Three Gentle Ways to Jump Start Your Joy (plus a quote from Michelle Obama)
Release Date: 02/08/2026
Three Gentle Ways to Jump Start Your Joy (plus a quote from Michelle Obama)
Jump Start Your Joy®
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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Finding My Word of the Year 2026: How Music Brought Me Back to Joy
Jump Start Your Joy®
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Jump Start Your Joy®
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Jump Start Your Joy®
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Planning Your Year with Ease and Calm (2026)
Jump Start Your Joy®
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Ten Years of the Podcast: Let's Talk About The Jump Start of Encouragement, Community and Finding Our Grounding
Jump Start Your Joy®
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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Rebirth and Resilience: Andrea Owen on Navigating Life's Most Difficult Times
Jump Start Your Joy®
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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DreamQuest with Judith Tripp - A Journey of Joy and Reflection in Liminal Space
Jump Start Your Joy®
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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Finding Glimmers: Embracing Moments of Joy and Hope Amid Life's Chaos with host Paula Jenkins
Jump Start Your Joy®
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...
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Journey into Sacred Spaces: Building Labyrinths with Master Builder Lars Howlett
Jump Start Your Joy®
In this episode of Jump Start Your Joy, I’m thrilled to welcome Lars Howlett, a Master Labyrinth Builder and Advanced Labyrinth Facilitator, to explore the captivating world of labyrinths! Lars brings extensive knowledge about labyrinth building, labyrinth symbolism, and the power these sacred spaces have to transform lives. We dive into Lars’ unique journey from photography teacher to apprentice with a renowned labyrinth master builder, giving listeners an inside look at what it means to create these intricate paths. Lars also shares fascinating insights about the historic labyrinth in...
info_outlineIn 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 pursuits that connect us to something bigger than ourselves).
Read the full show notes on my website.
In this episode, we cover:
- Michelle Obama's wisdom on planning for joy as a vital practice for caretakers
- Comfort joy: soothing, familiar practices that help reset your nervous system
- Connecting joy: the importance of reaching out to friends and building meaningful relationships
- Meaningful joy: exploring what's deeply significant to you, from spiritual practices to creative pursuits
- How to schedule one gentle joy this week without striving for perfection
- My 2026 goals: music, podcasting, home projects, and labyrinth work
- The concept of "well planned and loosely held" when setting intentions
Resources:
- Michelle Obama on "plan your joy" (fall 2020)
- Tia Weston's YouTube channel (abandoned house series)
- Ram Dass recordings
- Cynthia Bourgeault's writings on Christianity (The Wisdom Jesus)
- Previous episode: "How to Plan Your 2026" (includes free download)
- Lauren Artress interview episode on labyrinth work
- Email: JumpstartYourJoy @ gmail.com
Keywords: joy, self-care, gentle living, Michelle Obama, planning for joy, comfort practices, meaningful connection, burnout prevention, empaths, sensitive people, nervous system reset, intentional living, small joys, caretaker wellness, 2026 goals, labyrinth work, creative renewal, podcast for introverts, finding center, slow living, jumpstart your joy