Me Skills

Me Skills Episode #53: Feeling Helpless? Create Something!

I exist in wildly competing states, and maybe you can relate. Close in. The space I live and work in is wonderful. My home is safe. My partner and I have love and trust and peace between us. I enjoy my work and have more than enough.  Outside of this cozy bubble, I enjoy time with my family in a largely safe community space. Out far. The world beyond my personal experience does not seem at all safe. The closer I look at specific areas of unrest, it becomes terrifying. Choosing where to focus is a privilege. When I turn away from news and pull my thoughts away from the world out there, I can snuggle into my safe space and find peace. I feel it is terribly important to understand and appreciate this privilege.  I am far from the chaos so tuning it out is possible. For many other humans it is not. Chaos is at their doorstep. In their communities. Hurting their families. Threatening their safety. The farther a person is from the chaos, the easier it can be to ignore. The closer a person is to the chaos, the harder it is to think about anything else. In our age of constant news and communication, that sense of distance is skewed. If you watch news all day and scroll through stories on social all night - even if you're physically untouched, you're emotionally immersed. If you're at all like me, you ask yourself 'What can I DO about this?' and feel helpless. I genuinely believe some are uniquely prepared to DO something about the chaos out there. We see people who step up in big and small ways. They step out into the world. They show up to express support and physically help others. I equally believe that some are not prepared to be that kind of do-er. There are thousands of situations that making staying where you are the better choice - not the least of which being taking care of your own family and fighting your own chaotic battles close to home. Sidebar: The Lord of the Rings The Lord of the Rings came to the big screen 25 years ago and they brought it back to theaters recently.  We rewatched the first two films here at home and then went to see the last part at the theater on Sunday. Reliving the story sparked something important for me. Of course I'm inspired by Frodo Baggins. Of course I'm brought to tears by the faithful support of Sam Gamgee. Of course I love every unique character that makes up the Fellowship of the Ring. But you know who stuck out for me this time? All the people left behind in the Shire. * The stern man who's always sweeping his front walk. * The pretty girl who flirted with Sam. * The kids running around the village without a care in the world. While Frodo and all the others faced dragons and terrors, the Shire went on as always. Same with countless other lands in Middle Earth that lay far from the 'rising evil' of Sauron. Men and women worked, and loved, raised their families and had their dreams with little awareness of what happened in other places. Question: Are any of those lives less important for their simplicity? Answer: No. In fact, Frodo and the Fellowship fought FOR them to be able to continue their simple happy lives. Now, back to OUR World. If in your heart you feel a certainty that you're mean to step out and battle a dragon - go for it. Look around you for your 'Fellowship' and do what you feel is right. And if in your heart, you know that your time, energy and creativity is better focused at home - do so with great intention. Don't let news and doomscrolling freeze you up and rob you of the simple pleasures of your life. I'm not suggesting that you ignore the world, but I am encouraging you to manage the time you give over to being informed. Speak up when you have the opportunity. When the time comes. VOTE. Listen to the urges in your heart and take the actions that feel right. What could you do to put something positive out into the world? I invite you to trade in that sense of helplessness for an act of simple creativity. We are all creative in our own ways. I write. I speak. I design. I crochet. Nothing I create has a massive impact but everything I create has a small one. More encouragement to be creative... * A Chaotic Guide To Making Stuff Instead Of Doomscrolling [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n8W6CBxc64](YouTube - 15 Minutes) * The Case For Making Art When The World Is On Fire [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XZ9z6OewR0](YouTube - 14 Minutes) These creators come at the call the create from a different place and I felt fired up by both 💕 Join the Discord [https://discord.gg/uCB4tFbPEM] and tell us what you feel creative and motivated to do! P.S. The Oracle Cards [https://amzn.to/4qx6uXa] we pulled at the beginning of this episode: [https://meskills.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/IMG_3106-206x300.jpeg]

Me Skills Episode #52: Non-Tangible Gifts To Give Yourself (Part Two)

Welcome to episode fifty-two of the Me Skills Podcast, where we lean into self-love and great ideas that build a better life. Kelly and Tish are getting into the holiday spirit—but not in the way you might expect. Instead of talking shopping lists and gift exchanges, Kelly  and Tish flip the script and share the most meaningful, zero-cost gifts you can give yourself this Christmas. This is part two of a two-part series on Kelly’s 12 Days of Christmas series she’s doing – it’s all about non-tangible gifts you can give yourself this year. (Note: this episode, as usual, contains swearing. ) Note Worthy Timestamps: * [00:03:10] – Day 7: Permission To Let Go * [00:13:07] – Day 8: Guilty Pleasures * [00:16:34] – Day 9: An Orgasm * [00:23:42] – Day 10: Radical Self Honesty * [00:36:56] – Day 11: Trusting Yourself * [00:46:29] – Day 12: Love Yourself Unconditionally

Me Skills Episode #51: Non-Tangible Gifts To Give Yourself (Part One)

Welcome to episode fifty-one of the Me Skills Podcast, where we lean into self-love and great ideas that build a better life. Kelly and Tish are getting into the holiday spirit—but not in the way you might expect. Instead of talking shopping lists and gift exchanges, Kelly  and Tish flip the script and share the most meaningful, zero-cost gifts you can give yourself this Christmas. This is part one of a two-part series on Kelly’s 12 Days of Christmas series she’s doing – it’s all about non-tangible gifts you can give yourself this year. (Note: this episode, as usual, contains swearing. 😉) Note Worthy Timestamps: * [00:07:04] – Day 1: Give Yourself Another Chance * [00:12:51] – Day 2 : Forgive Yourself * [00:21:25] – Day 3: Set A Boundary * [00:30:42] – Day 4: Give Yourself a Compliment * [00:37:07] – Day 5: Connect With Someone * [00:40:06] – Day 6: Creative License

Me Skills Episode #050: Elaine Allen Said Yes & Never Looked Back

Welcome to episode FIFTY! of the Me Skills Podcast, where we lean into self-love and great ideas that build a better life. In today’s episode, Kelly and Tish have special guest Elaine Allen, artist, art teacher, and retreat leader of amazing art experiences in Italy. From navigating self-doubt and overcoming personal and family challenges, to the practical steps of taking a leap (and a long flight!), Elaine chats about her inspiring journey of saying yes to her dream and organizing art experiences in Italy! Listen in as Kelly, Elaine, and Tish talk about the power of community, the ripple effect of bravery, and how it’s never too late to chase your dreams -regardless of age or circumstance. Sometimes all it takes is one bold YES to create magic in your life and the lives of others. About Elaine Allen Elaine Allen has been an artist since she was a child - when she used chalk from a broken wall to draw on the slate sidewalk in front of her home. Her long career has included illustrating an international children’s magazine and creating work for public and private spaces across the US, including Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital and The Brentwood Library in Tennessee, and Joy Gardens in California. She continues her work in both watercolor and oil for shows in the US. With her passion for teaching, Elaine has created Bright Mind Arts - an art curriculum for active senior centers, Start in Art [https://www.startinart.com/] – art lessons online, and The Creative Well – membership that’s a weekly dip into the creative pool. She instructs local community programs for adults, runs a summer art program for kids, and does annual art retreats in Italy. She holds membership in the National Watercolor Society, The American Watercolor Society, The Chestnut Group – Plein Air Painters, and Sanctuary Artists. I love to teach art and have been teaching classes, camps, and workshops for many years. I believe that everyone is creative, and each of us longs to find ways to express our unique form of creativity. It’s astounding to see some of the life changes that come about because of creative activity. Studies prove what I see firsthand – that fulfilling the basic human drive to create actually changes the brain. I’ve seen students become more confident, have better communication skills, and have enhanced problem solving skills. Making art is therapeutic, so it’s a calming, centering activity.  A lot of the folks who show up for my classes are looking at what’s next for their lives. I believe that creative work is one of the best things they can do on that journey of discovery. The experience is what is important, not the end result of the work.  –Elaine Allen (Note: this episode, as usual, contains swearing. 😉) Note Worthy Timestamps: * [00:02:44] – Dream fulfilled through connection. * [00:05:20] – Is your world small & unchanging?  There’s a reason why… * [00:09:03] – “Chance” meeting with two women, Elaine mentions Venice and one of the lady’s ends up on the first Italy art experience. * [00:14:22] – Number of times Elaine has been to Italy, travel plans, and reflections. * [00:16:11] – The power of saying YES! * [00:27:43] – Elaine gets personal (health diagnosis back in 2017 & more). * [00:32:52] – Facing fear with confidence. Key Takeaways: Here are some key points you’ll take away from this episode: * Elaine’s artistic retreats in Italy: origin story. * The power of connection & community. * Taking the first step (saying yes) even when scared. * The magic of the gatherings (what makes retreats special). * Self-discovery & personal growth * Navigating family & relationships amid pursuing dreams

Me Skills Podcast #049: Be A Dream Buffer

Welcome to episode forty-nine of the Me Skills Podcast, where we lean into self-love and great ideas that build a better life. In today’s episode, Kelly and Tish chat about dreams – each sharing one of their current dreams. They also talk about "border bullies"(those well-meaning (or sometimes not-so-well-meaning) folks who cast doubt on our dreams) and discuss strategies for keeping both your own and others' dreams alive. Not sure how to support someone else’s dream? Don’t worry Kelly’s got ya covered ;-) She shares three ways you can support someone’s dream. And she’ll chat about three Kickstarter campaigns she recently supported in support of other people’s dreams. (Note: this episode, as usual, contains swearing. 😉) Note Worthy Timestamps: * [00:04:12] – Border bullies. * [00:07:53] – Embracing dreams without judgment. * [00:18:51] – Supporting dreams together. * [00:20:59] – Someone border bully a dream? Assume they mean well! * [00:26:52] – Support dreams. Key Takeaways: Here are some key points you’ll take away from this episode: * Kelly & Tish’s dreams. * Criticism and support of dreams. * Why someone may criticize your dream. * Handling naysayers and border bullies. * Three ways to support others’ dreams. Check These Out (Mentioned in Episode) * The Dream Giver [https://amzn.to/3KwbVWo] by Bruce Wilkinson * Modul Nails [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/modulnails/modul-nails-modular-click-on-nails-you-can-swap-in-seconds] (Kickstarter campaign) Let us know a dream you have – we want to be dream buffers not dream shitters ;-)