Start with Small Steps

88 - Be Happy Alone or In a Community

In this episode, I explore some fascinating cultural concepts related to happiness. We’ll dive into the benefits of walking alone, taking time to relax without feeling the pressure to accomplish anything, and finding comfort in simply being lost in thought. But we won’t stop there! We’ll also discuss how building strong relationships with others can lead to greater happiness and fulfillment, as well as the importance of forgiveness and cooperative work. And with the pandemic still affecting our ability to connect with others, I’ll challenge you to think of ways to regain that sense of community. So grab a cup of tea, sit back, and let’s explore this together.

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3191

https://www.afar.com/magazine/unlocking-croatias-secret-to-slow-living

https://feeds.croatia.hr/en/fjaka-easy-to-catch-hard-to-explain

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/mamihlapinatapai

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9-Dn9rZ5XM

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/588651/happiness–found-in-translation-by-tim-lomas-phd-illustrated-by-annika-huett/9780525538080

https://hifisamurai.github.io/lexicography/

Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

Twitter startwithsmallsteps

Email the podcast at [email protected]

87 - Changes That Save Relationships

I talk about the book called People Can’t Drive You Crazy if You Don’t Give Them the Keys by Mike Bechtle. It is eye-opening and helpful when it comes to managing emotions and responding to relationships in a healthier way. The author emphasizes the importance of building trust, kindness, and integrity while also choosing the right battles. I’ve learned to value tiny steps and live in the present, which has helped me avoid dwelling on past hurts. By becoming masters of our emotions and thinking, we can improve our relationships and live happier lives.

http://www.mikebechtle.com/people-cant-drive-you-crazy-if-you-dont-give-them-the-keys/

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3182
 
 
Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

Twitter startwithsmallsteps

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 86 - Take the Key from Drama

I discuss the book People Can’t Drive You Crazy if You Don’t Give Them the Keys by Mike Bechtle. It helps people deal with drama in life in a more positive way. One of the things I’ve learned is to first ask myself if there’s anything I can do to change the situation or my attitude towards it. If not, I may have to limit my exposure to drama, but I don’t want to give up on relationships too easily. Instead, I try to be a positive influence in their lives and avoid expecting others to change. Communication and understanding are key, and I’ve learned to avoid gossiping about others. At the end of the day, I can only control myself and my own choices, and that’s what really matters.

http://www.mikebechtle.com/people-cant-drive-you-crazy-if-you-dont-give-them-the-keys/

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3179
 
 
Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

Twitter startwithsmallsteps

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85 - Coco and Miguel Shows Us How to Forgive

Have you seen the movie “Coco”? It’s an incredible story about family, sacrifice, and forgiveness. The main character is a boy named Miguel who loves music, but unfortunately, his family has banned it. One day, he finds himself in the land of the dead and learns all about his family’s past and the importance of forgiveness. It really inspired me to think about the power of forgiveness in my own life. I encourage you to try rewriting someone’s story to gain a deeper understanding of them and to practice forgiveness. Let’s spread love and compassion!

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3173

Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

Twitter startwithsmallsteps

Email the podcast at [email protected]

84 - Find your Fun Magnets

Have you ever felt like you’re not having enough fun in your life? The book called “The Power of Fun” by Catherine Price tries to help. She suggests using the acronym SPARK to identify and pursue true fun: make space, pursue passions, attract fun, rebel, and keep at it. I’ve been analyzing my past experiences and breaking them down into “fun magnets,” and it’s been so helpful in designing my life to have more true fun. I’ve been identifying activities, people, and settings that create high-energy, enjoyable experiences that reduce stress and promote a sense of release. It’s been amazing to be open to new experiences and push myself outside of my comfort zone to find new sources of fun.

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3140

http://catherineprice.com/

https://vimeo.com/610867602

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN1xSvt6zWY

Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

Twitter startwithsmallsteps

Email the podcast at [email protected]

83 - Are You Having Fun?

I review the book called "Are You Having Fun?" by Catherine Price. It opened my eyes to the importance of true fun and how we can identify and prioritize activities that bring us joy. Price talks about how distractions like technology can have a negative impact on our ability to have fun and encourages us to create space in our schedules for it.

She breaks down true fun into three elements: playfulness, connection with others, and flow. It's important to identify our "fun magnets" - the things that bring us true joy - and prioritize those activities. Price also warns against mistaking novelty or rewards for true fun and emphasizes the importance of play in our lives.

Overall, this book gives a new perspective on how I approach fun and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to add more joy to their lives!

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3136

http://catherineprice.com/

https://vimeo.com/610867602

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN1xSvt6zWY

Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

Twitter startwithsmallsteps

Email the podcast at [email protected]

82 – Gain Everyday Courage

Everyday courage as described by Mel Robbins and her amazing books and videos really inspired me to think differently about how I approach my goals and my fears. We need to reframe negative thoughts and anxiety into excitement and give our mind a new explanation to change how it reacts. It’s amazing how gaining confidence and acting on our goals can improve relationships, and help identify personal challenges. I challenge you to find one way to be courageous each week and take small steps toward your goals.

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3131

https://melrobbins.com/5secondrule/

Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

Twitter startwithsmallsteps

Email the podcast at [email protected]

81 - Go! Go Now!

I talk about the 5-Second Rule by Mel Robbins. It’s a game-changer! Basically, all you have to do is count down from 5 and then take action on whatever it is you want to do. It sounds simple, but trust me, it works wonders. This rule can help us to overcome hesitation and make progress in our life. The book and TED Talk are full of inspiring examples of how this rule has worked for others, and I highly recommend checking them out. If you’re looking for a way to be more courageous and take action in your everyday life, the 5-Second Rule is definitely worth a try!

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3123

https://melrobbins.com/5secondrule/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lp7E973zozc

Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

Twitter startwithsmallsteps

Email the podcast at [email protected]

Did you know that there’s a molecule in our brains called dopamine that can actually make us addicted to things like social media, sugar, and video games? Companies intentionally hack into our dopamine systems to keep us engaged and coming back for more. We can detox from dopamine by eliminating distractions, avoiding open systems, and focusing on the present moment. And the best part? We can replace dopamine with endorphins, oxytocin, and serotonin, which make us feel good for immediate actions rather than the promise of future rewards.

Dopamine Detox: A Short Guide to Remove Distractions and Get Your Brain to Do Hard Things by Thibaut Meurisse

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3119

Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

Twitter startwithsmallsteps

Email the podcast at [email protected]

79 - Use Objects In All Their Imperfections

As I explore the idea of finding joy in imperfection, I’m reminded of the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi and the Greek philosophy of Epicureanism. Both embrace the beauty of imperfections and find pleasure in life’s simple moments. I want to encourage you to appreciate the imperfections in yourself and the world around you, and to find beauty in the stories and history behind flawed objects and people. Let’s take the time to appreciate the differences in ourselves and others, and find joy in embracing our unique qualities.

 https://japanobjects.com/features/wabi-sabi

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/588651/happiness--found-in-translation-by-tim-lomas-phd-illustrated-by-annika-huett/9780525538080

https://hifisamurai.github.io/lexicography/

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3103

Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

Twitter startwithsmallsteps

Email the podcast at [email protected]