In this episode, I share the deeply inspiring experiences from my recent trip to Paris with my 14-year-old son. What started as an eighth-grade graduation gift became a profound journey through living history, exploring three iconic sites that offered unexpected lessons about resilience, courage, and the power of individual choice. From the newly restored Notre Dame Cathedral rising magnificently from the ashes of its 2019 fire, to standing at the Arc de Triomphe where my son experienced a powerful moment of historical realization, to walking the medieval labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral (the birthplace of the modern labyrinth movement) each experience left me with renewed hope and inspiration.

Read the full show notes on my website.

Get your Plan Your 2026 guide.

In this episode, we cover:

• The breathtaking restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral and what it means to rise from the ashes together
• My son's powerful moment of historical realization at the Arc de Triomphe
• Walking the sacred medieval labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral and its connection to Lauren Artress and the modern labyrinth movement
• Colonel Welborn Barton Griffith Jr.'s courageous decision to save Chartres Cathedral from Allied bombing in August 1944
• General Dietrich von Choltitz's refusal to follow Hitler's order to destroy Paris
• How individual acts of moral courage can change the trajectory of history for millions
• Finding hope and inspiration in stories of people who chose beauty and humanity over orders and expectations

Resources:

• Instagram: @jumpstartyourjoy
• Notre Dame Cathedral documentary on NBC
• Cobblestone Paris apartment rentals
• Lauren Artress interviews about Veriditas and the labyrinth movement

Keywords: Paris travel, Notre Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, Chartres Cathedral, medieval labyrinth, Lauren Artress, Veriditas, World War II history, Colonel Welborn Barton Griffith Jr, General Dietrich von Choltitz, liberation of Paris, labyrinth walking, Grace Cathedral, AIDS epidemic, French h

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!)

I'm excited to welcome back Andrea Owen! A lot has happened since her last visit in 2021, and she's here to share her powerful journey over the past few years.

We dive into Andrea's experience during the pandemic and how 'pandemic time' reshaped her perspective on life and relationships. She opens up about navigating divorce, facing health challenges, and receiving an autoimmune diagnosis, all while maintaining her commitment to personal growth and self-discovery. Andrea also highlights the importance of advocating for yourself in medical situations and what she's learned along the way.

We explore how Andrea has embraced sex and intimacy as a path to personal growth, the transformative role of psychedelics therapy, and her journey toward living authentically. This conversation is full of honesty, inspiration, and actionable insights for anyone navigating life's transitions.

In this episode, we cover:

• The last 4 or so years in Andrea's life, and how the pandemic, health issues, and divorce have shaped who she is today.
• Why we all need to slow down and take stock in life's difficulties, and not gloss over the hard stuff.
• Andrea's perspective on relationships and divorce.
• Challenges Andrea faced with her health and the impact of an autoimmune diagnosis.
• The importance of advocating for oneself in medical situations.

Resources:

Read the full show notes on Jump Start Your Joy

52 Ways to Live a Kick-Ass Life: BS-Free Wisdom to Ignite Your Inner Badass and Live the Life You Deserve by Andrea Owen

How to Stop Feeling Like Sh*t by Andrea Owen

Make Some Noise: Speak Your Mind and Own Your Strength by Andrea Owen

Join me for the next Compassion Quest retreat.

Jump Start Your Joy is lovingly curated to offer a refreshing pause from the daily grind, inviting you to step outside routine and intentionally engage with stories of resilience, joy, and possibility. Each episode creates a space for reflection and inspiration, encouraging you to reconnect with what brings meaning and magic to your life. It is hosted by Paula Jenkins, a labyrinth facilitator, retreat leader, and trained mindfulness mentor. You can learn more about the show at jumpstartyourjoy.com

To join in, find Jump Start Your Joy on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts.

This episode is a heartfelt and inspiring conversation with Judith Tripp, a multifaceted leader who brings together spirituality, psychology, and art in her work. Judith is the force behind DreamQuest retreats at Grace Cathedral, a labyrinth facilitator, a transpersonal psychotherapist, and a musician.

In this episode, we explore:

• Judith's impressive array of roles and talents, from leading DreamQuest to her work as a transpersonal psychotherapist and musician.
• The significance of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco as a central hub for DreamQuest retreats and labyrinth walks.
• The labyrinth's deep personal and spiritual significance, and how it connects to the broader themes of interconnectedness in Judith's work.
• How Judith integrates spirituality, psychology, and art in her career to create meaningful transformation.
• The importance of gathering and community, particularly in the context of post-pandemic reflections and the human need for connection.

We also discuss the beauty of stepping into liminal spaces, the power of collective inner work, and how these experiences can lead to profound joy and transformation. Judith shares reflections on her early life joys, the importance of intentional gatherings, and upcoming DreamQuest retreats.

This episode is filled with insights on spirituality, interconnectedness, and the transformative potential of community and inner work.

Read the full show notes at Jump Start Your Joy

Judith Tripp's website: CircleWay

DreamQuest Retreat registration

Judith Tripp's book: Circleway, The Story of Women's Dream Quest

Jump Start Your Joy is lovingly curated to offer a refreshing pause from the daily grind, inviting you to step outside routine and intentionally engage with stories of resilience, joy, and possibility. Each episode creates a space for reflection and inspiration, encouraging you to reconnect with what brings meaning and magic to your life. It is hosted by Paula Jenkins, a labyrinth facilitator, retreat leader, and trained mindfulness mentor. You can learn more about the show at jumpstartyourjoy.com

To join in, find Jump Start Your Joy on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this week's episode of Jump Start Your Joy, I'm talking about the concept of 'glimmers,' which are the small instances of joy, hope, or inspiration that counterbalance life's triggers. The episode aims to provide listeners with ways to identify and cherish these glimmers, especially during times of chaos and uncertainty.

It's my intention that Jump Start Your Joy continues to be a comforting space through this podcast, offering weekly moments of respite and inspiration for all listeners.

I'd love to hear from you about how you've seen glimmers in your world, and you can email me a jumpstartyourjoy@gmail.com or tag me in a photo of your glimmer on instagram https://www.instagram.com/jumpstartyourjoy/

Highlights include the significance of glimmers, personal reflections, and a warm welcome message aimed to make listeners feel seen, heard, and cared for.

How to Look for Glimmers in Daily Life:

• Start each day with an intention to notice joy.
• Find calm in small moments: a sunrise, a warm cup of tea.
• Connect with nature, pets, or creativity for grounding.
• Capture glimmers mentally—relish and store them.
• Share glimmers with a friend or in a gratitude journal.

Read the full show notes on Jump Start Your Joy.

Resources

• USA Today article on glimmers
• URMC article on ambiguous loss
• Cory Allen on Instagram
• Julia Samuel on Jump Start Your Joy
• Fred LeBlanc on Jump Start Your Joy

Join me for the next Compassion Quest retreat, in person at San Damiano Retreat on November 23, 2024.

Jump Start Your Joy is lovingly curated to offer a refreshing pause from the daily grind, inviting you to step outside routine and intentionally engage with stories of resilience, joy, and possibility. Each episode creates a space for reflection and inspiration, encouraging you to reconnect with what brings meaning and magic to your life. It is hosted by Paula Jenkins, a labyrinth facilitator, retreat leader, and trained mindfulness mentor. You can learn more about the show at jumpstartyourjoy.com

To join in, find Jump Start Your Joy on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this episode of Jump Start Your Joy, I'm thrilled to welcome Lars Howlett, a Master Labyrinth Builder and Advanced Labyrinth Facilitator, to explore the captivating world of labyrinths! Lars brings extensive knowledge about labyrinth building, labyrinth symbolism, and the power these sacred spaces have to transform lives.

We dive into Lars' unique journey from photography teacher to apprentice with a renowned labyrinth master builder, giving listeners an inside look at what it means to create these intricate paths. Lars also shares fascinating insights about the historic labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral and its influence on today's labyrinth movement.

Whether you're new to labyrinths or a dedicated labyrinth enthusiast, this episode offers something special for everyone. Join us as we uncover the beauty and significance of labyrinths with Lars Howlett, and get inspired to explore this sacred art form in your own life!

Resources:

Read the full show notes on my website.

Find Lars Howlett's website, "Discover Labyrinths"

Walking a Sacred Path, Rediscovering the Labyrinth as Sacred Practice by Lauren Artress

Join me for the next Compassion Quest retreat, in person at San Damiano Retreat on November 23, 2024.

Sign up for the free labyrinth walk guide: https://jumpstartyourjoy.com/labyrinth-basics/

Others:

Subscribe to Jump Start Your Joy for free on your favorite app by clicking here.

Labyrinth Information, and Free Labyrinth Walk Guide

Check out Jump Start Your Joy's back catalog and resources: JumpstartYourJoy.com

Support the show on Buy Me a Coffee: Buy Me a Coffee

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:02 Meet Lars Howlet: Master Labyrinth Builder
00:59 Exploring the World of Labyrinths
01:31 Lars' Early Sparks of Joy
03:50 Understanding Labyrinths: Definition and Symbolism
05:08 Labyrinths vs. Mazes: Key Differences
11:35 Lars' Journey to Becoming a Labyrinth Builder
19:26 The Calling of the Labyrinth
29:00 Exploring Labyrinth Designs
30:23 Creating Labyrinths for Different Spaces
31:03 The Process of Building a Labyrinth
31:39 Labyrinths as Unique Artworks
32:33 Designing for Accessibility
38:16 Historical Significance of Labyrinths
43:49 Guiding First-Time Labyrinth Walkers
48:14 The Joy of Labyrinth Creation
49:41 Connecting with Lars and Final Thoughts