Rediscovering Joy: Why Creativity and Play Matter (Part 2)

Rediscovering Joy: Why Creativity and Play Matter (Part 2)

Podcast
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…
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Rediscovering Joy: Why Creativity and Play Matter (Part 1)

Rediscovering Joy: Why Creativity and Play Matter (Part 1)

Podcast
Episode Summary: Rediscovering Joy: Why Creativity and Play Matter. 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…
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Don’t Wait for a Crisis: Life Lessons from a Plane Crash Survivor EP#110

Don’t Wait for a Crisis: Life Lessons from a Plane Crash Survivor EP#110

Podcast
Episode Title: Don’t Wait for a Crisis: Life Lessons from a Plane Crash SurvivorOriginal 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,…
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Bona’s Summer Reading List 2024 EP#109

Bona’s Summer Reading List 2024 EP#109

Podcast
Welcome to Bona's Summer Reading List, the 2024 version. I haven't done a summer reading list recommendation since 2021! In today's podcast I remedy that as I share a few of my recent reads. 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: Here are the books I am recommending for this summer! 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 more reading ideas, you can check…
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Easy Wins: Transforming Your Day with Simple Habits for Happiness EP#108

Easy Wins: Transforming Your Day with Simple Habits for Happiness EP#108

Podcast
In today's episode, I'm diving into the concept of "Easy Wins" and how simple habits can transform your day and boost your happiness. We all have positive habits we want to adopt, or perhaps we had them but fell off track. Life happens, and sometimes we lose sight of these beneficial routines. James Clear tells us that when starting a new habit, it's crucial to identify with someone who already practices that habit. Starting small is essential, as we discovered in our Discover & Thrive coaching group. That's where the idea of the "easy win" comes in! By identifying an "easy win" – a small, manageable task you can achieve even on the busiest or toughest days – you can keep moving towards your goals. It's all about trial and…
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Finding Clarity and Happiness Through Values with Doris Belland EP#107

Finding Clarity and Happiness Through Values with Doris Belland EP#107

Podcast
Join me this week for an enlightening conversation with one of my favorite people in the world, Doris Belland, as we talk about Finding Clarity and Happiness Through Values. 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.…
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Navigating Relationships: Decoding the Empowerment Triangle With Diane Sorensen EP#106

Navigating Relationships: Decoding the Empowerment Triangle With Diane Sorensen EP#106

Podcast
In today's episode, we're diving deep into the Empowerment Triangle with our returning guest, Diane Sorensen. The Empowerment Triangle ,also known as the empowerment dynamic, serves as the antidote to the familiar Drama Triangle we explored in a previous episode. As we unravel the roles entrenched in the Drama Triangle, a newfound awareness emerges. We start questioning our involvement in the drama, paving the way to ask, "How can I break free from this toxic cycle?" In this enlightening discussion, Diane sheds light on the Empowerment Dynamic, a framework crucial for fostering healthier relationships. Reflecting on our previous conversation, I realized the significance of Diane's insights and the profound impact they can have on our lives. Not only does Diane delve into the three pivotal roles within the Empowerment Dynamic,…
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How To Empower Yourself Through Reflective Journaling EP#105

How To Empower Yourself Through Reflective Journaling EP#105

Podcast
In today's episode we are talking about how to empower yourself through reflective journaling. I have Lori Mitchell back on the podcast to talk about how her journaling practice has supported her over the past year.  A year ago Lori didn't have a journal practice. Lori is inspiring and honest as she shares some great takeaways for anyone thinking about trying this amazing self-supporting practice.  When we first started talking last year, journaling was not in her plans. For me, after just a few conversations with Lori, I could see how journaling could support this warm and caring woman through the challenges life had given her. I couldn't help myself, I started encouraging her to journal. (Okay, okay in the podcast I admit to friendly nagging!!!!). As we chatted about…
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Unleashing Abundance: How Focusing on the Good Multiplies Blessings EP#104

Unleashing Abundance: How Focusing on the Good Multiplies Blessings EP#104

Podcast
In this episode I am talking about how focusing on the good multiplies blessings! Have you really thought about what you are focusing on? When we don't think about it, we end up focusing on what we don't want to expand. The way other people annoy us. How our kids didn't put away their things. Maybe your carpooling partner is always late! How it feels like you are the only one who empties the dishwasher! What we focus on expands. So when we focus on things that drive us crazy…well… you get the picture. In today's episode I give you some ideas of things you can focus on so that they can expand in your life. If focusing on the good multiplies blessings, then don't you think its worth a…
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The Power of Choice: Your Authentic Path to Happiness EP#103

The Power of Choice: Your Authentic Path to Happiness EP#103

Podcast
Today's episode is about The Power of Choice: Your Authentic Path to Happiness. Have you ever felt like life's demands left you with little room to choose, or maybe you've found yourself going with the flow, unsure of what you truly want? Well, I'm here to tell you that embracing your power to choose is your authentic path to happiness. Join me as we dive deep into the transformative power of choice. In this podcast, we'll explore how every decision, whether big or small, shapes our happiness and fulfillment. I know it might sound a bit controversial, but trust me, when you take a closer look, you'll realize that everything in your life is there because of a choice. Together, we'll uncover three key ways that actively choosing for yourself…
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