Sarah Sullivan is a creative innovator from Navigators, Australia. For the past 7 years, she has been an educator in Hong Kong where she developed a passion for travel, adventure, holistic healing, cooking and writing.
During her time abroad she created her first blog about transformation, holistic living, travel and being true to your creative self. She rekindled her passion for writing, and while attending La Muse she wrote her first picture story book, Frankie. Sarah is currently designing and creating Frankie’s illustrations.
Sarah is passionate about making a positive change in the world and inspires others to take the first steps in bringing joy into their life, or as she would put it: Give yourself permission to be creative.
How Did You Know You Needed to Come on a Retreat?
I was transitioning from Hong Kong into a new life after teaching and living in Asia. A life where I needed to focus on the things that brought me joy in life such as nature, space, creativity and writing.
My first visit to La Muse in September 2016 I had the intention of creating my first picture story book.
However, my Nana passed away suddenly the week before arriving. So when I arrived, I was debilitated by grief and overwhelmed after leaving Hong Kong. During those three weeks, I painted, I hiked (everywhere), I wrote, I cried but most importantly I healed.
Returning in February 2017, I had a purpose, a plan, and that was to write my first children’s book, which I did. I also continued to heal in nature and cook vegan feasts for my fellow Musers. After a month, I left with my heart filled with joy, and on a new creative journey.
What Is the Difference Between La Muse and a Writing Course to You?
Freedom. That saying you have to be disciplined with your time.
Each week I wrote out a rough plan of what my week would look like, so I had a clear idea of how I would spend my time. It was flexible, but catered for my different creative interests, and my time wasn’t wasted going down a rabbit holes.
It is important to create a purpose for your time at La Muse. Some days I was more productive than others. If you are working towards your overall purpose or goal you will always feel proud of what you achieve, even if it is small.
Can You Give Us One Word to Describe Your Retreat?
Eureka!
What’s Been Your Eureka/Transformative Muse Moment?
My Eureka moment was realizing all I had to do was believe in myself. I’m a unique and sensitive individual and I need to celebrate this and not be ashamed. I now have the courage to move my life in a new and exciting creative direction. It’s liberating.
What was the one thing you didn’t pack that you wish you had?
Less – you really don’t need that much at all.
How Do You Know You Are a Writer?
One morning after meditation, I wrote in my reflection book. JUST WRITE!
In 2015, when I first started writing my morning pages and blog Sully in HK I was reconnected with my passion and love for writing. When I was young I loved writing stories and poetry (I even one prizes at school). However, because I was constantly reminded how horrible my spelling and handwriting was I lost interest, and stopped writing for pleasure altogether.
As an educator, I love working with little people, but my life goes beyond the walls of a classroom. By creating picture story books, I want to inspire children everywhere to celebrate their individual talents, unique qualities, and that it is ok to be different.
What is Creativity to You? What is Your Creative Process?
Creativity is giving yourself permission and the space to be free to allow your creative ideas to flow. Let your inner child out! Don’t come to La Muse with any expectations or you will only leave disappointed and frustrated. Instead, come with a purpose. My purpose was a simple sentence, I create and write picture story books. This affirmation gave each day meaning and it empowered me to reach beyond my limits and expectations.
What is Inspiration or Inspirational to You? How Do You Live an Inspired Life?
I am very grateful and humbled by all the people who have crossed my path. Creative and holistic friends and people inspire me, as they are ‘doers’ in life. They live their life outside of conventional boxes and are living their lives to their full potential. These people don’t just accept one job for life but accept that life will take them on a journey. So if these holistic and creative souls are living their lives like this, therefore so must I. I want to inspire others by my actions, that they deserve to live a life of happiness, and pursue their true calling and life purpose.
What Advice Would You Give To a Young Writer?
Write. Just let your pen move across the page, don’t worry about spelling or editing (just yet). Be original, be you, be creative, be unique, follow your heart and write what you’re passionate about. Write for you.