January 12, 2025

Optimism is Not a Luxury, it’s a Tool: Release the Cringe to Finally Find Joy (with David Larbi)

1 hour 13 minutes

Hi friends, welcome back to another episode of ✨Finding Your Casual Magic✨

This week, we’re exploring joy, optimism, and how the smallest moments can light up our lives - even when everything feels heavy. Joining me is the radiant David Larbi, a content creator, poet, and host of the podcast Mindful Moments. He’s also the author of the wonderful new book, Frequently Happy: 52 Mindful Moments to Bring Hope and Joy, which is all about embracing everyday magic.

In today’s episode, David opens up about his journey of finding joy in the little things and reframing life’s challenges with gratitude instead of guilt. From his love of words and storytelling to what he’s learned from setbacks, David’s insights will inspire you to see the magic in your own life. 🌻

We begin with a grounding meditation (always a good idea to centre yourself) and chat about:

Why optimism isn’t about ignoring challenges but about navigating them with hope 🌈

How storytelling can help you take control of your own narrative 🎭

David’s journey from school journaling to becoming a published author ✍️

The lessons he learned from his shoulder injury and the power of slowing down

Finding joy in connection - even if it means embracing the “cringe” sometimes!

We also share our ‘Casual Magic of the Week,’ with David’s moment being so heartwarming it’ll make you smile (even if he’s keeping his playlist secret!). 💛

The episode closes with my ‘Casual Magic of the Week’ and we hear from Marwyn who shares their Casual Magic followed by intention setting for the week ahead.

Grab your journal or a cosy drink, and join us in reflecting on:

What went well this week?

What are you proud of?

What challenged you?

Let’s set a powerful intention for the week ahead. 🌟

I just want to send you this reminder that no matter where you are in your self confidence journey, no matter how you might feel today, you are always enough. 💛

🎧 Find David online:

Instagram: @DavidLarbi

Get his book Frequently Happy: https://lnk.to/frequentlyhappy

Timestamps:

0:00 - 2:40 - Introduction to Casual Magic and Guest:, David Larbi

3:02 - 5:38 - Grounding Meditation Exercise

6:07 - 9:04 - David's View on Optimism

11:20 - 12:46 - Casual Magic vs. Small Joys: David shares his concept of small joys

13:47 - 15:01 - Writing Process of David's Book

15:16 - 16:57 - Embracing Sensitivity and Emotions

17:22 - 19:44 - Frequently Happy: Explanation of the frequently happy concept

20:28 - 21:02 - Reflecting on Guilt and Gratitude

27:09 - 29:58 - Advocating Optimism During Hard Times

31:14 - 32:08 - Practical Tips for Finding Joy in Adversity

37:39 - 39:15 - Dealing with Seasons and Cultural Pessimism

41:20 - 42:33 - Developing a Love for Words and Storytelling

44:35 - 45:13 - Influence of Words in Shaping Narrative

50:05 - 51:34 - Influence of Language on Perspective

1:01:46 - 1:03:59 - Learning from Setbacks

1:06:21 - 1:06:45 - Casual Magic Moments

1:08:40 - 1:09:31 - Listener's Casual Magic of the Week

1:10:26 - 1:11:07 - Intentions for the Week

1:12:07 - 1:12:54 - Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

💌 Want to share your own moment of magic?

Send a 60-second voice note/video to @casualmagicpodcast on Instagram or email findingyourcasualmagic@gmail.com with your magical moment. Pics are welcome, too!

We’ll pick one a week to share in the podcast and on here so we can all participate in your joy!!

CONTACT ME

Business Enquiries: unjadedjade@sixteenth.com

Instagram: @unjadedjade

TikTok: @unjadedjade

This is Finding Your Casual Magic with UnJaded Jade.

Produced by The Podcast Guys.

Theme Music by Francesca Lu.

For more Finding Your Casual Magic, go to @casualmagicpodcast on Instagram!!

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By UnJaded Jade

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