The Happier You: Empowering Your Journey to a Joyful and Fulfilling Life with Weekly Tips and Motivation for Lasting Happiness

Hey, happy people! In today's episode, I’m thrilled to welcome back Diane Sorensen. You might remember Diane from her previous appearance on the podcast, where we dived into the Rescue and Empowerment Triangles. This time, Diane and I explore the powerful and sometimes misunderstood topic of boundaries.

Have you ever found yourself saying yes when you really wanted to say no? I know I have! It’s something I’m working on myself, and in this episode, Diane helps us demystify boundaries so we can better understand their importance in maintaining healthier, more authentic relationships.

Diane shares her personal journey of going from having no boundaries to discovering how they have the power to set us free and strengthen our connections with others. Whether it’s a relationship with a child, a partner, or a parent, we all play a role in how those relationships develop. And, as Diane so beautifully puts it, it all begins with setting boundaries that respect both ourselves and others.

Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

• What boundaries truly are and why they matter for personal happiness
• Why setting boundaries is an essential step in any personal growth journey
• Practical tips on how to start saying no in a healthy, guilt-free way
• How boundaries create more honest and genuine relationships
• Why most of us have been conditioned not to set boundaries and how we can unlearn those habits

Diane also shares how boundaries are not just about saying no to others, but about saying yes to ourselves and our happiness. It’s a powerful conversation that I’m so excited to share with you. I hope it helps you, as it’s helped me, on this journey to living a more authentic and happy life.

Check out this free resource Diane has generously provided to help you take the first step toward setting healthy boundaries. Click here to access Diane’s Boundary Resource and start transforming your relationships today! 

If you loved this episode, please share it with someone who could benefit from learning more about boundaries. Let’s spread the happiness and help each other live our best lives!

Episode Title: What You Offer to Others, You Give to Yourself: Happiness Tools for Real Life

Welcome back to season five of The Happier You podcast! In this episode, Bona shares a powerful interview with Teri Murray, who participated in one of the early 21 Day Happiness Challenges. Together, they explore key happiness tools, including “What You Offer to Others, You Give to Yourself” and the importance of self-compassion.

Teri opens up about how she used these tools in her life, including helping her son navigate anxiety during the pandemic. Her journey reminds us that when we offer acceptance, kindness, and understanding to others, we are also working on giving those things to ourselves. Bona also reflects on the struggle we all face when learning new skills like self-compassion, sharing that it’s not always easy but is crucial for long-term happiness.

Key Takeaways:

• What You Offer to Others, You Give to Yourself: When we offer understanding and acceptance to others, we learn to offer it to ourselves.
• Self-Compassion: Struggling is a normal part of life; self-compassion helps us move through difficult moments with more grace.
• Personal Growth: Progress in happiness is an ongoing journey, not a destination.

Challenge for the Week: Take time to consider how you treat those around you. Are you offering kindness, patience, and understanding? As you do, remember that this kindness extends back to you. Offer yourself the same compassion when you're facing challenges.

Quote of the Week: “You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” – Buddha

Links and Resources:

• Join my next Kickstart Your Happy course to get personalized happiness tools you can implement step-by-step in your life.
• Subscribe to The Happier You newsletter for more tips and tools to keep happiness top of mind!

Thanks for tuning in, and as always, when you have a choice, choose happy!

Episode Summary: In the final installment of the summer rerun series, I am encouraging you to focus on your strengths and stop being your own worst critic. This episode is all about recognizing the amazing things you're good at and embracing them instead of fixating on your weaknesses. 

Key Takeaways:

• Focus on Strengths: Stop dwelling on your shortcomings and start acknowledging what you do well. Celebrate your talents, whether it's being a good friend, a supportive partner, or a dedicated employee.
• Know Yourself: Understanding your strengths begins with knowing yourself. Bona suggests taking personality quizzes as a fun and insightful way to identify your natural abilities.
• Stop Comparing: Avoid comparing yourself to others, especially on social media. Embrace who you are and what you have to offer.

Resources Mentioned:

• 16personalities.com: A free personality quiz that can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses.

Quote of the Week: "I do not want to get to the end of my life and find that I just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well." - Diane Ackerman

Final Thoughts: Remember, when you have a choice, choose happy. Take this week's challenge to heart and celebrate the incredible person you are. Have a good one, and go get your happy on!

Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review The Happier You Podcast. For more happiness tips and challenges, visit our website at TheHappierYou.net

In today's special rerun episode, we delve into the transformative power of play. Following up on our exploration of creativity in the first part of this two-part series, we now turn our focus to how play can rejuvenate our lives, reduce stress, and spark joy. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply in need of a little fun, this episode is for you!

Why Play Matters

Discover why play isn't just for kids—it's essential for adults too! Play has profound benefits for our mental well-being and personal growth. Drawing on insights from play researcher Stuart Brown, we explore how play helps us unwind, reconnect with our creative selves, and find balance in our hectic lives. Whether it's structured activities like building Lego sets or spontaneous fun like flying a kite, there's a type of play for everyone.

Play vs. Creativity

In this episode, we discuss the nuanced differences between play and creativity. While creativity often involves crafting something new, play can simply be an activity where you lose track of time and enjoy the moment. Hear a fun conversation with my friend Jodi as we debate the "two camps" of Lego enthusiasts: those who follow set instructions and those who build from imagination. This light-hearted discussion illustrates how play can manifest in various forms, each bringing its own joy.

The Benefits of Play

Explore the multitude of benefits that play brings into our lives. From reducing stress and enhancing our brain's executive functions to fostering better problem-solving skills, play is a powerful tool for improving overall well-being. Stuart Brown's quote, "The opposite of play is not work; it's depression," underscores the importance of incorporating play into our daily routines.

Practical Tips for Incorporating Play

Get practical advice on how to add more play into your life, even amidst a busy schedule. Whether it's through reading, puzzles, or outdoor activities, find simple ways to reintroduce play into your routine. I share personal stories and tips on balancing structured play with more spontaneous fun, encouraging you to explore different activities that bring you joy.

Resources Mentioned

• Brené Brown – The Gifts Of Imperfection​
• ​Stuart Brown – on the importance of play.
• Tips for integrating play into daily life from various experts.

Challenge of the Week

This week, I challenge you to identify activities that feel like play to you. Reflect on past experiences where you lost track of time and felt completely absorbed in the moment. Try to incorporate at least one playful activity into your week and notice the difference it makes in your mood and energy levels.

Join Our Community

Subscribe to My Happy Notes Newsletter for weekly inspiration and to get the latest episodes delivered straight to your inbox. Visit The Happier You website and become part of our community dedicated to living a happier, more fulfilling life.

Quote of the Episode:

"We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves, or more deeply engrossed in anything than when we are playing." — Charles Schaeffer

Tune in, rediscover the joy of play, and remember, when you have a choice, choose happy!

Host: Bona Normandeau
Episode Title: " Rediscovering Joy: Why Creativity and Play Matter (Part 1)"
Podcast Website: The Happier You

Episode Summary:

Welcome to the Happier You Podcast! In this week's episode, I delve into the transformative power of creativity and play. This is the first part of a two-part series exploring how these elements can rejuvenate our lives. Do you feel uninspired or stuck? Are you feeling claustrophobic in your life or burdened by your current situation? If there's a lack of fun in your life, this episode is for you!

In my research, I discovered that creativity and play are essential, not just frivolous pursuits. Drawing on insights from experts like Stuart Brown and Brené Brown, I look at why we need to embrace these elements more fully. Creativity and play can overlap, but they're not the same for everyone, and that's what makes this exploration so fascinating.

In this episode, we focus on creativity, starting with the concept of cultivating creativity and letting go of comparison.
After reading "The Gifts Of Imperfection" by Brené Brown, I realized I have art scars from childhood.  In this episode I share the joy of rediscovering creative expression and I share how creativity isn't about being inherently talented but about enjoying the process and exploring new ways to express yourself.

I also touch on the benefits of making art a habit, from reducing stress and anxiety to enhancing problem-solving skills. Whether it's through finger painting, cooking, knitting, or scrapbooking, I am encouraging you to find your own creative outlets and incorporate them into your daily life.

Key Takeaways:

• Creativity & Play: Essential for well-being, not just for the "talented."
• Overcoming Art Scars: Letting go of comparison and embracing the creative process.
• Mental & Emotional Benefits: Creativity reduces stress, anxiety, and enhances problem-solving abilities.
• Practical Tips: Try new creative activities, from cooking to painting, and don't worry about the outcome—focus on the process.

Resources Mentioned:

• Books & Authors:
  • Brené Brown - The Gifts Of Imperfection
  • Stuart Brown - on the importance of play.
• Podcasts:
  • NPR's Life Kit - Making art is good for your health. Here's how to start a habit (practical advice on adding creativity and play to your life).

Challenge of the Week:

This week, explore different creative processes or activities that you can incorporate into your life. Don't worry about being perfect—focus on what brings you joy!

Subscribe & Connect:

• For more inspiration, sign up for My Happy Notes, my weekly newsletter to keep your happiness top-of mind and get the podcast delivered straight to your inbox!

Quote of the Episode:
"You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." — Maya Angelou

Episode Title: Don’t Wait for a Crisis: Life Lessons from a Plane Crash Survivor
Original Air Date: August 9, 2020 (Don't Postpone Your Life)
Hosts: Bona Normandeau & Dany Normandeau

Episode Summary:

In this thought-provoking episode, we revisit our conversation inspired by Ric Elias' impactful 2011 TED talk, "3 Things I Learned While My Plane Crashed." Ric Elias was one of the passengers aboard the flight that made a miraculous crash-landing in the Hudson River in 2009. His reflections on this life-altering experience offer thoughtful insights into living fully and intentionally.

Join us as we delve into the lessons we took away from Ric's talk and discuss how they reshaped our perspectives on life. We explore the importance of not waiting for a crisis to prioritize what truly matters, the significance of eliminating negative energy, and the value of appreciating the present moment.

In our conversation, recorded originally on August 9, 2020, we share personal stories and insights on how Ric's message inspired us to make immediate changes in our lives. We reflect on the idea that you don't need a dramatic event to start living with intention and joy.

Key Takeaways:

• Ric Elias' three life-changing lessons from the Hudson River plane crash
• The importance of living with intention and not postponing your dreams
• How to identify and eliminate negative energy from your life
• Practical steps to start living fully now, without waiting for a crisis

Links and Resources:

• Ric Elias' TED Talk: 3 Things I Learned While My Plane Crashed
• The Happier You Website
• The Happier You Facebook Group

We hope this episode inspires you to take action and live a more intentional and fulfilling life. Don't wait for a crisis – start making meaningful changes today!

 In this episode, I’m reminiscing about summer reading programs from my childhood. Whether you're traveling, relaxing by the lake, or diving into a good book, summer can be a time for fun and personal growth. Join me as I share  some fantastic book recommendations to inspire your summer reading list.

Book Recommendations:

• Take the Stairs by Rory Vaden:
• The Happiness Equation by Neil Pasricha:
• Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center:
• Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown:

Resources:

• Neil Pasricha's blog: 1000 Awesome Things
•  If you want even more reading ideas, you can check out my Summer Reading List from 2021

What's next:

• Share your summer reading lists and experiences with me!
• Start your own summer reading challenge and reward yourself.
• Come on over to The Happier You Facebook Group and join the conversation about your favourite books and summer reads.

Make time for the things you love this summer and capture those moments in your gratitude journal. Enjoy your reading adventures and choose happiness every day. Have a wonderful summer and go get your happy on!

In this episode I discuss the power of "Easy Wins" – small, manageable version of your habits that can transform your day and enhance your happiness. Drawing inspiration from Brené  Brown and James Clear, I talk about actionable steps to help you stay on track and cultivate positive habits, even on the busiest days.

Key Topics Covered:

• Understanding Easy Wins: Learn why small victories matter and how they build momentum.
• Insights from Experts: Discover how Brene Brown and James Clear's teachings can support your habit-building journey.
• Real-Life Examples: I share my experiences with the Happiness Planner and easy wins from the Discover and Thrive journaling group.
• Actionable Steps: Identify a neglected positive habit, define an easy win, and commit to it for 7 days.

Challenge for the Week:

1. Identify a positive habit you've stopped doing.
2. Define your "easy win" – a small, achievable step for this habit.
3. Commit to your easy win for the next 7 days.

Quotes to Remember:

• "Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement." – James Clear
• "When we know better, we do better." – Maya Angelou

Resources:

• The Happier You Happiness Planner: Track your gratitude and small wins daily.
• 14-Day Gratitude Challenge: Sign up at thehappieryou.net for a free tracking sheet.

Join the Conversation: I love hearing from you! Share your easy wins on social media or on our website.

Subscribe & Review: Please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform to support our mission of spreading happiness.

Join me this week for an enlightening conversation with one of my favorite people in the world, Doris Belland. Doris is not only a close friend but also a renowned women's money coach, bringing a wealth of wisdom and experience to our discussion.

In this episode, we delve deep into the transformative power of identifying and living by your core values. I've been reflecting a lot on my own happiness journey and realized that the pivotal moment was when I truly understood my values. This clarity has been a game changer, guiding every decision-making process and helping me live a more authentic life.

We often think we know our values until we actually sit down to clarify and prioritize them. Doris and I discuss the importance of this introspective process and the profound impact it can have on our lives. We also explore the role of journaling in this journey, as a tool for both self-discovery and maintaining an authentic lifestyle.

This is such an inspiring conversation with Doris Belland, filled with practical insights and heartfelt advice. Whether you're looking to find clarity in your values, enhance your decision-making, or simply live a more authentic life, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

Tune in and get ready to be inspired!

Resources from today's episode:
Free Downloadable Cheat Sheet from Doris: The #1 Mistake Women Make in Managing Their Money (and What to Do Instead)

Doris' Website: Yourfinanciallaunchpad.com

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