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In this episode of Vision Holders, I sit down with Courtney Adamo to talk about motherhood, creativity, and the courage it takes to trust life as it unfolds. We explore the emotional stretch of watching children grow up and leave home, the quiet beauty of a slower life, and how to stay connected to what matters most.

Courtney shares her journey from early blogging days to raising a family across continents, and how she’s created a life rooted in freedom, presence, and deep family connection. This is an honest and warm conversation about love, letting go, and choosing a path that feels true—even when it means starting again.

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome & Courtney’s introduction
01:17 – Motherhood, creativity & living with intention
05:35 – Letting go as her eldest leaves home
07:47 – Raising adventurous, independent kids
13:00 – Lessons from family travel & redefining home
22:45 – From blogging to Substack: evolving creatively
27:00 – Daily rhythms, boundaries & staying grounded
33:00 – Trusting big decisions & embracing the unknown
35:11 – The desire for new adventures
40:45 – Aging, perimenopause & reclaiming womanhood
48:14 – What she wants her children to remember

🔗 Courtney Adamo Links:

Substack (where she shares weekly letters and membership content):
https://courtneyadamo.substack.com

Instagram (for daily life, updates & thoughtful reflections):
https://www.instagram.com/courtneyadamo

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Mic unplugged, heart fully on. This one’s a little lo-fi, but very real.

In this gentle solo reflection, Ella shares what surfaced for her after a heartfelt conversation with longtime expander, Cassie Stephens. With honesty and vulnerability, she explores themes of burnout, joy, creative nourishment, and what it means to honor the slow unfolding of change. From the classroom to the podcast mic, Ella invites us into the tender in-between space where new dreams begin to take shape.

✨ Topics in this episode:

• The power of expanders and creative permission
• Gate 58 in Human Design: Joy & Vitality
• Creative vitamins and how small acts of joy refill us
• Navigating the season before the leap
• Letting go of people-pleasing in order to stay true to self

Whether you’re in the classroom, creating something new, or just yearning for a soft pivot, this episode offers you a moment to pause, breathe, and reconnect with what lights you up.

💌 Have thoughts or reflections to share? Ella welcomes heart-centered messages—reach out anytime.

🌱 Here's to the soft pivots and bold, joyful moments.

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In this heartfelt Vision Holder Hangout, I’m joined by the incredible Cassie Stephens—art educator, author, and all-around creative powerhouse. With over 25 years in the classroom and a bold, colorful online presence, Cassie has inspired thousands of teachers to stay playful, passionate, and true to their creative spark.

We talk about the early days of blogging, how creative burnout led her to start something new, and how she built a thriving platform while teaching full-time. Cassie shares her morning rituals, her experience writing books, and what it really felt like to step away from the classroom—and into a new season of creativity and freedom. This is a conversation for anyone feeling the pull toward a next chapter.

⏱️ Highlights:

• Why blogging helped Cassie through burnout
• Building a creative practice outside the classroom
• The power of morning stillness and The Miracle Morning method
• Identity shifts after leaving teaching
• Writing and self-publishing books for art teachers
• Advice for teachers dreaming of a new path

🔗 Links & Resources:

🌐 Website:
CassieStephens.com

📸 Instagram:
@cassie_stephenz

📚 Books by Cassie Stephens:

• Clay Lab for Kids – Amazon
• Stitch and String Lab for Kids – Amazon
• Art Teacherin’ 101 and self-published books – Her Book Page
• Elements of Art series – in progress (updates on Instagram)

📖 Book Mentioned:
The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod – Amazon