In this soul-nourishing episode, I connect with Sara Olson—lovingly known as Coach Sara—an artist, author, and empowerment coach whose journey of transformation mirrors the phoenix rising from ashes that has become her signature artistic theme.
“Forgiveness is a foundation until we can look in the mirror and be able to face who we are with all of our faults, with all of our imperfections.” – Coach Sara
Our conversation feels like eavesdropping on two old friends sharing hard-won wisdom about forgiveness, creativity, and the courage to face ourselves with compassion. Sara’s gentle yet powerful presence creates a safe space for exploring how we can transform our most painful experiences into sources of beauty, meaning, and connection.
At the heart of our discussion is this truth: forgiveness begins with ourselves. As Sara beautifully articulates, “Until we can look in the mirror and be able to face who we are with all our faults, with all our imperfections,” we remain hidden from our own potential and power. Her vulnerability in sharing her own journey—from feeling ashamed of her reflection to developing genuine self-love—offers a roadmap for listeners struggling with similar feelings.
What makes Sara’s approach unique is her integration of creative expression into the healing process. She shares the transformative moment when, after a relationship ended, she received visions of six paintings that would help her process her grief. The resulting 70-hour creative journey became not just personal therapy but the foundation for her innovative approach to helping others heal through art.
Sara explains how intuitive painting—asking the canvas what it wants to become—removes the pressure of perfectionism that keeps so many of us from creative expression. This practice connects directly to forgiveness work by helping us release judgment, embrace imperfection, and reconnect with childlike play and curiosity.
Our conversation weaves through practical wisdom for specific challenges:
- For those struggling with self-forgiveness: Sara offers the mirror exercise that changed her life—setting a timer for five minutes daily to look at yourself and say “I love you”
- For those who feel creatively blocked: We discuss how to overcome perfectionism and fear through intuitive expression and simple prompts
- For single parents carrying heavy guilt: Sara shares compassionate guidance about taking one step at a time and embracing imperfection
- For anyone hitting rock bottom: She reframes these moments as potentially exciting opportunities for reinvention and rediscovery
Throughout our dialogue, we return to the essential connection between forgiveness, compassion, and freedom. Sara’s perspective that “when we can put ourselves in somebody else’s shoes” we begin to understand that people “are only who they are because of where they’ve been” reminds us that compassion for ourselves naturally extends to others.
“If you feel like you’re at rock bottom and you’ve hit a wall and you have nowhere else to go, it’s actually an exciting place to be.” – Coach Sara
The episode concludes with Sara sharing her free “Rising from the Ruins Toolkit”—resources she personally used to rediscover herself after hitting rock bottom. Her parting wisdom that “the answers are inside…let your heart guide you, and you will not go wrong” encapsulates the gentle yet powerful approach she brings to her work.
This conversation isn’t just about theoretical concepts—it’s a warm invitation to embrace your whole self, rediscover the playfulness of bubbles and creativity, and transform your pain into purpose. Whether you’re navigating grief, transition, or simply seeking to reconnect with your authentic self, Sara’s journey offers hope that healing, creative expression, and joyful living are available to us all, exactly as we are.
“The answers are inside. Listen to your heart. Let your heart guide you, and you will not go wrong.” – Coach Sara
Thanks for listening, your support is greatly appreciated.
About Coach Sara
Coach Sara is an artist, author, and empowerment coach who’s turned heartache into hope—multiple times. With a zest for life and a unique blend of creativity and insight, she helps midlifers navigate divorce, loss, and change through intuitive art classes, guided meditations, and transformative courses like 12 Steps to Expressing Anger and Forgiveness: Your Path to Freedom. Her mission is to inspire millions with compassion and forgiveness.
Coach Sara’s Website and Links:
- Website
- YouTube
- Rising from the Ruin Toolkit
- Words of Encouragement Art Class save 25% with code: FORGIVE through March 31, 2025
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