Interviews in Creativity: Jamie Ridler

Interviews in Creativity is a new series where Jacqueline Wolven chats with creatives to see what helps them stay motivated, organized and how they get work done.

Jamie Ridler is captivated by life and creativity and now; as a life coach, Nia barefoot workout instructor and life enthusiast she is sharing her gifts through multiple projects and avenues. She is currently hosting a blog book group called The Next Chapter and we’ll be working through Soul Coaching by Denise Linn.

She shared about her approach to creativity and what life looks like for her day to day with me on my virtual couch.

When did you decide to do creative work professionally?

JR: I knew I would always do creative work. It’s in my bones. I have a background in dance and theatre, I teach Nia (a barefoot movement practice) and now as a life coach, I support people in creating a life that honors their creative spirit. But one thing I’ve learned is that your creativity comes with you wherever you go, so the definition of creative work can be broad. For example, when you work for yourself, you are always engaged in the creative act of bringing your business to life.

What is a typical day like for you?

JR: My days have a particular rhythm and that’s even truer of my weeks. Early mornings are connecting time. Through taking time to journal, to read and respond to email and blogs, I start to connect to myself and to others. After that, it varies. Early in the week my days are focused on coaching clients, business and project development and teaching Nia. As the week moves on, I become more internal, reading, writing, researching, planning and doing administrative work. I find this rhythm essential for me.

When you are blocked what do you do to get out of it and back working?

JR: I shift gears. Sometimes I can move to a different project or a different aspect of the same project. Often I will complete some unrelated, small and useful task like doing the dishes or compiling my receipts. I find it particularly helpful to make not only a mental shift but also a physical one (e.g. moving to another room or even into another position).

Where do you find your greatest inspiration?

JR: Life! There is so much going on in the world every single day. When you embrace the world with an open mind and an open heart, there is no end to inspiration!

I love your enthusiasm. Can you share a quirky thing do you do that is part of your creative life?

JR: Talk. My poor husband and family, they get the brunt of it. With each new idea, new thought, new project, I get so fascinated and energized (read: obsessed) that I could discuss it and any aspect of it, any question about it, any possibility, any new and related project, etc. forever!

As creatives we are always looking for advice. Can you share one piece of creative advice?

JR: Love and be curious. When I was a part of a small theatre company, my favorite thing about the women I worked with was that no one ever, ever said something couldn’t be done. If a crazy idea was put on the table, the immediate response was “Hmm, let’s see. How could we do that?” Start with the question, “What would happen if…” and see what happens. That’s the curiosity piece.

And by love, I don’t mean work only with the things you love necessarily but find love in your heart for everything – for the subject, for the medium, for the exploration, for the process, for the questions and most of all for yourself. Creative work is soul work. Some days it will fill you and some days you will be challenged to dig deeper, look harder, stretch more and that’s when you need to be most loving to yourself.

Where can we find your work – or learn more about you?

JR: You can find more about me professionally at Jamie Ridler Studios, and personally, please feel free to visit my blog. You can also contact me at jamie(at)openthedoor(dot)ca.

One last peek into you: When you were little what did you think you would be when you grew up? Are you disappointed that did/didn’t happen?

JR: All I ever wanted to be was a dancer. And I am. We all are.

Jacqueline Wolven is interviewing creatives as part of an ongoing series to see what helps them stay motivated, organized and get work done. If you would like to be interviewed or can suggest a great subject, email her at Jacqueline@moxieworks.com. She is the Smartest Girl in the Room at MoxieWorks, delivering big marketing ideas to the small business.