Aligning the 5 Vs for Creative Wellness
I recently discovered an interesting approach to joy and happiness by psychiatrist and researcher Dr. Judith Joseph and her Happiness Lab. It's called the 5 V’s and it resonated with me because it aligns with my Curate a Life that is a Work of Art philosophy, particularly in how it integrates the Mind, Body, Soul and Environment as essential components of well-being.
The 5 Vs are:
Validation
Venting
Values
Vitals
Vision
In the process of Curating a Life That is a Work of Art, these principles align with living with purpose, authenticity, awareness and creativity.
The Art of Self Awareness
Creative Wellness begins with self-awareness. The more we understand our thoughts, emotions, and patterns, the more authentic we can be in how we curate our lives. I believe that your creativity is the truest expression of who you are. And the more you know who you truly are, the more your life and your creativity will flow.
Creative Wellness begins with self-awareness. The more we understand our thoughts, emotions, and patterns, the more authentic we can be in how we curate our lives. I believe that your creativity is the truest expression of who you are. And the more you know who you truly are, the more your life and your creativity will flow.
Your Creative Environment: Stop Staying in Spaces That Make You Shrink
Creativity thrives in expansive, nourishing environments, whether that’s physical space, emotional energy, or the people we surround ourselves with. If an environment stifles your creativity, makes you feel small or unseen, or drains your spirit, it’s time to reassess.
• Your external environment reflects your internal landscape.
• Just as an artist curates their studio, you must curate your life to support your creativity and well-being.
Ask Yourself:
Does this space, person, or habit help me grow, or does it diminish me?
The Critical Inner Voice: Rewriting the Narrative
The voice inside our heads can either empower or destroy our creative confidence. Often, this critical voice comes from past conditioning, internalized societal expectations, or unresolved wounds. The goal is not to silence it but to rewrite the narrative: to shift from self-judgment to self-compassion.
• Observe your inner dialogue: Would I speak to a close friend this way?
• Reframe judgment as curiosity. Instead of "I’m not good enough," ask, "What am I learning from this?"
• Your creative expression is not just about the final product, it’s about the process. Honor where you are.
The Critical Inner Voice: Rewriting the Narrative
The voice inside our heads can either empower or destroy our creative confidence. Often, this critical voice comes from past conditioning, internalized societal expectations, or unresolved wounds. The goal is not to silence it but to rewrite the narrative: to shift from self-judgment to self-compassion.
• Observe your inner dialogue: Would I speak to a close friend this way?
• Reframe judgment as curiosity. Instead of "I’m not good enough," ask, "What am I learning from this?"
• Your creative expression is not just about the final product, it’s about the process. Honor where you are.
The 5 Vs as the apply to Creative Wellness:
V1:
V1:
VALIDATION
The Art of Self-Acknowledgment
Creative Wellness begins with recognizing and honoring your emotions.
Acknowledge what you’re really feeling - no judgment, just awareness.
Creativity thrives when emotions are expressed, not suppressed.
Creative Wellness begins with recognizing and honoring your emotions.
Acknowledge what you’re really feeling - no judgment, just awareness.
Creativity thrives when emotions are expressed, not suppressed.
Expressive Art Practice:
• What colors represent your mood today?
• What textures, techniques, or mediums mirror your emotions?
• Let your art be your voice.
Creative Insight: Neuroscience shows that when we label emotions, their intensity decreases. Art, journaling, and creative expression allow emotions to move through us rather than control us.
V2:
• What colors represent your mood today?
• What textures, techniques, or mediums mirror your emotions?
• Let your art be your voice.
Creative Insight: Neuroscience shows that when we label emotions, their intensity decreases. Art, journaling, and creative expression allow emotions to move through us rather than control us.
V2:
VENTING
The Art of Releasing Emotional Pressure Through Creative Expression
All great artists, writers, and creators know the importance of releasing inner tension.
Creative blocks often stem from pent-up emotions.
Venting is more than just talking, it’s about expression:
• Journaling: Free-write without censoring.
• Movement: Dance, surf, walk - let the energy out.
• Voice Work: Sing, scream into a pillow, let the sound move through you.
Creative Insight: Studies show that emotional suppression increases stress, while expression fosters mental clarity, problem-solving, and creative breakthroughs.
V3:
All great artists, writers, and creators know the importance of releasing inner tension.
Creative blocks often stem from pent-up emotions.
Venting is more than just talking, it’s about expression:
• Journaling: Free-write without censoring.
• Movement: Dance, surf, walk - let the energy out.
• Voice Work: Sing, scream into a pillow, let the sound move through you.
Creative Insight: Studies show that emotional suppression increases stress, while expression fosters mental clarity, problem-solving, and creative breakthroughs.
V3:
VALUES
The Art of Feeding Your Creative Soul
Creativity flourishes when aligned with personal values.
• What makes you feel full and nourished?
• Where do you find meaning in your creative practice?
• How do you use your creativity to connect with others?
Ask Yourself:
What activities make you lose track of time?
What would I create if I wasn’t afraid of judgment?
How can my creativity contribute to something bigger than myself?
Creative Insight: Research from The Happiness Lab shows that people who engage in purpose-driven creativity (creating for joy, healing, or connection rather than external validation) experience greater fulfillment. I encourage you to identify your own 5 Core Values using Brene Brown's framework here: https://brenebrown.com/resources/dare-to-lead-list-of-values/
V4:
Creativity flourishes when aligned with personal values.
• What makes you feel full and nourished?
• Where do you find meaning in your creative practice?
• How do you use your creativity to connect with others?
Ask Yourself:
What activities make you lose track of time?
What would I create if I wasn’t afraid of judgment?
How can my creativity contribute to something bigger than myself?
Creative Insight: Research from The Happiness Lab shows that people who engage in purpose-driven creativity (creating for joy, healing, or connection rather than external validation) experience greater fulfillment. I encourage you to identify your own 5 Core Values using Brene Brown's framework here: https://brenebrown.com/resources/dare-to-lead-list-of-values/
V4:
VITALS
The Art of Tuning the Body as an Instrument of Creativity
Creativity is not just in the mind, it lives in the body.
How many bodies do you have? Just one. Take care of it!
A creative life is a physical life. What you consume affects your artistic energy.
Creative Well-Being Practices:
Nutrition: Fresh foods, protein, healthy fats, hydration - fuel the brain for creative focus.
Movement: Surf, stretch, dance - get into your body! Move it!
Relationships: Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you.
Sleep: Humans need restorative sleep. Allow the Yin.
Digital Boundaries: Less scrolling, more creating.
Creative Insight: Your body is your primary creative tool. Treat it with the same care you would a paintbrush, camera, or musical instrument.
V5:
Creativity is not just in the mind, it lives in the body.
How many bodies do you have? Just one. Take care of it!
A creative life is a physical life. What you consume affects your artistic energy.
Creative Well-Being Practices:
Nutrition: Fresh foods, protein, healthy fats, hydration - fuel the brain for creative focus.
Movement: Surf, stretch, dance - get into your body! Move it!
Relationships: Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you.
Sleep: Humans need restorative sleep. Allow the Yin.
Digital Boundaries: Less scrolling, more creating.
Creative Insight: Your body is your primary creative tool. Treat it with the same care you would a paintbrush, camera, or musical instrument.
V5:
VISION
The Art of Creating Your Future
A creative life thrives on purpose, inspiration, and small victories.
• What are you looking forward to?
• What small wins can you celebrate today?
• How can you cultivate excitement for what’s ahead?
The Art of Presence:
• Use all five senses to ground yourself in the present moment.
• Experience life with full sensory awareness: the sound of waves, the texture of paint, the scent of fresh air.
• Celebrate the creative process, not just the final outcome. Create just to create!
Creative Insight: Research from The Happiness Lab shows that having something to look forward to (no matter how small) significantly increases happiness and motivation.
Final Thoughts: The 5 Vs as a Framework for Curating a Life That is a Work of Art
The 5 Vs - Validation, Venting, Values, Vitals, and Vision - are not just principles of happiness, but essential for Creative Wellness. They are the foundation of aligning Mind, Body, Soul and Environment to cultivate a life that is inspired, authentic, and fulfilling.
Watch of listen to a video of this blog post on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YfeCKq70-II
A creative life thrives on purpose, inspiration, and small victories.
• What are you looking forward to?
• What small wins can you celebrate today?
• How can you cultivate excitement for what’s ahead?
The Art of Presence:
• Use all five senses to ground yourself in the present moment.
• Experience life with full sensory awareness: the sound of waves, the texture of paint, the scent of fresh air.
• Celebrate the creative process, not just the final outcome. Create just to create!
Creative Insight: Research from The Happiness Lab shows that having something to look forward to (no matter how small) significantly increases happiness and motivation.
Final Thoughts: The 5 Vs as a Framework for Curating a Life That is a Work of Art
The 5 Vs - Validation, Venting, Values, Vitals, and Vision - are not just principles of happiness, but essential for Creative Wellness. They are the foundation of aligning Mind, Body, Soul and Environment to cultivate a life that is inspired, authentic, and fulfilling.
Watch of listen to a video of this blog post on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YfeCKq70-II
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