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Weekly Say No With Love Newsletter

is it cringey to re-listen to your own recorded voice?

Reader,

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how much I’ve had to get comfortable with something I used to avoid: re-listening to myself. Whether it’s finalizing the edits for a Balanced Creative podcast episode, going through a YouTube clip, or preparing for a live session, there’s no getting around it now. And honestly, it used to be so cringey for me. I used to say no to it, flat out. I remember doing radio spots to promote a book, or giving an interview, and thinking, "There’s absolutely no way I’m re-listening to that!"

But what was I avoiding?

What are we missing out on when we shy away from the hard stuff?

These days, I’m learning to listen differently. I don’t just hear my voice; I listen for the subtle changes, the moments where my tone shifts, and it gets me emotional sometimes. I notice the places where I hear myself being open and honest, in the moments where I am seriously in my element. I can hear how much I’ve grown, and it hits me: this is what I want to bring to the page, too.

I pay attention to where I get excited, where my energy builds, and I ask myself, What’s that telling me? It feels like this unexpected opportunity to relearn who I am (becoming), to tap into parts of myself that I didn’t realize were there, waiting.

Just the other day, I listened to my most recent podcast episode 20 Managing perfectionism: Embracing Imperfect Creativity, and I couldn’t help but reflect on what I’ve been learning about my creative practice and myself. Here are three things that stood out to me:

1. There are no limitations to who we can be. The more I push past the discomfort of hearing myself, the more I realize how fluid and expansive we are as creatives. There’s no fixed version of ourselves that we have to stick to. Every time I listen, I find a new layer to uncover. Boom!
2. I’m using my own creative projects to build self-awareness. My books and the content I create can be tools for self-discovery. Each episode, each live session is like holding up a mirror to myself, and with each reflection, I see more clearly.
3. Writing specific characters can heal small pieces of my past. When I’m deep in character development, especially when I’m working on something personal, I notice how it allows me to revisit old wounds in a safe way. It’s like each character is a key that high-fives another little part of me that’s ready to be healed.

I never thought something as simple as listening to my own voice could have such an impact, but here we are. And honestly, I’m kind of loving it—cringe and all.

Reflective Question: What came up for you the last time you re-listened to yourself?

With love,

Chelene

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​ What I'm saying YES to this season ... As we know, with every "no" we are also saying yes to something else that we've now organically created the space for. Each week, I'll share what I'm saying yes to whether it's a book, a project, and event, a food ... the possibilities are endless! ​ ​ Sending snail mail gifts to friends I love the simple joy of sending mail, and I’ve realized, why not combine that with an opportunity to brighten someone’s day? There’s something magical about the idea that a note or a small gift might land in someone’s hands right when they need it most. Maybe it’s the little surprise that shifts their mood or reminds them they’re not alone. It’s not just about the gift—it’s about creating a ripple of love and care. Even in the smallest gesture, there’s this chance to bring someone back to life’s joyful, often-overlooked moments, if they’re open to seeing them. And isn’t that what we all need more of? Those simple, joy-filled reminders that connect us to each other. ​

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