Practically Happy

We all have an inner critic that often yells their opinion at us, like it or not. Have you also invited your inner champion to have some air time? What about risk management or R&D? In this episode, I share a metaphor that has been super helpful for me in making decisions and moving forward giving space for all of my wisdom to shine through in my inner board room. Join a retreat! livefreecreative....

I spend another amazing weekend with classmates-- this time in the sunshine of Palm Springs, California. One of my favorite lectures was about the neuroscience of creativity. Here's some insights! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the time of year I normally throw open the windows, dig through the drawers, and declutter the depths of my home. A few years ago, I realized my MIND could use the same treatment. What beliefs are you holding onto that no longer serve you? Listen in to find out! Sponsor: Receive 30 days of the full headspace mindfulness app FREE by signing up here: headspace.com/livefree Join a retreat! li...

You're walking along, minding your business, and BOOM: you fall face-first-into an untrue, unhelpful THINKING TRAP. What do you do? Here's an idea to get you started. Reference: Reivich, K., & Shatté, A. (2003). The resilience factor: 7 keys to finding your inner strenght and overcoming life’s hurdles(Nachdr.). Broadway Books. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The way we experience life is different from the way we remember it. Our brains compress some emotional experiences as more impactful as others-- specifically the "peak" and "end." In this episode, I share the ins and outs of this research and how to use it intentionally in your life! Sponsor: Try AG1 by Athletic Greens at athleticgreens.com/LIVEFREE Join a retreat! livefreecreative.co/retreats Fi...

Some of us are artists, some are mothers, some are accountants, some are all or none of the aforementioned. However, all of us are creative. In this episode I share some ideas for thinking about creativity outside of the field of art--rather as a daily exercise in openness and curiosity. Sponsor: Try Prose personalized haircare for 15% off at prose.com/livefree Join a retreat! livefreecreative.co/...

This weekend I was in Philadelphia with 17 other classmates for a virtual/in-person hybrid weekend. It was so refreshing to be WITH the other students, get to know each other, and speak the same language. Also, big news! I decided on a capstone topic and have an advisor! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We learn to write as children, but often the context stays very utilitarian: write a paper, write an email, write a holiday card. What about writing for healing, reflection, and self-discovery? I am excited to share about some of these impactful ways to use writing in your life beyond work. Sponsors: Try AG1 by Athletic Greens! Visit AthleticGreens.com/LIVEFREE to get free Vitamin D for a year wit...

I'm back in class this weekend (excited to be on Penn campus in Philadelphia). My favorite moment of this week of classwork was stumbling across the (apparent) Mother of Positive Psychology. Tune in to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you love the idea of decluttering and organizing, but get hung up on the details? This episode is for you. I share 10 specific, practical ways to get rid of what is no longer serving you. SPONSORS: Try the Headspace app for 30 days FREE with code LIVEFREE Protect your family's financial future with Fabric by Gerber Life Help your kids learn emotional regulation with LuvBugLearning.com Join a re...

This week I felt a spark of joy for a long-lost talent, met with some students in person to celebrate a baby shower, and dove into the benefits of adult coloring. Reference: Eaton, J., & Tieber, C. (2017). The Effects of Coloring on Anxiety, Mood, and Perseverance. Art Therapy, 34(1), 42–46.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are a lot of myths around minimalism, the forefront of which may be that it is boring, lifeless, or bare. I'm here to tell you that has not been my experience. In fact, my life feels more MAXIMAL since I decided what mattered most and elevated it! Tune in to learn more about how practical minimalism might be exactly the maximizing your life needs. Sponsors: Visit thrivemarket.com/livefree fo...

I just finished another weekend of class, and am excited for some upcoming assignments--including creating a Positive Artwork. Tune in to hear more about art for well-being and this week of MAPP. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From rock climbing to friendship building, when you lift with your STRENGTHS, you will get higher and feel better. Tune in to learn more about how to discover YOUR strengths and use them! Sponsors: Nativedeo.com/LIVEFREE or use promo code livefree at checkout for 20% off your first order Prose.com/LIVEFREE for your FREE in-depth hair consultation and 15% off Join a retreat! livefreecreative.co/ret...

This week felt light, as we prepare for another class weekend. I read an article for my Neuroscience class that had me questioning our underlying cultural ideas about perseverance and when we are expected to achieve. I also share my top 5 and lowest 5 Character Strengths and invite you to learn your own. Visit https://www.viacharacter.org/ to take the free survey! Reference: White, R. E. et al., (...

Today I turn 40, and feel pretty great about it. In this episode, I answer 40 questions as I reflect on this last year. Find a free PDF download of the questions in the show notes! Join a retreat! livefreecreative.co/retreats Find full show notes at livefreecreative.co/podcast Follow Miranda on Instagram @livefreemiranda Get one-on-one coaching with Miranda at Patreon.com/livefreecreative Buy More...

This week I turned in my section of a big group project, felt grateful for the timing of the assignments and homework with my birthday weekend (I'll be stress-free!) and dove into the idea of Music affecting Well-Being. Reference: Coopersmith, J., Music Flourishes. For inclusion in A. Celenza (Ed.) Music and human flourishing. Manuscript in preparation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit mega...

We know a lot about physical vital signs: blood pressure, pulse rate, temperature. These help us determine physical health, and give us a range for normal. What about emotional/mental/social/spiritual vitality? Do you recognize what activities and relationships are life-giving for you individually? If so, do you treat them as vital? Let's dive in! Sponsor: visit TakeCareOf.com and use code LIVEFRE...

This week things are feeling a bit lighter-- more up my alley! I share about the organization my group will be working with this semester, and a few thoughts on teamwork. Plus, HQCs. Reference: Stephens, J. P., Heaphy, E., & Dutton, J. E. (2011). High-quality Connections. Oxford University Press.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know that quality connections with other people increases your life satisfaction, well-being, and even helps you live longer? No better reasons to begin a book club this year! (Or a knitting club, dinner club or podcast club!) My book club has been a lifeblood for me this past year and in every city where I've lived. I always have been the one who started it-- listen in for how I do it! Jo...

I had a blast in Canada with a classmate, and am excited to travel to meet up with other students in these upcoming months. This semester is all about applied science, and I already feel connected to this more practical lens. Cheers to new opportunities! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Flow has been described as the "optimal experience" and is a balance of skill with challenge. Let's dive into how to create more flow experiences in our everyday lives! Sponsor: Fabric by Gerber Life. Visit meetfabric.com/livefree to get started! Join a retreat! livefreecreative.co/retreats Find full show notes at livefreecreative.co/podcast Follow Miranda on Instagram @livefreemiranda Get one-on-...

After a beautiful, peaceful and relaxing holiday break, school is back in session! In this episode I share some updates to my course load, plans to travel for face-to-face interaction with classmates, and a favorite work of art. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You've heard of SMART goals? Well, this podcast is about that. How to best translate those big ideas into specific, measurable, actionable, realistic and timely objectives. Join me to walk through this well-known acronym with some new insights and invitations for living your life on purpose. Sponsors: Live your best hair life with Prose personalized haircare. Visit prose.com/livefree for a free ha...

We have popped the bottle, thrown confetti, and welcomed a new year. Now what? This episode walks you through a great framework for knowing what to set down and what to pick up this year. Grab a notebook and follow along! Sponsor: Thrive Market is your simple solution for simple food delivered to your doorstep. Visit ThriveMarket.com/LIVEFREE for $30 off + a $60 gift! Join a retreat! livefreecreat...