Jump Start Your Joy®

Danny Wood of New Kids on the Block joins Jump Start Your Joy to talk about his new album, Look at Me. He shares about how his mother, Betty, who passed away in 1999 continues to inspire him, and about his work with his foundation, Remember Betty.

Marla Cilley, also know as the Flylady, is back for a second episode! In this edition, Marla dives into how to do the Flylady method of zone cleaning your home, and how to work through the days of the week to stay organized. We got to talk about a lot of fun and easy ideas to keep your home and life organized. Plus, Marla shares about the inspiration for her next book near the end of the episode, and I got goosebumps when she told me about her visit to the National Shrine of Saint Therese. It's an inspiring and amazing story, and one that you will NOT want to miss :)

If you have not yet listened to the first episode, you can find it here.

I'm so excited to share this second hour with Marla for today's episode as part of the "Loving your 2016" series. I'm really honored that she shared about her upcoming book, and just blown away by her lovely story around her time in the chapel.

In this episode, we talk about: - how she breaks out the zones to cleaning your home - the theme for each day of the week, when using the Flylady method - how to approach having your mother in law come over (enlist her help in cleaning!) - how admitting you need help, and welcoming it, and how that changes your view point - what she keeps in her closet to give as gifts should an event come up - planning out big family vacations, (calendar party) - how to create a relaxed environment around timing when family is leaving - her plans for live events in the spring - revisiting her trip to San Mateo, CA a few years ago - her writing process for her new spiritual book, including her visit to the chapel of St Therese - how Sink Reflections got it's name - a few thoughts on saints

Flylady.net - Marla's website The National Shrine Museum of St Therese Marla is the author of "Body Clutter," and "Sink Reflections," both are best sellers, and I can not recommend them highly enough. Sink Reflections - Marla's first book (on Amazon) Body Clutter - Marla's second book (on Amazon) Eric Dodge, Why Not Today (on Amazon)

How do you find peace in your life?

The post Episode 19: Flylady Marla Cilley on Finding Joy in Everything You Do appeared first on Jump Start Your Joy.

Marla Cilley, founder of Flylady.net, is a true inspiration. I found her site over ten years ago, as I was going through a divorce and knew I needed to find a way to take care of myself and my home. I had started the search, thinking that I simply needed to find ways to clean and declutter, and to get my life back on track. What I found was Marla's loving wisdom, her "Flying lessons," her support, a lot of humor, a fun community, and a renewed sense of who I was. For this, I'm grateful.

I'm so honored to have Marla as a guest for today's episode as part of the "Loving your 2016" series. It was a true joy to speak with her, and to spend time soaking up her love and joy-filled philosophy. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the state of your home, or you've made organizing your life a priority for this year, I encourage you to listen, and to visit Flylady.net for more resources. She offers all of this for free - and you are in for such a treat.

In this episode, we talk about: - how Marla arrived at her current zone cleaning process, including the overwhelming amount of cards and lists that she started with, trying to "perfect" an organization process - shining your sink, what it is, and how that changed Marla's life - that two resolutions that started everything - Marla's take on the word perfect (and how she corrects me when I use it!) - the food addiction, and why foods evoke memories and provide an endorphin rush. (along with why Mac n Cheese was Marla's go to food when she got stressed, and why I run for peanut butter and chocolate). - an easier way to clean your bathtub - a great way to keep bathtub toys stored, and Flylady's first viral post on facebook - making cleaning fun - why having a wall calendar is important for organization and teaching our children - why Marla calls "jobs" or chores "blessings" - why it's important to release things that don't bring you joy - the power and importance of complimenting other people

Flylady.net - Marla's website Marla is the author of "Body Clutter," and "Sink Reflections," both are best sellers, and I can not recommend them highly enough. Sink Reflections - Marla's first book (on Amazon) Body Clutter - Marla's second book (on Amazon) Eric Dodge, Why Not Today (on Amazon) Pam Young and Peggy Jones card file system (Side Tracked Home Executives) on Amazon

The post Episode 18: Flylady Marla Cilley on Finally Loving Yourself appeared first on Jump Start Your Joy.

Brooke-Sidney Jackson is the founder and CEO of "Bella and The Babe," a website that has resources and support for authentic mothering. She is the author of the brand new "Mama Love Planner" and offers Joy and Empowerment sessions for mothers, and women hoping to become mothers. In the past, Brooke-Sidney has been a lawyer, a journalist, and she now works full time for herself, encouraging, guiding, and offering support to other women.

I sensed right away that Brooke-Sidney and I had so much in common. We met a few years ago, when we were both leading (in)courage groups and discovered we lived only 30 minutes from each other. It has been a complete joy to catch up with her on this podcast episode. I think you will love her wisdom around so many hot mama topics, and her very loving and sensible approach to how to listen to what YOU want as a mother, instead of listening to what others think is right for you and your child, and your family. I walked away feeling more empowered, more focused, and ready to be more authentic in my own mothering choices. In this episode, Brooke-Sidney and I talk about: - getting away from making mothering decisions based on what other people say, and focusing on what feels right to you - how to deal with some of the hot mama topics of breast-feeding, cry it out, male circumcision, co-sleeping, car seats in a way that feels authentic to you - that it's OK to change your mind on parenting techniques, or change or direction as your child grows - the major changes that mothers go through from the beginning - the importance of self care for moms, and how self care can take just 15 minutes a day - that going after your dreams and goals is even more important once you are a mom, as it sets an example for successes and how to handle failures for children. - our hopes and dreams for our sons' generation - how Brooke-Sidney created her own Mama Love Planner, after not being able to find a planner that assisted with both scheduling and self care - the impact of a gratitude practice: take stock of at least three things that you're grateful for each day, a practice that goes hand in hand with bringing more joy and contentment in your life - why putting your dreams down on paper helps you reach them, and why doing a brain dump helps free up room in your head to do other things

Resources: Order your Mama Love Planner on Brooke-Sidney's site - click here. Visit Brooke-Sidney Jackson's website: Bella and the Babe San Damiano Retreat - set up your personal retreat and request spiritual direction

The post Episode 17: Authentic Mothering with Brooke-Sidney Jackson appeared first on Jump Start Your Joy.

In this episode, I walk you through setting heart centered goals using my own "Ten in Three" method. In short, you check in with your heart, listening for what you want to do over the next few years, and then you narrow down what you hear to ten things you want to do over the next three years.

If you're feeling like you want to tackle some new things in the coming year, I encourage you to try this Heart Centered Goals method. The benefit of this method is that you aren't going to be tackling an enormous list of "resolutions," instead you'll be focused on working towards just three big things. It feels more like a choice, and less like a compromise. And, for that reason, I think you'll find that your heart centered goals stick in a way that resolutions never do.

About 18 months ago, I was looking to make a lot of changes in my life. I had just signed up for a program to become certified as a life coach, and there was something about that decision that made me feel like it was time to "put my house in order." I came up with this methodology, and it worked. Not to glorify the art of busy (far from it!), in the last two years I've gotten married, gotten certified as a life coach, led 3 in person retreats and set up and led a 10 speaker online retreat, started a podcast, launched a business, worked full time, and had time for my five year old son and husband.

The thing at the heart of this is what I call the "Ten in Three." It's the ten things you want to do over the next three years. It works because it's simple. It works because you start with your heart.

In this episode, I talk about: - A different way to set goals, using a heart centered approach - why the original "SMART" method for goal setting doesn't work for everyone - how different people have different temperaments - that depending on your personality, you may do better holding yourself accountable (and totally resist having the traditional "accountability buddy") - my own way of setting and reaching goals - why you should write your goals down - why flexibility is important with goals - how to set a narrow, defined list of goals over the next three years - why fewer goals are better, even when (especially when) you want to accomplish a lot over a year

Resources: Ten in Three Worksheet that accompanies this episode Gretchen Rubin's Better Than Before: What I Learned About Making and Breaking Habits--to Sleep More, Quit Sugar, Procrastinate Less, and Generally Build a Happier Life on Amazon Gretchen Rubin on Lewis Howes' School of Greatness SMART methodology for setting goals Kathleen Davies, Episode 1 of Jump Start Your Joy Debbie Ford's The Dark Side of the Light Chasers on Amazon "Relaxing" music track by Bensound used during visualization exercise

The post Episode 16: Setting Heart Centered Goals appeared first on Jump Start Your Joy.

Alison Arngrim played Nellie Oleson for seven years on the hit show, Little House on the Prairie. She is often described as the "acid tongued hellcat" of the show, the small villain with golden ringlets and lovely clothing, and the arch-enemy of Laura Ingalls. Alison and I jumped on the phone for a little over an hour, and all I can say is that it was one of the most fast paced, hilarious, and engaging hours I've ever experienced.

Alison shared a good deal about her book, "Confessions of a Prairie Bitch," and we spent time chatting about her childhood and landing the fabled role of Nellie Oleson. What really stood out in our time together is Alison's true appreciation and gratitude for the role that Nellie eventually played in her own life. As a shy child, a child that was being sexually and physically abused at home, playing Nellie instantly pushed Alison into a role that changed her, and made her more courageous. Since then, the role has given her a platform, allowed her to help charities that assist abused children and AIDS patients, and more recently, allowed her to start speaking about issues that women face in her lecture "More Than Just Surviving."

I want thank Alison for her time - speaking with her was an inspiration. I know you're going to love this episode, and if you do, I encourage you to check out her book Confessions of a Prairie Bitch on Amazon. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it before she and I spoke.

In this episode, Alison shares about: - making people laugh as a child - possibly "retiring" from acting at age 11 prior to getting the role of Nellie - her realization that the role of Nellie was very different than the other hyper-sweet children she often read for - the instant change of how people reacted to her in public after Little House on the Prairie first aired - why she thinks Little House on the Prairie is so popular throughout the world - Michael Landon, and how he created plot lines for the show - Melissa Gilbert is now running for Congress in Michigan - her amazing friendship with Melissa Gilbert - the best way to find a good date - how she met her husband Bob at the AIDS Project Los Angeles - the "Pocket Nellie" - leveraging fame and people's love of Nellie to help others - her upcoming line of scented candles and a ceramic pony - how to sign up for the Nellie Newsletter - her upcoming lectures with Petersen Productions - working with Girl Cave in Huntington Beach - a hint about her second book!

Upcoming Events (as of 12/15/2015): - January 30, 2016 Prairie-Oke - Karoake - a one night event - March 19, 2016 Nite of Dreams Little House on the Prairie Tribute Dinner

References Alison Arngrim's Bonnetheads.com website (sign up for the Nellie Newsletter here) Nite of Dreams website (sign up for the Tribute Dinner) The Girl Cave in Huntington Beach Alison Arngrim's Book, Confessions of a Prairie Bitch on Amazon

I am an Amazon affiliate. Links on this page (ones to items I truly love and recommend) may earn me a commission.

The post Episode 15: Alison Arngrim on Beyond Surviving: Embracing the Gifts of Nellie Oleson appeared first on Jump Start Your Joy.

Rachael Maddox is the recent author of the book "Secret Bad Girl" in which shares her own journey. Subtitled "How I broke my long-standing sexual trauma spell and grew vibrant, vital & free. A provocative memoir & wildly wise resolution guide," her book relays her story, and offers insights on how anyone under the trauma spell can reach full recovery. Rachael is a coach, a singer and songwriter, and a teacher, plus she's funny, real, and so genuine. While it's a tough topic, we both laugh plenty and share how joy really IS possible, even after living through a traumatic event (Rachael's past trauma being sexual trauma, mine being PTSD related to childbirth).

In this episode, Rachael outlines some of her findings in researching how to resolve sexual trauma. She shares that trauma is something stored in the body, the result of a person's fight, flight, or freeze response not being fully resolved after the initial trauma incident. In her work, which involves extensive coaching, training, and research, she's found that resolving sexual trauma is something best done through somatic (body) work. Her approach is heartfelt, genuine, and something she's lived through.

Rachael had a successful kickstarter, and her book is now available for download on Amazon starting 1/19/16.

In this episode, Rachael talks about: - what trauma is, and how it remains in your body long after the trauma event - the definition of a trauma spell or trauma cloud - different kinds of trauma, such as post traumatic stress disorder and rape trauma - Rachael's path to healing, which started at Adult Circus camp - suggestions for addressing trauma in your own life - Rachael's Dream Tour around the US this last summer - her song, "live" on the podcast, "Shake" - where I fess up about one of my core desired feelings being "enraptured" and Rachael's insights on how rapture means to "be your longing" - the Celestine Prophecy of Everything (Rachael's take on her role in the world)

Resources: Rachael's website at RachaelMaddox.com Sign up for the 12/22/15 webinar episode to work on your 2016 goals Episode 10: Molly Larkin (I reference this in the interview) Peter Levine's book, Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma (on Amazon) Danielle LaPorte's book The Desire Map: A Guide to Creating Goals with Soul (Core Desired Feelings) (on Amazon)

The post Episode 14: Secret Bad Girl: A Journey of Sexual Trauma Resolution with Rachael Maddox appeared first on Jump Start Your Joy.

Tabitha Marie is the amazing and loving founder of "Random Acts of Luvmail," a family run organization that provides mail and goodie bags to children who are in the hospital or need to be uplifted for any reason. Tabitha started the organization in 2007 and it has moved from New Orleans to San Antonio, Texas, where she and her sister and daughter work together to create, package, and send Luvmail to three hospitals and across the country via mail. I really loved speaking with Tabitha - her inspiring story and loving way of spreading encouragement and positivity are so welcoming. I know that you will feel rejuvenated just from hearing her explain her outlook and passion for Luvmail and the children she serves.

What I love about Tabitha's work is that it is truly heart centered, and it is simple. She provides Luvmail to children going though difficult times because she wants to encourage them, and their parents, and let them know that someone out there cares about them. She and her sister and daughter intentionally focus on sending items that are flat and can be mailed, so they can maximize the number of children they reach. The simplicity is striking: spreading joy can be as easy as sending a letter, and by taking a few extra moments to reach out to others. You can help her organization by visiting thePayPal Me site for Random Acts of Luvmail (to make a donation)

In our discussion, Tabitha also talks about how running her organization has become easier, and more focused, as she's narrowed down the mission. She's gotten closer to God, she's become clear on what she wants, and who Luvmail serves, all of which has come with time, and experience. Her insights here are especially inspiring and re-assuring to anyone starting their own business or tackling a new mission. It can take time to feel comfortable, and time to grow into the role.

I'm so grateful to Tabitha for sharing her story and her insights on the podcast. Thank you, Tabitha!

In this episode, Tabitha shares: - who Fairie Marie and Faire JoJo are - how Faire Marie came about as a response to someone being bullied - where and how Luvmail started - the decision change how Luvmail operated so they can reach more people - how it was stressful starting a community on MySpace - how everything fell into place once Tabitha got clearer on her mission, and closer to God - insights on how shifting to coming from a place of love has changed everything - the ways Tabitha takes care of herself - meditation, cooking, and relaxing - her recent coverage on the local news - how sometimes just asking for something can make all the difference - that meeting one of the children in the hospital was the highlight of running Luvmail - why Tabitha feels you should just go for your dreams (and not let other people's fears get in your way)

Resources

Tabitha's blog: Luvmail.org Luvmail Community on Facebook PayPal Me site for Random Acts of Luvmail (to make a donation)

Tabitha's appearance on the San Antonio news

The post Episode 13: Blessing Children with Random Acts of Luvmail with Tabitha Marie appeared first on Jump Start Your Joy.

Today's episode is about Joy, Transformation and Self Acceptance, and it's my first "Solocast!" I've really loved getting to know so many of you through this blog, and the journey of the past few months has been completely uplifting. As I've mentioned in passing on other episodes, I've had a list of people that I wanted to interview for years ... and finding a home to interview them here, in a podcast format, has been just amazing.

Joy is the platform here, but there's so much more behind joy ... and I think that's why I love talking about it every week. I firmly believe that every person hits a stage in their life where they are challenged, either by physical, mental, emotional, monetary, creative challenges, each that have the potential to shake you to your core. In those hard times, you have a choice. You can choose to become engulfed in your circumstances, or you can choose to fight for joy, for love, for something that matters to you. To get there, you've got to accept yourself, right where you are. It takes embracing your shadow side, the scary parts, the stuff that you don't want to look at or admit. Acceptance is a step, even simply accepting you want or need help is a step.

I've had my own dance with hard times. In this podcast I reference my 56 hour labor, followed by a C-section, at the birth of my son. This threw me for a curve that I didn't expect. No birth class covers the "what happens when Plan A falls apart, Plan B becomes laughable, and Plan C wasn't even written yet." I'm sure you've been through this somewhere, somehow in your own life. There are times when even with the most thorough of planning, (and in the words of Pema Chodron), things fall apart.

It's that moment, or those moments, when there's not much left to hold on to, where you define who you are. Sure, it hurts, sure it sucks, sure, you can be as mad at the world, the universe, at God, as you've ever been. But that doesn't change anything, it doesn't further the cause. It doesn't get you any closer to living or loving, or doing whatever it was you came here to do. Mad is easy, and mad has it's place, but it's not a destination.

One of the things that kept me going in those moments was the quote by Meg Cabot, "Courage is not the absence of fear but rather the judgement that something is more important than fear." That and some amazing spiritual and personal stories that I will share at another time, later, when they are ready to be told.

In my case, I came out of that situation with PTSD. I could sense my own ability to deal with reality just outside my grasp. I could feel that I had to fight harder than I'd ever fought for anything in my life, just to get me back. And all the while I was trying so hard not to let the feelings that "I failed at this birth, I let myself down, my own body couldn't do what it was supposed to do" take over. (And if you're in that place, in any way, I want you to know that those things are just not true. Those are such painful thoughts. You're OK, you are loved, you are cherished.) Truly, I had to know my core, and chose to fight for joy. Joy wasn't really within my reach, I knew that, but it was still out there. So I got curious, I started asking why. I found a really good therapist. None of that could have happened if I hadn't accepted myself, where I was, accepted that at my core I knew I could fight and this was the time to dig deeper than I even knew I could.

I think each of us is wired for joy. We are wired to find our way back home. That's what the story of this podcast ultimately is, that fight for joy, that pursuit of purpose, even when it's hard, even when it seems nearly improbable. For joy, transformation, and self acceptance. We need these stories, and we need to know joy is possible. Because it is.

This post is part of the "Weeks of Self" series coordinated by Theresa at Thrive Within. In this podcast I talk about: