Your overwhelm reset button

I have meditated every morning for the last five years.

And I suck at it.

I started this practice back in 2020 because… well, 2020.

I thought it would help me clear my mind—something I desperately needed then, as I do now.

On my best days, it feels amazing to let go of my never-ending to-do list and just be. That feeling is why I keep coming back to it.

But on an average day, my meditations go more like this:

Breathe in, breathe out, scan the body… make sure to reach out to our photographer for new brand photos… I really need to make more progress on my surface pattern collection… Oh ****—I need to write the Division Dispatch today…. Breathe in… Remind Ben to watch Severance so we can catch up on our theories… Breathe out… Don't forget to talk with Nathan (that’s my husband) about our studio's website redesign over cocktails.

It’s basically turned into my daily strategy session. Not terrible, but also not quite the goal.

But when I pick up my guitar, the noise quiets. The to-do list disappears.

It’s just me and some Metallica or Pink Floyd. Dick Dale if I’m feeling adventurous.

Same thing happens when I’m lettering. I can sit for hours, completely absorbed—refining anchor points, smoothing curves, fighting that damn S (why is S so hard to draw?!).

Having two creative outlets—one I monetize, one just for fun—gives me a way to reset. And when I don’t? I feel it.

I’m stressed. I’m irritable. I’m ready to snap.

And that’s been me lately. (Hello, standing up Maker Division on a moment’s notice.)

So this week, I’m making a commitment: At least 10 minutes a day on my current art collection. 10 minutes on guitar.

But we all know how flow works, right? Once I start, 10 minutes will turn into 20… then 30. I’ll get lost in it. My mind will clear. I’ll feel more like me—and I’ll show up better for the people who need me, including myself.

If you’re struggling to find your flow state too, don’t worry. That’s exactly what this week’s Division Dispatch is all about. Let’s get into it.

The Artist's Way

On the Bookshelf

I cannot express how life changing this book has been for me, not only in helping me find my flow when I'm feeling stuck, but just leaning into what I truly want to do with my life and my art. It helped me get back to my guitar roots, allowed me to discover lettering, and is quite the buzz around the Maker Division community, helping our members do the same. If you read and apply one book this year, make it this one!

Get Your Copy

Bottle painting

Course Recommendation

Looking for a fun, creative way to get into your flow (that could also lead to a potential income stream)? Then check out Jodi Tellier's bottle painting class, Memento Mori. Jodi is a full-time live event artist and in this class you'll learn the art of still life florals and how to apply them to bottles (yes- Jodi gets paid to paint flowers on champagne!)

check it out

Hermanos Gutiérrez

Now Playing

And speaking of flow, if I'm in need of some tunes to help me get there while I'm in deep work, it's anything and everything by Hermanos Gutierrez. I discovered them last year and they've been on repeat ever since. Think Latin instrumentals with a hint of spaghetti western.

GIVE them A LISTEN

When I think of creative flow and leaning into what you truly want as a creative and chasing after it, I think of Maker Division member Irlanda Navarro. Out of my hometown of San Diego, Irlanda is the founder of Benthic Studio and an all-around fantastic artist and designer. While she makes sure to constantly work on her lead generation efforts in Maker Division, earning both the “Client from Outreach” and “5-Figure Project” badges, she also is always making and finding her flow.

She recently shared with me that she's working through The Artist's Way and that she has taken up painting. Such a great way to find flow while also working on those skills. I love how great she balances both the business side of things while also making sure she's making and fueling that creative flame. Make sure to give her a follow on Instagram and sign up for her newsletter, where she writes about creativity and her artistic journey.

Irlanda Navarro

Accelerator Win

After four months of consistently using the strategies from the Accelerator to reach out to my target market, I landed a dream client for an illustration project! It’s given me a clear sense of direction for my career as an illustrator, and I now see the power of putting myself and my work out there to connect with potential clients... Accelerator works if you're willing to put in the work, trust the process, and follow the guidance provided.

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