Last week I released a podcast called Happiness In The Midst Of Adversity. We got a lot of very positive feedback from it. However, there were some more clarifying questions that I answered in today’s Part 2. In order to achieve happiness, you must first accept the world as it is. This can be difficult to do because we are all conditioned to think that the world should be a certain way. We want things to go our way and when they don't, we become unhappy. The world is never going to be the way you want it to be. The world is always changing, and so are you. You can't control everything, but you can control your response to it. You may feel like you can't just accept the world as it is and achieve happiness at the same time. When there is so much adversity in the world, how can we be happy? In today’s podcast, I answer an important question about this from one of my students.

Some of us are currently in lockdown. This can be very challenging because the days have a tendency to bleed into each other. In today's podcast, I discuss how we can cope when things start getting dull in our lives, whether we are in a pandemic or not. 

What if the most productive thing you could do today was… pause and think? In this episode, I explore the power of deep thinking and how setting aside time for reflection—not rushing from task to task—can lead to greater clarity, creativity, and impact.

What if moving forward in life means taking thoughtful risks? In this episode, I share stories from my own life to explore how assessing risk versus reward is key to personal growth. I’ll talk about why it’s not about being fearless, but about being intentional—choosing the kind of risks that bring momentum, learning, and joy.

Why do so many good ideas never make it past the starting line? In this episode, I share the key ingredient that helps turn vague hopes into real results: planning. I’ll tell the story of a massive project I took on—and how mapping it out helped me succeed without overwhelm.

Do you ever feel like there’s too much to do and not enough time to do it? In this episode, I explore how overwhelm can leave us feeling stuck and drained, and I share simple strategies to break it down into manageable steps. I’ll talk about the power of lists, setting realistic goals, and the joy of ticking things off to create a sense of progress.

You may feel like you can't just accept the world as it is and achieve happiness at the same time. You have to change it, make a difference and stand up against things that don’t align with your values. The world as it is isn't the way we want it to be. The good news is that we don't need to change the world to be happy, just ourselves. When we accept that there are things beyond our control--and accept them with grace--our lives become easier and more peaceful. In the end, it's important to remember that life is a journey. You can't control everything that happens and you shouldn't try. But at the same time, there are things in this world that are worth fighting for--and it’s okay to stand up for things that do not align with your values when those things occur in front of you. In today's episode, we will discuss an important question about how we can be happy even with so much adversity in the world.

Why do some of life’s toughest challenges leave us feeling more alive and fulfilled? In this episode, I reflect on my own experiences trekking in Bhutan and riding through the Himalayas—and how these moments of suffering and perseverance taught me the joy of pushing limits. I’ll explore the difference between obsessive passion and what researchers call harmonious passion, and how pursuing challenges for your own growth—not for praise—can unlock a deeper sense of happiness.

Are you fully present in what you’re doing, or is your mind always pulled in different directions? In this episode, I explore how multitasking and constant distractions create stress and prevent us from truly experiencing life. I’ll share why learning to focus on one thing at a time can bring more clarity, peace, and fulfillment.

It can be hard to say no. I have had a week of it. But as difficult as it may be it is also vital that we do. 

What does it mean to go gently in a world full of chaos and challenges? In this episode, I explore how finding true peace within ourselves allows us to navigate life with openness and resilience. I’ll share why accepting life as it is, rather than resisting it, helps us reduce suffering and respond to difficulties with grace.

What if your life was filled only with the things you love most? In this episode, I reflect on the joy of rediscovering what truly brings us happiness—and how curating your life like a shelf of favorite books can reconnect you with meaning and delight.

People often get stuck in what they don’t want. I want you to use those things you don’t want to help you get ahead in your life. 

What if one small shift could make a big difference in your day? In this episode, I explore how tiny habit changes—like swapping your phone for a book at bedtime—can create powerful momentum toward a healthier, happier life. I’ll share simple ways to recognize your triggers and replace them with actions that better support your well-being.

Are you rushing through life trying to keep up with everyone else? In this episode, I explore why honoring your own natural pace—whether in work, healing, or everyday movement—can lead to greater peace and alignment. I’ll share how slowing down helps your mind settle and why true growth never happens on someone else’s timeline.

One of the most important things for me over this last year is community. Being in a community with others not only supports our mental health it also helps us grow.

I love the weekend because it’s a chance for me to fill up my joy well. I hope you can find your joy this Sunday too. 

Sometimes we can find ourselves in a place where difficult things keep showing up repeatedly. There are a couple of reasons this might be happening. 

What does it truly mean to be happy? In this episode, I share my personal journey—from feeling lost and anxious to discovering a deep, unshakable happiness. I’ll explore how shifting your mindset, embracing gratitude, and letting go of worry can transform your daily life.

I have been watching the Paralympics. One of my friends was a champion Paralympian, so I have been interested in the games since I was young. It’s a good reminder of how different we all are. 

How do you see the world around you? In this episode, I explore how the lens we choose—whether one of possibility or limitation—shapes our entire experience. I’ll share how our minds are wired to seek confirmation of what we already believe and why shifting our perspective can open the door to a more positive, fulfilling life.

I took a break this weekend from the culture of victimhood. I saw how much I am surrounded by it every day. 

What if lasting happiness is built one small step at a time? In this episode, I explore how meaningful change isn’t about big, sweeping actions but the consistent, small drops that create powerful waves in our lives. I’ll share why mastering simple, everyday practices can lead to profound happiness and how focusing on the drops can transform your perspective.

Do you often find yourself looking to others for reassurance? In this episode, I explore why relying on external validation can create a cycle of stress and dependency. I’ll share why building a strong relationship with yourself is the key to lasting confidence and peace.