10 Things That Will Inspire More Passion and Joy in Your Work and Life (Best of Season 7)
Release Date: 08/25/2022
Jump Start Your Joy®
In this episode of Jump Start Your Joy, I'm taking a mindful pause to share five powerful techniques that can help you recenter when life feels overwhelming. Originally recorded after I led a mindfulness program at a summer camp (a place that holds such a special spot in my heart) this episode feels especially relevant given everything happening in our world right now. While I had planned to discuss intentional whimsy this week, I felt called to revisit this conversation about mindfulness and practical tools we can all use to navigate challenging moments with more grace and presence. The 5...
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In this episode of Jump Start Your Joy, I'm diving into something we all need right now: gentle, accessible ways to reconnect with joy during difficult times. I open with a powerful quote from Michelle Obama about planning for joy, especially for those of us who are caretakers, empaths, or sensitive types who can easily get burnt out. I explore three distinct types of joy that can serve as doorways back to ourselves: comfort joy (the soothing, familiar things that help us exhale), connecting joy (the vital relationships that remind us we're not alone), and meaningful joy (the deeper...
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Welcome back to Jump Start Your Joy! In this episode, I'm sharing something deeply personal my unexpected word of the year for 2026: HARMONY. This word literally came to me in the middle of the night, and as I share my story, you'll understand why it makes perfect sense. I'm diving into how music, which was such a huge part of my childhood, has been missing from my life and how I'm intentionally bringing it back. From rediscovering my old Armstrong flute after 40 years to planning a duet with my trombone-playing son, this episode is all about reconnecting with what brings us joy. This...
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In this episode, I share the deeply inspiring experiences from my recent trip to Paris with my 14-year-old son. What started as an eighth-grade graduation gift became a profound journey through living history, exploring three iconic sites that offered unexpected lessons about resilience, courage, and the power of individual choice. From the newly restored Notre Dame Cathedral rising magnificently from the ashes of its 2019 fire, to standing at the Arc de Triomphe where my son experienced a powerful moment of historical realization, to walking the medieval labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral (the...
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In this episode, I'm getting personal and sharing a discovery that felt like a gift at exactly the right time. While clearing out my closet in search of structure and calm, I found my old portable CD player from 1997, still loaded with U2's "The Best Of 1980-1990." When track four started playing, I was instantly transported back to grad school and reminded of my personal theme song: "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For." This episode is about longing, faith, and finding joy in the messy middle of life. I dive deep into why this song became a favorite. I explorie its spiritual roots and...
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As we step into 2026, I'm excited to share my approach to planning your year with calm and ease. In this episode, I walk you through the exact planning methods I've used for over a decade to stay focused on what truly matters while maintaining peace and presence. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by the fast pace of life or simply want to create a roadmap for your goals, this episode will help you slow down mindfully so you can move forward with intention and joy throughout the year. I'm sharing two powerful planning tools that have transformed how I approach my goals: the "Ten in Three"...
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Welcome back to Jump Start Your Joy! I’m so excited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the show with you. In this special episode, I reflect on a decade of podcasting, the transitions that have shaped my life, and the importance of being present for the moments that matter most. From recording in my car to embracing new adventures with my family and community, this milestone is a chance to look back, take stock, and set intentions for the years ahead. This episode dives into themes of mindfulness, intentionality, and the power of community. I share how the world’s challenges: from...
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I’m excited to welcome back Andrea Owen! A lot has happened since her last visit in 2021, and she’s here to share her powerful journey over the past few years. We dive into Andrea’s experience during the pandemic and how ‘pandemic time’ reshaped her perspective on life and relationships. She opens up about navigating divorce, facing health challenges, and receiving an autoimmune diagnosis, all while maintaining her commitment to personal growth and self-discovery. Andrea also highlights the importance of advocating for yourself in medical situations and what she’s learned along the...
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This episode is a heartfelt and inspiring conversation with Judith Tripp, a multifaceted leader who brings together spirituality, psychology, and art in her work. Judith is the force behind DreamQuest retreats at Grace Cathedral, a labyrinth facilitator, a transpersonal psychotherapist, and a musician. In this episode, we explore: Judith’s impressive array of roles and talents, from leading DreamQuest to her work as a transpersonal psychotherapist and musician. The significance of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco as a central hub for DreamQuest retreats and labyrinth walks. The...
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In this week's episode of Jump Start Your Joy, I'm talking about the concept of 'glimmers,' which are the small instances of joy, hope, or inspiration that counterbalance life's triggers. The episode aims to provide listeners with ways to identify and cherish these glimmers, especially during times of chaos and uncertainty. It's my intention that Jump Start Your Joy continues to be a comforting space through this podcast, offering weekly moments of respite and inspiration for all listeners. I'd love to hear from you about how you've seen glimmers in your world, and you can email me a or tag...
info_outlineAre you looking for ways to define what brings you joy, and identify your passions? In this episode I'm sharing 2 exercises to help figure out what you're passionate about and 10 ways to bring more of that passion to your work and your life.
Read the full show notes on my website
- Introspection - Using the tools above, or working with a coach, a mentor, or a journal can provide a lot of insight for you. It's also important that you take time to heal any sort of past trauma or issues that might be making it hard for you to define or get in touch with your passions.
- Just start moving and working on things. Lots of times people think that they need to have everything all figured out before they can take the first step. Instead, think of the first logical step and give it a try.
- Let your passion stand on it's own. If you're interested in something, give it a try. Sometimes, instead of taking a first step, you may think that you need to have a plan to monetize a hobby, or have an end goal in mind for why you'd begin working on it. Passion and creativity are often most joyful when they are done for the sake of being fun and playful. You don't need an end "result" on the horizon to begin.
- It's OK to make bold moves. You often learn the most when you try something that is out of your comfort zone. Many people worry that they will "fail" when they try something they haven't done before. What if you removed that idea from the equation, and decided that there was no such thing as failure when it comes to following your passion?
- It's OK to "go back" to something if your first try doesn't work the way you'd planned. If you are working on building a business, and it doesn't work the way you'd envisioned the first time, it's OK to go back to work that supports you and your family. There's no shame, and nothing lost in continuing your quest as a side hustle, or starting over with a new focus.
- Notice if you've had "enough." You might discover that something that once brought you joy no longer does. Or, you might realize that you've had enough at a job that isn't serving you, or that you're no longer interested in continuing a hobby or a business that you once enjoyed. This is natural and part of being human.
- Look for the pivot points. I also call this being "well planned and loosely held," but notice when you see something shifting before your eyes in your plans. Often times, as you begin to build something your focus changes. You can also shift your business or your hobby or your interests to match those changes.
- Follow what feels right. If you've grown tired of doing something, stop. If something else feels interesting or bring you joy, do that. Resist staying with something just because you "should."
- The universe will give you opportunities to show you that you can do it. As you begin to grow your hobby or your passion or business, you'll see that the universe will show you that you're very capable of doing something. Looking back, you'll be able to see that you overcame challenges to get to where you are. Stop to celebrate those wins. You grow and change as your interests do, and it's always good to notice that you did something you once thought might be impossible.
- You'll get more of something when you're ready. This may have to do with manifesting, or with growth. You'll see that once you've got a grasp of how to do something, you'll often be faced with opportunities that allow you to grow. Be intentional about the growth. You might find that old versions of what you thought you wanted resurface. It's OK to say no to things that don't fit you, anymore
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Resources
Resources
Brene Brown's "Living Our Values" Exercise
ClaimPodParity List and Website
Heather Hall, Coach for Introverts
Interview with Lauren Artress about Labyrinth
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