When life hands us tidal wave after tidal wave of loss, change, and uncertainty, it can feel impossible to find solid ground again—let alone rediscover joy.
On this week’s episode of The Change Effect, I’m joined by Jaime Townzen, a writer, artist, and caregiver who found solace, healing, and self-rediscovery through unexpected creative outlets after years of profound personal tragedy and caretaking.
In this deeply moving and inspiring conversation, Jaime and I talk about her transition from nonprofit fundraiser and hands-on mom to suddenly facing the deaths and serious illnesses of her closest loved ones, all while keeping her family afloat. Through it all, Jaime’s journey led her to embrace watercolor painting and writing—not as a pursuit of perfection but as a vital lifeline back to herself.
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Jaime Townzen is a Southern California-based writer and professional artist whose watercolor paintings have earned international recognition. Her essays and microfiction have been published in Light magazine and Fairfield Scribes. Jaime’s debut novel, Absorbed was released in early 2025. Jaime is an internationally recognized watercolor painter who captures the beauty of everyday life. As a storyteller across mediums, Jaime's relatable experiences as a mom, artist, and debut author have shaped her perspective on motherhood, identity, and navigating life’s unexpected seasons.
In this episode, Jaime and I discuss:
- How a string of personal losses and caregiving demands left Jaime feeling depleted and the breaking point that led her to seek something just for herself.
- Why discovering watercolor painting during the pandemic became her meditation, daily ritual, and source of inner calm amidst anxiety and grief.
- The incredible power of creativity as both a grounding force and a tool for transformation during turbulent times.
- The importance of granting ourselves permission to make time for joyful, creative pursuits (even in small doses), and the impact this has on resilience and family dynamics.
- How Jaime’s practices of painting, journaling, and writing fiction serve as ongoing acts of self-discovery and empowerment—for herself and as a model for her daughters.
- Tangible tips for setting boundaries and carving out guilt-free creative time, even in a busy home.
- Jaime’s upcoming work on a new novel inspired by very real family experiences with online scams and her process for developing rich, authentic characters and stories.
Jaime’s journey is a powerful reminder that even in our darkest seasons, prioritizing what fills us up isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential for healing, resilience, and unlocking new beginnings.
If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.
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