Returning to Source
Self-support in the middle of motherhood, mess, and a creative life.
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We’re continuing our April theme of Life Force—how to create, protect, and maintain the vital energy that fuels both our lives and creative practices.
Before we dive into this weeks post, I wanted to share a couple of upcoming ways you can learn watercolor with me:
🌸 Loose Floral Watercolor Series (Live Online)
Registration is now open for this 6-week series.
We will meet live on Thursdays, May 8 – June 12, from 10am–12pm Central Time. Recordings of each session are available for 2 months.
Each week, we’ll focus on one flower—diving into techniques like wet-on-wet, sketching with watercolor, and large-scale painting. It’s a practice in slowing down, finding rhythm, and developing your own loose floral style. All levels welcome.
🌿 Mother’s Day Watercolor Workshops (In-Person: Austin & Houston)
I’m also hosting three in-person workshops with Thompson + Hanson this May—one in Austin and two in Houston. These will be light, lovely creative gatherings to celebrate the women who tend, support, and care—whether that’s you, your mom, or someone who feels like one to you.
Houston Workshop Details:
Date: Thursday, May 1
Times: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. // 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: The Ivy Room at Tiny’s No. 5, 3636 Rice Blvd. 77005
Austin Workshop Details:
Date: Tuesday, April 29
Time: 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: The Rosemary Room, 1503 W 35th St. 78703
Now, onto today’s post—about the small, everyday act of checking in with yourself, and why that might be the most essential form of support we have.
My Resourced Self
Why does supporting yourself feel like such a luxury…orrr… is that just me?
Why is it so hard to spend money on support? Even harder to spend time?
Last week, we had one of those tough drop-offs at school. You know the kind—tears, clinging, a heartbreakingly strong grip on your arm. I came home to dishes piled in the sink, laundry tumbling out of baskets, and a few hours of computer work waiting for me. I stood there, overwhelmed, trying to decide if I should dive into the mess or jump right into work…
A Simple Ask
Lately, I’ve been trying to make a habit of one small thing in these moments: checking in with myself. Not in a big, ceremonial way. Just a moment of reflection.
The question I’ve been asking is:
What would be the kindest thing I could do for myself right now?
Sometimes it’s putting on music. Sometimes it’s drinking water before I spiral into productivity. Sometimes it’s deciding that the laundry can wait and I need ten quiet minutes to meditate.
This isn’t about fixing anything. It’s about staying connected to my source.
And maybe that’s what it means to re-source myself—returning, again and again, to the part of me that knows what I need... the part of me that is my source of self.
Support for Spring Time
Recently, I sat with my dear friend Marika Lafemina of Golden Light Acupuncture in the Hudson Valley as part of this month’s Full Moon Watercolor Practice. Our conversation moves through practical ways to support yourself this Spring season as well as personal insights into the things we are reaching for now.
The Full Moon Watercolor Practice is a monthly offering sent out on every full moon and is available to paid subscribers. It includes a watercolor exercise and creative practice tailored to each month.
If this work resonates with you, please consider supporting me by upgrading your membership. It allows me to keep creating and sharing practices like this, for which I’m so grateful.
Thanks for reading along! I hope something in this resonated—maybe gave you a new way to think about energy, or reminded you to check in with yourself in a small, honest way. If anything came up for you while reading or listening, I’d love to hear. Reach out anytime. I always enjoy knowing what’s been moving through your world.
And if you’re in the mood to paint together, come get creative at an upcoming workshop :)
More free posts from April:
About Jaime Reynolds:
Jaime is a working artist based in Austin, Texas. She graduated from Pratt Institute with a degree in Interior Design and a minor in creative burnout. Seeking a deeper connection with her body, she went on to dedicate the next 10 years of her life to studying Yoga and Meditation with some of the top teachers in North America.
She started painting while pregnant with her first child and quickly realized her watercolor practice provided a safe space to remember herself, loosen the tendency for control and regain a quiet mind space. Because of this she dedicated any free moment she could (with two kids) to her paints.
Jaime offers artwork and experiences that encourage a deeper connection with your perfectly imperfect nature.
Community principles & values
Cultivating a kind and supportive community
Creating a safe and inclusive community within the artistic process is something I value deeply. My painting classes and retreats are for individuals of all artistic levels—and I strive to create a space that fosters and encourages collaboration, exploration and an openness to unique perspectives and diverse lived experiences. The same can be applied to this substack ~ open to everyone and a champion of kindness.
Hey Jaime, I’m trying to register to your online Florecer flower course and I can’t find it. Can you tell me how to access it please? I’ll see you May 14.