Wannabe Clutter Free | Declutter, Simplify, Find Freedom Clearing Clutter to Reignite Your Creativity with Ashlee Gadd (Ep 263)
In this episode, Deanna discusses the importance clearing clutter in order to fully embrace creativity during the messy, beautiful seasons of motherhood. She’s joined by Ashlee Gadd, author of Create Anyway, to explore how moms can embrace their creative passions without guilt, set healthy boundaries with social media, and find fulfillment in the margins of daily life.
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Resources Mentioned
(some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you):
- Get my children's book: Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room
- Get all the links and resources at wannabeclutterfree.com/261
Connect with Ashlee Gadd
Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
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In this inspiring episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, Deanna Yates is joined by Ashlee Gadd, a writer, photographer, founder of Coffee + Crumbs, and author of Create Anyway: The Joy of Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood.
If you’ve ever felt like motherhood and creativity were at odds, or if your creative spark has been buried under laundry piles and mental to-do lists, this conversation is for you.
Ashlee and Deanna dive into what it really means to be a creative mom, why making space for your own passions isn’t selfish, and how to clear the mental clutter that holds so many of us back from pursuing the things we love. We talk about mom guilt, social media pressure, carving out time in small pockets, and showing up imperfectly, but consistently, for yourself.
If you’ve been craving a little more beauty, expression, or joy in your everyday life, this episode will feel like a deep exhale and a warm reminder: you don’t have to wait for the perfect time to create…you get to start now.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why creativity is essential (not a luxury) in motherhood
- How to navigate social media without getting lost in comparison
- Simple mindset shifts to clear mental clutter and unlock creativity
- What it means to create in the margins of your day (and why that’s enough)
- Gentle encouragement to show up imperfectly and create anyway
Time Stamps:
00:00 Welcome and Introduction 01:41 Meet Ashley Gadd 02:39 The Power of 'Create Anyway' 04:22 Navigating Social Media and Creativity 08:43 Evolving Creative Work Through Motherhood 12:33 Embracing Creativity in Everyday Life 16:58 Everyone is Creative 19:14 The Ongoing Journey of Creativity 21:10 Embracing Imperfection in Life 21:31 Clearing Mental Clutter for Creativity 24:34 The Importance of Curating Your Inputs 27:04 Balancing Motherhood and Creativity 29:43 Staying Motivated and Consistent 31:22 Practical Tips for Creativity 34:50 Encouragement for Moms 36:13 Final Thoughts and Resources 36:58 Rapid Fire Questions and Wrap-Up
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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier.
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