Embracing Motherhood, Creativity, and Growth: Insights from Mitzi Ocasio

Motherhood, creativity, and personal growth are journeys filled with challenges and triumphs. Recently, I had the pleasure of delving into a fascinating conversation with Mitzi Ocasio, a fellow podcaster, and children's book author, who shared her profound insights on these topics. Our discussion touched on the power of storytelling, overcoming fears, and leaving a legacy that transcends generations. Now I want to share it with you!

One thing I discovered about Mitzi is that she writes children's books. We had already talked before and I had no clue, so it was a fantastic and interesting discovery. This endeavor began from her desire to help people understand and navigate emotions and controversial topics in a unique way—an aim that also underpins her podcast. As a child, Mitzi was curious and always trying to figure things out, and this curiosity has played a significant role in her writing.

Mitzi started writing children's books as a way to set off her dream of becoming an author. She faced numerous obstacles—some self-imposed and others from the world around her. But she decided to push forward, adopting a mindset of "no more oppositions, no more obstacles." With just a stack of paper and a pen, she began to pour out her thoughts. Writing for children allowed her to be fun, creative, and free, embracing the imaginative nature of young minds. Unlike novels, children's books have fewer rules and more room for creativity.

About overcoming fear and embracing creativity:

Mitzi's journey is a testament to overcoming fear. She conquered her own fears and now helps her mother overcome her apprehensions about publishing her work too–which I find lovely!

Fear of criticism, fear of unread books—these are real fears that many aspiring authors face, and we all do, actually. I’m not a writer, but as a creator and entrepreneur, I feel like this often. Mitzi encourages pushing through these fears, reminding us that even if a project isn't immediately successful, it can still leave a lasting impact on future generations.

Mitzi's powerful message underscores the belief that authors often write not for their own generation but for those yet to come. This perspective highlights the importance of sharing stories that resonate beyond their time, offering wisdom and comfort to those who may need it in the future.

During our conversation, Mitzi and I discussed the idea that what we put out into the world—whether it's a book, a podcast, or a YouTube video—is not meant for the present but for the future. It shows the legacy we leave behind, demonstrating to the next generation what is possible. Mitzi emphasized that if previous generations could dive into their fears and overcome them, we can do the same today. She drew parallels to historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and the challenges they faced, reminding us that everyone has a story to tell.

Sharing our stories can help others feel less alone, knowing that someone else has experienced similar emotions and challenges. Mitzi believes that by expanding our horizons through reading and storytelling, we can offer a different perspective and help others overcome their struggles. For those dealing with intrusive thoughts, depression, or suicidal ideation, immersing themselves in novels and creative works can provide a much-needed escape and a new way of thinking.

Mitzi's perspective highlights the therapeutic and transformative power of writing and storytelling. Through her work, she hopes to inspire others to share their stories and embrace the courage to overcome personal obstacles.

Motherhood and Imagination:

Mitzi and I also explored the role of imagination in motherhood. Growing up, we didn't have much access to toys that fostered imagination. When we became mothers, we made it a priority to provide our children with creative play options. I wanted my kids to have dress-ups, play kitchens, and all the imaginative toys I didn't have, and curiously she felt like this too in her own way. This commitment to fostering imagination has paid off, btw!

Imagination is crucial not just for children, but also for adults. It enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for navigating the complexities of life. Mitzi believes that encouraging imaginative play in children helps them develop these skills, preparing them for a self-sufficient and resilient adulthood.

Motherhood requires a delicate balance of creativity and practicality. Mitzi highlighted that being a mother means constantly thinking outside the box to entertain and educate children. It's about finding innovative ways to keep them engaged while also teaching them valuable life skills, and she does this with her stories too. If you listened to the podcast, you already know this –if you didn’t, click here for a super insightful episode!– Mitzi writes non-fiction stories for children, which is amazing because it’s not super common. As a former teacher, this is something that I really love because stories like these provide kids with a deeper insight into life from a young age. 

As her #1 life tip, Mitzi shared that preparation is better than procrastination, a principle that applies to both motherhood and her work as an author. By managing her time effectively and prioritizing tasks, she gains more control over her environment and mind. This approach allows her to clear out mental clutter, reconnect with herself, and focus on what truly matters.

My conversation with Mitzi Ocasio was a profound exploration of motherhood, creativity, emotions, and growth. Her insights into overcoming fear, fostering imagination, and balancing practical and creative aspects of life offer valuable lessons for anyone on a journey of personal development. Through her children's books and storytelling, Mitzi continues to inspire others to embrace their creativity and share their stories, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. We had a great time together and I’m deeply grateful for having her with me on the One Of A Kind You Podcast. If you haven’t listened to the episode yet, click here to find our full conversation.

I’m Kim Keane, coach and energy healer, and I’d love to help you transform your life, your relationships and ultimately build a path toward a loving, peaceful life. DM me or email me at kim@kimkeane.com if you want to get personalized support, download my Free Everyday Spirituality Handbook or get my EFT Tapping Booster Session to continue making progress on your healing journey!