The Art of Expressing Yourself: Creating a Memoir Journal with Sabrina Ward Harrison

[@LadyLJOII]

Speaking of noticing others clothing, in our elementary school we had a teacher's assistant named Carmen Crow. She was a beautiful lady of Native American descent and she usually wore clothing like everyone else on a daily basis. One day, she came to our class dressed in her tribal dress. She always had poise and kindness but this day, she not only looked like a Princess, she acted like it. And there was a glow in her face and eyes that bringing her culture to us expanded her dignity and regal aspect. As a 7yr old, I could only view her with wonder and awe. I have never forgotten that day.

[@elizabethcharles7840]

I really liked what Sabrina said at the end. I’m a high schooler and sometimes it seems like there is no real me. I’m a social chameleon because I have a hard time not mirroring the person I’m interacting with. Learning to grow into ones self and find who they truly are is a journey that never ends. And never should end, frankly, because as humans we are ever changing and shifting through our life experiences. Thank you Madame Cathy and Sabrina for sharing your conversation with us.

[@niamhybeagable]

You're 100% right there Elizabeth - the journey never ends. I'm in my early 30s and still figuring myself out. My lovely dad just turned 75 there last month and he's still learning things about himself. Just be open and curious about yourself and you'll be grand! As long as you're learning how to own and grow from mistakes, there's no wrong way to do it.

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

Took me till about 40 for it all to gel, so don't feel rushed to get all the different facets of things that are you organized into a complete being, it's OK to have gaps and inconsistencies. And also to discard some things that just don't work anymore. You can still be you when things change too.

[@lenore_nvrmore3317]

Try everything.... youll find yourself. Just keep checking in with your in-self.

[@themurrrr]

I’m not into sowing at all and I have lost most of my creativity. I am here because I feel your content is like vitamins, fertilizer.... I feel that you may help me come back to life. And it’s not just your content. Your comment section is always so full of that same warmth... I’m not there yet, but Imma try and Imma keep taking those vitamins.

[@lucycannon6732]

I was exactly where you are now, as far as my creativity went after losing several family members and friends. The thought of any kind of journaling was overwhelming, so instead, I started writing my first thought of the day on a calendar. So far, I've been able to keep it up nearly every day, and my husband has started reading my daily note before he leaves for work. Watching channels with nurturing content and comment sections has been invaluable! Good luck!

[@themurrrr]

@@lucycannon6732 ♥️ Happy to hear someone made it out of ... “the mental tarpit”?

[@cathithomas2888]

Everyone is creative in some way, dear one. You have not lost YOUR creativity; maybe just going through a dry spell, as we ALL do from time to time. Once you do even ONE thing toward doing what you love, the momentum will build from there. I've been on a shameful hiatus due to health ... I'm getting better and have begun crafting again. Continue to listen to people who make you feel good ! Be inspired by those who have felt just as you do now ... they're all over the world. Be freeeeeee! Hugs to you.

[@fionafiona1146]

Your voice is awesome today, I hope that reflects some comfort.

[@infopubs]

I am 57 years old, and needed to hear Sabrina's advice to feel the feelings and pay attention to the day I'm living right now. It's been an "I want to give up" day and I needed a little permission to speak that pain out loud and feel my way through it. Thanks to both of you for this lovely, moving interview.

[@robinhahnsopran]

What a beautiful conversation. I've never hit the like button and meant it so much.

[@jeremiahgabriel5709]

As a dude, this is such a wonderful space to feel validated and safe in. To be a dude and be highly sensitive is to always feel out of place to some degree. But when being in space with other empaths, or HSP, it helps a lot. Things are smoother. I don't need to worry as much or over explain or feel sorry for existing the way I do. Or worry so hard about offending people. It's a relief. Thank you for hosting this talk and holding this space.

[@barbhayes5613]

I loved Sabrina's father's advice to 'record the moment, you will never see this moment again'. Such wise advice for everyone, and what a beautiful thing to share with his struggling daughter. Dad Skills!

[@lilibetp]

Pippi Longstocking was my hero when I was a kid. I dressed as her several times for Halloween. I wish I'd discovered Anne Shirley before I was grown, but she's another hero now.

[@beagleissleeping5359]

Watching Cathy's videos, and Bernadette's, and Rachel's and Morgan's and Abby's and all the others, I realize how sheltered my life really was growing up. All the opportunities I missed out on just because I had no clue of what was out there. Not even knowing how to find out what might be out there. How much disadvantage I had because I went to a small business college instead of a "real" college like a state college with a wider range of subjects. I can imagine the conversation with my family even though I wasn't there. "Why are you taking art history and ceramics? Those aren't useful classes." More often than not, I still get the response, "What for?" Or, "What's the point?" Most often, "Don't waste your money on something like that." Because I want to know, THAT'S why! And it looks like fun! Everyone deserves to have fun sometimes. Break the cycle of: Get up. Go to work. Go home. Repeat until you retire, if you make it that far. Only then you can have normal fun, like bingo. (No offense to any bingo lovers out there. It's just not MY idea of excitement.) Boy this was a lot longer than I intended!

[@francespowell6923]

I think that's why I love the internet so much. Even social media, and *gasp* twitter (which is supposed to be a cesspit, apparently). It's opened up so many more horizons, if you (the general you) want to look for them. It would never have occurred to 45 year old me to start sewing her own clothes, and certainly only has the most superficial idea of fast fashion ... but 47 year old me started to make a piece here and there (and shop second-hand, only when needed). 48 year old me has decided to make her own underwear, from off cuts I got at the local opshop for $2. Then there's all the other fun stuff! Into history and food? There ard people that do that. Need to fix your toilet? There's plenty of youtube on that!

[@angelmaden1559]

I felt the overwhelming need to begin journaling in 2018. I was so unhappy and stressed and needed to process it. Then I discovered my stay-at-home mom cousin was coming into my house while I was at work and going though my drawers, papers, mail and reading my journal. The betrayal and violation was so deep that I completely shut down. I was working 10-12 hour days and it was just too much. Finally I took a pay cut to move to another job in another state to get away from her and a toxic co-worker. Moved just as COVID shut the world down. Work in non front line healthcare so job has been stable. I am slowly healing and finding myself again. Have restarted journal. First just as a line a day 5year diary. And I found my sewing again. Thank you for your videos.

[@debbiesoleildierkes7602]

Thank you, Cathy, for the intro to Sabrina and all her wonderful insights! on journaling. The two of you together have over flowed my creative mind! What a great way to start my day.

[@LiterarySnob]

I went back to school at 45. I found myself, a very different self than I had been when I worked! I dearly love the adventure I had in learning new things and in finding myself a very different person!! She has such a calming vibe and very authentic! Thanks, Cathy for finding this wonderful woman!!

[@Rozewolf]

Giving yourself a permission slip... Ah yes. Even those of us who are not yong need that permission slip to tell the world to go fly a kite, and be ourselves. Thank you for this video Cathy.

[@robynross255]

Thankyou Cathy and Sabrina for sharing this enlightening conversation with us. It is wonderful to hear creative people express themselves in ways that reach the heart of their audience. I am still trying to identify the inside ME. After all these years (I am a retired teacher), the idea that I can give myself permission to explore who I am is mind blowing and motivating. Although I like people, I need a lot of quiet time to regain the energy I need to keep going. Being an introvert, I have discovered, is a Superpower not a hindrance! xx

[@TimesmithDressHistory]

Thank you so much, Cathy, for introducing us to Sabrina. I remember her from Jeff's case studies - what an inspiration! So lovely to hear much more from her in this setting, in relaxed trusting conversation with you. ❤

[@AuroreMichaux]

I still struggle to find positive in being highly sensitive. I'm 32 and last summer, I went back to work half-time after staying home for 5 years following a major burnout. It's during those 5 years that I've discovered that I'm highly sensitive and autistic. Even though I was only working mornings, I couldn't cope with all the stimuli of the working environment so eventually I worked remotely 2 mornings a week, but I had a nervous breakdown 2 weeks ago and with the help of my therapist and doctors, I'm slowly coming to terms with the fact that I probably have to stop working, the anxiety is too much for me. It hurts to be faced with the fact that I can't be like everyone else, that I don't know if I'll ever be financially able to live alone and not with my mother... Creating is what's keeping me above water but it's not enough, I truly hope that someday I'll be able to feel accomplished.

[@rdb4996]

I'm so sorry you have been struggling for a while now. I just wanted to let you know that I hear you on the 'I can't be like everyone else'. There are so many layers of feelings and thoughts that go with that, about purpose, belonging, missing out, judgement etc etc. At least that is how it can be for me... My HSP traits slow me down in everything that I want to do and often leave me overstimulated and tired. However I have slowly started seeing the beauty of being highly sensitive: when ever my audio sensitivity kicks in, I have found silence to be beautiful, comforting and balm for my overwhelmed head (I learned to appreciate it). The same with some types of music, the notes truly resonate within me and I enjoy the experience (on my own terms). Additionally, I have noticed that I see more beauty in the world than most people. I see that one animal that everyone overlooks or that one beautiful small architectural detail. It's a richness most people miss in their daily life. But what is for me, of course, is not the same for you, I just want to let you know there is beauty in your traits. I truly hope you will find it! As to feeling accomplished: it can be in the little things! There are more ways to contribute to society besides paid work. Remember that when you keep talking about your experiences, you are likely to help a stranger without even knowing it! ❤️ Much love

[@mevrouwmevrouw4413]

In the aftermath of a very recent breakdown is hard to feel anything else than that life is a horrible struggle. And then it may be awful to realise how much you are not like everyone else. But you are good the way you are. Healing takes time. Lots of time. You will find what your way will be, when you allow yourself to be different. Life will probably always be a struggle, but not a horrible one. So many people strive for a life different from the life of everyone else. The people who get this gift of being different by birth often need extra time to find their way. Because there is no default way for them. For me? Can't imagine how to navigate in this world without being highly sensitive. It makes up for where I falter due to my autism. And it makes my life really rich. Can't imagine being without my quirky autistic brain either. Somehow think I would be very bored without. Yes, life is still a struggle past 55. But a beautiful struggle, most of the times. Hope that hearing that life can be beautiful with these diagnoses gives you some hope.

[@recoveringsoul755]

After the end of a long term bad relationship, I began to finally wonder what was wrong/different about ME that attracted that person. I came to realize my Myers Brigg type. Figured out I was an Empath, believe I am also a HSP but don't know if there is any actual test or diagnosis for that. And also begun to wonder if I am autistic as well. I believe from traits and symptoms that my mother and sisters were/are as well. One channel for autism said that if a person is being treated for epilepsy, they are already getting treated for autism in a way. Maybe that's how I was able to get through working as long as I did and motherhood and a horrible marriage. Not even done with court and I cant' begin to say how torturous that is. I was diagnosed with epilepsy at 14.

[@amandabrooks6209]

As I read your comment I had to double check that I wasn’t reading my own story. Except I’m now 21 and have been out of work for almost a full year now and just finally got diagnosed with autism. Trying to accept the fact that I’m not like “normal people” and that it’s okay to ask for help and support when you need it. Working put me in a mental hospital last year before the pandemic hit because my panic attacks and anxiety got to the point where I spent more time in the bathroom trying to calm down than I did stocking shelves. I was frustrated and upset with MYSELF for not being able to “do the thing” like everyone else. No one really LIKES getting up and dealing with work, right? But for some reason it was absolutely unbearable for me. If I had only known the autism diagnosis sooner, I think I wouldn’t have been so hard on myself and I feel like if my family had known the diagnosis sooner they would’ve been more understanding and supportive and not think I was just trying to “get out of responsibility”. I have to tell myself every single day that I am OKAY just the way I am as long as I’m not hurting anyone or myself. I’ve started to forgive myself for “being like this” instead of apologizing for it all of the time. It’s not anything to apologize for. We’re sensitive, so what. To me it’s a superpower. I’d rather feel all than feel nothing.

[@peggyr9623]

This was so touching and I began to cry as others did. I remember as a child feeling I didn't fit in. How often I was told to not be so sensitive, i.e., my feelings had no value. Being bullied so much at a school by a boy who stabbed me twice. He sat directly behind me and the principal wouldn't even allow him to be moved to a different desk. It didn't matter that he had been in a juvenile mental health center for stabbing his Mother. I made alot of notes while listening to this and will re-listen to make sure any other things of import need to be written. Thank you so much for this video. It will change my life in a good way. OOO

[@valerietheodore1688]

Why did this hit me so hard? Y'all makin me cry. But honestly thank you, this is seriously touching.

[@janellerowe609]

I cried too! But it was such a nice intimate conversation.

[@valerietheodore1688]

@@janellerowe609 indeed. It was a nice cry not a depressed cry. A less lonely one lol

[@peggyr9623]

I agree completely. I began to cry as well.

[@meronym2112]

Perhaps because we are constantly surrounded by pressure to conform, and perform, that being given permission to to simply *be* who we are is.. healing.

[@inas3993]

Hello Cathy and Sabrina, thank you for this video. I can see so much mutual respect shining through in your conversation.

[@janis6363]

Supportive parents are helpful. As a teenager, I wore my brothers sweater, my mother’s jacket, school regulation skirt and my own underwear and shoes. The shoes pinched my feet. My grandmother helped me look more age -appropriate -female, her way. I was all over the place in look and creativity. Yet, after all this time and life experience, I can resolutely say, “I know who I am”. I like her work very much. Good interview.

[@michelleross9782]

Thank you Cathy & Sabrina!!! This was a wonderful support as I am finally letting myself be myself in dress, relationship, & even plans to move in Ohio.

[@catherinemalcolm8125]

I too love the comfort of long skirts, but I wear them with a modern twist over leggings instead of stockings. It is also fun and warming to layer them according to weather conditions. Thank you for this wonderful insight into the fragility of self.

[@francespowell6923]

I'm only 2 minutes in, so I don't know the context of this comment yet ... but I wear jeans under my skirts, or leggins, or even tracksuit pants if it's particularly cold. Skirts are brilliant, and so adaptable.

[@susanrobertson984]

Same! I discovered by happenstance how much more comfortable I was in leggings and a longer skirt over tights and have not looked back.

[@YogaRove]

This was a great collaboration. "Sometimes you doing it gives people permission" I loved that!

[@jeka8826]

I have the first two Sabrina Ward Harrison books because she came to my college in maybe 2002 and I fell in love with her art and realness. I'm so glad to see that she's kept going all this time.

[@linneaandthecoffee]

This was a wonderful conversation!

[@michellecornum5856]

I came up in a time when you HAD to conform in your clothing, and this is still very much a thing for my mother. The other day, she called to tell me about the retro styles that were coming back in, "But nobody dresses like you, no one wears the long skirts, you need to cut your skirts." I told her that there are so many people who dress like me, but even more so. I'm so glad that we've finally reached a time when we no longer have to say "I wish we could dress like that." You want to wear the beautiful whatever -- WEAR IT! To quote The Welsh Viking " Wear whatever kind of style shoe you want, I don't care, no one else should care. It's 2020, make whatever damn shoe you like." There is a certain strength in being allowed to pick your own clothes and have your own style. Thank you, both of you, for your work in helping people find themselves and helping them discover that they are not alone in this. Thank you.

[@susanrobertson984]

I think of sewing as being seriously anarchist in nature. Screw the patriarchy. I will wear what I decide to wear.

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

@@susanrobertson984 and I'll actually make it FIT a body that doesn't fit storebought clothes! Take that!!!!

[@connie6545]

I loved this! I am a photographer, and my art ebbs and flows. If I can STAY patient, I know that it will return after an "ebb" period. I feel the same way--If I can "touch" just ONE person with my photography, then I have completed the task. I set up my sewing machine again and spent two days sewing--NOT much; but, I was excited by the inspiration of you [Cathy] as well as from others. Thank you, thank you!!💖

[@sassafrassakc]

This is just lovely :) The two of you spoke straight to my spirit. Thank you

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

That was lovely. I think it’s one of the ones that I will rewatch and reflect on for a while. It makes me think about my journey.

[@chabette973]

I know a 16 year okd who has gotten her first pair of anerican duchess shoes. She started history bounding last year. I wish i was as brave as a 16 year old. Love tou Cathy and this beautiful lady.

[@elizabethlangley5643]

Wonderful video, thank you so much for this! The part about the permission slip brough back memories for me. Many years ago I attended a writing group and our tutor told us to give ourselves the permission to write. All of us leading busy lives and not giving much time to do what we wanted to do for ourselves. I've never forgotten his words.

[@rebekahzammit6482]

As I'm listening to this, I can't stop smiling. I don't know what it is but I really resonate with what you're discussing. I'm so eager to express myself more creatively in my writing!

[@emthebiologist]

This is beautiful, thank you! And your voice sounds so loud! It's amazing 😍

[@Steina_The_Yarnist]

Thank you both for discussing such a significant topic in such a refreshingly serene way.

[@LadyLJOII]

My personal writing, which I call prose poetry, doesn't rhyme, it just expresses and tries to unwind the story knot or idea snarl in my mind. It says what I don't feel free to just say aloud in conversation. I really love this conver between you. The painting of the sea there connects in my mind to the animated film The Song of the Sea, the Irish Selkie story.

[@recoveringsoul755]

"idea snarl" I adore that

[@hannahcollins1816]

Sabrina is such a beautiful soul - thank you for introducing her to me, Cathy!

[@TudorositiesbyMaureen]

Sabrina’s parents were very wise to let her be herself and advise to her to embrace life’s moments. It’s the ultimate Yolo, since there is only one you.

[@recoveringsoul755]

Lot of parents crush their childs dreams

[@catrocastre8215]

And she is succesful, looking like a teen in her 40s, wow that's role mdel for me.

[@LeaLeaax3]

Cathy, I really appreciate your unique content where you not only inform us of your hobby, profession and life but to inspire other creatives to continue creating. Thanks a lot

[@sarahlowes6213]

Loving this, Cathy. I've just started painting backgrounds in a book of khaki paper and sticking things in and I want it to be more free.

[@Mantuamaker]

I’m part of a writing group that meets once a week. It is my favorite part of the week because we share something deep about ourselves every time we read out loud what we wrote. There is a beautiful vulnerability about it that has helped me grow, not only as a writer, but also a person. You do not have to be a great writer to write, just start with baby steps. Write what you feel in the moment or buy a prompt book, there are many options out there. If you do write it is like exercise for the soul.

[@FrugalOverFifty]

Such an insight-filled conversation. Thank you for this inspiration. I'm in a phase of life where I'm reaching out beyond the boundaries I had previously set around my life, and it's so great to hear from folks who have been doing this happily and successfully for decades. 🙌

[@WildflowerHistory]

This was the conversation I needed - so soothing and encouraging. I struggle in finding my place in the costuming world and how to express with different things, and still feeling like no one sees or can take inspiration from it.

[@creative2716]

Enthralled with this video. This need to be taught in school, give yourself permission to be yourself! I will watch & rewatch this video on a regular basis. I have always been unable to journal, because it seemed so starched and like laying your secrets open for all to read. I feel like I could journal in this creative manner. Loved it. Thank you lovely ladies. Your conversation was just what I needed today. You are marvelous! I hope someone tells you that EVERY day.

[@caseyramey4911]

I’m sitting in the car having just gotten home from school when this finished, and my eyes are watering. This means so much! Sabrina specifically mentioned 20 year olds and Cathy, you asked about a message to high school and college students. This is what I needed to hear right at this moment in time. Adulting, creating, doing school (which I absolutely love), and all can be so much, but the fact that I have permission to search and explore is so beautifully encouraging. Thank you!

[@sabrinawardharrison8904]

Xoxoxo

[@grizeldaxxx4568]

Sometimes in Winter I will wear up to 5 long cotton skirts at the same time or at least 3 different layers and lengths ...so cosy and love the flash of the different colours as I swoosh along the road... will wear long skirts all the way through Summer as well ..in fact lots of friends have never seen my legs ... My Inner Gypsy escaped years ago hahhaha I have always loved to dress up , and as a Practicing Witch so I know the Power of clothes , colours and how they make me feel ..am also into Steampunk any excuse to dress up or hint of theme and I am totally there ..in fact when we moved here it was 5years before our neighbours knew what we really looked like ... one day we were bored so decided to do an Mad Hatters Tea party , so we dressed up (I was Alice and Partner was the Hatter) decorated the dining table and did a photo shoot ..Our Cat joined us at the table grinning away...then we went down to the local park to wander through the trees looking for the rabbit hole ...SUCH FUN sharing the results on FB ...another time we dressed as Spanish Couple went to take photos and camera out of batteries so while we waited for it to charge went up to the local village and sat in window having coffee ... so many come up to us to chat ...or smile at us ...and Children will ask their parents why we are dressed up , I will always answer that We Love it and it makes us happy ...OMG sorry for the novella will stop now before I write a novella hahahhaha PS I have bought from op shops for most of my life and have collected over the years as I do not sew either x PPS I used to get called weird all of my Life and would get so upset as a Child but NOW I say Thank You as I think it is my Super power xx

[@lauraholland347]

this is inspirational. Recently I have realised having found some really old family photos that my life has revolved around fabric my whole life. I always say I don't have a lot of early memories but these old photos made me realise I don't remember the events shown- but I remember all the fabrics I am wearing with crystal clarity, and the fabrics others are were wearing often. It was a real road to Damascus moment.

[@annamae1519]

This is the cozy space I do long for - It has been an absolute pleasure to listen and watch. Precious content as always ❤

[@irishsphinx778]

Cathy, you have been an incredible inspiration for me. I found you quite accidentally and didn’t realize the connection until Bernadette Banner did a video with you. (Incidentally I found her accidentally too). I became extremely passionate about seeing the Peacock Dress Project but only after becoming extremely inspired by you and your story. You have such an incredible heart and passion that is extremely admirable to see and a beautiful example to follow. I have a baby podcast that I only recently became brave enough to publish. I want to thank you for your encouragement and example. Dressing vintage is a passion of mine and seeing women I look up to own their style and wear it proudly is such a beautiful thing.

[@francespowell6923]

That was just lovely. Thank you, both.

[@eyesofthegoddess2967]

just loved this interaction, it is so raw, so beautiful. It is the way we are women, deep and sensitive. Thank you for sharing such beauty.

[@melsmith110]

This was an amazing video! Thank you for reminding us to be ourselves in every sense. I enjoy art and sewing and peace and quiet so this was like medicine to my soul. I also enjoy the happy laughter and innocence of my two little grand daughters and time with my kids. Life is a gift and when we are down, we must look up, push the reset button and continue to live and create, and express.

[@lyndasmith593]

Both of you are so articulate...thank you!

[@suzannepurcell3781]

I love the reminder to be in the moment. Such important advice for this particular time in history!

[@kathilisi3019]

This entire conversation resonated with me so much, I was crying at some point and I have no idea why. I have so much to think about now. Thank you both.

[@anassorbestiak]

I sometimes feel the need to do a "word vomit", a stream of consciousness. sometimes it's an orderly essay, sometimes a word written in diagonal on the paper, and I feel the need to put some cute tape, colors, or angry ink. It's not necessarily beautiful, but it's true.

[@recoveringsoul755]

I call it a brain dump. It just needs to get out onto paper so it's not trapped in my head anymore. Sometimes I start in the center of the page and write in a spiral

[@samcarlsson]

Thank you for this video , I have done visual diaries for about 4 years , each one is slightly different , a bit messy or more refined . But regardless they’ve allowed me to discover myself and be in a healthier mindset . There is such power in creative outlets , regardless of what it might be ..

[@meamela9820]

This is the most inspirational thing I have experienced in a long time.

[@lulumoon9]

I love when my worlds come together! I've been a fan of Sabrina and visual journaling for quite awhile now, while the historic dress world online is newer to me (and has rapidly pulled me in!). I love seeing how relevant these things are to one another here in this video. I was one of those girls in long skirts in junior high and high school, doing my own thing. Although I felt like such a loner much of the time, I did hear the admiration for my being different. I wish for all teenage girls to hold on to who they are. Sabrina's books and finding your tribe like the history bounders here are a great way to know that it's not only ok but wonderful to be you!

[@gloriaash7511]

Just dropping in to send love. I love your hair style in this video, beautiful yet relaxed. Your style and grace are always evident. I love all your videos, regardless of what the content is. I love that this space exists. Thank you for your dedication.

[@jackthecat4924]

I'm finishing the room painting of my creative space, today! It's taken me forever, to finish, but I want my place to junk journal, and do collage sewing!! Taking a break and found the video! It's kismet!!

[@tammyhudgeonwildspiritstud5731]

Wonderful interview with two brave women! From another HSP creative, sending you both deep bows and big love. (p.s. I loved seeing my book in the pile!) Thank you Sabrina for guiding me on my personal book creation journey. Thank you both for being so amazing and for leading the way xo

[@hayleyvonbose3131]

Thank you so much for this video, Madame Hay. I have been frustrated with my lack of sincerity and authenticity in my journalling. I'm excited to push past the internal filters that come so naturally to my writing and spill out onto the pages. Cannot thank you enough.

[@inevitablyaberrant]

I literally started making a "memoir journal" in high-school cause I was terrible at diary/Journaling but I love drawing and collecting things ticket stubs etc. I love this so much.

[@claudialaughter6883]

Found this to be such a beautiful story and a reminder to find your creativity in many different avenues...and a lovely one to share with the kidlet on personal art can be messy and expressive and changes - thank you both!

[@garden00designer]

Very very wonderful Sabrina... I’ll never tire of your story... 💓or your books... :) 💓💓💘💘💘☀️☀️☀️🌱🌱🌱💓💓🌱🌿🌿🌿☀️☀️☀️☀️🌿🌸🌸🌸🌸✨✨🌸✨🌸💓💓💘💓💓💓💓💓💓

[@isabelgonzalez7640]

What a lovely conversation! Love from Spain.

[@niamhybeagable]

What a lovely conversation. Thank you for sharing it with us!

[@allonesame6467]

Thank you both for sharing about your lives and process. We make our own path by walking it....and you are illuminating it. Blessings Abound

[@jaredphillips9285]

I feel so connected to Sabrina in the intro. I don't feel like I'm really good at anything. I can pick things up really quickly, but I get so discouraged easily. I feel more like a jack of all trades than someone to go to as an expert. I have passion and I can apply it to the things I love. Music, food, writing. But I don't have any real skill set to let it out. I can see so vividly all these ideas literally as if they were superimposed in reality. I can hear music, feel emotion and everything inside of me but I can't let it out. I try but I get so frustrated I give up.

[@lesleyharris525]

Hi,thank you ladies this was truly unique and inspiring, you have given me a lot to think about.

[@claudetteyoung3383]

I thoroughly enjoyed this installment in your journey, Cathy Thank you so much for sharing with us all. The discussion was both timely and invigorating, soothing and inspiring. Blessings to you both.

[@TheWeezyOfOz]

A comment to feed the algorithm! I have to admit, this is probably not targetted to me as I don't operate in this way but it's very helpful to me to see another way of being that is so far away from the way that I live. Thank you as always for sharing!

[@christinemoon8354]

Very thought provoking. Thank you.

[@susanmazzanti5643]

I was so lucky because I was born in 1937 to parents who insisted that I should investigate what interested me and I could do anything I wished with my life. I was taught woodworking skills and how to survey along with other things that boys were usually taught. One of the hardest things for my dad was to tell me that I could study engineering but no one would hire me to do the work. Since I didn't want to be an engineer so I didn't find this to be very limiting but it did realize that the world would not be as supportive as my parents. My childhood did help me to transition as the world has changed.

[@chantelmcskimming6633]

WOW! Getting even with life isn't going to change the world. Very interesting! 😊

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

yeah I wrote that one on my "stuff to remember" list

[@threadsandpurrs]

thank you for this. your content is comforting.

[@mogo4556]

That was really beautiful. It's given me shivers.

[@MegglesDorothy16]

My sister gave me her book, "Spilling Open" as a birthday gift when I was a teenager. I was happy to find this interview!

[@GhislaineBeauce]

Thank you for this conversation, and introduction to Samantha. I definitely will take a couple of her workshops. I've been wanting to get back into journalism recently, and I think the prompts she suggests are great to get at deeper things and feelings.

[@ellahopkinson]

I really needed this- I'm struggling with a lot of the things you discussed together, and whilst I'm of course not magically cured, listening to you both has been massively helpful and inspirational- I am very grateful to you both for this video

[@jennafaye8337]

This is perfect for where I am right now on my journey. Thank you for making this!

[@meriahtigner]

I found Spilling open in college, maybe 2009? I consumed that book and journaled each list and question. I felt so full after sorting through those lists. I sometimes think about going through that list again and seeing how my answers have changed. I loved this! thank you for sharing.

[@sabrinawardharrison8904]

♥️♥️♥️

[@meriahtigner]

@@sabrinawardharrison8904 seeing this video helped me realize that i need to take some time to paint or be creative. The beginning of COVID I took time for those things (oh that sweet summer child not knowing how long this would last). But now, I feel like just doing normal tasks takes up so much energy. I've gotta do something today.

[@recoveringsoul755]

I'm a lot older than you, but I found in college a book called The Humament, I think. It was like once a regular book but someone had altered it and only let certain words come through that sort of told a story. I was fascinated by the colors and the art. Not sure where it is now. I know I didn't get rid of it.

[@meronym2112]

I love your videos, you have such a calm yet confident presence. I always come away feeling a bit more peaceful and grounded. (Not many people have that effect on me!)

[@jtnelms]

"We're coloring in and outside the lines of discovering who we are..." ❤️❤️❤️

[@wranglingdragonsstudios]

Thank you for this. I bought "Spilling Out" back when it first came out and read it a few times but you know, sometimes you find something too soon. As much as I loved what I was looking at, the idea of being that open with oneself kinda scared me. I have been working on not keeping things in for awhile since I know that holding back has affected my creativity but life does make it awfully easy to just coast along. But between this, your pep talk and question 'So what's your pandemic project?' (and realizing that my project wasn't one of all the creative things I was hoping to do over the last year but was actually myself), and my upcoming 55th birthday on Sunday, I now see I'm ready to stop coasting and just jump deep into my creativity instead of simply sticking my toes in. Time to reread "Spilling Out", give my inner critic some cookies to keep them distracted, throw some colors and words down, and see where they will take me. Thanks again!

[@brandycolmer7052]

I needed this so much.

[@kattekaren]

Thank you for making this! I think I need to go out and buy myself a beautiful notebook and just write stuff down. I think I've been sticking too much to the traditional way of journalling, with a date and a summary of my day. I just need to write notes and rants and positive bits and bobs. sketches perhaps. This was inspirational and wholesome.

[@sabrinawardharrison8904]

YESSSS ;)

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

Boosting the algorithm. Gardening now...

[@Wildevis]

This has hit me straight to the heart and is super inspiring and encouraging and forwarding it to al my creative friends

[@beth_winegarner]

Oh, wow. I have been a fan of Sabrina's work for a long time and have done some of the free-writes with her recently. It's so apt that you two are friends. :)

[@journeyoflovelight]

Thank you for this..I really needed some peace.. I really appreciate it. Have a good day.- Melanie

[@joaquinribeiro2941]

What amazing woman !! I speak about Cathy . Beautiful !!!

[@forestm936]

Oh i did have these pants alright 😆 But really, it's a tiny detail in this video but it really struck a chord with me. When i was like 11 i had a pair of the most amazing, burgundy red, sort of glitter-y, superwide legged jeans and I loved it! Obviously the very first day i wore it to school, some other kids were making stupid comments and jokes and calling it imaginative names like horse-shit pants (i did horse riding)... all just because it looked different. Coming home that day i cried and talked to my mom and she thought i would never wear it again. But i did. The very next day. And she's still so proud of me for doing that, and looking back almost 20 years later, i am too 😁

[@sabrinawardharrison8904]

This gave me shivers! LOVE IT! YES TO THOSE PANTS!

[@recoveringsoul755]

When I was about that age it was the early 70's and I had a pair of the strangest pants I think I've ever owned. They were like velvet, dark red maroon with a Paisley pattern on them. Oh my I can't imagine wearing them at all. But I guess I did. I don't really remember anything happening from wearing them, mostly I just remember seeing them in the closet for years later and thinking I would never... They might have been some kind of brushed courderoy.

[@linda.brotherton1689]

This conversation is Amazing 🌺

[@TheGardeningArtist]

Love this :) very inspiring

[@alxh3727]

I also try to inspire younger girls by shaving less (escaping gender expectations and patriarchy and ya dee ya dah), because I know how much I would have loved to see a woman with hairy legs back when I was 15 and hating my body (as teenage girls do). I can relate to how hard it is to put yourself out there hoping to help younger girls, to give them what you needed back then. I'm also very sensitive to other people's opinion so it has been a struggle!

[@CreationsOfAMoonChild]

Cathy! Your voice is always beautiful all the time, just like the rest of you, but it’s so strong in this video, and I know that’s your preference. Who is she?! Happy to see you happy 🙂

[@leslikuyweski4576]

Wonderful video!

[@kimberly_erin]

Ty Cathy!