What happens when a creative spirit grows up surrounded by competition, comparison, and expectations—yet refuses to follow the status quo? In this deeply reflective episode of the Artist Recovery Podcast, host Rich Wright sits down with accomplished author, educator, and resilience advocate Sharon Neiss Arbess for an honest conversation about creativity, perseverance, and the long road to trusting your own voice. Sharon shares her journey growing up in Montreal within a high-pressure, achievement-driven environment—where excelling academically and athletically was the norm, and creativity often lived on the margins. From feeling like she never quite “measured up,” to discovering that not fitting in became her greatest strength, Sharon reveals how early experiences with competition, rejection, and self-doubt quietly shaped her resilience as a writer.

Together, Rich and Sharon explore:

• Why rejection becomes easier when you grow up learning how to get back up

• How creativity often develops outside traditional education systems

• The courage it takes to release your first book after years of self-doubt

• Why comparison is the thief of joy—especially for artists and writers

• The hidden resilience behind “failed” projects and long creative timelines

Sharon opens up about her books—including Me and My So-Called Friends, Get Up, and The Most Amazing Department Store—and how her storytelling centers emotional honesty, youth resilience, and navigating life’s uncomfortable moments with compassion. She also shares how her teacher’s manual Brave the Waves was developed to help middle-school students, parents, and educators build emotional awareness, resilience, and open dialogue around difficult topics. This episode is a powerful reminder that:

~Creativity doesn’t follow a straight line.

~Success doesn’t arrive on a perfect schedule.

~And resilience is built through showing up—again and again—even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.

If you’re an artist, writer, educator, or creative who has ever questioned your path, struggled with comparison, or wondered if your voice truly matters—this conversation will meet you exactly where you are.

Connect with Sharon: https://sharonneissarbess.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharonneissarbess

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-neiss-arbess-99315921

FB: https://www.facebook.com/SharonNeissArbessWriter

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Always remember, Listen to your Heart and Be Kind to Your Mind! -Rich Wright

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