Navigating Joy Together

Are you ready for some great short stories?  

In this episode I read some quick bios of people who live in JOY daily and how they inspire others.  These are people who reached out to me who want to be interviewed.  Each one I read is inspirational and you can tell they inspire many people. I will be interviewing them all and can't wait to share their stories and how they pass JOY along. '
In the meantime..enjoy what you hear!

Drive-A-Logue link: https://drivealogue.com/?sca_ref=4141865.xLTkWKLvJW Put NJT in the coupon box for a 20% discount!

Lauren's Book, My Dad Died From ALS and How I Found Joy 30 Years Later
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2J15M3Z

CONNECT WITH LAUREN AND HER FAMILY

Email: lauren@dailyjoy.us
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurensdailyjoy/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.g.raymond

Itś hard to find JOY when we are suffering from traumatic events whether past or present. 

I was looking up articles recently to see how JOY and trauma relate to each other and found this great blog post about it.  https://tinybuddha.com/blog/why-joy-is-important-for-healing-developmental-trauma/ by  Irina Bengston
Even though it is specific to developmental trauma, I believe what the author says can be put into play in all kinds of trauma or when dealing with a traumatic event. I was looking for this information because of the last couple traumatic events my family has experienced.

1. Our 4 year old doggy dyeing unexpectedly in September
2. Our car burned down in our drive way just after we got out of it, in December.

Both of these events have been very traumatic for us and we have been learning how to navigate and process them.  My kids have not yet experienced death this closely yet and who experiences a car burning down in their driveway? I would think that is rare. 

This blog resonated with me. Here is what the author shares:

1. Learn to tolerate difficult emotions.
2. Live in the moment.
3. Learn to calm yourself.
4. Engage yourself fully.
5. Help or share
6. Choose joy.
   
   

There are a few others so take a look at the post and see what else she has to day.

https://tinybuddha.com/blog/why-joy-is-important-for-healing-developmental-trauma/ by Irina Bengtson

Drive-A-Logue link: https://drivealogue.com/?sca_ref=4141865.xLTkWKLvJW Put NJT in the coupon box for a 20% discount!

Lauren's Book, My Dad Died From ALS and How I Found Joy 30 Years Later
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2J15M3Z

CONNECT WITH LAUREN AND HER FAMILY

Email: lauren@dailyjoy.us
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurensdailyjoy/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.g.raymond

This episode is about......NOTHING!  We didn't have a chance to sit down and record. Our next episode will be about a traumatic event that happened to us in December and how we have been navigating joy.  It has taken us some time to process all that happened and we are ready to reflect and chat about it.   

It will be coming in 2 weeks!

Thanks for listening!

Drive-A-Logue link: https://drivealogue.com/?sca_ref=4141865.xLTkWKLvJW Put NJT in the coupon box for a 20% discount!

Lauren's Book, My Dad Died From ALS and How I Found Joy 30 Years Later
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2J15M3Z

CONNECT WITH LAUREN AND HER FAMILY

Email: lauren@dailyjoy.us
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurensdailyjoy/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.g.raymond

This episode is a discussion with Sarah Brandell.  Sarah is an infertility and pregnancy loss life and mindset coach who supports women on their path to motherhood. She helps women manage the heavy emotions of their fertility journey while reconnecting to themselves and their passions in the present. She is a fellow infertility warrior as well as a wife and rainbow baby mama.

Sarah shares her story about Infertility and how she lost herself and time in her life while trying to get pregnant. She realized there was no one out there to support women through this journey so made it a mission to be the one to do it. 

She works with her clients in teaching them how to find JOY while still feeling the deep emotions of infertility.  Sarah also teaches moms how to continue to live their lives while navigating trying to get pregnant, pregnancy, and infertility.

This conversation is so inspiring and moms out there are extremely lucky to have Sarah to support them through these tough times.

Please, please, please share with others who have gone through infertility or who are going through it currently. I know they will gain value out of this episode and may even want to connect with Sarah. 

How to connect with Sarah:

Links:
Free Two Week Wait Workbook: https://sarahbrandell.com/twoweekwait
Path to Motherhood Podcast: https://pod.link/1647042730

https://sarahbrandell.com
https://www.instagram.com/sarahbrandell/
https://www.tiktok.com/@sarahbrandell?_t=8dsQoFz5tfP&_r=1
https://www.facebook.com/sarahbrandellcoaching
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahbrandell/

Drive-A-Logue link: https://drivealogue.com/?sca_ref=4141865.xLTkWKLvJW Put NJT in the coupon box for a 20% discount!

Lauren's Book, My Dad Died From ALS and How I Found Joy 30 Years Later
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2J15M3Z

CONNECT WITH LAUREN AND HER FAMILY

Email: lauren@dailyjoy.us
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurensdailyjoy/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.g.raymond

Jenna Hodge is a mom of three and motherhood coach who is passionate about the health and wellness of both mom and child. She helps moms take care of their little ones and themselves by balancing self care with their kids’ needs.

Hear Jenna's personal experience with motherhood, postpartum depression and many other things and how she turned her struggles around by herself.  She helps moms learn how to change their mindset to take care of themselves while also raising their children.  She teaches moms to focus on what can be fixed and not to focus on what cannot be fixed.  To Jenna it is all about mindset and teaching moms how to shift their mindset.

This conversation is very inspiring. There are millions of moms out there and every single one of them will gain something from this conversation.  We would be extremely grateful if you would pass this along to your mom friends.

How to connect with Jenna:

Drive-A-Logue link: https://drivealogue.com/?sca_ref=4141865.xLTkWKLvJW Put NJT in the coupon box for a 20% discount!

Lauren's Book, My Dad Died From ALS and How I Found Joy 30 Years Later
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2J15M3Z

CONNECT WITH LAUREN AND HER FAMILY

Email: lauren@dailyjoy.us
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurensdailyjoy/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.g.raymond

This episode is a wonderful conversation with Liz Carroll who shares her experience with JOY. 
Liz Carroll is a life-long student and teacher of making mindful money moves. Originally believing she was "bad with money," Liz did the hardwork to rewrite her money story. She needed to drop limiting beliefs about how a woman can earn and manage money to set her up for financial success in a way she would commit to and follow. It worked. Liz attained financial independence and retired early from her corporate IT sales career.Now, in her encore career, Liz helps other women experience calm confidence with their finances by unpacking and shifting their own money story. She has the unique ability to shed light onto darkness around money,making complex personal finance issues simple. She created the Mindful Money Method, a financial wellness course and coaching program that utilizes a holistic approach to math, mindset and soul-guided desires. Liz is a Certified Financial Coach from Ramsey Solutions, a Certified Life Coach from The Life Coach School and a 200-RYT Yoga & Meditation Instructor from Purna Yoga College. She and her husband live on the Oregon Coast.Their adult children visit regularly.

Liz shares how she intentionally planned a "Year of Joy" trip for her 50th birthday.  Yes, she preplanned her budget and started saving. Everything she did in her "Year of Joy" were experiences except for one item she purchased.  We discuss the importance of how experiences can continue to bring JOY for a lifetime compared to material items. Plus we discuss that one doesn't need a lot of, or any money to create JOY. There are many "free" things that can be done that bring JOY. 

We also talk about what Liz does, and how she helps other women create a more abundant and financially sound life.

Tune in and be ready for some great take-aways from Liz.

How to connect with Liz:

liz@mindfulmoneycoaches.com
website: www.mindfulmoneymethod.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mindfulmoneycoaches/

Drive-A-Logue link: https://drivealogue.com/?sca_ref=4141865.xLTkWKLvJW Put NJT in the coupon box for a 20% discount!

Lauren's Book, My Dad Died From ALS and How I Found Joy 30 Years Later
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2J15M3Z

CONNECT WITH LAUREN AND HER FAMILY

Email: lauren@dailyjoy.us
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurensdailyjoy/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.g.raymond

In this episode, I have the privilege of talking to Tanya Hackney.  Tanya graduated with a B.A. from Middlebury College in 1997, where she majored in English and double-minored in French and Education. She married her high school sweetheart and taught kindergarten in Atlanta, Georgia before transitioning to homeschooling her own five children aboard sailing vessel Take Two. She’s lived aboard, traveled, and written for the Take Two Sailing blog for the last fifteen years. She has always had a bad case of wanderlust, having taken countless road trips as a child, spent a semester in Paris during college, and honeymooned in Mexico. In 2021, she published an award-winning memoir, Leaving the Safe Harbor: the Risks and Rewards of Raising a Family on a Boat. In her free time, she plays the ukulele, paints landscapes, and kayaks

Our conversation is about life raising a family on a boat and how her family has found a way to find JOY among the difficulties of sailing and living on the sea.

Tanya also shares with us a wonderful story about her Mother-in-Law, Mary who lost her life to cancer.  She shares how her family and friends celebrated with Mary during a "Death Day" party...before Mary passed and how they all felt JOY during a time of deep grief. 

Finally, Tanya shares the important of gratitude and how that has helped her tap into JOY even during life's massive challenges. 


How to find Tanya:

Blog- www.taketwosailing.com 
Book- https://ingeniumbooks.com/LTSH 
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/tanya.hackney.71 
                         https://www.facebook.com/TakeTwoSailing/ 
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/taketwosailing/ 
Pinterest- https://www.pinterest.com/tanyataketwo/

Drive-A-Logue link: https://drivealogue.com/?sca_ref=4141865.xLTkWKLvJW Put NJT in the coupon box for a 20% discount!

Lauren's Book, My Dad Died From ALS and How I Found Joy 30 Years Later
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2J15M3Z

CONNECT WITH LAUREN AND HER FAMILY

Email: lauren@dailyjoy.us
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurensdailyjoy/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.g.raymond

You don't want to miss this episode!!!  

This is a very special, emotional episode for us.  Hunter, Addison, and I sat down and had a session with Tami Hendrix, a Compassionate Medium and Healer.   We lost our beloved Onyx, a 4-year-old black lab, suddenly and unexpectedly on Labor Day.  We have had tremendous heartbreak these last few months as we have had to immediately navigate life without her and try to make sense of what happened.  

I was referred to Tami by my therapist and I am so grateful that I was.  Since I have been following Tami I have learned a little bit about Onyx that I didn't know from some questions I had written into Tami early on and did a free reading on her bi-monthly classes she does.  I shared this with my family and Addison and Hunter wanted to ask questions as well so we did a session with Tami.

What did this session entail:

1. Great things about Onyx.
2. How she came to use.
3. How she died.
4. How to keep her energy with us by writing her letters, keeping a dream journal, and noticing when she is visiting us.
5. Where she went after she died.
6. Did she know we were with her when she died?
7. Why she didn't like to swim
8. And will she be ok if we get a puppy?

Within all of these topics, we heard from Onyx as she answered many of these questions. This was an incredible session and it really helped us start to move on and accept what happened even though we miss her terribly and our hearts are still broken.

The kinds of things that Onyx shared with us through Tami were incredible. It made us laugh and cry.  

If you are an animal lover we know you will relate and be able to empathize with this episode. We would love to know what you took away, what you learned, or what you thought.   

Drive-A-Logue link: https://drivealogue.com/?sca_ref=4141865.xLTkWKLvJW Put NJT in the coupon box for a 20% discount!

Lauren's Book, My Dad Died From ALS and How I Found Joy 30 Years Later
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2J15M3Z

CONNECT WITH LAUREN AND HER FAMILY

Email: lauren@dailyjoy.us
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurensdailyjoy/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.g.raymond

This episode is a wonderful conversation with Mary Ann Pack. Mary Ann Pack is a spiritual medium, best-selling author, publisher at Envision Greatness Press, and joy advocate. Her mission is to spread more love and joy in the world by writing, publishing, coaching, and podcasting to support others as they use their voices for messages of hope and healing. If you have a book being called through you, want to participate in a collaborative book project, need ghostwriting, or need a customized journal to uplevel an event or program, visit her website at www.EnvisionGreatness.com to explore publishing. Her published books, including the We Are Joy! series, are available on the website. Let’s write the world happy, one word at a time!

We talk about the difference between JOY and Happiness and how Mary consciously started living joyfully.  Just by changing her mindset, she became extremely healthy both inside and out and had no more physical problems. 

She shares with us how staying in the negative aspects of life is a detriment to us both physically and mentally. 

Finally, listen to how she gives back to others, guiding them to live JOYFULLY.  She has so many avenues and resources that fit any person's style.

Where do you connect with Mary?

Email:  envisiongreatnessllc@gmail.com
Publishing & Services: https://envisiongreatness.com
Spiritual & Life Coaching: https://maryannpack.com
FB Page: https://facebook.com/maryannpackcoaching

Don't forget to connect with me and share what was of value for you in this episode we are always extremely grateful if you would give us a 5-star rating and share with others whom you know would gain value from our podcast.

Joy to you!

Drive-A-Logue link: https://drivealogue.com/?sca_ref=4141865.xLTkWKLvJW Put NJT in the coupon box for a 20% discount!

Lauren's Book, My Dad Died From ALS and How I Found Joy 30 Years Later
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2J15M3Z

CONNECT WITH LAUREN AND HER FAMILY

Email: lauren@dailyjoy.us
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurensdailyjoy/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.g.raymond

It's been at least 4 weeks since we put out an episode. Losing our sweet Onyx has made it very difficult to be focused on daily tasks. We are still grieving for our dear doggy. 

What have the last 7 weeks been like?

We still cry as we are trying to navigate our lives without Onyx.  Evenings, nights, and weekends are the toughest. 

What I have learned is that when my kids cry, I don't need to try to fix anything for them. I can't fix anything. I can't bring back Onyx so there is nothing I can do to fix this.  As parents, we want to fix everything but we should get out of this habit. Children need to learn how to navigate these kinds of feelings and learn how to deal with them. 

What do we do when they are hurting and crying?  We just let them cry, hold them, and listen if they want to talk. We don't offer any advice and we never say, "It will get better or be alright".  This isn't the time for it.  This is the time for them to just "be" in their grief and sadness for a bit.

I also spoke to an Animal Medium named Tami Hendrix. She even spoke to Onyx for me and gave me some insight into our grief, heartache, and much more.  It is fascinating what she said.

We are excited to more information soon with Tami. 


Tami Hendrix-Animal Medium
https://tamihendrix.com/

Drive-A-Logue link: https://drivealogue.com/?sca_ref=4141865.xLTkWKLvJW Put NJT in the coupon box for a 20% discount!

Lauren's Book, My Dad Died From ALS and How I Found Joy 30 Years Later
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2J15M3Z

CONNECT WITH LAUREN AND HER FAMILY

Email: lauren@dailyjoy.us
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurensdailyjoy/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.g.raymond

A brief description of what we have been going through these last few weeks.  This is the reason why I don't have a full episode ready.

We lost our dear 4 year old doggy, Onyx suddenly. We are trying to keep our head above water each day.   I have not been able to be productive in my life or find much JOY.  I am a believer that JOY and grief coexist but when you are in the forefront of grief it is really hard to find JOY.  

We will be back soon sharing our experience with this current experience and how we are trying to navigate JOY in our lives daily.

I will also continue to put out some of the amazing interviews I have done on how people life with JOY in their lives. 

Drive-A-Logue link: https://drivealogue.com/?sca_ref=4141865.xLTkWKLvJW Put NJT in the coupon box for a 20% discount!

Lauren's Book, My Dad Died From ALS and How I Found Joy 30 Years Later
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2J15M3Z

CONNECT WITH LAUREN AND HER FAMILY

Email: lauren@dailyjoy.us
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurensdailyjoy/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.g.raymond

Drive-a-logue Game: Go to the link below and enter NJT for a 20% discount at checkout.

https://drivealogue.com/?sca_ref=4141865.xLTkWKLvJW

How to find Adam:

adam@adamleebrooks.com
https://www.adamleebrooks.com/
https://drivealogue.com/
https://www.facebook.com/adamleebro
https://www.instagram.com/adam.lee.brooks/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamleebrooks

Drive-A-Logue link: https://drivealogue.com/?sca_ref=4141865.xLTkWKLvJW Put NJT in the coupon box for a 20% discount!

Lauren's Book, My Dad Died From ALS and How I Found Joy 30 Years Later
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2J15M3Z

CONNECT WITH LAUREN AND HER FAMILY

Email: lauren@dailyjoy.us
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurensdailyjoy/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.g.raymond

Jenna B is a wife, mother, and spiritually intuitive. Jenna has worn many hats in life trying to find her own purpose outside of the home. With a very supportive husband, Jenna had the time to sit and pray to find what she was meant to do. Jenna feels her purpose is to help, heal and spread love to others. 

Jenna and I discuss what transpired in her life to lead her to consciously choose joy every single day. She shares that she asks for ease, flow, and grace every single morning and with this, JOY naturally comes.  However, there are times that she gets thrown off, as we all do, and she has to start over again. This is what living consciously to choose JOY is all about! 

Some of her go-to tools to get her back into JOY are playing some "fierce" Beyonce and dancing the negativity out of her. She also spends time working out. Moving her body is essential to keeping JOY at the forefront.   She suggests if you are just starting out, go for a walk and listen to the birds. 


Jenna also shares where and how her family fits into this focus of consciously living in JOY.  As a family,  they communicate all of their feelings all the time.  She has her son tell his emotions, goes to a chart, and figure out how to work through it. 

We also bring in our children to answer a few questions:

• What does Joy mean to you?
• Are you aware when you are not feeling happiness or joy?
• What is something that you do when you feel mad or sad to help you get happy again?
• What would you do if you saw a friend who was sad, mad, etc
• What is something you would tell your friends to help them be in a more joyful place?

Hear their perspectives on what JOY means and looks like to them. 

One of the biggest takeaways I got from Jenna is what she says at the end. "The world is for you, not against you." What a great thought to focus on.  This is when you can focus more on the little positives and find JOY daily. 

How to connect with Jenna:

Prayer Cards with a Positive Intention:
Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JennaBSpiritual?listing_id=1083647482&ref=simple-shop-header-name

Website: https://www.jennabspiritual.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennab_spiritual

Drive-A-Logue link: https://drivealogue.com/?sca_ref=4141865.xLTkWKLvJW Put NJT in the coupon box for a 20% discount!

Lauren's Book, My Dad Died From ALS and How I Found Joy 30 Years Later
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2J15M3Z

CONNECT WITH LAUREN AND HER FAMILY

Email: lauren@dailyjoy.us
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurensdailyjoy/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.g.raymond

My guest today is Michelle Ruddell. Michelle is a speaker, author, and semi-retired teacher who lives in Central Texas.  She speaks to women's groups about how to find joy in the middle of tough circumstances. her book, "Welcome to the Club, I'm Sorry You're Here", was written to offer hope to grieving parents.

Michelle shares with us the story of losing her 5-year-old child over 30 years ago, how a neighbor told her she would never be happy again, and how she has consciously learned to find and choose joy in the midst of grief and hardship.  This is an inspiring story to offer hope to parents out there who have lost a child.

We also hear tools she uses personally to tap into JOY; gratitude, taking care of yourself and serving others.  Listen to how she serves others by helping them find joy during difficult life events.

Connect with Michelle:

Email: michelle@michelleruddell.com
Website: michelleruddell.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071241318194

IG: https://www.instagram.com/michelleruddell_speaker/

Book: "Welcome to the Club, I'm Sorry You're Here"

https://a.co/d/hI7LXyO

Drive-A-Logue link: https://drivealogue.com/?sca_ref=4141865.xLTkWKLvJW Put NJT in the coupon box for a 20% discount!

Lauren's Book, My Dad Died From ALS and How I Found Joy 30 Years Later
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2J15M3Z

CONNECT WITH LAUREN AND HER FAMILY

Email: lauren@dailyjoy.us
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurensdailyjoy/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.g.raymond

In this episode, we talk with Michael Jann and Michele Jourdan.  Michael is an Emmy-nominated late-night comedy writer for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon. Michele is Mike’s wife, writing partner, and a gold-medal-winning body-builder. She likes working out so much, she actually married a dumbbell: Mike.

Their story is deeply personal: Their 27-year-old son Max’s mental breakdown, hospitalization, diagnosis, and ongoing recovery (fingers crossed), fuel their passion to fight the stigma of mental illness. You can’t solve a problem if you can’t talk about it. BUG THERAPY uses humor and entertainment to break the ice. 

Listen in on some wonderful insight about BUG THERAPY, mental health, and JOY. Michael and Michele share where their idea for BUG THERAPY came from and the personal connection they have to it.  They want to share with others that it is ok with whatever is going on in one's life and it's ok to get support.  This short film has already brought out a clear, powerful message and has been used all over.  Plus, hear their plans for the next step of this movie.

They also share with us their personal experience with mental illness and their son, how they have navigated what was happening and how laughter, gratitude, and exercise created joy to help them get through what was happening with their son.

Finally, hear their perspective on how JOY and mental health are connected.

To watch the short film for free until the end of JUNE, click on the Youtube link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6n7aMfxKec

To follow BUG THERAPY and what Michael and Michele are doing with it click on the website below or find them on any of the social media platforms listed. 

http://www.bugtherapy.film

Follow Bug Therapy on social media:

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Instagram

YouTube

TikTok

Drive-A-Logue link: https://drivealogue.com/?sca_ref=4141865.xLTkWKLvJW Put NJT in the coupon box for a 20% discount!

Lauren's Book, My Dad Died From ALS and How I Found Joy 30 Years Later
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2J15M3Z

CONNECT WITH LAUREN AND HER FAMILY

Email: lauren@dailyjoy.us
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurensdailyjoy/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.g.raymond

This week's episodes briefly share some "teasers" of some amazing people I will be interviewing who all are connected to JOY in their personal or professional lives and how they bring JOY to others.

Michelle lost her 5 year old in a car accident over 30 years ago.  Even though her neighbor said something very negative and hurtful, Michelle tells us how she held on to JOY in the midst of grief.

Jenna shares how she lives her life everyday with joy. It is about changing your perspective and making it a choice.

Michael and Michelle are the creators and writers of a short, animated film called "Bug Therapy".  Dr. Phil and Meghan Trainor are in this film among other actors.  They will be talking about the purpose of this film, why they created it and also share ho their family has navigated joy through the midst of mental health issues.

Adam is the creator of a game that encourages meaningful family conversations and creates open conversations.  He will also talk about positive communication with teens, digital wellness, and replacement therapy.

Liz planned a 50th birthday year joy project and how she helps other women live more joyfully.

Mary Ann has published a series of books all related to finding and being in joy.

Tanya will talk about what is means to have joy amid life's hardships.

Natalie will discuss how she helps women create lives that are easy flowing and filled with joy.

Jenny works iths moms to help them navigate a self-care routine, creating a joyful morning routine and nightly routine.  Imagine starting and ending your day joyfully.

These are just a few guests I'm excited to bring you. There are many more.  I can't wait for you to hear what they have to share and how they can bring value to your lives!!!!

See you in 2 weeks with Michelle!

Drive-A-Logue link: https://drivealogue.com/?sca_ref=4141865.xLTkWKLvJW Put NJT in the coupon box for a 20% discount!

Lauren's Book, My Dad Died From ALS and How I Found Joy 30 Years Later
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2J15M3Z

CONNECT WITH LAUREN AND HER FAMILY

Email: lauren@dailyjoy.us
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurensdailyjoy/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.g.raymond

It's fun getting together with family you haven't seen for a while.  But how do you keep the JOY flowing instead of the arguments and negative situations?  You create boundaries and expectations ahead of time.

We just returned from a family trip with my brothers' families and mine celebrating our Mom's 80th birthday.  We spent a week together at Folly Beach in South Carolina, all in the same rented VRBO.  

How do you set expectations:
1. Don't expect everyone to do the same thing at the same time.
2. Unplug
3. Don't bring up topics that create tension.

I knew from 5 years ago what topic could not be discussed when we were all together. It was politics. My family is divided in their beliefs around politics and the state of our country, so I had to do something ahead of time.

I sent out a message before we left to everyone setting some expectations.  Basically, it was to respect everyone's beliefs and not to bring up the subject of politics as well as not watching news in front of each other.  I continue to say that we all want this trip to be a joyful trip we all remember.

I also challenged my own family to keep the JOY flowing with everyone.

What was the outcome?

A nice, JOYFUL trip with lots of happy memories that we can keep playing in our heads and NO talk about politics.  

It was AMAZING!!!

Drive-A-Logue link: https://drivealogue.com/?sca_ref=4141865.xLTkWKLvJW Put NJT in the coupon box for a 20% discount!

Lauren's Book, My Dad Died From ALS and How I Found Joy 30 Years Later
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2J15M3Z

CONNECT WITH LAUREN AND HER FAMILY

Email: lauren@dailyjoy.us
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurensdailyjoy/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.g.raymond

This will be our last one on Cultivating Joy in Children for a while as I will be bringing guests on who are experts in JOY. We have so many wonderful conversations coming up to share about JOY.

Now on to this episode:

Addison and I discuss how important it is to laugh. As adults we are much too serious and we don't tap into fun and laughter enough. Instead, we carry stress, worry, and anger. Those negative emotions have a traumatic effect on our bodies and lives. 

Instead, learn how to bring authentic laughter into your life. When you do, you are modeling for your children how important laughter is.

Why is it important:

1.  It relieves stress
2.  Stimulates our organs
3.  Increases our endorphins
4.  It activates and relieves our stress response
5.  Soothes tension
6.  Improves immune system
7.  Helps relieve pain
8. Improves our mood

Addison and Hunter do hilarious things at home that make us laugh hysterical. Yes, there are times I'm tired and don't want to, but when I just let go and laugh, I feel so much better. It even gives me energy. 

Take time to laugh EVERY SINGLE DAY with your children. I can guarantee your family and household will be much happier!!!

Drive-A-Logue link: https://drivealogue.com/?sca_ref=4141865.xLTkWKLvJW Put NJT in the coupon box for a 20% discount!

Lauren's Book, My Dad Died From ALS and How I Found Joy 30 Years Later
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2J15M3Z

CONNECT WITH LAUREN AND HER FAMILY

Email: lauren@dailyjoy.us
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurensdailyjoy/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.g.raymond

In this episode I have a candid conversation with Girl Dad Nation's Matthew Krekeler.

He is the father of three young girls and has a podcast called Girl Dad Nation.

We chat about how he keeps JOY alive in a house full of young children. 

He taps into his religion and how his religion helps him navigate JOY.

Matthew talks about when he and his wife struggled with infertility and how he was able to let that go, tap into gratitude and JOY to then end up having 3 daughters.

He also talks about how he and his wife keep JOY alive together while parenting, working, and taking care of all of life's needs.


This conversation was very enlightening and every time I chat with someone about JOY I always learn something new on how I can shift a pattern and behavior to continue bringing more JOY into my and my family's lives.

Matthew's Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/girl-dad-nation/id1602951946

Drive-A-Logue link: https://drivealogue.com/?sca_ref=4141865.xLTkWKLvJW Put NJT in the coupon box for a 20% discount!

Lauren's Book, My Dad Died From ALS and How I Found Joy 30 Years Later
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2J15M3Z

CONNECT WITH LAUREN AND HER FAMILY

Email: lauren@dailyjoy.us
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurensdailyjoy/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.g.raymond

As we celebrate finishing our first year of podcasting, we are inviting listeners to share with us topics they want to hear about in season 2.

What areas in your family are joy crushers?
Do you need tips on creating more joy?
Do you want to share with us how you strive to bring JOY into yours and your family's life?

Bring it on and reach out so we can continue to bring value to every listener out there.

We all can use MORE JOY in our DAILY LIVES!

Drive-A-Logue link: https://drivealogue.com/?sca_ref=4141865.xLTkWKLvJW Put NJT in the coupon box for a 20% discount!

Lauren's Book, My Dad Died From ALS and How I Found Joy 30 Years Later
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2J15M3Z

CONNECT WITH LAUREN AND HER FAMILY

Email: lauren@dailyjoy.us
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurensdailyjoy/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.g.raymond