In this solocast episode, I’m exploring the topic of finding joy in uncertain times. In the midst of the shifting world events, I’ve felt weighed down recently. In this episode, I’ll talk about how it takes real courage to follow a muse like Joy in hard times, and following joy, and love, and our own hearts is more important now, than ever before. I’ve spent a lot of time mulling over why joy has felt so awkward recently, and why it still beckons me on. And, I’ve found a lot of uplifting quotes and thoughts from others to share with you, too.

The six ways ways of finding joy in uncertain times I share in this episode are:
1. Define what’s true for you – regardless of what else may feel uncertain, what do you know is true for you, right now?
2. Take comfort that it’s perfectly OK (and natural) to grieve or feel sadness at the same time as you feel excitement or joy.
3. Take action: joy is an act of defiance and self care
4. Take action: caring for others spreads joy
5. Baby steps: Joy builds more joy. Little Bits of joy brought to life make room for more joy in your life
6. Look at joy in a new way: explore what joy looks like at the crossroads of whatever else you’re feeling

Resources
Helen McLaughlin’s delightful “Weekly Findings” Newsletter
Laura Simms post on “Finding Purpose in Uncertain Times”
Laura Simms in episode 34
Molly Larkin in episode 10 (where we talk about Byron Katie)
Jennifer Ching’s inspiring CAKEooh Blog

Jenny Mahan is a registered nurse and certified health and wellness coach, owner of Pine Creek Wellness, and a soap maker. Jenny works with people to help them reclaim their health in a way that invites them to reconnect with what delights and nourishes them. She lives on a farm in far northern Wisconsin and she is truly a multipassionate person - she’s also a singer and songwriter, author, jogger, and hammocker. It’s really a pleasure to have her on the podcast this week.

In this episode, Jenny Mahan and I talk about:

• Her earliest sparks of joy as a child: music, being outdoors, and making things with her hands
• The role Outdoor Education played in her life
• Ecological design, and how she has looked for a reliable way to support her family
• The nurturing and comforting properties of plants and animals
• Therapeutic Communication and being a home care nurse
• What motivates people to make changes in their health
• How to plan for the challenges of life
• How to jump start your joy: by keeping what really matters in mind and by “letting it rip,” or giving it your all

Resources
Jenny Mahan’s website
The 5 day “Nourish” mini course
Order soaps made by Jenny

If you're starting a podcast, or another creative pursuit, you'll come across three things: Fear once you've said yes to the thing, Commitment to yourself, and, you'll run into a Nellie Oleson Moment. Mine just happened to be with Nellie herself!

You can read the whole show notes here: www.jumpstartyourjoy.com/meangirl

Kelly Denithorne is an educator, transgender advocate, and the blogger behind “Unordinary Style.” Kelly started her blog in 2010, and began it as a place to explore with her love of style while she was exploring women’s fashion. Born as a male, Kelly tried on several different titles for herself, from transvestite, to cross dresser, and then to transgender non-binary. In the last year, Kelly has begun teaching in her middle school as a woman, and has started the process of transitioning.

The true inspiration that I see in Kelly is her dedication to being curious, and to “always be humble enough to learn.” As she and I spoke, it was clear that she is a powerful example of someone who is a lifelong educator, and learner. Inspired by another trans woman, Jessica Lynn, Kelly has started sharing her story so that other people can learn more about transgendered individuals, and to spread awareness.

In this episode, Kelly Denithorne and I talk about:

• Her earliest sparks of joy, hanging out with her sister
• Her experience of growing up as a male, and the confusion that she experienced around having unidentified gender variance
• Being a teacher, and transitioning from dressing as a male to dressing female this school year
• Seeking therapy with someone who specializes in gender variance
• The reactions of her students and parents to her presenting as a woman
• Her path to discovering her true self
• The role being a fashion blogger played in her journey
• Her inspiration in starting to take on speaking opportunities
• How to jumpstart your joy: learn to accept who you are and how you work with it, sharing your story, and always be humble enough to learn

Resources
Kelly Denithorne’s blog: Unordinary Style
How to Create Cleavage, as found on Kelly’s blog
Kelly (as Nadine Spirit) on Instagram
Jessica Lynn’s website