How can engaging in creative activities influence an individual's sense of self and overall fulfillment in life?Shawna Curee was a very creative child, who loved drawing, writing, and creating games with her siblings. A nurturing home and school environment allowed her to freely explore her artistic inclinations, until, inspired by the film Free Willy, Shawna decided she wanted to be a marine biologist instead of following her creative passions. At college she soon realized that wasn't the right path for her, and explored a few other majors before settling on journalism.Looking back, Shawna recognizes that during the years when she lacked a creative outlet, she felt less like herself. For Shawna creativity is not just a hobby but a vital component of her identity and well-being.We also chat about Shawna's experiences with baking and how turning her creative love into a business led to burnout. Monetizing her creativity diminished her enjoyment of it, so now Shawna's creative pursuits serve her as personal fulfillment rather than for financial gain. Writing has also played a significant role in Shawna's life and she is currently working on a book that explores the value of slowing down and appreciating the beauty in the world around us. This project is deeply personal, as it stems from her desire to share her experiences and insights with her family, ensuring they understand who she is beyond her role as a mother and wife.Shawna is also the co-host of two podcasts recorded in the metaverse, and couldn't resist turning the conversation onto me as she asked me a question and told the story of how we met.Buy Me a CoffeeCreativityFound.co.ukInstagram: @creativityfoundpodcastThreads: @creativityfoundpodcastFacebook: @creativityfoundpodcast and Creativity Found groupYouTube @creativityfoundpodcastMusic: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day TripsI would love some financial support to help me to keep making this podcast. Visit buymeacoffee.com/creativityfoundSupport the showWant to be a guest on Creativity Found? Send me a message on PodMatch, here Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout