In this episode, I'm getting personal and sharing a discovery that felt like a gift at exactly the right time. While clearing out my closet in search of structure and calm, I found my old portable CD player from 1997, still loaded with U2's "The Best Of 1980-1990." When track four started playing, I was instantly transported back to grad school and reminded of my personal theme song: "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For." This episode is about longing, faith, and finding joy in the messy middle of life.

I dive deep into why this song became a favorite. I explorie its spiritual roots and what Bono meant when he called it "a gospel song with a restless spirit." We'll look at the biblical references woven throughout the lyrics, including what I consider a powerful connection to Jesus's cry on the cross in Matthew 27:46.

I share three key insights this song offers us in 2026: that joy isn't dependent on having everything figured out, that faith and longing are powerful motivators, and that being a spiritual person means staying curious, questioning, and engaged, even when things feel hard.

In this episode, we cover:

• The discovery of my 1997 CD player and how "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" became my theme song
• The story behind U2's song and Bono's intention to explore theological themes in rock music
• How the lyrics mirror the tension of living with faith and integrity in the messy middle
• The connection between the song and Jesus's cry "Father, Father, why have you forsaken me?" from Matthew 27:46
• Why joy is found in the journey, not the destination, and how to look for it in small moments
• How faith and longing work together as wayfinding emotions that jumpstart us toward joy
• What it truly means to be a spiritual person: staying curious, questioning, and engaged rather than blindly following

Resources:

• U2 - "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" (1987 original version)
• U2 - "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" (gospel choir version)
• Jump Start Your Joy on Apple Podcasts
• Jump Start Your Joy on Spotify
• Website: jumpstartyourjoy.com
• Instagram: @jumpstartyourjoy
• Email: jumpstartyourjoy @gmail.com

Keywords: theme song, U2, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, faith and doubt, spiritual journey, joy in the messy middle, longing, Christian spirituality, gospel music, Bono, Joshua Tree album, finding joy, spiritual practice, faith and questioning, religious exploration, personal growth, mindfulness, hope, Matthew 27:46, Psalm 22, living with intention, Nancy Meyers aesthetic, decluttering, self-discovery, INFJ, Yale Divinity School, religious studies, paradox, tension, wayfinding emotions

As we step into 2026, I'm excited to share my approach to planning your year with calm and ease. In this episode, I walk you through the exact planning methods I've used for over a decade to stay focused on what truly matters while maintaining peace and presence. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by the fast pace of life or simply want to create a roadmap for your goals, this episode will help you slow down mindfully so you can move forward with intention and joy throughout the year.

Get the full episode notes on my website.

I'm sharing two powerful planning tools that have transformed how I approach my goals: the "Ten in Three" exercise I created a decade ago, and a brand new seven-week planning cycle that I started using at the end of 2025 that has kept me focused on what matters in an easy and clam way. The best part? This is not acomplicated "system" that requires a specific planner, stickers, or a lot of time. It's just an easy way to remain connected to what brings you joy while making real progress on your dreams. Download the free printable worksheets at jumpstartyourjoy.com to follow along and start planning your year with calm and ease.

In this episode, we cover:

• A mindfulness exercise to help you get centered before planning (the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique)
• The "10 in 3" planning method: how to identify and schedule 10 meaningful goals across the next three years
• My new seven-week planning cycle that helps you balance day-to-day life while working toward bigger goals
• How to identify your "fantasy self" versus your real self when setting goals (and why this matters)
• The concept of "well planned and loosely held" and how to stay committed to your vision while remaining flexible enough to pivot when needed
• Why writing down how you want to feel during each planning period is just as important as what you want to accomplish
• Practical tips for creating plans you'll actually follow (not ones that sit unused in a new planner)

Resources:

• Download the free Planning Your Year with Calm and Ease (2026) worksheets
• Paula's Centering Prayer guided meditation on Insight Timer (free)
• Elsie Escobar's Eleague podcasting course
• Connect with Paula on Instagram
• Email Paula: jumpstartyourjoy @ gmail.com

Welcome back to Jump Start Your Joy! I'm so excited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the show with you. In this special episode, I reflect on a decade of podcasting, the transitions that have shaped my life, and the importance of being present for the moments that matter most. From recording in my car to embracing new adventures with my family and community, this milestone is a chance to look back, take stock, and set intentions for the years ahead.

Get the show notes and join my newsletter to get updates at my website.

This episode dives into themes of mindfulness, intentionality, and the power of community. I share how the world's challenges: from political shifts to the rise of AI and climate change have made it more important than ever to find our grounding and support one another. We talk about the value of real connection, the courage to keep creating, and the ways we can all "jump start" our own joy, even when things feel overwhelming.

In this episode, we cover:

• The significance of marking 10 years of Jump Start Your Joy and what this milestone means to me
• Navigating transitions in life, from parenting a high schooler to career changes
• The impact of community and why real connection is essential in challenging times
• Lessons from Brene Brown's "Strong Ground" and how to find your center
• The importance of taking purposeful action instead of just complaining
• Inspiration from creators like Adam the Woo and Taylor Swift on living authentically and building community
• My commitment to another 52 weeks of podcasting (who cares if Lewis Howes joins me or not!) and what's next for the show

Resources:

• Jump Start Your Joy website
• Jumpstart Your Joy on Instagram
• Brene Brown's "Strong Ground" (on Amazon)
• Adam the Woo YouTube Channel
• Taylor Swift's "The Eras Tour" documentary on Disney+
• Scott Leftwich episode on Jump Start Your Joy
• Egg Whisperer Show (I'm head of marketing for Dr. Aimee and produce the show)
• Lewis Howes: Start Your Profitable Podcast & Build Your Brand on Creative Live (I'm in the hot seat!)