Summary:
Somewhere between raising kids, managing careers, and caring for everyone else, joy can quietly slip off the calendar. In this heartfelt conversation with Emily Schickli, founder of Mind Body Dharma, we explore how starting a passion project—something creative, meaningful, and just for you—can reignite your joy and sense of purpose in this next chapter.

Emily shares her own story of walking away from burnout in the tech world and how a simple spark of curiosity led to a new, life-giving path. You’ll learn how a passion project is different from a hobby, self-care routine, or side hustle—and why it can become a devotional practice that restores your energy and clarity in midlife.

Key Takeaways:

A passion project isn’t about hustle or money—it’s about meaning, creativity, and fulfillment.

Joy is a spiritual discipline—it reconnects you to who God created you to be.

Purpose isn’t found, it’s created through consistent, life-giving action.

Following your curiosity can help you uncover your next chapter without overhauling your whole life.

Next Week:
In Part 2, we’ll get practical—Emily shares a 3-minute nervous-system reset, small “bite-size experiments” to help you start, and simple boundary habits that protect your joy.

Resources in the episode:

Get Emily's FREE Guide, The 7 Passion Projects That Actually Give You More Purpose, Energy & Time: https://emilyschickli.com/7-passion-projects

Explore Emily's Passion Project Membership, The Compass Club: https://emilyschickli.com/compass-club

Follow Emily on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MindBodyDharma

Resources:

• Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/shellyniehaus/
• Simple Shifts Newsletter: https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com/tips
• Women Entrepreneurs In Prayer Call - https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com/prayer