Breaking the Blocks

• Breaking the Pattern: Finding Your Inherent Worth

  Quilter Vendulka Battais shares her healing journey from realizing that external validation (including winning awards) made her happy, but didn't bring her ultimate fulfillment, she still needed to find her own inner worth and peace. She explores how her upbringing in communist Czechoslovakia and ancestral patterns influenced her sense of self-worth and her creative approach to quilting.• Growing up during communism in the Czech Republic shaped Vendulka's resourcefulness and creativity• Moving to the UK at age 24 with English as her second language became an unexpected advantage in her quilting pattern instructions• Winning quilt competitions didn't bring the fulfillment she expected, revealing her pattern of seeking external validation• Ancestral patterns from Czech history influenced her tendency to overgive and put her worth in others' hands• Through theta healing and meditation, she learned to find value within herself rather than from external achievements• Understanding that we're only responsible for our own happiness helps break patterns of people-pleasing and overgiving• Finding peace requires facing uncomfortable truths and being honest with yourself• The healing journey is ongoing - slips back into old patterns become smaller and less frequent with practice• Every cloud has a silver lining - learning not to immediately judge experiences as good or bad opens us to unexpected giftsIf you've enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend who might benefit, leave a review on your podcast platform, and check out Vendulka's quilted jacket class:https://www.craftymonkies.com/live-zoom-workshop-vendulka-battais-121025-fashionable-quilted-jacket-and-210326-intricate-curvFollow Vendulka on Instagram @vendulkaolivenWant to reach out? Suggest a guest? Drop us a text! Support the show

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• Breaking Free: Healing Through Life's Toughest lessons (my own journey)

  Taking a break between Season 2 and Season 3 to reflect on the journey and lessons learned throughout Breaking the Blocks. Thousands of listeners have shared how these conversations about overcoming challenges have inspired their own growth paths.• Life inevitably brings pain, loss, and unexpected challenges – our growth comes from how we respond• Understanding our role in our own suffering is key to breaking unhealthy patterns• We cannot change others, only ourselves – even after 27 years of asking her husband to quit smoking• Change requires losing old identities and sometimes relationships that reinforce negative patterns• Finding inner peace may initially feel "dull" compared to drama but brings lasting fulfillment• Learning patience for gradual change instead of expecting instant transformation• Extending the same kindness to yourself that you would offer a struggling friend• Stop arguing with people who cannot understand your perspective• Practice gratitude for relationships where you're valued and opportunities to grow• Let go of circumstances you cannot control and view challenges from a wider perspectiveSeason 3 will return in September with exciting new interviews already recorded. Thank you for listening and being part of this community of growth and transformation.Want to reach out? Suggest a guest? Drop us a text! Support the show

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• The Art of Resilience: Mackenzie Thorpe's Creative Journey

  Mackenzie Thorpe shares his extraordinary journey from a dyslexic child in working-class Middlesbrough to a globally celebrated artist whose work touches hearts worldwide.• Born with an innate urge to draw on anything available—stones, cigarette packets, fireplace ashes• Struggled with undiagnosed dyslexia at school, describing himself as "word blind" rather than seeing jumbled letters• Found escape through art, developing a three-dimensional thinking ability that compensated for traditional learning challenges• Created his iconic square sheep series after a car accident in 1990, representing his family and his role as protector• Gained international recognition when Salvador Dali's former manager discovered his work and introduced it to global audiences• Balances creating joyful, whimsical art that's commercially successful while privately producing darker works that express his personal struggles• Maintains a mission to encourage others to embrace their creativity despite obstacles or discouragement• Met Queen Elizabeth II to present a commissioned Jubilee painting depicting the Northeast's resilience and celebration• Lives by Van Gogh's motto: "If you can't go to work, go to work"You can follow Mackenzie on Instagram: @artistmackenzieHis website is: www.mackenziethorpe.comIf you have enjoyed this podcast, please tell a friend about it, leave a review, or reach out to Rachel at breakingtheblocks.com if you're a business interested in sponsorship.Want to reach out? Suggest a guest? Drop us a text! Support the show

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• Finding Your True North When Life Shifts

  Janet Clare joins Rachel to explore the journey of creative growth and authenticity in a world that often feels chaotic and judgmental. Together they reflect on how the pandemic reset their perspectives, helping them realize what truly matters in life and creative work.• Finding inner calm and creative peace even when the outside world feels unstable• Confronting the inner critic that asks "who am I to create?" and charging forward anyway• Understanding that creativity sits at the top of our needs pyramid, requiring all other needs to be met first• The powerful mindset shift of actively seeking 100 rejections rather than avoiding rejection• Recognizing that "authenticity is magnetic" - when we're true to ourselves, we attract the right people• Stepping outside comfort zones with new creative directions while staying true to your essence• Learning that "it's all cake" - people either connect with your work or simply move on• Building a broader, firmer foundation for your creative life through meaningful connectionsIf you enjoyed this episode, please tell a friend who might benefit from it and leave a review on your podcast platform. It helps others find the show and lets them know it's worth listening to. And if you're a business looking to get your message out there, reach out to [email protected] to explore podcast sponsorship opportunities.You can follow Janet on Instagram: @janeteclarewww.janetclare.co.ukWant to reach out? Suggest a guest? Drop us a text! Support the show

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• Breaking Through: Art, Healing, and Redemption in Women's Prison

  Sarah Humphreys transforms lives teaching arts and crafts in a women's prison, helping incarcerated women rebuild their identities through creativity. Working with individuals who've experienced trauma and abuse, she creates a sensory sanctuary where women who arrive saying "I can't" leave as proud creators with newfound confidence and purpose.• Teaching in prison presents unique challenges with scissors and supplies requiring strict protocols• Around 75% of women in prison have mental health concerns and most have experienced childhood trauma• Sarah's classroom serves as a sensory haven with soft textiles, comforting scents, and supportive community• A professional shoplifter achieved a breakthrough by later buying art supplies instead of stealing them• Sarah introduces women to female artists who faced similar challenges, expanding their sense of possibility• The Red Flag Project collects textile flags bearing phrases from abusive relationships, creating awareness around domestic violence• Women in prison often face judgment as "imperfect victims" when they've experienced domestic abuse• Creative activities build resilience, self-belief and new identities beyond "criminal"• Prison crafting creates ripple effects, potentially breaking generational cycles of trauma• The crafting community regularly donates supplies, showing incarcerated women they're not forgottenIf you're interested in supporting the Red Flag Project, please check the show notes for details on how to create and submit your own flag to help raise awareness about domestic violence. For those experiencing abuse, support resources are listed below.To find out Full details about the red flags and how to get involved: Click belowhttps://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DW9ldQmwNWqAuyCJChrPNGX16TIDOn-3?usp=sharingFollow Sarah on Instagram @edwardandthewhitebearBook mentioned In Control: Dangerous Relationships and How They End in Murder : Smith, Jane Monckton: Amazon.co.uk: BooksKoestler Arts | Unlock the talent insideIf you need help:https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/Want to reach out? Suggest a guest? Drop us a text! Support the show

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