Categories
Echale Ganas

Returning to Creativity in a World of Cr-ICE-is

I’m Back, Amigas

The past eight months have been a season of acclimating to life with two kids, trial-and-error routines, rediscovering my rhythm in music, and honestly, waiting until I had at least a month’s worth of blog posts ready before restarting Querida Creativa.

But before diving into the usual creative advice and practical tips, I felt the need to pause.

This post isn’t a how-to guide or productivity lesson — we’ll get to that soon pero eso puede esperar.

This is an exhortation, a letter to my fellow creativas who are feeling the weight of the world right now.

Because before we can create again, we have to acknowledge the reality we’re living in.

Living Through Heavy Times in Chicago

I’m based in the outskirts of Chicago, and to say the political climate and ICE activity has been heavy is an understatement. Our immigrant and Latino communities are living in a constant state of holding their breath – looking over their shoulders on the way to work, while dropping their kids off, being hyperaware of license plates and “sketchy” vehicles.

My family and I are living this in real time as thousands of other people are too. The fact that plans need to be made in case of a forced relocation to Mexico – a country which many of us hardly know and where oftentimes none of our immediate family lives – is something I never imagined I may have to do.

And yet, inspiration still seeps through this disappointment and confusion and is finding it’s way to the artists of this time who are ready to execute.

Because in the middle of all this fear, there’s community and we feel together. We hurt and people hurt with us, we fight and people fight for us, we resist and people resist alongside us.

We All Have a Role in This Moment

We each play a role in this story.

Some of us, as citizens, use our privilege to help family or neighbors with resources.

Some of us are in custody, praying for deliverance and strength.

And some of us – nosotras – were made to speak, to express, to create.

“I must fight with all my strength so that the little positive things that my health allows me to do might be pointed toward helping the revolution. The only real reason for living.”

— Frida Kahlo

As a person, this reality is exhausting. It feels hopeless at times.

But as an artist, I know this is where art is born — in the tension, the fear, the fight. Art becomes more than personal ambition; it becomes purpose. Because the fruits of our talents are not for us, but to service others.

Not Everyone Fights the Same Way

That being said, I don’t believe everyone has to fight the same way.

Not everyone is meant to speak out. Not everyone can deliver groceries, record ICE encounters, or post on social media.

What matters is that we each act according to our personal convictions — using our gifts, our talents, and our voices in ways that are honest and aligned with who we are and that serve those who need it most.

What matters is that we don’t stay frozen or complacent, waiting until injustice knocks on our own door.

However, resistance takes many forms. Speaking, writing, painting, singing, sharing — these too are acts of defiance. These too are powerful.

Create Through the Fear

So pinch yourself, shake off the fear, amiga.

The world needs you right now. It needs your art.

Pick up the pen.

Pick up the paintbrush.

Pick up the camera.

Do something.

What you create can be a mirror to what’s happening, a place of refuge, a protest, or even a prayer for better days.

Our community needs us to express every ounce of hope we can in a world that often stands against us simply because of how we look and the roots we carry (all which, btw, we didn’t choose BUT would have chosen anyway, let’s be real).

Art as Resistance

The best art in history didn’t come just from talent — it came from timing. From artists who created in response to the moments they were living through.

Think about that… and then create.

Welcome Back to Querida Creativa

With that, I welcome you back into this space, amigas.

I’m excited to continue this journey together — to grow as artists, to learn from each other, and to keep creating even when it feels impossible.

We were made for such a time as this.

Categories
Echale Ganas

Real Talk: Dealing with Burnout When You’re Doing It All (PostPartum Edition)

Ya girl is baaaack — and now with two kids!

Before diving into my postpartum journey the second time around and sharing the lessons I’ve learned, I want to start by celebrating anyone who has ever gone through pregnancy and postpartum. We hear all the time that it’s “hard,” but honestly, that’s an understatement. The mental, emotional, and physical energy it takes to grow a human — let alone raise one while navigating a completely new version of yourself and your life — is indescribable.

The transition into motherhood, especially the first time, can be filled with emotions we aren’t prepared for, making us feel like we must be doing something wrong. But hear me out: you’re doing everything right. These feelings are temporary, and you are doing amazing — ¡lo estás haciendo muy bien!

My first postpartum experience was exactly what I just described — overwhelming, scary, and nothing like I expected. After a 40-hour labor, I ended up having a c-section, and my baby spent an entire month in the NICU. I was NOT prepared to leave the hospital without my baby. I was terrified of losing him and overwhelmed with thoughts that maybe I had made a mistake. At one point, I even fantasized about running off to Europe on a one-way flight to escape the weight of everything I was feeling. I know, I know — you’re probably like, “Girl, what?!” But please don’t judge. The baby blues are real. They bring irrational thoughts that don’t feel like “you,” but the physical and emotional intensity can make them feel so real.

As wild as that all sounds, it’s normal. And thankfully, with my second — who’s now three months old (I still can’t believe it!) — I was better prepared for what postpartum would bring. So when the waves of sadness and anxiety came, I didn’t panic. Instead, I allowed myself to feel them, and surprisingly, surrendering to the process helped everything pass more quickly. By two months postpartum — and after a second c-section — I finally felt like myself again.

So mentally and emotionally, the bounce back was a win. Physically, it went smoother than the first time too. All this to say: becoming a new mom is hard and scary because no one can truly prepare you for the rollercoaster you’re stepping onto. Every baby, pregnancy, and postpartum journey is different — which means every birth is also the birth of a new version of you.

 

Postpartum burnout

I see you, amiga.

The brain fog from sleep deprivation. The struggle to function beyond your basic needs. Getting irritated by people just existing near you, and then feeling guilty for it. Wanting so badly to get into a routine because happy mom = happy baby, but it feels impossible to find time for yourself. Wondering if you’ll ever reconnect with the things you used to love — your hobbies, your passions.

I see you… because I am you.

We gotta give ourselves grace and time

Here’s your permission slip to give yourself grace.

Breathe. Stop trying to do everything at once. Let go of spiraling thoughts about the future or regrets about the past — you don’t have control over either. What you do have control over is today. And today is the foundation for tomorrow.

Because here’s the truth: physical recovery from childbirth takes time — not a month, not even two. It can take a year or more. On top of that, you’re caring for a brand new human, trying to maintain your home, preparing to go back to work, and returning to your relationships as someone who feels completely different.

There’s so much pressure to “bounce back” quickly, especially when we see others on social media seemingly doing it all just two weeks postpartum. But remember: you’re only seeing a highlight reel.

Take me, for example. I feel pretty good two months postpartum. It seems like I’ve bounced back quickly — and in some ways, I have. But physically, my scar area is still numb. I can fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans, but my belly still bulges due to diastasis recti. Mentally and emotionally? I still disassociate sometimes. I’m often just going through the motions, not as intentional as I’d like to be. I have no routine yet, and I’m already back at work. The last half of my maternity leave was rough, filled with unexpected challenges that shook my sense of stability. Yet, to the outside world, it might look like I’ve “bounced back.”

Exhibit A of fake “bounce back”. It may look like I have it all together but this outfit was a look good, feel good moment cause your girl was going through it – instability, uncertainty, and lots of waiting in this season despite what it looks like from the outside.

But what does that even mean?

“Bouncing back” is subjective. You can’t rely on someone else’s version of it to validate your own progress. Instead, rely on the truth:

You are strong. You are beautifully and wonderfully made. God gave you everything you need for this exact moment.

There is so much power in that.

How to manage and prevent burnout

Adjust Expectations

You don’t have to do it all — and certainly not all at once. Prioritize what matters most to you. Focus on your top 1–2 priorities and let those guide your daily choices. Everything else can be spaced out and tackled one thing at a time.

Prioritize Rest and Recovery

Please sleep when you can. Nap when the baby naps (sometimes, yes, it is possible). Hand the baby off to your partner if you can. Ask for help. A well-rested mama can do more in an hour than a sleep-deprived one can in a day.

Set Boundaries

Say no. Protect your energy. You don’t owe anyone an explanation, but if you want to offer one, that’s okay too. Modeling boundaries isn’t just for your sake — it teaches your children that saying no is healthy and respectable.

Ask for and Accept Help

I struggle with this one. I have an amazing support system, but I hate asking for help. I feel guilty, like I have to repay every kind gesture. But the truth is: the people who love you aren’t keeping score. So let’s do better. Ask for help — and more importantly, accept it when it’s offered.

Simplify Your Routine

Keep. It. Simple.

Healthy breakfasts don’t have to be fancy — boil some eggs, wash some fruit. Don’t wait for the perfect planner — use your phone’s notes app. Don’t stress about a full workout — walk to the park, do a few squats, and call it a win. It’s not hard, amiga — we just make it harder than it needs to be.

Make Time for Yourself

This is a game changer. Even 30 minutes before your babies wake up can make a difference. Take a peaceful shower. Go on a solo walk. Pray. Journal. Whatever fills your cup — do that. I don’t do this every day, but when I do? The shift in my attitude is major.

“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (psalm 118:24)

Motherhood is chaos — especially in those early months. It’s full of interruptions and curveballs. But right there, in the mess, is where we learn to let go, build resilience, and flow with life instead of fighting it.

Start celebrating progress over perfection. Maybe you only finished half your workout — but at least you showed up. You didn’t finish writing the whole song — but at least you strung together the chorus. Motherhood is the hood of “at least”:

“At least I started.”

“At least I tried.”

“At least I did what I could.”

That mindset will carry you further than any to-do list ever will.

Find joy in this season – keyword: find. Because even if it’s messy and loud and nothing like what you expected there’s nothing a little gratitude can’t shift.

Creative projects can wait. That next idea can wait. But your babies at this exact age? That moment won’t come again.

And that’s not to guilt anyone — sometimes, you do need time away. That doesn’t make you a bad parent. If your intentions are rooted in love, growth, and becoming a better version of yourself for your family — then that’s what matters most.

Final thoughts

If anything in this blog post resonated with you, please know: you are not alone. I’m right here with you. And most importantly, God sees you.

Remember — to whom much is given, much is required. These challenges are refining you. They are preparing you for greater things.

So ask for help. Lean on your village. The people who love you want to be there for you.

Echémosle ganas, amigas.

Como mamás, siempre encontramos la forma de seguir adelante — porque así tiene que ser.

No te rindas.

Mereces todo lo que tienes… y más.

— Jesse

Categories
Ponte Las Pilas

From Song Idea to Final Draft: My Creative Process as a Singer-Songwriter

I knew I loved music and that I wanted to create and perform it for as long as I can remember. God also gifted me amazing parents who were deeply involved in creative and musical fields. My mom was a radio host in Chicago throughout my childhood, and my dad has been a musician and singer for a norteño band for almost 50 years. So, communicating through music, and specifically through words, has always captivated me.

Writing has always been my favorite vessel of self-expression. There’s something about language and the way words can be strung together to articulate emotions that everyone experiences, yet in a way that is uniquely yours. That kind of intimate connection, where someone can listen to your lyrics or read your words and deeply resonate with them, is so beautiful.

But even with this deeply human and authentic form of expression, there is still a process behind it. Every songwriter has their own approach, and today, I want to share mine with you. My hope is that it inspires you, gives you new ideas, or simply satisfies your curiosity about how I create my songs.

Inspiration and Idea Generation

Ideas can come from anywhere and at any time. They often arrive unexpectedly, so I always make sure to jot them down. I’d love to be that aesthetic, old-school creative who carries around a pocket notebook, but in reality, my Notes app is my go-to for capturing ideas—especially when they involve words or lyrics. For musical ideas, like melodies, I rely on my voice memo app.

The method of capturing your ideas isn’t as important as being open to receiving them in the first place. Some ways to cultivate a creative mindset include:

  • Start your day with a grounding routine. Whether it’s a quiet moment with coffee, journaling, or a short prayer, setting yourself up for peace and joy makes you more receptive to inspiration.
  • Take breaks. Even five minutes of fresh air, deep breathing, or scrolling through Pinterest for visual inspiration can clear mental clutter and make space for new ideas.
  • Go on creative dates with yourself. This concept from The Artist’s Way suggests visiting a museum, sitting by a lake, or people-watching in the city—anything that fuels inspiration. The key? Go alone, so it’s just you and your creativity.

Brainstorming and Developing a Concept

My Notes app is often filled with bullet points of song concepts or rough descriptions of ideas. So how do I turn them into full songs?

There are two ways I start, and it depends on how I feel or what tools I have at the moment. I don’t overthink it; I just start. Songwriting is an evolving process, and the song will let me know when it’s finished.

My main approach is freewriting. I write whatever comes to mind about the idea, without worrying about making complete sentences or clever phrases. I let it be messy. Once I’ve poured out my thoughts, I either:

  1. Grab my guitar and find chords that match the song’s mood.
  2. Bring my lyrics to a studio session with my friend Brenden (shoutout @elchicocubanito), who works his magic with production and chord progressions.

Lyric Writing and Structuring

I see songwriting as solving a puzzle—there’s trial and error involved. Sometimes multiple lyrical phrases could fit in a verse or chorus, but the right one will click like a missing puzzle piece.

I usually start with whatever I wrote first—it often becomes the first verse. Then, I shape the chorus, ensuring it encapsulates the song’s theme. The verses expand on the chorus, adding details and depth. After the first verse and chorus are solid, I let the song sit for a few days before writing additional verses or a bridge. If I include a bridge, it either:

  • Reiterates a verse in a fresh way, or
  • Introduces a new emotion that validates the song’s message.

A key tip for authentic lyrics: write how you speak. Your natural voice is your most genuine storytelling tool. If you find yourself overthinking or forcing something, step away and reset.

Also, remember that lyrics are just one piece of the puzzle. Simple lyrics can be elevated by a strong melody or unique production. Every song has a balance.

Melody and Harmony Creation

This is one of my favorite parts! Melodies are what people hum along to—they give life to lyrics.

I typically play my chord progression on a loop and experiment with humming different melodies. It sounds rough at first, but through trial and error, I land on something that sticks. Then, I fit the lyrics into the melody, adjusting as needed. Flexibility is key here—sometimes what I originally envisioned isn’t what the song actually needs, and that’s okay.

Music should feel right in your body. Ask yourself:

  • Does this melody make me feel something?
  • Would I be proud to share this?
  • Does this feel like me?

Refining and Editing

I edit as I write, adjusting lyrics and melodies in real time. However, if I get stuck on a section, I move on and revisit it later. Songwriting isn’t linear; it’s about momentum.

Once the song is complete, I take a few days to sit with it, sing it, and tweak anything that doesn’t feel right. I also read the lyrics as a poem to ensure the theme stays consistent.

Collaborating and Receiving Feedback

I used to resist co-writing because I wasn’t confident enough to stand by my ideas or articulate my vision. Imposter syndrome had me in a chokehold.

But working with other musicians changed my perspective. I learned that I had valuable insight to contribute, and collaboration became a beautiful give-and-take process. Over time, I also became more comfortable saying no to suggestions that didn’t align with my vision, while still staying open-minded to trying new things.

A great example is SENTIMIENTOS, a song I co-wrote with my friend Santrio (@itssantrio). He had already produced the music and invited me to write to it. When we reached the bridge, I suggested layering four different melodies at once to create a chaotic, conflicting sound. He was down for the challenge, and the result was a whirlwind of emotions that perfectly captured the song’s tension. If you listen closely, you’ll hear one main melody upfront, with three more subtly weaving in the background.

Final Touches and Recording

Once a song is complete, recording the final vocals is the next step. My preparation is pretty simple—stay hydrated, rest my voice, and get into the right emotional headspace to deliver the performance the song deserves.

A song is finished when adding more feels unnecessary and taking away feels like a loss.

Most importantly, done is better than perfect. You could tweak a song forever, but at some point, you have to trust that it’s ready to be shared.

So if you’re sitting on an unfinished song, take this as your sign to wrap it up and put it into the world. You never know who might need to hear it.

Happy songwriting!

Categories
Echale Ganas

Your Creative Dream Isn’t Crazy: Breaking Free from Self-Doubt

All the times I’ve been in an interview for a job or meeting someone new, it’s hard for me not to mention that I sing and write songs. That’s why I’m there—to fuel my dream. Most people respond with, “Oh, that’s nice,” which I hear as, “Oh, that’s a cute hobby.” I never take it personally, though, because I would probably think the same thing. It isn’t until they see a show or my social media that they go, “Ooooh, you SING SING.” Yeah, baby, I’ve been trying to tell you.

People’s reactions to our passions and aspirations are none of our business. But they can stir up self-doubt, especially if we’re older, have kids, are in school, are married, etc. As humans, we are wired to seek safety and avoid risks. So our brain automatically shifts into doubt mode:

“I’m X years old; who is going to want to listen to me?” “Nobody cares what moms have to say… especially a young one.” “I’m studying something that can actually make me money. Why would I keep pursuing what may actually just be my hobby?”

The doubts can go on and on. However, we have to remember that what other people think about our creative endeavors—and even what we tell ourselves sometimes—is none of our business. Let me take it a step further: your own doubts, or what you think are your own thoughts, have been fed to you. You don’t have to listen to them. It’s okay to acknowledge them without ruminating on them—just in case nobody has told you that before.

The Pressures

I understand the pressures from society, family, and social media. But we don’t have to abide by them. Just because you feel tension when you go against what is expected of you—or even just do something different from those around you—doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be doing it. This is where discernment and self-awareness come into play.

Starting this blog is the best personal example I can think of. Podcasts and blogs are part of my daily car rides and workdays. My favorite time of day is my commute to drop my little guy off in the morning. It’s when I feel the most alert, awake, and productive. It’s my me-time—just me and my coffee, learning something new or listening to someone’s story. But I wanted to find a podcast that spoke to creatives, specifically women creatives, and even more specifically, Latina creatives. I couldn’t find one that truly resonated with me, so I moved on with my day.

But then, I felt a conviction to create the podcast/blog I was searching for. I had tried launching podcasts before with no success. I told myself there was no way I had time between my personal life and my music. No way I could add this to my plate. So I pushed the idea aside. But two weeks later, the thought came back. It wouldn’t leave me alone. That doesn’t happen often, okay? So I thought, this has to be something God is calling me to do. I decided to obey, do my best, and stay consistent. Before launching, I wanted to do everything the right way—create a plan, build the website, make it look how I wanted, write a few blog posts in advance, and record some episodes. This time, I would be prepared. And here I am.

I’m really proud of my choice to start this, even though it felt impractical. I’m about to give birth to my second child, I’m releasing more music this year than ever before, and I have about 18,249,328 other responsibilities. But this project fulfills me in a way that music alone doesn’t.

Dealing with setbacks

And if you read my last blog or listened to my last episode, this is part of the journey, ok? There is nothing you can do about setbacks besides get back up y a darle mas duro, mami. Stop trying to be perfect; you never will be. And stop freaking out and spiraling when you get off track.

Growth is not making yourself feel guilty. It is analyzing what threw you off, accepting it, learning from it, and back to action.

Let’s get personal. The summer of 2023, I had just released my song “Serendipity” with its music video and I was super happy with it. I had worked so long on this song and a lot of people were involved in making the music video look amazing. But shortly after, I felt lost. I felt pressure. So long story short, I just stopped trying to pursue my music career (kind of… I never fully did). I stopped posting on social media. I stepped back from music to ask myself if I even really wanted the dream like that anymore. And at that season, the answer was no. I wanted my family. I wanted to be a better mom. I wanted to enjoy being and living without feeling like I was chasing a dream that I could never get to or felt like wasn’t even mine anymore. So the fall and winter of 2023, I can’t recall doing much creatively. But by the spring of 2024, I saw a music business program that was being offered in my city. I applied and said, if I get in, then we’re back, Jesse. And I got in.

The whole point of me sharing this pause with you is because it actually didn’t set me back. Those six months of rest and analyzing what I really wanted for my life were crucial. Because of that, I am more aligned with myself as an artist. I don’t need anybody to tell me my song needs this or that. I don’t need approval nor do I want it. I know and believe that my audience is out there and that I will find them. Todo a su tiempo. And because I took the time to build this strong mindset as an artist and figure out my why again—yes, it changes over time—I came back to my creativity with so much more freedom, flexibility, and my creativity and artistic self thank me in return by giving me ideas, inspiring me, and letting me be me.

So be kind to yourself—when you’re tired, when you’re too busy to even think about your craft, when you simply don’t want to do it, when you think you’re not made for this, or when you think that your creativity cannot be enough to sustain you. Take a breath and tell yourself that it’s okay and that there is time. Because as much as we want to make sure we get things done, we also want to make sure that we’re enjoying doing it and we’re doing it out of pure love and intention and not pressure, heaviness, and stress. Nada sale bien así, and you know it.

If you want to overcome self-doubt, try this:

  • Identify Negative Thought Patterns: Shake your head and say, “This isn’t mine nor is it for me.” Keep doing this until it becomes second nature.
  • Celebrate Small Wins: Write down everything you accomplished today, no matter how small.
  • Visualize Success: Take 3-5 minutes daily to visualize your dreams. Faith is believing in what you can’t see yet.
  • Create a Support System: Build a village of people who uplift and hold you accountable.

If you feel like you’ve failed, chill. It’s just a setback. Growth isn’t about guilt; it’s about learning and moving forward.

Be kind to yourself. Your creativity will pursue you just as much as you pursue it. Believe in it, because it’s yours. Keep pushing, amiga.

 

Categories
Ponte Las Pilas

Finding time for Creativity when you work a 9-5

Navigating the Balance: Pursuing Your Passion While Working Full-Time

Ever find yourself typing up an email at work but wishing you were writing a blog, crafting a book, or composing a song instead? Waking up every day for a 9-to-5 job you’re not passionate about just for the paycheck, all the while knowing that if you poured a little more effort into your craft, it could sustain you? That mental battle—the pressure of knowing you could be doing so much more—can be overwhelming. But then there’s TIME.

We all have the same 16 hours of wakefulness in a day. Sure, it sounds like enough, but let’s do the math: 8 hours go to your full-time job. That leaves 8 hours—just 8—to chase your dreams, fulfill your goals, and find balance between all of your responsibilties. That’s a lot of pressure! And, let’s be honest, much of it is pressure we put on ourselves.

Take a deep breath, amiga. Let’s break this cycle and reframe how we approach the challenge. I’m going to share some solutions and tips that work for me, and I hope they can help you too. Even if they don’t fit your life perfectly, you can tweak them to work for you.

Step 1: Identify Your “Why” & Shift Your Mindset on Time

Before anything else, understand why you want to pursue your creative passion alongside your job. We all know why we work: we need money—that’s the reality. But you don’t have to pursue a passion on the side. So why do you?

You might be tempted to skip this step because it’s not as fun or exciting as buying a planner or jotting down content ideas. But it’s crucial. Why? Because you won’t always feel like creating. Life happens—there will be low-energy days, distractions, and setbacks. What doesn’t change is your “why.” That’s what will keep you grounded and motivated.

Whether your “why” is to gain autonomy over your time, achieve financial freedom, feel fulfilled, or simply bring joy into your life—know it, embrace it, and use it as your anchor.

Here are two practical ways to do this:

  1. Write a vision statement. Use tools like ChatGPT to craft an affirmation that resonates with you. For example, type this prompt: “I have a passion for X, and I’m passionate about it because Y. Write me an affirmation script to remind me why I do X.” Save it in your phone’s notes app and read it when you’re tired, unmotivated, or need a boost.
  2. Create a vision board. Use Pinterest or Canva to make a quick collage of the lifestyle you’re working toward. This doesn’t have to be perfect or time-consuming—10 to 15 minutes is enough. Let it inspire you daily.

Finally, let’s talk about time. Stop telling yourself there’s “not enough.” Yes, 8 hours is tight, but it’s something. Often, the problem isn’t a lack of time; it’s how we use it. Be honest: how much time do you lose scrolling or binge-watching? The good news is you can change. Start with this mindset: “I have the gift of time, and it is enough.”

Step 2: Evaluate Your Current Schedule

Change starts with awareness. Look at your typical weekday and weekend routines. Write them down. Then, circle the activities you dislike or know aren’t serving you. Next, brainstorm alternatives to replace them with tasks that maximize your time and align with your goals.

Find hidden pockets of time—early mornings, lunch breaks, commutes, or evenings. You might need to make sacrifices, but only you can decide what’s worth it.

Here’s what’s working for me:

  • Early mornings: I wake up at 5 a.m. (three hours before work starts) to pray, read, and get ready without rushing. This time helps me feel calm, focused, and prepared for the day. By tackling personal tasks in the morning, I free up my evenings for creative work.
  • Efficient lunch breaks: I pack lunch and eat while working, saving my break to run errands, walk my dog, or prep dinner. This way, I minimize stress later and create more time for my passions in the evening.

Step 3: Prioritize and Set Boundaries

Block out time specifically for your creativity. Start with one day a week—it’s better to start small and succeed than aim too high and get discouraged. Make this time a non-negotiable.

Communicate boundaries with loved ones. For example, I let my family know in advance if I’ll be recording or working for a few hours. This not only shows respect for their time but also gives me the freedom to focus guilt-free.

Use technology to your advantage. Tools like Google Calendar, iCal, or Notion can help you schedule and stay organized. Be intentional with your time—it’s your most valuable resource.

Step 4: Start Small and Stay Consistent

Consistency is key, and it starts with simplicity. Set realistic goals that fit your lifestyle. For example:

  • Wake up and jot down creative ideas instead of reaching for your phone.
  • Listen to a podcast or watch a video about your craft during your commute.
  • Replace nighttime scrolling with a few minutes of creating.

These small changes add up over time. Remember, being 1% better each day leads to exponential growth.

Step 5: Maximize Your Energy

Pay attention to your natural energy levels. Do you feel more productive in the morning or evening? Align your creative work with your peak energy times. And don’t forget self-care—it’s essential for avoiding burnout.

Here are some habits that help me:

  • Prep everything the night before. Lay out your outfit, pack your bag, and set up your workspace. A smooth morning = less stress.
  • Get enough sleep. Find your ideal sleep duration and stick to a routine.
  • Take a day off. Rest is productive too. For me, Sundays are sacred family and self-care days.

Step 6: Embrace Flexibility and Forgive Setbacks

Life is messy and unpredictable, so stay flexible. If you miss a day—or ten—don’t beat yourself up. Just start again. Resilience is a muscle; the more you use it, the stronger it gets.

Recap: Your Roadmap to Creative Success

  1. Define your “why” to stay inspired.
  2. Evaluate your schedule and identify areas to improve.
  3. Find pockets of time to create.
  4. Build habits that support your goals and prevent burnout.
  5. Be kind to yourself when setbacks happen.

Start today. Even the smallest step forward is progress. Your creative journey is worth it, amiga. You’ve got this.

Categories
Echale Ganas

Starting Fresh with Querida Creativa: New Year, New Creative Goals

I am so happy you are here. My full name is Jessica Garcia Padua, but you can call me Jesse! I’m a 26-year-old Mexican-American girl from the suburbs of Chicago, trying to make my dream of becoming a singer and songwriter a reality—while also juggling a full-time job (cause a girl gotta pay the bills, baby), being a mom, a wife, and everything in between.

If you’re here, I’m guessing you can relate. Maybe you’re also a creative with big dreams, working a job that has nothing to do with what you really want to do. Maybe you’ve been searching for someone who truly understands what it’s like to balance art, work, and life. I know I was. For years, I looked for a space that spoke directly to Latina creatives like me—women chasing their passions while still handling their responsibilities. And when I couldn’t find it, I realized: If I’m looking for this, I can’t be the only one. So why not create it myself?

That’s why I’m launching this blog now—right at the start of a new year. Not because I believe in the whole “new year, new me” mindset (we both know real change happens through consistent action, not just flipping a calendar page), but because a new year naturally makes us pause, reflect, and reset. It’s a chance to ask ourselves: Where do I want to be?

For me, the answer was clear—I want to build something that helps all of us get there. This blog is my way of committing to that, of showing up, improving 1% every day, and proving that by December, we can be unrecognizable in the best way. So let’s take this fresh start and turn it into something real.

Bienvenida, amiga. We’ve got work to do.

Reflecting on the Past Year – Lessons Learned

Looking back at 2024, I realized how much I grew creatively and how much clearer my vision for my music journey became. I spent a few months in the first half of the year in a music program (shoutout to CCE Global!) that taught me so much about the music business. I also performed at my first festival, Mole de Mayo in Pilsen, Chicago—something I was incredibly proud of because it was on my goals list.

The last half of the year looked a little different. I was adjusting to a promotion at work, finding out I was pregnant with my second child, and finishing up songs to release this year. Honestly, 2024 felt like a prep year—one that set me up to take on 2025 with more confidence, ready to tackle challenges and celebrate wins.

But while I accomplished a lot, I also recognize that I didn’t push myself as much as I could have. I lacked consistency on social media, and I felt disorganized and overwhelmed when it came to releasing music and promoting myself.

Still, I refuse to feel bad about it. And if you didn’t reach all your goals or become the person you envisioned by the end of the year, you shouldn’t feel bad either. That’s the whole point of reflecting—to understand where we struggled so we can make sure those same obstacles don’t hold us back this year.

Setting Creative Goals for 2025

So how do we actually set creative (or any) goals that work for us?

I like to break my goals into categories that make sense for my life, then set three goals for each one. My categories are personal (self, family, routines, home, etc.), creative (music, blog/podcast, writing, social media, etc.), financial (anything money-related), and wellness (fitness, eating, physical and mental health, etc.).

Some of my goals are quantitative (things I can measure), while others are more subjective—ones I’ll evaluate at the end of the year based on how I feel about my progress. This balance helps me stay realistic while still pushing myself to improve.

But here’s the key: your way is the best way. Don’t let the pressure of elaborate vision boards and 400-item goal lists get to you. This is about you and your life. Dream big, but remember, it’s about getting 1% better every day.

One of my biggest goals for this blog is to build a community of creativas who support each other. So if you’re up for it, share one of your goals in the comments! You never know—someone might have already achieved it and can offer advice, or maybe they’re on the same path and can be your accountability partner.

Here’s my quickly thrown together vision board I made on Pinterest because I like having a visual to motivate me when I am making excuses 🙂

The Power of Community in Achieving Creative Goals

I’m creating this space because I need it. And if you’re here, I have a feeling you need it, too.

I know how exhausting it can be to chase a dream while juggling everything else life throws at you. The burnout, the uncertainty, the where do I even start? moments. That’s why having a community matters. Imagine having a podcast or blog full of like-minded people you can turn to—on your commute, while cooking, even while working out—people who get it. That’s what I want Querida Creativa to be for you. And I hope you’ll be that for me, too.

Staying Consistent Amid Life’s Chaos

A community helps with accountability, but consistency is something we have to cultivate within ourselves.

Last year was a year of learning, but it was also a year of inconsistency for me. In 2025, I want to focus on taking actionable steps with what I’ve learned and being intentional with my habits.

That brings me to this morning. I woke up, walked downstairs, and immediately wanted to spiral into rage. The dog had peed, Christmas presents still needed to be put away, baby stuff was piled up waiting to go into storage, our cream-colored couch looked gray, and worst of all—I was hungry.

I took a deep breath and had to remind myself: Jesse, this isn’t anyone else’s fault. If you wanted to wake up to a clean home so you could eat breakfast and write in peace, you could have. You just didn’t want to do it last night. Be honest about that.

That moment of reflection reminded me that I do have control over my environment. So instead of getting mad, I realized I needed to shift my nightly habits to set myself up for success in the morning. That’s a form of self-care—one we don’t talk about enough. Because self-care isn’t just about skincare routines and ASMR TikToks; it’s about doing what you need to feel good and function at your best.

So if there’s one thing I want you to take from this first blog post, it’s this: this year is about YOU and YOUR life.

We are constantly surrounded by noise—social media, outside opinions, endless distractions. But it’s time to take back control. Stop letting other people, platforms, and routines that don’t serve you dictate your life. You have more control than you think. Even the smallest actions—like making your bed in the morning—are steps toward being 1% better every day.

Querida Creativa is back next Monday with a new post on How to Make Time for Your Creativity While Working a 9-5! Follow us on Instagram and Spotify so you don’t miss it and sign up for our newsletter to get exclusive monthly content!

See you soon, amigas and don’t forget to create today! <3