Let the Verse Flow: Personal Growth Thru a Creative Lens

Recognize the Good in Others — Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 2)

This episode continues my 10-part series What My Mama Taught Me, reflecting on the wisdom, values, and way of being my mother embodied. Telling her stories and sharing her kindness and unique perspective help me honor her memory as I continue to grieve. It also encourages us to lean into loving, kind values during these troubling times. In Lesson #2 — Recognize the Good in Others, I discuss how quickly we categorize people based on outward appearance, and how much we miss when we do. Through poetry, personal storytelling, and memories of my mother’s open-hearted approach to life, this episode invites us to move beyond labels and into real human connection. As a biracial woman, I reflect on the experience of being misread and classified, and why first impressions rarely tell us anything meaningful about who someone truly is. My mother met people with curiosity, kindness, and respect, recognizing the good in others without assumptions. Let's explore how compassion, nonjudgment, identity, and acceptance can deepen relationships with others and ourselves. Welcome to my reflections from the bright side of the beat. If you like the podcast, visit my website: lettheverseflow.com for more inspirational insights and resources, and sign up for Flow & Voice, a free monthly note with short, practical reflections on creativity and personal growth, plus occasional behind-the-scenes glimpses into my audio storytelling journey. Music: All music for my podcast is sourced and licensed for use via Soundstripe [https://app.soundstripe.com/]. Songs in this episode: Cream Soda by BRASKO; Some Kind of Wonderful by Nu Alkemi$t; Con Sazón by In This World Poem:  We Made It Out Related Episodes:  Let People Know You Love Them — Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 1) - Episode 64 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/what-my-mama-taught-me-lesson-1/] Journal Prompts: 1. How are you recognizing the good in others? What does that look like for you? 2. Do you judge other people as an extension of self-judgment? Explore that dichotomy. 3. Write about a friendship of acceptance. Who do you accept unconditionally, and how does that enrich your life? Please subscribe & leave a review if today’s episode helped you recognize the good in others. 💜💛 Follow Jill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillhodgevo/ [https://www.instagram.com/jillhodgevo/] Prefer to read this episode? Read the complete episode in blog format here: https://www.lettheverseflow.com [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/] Let the Verse Flow is part of Jill Hodge’s voice actor and audiobook narration work. Learn more at jillhodgevo.com [https://www.jillhodgevo.com/].

Let People Know You Love Them — Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 1)

This episode begins a 10-part series, What My Mama Taught Me: 10 Life Lessons on Compassion, Creativity, and Courage, inspired by the wisdom, love, and example of my mother. Today's lesson (#1): Let people know you love them. Over the next 10 episodes, I’ll discuss one piece of wisdom she taught me, weaving together personal stories, reflections on grief, caregiving, creativity, and compassion, along with thoughts on how these lessons can help us live more meaningful, connected lives. Today’s episode explores the practice of saying “I love you”—a simple act that can feel complicated, especially in the context of loss, caregiving, and end-of-life transitions. I hope it offers comfort to listeners navigating grief, caregiving for aging parents, mother–daughter relationships, or the emotional complexity of loving deeply. As I reflect on my mother’s passing after years of caring for her through Alzheimer’s, I share how expressing love openly became a source of comfort, healing, and open-heartedness—for both of us.  Welcome to my reflections from the bright side of the beat. If you like the podcast, visit my website: lettheverseflow.com for more inspirational insights and resources, and sign up for Flow & Voice, a free monthly note with short, practical reflections on creativity and personal growth, plus occasional behind-the-scenes glimpses into my audio storytelling journey. Music: All music for my podcast is sourced and licensed for use via Soundstripe [https://app.soundstripe.com/]. Songs in this episode: La Fin Du Blonde by Tony Sopiano; Some Kind of Wonderful by Nu Alkemi$t; Con Sazón by In This World Poem: "I Love You" Was Said Resources:  When caregiving feels like prayer (NPR interview with writer Jason Reynolds): https://tinyurl.com/54p6repx [https://tinyurl.com/54p6repx] Journal Prompts: 1. Write a love letter to a friend, parent, family member, or partner that conveys why you love them so much. What qualities are most lovable about them? 2. Write about a difficult relationship and ask yourself if there is any way to release anger or bad feelings by leaning into compassion for them? How does that make you feel? 3. What lovable qualities are present in your relationships, and which ones are you still seeking? Please subscribe & leave a review if today’s episode helped you express love for someone else. 💜💛 Follow Jill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillhodgevo [https://www.instagram.com/jillhodgevo/] Prefer to read this episode? Read the complete episode in blog format here: https://www.lettheverseflow.com [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/] Let the Verse Flow is part of Jill Hodge’s voice actor and audiobook narration work. Learn more at jillhodgevo.com [https://www.jillhodgevo.com].

Return to You: Creativity, Identity, and the Art of Being Yourself

What does it mean to be true to yourself? It’s often a question that we ponder at pivotal points in our lives, especially during midlife. In this episode, I explore what it means to be yourself creatively, authentically, and with greater self-awareness.  For inspiration, there’s poetry and a discussion of the role of mindfulness in living authentically. I also discuss an inspirational quote by Allen Ginsberg. It’s his iconic advice to writers (but it applies to all creative beings – which is all of us in one way or another). “Follow your inner moonlight, don’t hide the madness.” This episode is an invitation to reconnect with your creative voice, listen to your inner wisdom and make time and space for the parts of yourself that you value most and want to be seen. Check out the journal prompts to help you reflect on Ginsberg’s quote in more depth and reconnect with your creative voice and what it’s trying to tell you about how to live.   Welcome to my reflections from the bright side of the beat. If you like the podcast, visit my website: lettheverseflow.com for more inspirational insights and resources, and sign up for Flow & Voice, a free monthly note with short, practical reflections on creativity and personal growth, plus occasional behind-the-scenes glimpses into my audio storytelling journey. Music: All music for my podcast is sourced and licensed for use via Soundstripe [https://app.soundstripe.com/]. Songs in this episode: Glide by JMPSCR; Some Kind of Wonderful by Nu Alkemi$t; Con Sazón by In This World Poem: Well, who am I? Quote:  “Follow your inner moonlight, don’t hide the madness.” (Allen Ginsberg) Related Episodes: Creative Flow: Self-Care That Matters (Episode #21)  [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/creative-flow/] Affirmation Meditation: Cultivate Creative Flow (Episode #22) [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/affirmation-meditation-creative-flow/] Journal Prompts: 1. What creative activities speak to you, open you up, and help you release and follow your “inner moonlight?” 2. Have you been hiding your creativity? How and why? 3. How does your creativity help define who you are? Please subscribe & leave a review if today’s episode helped you tap into opportunities for living more creatively (and authentically).  💜💛 Follow Jill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillhodgevo/ [https://www.instagram.com/jillhodgevo/] Prefer to read this episode? Read the complete episode in blog format here: https://www.lettheverseflow.com [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/]

Handling Waves of Grief with Self-Compassion

Grief comes in waves – successive, unpredictable, fierce or tumbling – and with each wave, we get swept up and taken to another place. It's often a mixed bag of emotions and thoughts, a place of anger, shame, nostalgia and memory, great sorrow, or even laughter and gratitude.  How can we steady ourselves when faced with all these conflicting feelings? With self-compassion. 💝 In today's episode, I talk about: * the three elements of self-compassion: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness * the non-linear quality of grief and how to cope with its unpredictable nature  * how leaning into, and extending, the compassion that friends and family display can help you let go of negative emotions (shame, anger, regret) * how an odd combination of sleep, retro TV detective shows, walks in Central Park, and mindfulness (led by my favorite “tell-it-like-it-is” Dharma teacher Vinny Ferraro) is helping me cope.  Welcome to my reflections from the bright side of the beat. If you like the podcast, head over to my website: lettheverseflow.com for more inspirational insights and resources, and sign up for Flow & Voice, a free monthly note with short, practical reflections on creativity and personal growth, plus occasional behind-the-scenes glimpses into my audio storytelling journey. Music: All music for my podcast is sourced and licensed for use via Soundstripe [https://app.soundstripe.com/]. Songs in this episode: Sunshine On My Soul by Moments; Some Kind of Wonderful by Nu Alkemi$t; Con Sazón by In This World Poem: The Luckiest Child Resources: What is self-compassion? (positive psychology article): https://positivepsychology.com/self-compassion-self-love/#self-compassion-and-positive-psychology [https://positivepsychology.com/self-compassion-self-love/#self-compassion-and-positive-psychology] Vinny Ferraro’s website: https://vinnyferraro.org/ [https://vinnyferraro.org/]; see the recordings tab for his Dharma talks and guided meditations Related Episodes: Making Peace with Grief (the Shapeshifter) - Episode #54 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/making-peace-with-grief-the-shapeshifter/] Grief & Gratitude (It's Bittersweet) - Episode #15 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/grief-gratitude-bittersweet/] Journal Prompts: 1. List three activities that could engage you in a compassionate way during a difficult time. 2. In what ways has a friend or family member treated you with compassion as you grieve or struggle with a life transition? 3. What mindful act can help you lean into self-compassion? Write about what that could look like and how it would help. Please subscribe & leave a review if today’s episode helped you handle grief with greater self-compassion.  💜💛 Follow Jill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillhodgevo/ [https://www.instagram.com/jillhodgevo/] Prefer to read this episode? Read the complete episode in blog format here: https://www.lettheverseflow.com [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/]

You Are Seen: Poetry & Reflection to Support Family Caregivers

This episode begins with an ode to an overwrought caregiver. I'm reaching out to my fellow caregiver tribe to remind you that what you do matters. When we care for an aging parent, child, partner, or neighbor, we impact our small piece of the world with our hearts and hands and unseen strength.  We can get so wrapped up in our caregiving tasks that we lose sight of what our caring means. There often isn't much time to reflect on how we are showing up for our loved one or friend. We just do it, but there are times when we may come very close to burnout. That's a painful place to be because we still want to take care of our loved one, but we may not have the internal resources (emotionally, physically, or spiritually).  I hope this episode helps restore your resilience and reminds you that you are seen and appreciated for your caring.   Welcome to my reflections from the bright side of the beat. If you like the podcast, head over to my website: lettheverseflow.com for more inspirational insights and resources, and sign up for Flow & Voice, a free monthly note with short, practical reflections on creativity and personal growth, plus occasional behind-the-scenes glimpses into my audio storytelling journey. Music: All music for my podcast is sourced and licensed for use via Soundstripe [https://app.soundstripe.com/]. Songs in this episode: Some Kind of Wonderful by Nu Alkemi$t; Con Sazón by In This World Related Episodes: Caregiver Burnout & Crisis: Care for the Carer (Episode #49) [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/caregiver-burnout/] Finding Balance in Struggle: Exploring Yin and Yang in Daily Life (Episode #41) [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/yin-and-yang-in-daily-life/] Embracing Uncertainty: Feeling Faithful & Taking Action (Episode #30) [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/embracing-uncertainty-faithful/] Finding Balance: Caregiver Self-Care (Episode #27) [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/finding-balance-caregiver-self-care/] Dealing with Dementia (Caregiver Tips & Journal Prompts) (Episode #13) [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/dealing-with-dementia/] Journal Prompts: 1. What is the most important thing you get out of your caregiving?  2. Are you giving yourself enough praise and appreciation for your caregiving? If not, why? 3. What positive impact does your caregiving have on your family, community or the world? Please subscribe & leave a review if today’s episode helped you reflect on the positive benefits of caregiving.  💜💛 Follow Jill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lettheverseflow/ [https://www.instagram.com/lettheverseflow/] Prefer to read this episode? Read the complete episode in blog format here: https://www.lettheverseflow.com [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/]