Podcasts about choose joy

What's the toughest situation you're facing today? A relationship? A negative boss? Financial pressure? Join Chip as he shares truth from God's Word that will begin to neutralize that issue in your life and allow you to experience joy in the midst of your most perplexing problems.Main PointsThe Divine Equation:C+P=E (Circumstance + Perspective = Experience)KEY #1: FocusWhere is my focus? -Philippians 1:1-11How to develop an upward focus -Philippians 1:3-6A choice = GratitudeAn action = PrayerAn Attitude = ConfidenceThree observations about an outward focus -Philippians 1:7-8Difficult circumstances reveal our true affections.Living above our circumstances occurs when our hearts are so full of people that there is no room for self-pity.Sometimes God allows adverse circumstances to realign our affections!How to develop an outward focus -Philippians 1:9-11Think about those who have loved you the most.Pray for those you think about the most.Conclusion: Where's your focus?Upward or Inward?Outward or Inward?Broadcast ResourceDownload Free MP3Message NotesAdditional Resource Mentions"I Choose Joy" Book"I Choose Joy" Home Church StudyMid Year MatchMid Year MatchConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

If you're bummed out, struggling, things not going well, and you don't know where to go, join Chip as he begins this series and shares how a divine equation can change your world.Main PointsThe Divine Equation: C+P=E (Circumstance + Perspective = Experience)KEY #1: FocusWhere is my focus? -Philippians 1:1-11How to develop an upward focus -Philippians 1:3-6A choice = GratitudeAn action = PrayerAn Attitude = ConfidenceThree observations about an outward focus -Philippians 1:7-8Difficult circumstances reveal our true affections.Living above our circumstances occurs when our hearts are so full of people that there is no room for self-pity.Sometimes God allows adverse circumstances to realign our affections!How to develop an outward focus -Philippians 1:9-11Think about those who have loved you the most.Pray for those you think about the most.Conclusion: Where's your focus?Upward or Inward?Outward or Inward?Broadcast ResourceDownload Free MP3Message NotesAdditional Resource Mentions"I Choose Joy" Book"I Choose Joy" Home Church StudyMid Year MatchMid Year MatchConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

Have you ever lived in a mindset where you're basically waiting for the other shoe to drop, hope feels impossible or too dangerous? It can feel safer to fly low, embrace pessimism and cynicism and think, “if life turns out half as bad as I imagine, then at least I'll be ready for it.” That's the kind of mindset Stephanie had when she was younger. Stephanie welcomes Nicole Zasowski, author and therapist, who shares wisdom on reclaiming joy and celebration in a world often dominated by worry and pessimism. Nicole's journey and research reveal that joy isn't just an emotional response, but a courageous, spiritual discipline rooted in God's faithfulness. Despite her deep faith, she had concluded that joy and celebration were risky. She was sure that celebration would come with a catch, so she became practiced in praying for the miracle while preparing to mourn and dreaming while rehearsing disaster. And yet she discovered that our methods of self-protection came at a cost. A lot of the loss we experience in our lives is not only the grief and the disappointment itself, but also the joy that we overlook because we are too afraid to embrace it, she tells us. That's the conversation on Gospel Spice today. Understanding the Struggle with Joy Nicole begins by dispelling the myth that celebration and joy come naturally to her—in fact, her books were born from seasons marked by change, loss, and disappointment. Through experiences like moving across the country and enduring infertility and miscarriages, Nicole discovered a heartbreaking truth: much of her loss was not just in what she lacked, but in her refusal to embrace the goodness that God placed in her path out of fear that it would be taken away. This led her into research, both biblical and scientific, to understand why joy can feel so vulnerable and difficult, especially when we've experienced pain. Redefining Celebration: A Spiritual Discipline American and Western cultures, Nicole notes, often see celebration as a reward for good news or accomplishments. However, the Bible—especially the Old Testament—demonstrates celebration as a spiritual rhythm and discipline, not just a reaction. The Israelites practiced regular, scheduled celebrations and feasts, regardless of their current circumstances. These rhythms were not designed to reward themselves for their goodness, but to remember and honor God's consistent faithfulness. Celebration, then, is about choosing remembrance: looking back at God's goodness and letting that fuel hope, courage, and anticipation about the future—even when circumstances are hard. The Vulnerability of Joy Joy is inherently vulnerable because it opens our hearts to the possibility of loss. For those who have experienced pain, pessimism and cynicism can become self-protective mechanisms. However, Nicole's research and experience as a therapist show that numbing ourselves to joy doesn't actually protect us. Rather, it diminishes our ability to savor God's goodness and leaves us empty-handed in difficult times. Practical Tools for Practicing Joy Nicole emphasizes that joy, like any virtue, can and must be intentionally practiced. Two key habits can help rewire our hearts toward joy: 1.      Savoring: Take mental “snapshots” of small moments, deliberately noticing what you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel. This helps your brain store joyful experiences that might otherwise go unnoticed. 2.      Thanksgiving (vs. gratitude): Beyond silently feeling grateful, speak and express thanks out loud—to God or others. Research shows that this actually heightens and solidifies joy inside us. Key Takeaways from our conversation ·         Joy and celebration are not merely emotions; they are spiritual practices and choices that shape us. ·         God invites us into rhythms of celebration even when our feelings or circumstances do not match, because it roots us deeper in remembrance of His faithfulness. ·         Practicing joy often feels counterintuitive—especially in pain—but it is the way God designed us to process life and hope. ·         Tools like savoring and thanksgiving can help transform our hearts and brains to default toward joy instead of worry or cynicism. Nicole encourages us that it's never too late to begin practicing joy, regardless of our life's season. The discipline of joy prepares us for eternity, deepening our delight in God and training our hearts for hope and celebration—no matter what comes our way. MORE ABOUT NICOLE ZASOWSKI Nicole Zasowski is a licensed marriage and family therapist and author of What If It's Wonderful, From Lost to Found and her new Bible Study Daring Joy. She is also the coauthor of Advances and Techniques in Restoration Therapy and Families and Forgiveness. As a writer who wears her heart proudly on her sleeve, Nicole's work is a weave of biblical wisdom, psychological expertise, and vulnerable storytelling. Often praised for her wisdom and approachable style, Nicole is a sough-after speaker, frequently teaching at conferences, retreats, and women's events around the country on topics that integrate faith and psychology. In addition to her private practice, Nicole's therapeutic work has included teaching as an adjunct professor at Alliance Theological Seminary in New York and leading marriage intensives at the Hideaway Experience. Nicole and her husband, Jimmy, are the grateful parents of three young children. Her favorite place to be is looking for sea glass on the Connecticut shoreline, exploring a New England town or New York City neighborhood, or sitting in her front yard around a fire with her family, friends, and neighbors. Meet Nicole at https://www.nicolezasowski.com/  MORE ABOUT “DARING JOY” Joy can feel risky. When you've experienced pain of any kind, it can feel easier not to dream than to be disappointed, or not to hope than to be left heartbroken. If you ever feel like it's safer not to embrace joy at all than to hold something that might break, you're not alone. Thankfully, the Bible paints a different picture—one that gives you the courage to hold on to joy regardless of your circumstances. https://www.nicolezasowski.com/daring-joy  MORE ABOUT “WHAT IF IT'S WONDERFUL” What If It's Wonderful? Author and marriage and family therapist Nicole Zasowski knows that it's difficult to trust joy and find the courage to celebrate when you have endured seasons of disappointment and despair. When God has been your faithful anchor in the storm, does joy then leave you unmoored? Nicole reminds us that we can stay tethered to the hope of Christ in seasons of celebration, because even joyful days hold the learning, growth, and intimate encounters with Jesus that our hearts crave. What If It's Wonderful? offers a new perspective. With a compelling psychological and spiritual case for the importance of embracing joy and celebration, even when it feels scary. https://www.nicolezasowski.com/wonderful  We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Identity in the battle | Ephesians https://www.podcastics.com/episode/74762/link/ Centering on Christ | The Tabernacle experience https://www.podcastics.com/episode/94182/link/ Shades of Red | Against human oppression https://www.podcastics.com/episode/115017/link/ God's glory, our delight  https://www.podcastics.com/episode/126051/link/   Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Pain is an illusion. This statement is made in this lesson #190 in A Course in Miracles. Pain does seem real, but what is the "cause" of the pain? A thought in the mind of the ego has not accepted it's wholeness and oneness with the Absolute Life of our Creator. This thought is a thought of pain. We accumlate pain and then choose death to escape from it. We can be hurt by nothing but our thoughts. What are they? Are we willing to let them go? Change them into thoughts of Joy? Can we bring the healing, the dropping of the illusion, in the present. This is where and when the healing can take place NOW. The solution is in the present. We choose the Joy of God in this holy instant.

FOCUS | Choose Joy, Live with Vision In a world full of distractions, where you place your focus determines what takes root in your heart. In Ephesians 1:15-23, Paul prays for the church's vision to be brightened, for their hearts to understand the hope, riches, and power available through Christ.

We are called to share our faith joyfully, and Father Dave welcomes Shemaiah Gonzalez to discuss her new book, “Undaunted Joy: The Revolutionary Act of Cultivating Delight.”

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. We are in the last chapter of Ecclesiastes. That means today we are 4 days away from starting the Gospel of Mark. Go to the website and grab the Scriptural Journal for this study so you can study along with us. Today, we're looking at Ecclesiastes 12:4-5: And the doors on the street are shut—when the sound of the grinding is low, and one rises up at the sound of a bird, and all the daughters of song are brought low—they are afraid also of what is high, and terrors are in the way; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags itself along, and desire fails, because man is going to his eternal home, and the mourners go about the streets— Ecclesiastes 12:4-5 Solomon continues his poetic descent through the aging process—and this time, he describes not just physical breakdown but also emotional and social decline. The “doors on the street” are shut—perhaps the ears or even social isolation. The “sound of grinding is low”—daily activity slows to a crawl. Rising at the “sound of a bird”—sleep becomes fragile and easily disturbed. “Daughters of song are brought low”—joy is muted, and singing no longer lifts the soul as it once did. And then the fear creeps in. Fear of falling. Fear of going out. The almond tree blossoms—white hair. The grasshopper drags along—once agile, now slow. And desire? It begins to fade. Not just sexual desire (though let's be honest—testosterone replacement therapy is more common than ever), but also a decline in passion, motivation, and drive. Solomon isn't rubbing it in—he's inviting reflection. Because the destination is clear: man goes to his eternal home. He's asking us: Do you really want to wait until life grows silent, slow, and sorrowful to make eternal decisions? What you still have—your energy, joy, desire, and courage—use it now. Before the mourners gather, choose the joy of the Lord. #EternalPerspective, #ChooseJoyNow, #DailyDevotional ASK THIS: What “desire” in your life has faded over time? How do you respond to fears that come with aging? Are you making eternal decisions while you still have strength? What does it mean for you to choose joy before the mourners gather? DO THIS: Reflect on one area of your life where you've lost desire—and ask God to reignite it with eternal purpose. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me see the brevity of life not as a burden but a blessing. Teach me to live each day with eternal purpose and lasting joy. Amen. PLAY THIS: Grow.

How to Stop Complicating Happiness and Start Living It In this episode of the Resilience Across Borders podcast, Rachid explores the idea that happiness doesn't have to be complicated. He discusses how happiness is often portrayed as an elusive goal tied to success, relationships, or external validation. Still, he posits that joy can be simpler and more accessible by shifting perspectives.  Rachid offers six practical tips to embrace simple happiness: focusing on what's working, letting go of overthinking, enjoying small, consistent joys, not waiting for perfect circumstances, connecting with others in simple ways, and accepting the natural fluctuations of happiness.  He emphasizes that happiness can be found in everyday moments and encourages listeners to integrate small, joyful actions into their daily lives.  Rachid closes the episode by reminding listeners to appreciate the present and to be kind to themselves and others. More About Topics Covered: Introduction to Simplifying Happiness Focus on What's Working Let Go of Overthinking Do Small Things That Bring Joy Stop Waiting for Perfect Circumstances Connect with Others in Simple Ways Accept That Happiness Fluctuates You can find blog posts and new episodes here:  https://atresilience.com/ Exciting news! The Emogym Journal is now available on Amazon. Don't miss out – grab a copy for yourself, your friends, and your loved ones today. This journal is packed with insights and practices that have made a difference in my life and the lives of other joyful, grateful, and successful individuals. Start your journey to greater happiness and success now with the Emogym Journal. https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rachid-Zahidi/author/B00UZEVPAK  

Keep Calm and Choose Joy - Rev. Lane Cobb  

In this edition of Madison Book Beat, host Andrew Thomas speaks with AJ Romriell on his debut memoir Wolf Act (University of Wisconsin Press, 2025).Wolf Act is a “memoir in essays,” and these essays take on a variety of forms. The work is divided into three different Acts, and each act is made up of chapters that are both interlinked but can also stand on their own as well. While the majority of the prose is narrative nonfiction, there are a number of chapters that include lengthy lists, definition entries like you would find in a dictionary, as well as passages that mirror a kind of Mormon liturgy and educational upbringing.As the title suggests, wolves are a central metaphor throughout the work, and Romriell seamlessly weaves in references to wolves from mythology, fables, fairy tales, and religious beliefs as a way of processing his exit from the Mormon faith and his intentional turn towards self-love and joy.AJ Romriell is a storyteller, photographer, and educator. His memoir Wolf Act is about his experience growing up queer and neurodivergent in the Mormon religion; it earned first prize in the Utah Original Writing Competition and was a finalist for the Writers' League of Texas Manuscript Contest. He is a 2025 Pushcart nominee, and his essays, stories, and poems have been featured in Electric Literature, The Missouri Review, Michigan Quarterly Review, Black Warrior Review, Brevity, New Delta Review, and elsewhere. He has been the recipient of the Vandewater Prize in Poetry, the Kenneth W. Brewer Creative Writing Award, and the Ralph Jennings Smith Creative Writing Endowment, and his work has been shortlisted for Ploughshares' Emerging Writer's Contest, CRAFT's Hybrid Writing Contest, and the Black Warrior Review and New Ohio Review contests for creative nonfiction.

What if joy was the secret ingredient to better decisions, stronger leadership, and a future you can't wait to step into?In this solo episode, Kimberly dives into sparks of joy—how it shapes the way you respond, lead, from the energy of JOY - as well as the choices that impact your success and your future.Let's live from overflow, not depletion. ✔️ Why joy isn't just a feeling—it's a leadership strategy✔️ How AI can support your joy-filled vision—but can't spark the joy for you✔️ A simple challenge to reconnect with what truly lights you upeven an AI prompt to help you uncover small joys and big dreams!MUST LISTEN TO PREVIOUS EPISODE with Leisse Wilcox: https://shows.acast.com/overflow-with-kimberly-snider/episodes/spark-joy-embrace-fun-a-bold-move-with-leisse-wilcoxIn addition, here is a strategy AND dare to dream audio created just for you. Begin. Prioritize YOU. In a world full of numbers ... striving. Find space here to pause, energize. No guilt. No unrealistic goals. Like a guided meditation... this is a Guided Strategic Thinking. You're Welcome! https://overflow-motivator-2000.kit.com/products/guided-audio-dare-to-dreamKimberly SniderWebsite: https://peoplebrain.caLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-j-snider/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/overflow_podcast/Hey, your Future Self is calling—and they want you to find the spark! Choose J O Y !Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/overflow-with-kimberly-snider. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The reigning Ms. America joins the podcast to coach us up on a number of topics. We learn about the pageant process, how to advance to the Ms. America stage, and all the work that's involved in preparing. Also, she coaches us up on choosing joy through difficult circumstances and we learn about how a commitment to her best friend has turned into a passion to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis.•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••As always we thank our title sponsor OneCountry.com for making this podcast possible, and to Konexial.com for their continued support of our podcast.COACH ME UP TEAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OneCountry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Konexial.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Twitter:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@CoachJimmyDykes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@ChrisBurke02⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Hosted by Jimmy Dykes and Chris BurkeProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jared Mark Fincher⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠All audio is subject to copyright 2025 Jimmy Dykes Inc.Contact us at coachmeuppodcast@gmail.com

Life is hard. Work piles up. Responsibilities never end. And if we're not careful, we slip into survival mode—just grinding through, waiting for the next break. Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. Today, we're looking at Ecclesiastes 8:15: And I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun. — Ecclesiastes 8:15 He says, “I commend joy.” That's strong language. He's not just suggesting joy as a nice option—he's urging it. Why? Because in this broken world, we don't control much. Work will always be work. Life will have struggles. But joy? That's something we can choose. Solomon reminds us that eating, drinking, and enjoying life aren't just distractions—they're gifts from God. They fuel us through the toil. They remind us that even in the hard grind of life, God has given us good things. So today, stop waiting for the perfect moment to enjoy life. Laugh a little. Eat with gratitude. Find joy in the little things. Because God is present in them. #ChooseJoy, #BiblicalWisdom, #DailyFaith ASK THIS: What small joys has God placed in your life today? How can you shift your mindset from survival mode to joy? Why do you think Solomon commands joy rather than just suggests it? What's one way you can incorporate gratitude into your daily routine? DO THIS: Be intentional about finding joy today—whether it's a meal, a conversation, or a moment of laughter. Acknowledge it as God's gift. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me to see and embrace the joy You have placed in my life. Even in the busyness and struggles, remind me to rejoice in Your gifts. Amen. PLAY THIS: Joy In The Morning.

  There's something magnetic about people who follow joy like it's their inner compass. Anka is one of those people, and when we connected (very recently), I knew this was a conversation I wanted to have. In this episode, I chat with Anka, an ocean swimmer, traveller and German TV reporter who splits her time between Europe and Perth. We talk about what happens when you stop playing it safe and start saying yes to the things that light you up. Inside this conversation: How Anka found instant community through ocean swimming Growing up in rainy Germany and how it shaped her resilience Creating a life that follows the seasons Why you don't need the full plan before you take the leap The joy of movement, connection and shared coffees after a swim A shared love of cookbooks, culture and pomegranates And why “goodbye” isn't in Anka's vocab If you're craving adventure, connection, or just know you need ‘something different', this episode will give you that nudge to trust your curiosity and choose joy - even when it makes no sense on paper. Listen to the end to find out how to dissect a pomegranate (life hack included). And if you're in Perth and want to check out ocean swimming, the Pod Squad meet every day at North Cottesloe near sunrise (DM me for the deets). Find Amanda: amandaewin.com Amanda Ewin Instagram Amanda Ewin Linked In Amanda Ewin Facebook Send me a message on Socials or at amanda@amandaewin.com Please leave a review on iTunes, to help this Podcast reach more amazing humans like you. It makes a world of difference.

In this episode, Hannah is joined by Sophie Cliff, also known as the Joyful Coach. Sophie talks through her journey of leaving her corporate career to become a coach focused on helping people find more joy in everyday life. After experiencing a personal loss, Sophie turned to positive psychology for healing, eventually returning to university to pursue a master's degree. Since then, she has made it her mission to help others focus on joy, even in challenging times. She discusses how workplace culture can impact individual happiness and why it's crucial to integrate joy into both our personal and professional lives. Sophie also dives into the importance of self-care (especially for women who often put others first), the power of gratitude, and how creating space for spontaneity can lead to a more joyful life. Hannah OBVIOUSLY loves all of Sophie's insights, being a fellow positive psychology advocate herself and shares some of her own anecdotes and learnings. Together, they stress the importance of experiencing the full range of emotions and avoiding toxic positivity. Emotional balance is about embracing both the good and the bad, while also modeling joy for future generations. Throughout the conversation, Sophie shares insights on how we can challenge societal pressures, prioritise joy, and create more fulfilling lives.Sophie's journey and work are super inspiring and she is a great role model for mothers and women juggling the projected social pressures of life. Whether you're seeking to lighten your load, find ways to step up your self-care or inject more joy in your work and life, this episode will leave you feeling seen and inspired! You can connect with Sophie on Instagram @Sophiecliff and find her website https://sophiecliff.com/ You can also purchase her book Choose Joy here and her second book The Hustle Cure here - hope you enjoy! This series is sponsored by the magical Cosmic Dealer and you can get 10% off all of their delicious products and wellness goodies using the code wholenesswithhannah - live that cosmic life!You can follow the podcast on instagram at @wholenesswithhannah and email us at podcast@wholenesswithhannah.com and Hannah's website is www.wholeofhannah.com

Pastor Rory Eldridge explains how Paul's steadfast joy in the midst of imprisonment reminds us that true, lasting joy comes from a deep relationship with Christ rather than from the fleeting nature of worldly happiness. His message encourages believers to maintain a spirit of rejoicing regardless of life's hardships, viewing every circumstance as an opportunity to trust in God's greater plan.

Choose Joy series part 5, Ps. Steve Mawston, 9 March 2025 

Choose Joy series part four, Ps. Jon Norman, 2 March 2025 

If you would like all this lovely content without the adverts then follow the link https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/calming-anxiety--4110266/supportBook your one on one hypnotherapy with Martin - https://calendar.app.google/rXHMt8sRYft5iWma8Take back control over your negative thoughts and calm pain and anxiety with this beautiful course in conjunction with The Physio Crew - https://offers.thephysiocrew.co.uk/home-pain Don't forget the app and now all our podcasts are also on YouTube.Gift the app to a loved one, friend or colleague - https://www.martinhewlett.co.uk/shop/calming-anxiety-gift-subscription/Try out the new , beautiful and simple breathing challenge to help you relax.https://www.martinhewlett.co.uk/breathing-challenge/Don't forget to download app....Calming Anxiety for IOS - https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/calming-anxiety/id1576159331Calming Anxiety for Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=digital.waterfront.calming.anxiety&hl=en-GBPlease download and enjoy.If you have found benefit from my podcast I do have a "buy me a coffee" page which helps to fund the hosting costs and all the time. :)https://www.buymeacoffee.com/calminganxietyI am always open to requests and tips as I try to help as many people as possible .My email is calminganxiety@martinhewlett.co.ukFor those younger listeners struggling with the stress of social media, do check out this amazing website. https://www.icanhelp.net/If you have found benefit in any of our podcasts then it would really help if you could subscribe as well to our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/martinhewlett?sub_confirmation=1Backing Music by Chris Collins============Affiliate links to the gear I use the items that give me a more tranquil life.Rode Podmic - https://amzn.to/3LN1JEdZoom Livetrak L8 - https://amzn.to/36UCIbySony ZV 1 - https://amzn.to/3JvDUPTGoPro Hero 8 Black - https://amzn.to/372rzFlDJI Mini 2 - https://amzn.to/3NQfMdY=============================Items I use for a more relaxed way of life :)Organic Pure Hemp CBD Capsules - https://amzn.to/3

Choose Joy series part 3, Ps. Rachel Mawston, 23 February 2025 

Connect with God — on Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Use this biblical meditation, narrated by Johnathon Eltrevoog, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. How do you choose joy? Meditate on 1 Peter 1:6-7. Allow the music & nature sounds, deep breathing, prayer, and scripture help you connect with God in a new way. For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for meditation is right here: https://abide.com/peace Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

· Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice!· Why should I choose joy?· John 14:1-4 - Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”· Heaven is living in the presence of God.· Heaven is not just a place to go when you die; it is a Kingdom you experience as you follow Jesus.· Isaiah 65: 17For behold, I am the creator of new heavens and a new earth;And the previous things will not be remembered and will come upon the heart.18So then, rejoice and be excited forever for what I create!For behold, I am the creator of a rejoicing Jerusalem and her people of joy!19And I will be excited with Jerusalem and I will rejoice with my people;And in her will not be heard again weeping or crying.· Revelation 21:1-4 - Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from theireyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”· If you do not want a relationship with God on earth, you will not be comfortable in heaven.· We need to live to get ready for heaven.· Do you hate?· Do you lust?· Do you treat marriage as sacred?· Are you trustworthy?· Do you let go of hurt and bitterness?· Do you love your enemies?· Are you generous?· Are you developing a conversational relationship with God?· Do you trust God with your worries and anxieties?· Do you judge others?· Are you building your life on Jesus or on your own wisdom?· 19And I will be excited with Jerusalem and I will rejoice with my people…· Following Jesus means doing life with God right now.· Church is to be a preview of heaven.· Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.· The more the church looks like heaven, the more people want to know what makes us that way.· When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be.· When we all see Jesus, we will sing and shout the victory.LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONSStarter: Have you ever known someone who lived like they were already in heaven? What were they like?Discussion:1. Read Isaiah 65:17-192. Read Revelation 21:1-43. What are the parallels you see between these two passages, written over 600 years apart?4. A new heaven and a new earth refers to God creating a new reality. What would you like to see in God's new reality?5. What do you think it means when the passages refer to “the previous/former things?” How does it change how we live if no longer let “the previous things” lay on our heart?6. In the Isaiah passage, God is described as “excited” and “rejoicing.” What picture does your mind paint? What does God look like when he is rejoicing?7. The message referred to a “getting ready for heaven” and using the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount as a guide. How did you feel when these questions were asked? Which one pricked your heart most?8. In your opinion, what could we do to make our church more like heaven?

What if joy isn't something you wait for, but something you can intentionally create? In today's episode, I sit down with Amberly Lago. She shares how she actively chooses joy every day, even while living with chronic pain and unimaginable challenges. We talk about what it really means to cultivate joy in the midst of your life's toughest moments, and why setting boundaries is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. We also dive into the power of resilience, the mindset shifts that can change everything in your life, and the small but powerful ways you can start prioritizing your happiness today. Check out our Sponsors: Open Phone - Stop juggling all your customer calls and texts from your personal phone. Save 20% off your first 6 months when you go to openphone.com/earn  Rocket Money - go to rocketmoney.com/EYH to check out the personal finance app that helps find and cancel your unwanted subscriptions, monitors your spending, and helps lower your bills so you can grow your savings.  Shopify - Try the ecommerce platform I trust for Glōci, Sign up for your $1/month trial period at Shopify.com/happy Saily - Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily eSIM data plans! Go to https://saily.com/EARNHAPPY download the Saily app and use code 'EARNHAPPY' at checkout HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Amberly shares why my podcast was the FIRST podcast she ever listened to. 04:00 What were the hardest lessons you learned while writing your new book? 08:00 Why "joy spotting" can completely shift your energy. 15:30 How to turn pain into a source of strength and purpose. 21:00 How can you keep moving forward when people doubt you? 28:15 The mindset shift that helps you push through frustration when learning new skills. 34:45 Advice for staying focused through the overwhelming early stages of business. 37:45 How to know when to stop saying yes and start protecting your time. 41:00 What's the difference between fear and a red flag? 46:45 The #1 mistake that leads to hiring the wrong people. 50:15 Tools to create more joy in your daily life (even during hard seasons). RESOURCES Grab your copy of Amberly's Joy Through the Journey HERE Listen to my free SECRET PODCASTS SERIES - Operation: Rekindle This B*tch Get glōci HERE Use code: HAPPY at checkout for 25% off! FOLLOW Follow me: @loriharder Follow Earn Your Happy: @earnyourhappy Follow glōci: @getgloci Follow Amberly: @amberlylagomotivation

· Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice!· Why should I choose joy?· Insider or outsider.· Who does God include and who does God exclude?· Isaiah 56:3 3Let no son of a foreigner, one joined to the LORD, say, “The LORD separates me from among his people.”Let not the eunuch say, “Behold, I am a dried-up tree.”· Before you judge, know a person's story· 4For thus says the LORD, “To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths and chose what I delight in;And to the ones grasping my covenant;5I will give them in my house and in my walls a monument and a name;Better than sons and daughters.A name everlasting I will give to him who will not be cut off.· Micah 6:8 - He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.· 6And to the sons of foreigners, the ones who joining with the LORD to serve him, to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants;All the ones keeping Sabbath from pollution and grasping his covenant:· 7I will bring them to my holy mountain and I will cause them to rejoice in my house, my house of prayer;Their sacrifices and their offerings are acceptable upon my altar.For my house will be called a house of prayer for all people.· Matthew 21:13 - “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.'”· Do not interfere with people who want to worship God!· 8Thus says the Master, the LORD, the gatherer of the banished ones of Israel.Yet others I will collect to him, to the ones gathered.· John 10:16 - I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.· Why doesn't Jesus include everyone?· God does not force a relationship with you.· “Hell is simply the best God can do for some people.” – Dallas Willard· Be kind to the excluded.· Church must be a place of grace.· Isaiah 57:14 - And it will be said: “Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.”· John Ortberg – The more your mess, the greater your welcome.· Every excluded person matters to God.· The Good News of Jesus is for everyone.· I came to seek and to save the lost ones.· Heavenly Father, I have sinned. Please forgive me. Enter my life. From now on, I will follow Jesus.· Galatians 3: 28 - 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONSStarter: Think about a time when you were excluded from a group. How did you feel?Discussion:1. Read Isaiah 56:32. How would you describe the feelings of foreigners and the eunuchs?3. Read Isaiah 56:4-54. What would these verses mean to a eunuch? How would they feel?5. In your opinion, who are the modern eunuchs?6. Read Isaiah 56:6-77. What would these verses mean to a foreigner? How would they feel?8. Compare the devotion of the foreigner to the devotion of people who call themselves Christians today. In your opinion, whose devotion is greater?9. Read Isaiah 56:810. In your opinion, how do we keep our church open to all who are excluded?

Choose Joy series part 2, Ps. Jon Norman, 9 February 2025 

Today's culture focuses on the pursuit of happiness, but living for Jesus calls us to search for something longer-lasting and more fulfilling. In this message, Associate Pastor Ryan Bramlett teaches about the importance of choosing a life of joy.Ryan Bramlett • I Will Seek Wisdom • Philippians 4:4; Nehemiah 8:10CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayerInstagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

Today's culture focuses on the pursuit of happiness, but living for Jesus calls us to search for something longer-lasting and more fulfilling. In this message, Associate Pastor Ryan Bramlett teaches about the importance of choosing a life of joy.Ryan Bramlett • I Will Seek Wisdom • Philippians 4:4; Nehemiah 8:10CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayerInstagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

·      Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again, Rejoice!  ·      Why should I choose joy?  ·      Choose joy because God gives you hope. ·      Do people today think they can manipulate God?  ·      They realized they had blown their relationship with God.  ·      Do you ever think “I've blown my relationship with God?”  ·      Isaiah 35:1-2 – 1The wilderness and the desert rejoice; the steppe rejoices and the saffron blooms. 2She blooms and rejoices; Yea, joy and cries of joy. The glory of Lebanon is given to her, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. Behold they see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. ·      God does not give up on you.  ·      3All of you make strong discouraged hands and make firm knees that stumble.  ·      Romans 8:28 – For we know that God is working good in all things for those who love him and are called according to his purpose. ·      Heavenly Father, open my eyes.  Help me see where you are at work. ·      4Say to the hurried heart, “All of you, be strong and do not fear. Behold your God; vengeance comes.  God brings ‘the getting even;' and he saves you all. ·      5Then the eyes of the blind will be open; and the ears of the deaf will be open. 6Then the lame ram will leap and the speechless tongue will cry out. For water will burst forth in the wilderness, and torrents on the desert plains. 7The parched ground will be a pool; the thirsty ground as a pool of water. In the jackal habitat, a resting place, a home for reeds and rushes. ·      We are the Easter People! ·      God is the God of the unexpected.  ·      8And there will be a highway and a way, the way of the Holy, those called to it.  The unclean will not pass over it. He is to them walker of the way and the foolish will not wander on it. 9There will be no lions there and no hungry beasts will come upon it; They will not be found there, but the redeemed ones will walk. ·      Psalm 14:1 – The fool has said in his heart, “There is no god…”  ·      10And the ransomed ones of the LORD return; And they come to Zion with ringing cries. ·      And eternal joy is upon their heads. Exuberance and joy they attain. And they escape grief and groaning. ·      Revelation 21:2-4 - And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven, like a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling of God is with me.  He will dwell with them and they shall be his people and God himself will be with them; he will wipe away every tear from their eyes and death will be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.   ·      Do you need some hope today? Our Heavenly Father has all you need.    LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS  Starter:  Think about a time when you desperately needed hope.  How did you find it?  Discussion: 1.      Read Isaiah 35:1-2 2.      Imagine you are in exile in a foreign country.  What emotion would you feel as you hear these words? 3.      Throughout this passage, God is making dead space alive. For example, the desert gushes water and it rejoices.  What are modern dead spaces?  How does God make them alive. 4.      Read Isaiah 35:3-7 5.      The prophet brings a message of hope to the exiles.  How can Jesus followers today bring a message of hope? 6.      What is your reaction to God claiming vengeance as his business?  How does that make you feel? 7.      Read Isaiah 35:8-9 and Matthew 7:13-14. 8.      In your opinion, what are the parallels between these two passages? 9.      Read Isaiah 35:10 and Revelation 21:2-4 10.  What do you think will be your reaction to when you enter heaven?  How does this help you live with hope?

Choose Joy series part 1, Vision Sunday, Ps. Jon Norman, 2 February 2025

This week at Crossroads, we wrap up our series “I Declare” with the topic of joy. Choosing joy in each and every circumstance is essential in reflecting Jesus. Tune in this week as guest speaker Cam Huxford speaks about what this looks like!

Today, Katrina Canfield leads you through a toasty interval workout that will get you sweating and your heart pumping—with some joy!  She's unpacking what biblical joy looks like and  digs in and asks, "How's your joy?" Is there a hard and holy place you're walking through right now where you can choose some joy?  Katrina teaches Psalm 16:11 to remind us that joy is a choice not tied to a number on the scale, the behavior of our kids, or the circumstances in our lives.  Speaking of joy, we hope you loved hearing from De Bolton, who shared how she leads people in her community to freedom through LiveWell Health Coach Training. If you want to know how you can become a coach like De, download a packet today for our Revelation Wellness training programs. Get connected: revelationwellness.org | Instagram | YouTube Please consider following this show (and sharing it with a friend), leaving a review, and telling us what you think with a voice message! If you leave us a voice message, be sure to include the episode number. Follow | Leave a Review | Send a Voice Message

Today, Katrina Canfield leads you through a toasty interval workout that will get you sweating and your heart pumping—with some joy!  She's unpacking what biblical joy looks like and  digs in and asks, "How's your joy?" Is there a hard and holy place you're walking through right now where you can choose some joy?  Katrina teaches Psalm 16:11 to remind us that joy is a choice not tied to a number on the scale, the behavior of our kids, or the circumstances in our lives.  Speaking of joy, we hope you loved hearing from De Bolton, who shared how she leads people in her community to freedom through LiveWell Health Coach Training. If you want to know how you can become a coach like De, download a packet today for our Revelation Wellness training programs. Get connected: revelationwellness.org | Instagram | YouTube Please consider following this show (and sharing it with a friend), leaving a review, and telling us what you think with a voice message! If you leave us a voice message, be sure to include the episode number. Follow | Leave a Review | Send a Voice Message

Burnout isn't just about doing too much—it's about carrying too much In this episode, Donna Tashjian uncovers the deeper causes of burnout: unmet expectations, disappointments, and the lie that rest is selfish.Learn how to transform burnout into a life of audacious abundance with 5 actionable steps:Acknowledge and Release DisappointmentsPrioritize Rest and Learn to Say NoCultivate a Merry Heart and Choose JoyReconnect with Purpose and RelationshipsGet Support and AccountabilityHear the powerful story of Francine, who went from exhaustion and despair to living a vibrant, purpose-filled life.Resources Mentioned:FREE Guide: Renew, Recharge, and Thrive - Secrets to Vibrant Living 2.0Join the Audacious Abundance Summit: Break free from burnout and restore joy, peace, and purpose. RSVP HereConnect with Donna Tashjian:WebsiteFacebookYouTube

What if your loved one is the one suffering? They toy with the idea of suicide as a way out, a way out from the pain and PTSD of actual protecting-our-country-battle. They served and come home with wounds. Amber Jeann Parker's husband is the one who experienced trauma. She became caregiver, support person, and advocate number one. Yet she wondered, How long will this go on? It's been a long, grueling process. Amber wanted to make sure she wasn't missing anything along the way. Now they are big-time healing and wanting to share their story in the hope of encouraging others to find their way out. Amber is our guest this week for “Let's Talk About Mental Health.”You can find Amber at Choose Joy in the Midst.Thanks for being part of the UY conversation.The Unabashed You website has a page for each guest of photos, quotes and a blog with embedded audio at unabashedyou.com. You can find the show on other podcast platforms. Want to lend your support and encouragement? We invite you to follow, rate, review and share.Social media (direct links):FacebookInstagramYouTubeIf you have questions or comments email us at: unabashedyou@gmail.com.We build upon on website visits, social media and word of mouth to share these episodes. We appreciate growth knowing these conversations help you think, celebrate who you are, and move you in some way.So be encouraged and continue to listen, read and be inspired.

In this powerful episode of Healing Her Halo, we sit down with the extraordinary Fatima Mann, a force of nature in social justice, healing, self-love, and founder of Love and Healing Work. Fatima shares her journey from battling self-harm to embracing joy and gratitude as her compass. She opens up about her grounding decision to stop wearing shoes altogether, a practice that keeps her connected to the earth and her purpose.We explore her incredible efforts through Love and Healing Work, where she combines mindfulness, trauma-conscious practices, and self-care to create culturally mindful and human-centered spaces for healing and advocacy. From co-founding impactful organizations to leading disaster relief efforts, Fatima's story is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and walking—literally and metaphorically—in your truth.We also dive into her transformative work—co-founding organizations like the Austin Justice Coalition and Counter Balance: ATX, and creating culturally mindful, human-centered spaces for healing. From disaster relief to reshaping advocacy through love, Fatima's story is a masterclass in resilience, growth, and choosing a life free from harm.Join us for this raw, uplifting, and deeply inspiring conversation. Let Fatima's story remind you of the power of gratitude, mindfulness, and walking—barefoot or not—toward your own healing.Connect with Healing Her Halo: @HealingHerHaloConnect with Fatima Mann: Fatima Mann, J.D.Partner at Love and Healing WorkCheckout the Love and Healing Work WebsiteJoin the NetworkSubscribe to their YouTube @ Love and Healing WorkConnect with our Host Patience Murray: https://linktr.ee/paemurray✨ #HealingHerHalo, #FatimaMann, #SelfLove, #Mindfulness, #SocialJustice, #ChooseJoy, #Gratitude, #HealingJourney, #GroundedLiving, #CulturalMindfulness, #TraumaHealing, #Resilience, #PersonalGrowth, #HumanCenteredLeadership, #BarefootLife, #EmotionalWellness, #Empowerment, #AdvocacyThroughHealing, #JoyfulLiving, #RadicalSelfLove, #CommunityCare, #InspiredLiving, #HealingSpaces, #WalkingInPurpose, #MentalHealthAwareness, #SpiritualHealing, #Authenticity, #GroundedHealing, #LoveAndGratitude, #TransformationThroughHealing, #PurposefulLiving, #LivingUnapologeticallySend us a text

Welcome to We Go Boldly, the go-to show for insights and tips on embracing and opening up your life. In today's episode, we discuss the powerful practice of creating a joy list to cultivate happiness and well-being in your life. Learn how to prioritize self-care, gratitude, and positivity by curating a personalized list of activities and experiences that bring you joy.In this episode, we discuss creating a joy list as a simple yet powerful tool to boost your happiness and cultivate a positive mindset. By consciously choosing to focus on the things that bring you joy, you can enhance your overall quality of life and well-being. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more tips on self-care, mindfulness, and personal growth. Share this episode with anyone who may benefit from creating their own joy list. Remember, your happiness matters! Tune in and start your journey towards a more enjoyable and enriched life. Main Talking Points● Understanding the concept of a joy list and its importance in promoting mental health andemotional well-being.● The benefits of practicing gratitude and mindfulness in everyday life.● Tips for identifying activities, people, and places that bring you joy and adding them to your joylist.● How to incorporate your joy list into your daily routine to prioritize self-care and happiness.● The role of positivity and optimism in shaping your mindset and overall outlook on life. Links and ResourcesWebsite: www.goboldlyinitiative.com Recommended Reading:● 5 Ways to Cultivate More Joy in Your Life – Chopra● Cultivating Joy: Unlocking the Path to a Fulfilling Life● #31 Cultivating Joy — HEAL THE PLANET● The Scientific Facts of Happiness You Never Knew - LifeHack● 6 Ways to Cultivate Joy in Your Life - 2024 - MasterClass● Cultivating Joy — Restoring Connections● Cultivate Joy to Improve Well-being | IE Insights.● Cultivating Joy: An Organizational Imperative for Success in the Modern World.● How To Use A Joy List - The Good Trade● How to create a Wholehearted Life with a Joy List. | elephant journal● Build a Joy List - Thrive Global● 10 Keys to Happier Living | Action for Happiness● Tens Tips to Achieve Happiness - InnerEngineering.com (sadhguru.org)● (25) The Science of Happiness: Cultivating Joy in the Everyday | LinkedIn● How to Cultivate Joy in a Challenging World | Live Happy Related Episodes:● Finding Joy and Not Losing Our Identityhttps://we-go-boldly-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-46-finding-joy-and-not-losing-our-identity● The Science of Praticing Gratitude and Why it Matters.https://we-go-boldly-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/13-the-science-of-gratitude-and-why-practicing-it-matters Social Media Handles: follow us on IG @goboldlytogether, FB @goboldlytogether, or LI@go-boldly-initiative or email us at info@goboldlyinitiative.com.Thank you for tuning into We Go Boldly. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, andshare it with friends who might also benefit from discovering a new hobby. For more updates andepisodes, follow us on IG @goboldlytogether, FB @goboldlytogether, or LI @go-boldly-initiative. Did you enjoy this episode? We would love to hear your thoughts and more about your personal development journey. Head to Apple Podcasts and then rate, review, and subscribe. This way you will get notified once a new episode goes live. Don't forget to find us and subscribe on YouTube too. CONNECT WITH RIELLY AND TOVAHInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/goboldlytogether/Website: goboldlyinitiative.com or https://we-go-boldly-podcast.simplecast.com/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsPh8gu_ugJqvvnYiuRSyPQLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/go-boldly-initiativePatreon: https://www.patreon.com/wegoboldlyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoBoldlyTogetherPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/GoBoldlyTogether/

Happiness, it turns out, comes down to a science — even though what makes each of us happy can vary widely. Host Cristina Quinn talks to happiness scientist Emiliana Simon-Thomas, science director at UC-Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, about exactly what makes us happy and how much our sense of joy is within our control. Drawing from the science of happiness, Emiliana explains that happiness isn't about chasing fleeting positive emotions, but rather about fostering an overarching sense of contentment, belonging and resilience. She also lays out how much of happiness is influenced by genetics, external circumstances and the choices we make.This course reminds us that happiness isn't out of reach — it's something we can cultivate every day. Emiliana and her colleagues at the Greater Good Science Center have been collecting data on happiness through the Big Joy Project, a seven-day online study where participants are assigned a micro-act of joy every day. Learn more about the project here. For some extra happiness tips, read about trying new things for joy and embracing “joy snacks.”Subscribe to The Washington Post or connect your subscription in Apple Podcasts.To hear more, check out “Try This” wherever you listen to podcasts.

  With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   In This Episode:  This year has flown by, and as we bid farewell to 2024, it's time to reflect on the lessons, wins, and challenges that shaped our journeys. In this episode, I'm sharing powerful takeaways from coaching clients, my own experiences, and inspirational quotes/insights that can inspire independent retailers to make 2025 their best year yet.    Get ready for mindset shifts, marketing tips, and practical strategies to simplify, amplify, and thrive!    If you are dreading making a plan for your retail shop in 2025, I have something for you: Design Your Best Retail Year Ever is available for purchase as a stand-alone workshop (or free for you if you are a member of The Retailer's Inner Circle program)!    This workshop has been named a favorite by so many of my clients. It's truly an invaluable resource that every retail shop owner can use - whether you love to plan or dread it. Grab it today, or join the Retailer's Inner Circle and it's included in your membership - along with a “pantry” full of other masterclasses and resources for you to grab when you need them.    Some Takeaways: The Power of “How Can I” Energy: Shift from “I can't” to “How can I” and see the shifts.   Simplify and Amplify: Why B+ work and “Done is better than perfect” can help you focus on what truly matters. Give yourself permission to let it be easy - whatever “it” is! “A confused mind never buys.” Mindset Makeover: Embrace the courage to course-correct,  drop words like “busy,” “just,” and “yeah, but…” from your vocabulary and get out of your own head.   Build a Trusted Brand and Use the Power of Invitation: Move beyond selling and yelling. Learn how to create a customer experience they'll adore. Bring them into your business. Financial Wisdom: “It's not the money you make; it's the money you keep.” Get intentional about your cash flow and profitability. “You can't be upset about the results you didn't get from the work you didn't do.” “Fix Problems Now”: Don't let problems get bigger or manifest into something worse than when it started. Consistency Compounds: Stay visible by updating your SEO keywords, your Google profile and your socials. Be sure to stay relevant if you want to succeed in 2025.   Related podcasts we think you'll like:    Episode 186: Choose Joy! Reframe Your Mindset and End Your Retail Year Happy   Episode 194: Feeling Stuck? 20 Prompts to Help Flip Your Mindset Episode 221: How to Raise the Bar on Excellence in Retail with Guest Expert Jeffrey Shaw About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community   Free resources for shop owners    Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

Now that we're on the other side of Christmas, the world is quick to move on to the next big thing. It's easy to live in the future, while missing the joy that exists in our present. Throughout the Christmas season, choose to live in the now. Choose Joy.

In this podcast, Pastor Justin delivers a powerful word during our Christmas service with an exhortation on how we can and must choose joy.Support the show

Make good decisions about the holiday season considering what will bring you joy.Let's Connect:You can join the Grief and Happiness Alliance which meets weekly on Sundays by clicking hereYou can order the International Best Selling The Grief and Happiness Guide by clicking here.You can order Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief by clicking here at Amazon:You can listen to my podcast, Grief and Happiness, by clicking hereRequest your Awaken Your Happiness Journaling Guide hereSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donna Fletcher, from Alameda, California, USAWe'd love to hear your inspiration. Submit toThe Christian Science Daily Lift.

Justina Page is an international speaker and natural storyteller who speaks with a bold and refreshing honesty. She's the author of the award-winning book, The Circle of Fire which tells the story of how Justina's life was changed forever when fire swept through her home, the loss of her 22-month-old twin son, Amos, the severe lasting injuries of her other twin son, Benjamin, and her own devastating experience of third-degree burns covering 55 percent of her body. She's also the author of 20 other literary works. Justina now inspires audiences with a powerful message of hope and triumph. She's the Founder & Executive Director of The Amos House of Faith, a nonprofit organization, established to provide post-burn support to families affected by burn trauma. She's a voice over actor and children audio producer. She's also an actress in the award-winning faith-based movie We Are Stronger, the inspirational TV series Breaking Strongholds, and a few other upcoming films. She resides in Richmond, TX with her husband of 37 years Pastor James Page. She believes that with God, all things are possible!

Choose Joy! Advent. Week 2. || Matt Anderson by McDowell Mountain Community Church

Choose Joy. This is the motto that today's guests, Jen and David, decided that their family would follow after a prenatal ultrasound showed that their fourth son AJ would be born with not one, but two newborn abnormalities. He had achondroplasia as well as a rare congenital heart defect. They knew that AJ was facing a complex medical future, but they decided that they would face all these struggles with joy-filled hearts. Throughout AJ's 44 days of life, Jen and David chose joy each day. David described AJ as a 'little man with a big purpose.' His life was a roller-coaster of ups and downs, but ultimately AJ's lungs were unable to heal and he lost his life. After AJ's death, you might think Jen and David would have given up their 'Choose Joy' motto, but this has not been the case. Jen knew that she needed to do something to help her broken family grieve and she needed guidance. Jen immediately signed up for several retreats at Luella's Lodge, some for her, some for her and David, and some for their whole family. The peace and comfort that Luella's Lodge offered was truly indescribable. Jen found herself being drawn back again and again. This is the point in the story when Jen's path first crossed my own. Carrie, from Luella's Lodge, and I decided to do a special retreat this past fall for Always Andy's Mom podcast listeners. Although Jen had never heard of me or the podcast, she was the host mom for that retreat. Over the past five years of doing the podcast, I have felt God's presence many times, but I never felt it stronger than during that weekend.  God knew I needed a video editing team to help with the podcast's social media presence. God also knew that Jen and David needed to expand their production company by working with organizations they felt passionate about. As our relationship began that weekend, we both felt that by choosing to work with each other, we were choosing joy. Together, we can help make podcast episodes and meaningful videos for grieving families everywhere. I envision AJ and Andy both grinning down at us from heaven, proud to see their parents choose joy. *If you want to join me next fall at Luella's Lodge, go to luellaslodge.org and sign up for the September 25-28th retreat.

In this episode, I talk about how most negativity comes from a tiny minority and why we shouldn't mistake their noise for reality. I talk about refusing to let other people's drama define you.My book, "That's Bold of you" is available on Amazon.Instagram: @case.kenny