YAY!!! 21st episode of season 3 on my 21st birthday...I think YES!! Every year I write a letter to my future self on my birthday to open the next year. This letter is full of wisdom, predictions, and manifestations for the year. This has easily become my favorite birthday tradition. Listen to this episode recap to listen to me read & debrief you on my letter!

I am officially halfway through my 365 days of joy journaling, and I wanted to make a little episode talking about some of the most valuable takeaways I’ve gained from this type of reflection. Every day, I have the opportunity to express my gratitude and feel a sense of accomplishment and purpose in my 3 S's: self, school, and social. This journaling technique has motivated me to find the good even in the lowest moments—and this past spring semester was definitely rocky.

However, good growth can and will come from our negative past experiences if we choose to adopt a positive mindset. So, listen to me yap about my silly entries, my "aha" growth moments, and why daily reflection is so important.

Every day, we have the chance to see the world through our own unique lens.

Lately, I’ve been practicing how to notice and celebrate natural beauty — not just in nature itself, but in people and everyday moments. As I reflected, I realized the moments that moved me most fell into three themes: human interactions, human appearances, and human experiences of the world.

In this episode, I’m sharing some of the things that make me smile, how my mindset around beauty has evolved over the years, and what keeps me inspired to keep finding joy in small, honest moments.

Whether you already notice these things or you're just beginning to look more closely, I hope this episode helps you reconnect with the quiet joy of simply witnessing life as it is.
And maybe, you'll find something that makes your eyes sparkle too.

Being sick is something I’ve constantly had to navigate. From missing playdates in elementary school, to high school & college events, and to now even my study abroad experiences, illness has often been a joy stealer in my life.

So, with my current situation—spending two days in the hospital while studying abroad in Spain—I decided it was time for a mindset reevaluation.

Instead of focusing on what I’m missing out on, I’m choosing to celebrate the small victories and practice gratitude. More than ever, I’ve been reminded of the importance of human connection and empathy. Navigating the healthcare system alone—and in a language that isn’t my native one—has pushed me to form deeper connections with those around me and encouraged a new perspective.

After experiencing so many physical health challenges over the years, I now feel more equipped to be a positive resource, a trusted confidant, and a support system for others.

To every case of strep throat, every surgery, every stomach bug—I thank you. This is the moment I begin living with more compassion for myself and the health issues I face, and I commit to continually reshaping my mindset when these challenges arise.

Once you start doing things on your own, you become more aware of what you're truly seeking for yourself. Use your failures as fuel to propel you toward pursuing your passions and opportunities that will bring fulfillment. Being authentically yourself allows others to meet you where you are.

This episode recounts my study abroad experiences over the past two weeks—sweet friendships I’ve formed despite language barriers, navigation mishaps that forced me to problem-solve, and immersive moments in the city of Madrid that I wouldn’t trade for the world.

Finding joy in exploring alone means accepting that you don’t have to be perfect—you just have to be okay with taking risks, owning your mishaps, and celebrating the victories along the way.

Navigating life is hard—both literally and figuratively. However, how lucky are we to have the opportunity to grow each and every day?

Listen to me yap about the power of solitude and how happy I am to have so many supporters in my life (all of you, duh!) who are authentically growing into the best versions of themselves. You all inspire me to keep seeking and spreading joy.

Thank you.

Have you ever met someone so full of knowledge that you can’t help but wonder how they became so wise? Well, in this episode, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about finding joy in the journey of becoming—with Nicole Calero.

When she reached out about coming onto the podcast, I instantly jumped at the opportunity. She has been such an incredible mentor to me and has so much to share with others. When I asked her what she finds joy in and what her “joy project” is, she replied:

"To me, our lives are a collective of moments that make up the portrait of our story. I find joy in those moments more than anything. Moments of laughter with friends, and coming together with family to fill my cup. It's reading all my favorite books and doing sudoku under my lamp light.

My favorite quote by Theodore Roosevelt is "far and away the greatest prize life has to offer is to work hard at work worth doing." I’m also passionate about the book called the midnight library, and it teaches great lessons about life and how life gives us choices, even when we don't realize it."

With a response already so full of insight, I was eager to hear more. Her story is truly one you won’t want to miss!

Having the ability to evaluate certain situations with a specific attitude and perspective enables us to fully experience the growth we desire. This week, I was prompted by my Principles of Entrepreneurship class to share what I've learned about the difference between a fixed and a growth mindset. I found it insightful to learn the definitions, reflect on my personal experiences with each mindset, and collect my thoughts on how to fully embrace a growth mindset in all aspects of my life. This week, I challenge you all to do the same!

In this uplifting episode, we sit down with Owen Nash to explore the art of embracing joy through a lighter perspective on life. Together, we unpack why so many of us get caught up in seriousness—and how Owen has learned to balance lightheartedness without slipping into carelessness.

We dive into how humor and a playful mindset have helped Owen navigate life’s toughest moments, along with practical habits for easing stress and inviting more joy into daily life. From the mental health toll of overthinking to the freedom that comes with letting go, Owen shares insights that are as heartfelt as they are helpful.

As RuPaul famously says, “If you can't love yourself, how the heck are you gonna love somebody else?” Well, my guest today fully embodies that energy. With a blend of warmth, honesty, and humor that puts you instantly at ease, Owen invites us all to stay present, release the pressure, and rediscover the joy in simply being ourselves.