Let's Talk Joy

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. This week’s Let’s Talk Joy podcast is the last of the first year with weekly episodes. In this episode, Erin reflects on the year and each month’s themes: Joy is Intentional, Love, Acceptance, Dedication, Empowerment, Community, Freedom, Effort, Gratitude, Compassion, and Generosity...with inspiration and support from the 8 Pillars of Joy as described in The Book of Joy: perspective, humility, humor, acceptance, forgiveness, gratitude, compassion, and generosity.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. This week’s Let’s Talk Joy podcast is about the third type of generosity described in The Book of Joy by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams: generosity of sharing spiritual teachings...as well as your own joyful spirit.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. This week’s Let’s Talk Joy podcast is about the second type of generosity described in The Book of Joy by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams: the gift of providing protection and safety. Of course, I couldn’t help but talk about how that type of generosity is our most fundamental instinct as a species and how we can do better, even in the midst of our holiday gatherings.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. This month's theme of generosity was inspired by the last of the 8 Pillars of Joy as described in The Book of Joy by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams. This episode explores how the elements of joy culminate with the expression of generosity in sharing the gift that is you.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. This month's theme of generosity was inspired by the last of the 8 Pillars of Joy as described in The Book of Joy by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. The theme for this month, compassion, was inspired by Chapter 7 in The Book of Joy by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams. In this episode, Erin shares her interpretation of using the practice of giving and receiving known as Tonglen, to develop compassion for people we may not know.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. The theme for this month, compassion, was inspired by Chapter 7 in The Book of Joy by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams. In this birthday episode, Erin shares her interpretation of using the practice of giving and receiving known as Tonglen, to develop compassion for yourself.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. The theme for this month, compassion, was inspired by Chapter 7 in The Book of Joy by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams. In this episode, Erin shares her interpretation and experience of the practice of giving and receiving known as Tonglen.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. The theme of Gratitude for this month was inspired by The Book of Joy by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams, and in this episode Erin shares about her unforgettable experience of gratitude when she met the Dalai Lama in India.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. Continuing through The Book of Joy by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams, the theme for this month is Gratitude. Erin explains why and how practicing gratitude daily is the easiest and fastest way to cultivate and protect joy.

The Joyful Feast

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. Continuing through The Book of Joy by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams, the theme for this month is Gratitude. Erin explains why and how practicing gratitude daily is the easiest and fastest way to cultivate and protect joy.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. This month's theme is inspired by The Book of Joy by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams and the latest chapter is on Forgiveness. Erin shares about doing the practices referenced in the book, Forgive for Good by Dr. Fred Luskin, to let go of the anger and resentment of her daughter's abduction and murder allows her to devote her energy to her daughter's memory and legacy.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. In this episode, Erin introduces this month's theme of joyful effort by talking about how evaluating our experiences from multiple perspectives allows for joy.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. In this episode, Erin introduces this month's theme of joyful effort by talking about resetting our intentions and adjusting our routines to set ourselves (and our children) up for a successful final stretch of the year.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. In this episode, Erin shares how she cultivates joy in the midst of busy and/or difficult days.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. In this episode, Erin talks about how the time for Joy is Now Not Later because projecting into the future actually closes us off to the moment we are actually experiencing.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. In this episode, Erin introduces the theme, Joy is Now, by exploring how letting go of our past and the stories that trap our energy can help us more fully enjoy the life we are living right now.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. In this episode, Erin aims to inspire you to dive into the joy of summer through a child's eyes.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. In this episode, Erin shares her thoughts about the month's theme, Joy is Freedom, in relation to the 17th Anniversary of her daughter's abduction. 

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. This episode goes deeper into the notion of personal freedom and its universal oppressor, fear. We can be brave and sit with the truth and depth of our freedom to make the most of our short lives.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. In this episode, Erin discusses how joy is community for children when we set an example by establishing boundaries with caregivers while also empowering children to tell a Safe Adult if they are every uncomfortable or afraid. 

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. In this episode, Erin discusses how joy is community among our peers or colleagues when we focus on our shared purpose, articulate our values, and establish rules of engagement that foster a safe and empowering culture within groups or teams.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. In this episode, Erin discusses how joy is community because we have the power to surround ourselves with friends who generate a cycle of empowerment for each other.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. This episode explores how joy is empowerment when we act for our own purpose but first, we have to allow ourselves the freedom to imagine what it is we really want in this life.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. This episode explores how to empower our children while protecting joy.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. This episode is the first of this month's theme of empowerment. Erin shares an example of how her mother provided unorthodox opportunities to develop the skills and confidence to be empowered.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. This episode explores how we can cultivate joy by following our passion. What makes you feel inspired, excited, or maybe even angry? Those things motivate us to learn, grow, and make a difference, give meaning to our lives and therefore, even when they are serious or hard, they are also a source of joy.    

Erin Runnion discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. This episode explores how joy is dedication to something or someone beyond ourselves. Erin reflects on how dedication to Samantha and to the children we can still help inspire her to continue The Joyful Child's work to protect and empower children.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. This episode is about how joy is dedication to protecting and empowering young children.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. This episode revisits all of the ways that Joy is Acceptance and focuses on accepting our imperfections as well as the transitory, precious nature of our shared human experience.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. This episode explores the importance of wholeheartedly accepting children exactly as they are as you demonstrate and guide them through owning and learning from mistakes and difficult feelings. Children learn more from our behavior, our actions, and non-verbal communication than from our words. It is not enough to tell them they are loved and accepted; you have to show them.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. Episodes explore joy from different perspectives including personal growth, as a parent or caregiver, an educator or teacher, and how the theme and tips may be shared with children or teens. This episode encourages listeners to look at themselves through a different lens to focus on their strengths and protect their joy.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. Episodes explore joy from different perspectives including personal growth, as a parent or caregiver, an educator or teacher, and how the theme and tips may be shared with children or teens. This episode is about accepting everyday challenges and opportunities.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. Episodes explore joy from different perspectives including personal growth, as a parent or caregiver, an educator or teacher, and how the theme and tips may be shared with children or teens.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. Episodes explore joy from different perspectives including personal growth, as a parent or caregiver, an educator or teacher, and how the theme and tips may be shared with children or teens.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. Episodes explore joy from different perspectives including personal growth, as a parent or caregiver, an educator or teacher, and how the theme and tips may be shared with children or teens.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. Episodes explore joy from different perspectives including personal growth, as a parent or caregiver, an educator or teacher, and how the theme and tips may be shared with children or teens.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. Episodes explore joy from different perspectives including personal growth, as a parent or caregiver, an educator or teacher, and how the theme and tips may be taught or nurtured in children or teens.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, discusses lessons learned about cultivating and protecting joy since her 5-year-old daughter's abduction and murder in 2002. Episodes explore joy from different perspectives including personal growth, as a parent or caregiver, an educator or teacher, and how the theme and tips may be taught or nurtured in children or teens.

Erin Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation in memory of her daughter, Samantha, talks about how the heart and emotions can be a point of entry for cultivating and protecting joy.