The OverThinker's Guide to Joy

I thoroughly enjoy listening to Jackie. Listening and paying attention to her podcasts help inspire me to rethink how I currently live and how I can find joy in an overthinkers world.

I debated posting this because it’s a bit heavy, a bit long. But I decided to, not so much to praise Jackie - although she absolutely deserves it - but because I know there are others out there like me, genuinely struggling. I have found great comfort and motivation and information I can hold on to listening to these podcasts. I want them to listen, too. To them, I say... I listen because for me, my health, my survival, my having any chance at experiencing joy again, is at stake. Overthinking causes stress. And stress kills. If it doesn’t, it causes a broad array of health issues. Ask my doctor. My chart is peppered with stuff like hypertension, Fibromyalgia. Diabetes. Chronic fatigue. I get lousy sleep. I comfort eat. I’m moody. I fight every day to simply put one foot in front of the other. But too often I freeze, or retreat, because my brain turns mole hills into mountains. I was once a very strong young man, and my mind and body could handle the weight of overthinking. I’m in my 60’s now, and I’m losing strength. I’m now on the wrong end of a tipping point. There is an urgency. I simply cannot afford overthinking, nor the panic or the meltdown that comes with it. I listen because I was asked to listen. It was suggested with heart, so it was the least I could do. I started with Episode 1, the “H” in the “H.O.M.E.” series. It was about drinking water. Not a terribly emotionally-charged issue. But halfway through, I suddenly heaved, there were tears. I had just ended an 8-week relationship with a Life Coach. She talked to me like a harsh football coach. She hit some bullet points, but the connective tissue was devoid of any compassion, understanding, or anything I could grab onto and say, “That’s me! That’s my obstacle. That’s how I feel.”. I never felt an ounce of love, not necessarily for me, but for US.

I listen because from that very first podcast about drinking water, I realized there was love in Jackie’s every word, phrase, joke, self-admission, suggestion, instruction, direction. I listen because Jackie’s delivery of the information is not just pitch-perfect, but because there is humor and vulnerability, compassion and empathy. I listen because Jackie understands like only someone who’s been there can. There is SO much “give” in “The Overthinker’s Guide to Joy”. That’s why I heaved and cried during that first episode, and why I listen. Which I do, one episode every day. No binge listening, so I can ruminate on the day’s Episode. I listen because these podcasts give me something very special and I’d like to pay it forward.

I just love how meaningful and easy this is everyday. Jackie’s voice is perfect to guide you into the meditations.

This resonates SO much and I am going to suggest my clients and friends have a listen. I love the way you speak, the language you use, the way you present the concepts. Joy Hunting is beautifully done! A home run! Everyone can get some great nuggets!