Happy springggggg 🙂

Get outside, smell the flowers, and remember that THIS is truly the start of the year. So if you've been feeling sluggish or beating yourself up because you had a slow beginning of 2026, release the guilt.

Everything is about to start changing for you!

Today, I want to continue the conversation from last week's newsletter, which you can read on my website if you missed it, about breaking free from the boxes we put around ourselves.

Thank you for reading this week!

This unlocked a life richer than I ever imagined

As I've slowly set myself free from seeing myself as just an author, I've started to embrace the multi-hyphenate artist I truly am: author, speaker, singer, songwriter, musician.

Through this process, I've discovered something that has dramatically changed how I live:

Self-expression leads to self-expansion.

Before starting to write 10 years ago and starting to sing six years ago, I wasn't the most confident of the bunch. I was shy on the outside, even though I could feel something within me wanting to break out of its shell.

I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but I kept thinking, I feel like there's more out there for me.

Writing was the first thing that started to crack me open, and then came singing.

While I was excited to have picked up new creative endeavors, I was surprised by the real reward: gaining the courage to express myself.

This led to more things that I anticipated.

I was attracting more opportunities for myself by asking for what I wanted. I was building deeper relationships by communicating my truth more vulnerably. I was living a richer life by sharing what was on my heart.

Expressing my inner self expanded my reality, and it hasn't stopped.

But you don't have to dive into writing a book or taking up singing to spark expression in your life. It's much simpler than that:

• Write one sentence in a journal every day about how you feel
• Record a three-minute voice note about something you're excited about
• Have a conversation with God or the universe to start your day
• Sing along to one of your favorite songs in the car or shower
• Tell someone in your life how much you appreciate them

Some people might think expression is reserved for the arts, but it's not.

It's a way to make your thoughts and feelings known to others. And I can't think of a more beautiful way to expand the world around you in ways you never imagined.

P.S. I just started a new series on YouTube called 'Artist Diaries,' which follows my journey as an artist living nomadically throughout Europe. In today's video, I share what it's been like training with an opera singer in Florence (wild!), and how my own expression is expanding my life in real time.

Book recommendation of the week

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

This book will completely rewire your brain when it comes to creativity. Most people believe creativity is just for artists, but Elizabeth Gilbert makes a case that it's for everyone.

It will help you overcome fear, self-doubt, and external pressures to tap into creative energy and find your unique voice. It's the perfect read if you're ready to open up the world of self-expression.

Thank you for reading. I hope to see you again next week!

Jordan Tarver
Author of ​You Deserve This Sh!t​ and ​Pursuit of Purpose​

p.s. ​Text "INSPO" to 707-289-7047​ to receive free weekly inspirational messages directly from me to your phone. Your data is always secure and kept private. I'll never charge you a penny. I'd love to have you!