25: Why Creatives Struggle with Self-Worth and How to Reclaim It with Julia Carmen

What if the thing you’ve been taught to ignore is actually the thing guiding you?

In this episode, I talked with Julia Carmen, a curandera, spiritual healer, and founder of the School Without Walls. Julia has spent her life walking between the physical and non-physical worlds. Seeing, sensing, listening. Not as a party trick, but as a way of being.

Julia talks about presence, self-worth, grief, choice, and the courage it takes to listen to your soul in a very loud world.

Walking Between Worlds

Julia was born into a lineage of healers. Seeing spirits, hearing guides, sensing the unseen wasn’t something she learned. It was always there.

“I don’t know what it feels like not to see things.”

But walking in both the spiritual and physical worlds came with real challenges. Confusion. Fear. Being misunderstood. Learning how to stay grounded while holding what most people can’t see.

Actionable Insight:

You don’t need to escape the human experience to be spiritual. Take a moment that is especially chaotic and ground yourself.

Bonus:

Today, pause once. Put your feet on the floor and notice where you are.

The Container of Unconditional Love

At the heart of Julia’s work is one idea: the container of unconditional love.

Just hold space for yourself and for others.

This is the foundation of the School Without Walls, where learning happens through relationship, soul care, and deep listening rather than rigid systems.

Actionable Insight:

Growth requires a container. Ask yourself where you feel safe enough to tell the truth.

Bonus:

Identify one relationship or space where you can show up without performing.

Intuition vs. the Soul Self

One of my favorite moments in this conversation is when Julia separates intuition from the soul self.

Intuition, she says, is human.

The soul self is eternal.

Your brain matters. Logic matters. But so does the quiet voice underneath all of it.

“Shhh. Be still. Get quiet.”

That’s where clarity lives.

Actionable Insight:

Stop asking for louder signs. Start listening more carefully.

Bonus:

Before making one decision this week, sit in silence for two minutes.

Self-Worth, Creativity, and Value

Toward the end of the conversation, Julia drops something creatives especially need to hear.

Your work has value.

Your presence has value.

You don’t need to give yourself away to be worthy.

Self-worth is quiet. Steady. Rooted.

Actionable Insight:

Stop underpricing your energy, time, or creativity.

Bonus:

Ask yourself where you’re overgiving to earn belonging.

Key Takeaways

1. Being present is a spiritual practice
2. You can walk both worlds and still be human
3. Healing requires unconditional love
4. Intuition is human, the soul self is eternal
5. Grief can deepen, not derail, your growth
6. Self-worth is something you practice daily
7. Your creative work deserves respect and care

Closing Reflection

Julia didn’t set out to build a brand. She chose herself over and over again.

If you’re a creative or writer who knows there’s more in you, but you’ve been second-guessing your voice, your value, or whether your work even “fits” anywhere… you’re not broken. You just need the right container.

That’s where I come in.

I help authors and creatives get clear on their message, build visibility in a way that actually feels like them, and turn their work into something sustainable.

If you’re ready to stop circling the same questions and start moving with intention, let’s talk. You can book a free, low-pressure clarity call at The Standout Creatives.