Hello, and welcome to episode 37 of  The JOY Factor Podcast! My guest today is Safriana Degroat and we're chatting about considerations around safely using medical cannabis, According to the National Conference of State Legislators,  “As of Feb. 3, 2022, 37 states, three territories and the District of Columbia allow the medical use of cannabis products.”  Despite the rapidly increasing availability of medical marijuana there are too few settings where patients can have open conversations with their healthcare providers  about their needs, concerns and experiences using cannabis. Too often people feel shame or judgement about their medical cannabis use and oftentimes doctors and therapists are ill-equiped or uninformed of how best to provide trauma informed care. Our conversation today will give you safety guidelines to consider and a way to explore best practices for use.  Bio Through her own personal healing journey, Safrianna embraced her passion for creating a world where all people can be “freely themselves”. She has a Masters in Community Mental Health and is a licensed professional therapist. In 2020, she founded her company, Luna Counseling & Creative Services, LLC, promoting wellness through therapy, education, and professional coaching. She recently launched Living LUNA with her wife, Ikenna. Living LUNA is a podcast and digital community that affirms the worth of all people, acknowledging the right for everyone to live life unashamed, full of love and authenticity.  What does the phrase joy factor mean to you? Safi’s joy factor = “making empowered choices again and again.” What you do now influences your future enjoyment.  A question she lives by: Am I enjoying myself right now? Remember, we have the power to take actions that do or don’t align with the ones that do. What We’ll Learn Safriana Degroat is not a medical doctor. Before trying any cannabis consult your doctor and DO NOT consume cannabis that has not been prescribed to you. Avoid purchasing cannabis off the street and keep all medical marijuana in a locked container out of reach of children or pets. Medical Cannabis- how safe or dangerous is it? Without proper medical guidance cannabis has a high potential to be abused or become addictive. Safi shared her framework for safely exploring correct strains and doses once you have been approved for a medical marijuana card. Remember the acronym RIDER Research- Do this for anything you ingest. What impact might it have on us if we have other medical issues or conditions? Ask your doctor. Research the strains ahead of time. Ask: What’s the turpine breakdown? Intention- Understanding why you are trying to use cannabis in the first place. Get honest, be specific. What symptoms are you needing help treating? What other healing modalities are part of your plan? Remember, cannabis is not a stand alone treatment. Documentation- Document your cannabis use if you want to fine tune what works best for your needs. Is it for pain, focus, writing? Safi uses different strains for specific reasons. Document how you were impacted when you use a specific strain.  Experimentation- Find what works for us personally, and keep your dosing as small as possible.  Repetition- Repeat the results, journal, look at dominant terpenes.  Tips from Safi: Be informed. Know the dosages and chemical compositions and don’t overdo it.  Take as little as you can get away with and consult with your healthcare provider for ongoing guidance and support.  Find other people you can trust to discuss, compare and learn for mutual benefit.   For younger brains it’s not as good of a fit. If you are 24 or younger, this should not be a main part of your care plan. How has medical marijuana affected her? “It’s made me a more joyful person.” Cannabis and spiritual work have helped her healing from PTSD progress because she has found it easier to relax and integrate what she was learning and experiencing.   “I dance more. I enjoy more. “ -Important Health Information- From the website Cannabis Conversations  What are the signs of cannabis use disorder? Cannabis use disorder is the medical diagnosis for problematic cannabis use. Cannabis use is problematic when it begins to impact an individual’s life. Some common signs of cannabis use disorder include: Using more cannabis than intended Trying but failing to stop using cannabis when you want to Spending a lot of time using cannabis Craving cannabis Using cannabis even when it causes problems at home, at school, or at work Continuing to use cannabis despite social, relationship, or school-related problems Giving up important activities with family or friends in favor of using cannabis Using cannabis in high-risk situations, like while driving a car Continuing to use cannabis despite physical or psychological problems Needing to use more cannabis to get the same high Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping use of cannabis If you keep cannabis and cannabis products at your home, they should be stored safely, locked up, and out of reach of children and pets. Accidentally consuming edibles is a risk for children and pets that can result in cannabis toxicity or the need for emergency medical attention. If there is an accidental exposure to cannabis or cannabis products of any kind — call Poison Control Center (800) 222-1222 or visit your Emergency Room if needed.  Motivational Figure, Quote something guiding light-  “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou What matters most in life is our peace and us radiating that peace out to others. Make more energy for our peace and then make others feel that peace. Resources Mentioned Leafly- Research new strains.  Greenhealth Docs- telehealth appointments with  High Yoga- Strains to use for different yoga poses. I know why the Caged Bird Sings Other Useful Information For Safe Dosing, Warnings and Guidelines.  Important Information and Warnings about Medical Cannabis Before you start, talk with your doctor and therapist to create a medical marijuana care team. Startlow, go slow, stay low:  Start low- Studies show that beyond 20-40 mg/day for THC and 50-100 mg/day for CBD, there are no additional benefits from a higher dose for most patients.  Go slow- increase your intake very slowly, and try to stay as low as possible with amount consumed. Edibles can be dangerous because they are slower to digest. Use caution and wait at least 2 hours before taking another dose.  Always, err on the side of caution. People at an  increased risk of harm if they use medical cannabis include those who are:  Children, adolescents, young adults 18-25  Pregnant or breastfeeding At increased risk of addiction or dependence Affected by serious mental health conditions such as schizophrenia Diagnosed with heart or liver disease Do not operate heavy machinery or vehicles while using medical cannabis. Keep all medical cannabis stored in a locked container safely out of reach of children and pets.  Do not give away, trade or sell medical cannabis to others. Follow all applicable laws for the state you are in or are a resident of.   Reach Safi https://www.safrianna.com/420friendly Safi’s main hub is Discord- instant messaging Living Luna Discord Community- social hub, hangout and uplift each other-Authentic Connection She has a podcast- Living Luna talking about authenticity, marginalization, inviting other voices  Launched a Patreon- Glad to receive financial support for people who believe in our mission. www.safriana.com free resources- cannabis journal Rise Program- Resilience, Integration, Self Empowerment-  Building Blocks, Quick, Easy, Low Cost, High Impact Thank you for Listening It is a true honor to bring this podcast to you and I am so grateful that you took the time to listen.  Your support truly matters. If you feel led to offer a donation to keep our podcast running you can contribute here. If you enjoyed the show, please share it with your friends and family. The JOY Factor Podcast  Do you have a second to complete this brief listener survey? It helps our show track who is listening so we can create topics of interest to you!  http://survey.libsyn.com/thejoyfactorpodcast    

Hello and welcome to episode 34 of The JOY Factor Podcast. Today's show is sponsored by Prose. Thanks to my personalized Prose routine, I can honestly say I’ve never been more in love with my hair! Today we've got a special conversation with our guest Cheryl Rice Cheryl Rice works with women eager to be leaders in their own lives. Since 1990 she has been working with clients to improve individual, team and executive performance. In her powerful seminars, Cheryl inspires women to use their voice and vision for maximum impact. Her clients include: Pfizer, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, Penn Medicine, Campbells Soup, and the Wharton School. Cheryl is also the author of the inspiring memoir, Where Have I Been All My Life? A Journey Toward Love and Wholeness. Additionally, her essays on life, love and loss have appeared in local and national publications including the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Chicago Tribune, Cure Today, and Maria Shriver’s Blog, Architects of Change. In 2016, Cheryl founded the You Matter Marathon – No Running Required - a global initiative that creates positive connections between individuals and within communities. With a BA in Psychology from Monmouth University, an MS in Education from the University of Pennsylvania, and a MS in Organization Development from Pepperdine University, Cheryl brings significant academic training to compliment her practical work experience. Additionally, Cheryl has completed her professional coach certification, obtained a certificate in applied positive psychology and taught classes in organization change at local universities. Cheryl's Contact Information: cheryl@cherylriceleadership.com www.youmattermarathon.com https://www.facebook.com/YouMatterMarathon https://www.instagram.com/youmattermarathon/ @umattermarathon Additional Resources  Sign up for You Matter Marathon Thank you for Listening It is a true honor to bring this podcast to you and I am so grateful that you took the time to listen. If you enjoyed the show, please share it with your friends and family. The JOY Factor Podcast Do you have a second to complete this brief listener survey? It helps our show track who is listening so we can create topics of interest to you!  http://survey.libsyn.com/thejoyfactorpodcast

Today’s Show Welcome to episode 33 of the JOY Factor Podcast. Today’s Guest is Jeff Harry  Jeff Harry shows individuals and companies how to tap into their true selves, to feel their happiest and most fulfilled — all by playing. Jeff has worked with Google, Microsoft, Southwest Airlines, Adobe, the NFL, Amazon, and Facebook, helping their staff to infuse more play into the day-to-day.   While we spend most of our time pretending to be important, serious grownups, it's when we let go of that facade and just play, that the real magic happens. Fully embracing your own nerdy genius — whatever that is — gives you the power to make a difference and change lives.  Jeff believes that we already have many of the answers we seek, and by simply unleashing our inner child, we can find our purpose and, in turn, help to create a better world.   Thank you to Prose Hair for sponsoring this episode. I love their products because they make my hair look, feel and smell great! TWITTER: @prosehair FACEBOOK: @prosehair INSTAGRAM: @prose HASHTAG: #prosehair, #prosepraise What We’ll Learn It's ok to play. It's a skill we all have but need to remember. You deserve to have some play in your day. A playful attitude is contagious. Just for today...remember to play! Reach out to Jeff SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES: Website: RediscoverYourPlay.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jeffharryplays Instagram: @jeffharryplays TikTok: @jeffharryplays Medium: @jeffharryplays Twitter: @jeffharryplays LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-harry-6991a94/ Your Joy Factor It is a true honor to bring this podcast to you and I am so grateful that you took the time to listen. Did you learn anything that can help you with your own joy factor? If so, pass it on to your friends and family and give us a positive review at  The JOY Factor Podcast. Do you have a second to complete this brief listener survey? It helps our show track who is listening so we can create topics of interest to you!  http://survey.libsyn.com/thejoyfactorpodcast  

Welcome to Episode #32 of The JOY Factor. Today we're talking about art therapy with our guest Meg Mcmurdy. Art therapy is a powerful healing modality for all ages and interests. Listen is as Meg shares her own journey and busts a few myths about what art therapy is and isn't.  Meg McMurdy (she/her) "As a trauma informed therapist, I have witnessed the power of art therapy to assist my clients in deepening their path to healing. Combined with cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness approaches, creative expression through art can support the whole person and be truly transformative. Making art isn’t required or expected but I offer it and will customize an approach best suited to your needs. Our work together will be guided by choice and you will have my undivided attention and support. I love working with adolescents and adults along with neurodiverse individuals and am skilled at treating anxiety, depression and ADHD symptoms. Being a life-long learner is something that I hold dearly and strive to make that passion come through in my work as a therapist. I believe that we can all heal, learn and grow best when we have time, support and tools to find relief from painful symptoms and stress patterns. It is a true honor to align with my client’s needs and help them imagine a better future. I am a graduate of The George Washington University where I received my Master’s in Art Therapy. I am an LGPC (Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor) and LGPAT (Licensed Graduate Professional Art Therapist)." Meg’s Contact Information: www.inner-evolution.com Additional Resources  If you need help, please text SHARE to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor with Crisis Text Line. You can also call The Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 to be connected to free and confidential support and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Check out the Quarantine Family Toolkit by Kristin Ramsey, ATR-BC, LPC, which offers suggestions and resources on how to talk with children about COVID-19, a sample daily schedule for working/learning at home, online apps, podcasts and other resources for daily activities, mindfulness activities and short guided muscle relaxation script, as well as many art activities instructions and examples.  Resources for addressing COVID-19 — The National Council for Behavioral Health offers resources to help manage coronavirus-related anxiety and to communicate with your kids about this crisis among other topics. Behavioral health care workers will also find resources including telehealth best-practices and implications for certain vulnerable client groups. Affirmations for Coping during Coronavirus Times — AATA Blog, March 30, 2020 https://www.expressiveartworkshops.com/expressive-art-resources/100-art-therapy-exercises/ Thank you for Listening It is a true honor to bring this podcast to you and I am so grateful that you took the time to listen. If you enjoyed the show, please share it with your friends and family. The JOY Factor Podcast Do you have a second to complete this brief listener survey? It helps our show track who is listening so we can create topics of interest to you!  http://survey.libsyn.com/thejoyfactorpodcast

Today’s Show Hello, and welcome to The JOY Factor. It’s good to be back here and I’m thrilled to have Sue Nesler joining me. She is a blended family maven and owner and CEO of Yoga East Healing Arts Studio and Counseling. So take a break and settle in to nourish your spirit and find a little joy. About Sue I am Sue Nesler MS, MA, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT, NCC. A Blended family maven who exercises, gardens, and enjoys learning and cooking. I am the owner and CEO of Yoga East Healing Arts Studio which houses a yoga and meditation practice studio offering classes and yoga therapy, retail lounge, Registered yoga school at the 200 and 300 hour levels, an accredited meditation teacher training, and is the YTT educational hub in the Teri-State area in Cape Girardeau, MO. Also, a newly launched branch of the business-Healing Arts Counseling. A person-centered, holistic, and existential counseling service helping people find wellness and joy. What We’ll Learn How awareness can transform our experience. What can shift when we take the time to take care our ourselves. How support from others can lay the groundwork for mind, body and spiritual healing. Connect with Sue Nesler: Sue’s Website Facebook Instagram Thank you for Listening It is a true honor to bring this podcast to you and I am so grateful that you took the time to listen. If you enjoyed the show, please share it with your friends and family. The JOY Factor Podcast Do you have a second to complete this brief listener survey? It helps our show track who is listening so we can create topics of interest to you!  http://survey.libsyn.com/thejoyfactorpodcast Brought to You by: 

Today’s Show Welcome to episode 30 of the JOY Factor Podcast. Today’s Guest is Bethany Perry, CAN, AAEC, IAHC, E-RYT Bethany is an emerging thought leader on combining the power of neuroscience and intuition. She transforms the lives of women and men who are challenged with emotional and physical traumas.  Dedicating over 30 years of her life’s work to helping people heal and grow by creating a non-judgmental space where each individual can discover freedom from the past to live the life they desire.  What We’ll Learn Brainspotting can help everyone find more freedom. Freedom means less space for  judgment and more for love Where we look affects how we feel. When we’re looking for something we tend to find it so why not make it joy? Focused reflection and practice leads to transformation and joy. Resources Mentioned Visit  http://www.bethanyperry.com for two Guided Meditations on moving from fear to love.  Reach out to Bethany: http://www.bethanyperry.com Amen Clinic Your Joy Factor It is a true honor to bring this podcast to you and I am so grateful that you took the time to listen. Did you learn anything that can help you with your own joy factor? If so, pass it on to your friends and family and give us a positive review at  The JOY Factor Podcast. Do you have a second to complete this brief listener survey? It helps our show track who is listening so we can create topics of interest to you!  http://survey.libsyn.com/thejoyfactorpodcast  

Welcome to Episode 29 of The JOY Factor. Our guest today is Jana Glass: Jana started her career working with children and families struggling with mental health issues. She has experience in a variety of settings including in-home therapy, outpatient therapy, day treatment, and residential care. She founded Supportive Solutions twelve years ago to support people managing depression, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma and abuse, infertility, and grief. Although she works with a wide spectrum of clients, her special interests include Healing Trauma, Substance Abuse, and Maternal Mental Health. Prioritizing this population including infertility, miscarriage, difficult births, pre and post-partum depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Jana is acutely aware of the challenges that can accompany individuals and couples on their journey to become parent(s). She struggled with infertility for over three years that included painful experiences of multiple miscarriages, surgeries and invasive reproductive assistance interventions, hospital bedrest, a difficult birth, NICU stay, as well as post-partum mood challenges. Jana was able to find healing through family and community support along with Brainspotting therapy. From these obstacles and challenges, Jana gained a unique ability to understand and empathize with clients still building their desired family. She works with families of all compositions including blended families, LGBTQ Families, and Individuals building their own family. Jana is passionate about helping to foster hope when faced with situations that appear hopeless. Highlights and Glimmers from Today's Show Brainspotting: When trauma overloads our system, brainspotting helps our head and heart realign so that we are better able to make sense of what happened,  move on, and feel better. This healing approach expands our capacity to reflect on the experience and see it as just part of our story that we overcame instead of something that feels like it’s still happening in the present. We will always remember what happened but it won’t hurt anymore.  As Jana would say, “It takes its rightful place on the timeline of your life.” “Creating the space for it to be different allows people to have more possibilities which breeds more hope. Having possibilities is enormous for people. “ There are many paths to healing and Brainspotting is an amazing one to include. The brain is powerful and knows how to heal. There are many lessons to be learned along the way.  Here are a few: Learn how to give and receive support. Really listen and try to understand. So many things can’t be fixed but showing you are present and attuned is more important than finding the right words. Do what you can to stay curious. Try not to make too many assumptions about a situation. It’s ok to have ideas but try not to hold on too tightly and be open to where the day takes you. Generate hope by making whatever safe connections you have available to you. Work to build empathy. Be an ally by deeply listening or know your limits. Expectations of the way things are supposed to be steals joy. Try to be more reasonable with how much you can do in a day and what you expect of others.  Relationships are more important than anything else. So many different things that come up that don’t go the way we’d hope but we can navigate those times with more skills when we stay connected and nurture our relationships.  Keep that love connection and relationship in the front-that’s how we tap back into the joy.  There is a point to turn things around.  Focus on the rebound. We can fall down but we get back up.  Be in the moment  The small things are the big things. Every moment isn’t perfect but the times you can find a reason to smile or be silly are  beautiful. Right here right now.  If you try one thing that didn’t work out for you keep trying. Go with the flow but stay on the path. Jana’s Contact Information: www.supportivesolutionsga.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/perinatalbrainspotting/ Resources Mentioned  Postpartum Support International Certification in Perinatal Mental Health Look for folks who have specialized specific training in the area of perinatal mental health.  Learn more about Brainspotting Recognize when you could use a little outside support. Never been a time where it’s more accessible to find help online. Including brainspotting. Thank you for Listening It is a true honor to bring this podcast to you and I am so grateful that you took the time to listen. If you enjoyed the show, please share it with your friends and family. The JOY Factor Podcast Do you have a second to complete this brief listener survey? It helps our show track who is listening so we can create topics of interest to you!  http://survey.libsyn.com/thejoyfactorpodcast

Hello and welcome to episode #28 of the JOY Factor Podcast. I’m glad you’re tuning in and thankful that so far, so good. My family is healthy and safe. I hope the same is true for you. The month of March seems like a blur and as we face this collective trauma of both the facts we have about COVID 19 and the uncertainty surrounding it, It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions right now. You might be angry one minute and exhausted the next. It may be tempting to deny what is happening or to compulsively check the news. All of the psychological reactions we are experiencing can be viewed through this lens of collective trauma. I’d like to also remind you that we have a beautiful invitation unfolding. There’s an opportunity to rise up together and operate out of a place of trust, faith, hope and JOY! There’s a great meme with questions to ask yourself each day floating around the internet and when I saw it I thought- this is perfect for me to share with you all here. Not sure who made the original post but many thanks for everyone who is spreading such good reflections. As we run down this list I’m sending you a dose of compassion. This is hard. We are struggling. Some moments are easier than others. Daily life goes on but we all face significant challenges in the coming days. Take what you can use from our conversation but please go gently with yourself and those around you. So, get comfortable and let me share a few daily questions to ask yourself while you are washing your hands, coughing into your elbow, avoiding your face, keeping a safe distance from others and….best of all! Staying home when you can. You know the drill right? LOL What am I grateful for today? The brain responds favorably to gratitude. What are you grateful for right now? What’s the smallest thing you can stop and give thanks for? Can you help other people cultivate some gratitude? Who am I checking in on or connecting with today? Find someone to check on. If you don’t have family or friends you feel close to, now is the perfect opportunity to reach out. Is there a neighbor you sometimes see but never speak to? What about the staff at your local grocery store? Let them know you are thinking about them. Figure out a way to reach out. Another thing- maybe you’re the one who could use a hand. What do you need to loosen the grip around in order to ask for help? I highly encourage you to dig deep and put your needs on the table. What comes around goes around my friends. We’re in this together so let’s act like it. What expectations of normal am I letting go of today? Those of us working from home and trying to do some sort of homeschooling have quickly discovered the need for a new playbook. What was normal last week is now yesterday’s news. What are your expectations for yourself? Your partner? Your kids? Anyone in your life? What are you capable of? What are your limitations? Take a deep breath. Sigh it out. You are not alone. All of humanity is How am I getting outside today? It’s spring here in Maryland and I am on the hunt for new buds and blooming forsythia. I hope wherever you are It’s possible to breathe in some fresh air and experience the grounding safety of the outside world. What’s your plan for today? How am I moving my body today? Take walk, jiggle and shake your body, move any limb you can. Stretch, lift weights, jog. Figure it out and plan ahead. Ditch the uncomfortable gear and prepare by having good walking shoes nearby. Check out our resources page for more details on free ways to get movinig. What beauty am I either creating, cultivating, or inviting in? When we bring creativity on to the scene we open up a world of possibility. What can you build, grow, paint, bake, draw, shape, move design? The list goes on and on. Look around your home and consider what’s there to help activate your creativity and then set up (or dust off your workspace and give it a go! When I safely arrive at the other side of this pandemic how would I like to be able to reflect on my own personal growth and healing? What tools and resources would you like to be able to recognize gaining for strengthening? I think it’s a powerful thing to reflect on how adversity can help us reach toward potential we weren’t aware of having. What would it be like to look back and recognize how this experience helped you grow? I would love to hear your reflections on these questions! Find the thejoyfactorpodcast on Facebook and subscribe to our show on your favorite podcast platform. Your joy factor is right here with you. It’s ok to smile, it’s ok to laugh, to dance, to rest. Take good care of yourself. Compassion means noticing that you are struggling, remembering that it is human to struggle and responding with kindness and care. Take a breath in, on the exhale, let go of whatever might be needing to be released. Repeat and take care.

Welcome to Episode #25 of the JOY Factor podcast. Today’s show is brought to you by Care/Of. Everyone has a different path to personal health, and we're here to help you find yours. We believe in the power of technology, science, and human empathy to make the journey simpler. Let us help take care of you. Whether you’re looking for glowing skin, more energy, better sleep or something to support your health and fitness routine- Care/Of helps you build and stick with a plan that’s right for you. "For 25% off your first Care/of order, go to TakeCareOf.com and enter JOYFACTOR." Creating a Self-Care Map When you hear the phrase “self-care”, what’s your first thought? what comes up for you? Just for a minute, notice your comfort level when the thought of taking care of yourself comes up. How do you define being good to yourself? What does it mean to you and when was the last time you thought about it? One thing is for certain, we can’t expand our capacity for a joyful life without having a lifestyle that is rooted in self-care. So get comfortable and give yourself the time to listen to the show. We’re going to discuss a framework for starting a sustainable self-care practice and we’ll also be discussing 8 aspects of mind/body/spirit wellbeing. This will be more than enough information to help you create a personal map.  Also, just a reminder that only you know what’s best for you. No one can define what that looks like but I’m hoping you will explore what you need and imagine how you might begin to implement some simple shifts in your day to day routine. So grab some paper and something to write with and we’ll take it away! To start, let’s frame Sustainable Self-Care with 3 guiding principles. Start Small, Stay Steady and Keep it sane. I’m going to invite you to Just let these words sink in. Let any competing thoughts pass by and, just allow yourself to consider how you might bring these concepts alive in your life. Start Small. Tiny steps are better than no steps at all. There's no need for grand plans just small, consistent actions. With the right preparation, these little shifts can be woven into your daily life with just a few moments of effort on your part. What would it be like to take the smallest step possible? Small self-care steps can start anywhere or anytime. A few examples might include pausing to look at the moon, singing your favorite song out loud or breathing a little more deeply. Consider reaching out to friends you’ve lost touch with. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator.  Look around and see what else might be possible for you. Start small. Be Steady Having the kind of steady aim you need to move in your intended direction requires organization and commitment. The best organizational tool I have is a calendar. I still forget things but You know what is on there? Self-Care time. Non-negotiable. Not always perfect but consistent. We’re talking about a few minutes a day. So, put your name on the calendar and a reminder on your phone. Tell a friend you can trust what you’re up to. Better yet, share this episode with someone who would make a great accountability partner. Be open to whatever might represent a gentle nudge toward keeping your date with yourself a and strengthening a growing sense of commitment toward practices you can easily maintain. No self-care map is complete without time.   Finally, the 3rd guiding principal...Make it Sane. Making it sane means there’s a built-in, natural blend of effort and ease from the start. Let’s unpack these two concepts of effort and ease. Make effort means Thinking through your plan and being realistic about your goals. It also means considering what you’re willing to release from your life in order to make room for new habits. A final aspect of effort is being aware of how you support your efforts and how you sabotage yourself.  The other aspect of making it sane is ease. You don't have to do everything all at once. Ease is all about releasing, letting go and exploring your capacity to be flexible and open.   I think another aspect of Ease is also taking the time to enjoy the process by adding some special touches to your practice. Music, creating a nice space for self-care, having a sense of humor and anything else that allows you to show kindness to yourself are all important aspects of ease. So, when you think of effort and ease bookending the principal of making it sane, what does that look like to you? A word from our sponsor: CARE/OF vitamins Fall is a great time to set new goals, get back into a healthy routine, and reprioritize yourself. Care Of’s online quiz lets you know exactly what you need. I have been using Care/Of vitamins for a few months now. My 13-year-old took the quiz the other day and loved getting her own personalized quiz results. Taking care of your health should be easy and convenient-it’s great to have my vitamins shipped to my door in individualized packets. Care/of cares about the environment with their new, compostable packs that meet the same quality and safety standards, and they have a ton of information on how to compost them on their website. If you could use support building and sticking with a plan that’s right for you had on over to TakeCareOf.com and enter JOYFACTOR. For 25% off your first order." Now that we’ve discussed these 3 guiding principals of sustainable self-care: Start Small, Stay steady and Keep it sane. Let’s talk about the different aspects of wellbeing. Pay attention to what comes up for you as each of these are described. Notice what’s already going well for you and be curious about whether you want to include any of these on your own self-care map. Take a look at the Sustainable Self Care Wellness Inventory identify goals for your self-care map and let me know how it's going.  1.Stress Resilience/Happiness Practices- This is all about having the tools to protect yourself from stress, creating a gratitude practice, valuing regularly celebrating good times and having a support system during bad times. I respond to changes in my life with a positive attitude.  I believe that I deserve to enjoy my life and feel happy.  I have at least 5 people who support me when I’m having a hard time and help me celebrate when life is good. When I face a life challenge, I feel confident that I handle the accompanying stress in a healthy way.  I’m clear on my boundaries and say “no” when I need to.  I set realistic goals for myself.  I have a gratitude practice and regularly stop to give thanks for my life. I keep a journal and use it to reflect on my life and put my thoughts on paper. 2. PHYSICAL CARE & NURTURING I get at least 30 minutes of exercise four times each week. My dietary choices are healthy and good for me and I avoid eating after 8:00 p.m. I consume at least 8 glasses of water daily. I consume fewer than 5 alcoholic drinks per week. I have a doctor or health care provider I trust and feel comfortable with.       I take time to schedule a yearly physical and dental exam.  I tend to my body through massage, reflexology, and/or yoga, other__________ I make a point of having a good belly laugh every day.   3. SPIRITUALITY & CREATIVITY I have a clear sense of meaning and purpose in my life. I am pleased with what I give back to the world. I practice forgiveness toward myself and others. I am part of a community that gives me meaning and purpose. I have at least one creative pursuit I engage in regularly-drawing, painting, sculpting, music, poetry etc.  I regularly seek out inspiration through literature, art or music. I feel connected to something larger than myself.  I have a spiritual practice that includes meditation, dream work, journaling, prayer, etc. 4. WORK & PERSONAL POTENTIAL I work no more than 8 hours per day and do not take work home with me. I have the training, background and tools to do my job well. I feel good about my ability to communicate with others. I stand up for what I believe in. I set realistic goals for my life and consistently work toward reaching them. I’m able to let go of mistakes I’ve made and know how to move on. I spend my time and energy on things that really matter to me.  I have mentors who offer me insight and guidance for my life and goals. 5. TIME, MONEY & ORGANIZATION I feel good about the way I budget, spend and track my money. I have good habits when it comes to managing my time and responsibilities. My desk and workspace are organized and I can easily find what I need.  I have little in my life that needs cleaning up or fixing. I regularly set limits/boundaries and can say no when necessary. I make time for self- reflection. I feel good about the amount of free time I spend in front of a screen. I have clarity around my vision, goals and daily tasks. I am aware of how much I earn and where my money goes. 6. RELATIONSHIPS & CONNECTION I feel that I am well attuned to the emotions and needs of my loved ones. I have a network of friends on whom I can — and do — depend. I am able to speak openly about my feelings when angry or worried. I give and receive affection regularly. The people closest to me feel seen, heard and valued by me. I share responsibility for household tasks in a manner that supports the relationship. I am open to change and question my beliefs, values, and principles. In my main relationship, each of us assumes goodwill about the other. 7. EMOTIONAL WELLBEING & MINDFULNESS I attend to my core values on a regular basis. Notice inner experience (e.g. listen to and recognize thoughts, judgments, beliefs, attitudes and feelings) I have a level of acceptance of my imperfections (self-compassion) and have the strength to let go of my fear and uncertainty. I practice muscle relaxation, yoga, stretching, meditation or slow breathing.  I am able to speak kindly and offer praise to myself appropriately. I am able to deal with fear, guilt, and insecurity in a constructive way. I have a positive image of my body. I feel satisfied with where I am in my life.  8. REST & PLAY Joy and gratitude come easily to me, and I do things that bring me joy. I enjoy getting out of bed most days, and look forward to the day. I express my unique talents, strengths, passions, and dreams on a daily basis. I feel good about the amount of fun I have in my life. I am able to have fun and enjoy myself without drugs or alcohol. When I wake up in the morning I feel rested and ready for the day. I know how to wind down at the end of the day and look forward to relaxing. I eagerly anticipate or think about future adventures I am planning. So there you have it! You may have other aspects of self-care you’d like to include but hopefully, this information gets you inspired to sit down and reflect on what a sustainable self-care map looks like for you. We’ll be talking more about self-care in the coming months because it really does form the foundation for more joy. Please drop by the JOY Factor Facebook Group to share your thoughts on today’s episode and tell us about your own self-care plans! Check out our show notes for more information on today’s show and please support the show by sharing it with a friend and leaving an honest rating and review on Facebook.  Thanks for listening and have a great day! "For 25% off your first Care/of order, go to TakeCareOf.com and enter JOYFACTOR." This episode is brought to you by Care/Of.           

We want to learn who our listeners are! Please take a moment and fill out this quick survey:http://survey.libsyn.com/thejoyfactorpodcast Hello and welcome to the JOY Factor Podcast episode number #24. My guest is Shane Birkel. Shane is a marriage and family therapist with a private practice just outside of Boston.He works primarily with couples and is a certified Relational Life Therapist with Terry Real as his mentor. Couples Therapist Couch  https://couplestherapistcouch.com/blog/.   Shane hosts a weekly podcast called the Couples Therapist Couch  the practice of Couples Therapy. Practice website: shanebirkel.com Podcast website: couplestherapistcouch.com Many of the couples I see are seeking deeper intimacy and improved communication. Nothing can steal joy like an unfulfilling relationship but in order to feel satisfied and connected with our partner, we have to be connected to ourselves and have a sense of wholeness. Society’s definition of manhood forces men to make unconscious choices that often leave them disconnected from their capacity to be whole.  The good news is that things can get better when men are given the opportunity to consciously learn the skills needed to engage and learn what true intimacy is. There are many ways to start but today we’re talking about strategies for helping men build healthier self-esteem and stronger relationships. Topics Discussed: 1. What is toxic masculinity and why does it matter? 2. What is healthy masculinity? 3. Why is healthy self-esteem so important? 4. The power of the feedback wheel. 5. The power in vulnerability and connection. Shane's motto for life: "There’s never any excuse for harshness." Resources Mentioned: Gillette Razor Commercial Terry Real   

This episode is brought to you by Care/Of. Take advantage of this month's special New Year offer! For 50 percent off your first month of personalized Care/of vitamins, go to TakeCareOf.com and enter "joyfactor50". Hello and welcome to episode #23 of the Joy Factor Podcast. Today’s guest is one of my favorite yoga teachers, Lori Love. Lori loves to incorporate pranayama (breath work), play and alignment into all of her classes.   A prana flow instructor for more 15 years, she is trained in the Shiva Rea lineage and earned her 500-hour yoga certification as an Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist through the New Mexico School of Yoga. Lori also holds certifications in yin and restorative yoga.  Additionally, she is a Power Pilates 600-hour apparatus-trained instructor.  Lori has a personal training designation, too, and has been known to swing a kettlebell (not in yoga classes!). Lori holds a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism and has worked in management, sales, and marketing.  She holds a life coaching certification from Soul Salt Academy. When Lori isn’t teaching, she’s happiest spending time with her three children and looking for the best hiking trails in the area. Join us as she shares from her wealth of knowledge on all things yoga. Lori quietly shows up and sets the tone for others to put down their mat and develop a relationship with yoga and all that it can offer. Her style of teaching and the warmth, energy, patience, and generosity she brings to her classes make for a truly joyful experience. I found that talking with her was equally joyful and hope you enjoy the show! Things we’re talking about: Lori’s journey to becoming a yoga teacher What brought her to the mat? Joy role models How yoga helps us strengthen our capacity to trust and make conscious choices? How having a yoga practice enhances our ability to bring more joy into our lives. The importance of showing up Breath practices Ayurvedic practices Resources: Lori's Facebook Page  Maria Garre  A short guide to a happy life- Anna Quinlan Cher slapping Nicholas CageThe right Questions- Debbie Ford Ayurvedic Practices Using a Neti Pots Nasya oil- oil for the nostril        

Hello and welcome to the Joy Factor podcast. Today’s episode is brought to you by Lola. For 40% of all subscriptions, visit mylola.com and enter promo code “Joy” when you subscribe! Our show is all about helping people connect to their natural ability to bring joy alive in their lives. We all have the capacity for joy and as we’ve discussed before it doesn’t have to come on the heels of an event or an experience. It’s something we can bring alive with our intention, action and through consistent practice. Sometimes though, life throws us curve balls and we end up stuck in ways that make it feel impossible to find relief from emotional or physical pain, let alone access joy. If you can relate to this, you’re not alone and I’m glad you’re tuning in today. One message I’d like to send is that no one has to suffer alone. Everyone deserves to have a support system. Just for a moment imagine that you’re seated at the head of a long table. The table represents your life and each chair represents someone who has earned the right to have a seat at your table. Who do you currently have and who do you need? No one can create the team for you but there is support in helping you fill your table with the people and resources that will strengthen your ability to enjoy your life. Today we’re talking to somatic experiencing practitioner and yoga therapist, Alicia Barmon. She’s someone I’m proud to have at my table both as a friend and colleague. Did I mention my belief that everybody needs a therapist at their table? Well, get comfortable and enjoy my interview with Alicia. Her wisdom is sure to resonate with many and hopefully, you feel as hopeful and inspired by her words as I did. Enjoy the show. Resources Mentioned on Today's Show What Somatic Experiencing (SE) is and what to expect for this style of therapy.  Founder of SE Peter Levine Work of Buddhist teacher, author, nun and mother Pema Chodron  Audio recording Martin Prechtel. Grief and praise. Understanding that stuck energy creates problems.  Ph.D, psychologist, author, and teacher of meditation, emotional healing and spiritual awakening, Tara Brach   Sol Yoga If you haven’t had a chance to share your thoughts on the show, there are many ways to rate and review: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/julie-hanson/the-joy-factor https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/cwgs7-42058/The-JOY-Factor-Mindfulness-Compassion-Positive-Psychology-Healing-Yoga-Podcast https://chartable.com/podcasts/the-joy-factor-mindfulness-compassion-positive-psychology-healing-yoga/reviews www.thejoyfactorpodcast.com If you haven’t had a chance to share your thoughts on the show, there are many ways to rate and review: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/julie-hanson/the-joy-factor https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/cwgs7-42058/The-JOY-Factor-Mindfulness-Compassion-Positive-Psychology-Healing-Yoga-Podcast https://chartable.com/podcasts/the-joy-factor-mindfulness-compassion-positive-psychology-healing-yoga/reviews www.thejoyfactorpodcast.com Would you mind taking a moment to complete a fast survey so we can better understand who our listeners are? https://survey.libsyn.com/thejoyfactorpodcast  

Hello and welcome to the Joy Factor Podcast! We’re 130,000+ downloads strong which is super exciting! Your ratings and reviews help the message of the show continue to be spread to those who need it the most so thank you! If you haven’t had a chance to share your thoughts on the show, there are many ways to rate and review: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/julie-hanson/the-joy-factor https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/cwgs7-42058/The-JOY-Factor-Mindfulness-Compassion-Positive-Psychology-Healing-Yoga-Podcast https://chartable.com/podcasts/the-joy-factor-mindfulness-compassion-positive-psychology-healing-yoga/reviews www.thejoyfactorpodcast.com Would you mind taking a moment to complete a fast survey so we can better understand who our listeners are? https://survey.libsyn.com/thejoyfactorpodcast Today is episode 21 and I’m talking with Dr. Allison Bomba, a Maryland based psychologist who specializes in helping children navigate the grief process. Dr. Bomba brings hope and healing to children and families as they navigate the painful and confusing process of healing from a loss. Despite the seriousness of her work she’s still able to connect with her own joy factor and offers keen insight on how to help children recover after the death of a loved one. Today we're exploring: The most important lessons children teach us about grieving? Worden’s 4 tasks of mourning Accepting the reality of death. Working through the pain of grief.  Adjusting to a world in which the deceased person no longer lives. Finding a way to maintain a connection with a deceased person. Steps to support a grieving child: Signs that a child needed counseling or some other intervention to handle the grief? Dr. Bomba’s sources of personal inspiration  If Dr. Bomba’s words resonated with you, know that you’re not alone. There is help out there. If you or someone you love is struggling with grief please reach out for support. You don’t have to do it alone. Taking it one step at a time you will be able to help yourself and your loved ones work through the pain, find ways to keep memories alive and begin healing together.  Thanks for joining us today and take good care. Resources: www.drbomba.com Sesame Street in Communities/Grief National Alliance for Grieving Children University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital     

Today’s show is brought to you by Yoga Intentions, a Boulder-based studio aiming to provide high quality, affordable yoga, that encourages individual growth and a sense of community and friendship. The show today contains subjects for mature audiences and may not be appropriate for young listeners. My guest is Angela Rae Clark, She’s a survivor of sexual abuse and exploitation by her grandfather. Angela is on a mission to help break the cycle of silence and reach beyond the pain felt by abuse survivors. She is a life coach specializing in helping clients reclaim their voice and rebuild confidence during recovery. Angela is a true inspiration for anyone who is on the journey of recovery. If you liked the show please let us know! You can leave a review on iTunes or stop by our facebook page The Joy Factor Podcast The best way to spread the joy though, is to tell your friends and family about us I’d also like to thank our sponsor for today’s show, Yoga Intentions. If you’re in the Boulder area do yourself a favor and visit Yoga Intentions for a fresh yoga experience that’s not only affordable but also makes the best aspects of a yoga community accessible to all. Whether you’d like to Create a yoga practice or deepen your journey, Yoga Intentions offers a kind, compassionate and inspiring space to support you. Check out yogaintentions.com for more information. More from Angela: “Our past does not define our future - we have choices, healing is possible. My emphasis is on practical tools and education in regard to our thoughts and feelings. Healing happens through one-on-one connection, community, and hope. I'm a Life Coach specializing in reclaiming your voice and rebuilding confidence during recovery with a focus on self-care practices, boundaries, and defining what's next in business and relationships. I'm a member of the National Survivor Network for Human Trafficking and I'm a volunteer with www.FREA.support, a non-profit that teaches emotional and energy medicine techniques.  www.AngelaRaeClark.com  I enjoy Dances of Universal Peace, hiking, and adventures in the wild. I love my life - I want other survivors to know they can thrive too. “        

Welcome to the show. Today we’re talking therapy! Specifically how to be a smart consumer when it comes to finding a therapist who is a good fit and understanding a few tips on how to do therapy. You’ve recognized a need to get some help and are ready to take the first step. Now what? Here are ten strategies to get the most out of the therapy hour. Be Choosy. It’s ok to screen potential therapists. Credentials are important because they give you a clue about what approach the therapist was trained in. Ultimately though,  the most important consideration is how you feel with the therapist. Do they seem interested and capable? Do you sense that they enjoy their work? Do you trust them to guide you toward your goals? Once you decide on a therapist give it 3 sessions before you decide whether to commit to the process. Therapists are only human and the process does take a little time. It’s not unusual to feel uncomfortable, or uncertain whether therapy is helping. Commit to at least 3 sessions to give yourself the chance to understand how the process works and decide if a particular therapist is a good fit to help you. Take care of payment and ask about scheduling or billing questions at the top of the hour. Getting the logistics out the way gives you plenty of space to use your time efficiently. Bring a notebook. Jot down takeaways during the session as well as reflections/observations during your week. Important insights might seem obvious when they’re occurring but might be lost if they’re not written down. Set the intention of making therapy a top priority and make a commitment to yourself to stick with it. Keep working outside the therapy time. Dedicate time and space to practice the skills you’re learning and complete assignments you’re given. View therapy as a co-created alliance. You will set the agenda and your therapist will offer guidance support and strategies to help you reach your goals. If you’re not sure what goals don’t be afraid to speak up. A competent therapist will speak up and guide the process but if that doesn’t happen let your voice be heard. Be honest. Say what’s on your mind during therapy. This might be the only interaction you have all week that allows you to fully speak your mind without fear of being judged. Good therapy means working toward authenticity and understanding that the process is messy at times. Know that you will bring your habits into therapy. Issues going on in your life will often show up during the therapy hour. A skilled therapist will kindly but firmly shine the light on this and help you develop new ways of operating. Be aware who you share your story with. If you’re confiding in friends or family about your therapy experience, protect yourself from unsolicited opinions and advice. Helpful support attempts can sometimes sabotage your therapy. There’s nothing wrong with reaching out for support as long as it’s from those who will genuinely offer it. Keep your sense of humor. Laughter and light-heartedness are the hallmarks of resilience. Yes, the issues you are struggling with are serious but activating the power of the human spirit can offer a soothing balm during painful times.  Resources for Finding a Therapist: www.psychologytoday.com www.goodtherapy.org   

Hello and welcome to episode #16 of the JOY Factor Podcast. It’s good to be here with you today and I think you’re going to enjoy this episode- especially if you’re a guy looking for a solid relationship or even just a good date. My guest is Jeffrey Platts-he’s a men's coach and authentic communication expert who is passionate about helping men create amazing relationships with women. With over 20 years of personal study and transformational training, he has led nearly 200 workshops and retreats on personal growth, dating, and communication. Jeffrey's work and writing has been featured in the Huffington Post, Washington Post, ABC News, Authentic Man Program and the Good Men Project. He brings a rich toolbox of insights and experiences to his facilitation, integrating his adventures as DJ, amateur stand-up comedian, salsa dancer, yoga teacher and world traveler. Find out more at http://www.jeffreyplatts.com.   More from Jeffrey: http://www.jeffreyplatts.com http://facebook.com/jeffreyplatts http://instagram.com/jeffreyplatts http://huffingtonpost.com/jeffrey-platts "Whatever you think the world is withholding from you, you are withholding from the world." - Eckhart Tolle

Welcome to episode 15 of the JOY Factor. Today we're talking about the benefits of taking a break from technology and setting the stage to help you take your own detox. If your internet habits leave you feeling a little edgy, frustrated or down, take heart. You don't have to give up your phone but you can greatly benefit from reigning it in and being more intentional with your use.  This is a call to give yourself the space to reflect on how you're spending the time and seize the opportunity to make changes where you need to.  Enjoy the show and let me know what you think!

Today I'm interviewing an amazing leader at Helping Services for Northeast Iowa. Kathleen Davis leads the Domestic Violence Resource Center team and is talking today about her work and breaking down myths about survivors of domestic violence. There's still time to donate and/or register for the Sena Hanson Memorial 5k being held on October 1 in Decorah Iowa. 100 % of the proceeds will go to Helping Services of Northeast Iowa. Money raised will provide needed assistance to domestic violence survivors and their children. Here's the link if you'd like to donate https://www.helpingservices.org/events/2nd-annual-sena-hanson-memorial-5k-walkrunbike/ If you need help our support please know that there are folks waiting to help. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at1-800-799-7233 | 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) Thanks to everyone who is listening, peace and love to all who are suffering and power to those who can take a stand to help someone.  About Kathleen Kathleen Davis is the Director of the Domestic Abuse Resource Center which is a program of Helping Services for Northeast Iowa based in Decorah, Iowa.  Kathleen began working at Helping Services in 1999 after graduating from Upper Iowa University where she graduated with a bachelor's of science degree in Public Administration.   While attending college full time, she also worked in the counseling department and realized that helping people was her passion.  Kathleen and her husband reside in West Union where they have raised two amazing sons and are fortunate to have two adorable grandchildren that live close by.   Kathleen proudly serves on the leadership team at the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence and as a board member for the Building Direction for Families (BDF). 

During the month of September The JOY Factor is taking a stand against domestic violence. Support Helping Services for NE Iowa Domestic Abuse Resource Center to honor my niece Sena’s memory and raise awareness of intimate partner violence Register for the 2nd Annual Sena Hanson Memorial Walk/Run/Bike 5k on 10/1/16 or make a donation (every dollar counts) Thank you for your support! Today’s guest is Dr. Jennifer Sippel. She is the Clinical Director for Cultural Transformation VA North Texas Health Care System and a Certified Compassion Teacher who received her training Stanford’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education. Jen spells out simple but effective ways to begin an informal compassion practice and outlines some of the science behind the power of compassion.  Compassion Resources Stanford Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education http://ccare.stanford.edu   Krstin Neff www.self-compassion.org   Brene’ Brown http://brenebrown.com   Paul Gilbert-compassion focused therapy http://compassionatemind.co.uk/about-us   Brian Cox http://www.apolloschildren.com/index.php   Neil Degrasse Tyson http://www.haydenplanetarium.org/tyson/   http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/ www.my.happify.com   Shout Outs!! First Unitarian Church of Dallas http://www.dallasuu.org/ Luther College http://www.luther.edu/   About Dr. Sippel Dr. Jennifer Sippel is the Clinical Director for Cultural Transformation at VA North Texas Health Care System.  She Chairs the Patient Centered Care Committee and serves on the Organizational Health Council.  She is currently in the process of creating and will chair the Complimentary and Integrative Health (CIH) Steering Committee.  Dr. Sippel created a new hiring process and is leading activation for a new five-provider primary care VA clinic in Plano, Texas, which will include five health coaches funded by Dr. Sippel’s Whole Health Partnership grant awarded by the Office of Patient Centered Care and Cultural Transformation.  The Plano VA Primary Care Clinic will serve 6,000 Veterans house many innovation projects in support of the Plano Whole Health Pathway design and implementation.  Dr. Sippel’s program evaluation and research areas of interest include complementary and integrative health (CIH), spinal cord injury home care, health care employee resilience, experiential learning models, Whole Health implementation and outcomes, VA hiring practices, and values-based organizational change.  In 2014, Dr. Sippel trained at Stanford School of Medicine, Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) and received her certification as a Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT) teacher.  She has developed many unique Veteran and employee training programs, including Autonomy Support Training (AST).  Dr. Sippel is a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Texas and provides executive/leadership coaching services to VA leaders and private clients. Contact her  bepresent1@me.com http://www.va.gov/providerinfo/northtexas/detail.asp?providerid=2669 Quote  “A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feeling as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.” Albert Einstein

Today’s episode may be difficult to hear and a trigger warning for some. The content is designed for a mature audience so please keep children out of listening range. Also, just a reminder that this podcast is not meant as a substitute for therapy, or counseling but it may provide information you find therapeutic or helpful. Today’s guest is Lisette Johnson creator of the website www.shamelesssurvivors.com Lisette Johnson leads a peaceful life with her two teenage children outside Richmond, Virginia. After years of emotional and psychological abuse by her husband, Lisette was making plans to exit the marriage when he shot her several times before taking his own life. She is now a tireless advocate for those navigating intimate partner abuse and works at the state and national levels to bring awareness and change laws to protect women and children from partner violence and control. For the month of September the JOY Factor will be dedicated to the topic of exploring the reality of intimate partner violence, ways to help survivors heal and what communities can do to prevent this epidemic. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 20 people per minute are physically abused by their partner. That adds up to more than 10 million women and men per year. In the United States 3 women are murdered by their current or former male partners every day. On September 8, 2009, my niece Sena became one of them. As only those who’ve lost loved ones to violence can understand, the depth of despair is unspeakable and the path to healing is a long hard one. Giving a voice to those who have been lost, as well as those who have survived helps. It is a way to find meaning in something so senseless. Everyone has the right to live a joyful life and I want to do my part to make that possible. This year marks the 2nd annual Sena Hanson Memorial 5k Walk/Run/Bike which will be held on October 1 in Decorah Iowa. This event is a way to represent hope for other victims and inspire courage in us all to stand up against domestic violence All of the proceeds will be used to benefit the Domestic Abuse Resource Center at Helping Services for NE Iowa. These donations will be used to provide advocacy services as well as needed supplies, gas, food, and other necessities client's may have.  If you’re in northeast Iowa or nearby please consider taking part in the 5k. If not, will you make a donation in Sena’s honor? No amount is too small. Every dollar raised will go directly to helping someone escape a dangerous situation. You can find my fundraising page here: Donate to help SURVIVORS  You can also learn more about what Helping Services for NE Iowa is doing by visiting https://www.helpingservices.org In addition to being a writer, speaker and consultant, Lisette is also a survivor. This is an excerpt from Shameless Survivors. “On October 4, 2009, while our nine and twelve year old children played in the basement of our home, my husband of twenty one years walked into the bedroom, declared his love for me and shot me in the chest. Running past him I was shot again. As I ran from the house, trying to scream to our children to get out and call 911, he shot me in the back, then turned the gun on himself.  By the grace of God I survived, and my children survived. I was preparing to leave a marriage of increasing abuse and control. The closer that day came, the more abusive he became. I never imagined his emotional battery could escalate into lethal physical violence. I never imagined he was capable of it, nor did I understand leaving is the most dangerous time as I did not ‘self-identify’ as a domestic violence victim. Sadly virtually everyone knows someone who is or has been in an abusive relationship; a relative, acquaintance, friend, neighbor or co-worker. If you don’t, you will one day. It is my hope that readers will be inspired to understand the complexity of abuse and support these individuals, mostly women. For those who are currently in it, I hope to encourage you to leave fear, be a survivor too, and reclaim your life that is waiting to be lived.” “

  Support Helping Services for NE Iowa Domestic Abuse Resource Center to honor my niece Sena's memory and raise awareness of intimate partner violence Register for the 2nd Annual Sena Hanson Memorial Walk/Run/Bike 5k on 10/1/16 or make a donation (every dollar counts) My fundraising page for Helping Services Thank you for your support! Today's guest is licensed therapist, professional speaker and fellow podcaster, Robert Cox. His podcast, Mindful Recovery is an amazing resource for anyone on the journey through recovery from trauma or addictions. Listening to some of his guided meditations on healing have brought tears to my eyes and touched my heart. He is truly passionate about helping people and I know you'll enjoy our interview today! Visit Robert's website for valuable information and to check out his podcast, Mindful Recovery http://liferecoveryconsulting.com/ More on healing our broken spaces http://mindfulrecoverypodcast.libsyn.com/   For the month of September the JOY Factor will be dedicated to the topic of exploring the reality of intimate partner violence, ways to help survivors heal and what communities can do to prevent this epidemic. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 20 people per minute are physically abused by their partner. That adds up to more than 10 million women and men per year. In the United States 3 women are murdered by their current or former male partners every day. On September 8, 2009, my niece Sena became one of them. Those who knew and loved her would all agree that she would be the first one to help someone who was struggling. Sadly we were not able to help her when she needed it the most. As only those who’ve lost loved ones to violence can understand, the depth of despair is unspeakable and the path to healing is a long hard one. Giving a voice to those who have been lost, as well as those who have survived helps. It is a way to find meaning in something so senseless. Whether you are currently in an abusive relationship or ready to take a stand on behalf of those needing support thank you. I believe everyone deserves to enjoy their life and the more we draw attention to those who suffer silently the more light we can bring to the darkness. This year marks the 2nd annual Sena Hanson Memorial 5k Walk/Run/Bike which will be held on October 1 in Decorah Iowa. This event is a way to represent hope for other victims and inspire courage in us all to stand up against domestic violence All of the proceeds will be used to benefit the Domestic Abuse Resource Center at Helping Services for NE Iowa. These donations will be used to provide advocacy services as well as needed supplies, gas, food, and other necessities client's may have.  If you’re in northeast Iowa or nearby please consider taking part in the 5k. If not, will you make a donation in Sena’s honor? No amount is too small. Every dollar raised will go directly to helping someone escape a dangerous situation. You can find my fundraising page on thejoyfactorpodcast.com or by finding The JOY Factor on Facebook  

Today's guest is Kim Dow, founder of Sass Magazine and Kalico Design in Frederick Maryland. Kim shares her perspective on joy and offers a great example to other entrepreneurs.  Contact Kim http://www.sassmagazine.com https://www.facebook.com/sassfrederick More about Kim Kimberly Dow is the owner and creative director of Kalico Design, a graphic design studio in the Frederick, MD region that works with associations, publications and companies in the health & wellness, women-oriented, and pet-related industries. She is an award-winning graphic designer who earned a BA, Summa Cum Laude, from Salisbury University in Maryland. An entrepreneur at heart, Kim also just recently launched Sass Magazine, a women’s lifestyle and professional magazine in the Frederick MD and surrounding regions. Kim serves as the owner, publisher, and creative director for this new venture. Kim also finds creative outlets outside the design studio. A dancer since the age of 4, she is the co-founder and past artistic director of Equinox Dance Company, an all-adult modern dance troupe in western Maryland. Kim is also active in her design community. She has served as the President for the AAF Greater Frederick, her local chapter of the national American Advertising Federation and continues to be involved with the club as a committee member or through volunteer efforts. Recently, Kim was awarded The Patricia Martin Crystal Prism Award, an AAF honor presented by each local chapter to a member who has demonstrated outstanding commitment and leadership to their club. When not at work, Kim can be found hanging out at home with her husband and high school sweetheart, Jimmy, who is a Montgomery County high school math teacher by day and motocross rider by weekend. They share their Frederick home with their rescued animals, two pitbulls and a cat, as well as a pet snake and saltwater fish tank. In her spare time, Kim enjoys reading, traveling, hiking, mountain biking and gardening.

Today’s guest is Jacqueline Lawson from Joyful on Purpose. In May  of 2012 Jackie’s husband Brian lost his battle with cancer and died 112 days after his diagnosis. From the start Jackie made a conscious decision to find joy in the midst of pain no matter what. Unless you’ve been through the loss of a loved on, it’s hard to know how you would respond. Talking to Jackie was a privilege because she wholeheartedly admits to the intensity of her loss but at the same time she does exactly what the JOY Factor is all about- she rises toward the light even when seemingly surrounded by darkness. She reaches in deep and manages to find her own voice in the process. This is a special episode that will leave you feeling hopeful and inspired. Such a wonderful story of hope and possibility. Talking to Jackie reminded me how kind and thoughtful people can be. Despite losing the love of her life Jackie made a conscious decision to be joyful on purpose. We can all learn from her example. She made a conscious decision to seek out joy in her day no matter what the circumstances. You can do that too. Be sure to check out thejoyfactorpodcast.com for all the show notes. You can also go there to leave a review! If you have been listening and are enjoying the show it would mean a lot to me if you left me your feedback and if you share the joy with your friends. Thanks for listening and I hope you have a joyful day. “Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” Thich Nhat Hanh About Jacqueline What began as an online journal and a way of coping with the impending death of a husband and father turned into a mission to share joy with others. Jacqueline Lawson lost her husband, Brian, to stage 4 melanoma in 2012. During the 112 days from his diagnosis to his death, she discovered that it is within each of us to face our days actively seeking joy. Joyful on Purpose was born just a month before her husband died, and Jacqueline continues to live a life centered on joy. She is an ordinary mom, sister, daughter, and friend. Joy is her middle name and she is embarking on a journey to live up to that name by “moving through life and finding joy along the way.” Jacqueline shares her personal stories of joyful grief on her blog, Joyful on Purpose. She turned the journals written during Brian’s illness into their story, “112 Days: A Story of Holding On and Letting Go.” Jacqueline is a writer, speaker, do-gooder, and spreader of joy! Resources www.joyfulonpurpose.com jacqueline@joyfulonpurpose.com Other books on grief and loss  

On today's episode, Boulder's own Cat Pantaleo joins me to discuss the power of connecting with nature and the ancient wisdom that's waiting for all of us to remember.  Cat generously shared her time and wisdom and her words will remind you of the power of nature and the impact of stopping to listen to it. She gave pointers on simple, yet inspiring practices  to connect with the wild life all around us and discussed the amazing work of Feet on the Earth, a non-profit organization committed to helping youth connect with nature.  Resources discussed on the show: Feet On The Earth- Growing community from the ground up. Wilderness Awareness School- So many great resources on this site! Books to check out About Cat Catherine Pantaleo CN CCH has a Bachelors Degree in Biology from the University of Miami, and is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist and Herbalist. For the past 12 years, she has taught a variety of holistic health and life science subjects at several Boulder/Denver area schools, including: Rocky Mountain Center for Botanical Studies, Seven Bowls School of Nutrition, North American Institute of Medical Herbalism, Healing Spirits Massage Training Program, and Nutrition Therapy Institute. Recently she has shifted her focus from adult to youth education and in May 2012 completed the Women's Apprenticeship program at Feet on the Earth, which focused on nature-connection mentoring, primitive/survival skills, children's development, and Rites of Passage. Catherine also is a Naturalist in training; she is enrolled in the Kamana Naturalist Training Program, a correspondence program through the Wilderness Awareness School. Using Nature as a classroom, her goal is to co-create a community whose members are confident in who they are, have knowledge of self and place, and have compassion and respect for all life.

Today’s guest is Kelly Darke. Kelly is a Michigan based art therapist who has been using art as a portal to joyful living since she was a child. Lately she’s been collaborating with the organization Stand with Trans to lead art therapy groups for transgender kids. Creating a safe, creative space for these kids and their families has allowed her to learn from their wisdom and increase her understanding of the unique concerns the transgender community. Her authenticity shines through and I loved talking to her, not only about the work she does but also because of her powerful reminder that unconditional love is the key to raising healthy children. If you have an interest in adding more art or creativity into your own life you’ll love this episode. I can’t wait to share Kelly’s amazing perspective on art, parenting and personal growth and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. After the interview Kelly sent me a sample of her Daily Visual Journaling program. I already had art supplies but went ahead and picked up journals for myself and my kids. Having the structure and techniques demonstrated in short videos is so cool! It’s like having a mini art workshop at your fingertips and it’s such a powerful way to practice mindfulness in an expansive and creative way. Like Kelly says, it can be hard to implement a habit even if we know it’s good for us. If you are looking for a mindfulness practice that includes a bit of creativity I highly recommend you check this out.  I have to say that just this morning I had to pull one of my kids away from her visual journal. I’m loving it too! I will share some of our journal pages on the Joy Factor Facebook Page page and I hope you’ll join me there and share your own. The really cool news I want to share now is that Kelly has generously offered a discount on her year long Daily Visual Journal program. She’s offering 100 listeners 40% off the price of this course! Make that 99 listeners because I grabbed mine already! Use the code JOYFactor. Make sure the word JOY is in all caps and join me! I really do consider it an investment in me but it’s also going to be a great activity to do with my kids. If you’re not sure if you want to invest in the whole program, do yourself a favor and check out her free sample. Like I said before that’s what drew me in and I think you’ll love it too. More about Kelly Kelly Darke, ATR, M.Ed., BFA is an art therapist, certified art teacher, and professional artist. Darke works from her private practice studio, Mindful Art Center, in Livonia Michigan where she provides individual art therapy sessions, group workshops, and creates online self-care workshops.  Darke graduated from Wayne State University with a Masters in Education for art therapy and has worked with adults with traumatic brain injuries, children and adolescents with developmental and emotional disorders, and transgender youth and their parents. In 2013, Darke had the honor of presenting with colleagues at the Expressive Art Therapies Summit on the topic of digital art therapy Resources: kelly@kellydarke.com http://www.MindfulArtCenter.com Daily Visual Journal Course There's a nice free preview of the class. When you invest in the full year program take advantage of a sweet 40% deal by adding the coupon code JOYFactor when you register. This is for the first 100 listeners only (make that 99 because I'm grabbing the deal too!).  Daily Visual Journal Supplies Here are the journals we're using along with a few different art supplies (water colors, pens, markers etc.) to get you started.  To learn more about organizations helping the transgender community... Stand with Trans "The mission of Stand with Trans is to provide the tools needed by transgender youth so they will be empowered, supported and validated as they transition to their authentic life." Human Rights Campaign Trans Youth Family Allies For fun.... Jimmy Fallon Lip Sync Battle    

In today’s episode, I’m talking to Gloria Martin, a Dallas TX based marriage and family therapist in private practice. Gloria’s thoughtful approach to seeking joy offers us the opportunity to dive a little deeper into practice of creating space for reflection.  I hope you’ll take a moment and reflect on how you can listen to your soul. What questions need to be asked in order to mindfully check in with yourself? More about Gloria: Gloria Martin is in private practice in Dallas, Texas and works with individuals, couples, and families. She is licensed by the Texas Board of Examiners of Licensed Professional Counselors and the Texas Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists and is an AAMFT Approved Supervisor and is Texas Board Supervisor. Based on her belief that systems theory can have a broader appeal than the therapy room, Gloria has provided team-building services for Head Start of Greater Dallas and Region 10 Educational Service Center and also conducts ecumenical process groups for female clergy serving in congregations in Dallas.  Gloria has a particular interest in women’s issues, and the mind-body connection. She enjoys traveling, dinner with friends, casual bike riding, and spending time with her family. Gloria has been married to her husband Phill for 43 years. Gloria has two married daughters and a grandson that live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Contact Gloria http://www.discoveringgrowth.com/wp/ gloria@discoveringgrowth.com Resources  Parker Palmer Let Your Life Speak Creating a refuge in your home Journals http://www.gratefulness.org/ http://www.louisehay.com/affirmations/

  Today's guest is all about helping people reclaim their joy around food. Amy Goldsmith is a nutritionist who talks about the importance of finding someone you can trust to help you forge healthier habits with food. She shares what brings her joy, what steals it, and how she gets it back.  Here's a little more information on Amy and how to find her: Amy Goldsmith graduated Cum Laude from Virginia Tech with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Human Nutrition Foods and Exercise.  She has 17 years of experience in the clinical inpatient, outpatient, consulting, and corporate world and specializes  in Eating Disorders, Sports Nutrition, and Thyroid health.  As a sports nutritionist she assists with getting the client to peak performance by incorporating the best nutrition before, during training, race time, and recovery.  She is co-founder of the HOPE Consortium, helping people with Eating Disorders, and works intensely and independently with clients suffering from an Eating Disorder. Amy has been featured in multiple media outlets and has presented to area running groups and clubs, the Frederick County and Montgomery County MD School Systems, and high school and college athletic departments as a topic expert.  She believes in an individual approach to assist with attaining personal goals by meeting each individual where they are.  In her spare time she trains and competes in triathlons and running races as well as works out at Odin Crossfit in Frederick MD. She has been married for 11 years and is a mom of two children ages 8 and 7, her most favorite, most challenging, but most rewarding job. http://www.kindrednutrition.com/ 301-580-0008 agoldsmith@kindrednutrition.com Here are a few resources on nutrition and mindful eating.

Today's guest is Jason Doorish and we're talking about remembering the basics when it comes to joy. Jason is a Licensed Professional Counselor and he's an expert on bringing mindfulness into the day every day. He reminds us that often the best things in life are the simplest and we all could benefit from chilling out a bit more and taking life less seriously wherever possible. When it comes to intentional joy he recommends starting where you are and operating from the understanding that we all have more power than we think over the situations life throws at us. A few tips to remember: When you start on this path. It’s ok to fail.  Know that you won’t have a perfect plan but be on the look out for things you can commit to. Build a life step by step that promotes joy. Get enough sleep, eat breakfast and take naps! It’s not just one thing but each practice strung to the next that helps to create a sense of expansion and joy. Accept that you’re going to have bad days. Good emotions and bad emotions come and go. Be open to figuring out what your small joys are and then pursue them.  Remember to be Self-Full   RESOURCES Contact Jason at www.doorishcounseling.com The Mindfulness Solution          

Today’s guest is Beth Boatman. Beth is a sex therapist and sexuality educator with the insight and expertise to inspire all of us to create more joy in our lives by embracing a sense of healthy sexuality. She shared the story of how she came to be known as Beth the Sex Consultant and offered her thoughts on comprehensive sex education, balancing different sex drives and keeping desire alive across the lifespan. One of the key points she makes is the importance of the c word……communication! Whether it’s talking to your child about sex or trying to increase your level of desire with your partner, the key is to become more comfortable expressing yourself. If you’re struggling (or maybe avoiding?) having a chat with someone you care about, this interview might be just the thing you need to spark up a conversation. Enjoy! Beth Boatman received a Masters Degree in Human Sexuality Education atWidener University and is a Certified Sexuality Educator (AASECT) and aBoard Certified Sexologist (ACS). She is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Family Therapy at Texas Woman’s University where she specializes in psychotherapy for individuals and couples facing issues related to sexual dysfunction, intimacy issues, chronic illness, and medical family therapy. Beth is a lifelong resident of the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas area and provides counseling services, education, speaker presentations, and professional trainings on sexuality related topics. Resources: Find Beth at  http://www.beththesexconsultant.com/home.html Book Suggestions: Girls & Sex: Navigating the Complicated New Landscape By Peggy Orenstein The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls, Revised Edition By Valorie Schaefer Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence By Esther Perel Passionate Marriage: Keeping Love and Intimacy Alive in Committed Relationships By David Schnarch PhD IF you enjoyed today's episode please take a moment to download, rate, review and/or share!

Today's guest is an expert on holding her own in the face of struggle. Joclyn Hanson is a professor of communications but really knows how to teach the art of being classy, strong and light hearted. Listen in as she shares her insight on turning the worn out phrase "mid-life crisis" into mid-life TRANSFORMATION! 

Today's show is all about laughter! Our guest  is Laura Gentry,is dynamic leader in the world of laughter yoga and the founder of the Iowa School of Laughter Yoga.  “Joy-real heart singing joy- is possible and you deserve to have it.” Laura Gentry Listen as Laura shares: What inspired her to bring more laughter into her life How she builds laughter into her day Specific laughter exercises you can begin doing immediately How laughter can be a mindfulness practice and a daily elixir Insider details on this year’s lineup for the Laugh Fest of the Midwest May13-15, 2016  Warning- you may have to tune out your serious side to relax and deliberately give yourself a minute to be silly with us.  Recommended Links and Resources: www.laughinglaura.com

Welcome to the JOY Factor podcast, featuring bi-weekly conversations to help you reclaim more space in your life for joy. The Joy Factor is a podcast for anyone with a desire to create more joy in their lives.  Julie Hanson, Licensed Psychotherapist, Certified Life Coach and Registered Yoga Teacher,  interviews experts in the field of mental health and positive psychology as well as everyday people who’ve got their own take on how to be on the hunt for joy even in the midst of struggle. She’s on a quest to connect her listeners with the tools, tips and inspiration to claim their right to joy!