Jump Start Your Joy

Inspired by the quote “Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day (Henri Nouwen),” this lively show looks at the inspiration, intention, and action that you can take to have for a positive mental outlook, even in hard times and improbable situations.

The Yale Divinity School Labyrinth, Ecological Renewal and Spiritual Journeys with Christopher Freimuth 10/22/2024

How Illana Burk Revolutionizes Ethical Business with Joy and Integrity 08/13/2024

Liminal Space: Finding Comfort and Joy in the Space In Between 08/06/2024

Navigating Politics And Self-Care With Expert Tami Hackbarth 07/30/2024

Transforming Life and Leadership Through Kindness with Lara Heacock 07/23/2024

Return to Nature with Emma Loewe 07/16/2024

Return to Nature with Emma Loewe Read the full show notes: Emma Loewe is the co-author of The Spirit Almanac, and she is the senior sustainability editor for mindbodygreen, and she has released the amazing book, Return to Nature: The New Science of How Nature Landscapes Restore Us. In it, she shares the different kinds of landscapes, how they effect your mental health, studies about why they improve your mental health, and things you can do to counter-act the effects of climate change on these landscapes. This discussion fits so well into this month’s theme of “finding home,” and I hope you love this conversation about the return to nature with Emma Loewe. In this episode, Emma Loewe and I talk about: How the idea of this book came about A profound memory Emma has of a maple tree in her yard growing up, and why many of us have anchoring memories that revolve around nature. My resonance with the landscapes of oceans and coasts and forests and trees. What a forest bath is, and how to experience one The fractals in trees, and why that is soothing to humans How to handle grief and anxiety over climate change in an effective and non-overwhelming way Resources on Bookshop.org Others: Check out Jump Start Your Joy's back catalog and resources: Sign up for the free labyrinth walk guide: Support the show on Buy Me a Coffee: Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:40 Reflecting on Nature's Restorative Power 01:04 Engaging with the Audience 02:24 Introducing Emma Lowey and Her Book 03:18 Emma's Early Inspirations and Environmental Path 04:26 The Personal and Passionate Journey of Writing 06:21 The Impact of Nature on Mental Health 09:20 The Science Behind Nature's Benefits 09:48 Creative Processes During the Pandemic 12:14 Exploring Different Landscapes 13:35 The Healing Power of Water and Forests 23:08 Practical Steps for Environmental Action 26:21 Emma's Personal Practices and Final Thoughts 31:22 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes /episode/index/show/jumpstartyourjoy/id/32157697

Celebrating 37 Years of Joy: An Interview with Retiring Educator Molly Barnes 07/09/2024

Celebrating 37 Years of Joy: An Interview with Retiring Educator Molly Barnes Read the full show notes: In this heartfelt episode, Paula interviews Molly Barnes, the beloved principal and superintendent of Sunol Glenn Elementary. Molly shares her passionate journey in education, reflecting on the joy and challenges of her career. Listeners get an inside look at her unique approach to fostering a welcoming and enthusiastic school environment. Discover the powerful moments and intentional choices that have made Sunol Glenn Elementary a special place for students, parents, and staff alike. As Molly prepares for her well-deserved retirement, she discusses the importance of building strong community relationships, supporting educators, and creating joyful learning experiences. Tune in to hear moving stories, valuable insights, and the impactful legacy of a dedicated educator who truly made a difference. Resources: Others: Check out Jump Start Your Joy's back catalog and resources: Sign up for the free labyrinth walk guide: https://jumpstartyourjoy.com/labyrinth-basics/ Support the show on Buy Me a Coffee: Here are some of the key moments in this interview: Earliest Sparks of Joy in Education: Molly Barnes talks about her childhood experiences that ignited her passion for education, including her love for school supplies and the excitement of preparing for a new school year. Impact of Political Climate in Education: Molly reflects on the challenges posed by the political environment and its influence on the school district, emphasizing the importance of keeping the focus on students' well-being and learning. Importance of Community in Education: Molly shares the significance of building a strong sense of community within the school, highlighting the roles of teachers, parents, and students in creating a supportive and inclusive environment. Molly Barnes' Retirement Plans: As she approaches retirement, Molly discusses her future plans, including spending time with her family and potentially volunteering in local schools to continue her passion for education. Supporting Educators and Teachers: Both Paula and Molly discuss the critical role parents and the community can play in supporting teachers and school staff. They emphasize the need for understanding, communication, and collaboration to foster a positive educational experience for all. Time Stamps: 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:19 Meet Molly Barnes: A Celebrated Educator 02:13 Molly's Early Sparks of Joy 03:11 The Excitement of Back-to-School 06:20 The Role of Community in Education 09:19 Navigating Political Challenges 13:03 A Unique Commuter School 20:25 The Benefits and Challenges of a Small School 26:16 Memorable Moments at Sunol Glen 30:41 Heartfelt Reflections 32:05 The Changing Landscape of Education 35:36 Supporting Teachers and Administrators 36:50 Challenges in the Teaching Profession 42:27 Memorable Teachers and Experiences 45:22 Award Recognition and Community Support 47:22 Retirement Plans and Future Aspirations 51:02 Spreading Joy and Final Thoughts 52:56 Closing Remarks and Reflections /episode/index/show/jumpstartyourjoy/id/32061232

Activism and Resilience with Christy Tending: Writing Through Grief and Joy 07/02/2024

Activism and Resilience with Christy Tending: Writing Through Grief and Joy Read the full show notes: I'm welcoming back my friend and author Christy Tending. Christy is joining me to discuss her new book, "The High Priestess of the Apocalypse," which is a lyrical exploration of disobedience, grief, healing, and climate activism. Packed with heartfelt reflections and practical advice for activists, Christy's book offers a unique blend of memoir and guide. We also dive into a thoughtful conversation about the personal and societal challenges we've faced over the last few years, highlighting the importance of community, preparedness, and personal resilience. We discuss the practical aspects of activism, the emotional toll of recent global events, and how Christy's writing has navigated these complex landscapes. Key Highlights: Christy talks about the inspiration and process behind writing "The High Priestess of the Apocalypse," including the challenges of writing about deeply personal and societal issues. The importance of community and collective efforts in activism and beyond. Practical tips for personal and activist preparedness, including a PSA about phone security. The process of submitting work to literary magazines and dealing with rejection as a writer. Encouragement for creators to pursue their projects without waiting for external validation or permission. Resources: Find Christy's book: Follow Christy on Instagram: Buy Christy's book, "The High Priestess of the Apocalypse" on Amazon: Check out Jump Start Your Joy's back catalog and resources: Support the show on Buy Me a Coffee: Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome 00:20 Introducing Christy and Her New Book 00:33 Exploring the Themes of the Book 01:04 Community and Resources for Listeners 02:08 Christy's Journey and Writing Process 03:37 Navigating Modern Challenges 10:47 Practical Tips for Activists 15:13 Emergency Preparedness and Community Support 21:39 The Power of Community in Publishing 26:56 The Weird Book Thing 27:05 Self-Publishing Journey 27:48 Making Cool Stuff Without Permission 29:04 The Challenges of Writing a Book 30:18 Processing Isolation and Loss 39:37 The Role of an Editor 41:16 The Importance of Specificity in Writing 48:58 Finding Joy in the Little Things 50:59 Final Thoughts and Inspiration /episode/index/show/jumpstartyourjoy/id/31976007

Finding Joy through Structure and Elegance with Jennifer L. Scott, Author of The Madame Chic books 06/25/2024

Embracing the Gifts of Nellie Oleson: Alison Arngrim on her time on Little House on the Prairie 06/18/2024

Embracing the Gifts of Nellie Oleson: Alison Arngrim on her time on Little House on the Prairie Get the full show notes: Follow/subscribe to JSYJ (free) on your favorite app: Alison Arngrim, the actress best known for her role as Nellie Oleson on 'Little House on the Prairie' joins Paula in this look back episode. This episode, originally recorded a few years ago, is revisited as Paula and her son prepare to visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder homestead and on the 50th anniversary of the TV show. Alison shares her journey from suffering abuse as a child to finding empowerment through acting. She discusses her audition for Nellie Oleson, her experiences working with Michael Landon, and her transformation into an AIDS activist after her co-star Steve Tracy's death. Alison also touches on the dynamics with her castmates, the impact of the show globally, and her post-'Little House' work, including her standup comedy and public speaking on surviving abuse. The episode emphasizes Alison's decision to turn her situation into a source of joy and advocacy. Listeners are also guided to check out the show notes and follow Paula's adventures in Kansas on Instagram. Resources Alison Arngrim's (sign up for the Nellie Newsletter here) Alison Arngrim's Book, on Amazon Love the show, and want to show your support? Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement 00:31 Revisiting a Classic Episode 01:04 Welcome New Listeners 01:48 Introducing Alison Arngrim 03:04 Alison's Early Career and Little House on the Prairie 05:13 The Audition for Nelly Olson 11:42 The Global Impact of Little House on the Prairie 14:42 Behind the Scenes with Michael Landon 19:25 The Friendship with Melissa Gilbert 21:58 Public Reactions and Personal Reflections 31:29 Navigating Early Uncertainty 32:02 Building a Support System 32:54 A Love Story Blossoms 33:26 Shared Values and Compatibility 35:44 Embracing Public Recognition 39:31 Turning Fame into a Force for Good 43:05 Confessions of a Prairie Bitch 45:21 Empowering Women Through Lectures 51:03 Practical Advice for Aspiring Changemakers 56:03 Finding Joy in Everyday Life /episode/index/show/jumpstartyourjoy/id/31761745

Exploring Trauma and Joy with author Jen Soriano 06/11/2024

Embracing What You Stand FOR in This New Era of JSYJ 06/04/2024

5 Ways to Find More Comfort and Joy (Season 7 Wrap Up) 12/01/2022

5 Ways to Find More Comfort and Joy (Season 7 Wrap Up) This week's episode is the finale of season seven where I've been talking all about intentional comfort and how to bring more comfort and ease into your everyday life. If you have not yet listened to the episode where I did the countdown of the top 10 most downloaded episodes, you can tune in here. 1. Choose comfort, and build it into our lives. I think we are looking for a way to wind down and a way to hold space for the things that we've done and to take a breather. It may be that the world feels heavy, and that you need a break. Mirror what you choose to do with what the seasons do. Winter is a time of darkness and quiet and solitude. And so I think comfort and joy are bookends for each other, but I think they also go hand in hand. 2. See it as riding the wave. If youcan ride the wave of whateverdifficult thing you're facing, and intentionally schedule in comfort, you will be in a better place. It can be helpful to know that this current situation is temporary, and ride it out. And, you can get through it by clinging to that intentional comfort that we are setting up for yourself. 3. Everything is cyclical. Hard times, good times. Comforting times, overwhelming times. It's all cyclical. Knowing that there is a season for each thing that sometimes will be easier. Sometimes it'll be harder. And knowing this can maybe help you find comfort in one that the season will change just like if you ride out the wave. But in two, that, that this is part of the bigger plan and pattern. 4. Learn to live an "Untethered Life," as inspired by the book by Michael A Singer. The really big takeaway for me with that book is that you can start to question some of the patterns and habits that you recognize that you have after you spent some time looking at them. Because comfort can come from getting to know yourself instead of fighting whatever comes up and ruminating on whatever comes up. 5. Joy and happiness is comforting. Make time for whatever it is that makes you happy. Let go of the expectations and the pressure of day-to-day life that's telling us what we "should" do or want. Learning to let yourself be in the present moment, without feeling the need to document for social media or feel the pressure to share every detail with anyone else. Resources: Love the show, and want to show your support? /episode/index/show/jumpstartyourjoy/id/25194267

Become A Wonder Seeker by Adding More Wonder, Magic, and Joy to Your Life with Andrea Scher 10/20/2022

Three Ways to Reconnect with Intentional Comfort as Inspired by the Art of Gathering 10/13/2022

Three Ways to Reconnect with Intentional Comfort as Inspired by the Art of Gathering Intentional Comfort is the theme of this season, and in this episode I'm taking inspiration from Priya Parker's Art of Gathering, and using her 3 rules of gathering to consider new ways to reconnect with what nourishes, fortifies, and supports you. While her Ted Talk is about how to interact in groups and gatherings in new ways, I find that her rules and thoughts offer insights on how to connect with yourself, and how to determine what is meaningful to you when looking for intentional comfort. Here are the basics of what I'm covering: Don't leave it to chance This is the intentional part of things. If we leave the relationship and connection we have to and with ourselves to chance, it's far too easy to focus on the basics and logistics of life, and ignore time for self care. If you're longing for more time for yourself, or time to do thoughtful, comforting things, schedule that time in. Embrace your purpose For many of you, especially over the stretch of the pandemic, you may have developed some habits that aren’t really serving you. And, while they likely did serve you for a period of time, now that we’re nearly into the third year of all of this, I think the way we look at comfort and what fortifies us has likely changed. It’s become super apparent that this isn’t about a sprint, this is about a transition. What is the purpose, or meaning, behind setting up time for intentional comfort? How can you craft something that supports and nourishes you, as we all work through this transition together? What is the purpose of what you want to do, in finding comfort? What would meet your needs? If you’re looking for an escape, what does that look like given any of your current constraints? If you’re looking for peace and quiet, why? And if you dig a layer deeper, is there something you feel is missing? Cause good controversy Priya says that “human connection is as threatened by unhealthy peace as it is by unhealthy conflict.” And, I’d add that this connection is true for gatherings as it is for the connection you and I have with ourselves. For this, I’d ask yourself what do you need, right now? Drop any sort of “shoulds” or polite answers. You're answering this just for yourself. Some of these answers might be overly simple: a walk, a shower, a drink of water, a meal Some of these answers might be more complicated and feel harder to figure out: a feeling of connectedness, quiet time when I’m not needed by anyone else, a day to just bake cookies and connect with the holiday spirit How can you do this? It might feel like it involves creating some good controversy, especially if it involves speaking up to divide up housework with your family, to find quiet time, to find time to pursue a hobby, or to interview for a new job. You may need help from other people to do these things. So, dive in and ask yourself what you need and then figure out what kind of help you need from other people in your family. The other side of this good controversy could be a totally inside job. It could be that you’ve been sitting with something for a long time that doesn’t feel so great, and in order to find comfort and joy on the other side, you need to work through it. You may need to break through a Story - or something you’re assuming is true but isn’t really true. Use "pop up" rules Priya suggests this for groups that gather that don’t necessarily share the same background, or are part of the same generation, culture, or rules for etiquette. She says in those situations, you can set up pop up rules to encourage meaningful connection. What if you changed your own rules for a bit? What rules could you set for yourself, just for a day or a week, to support yourself? An example might be: set a bedtime for yourself for the next week if you are tired. Make a rule for yourself that this week, you will slow down and have an afternoon snack and see how that feels. Limit your interaction with people who stress you out, if possible. Maybe if there’s a particular person that tends to upset you but you know you’ll see at a holiday event, maybe set a rule that you can leave after a certain amount of time at the event, or request that you not be seated next to them? This might mean that you’re asking for something slightly different of yourself and other people - and that could be uncomfortable. So, let it be an experiment. Try out what something new looks like. Wrap up These ideas are all so applicable to how we can find intentional comfort and joy in our lives. It’s so easy to get into habits that don’t really support you, but have addressed discomfort you may have been feeling. Intentional Comfort is all adding a layer of mindfulness to what you do every day. I have been looking for ways to intentionally add nurturing and nourishing habits to my days, and find that when I make those choices, I do find more joy, too. Resources /episode/index/show/jumpstartyourjoy/id/24661302

Empaths and Highly Sensitive People with guest Signe Myers Hovem 10/06/2022

Top 10 Most Beloved Episodes of Season Seven on Jump Start Your Joy (Finale Part One: A Countdown) 09/09/2022

10 Things That Will Inspire More Passion and Joy in Your Work and Life (Best of Season 7) 08/25/2022

10 Things That Will Inspire More Passion and Joy in Your Work and Life (Best of Season 7) Are 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. 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 Resources Resources C I Love the show, and what to show your support? /episode/index/show/jumpstartyourjoy/id/24136350

Still on Fire: Joy, Intuition, and Your Soul's Path with author Renee Linnell 08/18/2022

Return to Nature with Emma Loewe 08/12/2022

Eight Great Ways to Jumpstart Your Creativity and Get Unstuck 08/05/2022

Finding Joy and Learning to "Give From Your Overflow" During Stressful Times 07/29/2022

Intentional Comfort and Joy in the Midst of Grief with Jenn Oglesbee 06/30/2022

Intentional Comfort and Joy in the Midst of Grief with Jenn Oglesbee Jenn Oglesbee is a certified life coach and licensed clinical social worker, and the discussions that she and I had last summer on Instagram Live are what me to choose the “Intentional Comfort” for season seven on Jump Start Your Joy. We had a series called “What the Hell?,” and in it we discussed the events of the past couple of years, and how they impacted our lives. Jenn and I share a love of talking about joy, and have both woven it into our work. It’s an honor to have Jenn come back a year later, and share more about her own journey. In December of 2021, Jenn lost her sister to a rare form of brain cancer. She has been open in sharing about how the grief has shown up in her life, and how losing someone as close as a sibling has felt. She and I had had an interview on the books at the end of last year, and she asked to reschedule our discussion until after she felt ready to talk about things. And, she offered to dive into how finding and making space for intentional comfort in the midst of grief has looked for her over the past few months. Resources Jenn Oglesbee’s website: Our three Instagram lives from last summer: In this episode, Jenn Oglesbee and I talk about: her joy as a child, doing dance parties, writing, and playing the uncertainty involved around her sister’s illness and diagnosis, and navigating supporting her during the COVID pandemic the difference between coaching and therapy looking for the little joys in life during hard times, even when joy feels like it is hard to grasp the grief and uncertainty that many of us felt during the pandemic surrendering to grief giving yourself permission to take a break for emotions other than grief during mourning how writing can help you process big emotions sharing what feels right, to the right people, when you are ready reconnecting with joy how she jump starts her joy: with downtime, making time for creativity, giving yourself permission to look weird and feel foolish Love the show, and what to show your support? /episode/index/show/jumpstartyourjoy/id/23596349

Five Easy Mindfulness Tips to Help You Every Day 06/16/2022

Finding and Honoring Your Heart's Second Home 05/17/2022

Shelter in Place and Finding Your Way Home with Laura Joyce Davis 04/27/2022

The Body is Not an Apology with Sonya Renee Taylor 04/19/2022

Return to Nature with Emma Loewe 04/12/2022

Fred LeBlanc on Finding a Mardi Gras State of Mind 04/05/2022

Stepping Up and Standing Out as an Introvert with Heather Hall 03/30/2022

Jump Start Your Joy

TOPICS