Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to MICHELLE HOTALING. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
MICHELLE, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
To be a creator that releases stories as often as I do, I consciously frame the world as a beautiful, nurturing place. In times of strife, I seek out the helpers and sources of inspiration. I filter through my most beloved memories, recognizing that every moment offers a chance to explore life on a macro level, or to delve into the sensory details of the most mundane. Suddenly, beauty emerges. A story unfolds. I live in a 4th-floor walk-up and sometimes I rush through the ascent. But recently, I imagined life through the perspective of these stairs—this 100-year-old building, rich with untold stories. For me, creativity stems from recognizing that everything we encounter, alive or not, has a story (or thousands) to tell.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As the founder of Michelle’s Sanctuary, I’ve been creating sleep stories on YouTube since 2015, making us one of the first channels in this space. My original stories and meditations are designed to help you unwind, relax, and find deeper connection with the world’s beauty.
My own journey with insomnia, exacerbated by my twenties spent as a performer and singer-songwriter, led me here. When I discovered sleep meditations, I envisioned something more: immersive, meditative experiences that felt like the “Choose-Your-Own-Adventure” stories I grew up with—placing the listener at the heart of the narrative.
Watching my audience grow, I realized the incredible power of storytelling. Just as studies suggest fiction fosters empathy, I believe these listener-driven narratives offer a safe, imaginative way to transcend the everyday and gently expand your comfort zone, much like the limitless daydreams of our youth.
Explore my work on Michelle’s Sanctuary and Michelle’s Meditation Sanctuary on YouTube, Insight Timer, and the Michelle’s Sanctuary for Sleep Podcast.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
My unique blend of storytelling ability, a musician’s sensitivity to sound and atmosphere, and personal experience with insomnia (which sleep content helped me overcome) empowered me to create my own twist on a growing creative space.
For those starting out, my advice is simple: just go for it. Perfectionism often led to procrastination in my own life. My initial stories weren’t technically polished, but they were authentic and organic, resonating deeply with listeners who heard past any imperfections. Even today, some of my most popular stories and meditations continue to connect, proving that learning as I created was far more valuable than waiting for “readiness” or “perfection.”
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
If you want to create something breathtaking, you have to discover the work that takes your breath away. For me, that pivotal book was Pat Conroy’s “The Prince of Tides.” It’s a masterful exploration of the human psyche and relationships, capturing every possible emotion. I read it annually for ten years, starting at 14. Later, in my late twenties, I connected with Pat; he became a mentor, pushing me to go beyond the “shit and shinola” that can distract true artistic endeavor.
I’m convinced that compassion and empathy are fundamental to crafting universally resonant work. My audience is remarkably diverse, and I’m always learning how to create stories that make everyone feel included in my sanctuary. While not every story will hit home for everyone, I infuse each piece with as much sensitivity as possible, aiming to create a shared human experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.michellessanctuary.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellessanctuary
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michellessanctuary/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichellesSanctuary
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