In this episode, Janice confesses her own struggles with the "overachieving trap" and perfectionism. If you've ever felt you needed external validation to be worthy, this episode is for you. We explore where our adult hang-ups about play come from and how they manifest as three powerful barriers:

1. The Productive Trap (Guilt over time scarcity)

2. The Monetization Mindset (Why your hobbies don't have to be a side hustle)

3. The Internal Critic (The fear of judgment and the obsession with outcomes)

We wrap up with 3 simple, low-stakes strategies and a powerful affirmation to help you defy the guilt and invite more authentic, judgment-free play back into your life.

Follow Hamletta Studios for more inspiration to play, create and grow by signing up for the newsletter at hamlettastudios.com

In this heartfelt episode, host Janice dives deep into finding your true self by listening to the inner voice you ignored for years. We often let "practicality" strip away our passion, but Janice shares her personal story—from being obsessed with Powerpuff Girls and Archie Comics as a child to building Hamletta Studios today. Discover why the interests that society calls "weird" or "impractical" are actually the roadmap to your unique calling. Stop trying to fit in, and start embracing the wonderful individual you already are.

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You know that journal you’ve been saving for “the right time”? Or those adorable stickers, pretty pens, and untouched art supplies you bought with so much excitement but haven’t actually used yet? You’re not alone.

In this heartfelt episode, Janice explores the quiet guilt that can come from all the creative things we want to do but never get around to. She shares how those unused “creative treats” aren’t signs of failure but instead they’re gentle reminders of the part of you that’s longing to play again.

✨ In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why we feel guilty about unused planners, notebooks, and supplies

• How to reframe that guilt into a loving reminder to nurture yourself

• The 5-Minute Invitation — a simple way to reconnect with your creativity today

This is your gentle nudge to open that sketchbook, peel that first sticker, and rediscover the joy that’s been waiting inside your creative stash.

💌 Mentioned in this episode:
Join The Hamletta Gazette — a free weekly newsletter full of art journaling prompts, affirmations, and creative inspiration → hamlettastudios.com

Welcome to a brand new series, Invitation to Play!

In this episode, Janice shares the heartfelt story behind Hamletta Studios — how it began as a simple desire to make art just for fun during a busy season of life. Through her journey of rediscovering creativity after becoming a mom, she explores what it truly means to play as an adult and why creativity doesn’t need to be productive to be meaningful.

If you’ve ever felt guilty for slowing down, struggled to make time for yourself, or forgotten how to create without a purpose, this episode is your gentle reminder that joy isn’t something you have to earn — it’s your birthright.

✨ You’ll hear:

• How play reconnects us with our truest selves

• Why productivity culture keeps us from creative freedom

• Simple ways to invite more play and creativity into your week

So grab your favorite sketchbook, pen, or sticker sheet, and let’s rediscover the magic of creating just for fun.

🩷 Mentioned in this episode:

• Free newsletter: The Hamletta Gazette — Play, Create, Grow at hamlettastudios.com