A Reunion, A Reminder, and the Art of Showing Up

What if going back helped you move forward?

This week, I share the unexpected lessons that came from attending my high school reunion—yes, the actual kind with name tags and awkward hugs—but also with profound moments of clarity, creativity, and connection.

You don’t need to have gone to the Cambridge School of Weston (or even liked high school) to get something out of this episode. This conversation is about:

→ Revisiting the places and people that shaped you

→ Remembering who you were before the world told you who to be

→ And letting all of that fuel what comes next

I also open up about the spiritual side of my work, including moments when mothers who’ve passed come to me with messages—especially meaningful as Mother’s Day approaches.

If you’re craving reconnection—with your creative spark, your inner truth, or the people who’ve walked beside you—this one’s for you.

✨ 3 Takeaways Just for You:

• Your presence is a gift. Showing up—fully and honestly—is more powerful than you think.
• The people who believed in you still matter. Don’t underestimate the impact of reaching back or saying thank you.
• Your life is your art. Mistakes, pivots, beauty, mess—it all belongs.

Join FLOW - Our Monthly Women’s Fellowship. Online and in person options available. In person group meets the 2nd Monday of each month. Online meets 3rd Monday. Sign up here >>> https://www.robynivy.com/events/p/flow

Book your Mother’s Day Session now >>> https://calendly.com/robynivy/intuitive60

Learn more about the Cambridge School of Weston >>> here https://www.csw.org/

MORE ABOUT ROBYN IVY

Robyn Ivy sees people for a living.

Coach, artist,podcast host and trusted intuitive Robyn is a masterful guide for soulful growth.

She helps you get powerfully unstuck and more deeply connected, as she teaches you how to ride the magic carpet of your life.

Having spent over 20 years as a commercial photographer she offers a unique toolkit to shift your internal and external lenses to look at things differently.

Inner leadership comes from deep practices in mindfulness, creativity, shifting mindset and connecting deeply with nature.

She mentors select clients 1:1, hosts the Robyn Ivy Podcast, offers private intuitive sessions, leads groups, circles and retreats. She has been hosting circles since 1998.

Connect with Robyn Ivy here:

https://robynivy.com https://www.instagram.com/robynivy

A heartfelt, creative reunion nearly 30 years in the making.

This week, I rewind the clock and reconnect with my former high school art teacher and longtime creative inspiration, Orlando Leyba. Nearly three decades after our time together at the Cambridge School of Weston, we dive into a conversation that's filled with laughter, wisdom, and a deep sense of gratitude.

Orlando wasn’t just as a teacher, but as a true mentor — someone who saw the creative spark in me when I was a lost, rebellious 16-year-old trying to find my place in the world back in 1990. His belief in me, and the wild, wonderful community at CSW, helped change the course of my life.

Together, we dive into the magic of making art (and mistakes), why creativity matters now more than ever, and the challenges today’s students face in a world full of distractions like social media.

Orlando reflects on decades spent nurturing creativity (and some wild student art projects!) and offers grounded, heartfelt advice for anyone—at any age—looking to rediscover the joy of making things with their hands. There’s nostalgia, vulnerability, and a reminder that playful experimentation has a place in every stage of life.

Takeaways to consider:

• Art is essential for healing and connection: Creativity isn’t just a hobby—it’s a lifeline in a world that can feel chaotic and disconnected.
• Creativity begins with permission to play (and fail!): Perfection isn’t the goal—experimentation, joy, and starting over are how true breakthroughs happen.
• Community (and great teachers) matter: The people who believe in us, celebrate our quirks, and encourage our wild ideas can change the trajectory of our lives.

🎙️ Tune in and join us for a journey through the years, art, community, and all the beautiful messiness of making things real.

https://www.csw.org/alumni/reunion-2025

MORE ABOUT ORLANDO LEYBA

My work is the result of overlapping cultures, languages, and mores. These influences and experiences are distilled into shape, color, emotion and movement.

At times they are neither solid nor fluid; they are ephemeral and rooted in human experiences – well-intentioned, cyclical, and inherently flawed.

My paintings are derived from nature — my grandfather’s land, ancestral land grants, irrigated fields, acequias that my family has maintained for generations, etc.

These paintings meld the contradictions and dichotomies that I have witnessed in my own culture and within my hometown, as well as concepts about time, the spirit world, human interaction and the diversity of factors that influence change that we witness in the world from day to day.

I see these compositions as intermediaries between what is seen and what is assumed, what is plausible and what relies on faith. They are a human effort to bridge the gap between the material and the spiritual.

Orlando on Instagram | orlandoleyba.com

Join me today for an honest and vulnerable conversation about navigating the tough places in life where answers are unclear and the future feels uncertain.

Through the lens of my own experiences as a mom, especially during a challenging period when my younger son chose to take space from our relationship, I explore the art of "making peace with the unknown."

Together, we unpack what it takes to keep the faith, navigate heartbreak or dreams unfulfilled yet, and leave enough room for more to be revealed—no matter how long it takes.

I weave in personal stories, reflections on parenting young adults, and the timeless wisdom of the Zen parable “The Farmer’s Luck,” all with a dose of humor and realness.

Whether you’re facing family struggles, waiting on big news, or simply craving a reminder that life keeps unfolding (even through the messy parts!), this episode encourages you to stay open to possibility and hope.

Your 3 Main Takeaways:

1. Hold Space for the Unknown: Sometimes the greatest growth and healing happen when you allow yourself (and others) the room to be in the in-between—without rushing to fix, label, or control the outcome.
2. Maybe is a Powerful Place: Like the wise farmer in the story, learning to sit with “maybe” instead of rushing to judge things as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ helps you embrace the full, rich unfolding of life.
3. Love Shows Up in the Liminal: Even when relationships (especially with those closest to us) get messy or disconnected, choosing to stay loving, present, and open allows for the potential of deep repair, new beginnings, and unexpected joy.

Thank you for listening to The Robyn Ivy Podcast! I’m truly grateful to have you as part of this community—together, we’re learning, growing, and holding space for all the beautiful unknowns that life brings. If you found value in this episode, share it with a friend, and I’ll catch you next week!

Join FLOW- Our Monthly Women’s Fellowship. Online and in person options available. In person group meets the 2nd Monday of each month. Online meets 3rd Monday.

https://www.robynivy.com/events/p/flow

MORE ABOUT ROBYN IVY

Robyn Ivy sees people for a living.

Coach, artist,podcast host and trusted intuitive Robyn is a masterful guide for soulful growth.

She helps you get powerfully unstuck and more deeply connected, as she teaches you how to ride the magic carpet of your life.

Having spent over 20 years as a commercial photographer she offers a unique toolkit to shift your internal and external lenses to look at things differently.

Inner leadership comes from deep practices in mindfulness, creativity, shifting mindset and connecting deeply with nature.

She mentors select clients 1:1, hosts the Robyn Ivy Podcast, offers private intuitive sessions, leads groups, circles and retreats. She has been hosting circles since 1998.

Connect with Robyn Ivy here:

https://robynivy.com https://www.instagram.com/robynivy

Finding Hope and Growth in Unexpected Places

Have you ever procrastinated on something and thought you'd made a mistake, only to discover there might be more to the story?

This week, I'm inviting you to unpack one of these experiences with me, as I share a true story about an unexpected lesson I learned recently from a batch of forgotten beans in my kitchen.

Together we will explore how you can learn from personal missteps and transform perceived mistakes into valuable lessons.

What role do self-kindness, resilience, and the regenerative power of nature's processes play? Discover how what feels like a setback can actually be nurturing unseen growth and paving the way for something new and beautiful.

✨ Your Takeaways:

• Embrace Mistakes: Learn how even perceived failures can lead to unexpected growth and opportunities, reminding us that not all is lost even in moments of doubt.
• Growth in Darkness: Discover the beauty of sprouting in unexpected ways, even in challenging or 'dark' times, emphasizing nature's miraculous ability to guide us through life's cycles.
• Resilience Through Trust: Gain insights into trusting our innate potential and the transformative power of moving through adversity with faith and resilience.

Whether you're navigating challenges or embracing new opportunities, this episode promises insights and inspiration on trusting your journey and the natural wisdom embedded in life’s unfolding.

🎧 Tune in now on The Robyn Ivy Podcast

Join FLOW- Our Monthly Women’s Fellowship. Online and in person options available. In person group meets the 2nd Monday of each month. Online meets 3rd Monday.

https://www.robynivy.com/events/p/flow

MORE ABOUT ROBYN IVY

Robyn Ivy sees people for a living.

Coach, artist,podcast host and trusted intuitive Robyn is a masterful guide for soulful growth.

She helps you get powerfully unstuck and more deeply connected, as she teaches you how to ride the magic carpet of your life.

Having spent over 20 years as a commercial photographer she offers a unique toolkit to shift your internal and external lenses to look at things differently.

Inner leadership comes from deep practices in mindfulness, creativity, shifting mindset and connecting deeply with nature.

She mentors select clients 1:1, hosts the Robyn Ivy Podcast, offers private intuitive sessions, leads groups, circles and retreats. She has been hosting circles since 1998.

Connect with Robyn Ivy here:

https://robynivy.com https://www.instagram.com/robynivy

What happens when the world around us goes gray—and we still feel called to create in full color?

In this episode, I sit down with photographer, educator, and creative spark David Flynn to talk about art, expression, and the courage it takes to go against the grain. From the quiet rebellion of choosing color in a neutral world, to the magic that happens when creatives come together, this is a conversation about reclaiming your voice and honoring your instincts.

We explore why curiosity matters, how creative prompts can open unexpected doors, and the beauty of not doing it alone.

Whether you're an artist, a maker, or someone craving more meaning in your days—this one will speak to you.

✨ Takeaways You’ll Love:

Express Yourself Boldly: Why your unique voice and vision matter—especially when the world feels muted

Stay Curious: How curiosity drives creative breakthroughs (and keeps things interesting)

Find Your People: The deep power of community to support, stretch, and inspire you.

MORE ABOUT DAVID FLYNN

David Flynn is an acclaimed graphic designer and educator, originally from Dover, Ohio. He launched his career in 1980 as an intern at a local design studio, this led to working in advertising agencies as Art Director and Creative Director before founding David Flynn Design in 1994. His design studio focuses on serving local and regional clients, delivering services in advertising, branding, packaging, and publication design.

In 2009, David expanded his professional focus by joining the faculty at The University of Akron. He teaches various Graphic Design and Foundation Studio courses, guiding students from freshman to senior levels within the Myers School of Art. He also contributes to the Williams Honors College by teaching a Creative Thinking Colloquium.

In 2019, David introduced "Creative Campfires," a lecture series aimed at fostering innovative thinking. Designed for high schools, colleges, creative teams, marketing departments, and other industries or sectors that value creativity. The series combines lectures, hands-on exercises, and generous amounts of conversation and laughter. Through this initiative, David seeks to inspire and help individuals unlock their creative potential.

www.creativecampfiresohio.com

blog: www.causeicantpaint.com

#132: From Roadblocks to Runways: Using Life’s Challenges as a Launchpad

In this solo episode, I’m getting personal—reflecting on lessons from my dad’s sermons, moments of stuckness, and the kind of wisdom that shows up when life hands you both roadblocks and revelations.

If you’re wondering whether it’s time to push forward or pull back, this one's for you. I talk about how to tune into what you truly need—whether it’s a little tough love or a softer landing—and how to use your life’s challenges as fuel instead of friction.

Every obstacle you’ve faced has paved a path beneath you. This episode is your invitation to see your story as a runway, not a reason to stop. You’re more ready than you think.

✨ Your Takeaways:

• Learn when to push and when to pause
• 
  
• Reframe your past as a launchpad, not a limitation
• 
  
• Harness your inner strength with more grace and less grind
• 
  

Quote to Remember:

“Use your life as a runway. You’ve paved it with passion, heartbreak, and devotion—now it’s time to take flight.”

🎧 Tune in now on The Robyn Ivy Podcast

MORE ABOUT ROBYN IVY

Robyn Ivy sees people for a living.

Coach, artist,podcast host and trusted intuitive Robyn is a masterful guide for soulful growth.

She helps you get powerfully unstuck and more deeply connected, as she teaches you how to ride the magic carpet of your life.

Having spent over 20 years as a commercial photographer she offers a unique toolkit to shift your internal and external lenses to look at things differently.

Inner leadership comes from deep practices in mindfulness, creativity, shifting mindset and connecting deeply with nature.

She mentors select clients 1:1, hosts the Robyn Ivy Podcast, offers private intuitive sessions, leads groups, circles and retreats. She has been hosting circles since 1998.

Connect with Robyn Ivy here:

https://robynivy.com https://www.instagram.com/robynivy

This week we are going one step deeper into exploring confidence and why it's such an essential component of personal growth and happiness.

Throughout the episode, I reflect on my personal experiences with confidence, both as a skill nurtured in my upbringing and as an evolving practice in my adult life. I candidly share how confidence allows for better decision-making and offer insights from my journal.

Imagine what a boost of confidence could change in your life right now? I encourage you to join my upcoming workshop, "Calm, Confident, and Unstoppable," on Thurs March 27th at Noon est. I will be teaching how to trust yourself more deeply and shut down the overthinking.

Learn how true confidence not only enhances your own life but also contributes positively to the world. I invite you to examine your own confidence levels and consider what it means to you.

Whether it's taking bold actions or practicing restraint, I suggest that confidence can be the key to living a life that's truly aligned with who you are.

3 Main Takeaways for the Listener:

1. Confidence as an Attractive Force: Confidence is more than swagger or bravado; it's a presence and energy that fosters trust and ease in decision-making. It empowers you to own your choices and face challenges with resilience.
2. The Dual Nature of Confidence: True confidence can manifest as bold action or as quiet restraint. It's not just about taking risks but also about knowing when to hold back and protect your peace.
3. Confidence and Personal Growth: By examining and reshaping our stories, we can uncover new possibilities and increase our confidence. This, in turn, enhances our contribution to the world and strengthens our ability to set boundaries and maintain personal sovereignty.

You’re ready to dive deeper, so join me for the FREE workshop "Calm, Confident, and Unstoppable" this Thursday at noon EST. Let’s kick overthinking to the curb together! Register at RobynIvy.com/confident.

MORE ABOUT ROBYN IVY

Robyn Ivy sees people for a living.

Coach, artist,podcast host and trusted intuitive Robyn is a masterful guide for soulful growth.

She helps you get powerfully unstuck and more deeply connected, as she teaches you how to ride the magic carpet of your life.

Having spent over 20 years as a commercial photographer she offers a unique toolkit to shift your internal and external lenses to look at things differently.

Inner leadership comes from deep practices in mindfulness, creativity, shifting mindset and connecting deeply with nature.

She mentors select clients 1:1, hosts the Robyn Ivy Podcast, offers private intuitive sessions, leads groups, circles and retreats. She has been hosting circles since 1998.

Connect with Robyn Ivy here:

https://robynivy.com https://www.instagram.com/robynivy

In this heartfelt episode, we're diving into the topic of owning our gifts and embracing the wholeness of who we are.

If you've ever found yourself downplaying your talents or focusing more on what you need to improve rather than celebrating your strengths, this episode is for you.

If you hear yourself saying a whole lot more of “I am working on or I am trying to” instead of “I am doing x or creating x so that I have, become, brought into life y result (internal win patience or external win new house)

Try it with one of your own stories of not doing.

Fill in your favorite action verb + a specific outcome. For example “I am trying to figure out how I can get paid to write” vs “I am drafting 3 pitches to sell a 250 word essay for $250 to these named online media outlets”.

Through sharing anecdotes from personal coaching experiences and a recent women’s group gathering, I explore how crucial it is to acknowledge the balance between our light and shadow sides. Together, we ponder why it often feels safer to play small and how empowering it can be to unapologetically own our strengths.

Main Takeaways:

1. Embrace Your Whole Self: True growth comes from honoring both your strengths and the areas where you’re still evolving. You were born whole—light and shadow together—and when you acknowledge and accept both, you step into your fullest, most authentic power.
2. Own Your Gifts, Celebrate Your Strengths: Too often, we downplay what makes us extraordinary. This episode challenges you to fully acknowledge your talents and contributions, embracing them as essential parts of who you are. When you truly see your brilliance, you transform not just your self-perception, but your impact on the world.
3. Shift Focus for Growth: By consciously directing our attention toward progress and potential rather than shortcomings, we elevate our sense of worth and open doors to new possibilities.

Thank you for listening to this episode! We appreciate you being part of our journey in exploring the world of creativity and transformation. Sign up now for my FREE Training “Calm, Confident & Unstoppable: How to Trust Yourself & Step Boldly Into What’s Next.

MORE ABOUT ROBYN IVY

Robyn Ivy sees people for a living.

Coach, artist,podcast host and trusted intuitive Robyn is a masterful guide for soulful growth.

She helps you get powerfully unstuck and more deeply connected, as she teaches you how to ride the magic carpet of your life.

Having spent over 20 years as a commercial photographer she offers a unique toolkit to shift your internal and external lenses to look at things differently.

Inner leadership comes from deep practices in mindfulness, creativity, shifting mindset and connecting deeply with nature.

She mentors select clients 1:1, hosts the Robyn Ivy Podcast, offers private intuitive sessions, leads groups, circles and retreats. She has been hosting circles since 1998.

Connect with Robyn Ivy here:

https://robynivy.com https://www.instagram.com/robynivy