April Theme: Life Force

...or, how to tell what’s really fueling you

The Spring Watercolor Challenge just wrapped and wow—what a beautiful stretch of days. Thank you to everyone who joined me. I’m still thinking about the daily sparks that came through, the quiet breakthroughs, the way showing up (even briefly) can change the shape of a whole week.

If you didn’t catch it this time around, not to worry—the Summer Challenge is coming, and it’ll be available to paid subscribers.

If you’re interested in learning with me in person—in a short, sweet format—come join one of my upcoming Mother's Day watercolor workshops at Thompson + Hanson in Austin and Houston. All the details and RSVP info are just a click away below.

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Our April Theme: Life Force

Lately, I’ve been thinking about energy. Not just the “do I have it or not?” kind—but the deeper current underneath our days. The kind that moves us forward in a way that feels rooted. I’m calling this month’s theme Life Force—but not in the high-concept, mystical sense (although sure, we can go there). I’m talking about the kind of energy that feels good in your body. That makes you feel like yourself again.

A few examples from my week:

One morning, I was driving through Austin traffic (if you know, you know), and someone cut in front of me. I reacted—slid into the next lane, sped up, passed them. And I felt it: my adrenals lit up. It was energy… but not the kind I want more of.

Later that day, I walked to the small farm behind our house to grab eggs and spotted a bundle of fresh-cut snapdragons. I brought them home, and they practically glowed on the kitchen counter. That was a different kind of charge. Quiet. Steady. Beautiful. It made the house feel more alive.

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Not all energy is created equal

That moment made me wonder how often I confuse activation with vitality.

Some energy is loud and fast and addictive.
Some energy is gentle but sustaining.

Let’s name the two:

• False Fuel – short-lived, frantic, often based in urgency or comparison

• True Spark – nourishing, grounding, quiet but powerful

Both give you a hit. But only one leaves you feeling more whole.

If you’re craving ways to refill your creative well, I share a few practices (and my own story of navigating a decade-long creative burnout) in the post below.

Spring & the Search for Creative Inspiration

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What’s to come this month

This theme of Life Force is running underneath everything I’m exploring right now—creatively, personally, even in parenting. I’ll be sharing three posts this month that circle around this theme in different ways:

1. Discernment
Learning to tell the difference between what energizes you and what just stimulates you. How to listen for the “yes” in your body instead of the “buzz.” What’s solid and what’s static.

2. Support Yourself
I hit a wall recently with parenting. (Deep-feeling kid, deep-feeling parent—we were both maxed out.) I realized I needed new forms of support. That included visual aids I found on Etsy, yes, but also a shift in mindset: support doesn’t always mean self-sacrifice. Sometimes it’s buying the thing. Sometimes it’s letting go of the guilt. Sometimes it’s a walk by yourself before bedtime.

3. Discipline
I used to think I wasn’t impulsive—because I overthink everything. But impulsivity can wear different outfits. It can look like skipping the routine that helps you feel good. Or jumping into a new idea instead of staying the course. Discipline, for me, has become less about control and more about devotion. Using the systems that support my energy, consistently.

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A small practice for now

This week, ask yourself:
Where is your energy coming from?
Is it False Fuel or True Spark?

Notice what you’re saying yes to. What you’re chasing. What you’re receiving.

Sometimes the clearest sign of Life Force is what makes you want to slow down, not speed up.

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Full Moon Practice – April 13

I’ll be offering a watercolor and reflection practice on April 13th for paid subscribers, tied to the full moon. It’s a quiet check-in with your energy and creativity—no pressure, just presence.

Click here to join as a paid subscriber and join us.

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Thanks for being here. I can’t wait to dig into this theme with you!

Warmly,
Jaime