Have you ever referred to yourself as a perfectionist? Have you ever felt like perfectionism holds you back from expressing yourself creatively? I know I can relate to both.The truth is, creativity is not a gift that only a select few have. It's a skill we can all cultivate. And the outcome of creative expression isn’t where the magic is – it’s the act of being creative itself. That’s because creativity is a vital part of health and well-being that isn’t talked about nearly enough. According to research, healthy creative expression is linked to better mental and physical well-being outcomes including higher levels of optimism and improved immune response. But for perfectionists, it can be hard to let go and let ourselves be students.Our guest today is AJ Clarke, and our conversation is so special. AJ is a creative marketing agency owner, wife, and creative director behind Soul Rehab. She’s had an eye-opening journey learning how to release feelings of perfectionism and the pressure to over-achieve to pursue a creative career.In addition to her work as a marketer, she realized that the “self-love” space was full of well-intentioned but surface-level endeavors that didn’t tell you how to overcome, but that just told you that you should. Soul Rehab is birthed from the most vulnerable of spaces – the fiery place of healing.We Also Talk About…How creativity impacts your health.Ways you can incorporate more creativity into your life.Learning how to detach creative expression from the final product.Advice for navigating perfectionism when it feels unsafe to not overachieve.Building self-care communities that are rooted in vulnerability.Resources:2014 Study: Can Musical Training Influence Brain Connectivity? Evidence from Diffusion Tensor MRI2010 Study: Optimism and Its Impact on Mental and Physical Well-BeingDownload our Wellness Rituals Workbook to start your journaling practiceFollow Soul Rehab on Instagram @mysoulrehabFollow Soul Rehab on Pinterest @soulrehabSubscribe to the Soul Rehab PodcastSubscribe to the Soul Rehab Newsletter, Hey LovelyJoin the 7-Day Affirmation ChallengeSponsor:Home Chef | Worried about what to make for dinner? Get fresh, perfectly portioned ingredients and chef-inspired recipes delivered to your door from Home Chef. For a limited time, visit www.homechef.com/balanced for 16 free meals.balancedblackgirl.com ◉ IG: @balancedblackgirlpodcast @balancedles 〆Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy