The Path to Joy

I know the holidays are over and done but let's revisit them for one episode. It was a Christmas in Vermont -- cold, icy, but full of love.    Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY.   All of the guides, emails, and information that may help you on your joy journey, can be found on my website: melissabloom.life...

I know -- the title of today's episode might be a slight turn off for my male listeners (all SIX of them!) -- but I promise it's not just about menopause. You'll just have to listen to find out!   Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY.   All of the guides, emails, and information that may help you on your joy...

Yes, I know it's a bit cliche to refer to these chaotic days with kids at home as long days and short years but it's the truth. I'm trying to get my head wrapped around how I feel like each day is a marathon and yet time is just flying by.    Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY.   All of the guides, emails,...

As today's title implies, this is episode number 293! And that seems just crazy to me. How did that happen? Today, let's chat about how small changes, starting one new thing, can change just about everything!   Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY.   All of the guides, emails, and information that may help yo...

It's 2026 -- that's crazy! Happy New Year my friends. Today, let's chat about intention setting. If you are looking for some suggestions of how to approach this new year with an open heart and clear intentions, take a listen!   Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY.   All of the guides, emails, and information...

Today I share my own poem (a first for me!) to help ring in the new year: Let This Be the Year!    Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY.   All of the guides, emails, and information that may help you on your joy journey, can be found on my website: melissabloom.life.   Here are links that I mention in the sho...

And just like that the holiday is here --- it's Christmas! Today's episode isn't exactly about Christmas but more ways that we mark time -- how we create monuments to remember. And celebrating Christmas is exactly that -- a monument.    Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY.   All of the guides, emails, and in...

Yes, December is almost gone for you listeners. But, for me, it's December 1st. Which means this Jewish family dives head first into advent! Let the countdown to Christmas begin!   Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY.   All of the guides, emails, and information that may help you on your joy journey, can be...

Today I share some stories of 'synchronicities' or signs. We don't have to figure out the 'why' -- sometimes that's really well above our pay grade. But it's fun to pay more attention to these 'universe' whispers because they tell us that reality is not really as black-and-white as it seems.    Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their live...

Today I share another one of Cara Bradley's Sparks 'Oh the Haters.' The question is -- are we afraid of the real haters (of whom I believe there are very few) or the idea that their may be some haters out there -- folks who might hit a nerve and say the thing we are most afraid of? This episode may not solve the 'fear' problem but we can at least address the elephant in the room!   Thanks so much...

Today I share a really great JOY SCHOOL question (and some responses) that was submitted prior to Thanksgiving but is very relevant for this period of holiday gatherings. Because sometimes we all future trip and catastrophize about getting together with folks we haven't seen in a while.    Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives --...

Today I share two poems from poet Hannah Rosenberg from her recently published book of poems Same. I love these two poems -- I can't tell you how often I've read them. They are perfect for this month of gatherings and holiday meals!   Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY.   All of the guides, emails, and info...

It's tough making new friends as you get older -- sometimes I think there should be a dating app but just to make new friends. I've made some new friends lately and I'm thrilled. Let's talk about friendship and the process of really getting to know new people.   Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY.   All of ...

In my hunt for some paint brushes for the craft projects (from last week's episode), I stumbled into a veritable treasure trove! I can't wait to share the 'treasure' with you! Really, it's good stuff!   Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY.   All of the guides, emails, and information that may help you on you...

Some recent school projects have provided the needed stimulus for me to remember my crafty days of yore. It's so interesting when you haven't really done something for like 30 years and then, all of sudden, you are back to it. Somehow, our fingers remember what to do!   Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY.  ...

My dad would have enjoyed today's episode -- I share some thoughts about what he liked to call 'process' and how to make some of your holiday busyness feel a bit more doable (less overwhelm = more fun)!   Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY.   All of the guides, emails, and information that may help you on y...

Today I share some very 'light' advice as holiday gatherings approach. My hope is that you can be present, relaxed, and truly enjoy your holiday get togethers. And maybe today's tips will help!   Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY.   All of the guides, emails, and information that may help you on your joy j...

Yes, as the title of today's episode implies, today is about books. What I'm reading, what I'm putting off (I do love procrastinating), and why I'm a huge fan of reading in general. We are moving into winter, friends, so it may time time to pile up blankets, make tea, and get a big stack of books ready!   Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of...

Today's episode is all about being grateful for what you don't have. And, just to entice you to listen, I share stories of your fearless podcast host doing dumb things. See, now you have to listen!   Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY.   All of the guides, emails, and information that may help you on your j...

If you've ever wondered: what it is like to have twins? Then today is your day! Well, to give you a real picture of 'twin life,' I might need to write a second book. But at least this episode gives you a taste of it!   Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY.   All of the guides, emails, and information that may...

Don't worry -- I'm not spilling state secrets or even major family secrets. These are not the kind of secrets you have to wait for some folks to pass on before you can share them. But, secrets all the same! We have so little gossip in our house of very even-tempered boys -- it's kind of fun when we do!   Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of...

People change. I know that old saying: you can't teach and old dog new tricks. Well, I'm not so sure that's true. We are all changing/evolving and sometimes we have to remember that the people in our lives may not always 'be' who we remember them to be.    Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY.   All of the gu...

I do a lot of driving. But today's episode is not about my driving, but Ben's. Yes, the editor of this podcast is finally working on getting his driver's license and, as with nearly every life experience, lessons abound!   Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY.   All of the guides, emails, and information that...

This past weekend I flew to North Carolina to lead a retreat at a friend's house. My first time doing something like this so I was excited and a bit nervous. It was wonderful, and, as with anything new, there are always take-aways! So, let's chat about the retreat today!   Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY...

Inspired by yet another one of my friend Cara Bradley's Sparks, let's talk about the adage 'How you do one thing is how you do everything.' Because when it comes to 'energy,' it is spot on!   Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY.   All of the guides, emails, and information that may help you on your joy journ...