ABOUT THIS EPISODE:This week I'm joined by Giel, an American singer-songwriter, producer and connection curator who moved to Lisbon in 2021 and built a life there rooted in music, community and wellness. We talk about the fear that sits underneath so many of our creative gifts... the ones we've been carrying since childhood... and what it takes to keep choosing joy when life hasn't made that easy.Giel shares the story behind The Shift, the community night where I first witnessed her hold space for people to sing in public for the first time, and we talk about what it means to have someone believe in your voice before you believe in it yourself. She also opens up about a devastating loss in her life and how it led her to found Reignwel Global, a mental wellness startup serving the diaspora with culturally relevant healing practices.This is a conversation about faith, resilience and the daily choice to keep showing up in joy even when things are falling apart around you. If you've ever felt blocked in your own creative expression, or wondered how anyone keeps their light on through grief, this one is for you.LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:Recorded between London, UK and Lisbon, Portugal.CONTENT WARNING:This episode discusses suicide, depression and the loss of a family member. Please take care while listening.🎁 FREE GIFT FOR LISTENERS:Download your free Joy Hour resource at www.goddxxpath.com/joyhourgiftIN THIS EPISODE:The joy of building community and connection in a place where nobody knew herThe Shift: the community night where creatives find the courage to sing in publicChildlike faith and staying in "flow state" through choice, not easeThe loss of her nephew, Darius Roberts, to suicide and how it changed everythingFounding Reignwel Global, a mental wellness startup for the diasporaPursuing JOI, her personal vlog on choosing joy transparentlyTIMESTAMPS:00:01 - Welcome and introduction to Giel01:22 - Joining from Lisbon, and the story of how she got there05:17 - The recent joy of sitting in connection and community10:10 - Learning to hold space and believe in others before they believe in themselves16:22 - Flow state, resistance and the choice at the centre of it all19:01 - Faith, healing, and being honest about what joy really costs21:40 - How to connect, and an introduction to The Regulated Creative24:36 - The story of Reignwel: loss, grief and finding her purpose33:45 - Reignwel's slogan: "Here we reign well"34:16 - Where to find and connect with Giel35:32 - OutroABOUT THE GUEST:Giel is an American singer-songwriter, producer and connection curator whose work bridges music, wellness and global culture. After relocating to Lisbon in 2021, she returned to songwriting, inspired by the city's rhythm, warmth and soul. As a wellness facilitator, she creates memorable melodies and powerful anthems that resonate deeply with creatives across the global diaspora.She's the founder of Reignwel Global, a mental wellness health tech startup born from personal loss, and hosts The Shift, a community night in Lisbon where people gather to sing, share and be met exactly as they are.Giel's work is about helping people feel seen, grounded and alive.RESOURCES & MENTIONS:The Shift – community night in Lisbon (Instagram @the_shift_live)The Regulated Creative – Giel's coaching offering for artists and creatives (theregulatedcreative.club)Pursuing JOI – Giel's vlog (spelled J-O-I, her birth name is Joi) (Instagram: @pursuingjoi)Reignwel Global – mental wellness health tech startup, reignwel.com | @reignwelglobal on InstagramThe eight wells of Reignwel's healing framework (Music Therapy, Art Therapy, Horticulture Therapy, Nutrition, Movement, Language, Soul Care, Community)CONNECT:Ella MesmaWebsite: www.goddxxpath.comBook: www.goddxxpath.com/journal-to-joy/Current Offers: www.goddxxpath.com/links/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellamesma/GielWebsite: reignwel.comInstagram: @heyitsgiel
