scheduled program 7/12!

Be Creative… And Be A Little Selfish!

Chalice

P.S. Saving Hey creatives is getting old and Fam does not feel right. Lol Y’all help me create a community name.

Girl... Where You Been?!?!

Chalice Nelson, LPC — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:10:25 GMT

Hey Y’all!

Happy June! Happy Pride! Happy Summer! Happy Wednesday!

I could walk into this email looking and feeling like this…

But I’m actually feeling like this…

Because the last time I wrote an email to y’all it took y’all about 5 minutes to read it, but it took me 5 hours (ok, maybe I’m being dramatic… but no lie 3 hours) to write it. The words were not coming together, the sentences were not making sense, I was getting stressed out with trying to remain consistent and I had to check in with myself to ask “How much does consistency matter if it’s basura?!”

So I took a step back. I realized that honesty, integrity and intention is more important to me than being able to check off that I wrote an email 52 times this year. And come to find out your girl had COVID (yes, it’s still a thing, wash y’all hands, wear masks when appropriate, stay home if you are sick)! That made me prioritize what mattered most, with my health being the number one priority. And I told myself that when I felt ready, I had the energy, I had the capacity to be consistent here, I’d come back… HERE I AM!

Y’all see me in your timelines more often now and if you want to see me IRL, join me for Feelin’ in Color!

Feelin’ is color is being held with Black Coffee Atlanta for their annual Black Coffee Fest! It’s a self-guided coloring exercise where coloring, music and a sip of your favorite morning beverage take you a journey. All you gotta do is pull up. Come with the Monday blues, leave feeling energized, calm and ready to take on the week.

Also, did I mention that it’s FREE.99? So come and join us!

Grab Your Tix Now

And you can come find me on the Beltline this weekend at the Friends & Neighbors Market (I have been outside… ok?!?). Stop by my table for an art activity, to learn more about my services and I’ve got some exclusive art kits that I’m selling for a limited time only.

Ok lovely people, thank you for making a little bit of time for me. I look forward to sending another email soon, in between time, take good care of yourselves.

Be Creative,

Chalice

I've Been Dreaming of the Nineties

Chalice Nelson, LPC — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 16:15:12 GMT

Welcome to a new week!

Although we are starting the week afresh, I’ve been caught up in the past. As a millennial, people often come for us about how frequently we reminisce about our younger days, but if you don’t understand, sorry. You had to be there!

I’ve been dreaming of the nineties. Not in the typical sense of thinking about the shows I watched, toys I played with, or “how simple things were (I mean I wasn’t paying bills back then and I wouldn’t mind going back to those days).” But truly the essence that existed back then.

I’m dreaming of the intention that went into handwriting and mailing out birthday invitations and the thank you cards that were sent thereafter.

I’m dreaming of the simplicity that came in making plans with your loved ones.

I’m dreaming of the ease that came with building and maintaining community.

I’m dreaming of a time where we looked back at the pictures we took.

I’m dreaming of Saturday mornings that belonged at home, watching cartoons and listening to music as we cleaned.

I’m dreaming of how typical it was to watch a movie or a tv show as a family.

I’m dreaming of how technology was limited to one room in the house.

I’m dreaming of the moments where the pressure to be perfect didn’t feel so intense to the point where one would transform into someone else in order to gain the approval of the masses.

I’m dreaming of the simplicity and act of love leaving a voicemail was.

I’m dreaming of the weekly family traditions that were easy to uphold because work didn’t come home as easily as it does now.

I’m dreaming of the days where we acknowledged that keeping up with the Joneses was a thing and it was cool not to keep up with them.

I’m dreaming of when the news was only available during certain times of the day.

Did the nineties have it’s problems? Absolutely! There were plenty of things I wasn’t privy to then that today I have the ability to acknowledge the harm it has caused. What I can’t deny is that there are aspects of this time that I crave and deeply want to experience again. So dreaming in this sense helps me to create the path forward.

The beauty of being a millennial and a counselor is that I witnessed an era in which people were able to live a lot more slowly and intentionally and within community. Now, I see the detrimental impact a lack of access to these qualities have on us as a whole today. If societally, we continue to operate from a lens of individualism, avoidant attachments, and overconsumption, our mental health and creativity will crumble. As bluntly as I can put it, we cannot keep operating at this pace. It is so important right now to slow down, dream, and create. No matter what happens, do not let the pace of today stop you from creating.

Dream of the past and it’s joys, while also remembering that you have the ability to create a brighter tomorrow (a cheesy message we used to hear in the nineties, yes I know). Dream so that you can recreate the experiences that were so important to you. Dream so that you can heal.

Dreaming of the nineties encourages me to draw, color and create more, to get into a flow state in which I’m no longer concerned about the time. What’s a time that you would like to go back to and dream of? How can you re-create that today?

What I’m Watching

Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am via Soundtracks, Scores & More

This year, I told myself that I wanted to revisit my collection of Toni Morrison’s books. I opened up The Source of Self-Regard (more on that later) and immediately I was inspired by championing of creativity in times of uncertainty. This led to be going down a rabbit hole, enraptured in the bravery exuded within her creative practice, and again I watched her documentary, The Pieces I Am.

She spoke about just how powerful words can be. Being aware of when it was best for her to write. The importance of owning her knowledge (And it’s on Tubi now, so please go watch it). So today I leave you with a couple of questions to journal about: What elements are needed to support you in creating with ease? Are you aware of just how powerful your creative work is?

Creative Guidance for the Week

Sometimes so much energy is placed on what you think you need, that you can forget what you already have. Inspiration and solutions can be found in your life experiences. How might creating space for reflection propel you towards your greatest creation?

Inspired by Dionne Warwick with Deja Vu. For the full Create Dreams Playlist

Create Dreams on Apple Music

Create Dreams on Spotify

Until next week!

Be Creative,

Chalice

What About All The Dreams You've Fulfilled?

Chalice Nelson, LPC — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 18:35:14 GMT

Happy Sunday Creatives,

My wish for you is that you are entering this new week with ease and maybe some excitement if you’re looking forward to the Benito Bowl a little later.

As a creative, with a mind full of amazing ideas and concepts, there’s always so many projects to begin, goals to achieve, next levels to reach. But a question I often stop and ask myself is “What if this is it?”

When I reflect on my journey as a human and as a creative, I can recognize that I’ve come so far. And it fills me with gratitude for all the little things that I didn’t realize were and still are so important. But sometimes, that gratitude gets washed away with ambition. I can get so caught up on the next box to check off on the goal list, that I forget about all that I’ve achieved thus far.

I invite you to do the same and ask yourself: What if this it? What if there were no more residencies to apply for? No more galleries to be apart of? No more scripts to submit? No more writings to publish? Not another follower attained.

What if there was no bigger home? No better car? No next award for you to win? What if moving forward simply meant that you create for magic it offers you?

It leads us to check in on our values and determine whether notoriety or creating is the prize. If creating is the true prize, look at all the dreams you have brought to life around you, regardless of who cosigned of it or not. Stop questioning when you’ll make it and realize that in so many ways, you already have.

This is one of the main reasons why I created Unblocked. To choose living a creative life, means acknowledging the challenges that come along with it. You might be pursuing options for your life that others cannot comprehend. Maybe you’re creating things that require the approval of others, although you are satisfied with it yourself. Or simply put, you have dreams that others don’t believe is possible. You cannot let those things keep you from pursuing what you know is meant to be yours. Unblocked offers a series of mindfulness, writing, and visual arts practices to not just support you in getting to where you’re going, but to also reflect on how far you have traveled.

I’m excited to have some of you join me either on February 28, 2026 or by catching the replay. The scholarship application remains open until 2/14.

Use code DREAMS26 for $25 off now

Your Creative Guidance This Week

It’s very easy to get caught up in the intensity of the now and how to move forward, not realizing all the fairy tales you’ve already lived. There will always be more you’ll want, desire to achieve and experience, but if you are constantly moving the goal post, how will you ever recognize the many wins you’ve gained? How can you create meaning by reflecting on the dreams that you’ve attained already?

Inspired by J. Cole with Love Yourz. Download the full Create Dreams Playlist.

Create Dreams on Apple Music

Create Dreams on Spotify

Hello February, Let's Create Dreams!

Chalice Nelson, LPC — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:15:52 GMT

Dreams

Dream (singular)

/drēm/

verb

to consider as a possibility; to engage in the use of your imagination to fantasize about something greatly desired

to have a series of events, images, emotions or thoughts that occur while sleeping

Happy Black History Month Creatives!

Reflecting on how the African Disapora has and continues to build this world is a source of joy that we could use right now.

Even as a counselor, with access to a variety of skills, resources, and knowledge, I still find myself overwhelmed at moments with all that is happening. How are feeling? If you need something to help you get grounded, fellow therapist Jenn Hourani has created this somatic practice that may be what you need.

While it is a time where we may feel scared, numb, angry and everything in between, it is not the time to give up your power, hopes, or desires. In the midst of uprise, chaos, and confusion, give yourself permission to rest, to dream, to create.

Getting quiet last month was an opportunity to build a greater sense of connection to yourself so that you could hear the desires of your heart loud and clearly. This month, I’m encouraging you to dream. As creatives, I believe that we are some of the best imaginary thinkers, decision-makers, and adaptable beings there are. Don’t let this moment take that away from you. Be scared and still dream. Get angry and still create. Your beautiful mind has the ability to not just transform your own life, but leave an everlasting footprint on the lives of others (only if you want to).

Create Dreams on Apple Music

Create Dreams on Spotify

Your Affirmations for February

Offerings

February is also self-love month and what a beautiful opportunity to explore how to expand the love you have for yourself. If you are a woman of color within Georgia or Florida, feel free to join Becoming Her, a 6 week educational and skill-building program. Through this virtual group, you’ll redefine what self-care means, helping you to build a nourishing relationship with yourself that recognizes the luxury that comes with prioritizing you, understanding and tending to your needs and challenging the status quo about beliefs regarding how you must show up in the world. We start in less than 2 weeks, let’s get lifted!

Learn More About Becoming Her

Until next week!

Be Creative,

Chalice

There Are Somethings We Shouldn't Be Quiet About

Chalice Nelson, LPC — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 02:15:25 GMT

Good Evening Creatives,

While I wished that this email found you well, I acknowledge that maybe it won’t. While there’s a lot going on in the world, possibly there’s a lot going on in your world too. You might feel blah, tired, satisfied, heavy, grateful, numb, _______.

For me, the word is restless. Being sick has been GHETTO (wear a mask y’all), I’ve sat with the desire to create while having the energy to do nothing. It has made me question “What permission do I give myself to let things crumble?” The jump from “I deserve this nap,” to “Dang, nothing on my to do list has been done” has been real. It’s not only highlighted the joys of capitalism, but also leads me to wonder How loud do things get when it’s quiet?

In the midst of my restless days, I was able to open up a book I have been reading for a year and this quote stuck to me like glue:

We planted our shit in the ground to grow more mountains when we ran out. We didn’t inspire upward, but downward: The deeper your house, the safer you were from sight, from soldiers, from grief engineered by armies. You think you dig holes in the yard because it’s your idea? Digging is the design of your body. Holes are what marrow is made of.
Bestiary, K. Ming Chang,

And maybe as it is winter and as we navigate all the uncomfortable emotions that come with being in this season of life, we go inward, towards warmth and the rumble of these emotions. Seek solace in the noise. And allow our creativity to create the landscapes we dream of by first getting loud with ourselves about our reality.

Offerings for You

For My Creative Self-Care Girlies

May you give yourself permission to build your home in the ground, a home where you feel safe, seen and validated. If you find yourself burned-out, exhausted or disconnected from who you know yourself to be, Becoming Her is a 6-week virtual educational and skill-building group for women seeking to care for themselves through creativity, connection and compassion.

Together, we’ll slow down and shift away from the performative self-care tropes we’ve been taught to embody to explore what it actually looks like to nurture yourself in ways that are grounded, intentional, and aligned with who you already are.

This experience supports you in developing sustainable self-care practices rooted in reality, honesty and rest so that by the end of our time together, you’re not chasing a version of yourself to become, but recognizing that she’s already here, she just needs some TLC.

I'm Ready to Become Here

For My Creatives

I know you probably entered the year saying 2026 is the year for all of your creative dreams to come true and these feelings and experiences thus far have you questioning if it’s possible. I’m here to remind you that inspiration can be found in the most mundane and challenging moments and it’s never too late to create meaning. And I want to personally invite you to my workshop: UNBLOCKED

UNBLOCKED is a 2.5-hour virtual workshop for creatives who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from their creative aspirations. Through guided visualization, reflective writing practices, and creative play, I’ll be guiding you in building a personalized yearbook to support sustainable goal-setting rooted in who you are and not just what you achieve.

I’m excited to have you join me in this experience that will offer you practical tools, clarity, and structure to help you bring your creative ideas to life in a meaningful way. As a member of my community, use the code DREAMS26 get access to this workshop for $75 (and if you want to come but finances feel tight, there are scholarship and sliding scale opportunities available too).

Bring your curiosity and let creativity lead the way.

For My Fellow Counselors/Therapists

It’s always a good time to get your CEs! I am so grateful to collaborate with Triad of Healing to offer Softening Up by Writing it Down: The Power of Expressive Arts Therapy in Supporting Black Women in Embracing Their Emotions this Friday, January 30, 2026. Join me for a lunch session that introduces how transformative the use expressive arts therapy can be in fostering emotional expression and enhancing mental wellness among Black women. Let’s move, let’s create, let’s heal!

Your Creative Guidance This Week

There is no greater place for the noise of your heart than your own heart. What purpose does an unheard sob have? What noise can you create today that helps to sooth your heart?

Inspired by Blue Lab Beats & Melo-Zed with Tea. Download the full Create Quiet Playlist now.

Until next week!

Be Creative,

Chalice

Welcome in Pause Before Life Forces You To

Chalice Nelson, LPC — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 16:30:28 GMT

Happy Sunday Creatives,

”The only one expected to respect your boundaries are you. It helps you create the rules that you want others to follow.”

These are words that I often tell my clients. As creatives, if you don’t know when to take a break from a project to go eat, when an opportunity isn’t for you or when you have too much on your plate to take on another gig, how will anyone else know?

In this moment, I’m being forced to respect my own boundaries as the cooties got ya girl! Thankfully, I wasn’t taken down too bad and I’m at the tail end of it (I hope?), but I also know that if I keep acting like my optimal self, it would make recovery harder. I’ve been taking it extremely slow, napping even when I didn’t think I needed to, saying no even when I really wanted to say yes and taking the easy way out when granted the opportunity. Yet welcoming in the quiet allowed me to hear a voice that let me know “You can win, even at the slowest of speeds.”

So while I’m annoyed that I don’t have a full email prepared for the week, I’m grateful for the ability to pivot, do what’s within my capacity and the greater sense of motivation that has come with slowing down which makes me excited to get caught up on projects and pursue some ideas that have been waiting to come to life once I’m back to feeling my best self.

I share this in hopes that you give yourself permission to not give your all at all times. As you see other creatives making leaps and bounds and question if you’re doing or working hard enough, maybe what you need right now is quiet to receive the wisdom on how to move forward that doesn’t exhaust and force you to slow down.

Your Creative Guidance This Week

To be placed in seasons of inaction, limited progression or silence isn’t to punish you, but maybe is moment to hear the call that is coming from inside the house. Creativity comes in some of the most mundane of moments, yet you must be willing to see these as jewels versus rocks of sorrow. How are you creating quietude to hear the wisdom within you?

Inspired by The Olympians with Pluto’s Lament. Download the full Create Quiet Playlist.

Until next week!

Be Creative,

Chalice

Are You Afraid of The Quiet?

Chalice Nelson, LPC — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 16:02:23 GMT

Quiet

qui·et

/ˈkwīət/

adjective

the absence of sound; calm; stillness; silence; without activity, noise, or movement

We’ve made it through 10 full days of the new year, but I don’t know, it feels like maybe we’re wrapped up in the same old program. As have the last several years, 2026 has come in heavy with lots to take in, understand, and process. For some of us, this is nothing new, we persist with our lives, searching for every ounce of joy we can take in. Yet, for others, it’s too painful to continue to push forward, we find ourselves frozen by anger, frustration, confusion.

Regardless of which side you find yourself on, the truth is that we’re all dealing with a lot of noise. In the midst of the constant sound, are you hearing yourself? Because if you can’t hear your own voice, you have to ask who or what is guiding you in life right now?

Your Affirmations for January

Many moons ago, Nickelodeon had a show titled “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” As a girl who loves a good mystery/horror story, I used to be tuned in whenever a new episode dropped, thinking I was grown because I could watch it in my room alone, in the dark. While the idea of being fearful of the dark as children is something many of us can relate to, I’m starting to realize that that fear transforms into something else as we get older, and the question has now become “Are You Afraid of the Quiet?”

As a counselor, the inability to tolerate the quiet is something that exists across generations, especially in a post-pandemic era. People are struggling to be alone, to be still, to let a problem sit for 3.076487583 seconds before solving it. Why? Because dealing with the quiet in each of these situations feels like too much to bare. There’s always a distraction to escape to - like they said, it’s the damn phone, or a person, or task that “must” be done. It’s always something shifting away our focus from our inner voice.

Yet that is where the power lies. You’d be amazed by how many creative ideas have been waiting to come from surface if you just took a moment to be quiet. So why are you so afraid of hearing yourself?

Until next week!

Be Creative,

Chalice

I'm Not Here to Ask You About Your Goals...

Chalice Nelson, LPC — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 02:15:20 GMT

Happy New Year!

We made it through the longest, shortest year ever! I want to start the year out by saying thank you! 2025 was my most consistent year with my newsletter and I’m so proud of the mighty readership community that has been built here. I truly hope that opening at least one of these newsletters offered you new perspective, fostered your creative practice, granted you permission to strengthen your wellness through creative practices, gave you new art to engage in or a combination of the sorts. I’m excited for what is to come in 2026 and I hope that this newsletter continues to support your creative lifestyle.

As we start the calendar year afresh, I know many of you are mapping out your goals, devising your plan for the year and writing out your resolutions, but is that the season you’re in?
Just like the earth has it’s seasons, so do you. And just because everyone else is doing it, or that it’s been the norm to focus on achieving your goals at the top of the new year, it doesn’t mean that you have to or even that you are in a place to pursue your goals.

Accept where you are right now. This may be a season to rest, release, regenerate, revise. The only way to know is to slow down, acknowledge where you are and allow that help you strategize how to move forward. Here’s a writing activity to guide you through identifying your seasons to explore how goals fold into your life.

The Cycle of Acceptance

What I’m Listening To

Acceptance is what helps you pursue your creative endeavors. When you can accept the {fear, frustration, disappointment, exhaustion, ________} it can no longer control you. I was reminded of this beautiful lesson about 2 months ago when my dear friend premiered her podcast A Book and A Cigar. She started it off speaking about the fear she felt in putting her podcast out, but she did it anyways. Sometimes all it takes is for us to acknowledge what is going on, to realize that we can forge forward instead of trying to avoid the feeling overall. No emotion is allowed to hold more power than you and your creativity.

Do I smoke cigars? No. Do I love learning about what cigars pair well with a book? Yes! Shakia blends her love for books, cigars and journaling into each episode. It’s been such a great listen for book recommendations and witnessing how community can be built through pleasure and enjoyment. If you feel led, check out A Book and A Cigar on Apple and Spotify.

In the midst of it all this month, create quiet. Give space to hear yourself.

Create Acceptance on Apple Music

Until next week!

Be Creative,

Chalice

Goodbye December? Let's Create Acceptance

Chalice Nelson, LPC — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 17:15:16 GMT

Acceptance

ac·cept·ance

/əkˈsept(ə)n(t)s/

noun

a feeling of practicing and/or acknowledging what is without judgment or resistance; a choice to not alter a circumstance by granting oneself an opportunity to experience the feelings occur naturally

Happy Winter Solstice Creative Family!

Anyone else sitting in a daze, scratching their heads trying to figure how to do all the things that need to get done in the last days of 2025? Life has moved incredibly fast the last 2 months (so fast, I was writing newsletters that were never properly posted and sent to your email 🤸🏽‍♀️). I’m over here trying to figure out how to finish shopping for this week, get all of my work done in the next 48 hours, rest, clean the house before the new year, spend time with loved ones, finalize plans for 2026. Whew…Let’s all take a take a deep breath.

Inhale (1,2,3,4). Hold (1,2,3,4,5,6,7). Release (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8).

The truth is, the ball will be dropped somewhere. After all, I’m just a human, with 24 hours in a day (that can feel like never enough) and the more that I can accept that, the more that I release disappointment and prioritize what’s most important.

I’m encouraging you to do the same. While you may be reflecting back on what goals you did or did not accomplish, or trying to figure out how you can accomplish a million goals before the year ends, before you rush into setting goals for 2026. just accept where you are now.Your willingness to recognize where you are may lead to a sense of satisfaction or discomfort, yet ultimately it allows you to connect with your emotions and that is how innovative ideas and beautiful art is made.

Create Acceptance on Spotify

Your Affirmations for (the remainder of) December

I will email you again very soon :-)

Be Creative,

Chalice

Create Acceptance on Apple Music

Before You Get Yourself Caught Up In Making December Count, Read This

Chalice Nelson, LPC — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 17:01:40 GMT

Hey Creatives,

It’s so funny how time flies by… fast, yet slow. Never enough time, yet also looking at how you could have managed the time you have better. And tis the season to get into that feeling, reflecting on year and trying to cram in as many goals as possible before the end of the year or going in on planning for the year ahead.

Before you go into autopilot mode, this email is to just encourage you to take a pause. And I’ll be back next week with more, until then enjoy a sneak peak into next month’s playlist.

Create Acceptance on Spotify

Be Creative,

Chalice

Today's Task: Seek Pleasure✅

Chalice Nelson, LPC — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 14:28:58 GMT

Hey Y’all,

It’s Tuesday and I’m going to keep it short - seek pleasure.

Today’s my birthday and as I reflect on the year I had, I’m so grateful for the places hope and persistence has taken me. As I prepped for this birthday, I looked into what this year symbolizes: creativity, introspection, freedom and new opportunities. It inspired me to create a playlist that highlights the lessons the last 12 months, trusting that it has prepared me for the 12 months ahead.

So as I enjoy a day filled with pleasure - dilly dallying, treating myself and eating my favorite foods, my wish is that you find a way to do the same. And maybe this playlist is the beginning of that journey for you.

Divine Ascension on Apple Music

Divine Ascension on Spotify

Sometime soon,

Chalice

Pleasure is Found in Doing the Hard Things

Chalice Nelson, LPC — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 00:15:23 GMT

What I’m Listening To

Happy Sunday Creatives,

Man, what a heavy week within the world of music. D’Angelo’s passing has been gut-wrenching to those who adored his smooth tone. His music is featured on the soundtrack of my childhood. I can remember watching the Lady video for the first time as if it were yesterday. Singing it with my friends during recess at Catholic school - the nuns having no idea what we’ve been listening to, what a simplistic time.

As we cherish what he has given us and recognize the everlasting power of music, as creatives, we can take a moment to acknowledge what a wonderful representation he has been for us in what it means to be an artist.

While I never had the opportunity to watch D’Angelo perform live, one thing I have always been able to connect with in watching his performances was the emotion he expressed. As a Prince fan (one day I’ll research my genealogy and prove that he’s my cousin), his performance of Sometimes it Snows in April on Jimmy Fallon’s The Tonight Show was so powerful to me. His tears, made me cry even harder. I listened that song for weeks on end, boo-hoo crying.

D’Angelo was powerful in that he welcomed in emotion, whether it be crying during that performance or acknowledging the fear he felt in releasing new music - yet he never let it stop him. He welcomed it and it emboldened him to share his artistry. It’s a powerful lesson we can all strive to embody. Instead of hiding your emotions, how can you welcome it into your art practice?

Your Creative Guidance This Week

Don’t let another day be one filled with the mundane. Being responsible helps us to survive, but seeking goodness and pleasure in each day is how we thrive. Beautiful art is made by being an active participant in your life, not just by imagining it. How are you creating moments in which you live this week?

Inspired by Frederick, the First with So Good. Download the full Create Pleasure Playlist.

Create Pleasure on Apple Music

Create Pleasure on Spotify

Until next week!

Be Creative,

Chalice

Hello October, Let's Create Pleasure!

Chalice Nelson, LPC — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 16:35:12 GMT

Pleasure

pleas·ure

/ˈpleZHər/

noun

a source of delight or joy; a feeling of satisfaction, happiness or enjoyment

Happy Sunday Creatives!

Here we are in the last 3 months of 2025. I know that every month I’m like “How did we get here?” But seriously, how has the time moved so incredibly fast, yet painstakingly slow at the same time?

While you may be in grind mode, figuring out how to make Q3 as successful as possible, I’m here to remind you that success is also found in prioritizing pleasure.

When it comes to being a creative (especially if your creative abilities are what pays the bills), there’s so much input on what you create. Client’s control the creative direction of a project, people want to give you ideas on what to do with your creativity, your vision can often times feel rejected when you submit for a call/proposal and all of that can make you feel like your creativity doesn’t have the right to belong to you.

A sustainable creative is a creative who prioritizes their pleasure.

The Stream of Sustainability Exercise

You cannot thrive as a creative when your voice isn’t being heard or when you’re constantly utilizing your creativity to benefit others. When’s the last time you created solely for the sake of creating? No to sell a piece, build a program, or make something to share with the world, but solely for your enjoyment, with no expected outcome, just because you can? This month, let’s make space for a pleasurable creative practice - one rooted in the reality of responsibility, yet ensures that your own vision doesn’t get lost in process.

Create Pleasure on Apple Music

Create Pleasure on Spotify

Your Affirmations for October

October is my birthday month (shout out to all the October babies and the Scorpios) and I always hold it dear to my heart. It’s when I treat myself without reservation, I’m intentional in fulfilling my wants and desires and I celebrate all that I am… But a question that I truly have to ask myself is why is pleasure limited to just this time of year (Because I do celebrate all of October and Scorpio season)? I deserve a life filled with pleasure, not just limited to a season. And so do you! As I prepare for my personal new year, I’m asking myself how can I expand my experience of pleasure? Not from a place of hyperconsumerism, but more from the stance of “How can I wake up each morning satisfied with how I handled the day before? How can create sunshine in daily life versus prioritizing checking off the to do list? How can I slow down to smell the roses I have planted?” I encourage you to check in with yourself and explore the relationship you have with pleasure. And let the defensiveness down (after all this is a conversation that you’re having with yourself). We live in a culture that prioritizes hustling, sacrifice and moving at the speed of light. Or you might find yourself so focused on pleasure that you have no strong foundation to stand on. You can make pleasure a reasonable priority, so ask yourself “How am making pleasure a daily practice focused on pleasure that also welcomes in responsibility?”

Until next week!

Be Creative,

Chalice