1 rich Libsyn https://www.libsyn.com 90 600 What if the life you're dreaming about is waiting on the other side of one brave decision? In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, Dionne Woods sits down with artist, educator, and entrepreneur Deb Kraska for a heartfelt conversation about courage, creativity, reinvention, and learning to trust yourself through life's transitions. For more than 26 years, Deb has inspired students as an eighth-grade computer science teacher. At the same time, she spent nearly a decade building a thriving brick-and-mortar creative business before making the difficult decision to close its doors—not because it had failed, but because she had grown. She was ready to make space for the next chapter. That decision came with excitement, uncertainty, and one fear many of us know all too well: &quot;What will people think?&quot; Deb shares how she worked through that fear, embraced her identity as an artist, and discovered that sometimes the hardest part of growth isn't changing your life—it's giving yourself permission to do it. As an educator, Deb has also witnessed a dramatic shift in today's students. She explains why motivation looks different than it did a decade ago and shares the simple mindset practice she teaches every year: Add one word. Yet. &quot;I can't do this&quot;... yet. That single word changes the conversation from defeat to possibility—for her students and for all of us. In this conversation, Dionne and Deb discuss: Why perfectionism keeps us from taking the first step The surprising fear behind closing a successful business How to stop worrying about what other people think The power of adding &quot;yet&quot; to your mindset Why creative communities help us become braver Building confidence through consistent action The connection between computer science and creativity Learning to ask for help during seasons of grief and transition Creating healthy routines that support your mind, body, and creativity Redefining success from achievement to peace Following curiosity instead of forcing a perfect plan Deb also shares how Lake Michigan inspires her newest body of artwork, why she's developing the Restyle DIY app to help others confidently tackle creative projects, and how talking directly to her audience has transformed the way she shows up online. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, teacher, parent, or someone standing at the edge of a new season, this episode is a reminder that growth rarely begins with certainty. It begins with one small decision. One brave step. And sometimes... One simple word. Yet. Connect with Deb Kraska 🌐 Website: https://debrakart.com 📸 Instagram: @debrakart 📘 Facebook: Debra K Art ▶️ YouTube: @debrakart About Deb Kraska Deb Kraska is an artist, educator, and entrepreneur behind Debra K Art. Inspired by the beauty of Lake Michigan, wildflowers, and the textures of everyday life, she creates expressive abstract artwork while encouraging others to let go of perfectionism and embrace creativity with confidence. By day, she teaches eighth-grade computer science, where she intentionally incorporates growth mindset into her classroom. She also teaches art workshops, is developing the Restyle DIY app, and continues to inspire others through her art, teaching, and authentic storytelling. About The Motivatarian Exchange Hosted by Dionne Woods, The Motivatarian Exchange features conversations with remarkable women who are creating meaningful lives through courage, creativity, leadership, and personal growth. Together, these stories remind us that motivation isn't one-size-fits-all—and that our greatest transformations often begin with a single conversation. The Motivatarian Exchange with Dionne Woods https://www.theturquoiseirisjournal.com/podcast/ <iframe title="Libsyn Player" style="border: none" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/42220305/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/forward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/88AA3C/" height="90" width="600" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe> https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/content/204540580