Creating in Uncertain Times: How to Stay Inspired When Life Feels Unstable

Produced by The Happy Kind

In today’s episode, Jessica Higgins Chapman dives into a timely and personal topic: how to keep creating and stay inspired when life feels uncertain. Whether it’s career changes, personal transitions, or the heaviness of what’s happening in the world, we all face waves of uncertainty — when the future feels shaky and creativity feels hard to reach.

Listen now, to hear Jess give a personal story, prompts and three psychology-backed tools to help you ground your nervous system, reframe uncertainty, and reconnect to meaning through your art and work.

In this Episode, Jess Discusses:

1. Why uncertainty can both hinder and enhance creativity
2. Grounding rituals that help your brain feel “safe enough to create”
3. "Shrinking the frame” and rebuilding creative momentum into small steps
4. The Maybe Mindset — a powerful mental reframe inspired by psychologist Ellen Langer Ph.D. to help you soften fear and expand possibility

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Research Links:

1. Intolerance of Uncertainty and Worry
2. Navigating Uncertainty
3. The Reciprocal Relationship Between Openness and Creativity
4. Confronting the Negativity Bias

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1. Instagram: @thehappykind | @thehappykindofficial | @originatenowpodcast
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Additional Links:

1. Grab a copy of Jessica's book: The Magic that is Life
2. This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.
3. Theme Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/nick-petrov/diving-in-the-sky

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