Episode Details

In this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I sit down with Susan Hensley, a transformational coach and author, whose mantra "wild, free, and filled with joy" became her guiding light during one of life's most uncertain seasons. Susan opens up about the pressures she faced as a global HR executive during the pandemic and how art journaling helped her turn fear and anxiety into creativity and self-expression. We dive deep into the power of art journaling—not just as an artistic outlet, but as a playful, private, and healing tool for processing difficult emotions. Susan shares her journey of trading a high-stress corporate life for one filled with curiosity, spontaneity, and service, showing how the meaning of her mantra has evolved from grand adventures to everyday acts of kindness and presence. Listeners will walk away inspired to embrace small moments of play, tap into their creative side, and discover new ways to navigate life’s transitions with more resilience, purpose, and joy.

Connect With Susan Hensley
Website: https://susan-hensley.com
Book (Art for Your Sanity)

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Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:38 Meet Susan Hensley
00:51 The Mantra: Wild, Free, and Filled With Joy
01:55 Discovering Art Journaling
03:28 How the Mantra’s Meaning Evolved
04:08 Life Changes and Bold Adventures
04:55 Service, Spontaneity, and Everyday Joy
05:44 Art Journaling for Life Transitions
06:20 What Is Art Journaling?
07:53 How Art Journaling Connects to the Mantra
08:56 The Power of Play and Curiosity
10:20 Art Journaling Before the Mantra
12:07 Introducing "Art For Your Sanity"
14:17 A Simple Practice Listeners Can Try
16:28 The Role of Joy and Playfulness in Healing
19:02 Is Joy Escaping or Empowering?
21:03 How the Mantra Reshaped Susan’s Life
23:33 Spontaneity, Presence, and Everyday Kindness
25:06 Wild, Free, and Awake—Right Now
25:18 What Readers Will Find in the Book
26:12 Where to Find Susan Hensley
26:53 Closing and Takeaways