The Power of Creative Expression
by Amy Schons, Jenn Schoenbart
Nov 03, 2024
Why You Should Always Stay Curious
Creative expression and hobbies are powerhouses for sparking new opportunities, fresh ideas, and even supporting our health. Taking time for creative passions - whether it's writing, painting, gardening, or diving into a new skill - gives us a chance to disconnect from the grind and reconnect with what lights us up. When we open ourselves up to these pursuits, we also open the door to insights and possibilities we might not have otherwise noticed. It's about adding fun, and bringing that spark of curiosity and exploration into every part of life and work.
Modern leaders know that staying curious and making time to explore creatively is a differentiator. It fuels growth, innovation, and resilience. By stepping out of our routines and embracing hobbies, we gain perspectives that help us lead with more energy, creativity, and empathy. And the impact goes beyond work - it enriches our personal lives and boosts our health, both mentally and physically.
This month, let's have some fun together! Throughout November, we'll dive into:
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Creative outlets
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Random thoughts
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Exploring the things we love
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Finding ways to bring a little more joy into each day
We'll be sharing bits of inspiration and unexpected ideas to brighten the seson and encourage you to tap into the things that make life more vibrant.
Stay tuned as we shake things up, bring a touch of the unexpected, and fully enjoy this creative season! As a start, see below, I love this Happy Light and it's time to put her back to use!
Healthier Food Alternatives
In today’s fast-paced world, making healthy food choices can often feel overwhelming. However, opting for healthier alternatives doesn’t have to be complicated or bland. By substituting a few common ingredients and snacks with more nutritious options, you can enhance your diet and improve your overall well-being. Here are some simple yet effective healthier food alternatives to consider.
1. Whole Grains over Refined Grains
Alternative: Choose whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice, or whole grain bread instead of white rice or white bread.
Benefits: Whole grains are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which can help regulate digestion, reduce the risk of heart disease, and keep you feeling full longer. They also provide sustained energy.
2. Greek Yogurt over Sour Cream
Alternative: Use Greek yogurt as a creamy topping or ingredient in place of sour cream.
Benefits: Greek yogurt is lower in fat and higher in protein compared to sour cream. It also contains probiotics that promote gut health. Use it in dips, dressings, or as a topping for baked potatoes or tacos for a healthier twist.
3. Fresh Fruit over Sugary Snacks
Alternative: Swap out candy bars and sugary snacks for fresh fruits like apples, berries, or bananas. You can even use melted chocolate, or caramel dip to sweeten the treat a bit!
Benefits: Fresh fruits provide natural sweetness along with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They satisfy sweet cravings while keeping calorie counts lower and adding fiber to your diet, which aids in digestion and helps control your appetite.
4. Nut Butters over Regular Butter
Alternative: Use almond, cashew, or peanut butter instead of regular butter for spreads or cooking.
Benefits: Nut butters offer healthy fats, protein, and a range of nutrients that butter lacks. They can enhance the flavor of smoothies, oatmeal, or toast while providing sustained energy and supporting heart health.
5. Cauliflower Rice over White Rice
Alternative: Replace white rice with cauliflower in your favorite dishes. From a starchy side to a taco bowl, cauliflower rice makes for a delicious and hearty swap.
Benefits: Cauliflower is low in calories and carbohydrates, making it an excellent alternative for those looking to reduce their carb intake. It's also rich in vitamins C and K and can be easily incorporated into stir-fries, grain bowls and more.
6. Zoodles over Pasta
Alternatives: Use spiralized zucchini instead of tradtional pasta.
Benefits: Zoodles are a fantastic low-carb, gluten-free option that is rich in nutrients. They provide a satisfying texture and can be paired with your favorite sauces and toppings, giving you all the comfort of pasta without the heaviness.
7. Sparkling Water over Sugary Sodas
Alternatives: Sparkling water is a great way to stay hydrated while satisfying your soda craving. Add in muddled mint, citrus and fruit for extra flare!
Benefits: Sodas can be high in sugar and empty calories. Often times, we actually mistake dehydration for hunger. By staying adequately hydrated, you're nourishing your body overall and making healthier eating choices as well.
What's New @ Modwellship
Time to get out my happy light!

With the season changing, the time change, and darker days here in Michigan, it's officially happy light season. I got one of these lights last year for my mom and me, and we both noticed a big difference. My mom, who experiences Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), felt her energy and mood lift significantly. She keeps hers in the bathroom and turns it on as she gets ready, while mine lives in my office, brightening my mornings before the sun comes up.
Here are a few benefits of a happy light - give it a try! (Not affiliated, just sharing something that's made a difference in our lives):
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Boosts mood and energy
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Improves focus and productivity
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Supports better sleep cycles
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Reduces symptoms of SAD
Hope this brightens up your day, too! 🌞

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