Choosing Happiness

This week I was able to interview Jessica. We had a wonderful conversation talking about creativity and using creativity to our advantage during hard traumatic times. Jessica is the owner and founder of J. Noelle Design, a custom wedding dress company, you can find her at https://www.jnoelledesign.com/ or on instagram @jnoelle.design. She is an incredible human I loved interviewing her. 

Hey everyone! Never thought a solo episode would be so hard, but for some reason I was struggling being able to piece together my thoughts. I talk about suicide prevention month, which was September. I mention signs someone might not being doing well mentally, myths vs facts of suicide, how to end the stigma of suicide. 
I then talk about the events going on around the world today, such as the election (I hop on a little soapbox for a moment), BLM, the pandemic, and the documentary, The Social Dilemma.

Below are some resources for suicide prevention and awareness:
https://www.facebook.com/RealDepressionProject/
https://projectsemicolon.com/suicide-prevention/
https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/suicide-prevention-awareness-month

Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/promote-national-suicide-prevention-month/

Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig:
https://www.amazon.com/Reasons-Stay-Alive-Matt-Haig/dp/1782115080

Whytli Roger's Organization:
https://endthestigma.org/

LDS Resources:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2018-01-0150-suicide-prevention-choose-to-stay?lang=eng
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2013/10/like-a-broken-vessel?lang=eng
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/get-help/suicide?lang=eng

Check Voter Registration:
https://www.vote.org/am-i-registered-to-vote/

The Social Dilemma:
https://www.thesocialdilemma.com/

This week I was able to chat with a former mission companion of mine, Hannah. I have known her for about 5 years, since the first day in our mission. We clicked right away and have been best friends ever since. I've been wanting to interview her for some time now but have been worried to ask her haha. It was such a good time talking to her. 
We do briefly discuss a suicide that has happened to someone in her life, and I want to give a warning about that. I will be discussing suicide awareness and prevention next week in a solo episode where I give some resources for how to help those around you. 

Sweet Emily was the last interview I did in Provo before I left and listening to this while editing was so fun. Emily is so insightful and I know everyone will learn how happiness can be found, even in the simplest of things. 

I met Christopher at a going away party for our mutual friend Paige, who was my second interview! I immediately thought he was so cool and I knew I wanted to be his friend. Thank goodness Instagram is how that works now a days. Interviewing Christopher was such a delight and I loved being able to get to know him better! He shares the cutest story at the end of his grandpa, so make sure to stick around to listen to that! 

Have you ever wanted to listen to an episode of mine where we stop the interview multiple times because we are so popular in our apartment? Well you're in luck because that is EXACTLY what happens in this episode with Taylor haha. Luckily Taylor is such a wonderful sport and shared some awesome insights. I love this girl and you all will too! 

Maddie is the guest this week. I met Maddie almost 3 years ago when I first moved to Provo. We were in the same YSA ward and immediately bonded over our love for hedgehogs. Sitting down and talking to her made me realize how much more we have in common. Maddie has a heart of gold and really was such a gem to have on the podcast. 

Brandon Merrill is this week's guest. He is the music man behind the podcast and also one of my best friends. He is super into photography and philosophy and has such a great outlook on life. He also helped edit this episode a little bit so you can hear him better because I do not work well with technology, so thank you Brandon. You can find him on Instagram @musicbylank.
Enjoy!! 

My lovely friend Robby was my most recent guest on the podcast! Robby is a cool dude that loves music and wants you all to know that you should play guitar when you want. And I agree, or any instrument for that matter! Hope you enjoy this week's episode! 
Make sure to check out our instagram @choosinghappiness.podcast

Don't speak Swedish? Don't worry, this episode is in English but Nicole wanted the title to be Swedish. It means "feel ALL the emotions" and I LOVE that! 
Nicole and I met in Henderson, NV where we both went to high school. She is a super great person and I loved this interview! Hope you all do as well!