3460: A Letter to Joy From Someone Who Didn’t Always Know Where to Find It by Sabrina of Budding Optimist

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3460: Sabrina shares her heartfelt journey to finding lasting joy, revealing the transformative power of gratitude. By shifting her focus from fleeting pleasures and external validation to appreciating life’s simple moments, she discovered a steady, inner source of happiness that transcends life's challenges. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://buddingoptimist.com/find-joy/ Quotes to ponder: “You’re not a particular feeling I can put a finger on; you’re a state of being.” “As long as I have gratitude, I have you.” “I know now that you can exist even when I’m in pain this I will remember.” Episode references: The Gifts of Imperfection: https://www.amazon.com/Gifts-Imperfection-Think-Supposed-Embrace/dp/159285849X Thanks!: https://www.amazon.com/Thanks-Gratitude-Science-Robert-Emmons/dp/0547085737 The How of Happiness: https://www.amazon.com/How-Happiness-Approach-Getting-Life/dp/0143114956 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3459: Joshua Fields Millburn demystifies minimalism by sharing that it’s not about radical deprivation but intentional living. By shedding excess and questioning possessions, he finds freedom to focus on health, relationships, and growth. He also challenges the notion of "cool," redefining it as authenticity and meaningful contribution rather than material possessions. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://www.theminimalists.com/radical & http://www.theminimalists.com/cool Quotes to ponder: "Minimalism is a tool I use to get rid of unnecessary stuff and live a meaningful life a life filled with happiness, freedom, and conscious awareness." "I constantly question possessions: Do I still need this? When is the last time I used this? Could someone use this more than me?" "Being cool has nothing to do with the stuff I own and everything to do with the way I act, the way I treat other people, the way I contribute." Episode references: Goodbye, Things: https://www.amazon.com/Goodbye-Things-New-Japanese-Minimalism/dp/0393609030 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3458: Brian Tracy emphasizes that true happiness stems from cultivating moral character and practicing virtues such as integrity, trust, and truthfulness. By aligning our inner values with our desired outer world, we can strengthen relationships, enhance our self-esteem, and achieve a fulfilling, purpose-driven life. Striving to live authentically and consistently with our highest ideals paves the way to greatness and lasting success. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.briantracy.com/blog/personal-success/success-factor-moral-character-a-good-person/ Quotes to ponder: "Only the good can be happy, and only the virtuous can be good." "The ultimate expression of trust is truthfulness." "Refuse to compromise your moral character. Refuse to pretend or wish or hope that something is not true, when in your heart, you know it is." Episode references: Success Principles by Jack Canfield: https://www.amazon.com/Success-Principles-TM-Hundred-Reach/dp/0060594896 Authentic Happiness by Martin Seligman: https://www.amazon.com/Authentic-Happiness-Psychology-Potential-Fulfilling/dp/0743222989 The Power of Now: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3457: Dr. Jenny Brockis highlights how mental fatigue undermines focus, decision-making, and creativity. She explores strategies like prioritizing downtime, brain breaks, and meaningful vacations to recharge and protect cognitive health, ensuring sustainable productivity and overall well-being. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.drjennybrockis.com/2016/9/18/is-fatigue-making-it-harder-for-you-to-do-your-best/ Quotes to ponder: "It’s about instigating some brain breaks during the day time out to uncouple from our focus and give the mighty subconscious the time it deserves." "Open all hours is a concept best kept for convenience stores and gas stations." "We simply cannot afford to waste human potential. It costs the individual, business, and society as a whole." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3456: Kathy Robinson reflects on the profound effects of a 24-hour unplugged retreat, where participants disconnected from technology, conversation, and clocks to reconnect with themselves. She highlights the unexpected benefits of this digital detox, including enhanced creativity, deeper focus, and a rejuvenating sense of presence, while also offering practical tips for incorporating non-tech breaks into daily life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://athenawellness.com/blog/2021/12/15/distraction-is-a-drug Quotes to ponder: "Technology can be a quick and easy way to soothe or escape uncomfortable feelings, confining circumstances or boredom, as would a drink or a drug." "A sense of balanced focus, which came with ease; unexpected productivity and increased creativity; a deep sense of presence and gratefulness; restorative sleep; and no withdrawal symptoms." "Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3455: Antonia Collins introduces the 2-Minute Decluttering Rule, a simple and effective method inspired by David Allen's productivity advice. By tackling small, manageable tasks immediately, such as sorting mail or tidying high-traffic areas, you can transform your home without feeling overwhelmed, create lasting habits, and enjoy a more peaceful, organized space. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://balancethroughsimplicity.com/the-2-minute-decluttering-rule/ Quotes to ponder: "It’s about consistency, not perfection." "Small, intentional steps can lead to a clutter-free, stress-free home." "Even tiny actions can create a sense of calm and a more manageable space." Episode references: Getting Things Done: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Things-Done-Stress-Free-Productivity/dp/0142000280 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3454: Allison Carmen’s journey of trying to publish her parenting book, "Maybe Everything is Okay," is a testament to resilience and the power of embracing uncertainty. Through years of rejection, she relied on her Maybe mindset to stay hopeful and eventually found a unique path to publication, showing that persistence and an open heart can turn dreams into reality. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.allisoncarmen.com/overcoming-rejection-to-fulfill-our-dreams/ Quotes to ponder: "Maybe reminds us that even when things are challenging, uncertainty holds potential, and outcomes can be beneficial." "Just because you’re facing rejection doesn’t mean your idea isn’t valid. It doesn’t mean it won’t find its place in the world one day." "Maybe the unfolding events are beneficial. Maybe we can accept them and still be okay. Maybe things can improve." Episode references: Tantor Audio: https://www.tantor.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3453: Leo Babauta explores the liberating power of being alone, showing how it fosters self-sufficiency, emotional independence, and inner joy. By embracing solitude step-by-step, you can transform fear into growth, learn to rely on yourself, and enter relationships as a whole and confident person. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://zenhabits.net/joy-of-one/ Quotes to ponder: "Being alone is empowering. The quiet of being alone is joyful." "Learn to provide for all of your emotional needs. Learn that you are OK, just as you are, without anyone else to 'complete you'." "Aloneness can be a scary thing, but it can also be a joyful thing." Episode references: The Art of Stillness: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Stillness-Adventures-Going-Nowhere/dp/1476784728 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3452: Bret Gornik and Jason Loebig of Live Better offer five transformative strategies to reignite motivation at work: embracing physical movement to boost mental clarity, fostering curiosity through guided questions, cultivating a resilient mindset, pursuing passions outside work, and building supportive social networks. These steps encourage breaking free from inertia and rediscovering purpose to thrive in your personal and professional life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://livebetterco.org/5waystogetmotivatedatwork/ Quotes to ponder: “Your physical state often determines your mental state. Ever feel better after exercise?” “Find people that support the way you want to feel. It’s that simple.” “Meditation is an incredible tool to quiet that noise, as is note-taking, making 'dream lists,' and actioning on your ideas.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3451: Crystal Fenton explains how meditation can transform your inner dialogue, turning self-criticism into self-compassion. By integrating practices like Loving Kindness and mantra meditations, you can rewire your brain for positivity, foster self-forgiveness, and nurture calmness, ultimately building confidence and resilience. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://mindbodywise.com/blog/stop-self-criticizing-start-meditating/ Quotes to ponder: “Meditation helps us avoid going down the rabbit hole of self-critical thoughts, as the act of coming back to the attention on the breath halts the process of criticism in its path.” “Breaking the cycle of self-criticism by using the breath as an ‘anchor’ also breaks the self-critical neurotransmitters from continuing firing together.” “Meditation will improve your self-worth. Over time it tends to make people more relaxed, more ethical, happier and each of those things increases your ease and self-confidence.” Episode references: Headspace: https://www.headspace.com Rewire Me (Meditation insights): https://www.rewireme.com Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices