We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Abigail Bruley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Abigail thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on and continue to work on is the fictional world I’ve created based upon the many challenges and steps through assimilating to life after a brain injury. The original story, starring my main character “Main” has been a feature script, three short films, and a pilot for a contained series. When I first started, I was hiding behind the fact that the character “looked normal but acted weird” and never actually wrote outright that she was cognitively disabled because I didn’t have the guts to back up featuring a character that have never been authentically featured before. As I’ve progressed with the world I created, though, and stretched and changed it to fit different formats, I got much bolder and honest in my depiction. Now I’m feeling much more equipped to release vulnerable work and polarizing characters into the world.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

For those who may not be familiar with my work, I’m Abigail Bruley, a filmmaker, writer, actor, mindfulness teacher and disability advocate. My journey into the creative industry was born from a deep need to tell stories that reflect the complexities of life, particularly those shaped by unique perspectives. After experiencing a life-altering brain injury, I found solace and strength in storytelling, both as a means of personal expression and as a way to connect with others who might feel marginalized or misunderstood.

In my work, I aim to create films and narratives that are bold, authentic, and often tinged with dark humor. My short films and scripts, like Main Absolves, which won Best Dark Comedy at the 2022 LA Film Awards, explore themes of identity, resilience, and the human experience through a lens that challenges conventional storytelling. Additionally, my writing has been recognized by the Writers Guild of America, where I was a nominee for Best Writing in New Media for Down the Show. And in my mindfulness work, I aim to educate others how they can train their brains to be in the present moment and always aimed at being the person they want to be.

What sets me apart is my commitment to blending personal experience with universal themes, creating content that resonates on a deep emotional level while also offering a fresh perspective on life’s challenges. As a disability advocate, I’m passionate about bringing visibility to stories that are often left untold and empowering others to find their own voice in the process.

I’m most proud of the way my work has opened up conversations around disability, identity, and the power of resilience. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that my brand is rooted in authenticity, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of truth in storytelling. Whether through film, writing, or mindfulness or advocacy, my goal is to inspire others to see the world differently and to find strength in their own unique journeys.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

meditation and mindfulness can boost the creative process. Back in the day, I used to struggle with the usual stuff—self-doubt, stress, and staying focused on my ideas. When I discovered mindfulness and later trained in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), it completely changed the game for me.

Meditation helped me quiet all the mental chatter and really be present, which is key when you’re trying to create something authentic. It’s like it unlocked a whole new level of creativity because I could let ideas flow without getting in my own way. Plus, it’s been a lifesaver for managing the stress that comes with any creative work, keeping me focused and resilient even when things get tough.

If I’d known about these practices earlier, I think I would’ve handled a lot of those challenges with way more ease and clarity. So, if you’re in the creative field, I’d definitely recommend giving meditation and mindfulness a try—they’re not just for stress relief; they’re awesome tools for unlocking your creative potential. And I’d love to be your teacher!

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One thing that non-creatives might struggle to understand about the creative journey is just how deeply personal and unpredictable it can be. Creativity isn’t something you can just turn on like a switch. It’s tied to your emotions, experiences, and sometimes even the struggles you’re facing. There’s this misconception that creative work is just about coming up with ideas and executing them, but it’s so much more complex than that.

For me, especially as someone who’s dealt with the effects of a brain injury and has become a filmmaker and mindfulness practitioner, I’ve learned that creativity is a process of discovery, healing, and sometimes even wrestling with your own mind. There are days when everything clicks, and others where doubt and frustration take over. Non-creatives might not realize how much inner work goes into creating something meaningful.

I’ve found that being present with the process, even when it’s tough, is where the magic happens. It’s not always easy, and there’s often a lot of vulnerability involved, but that’s what makes the final product so rewarding. So, if there’s one thing I’d want non-creatives to understand, it’s that creativity isn’t just about the end result—it’s about the journey, the ups and downs, and the personal growth that comes with it. And honestly, anyone can benefit from embracing that mindset, whether they see themselves as creative or not.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.abigailbruley.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brulesey/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mymindsalon/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigailbruley/

Image Credits

Photography by Bridget Badore