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You\u2019ve probably experienced this: You\u2019re working hard at creating something new, feeling like you\u2019re building momentum and then, WHAM! You\u2019re kicked back by something unexpected\u2026 sometimes something really devastating. You might say you were \u2018frustrated\u2026\u2019 \xa0 That\u2019s how Artist, Connie Moeller, described her reaction when she received her breast cancer diagnosis a few years ago. She had finally given herself permission to spend her time painting, bringing some beauty and a sense of peace to others through her work, and then this\u2026 Frustration and a sense of disbelief that it could actually be happening to her.\xa0 \xa0 Connie\u2019s mom and sister both died from breast cancer, so it wasn\u2019t unthinkable that Connie might also develop this insidious disease, but she had been very actively focused on doing all the things she could do to be as healthy as possible. It wasn\u2019t enough. But today, cancer-free and rebuilding her strength, she says she\u2019s thankful for it.\xa0 \xa0 The experience made her stronger, forced her to be vulnerable in numerous ways, allowed her to share a story that touched the lives of countless others, and to come closer to God in the process.\xa0 \xa0 This is just part of the story of today\u2019s episode of Making Space for Conversations that Matter. Over the course of this funny, poignant, and inspiring conversation, Laura and Connie cover topics including: Art and creativity as an aid in healing, what it means to release yourself to the flow of what\u2019s seeking to emerge from you and being transformed in the process, confronting the feelings of selfishness and inadequacy in claiming what your spirit is calling you to become, and how when we are in the flow of our gifts we can fully expect to experience resistance, roadblocks, and obstacles. They also spend a little time discussing the power of erroneous beliefs and thinking about what we are capable of, the meanings of things, and how society tells us we are supposed to do life.\xa0 \xa0 This episode will warm your heart, have you gazing at Connie\u2019s paintings, and wishing you\u2019d taken the time to brew a good cup of tea before you settled in to listen!\xa0 \xa0 To jump right to the resources discussed, look here:\xa0 The War of Artbook Tamarack\xa0(Artist\u2019s Collective / Gallery in WV)\xa0 Connie\xa0Mae Art Studio Melody Allen Studio \xa0 You can also find Connie and her art on Facebook and Instagram \u2013 ConnieMaeStudio \xa0 Connie\u2019s Bio She says\u2026 \u201cI love nature and find beauty in the ordinary, such as how sunshine hits a leaf, how a drop of water reflects color, and how light and shadows create design. I love the process of exploring detail, slowing down to discover and translate the beauty I see into a painting. In a world of stress, struggle, and hurry, beauty brings hope, and I desire to share hope and a sense of peace with others through my paintings.\u201d \xa0 West Virginia artist Connie Mae Moeller grew up hiking in Michigan's woods, drawing and painting from her experiences. She majored in fine art at Spring Arbor University and received additional education at the Kalamazoo Institute of Art. Her early works were accepted into juried shows and galleries receiving honorable mentions. For several years, Connie's artistic attention was devoted to teaching art classes. Since moving to West Virginia in 2012, she enjoys the state\u2019s wild and wonderful outdoors, and her art celebrates the beauty she finds. Her paintings have won awards and been accepted into several juried shows. An active member of her community, she has served on her local council for the arts and contributes to educational art programs. Professional memberships include Tamarack: The Best of WV & Allied Artists of WV. \xa0 To peruse Connie\u2019s impressive list of Awards and Notices,\xa0click here.\xa0