The Sunshine Spotlight Kathy Marvel

Welcome to The Sunshine Spotlight With Kathy Marvel– I am Kathy Marvel and my goal every single day is to be happy. More than that, I want others to be happy, too. I am not claiming to be an expert on happiness in any way, shape, or form but I am here, simply because it brings me joy and I want to spread that joy. My goal is this: I am hoping you walk away from each episode with at least one thing that resonates with you and may help you to move towards bringing sunshine to your life or someone else’s. Something that allows you to do life better in some way. I am not a big league Podcaster (although I am a Podcaster). I am not a life coach. I am not an expert in living your best life. I am just me – wife, mommy, friend, teacher, co-worker, writer, go-getter, coffee drinker (or wine drinker) – me. Welcome!!!!!!!!!!!

Being in the habit of finding the good, those small things that in day to day life, we are grateful for, makes it easier to find the good when things are difficult. Just like in a garden, the things you pay attention to, grow. Do you want weeds or flowers growing in your garden. What kind of thoughts should you be focused on?

Everyone has dreams. You may have multiple dreams or just one big one. It doesn’t really matter - 1 dream or 5, it is just not going to happen unless you follow that dream. And you can’t follow that dream without actually putting in some work. A dream will not just suddenly happen. Most overnight success stories - are actually years in the making. So what are you doing to make it happen? What work are you doing? How much time are you putting in to make that dream come alive? Let’s just be honest. It is NOT going to happen unless you make it happen. Living an exceptional life means that your dreams are coming true but do you really think those dreams are going to be handed to you on a silver platter?  They’re not. Get your butt in gear. Do the work. Make it happen!

It’s pretty easy to find joy in the big things. A new job, a promotion, a new house, getting married, an addition to the family, a graduation, a retirement - all joyful things. It is finding joy in the small or even difficult things that takes more work. It’s not always easy and sometimes downright hard. Being in the habit of finding joy - always… means that you are better able to find joy both during the good times and the bad times.

Be present! You never know when it may be “a last time.” You’re going to miss it - whatever it is - someday. You are making memories - what kind of memories do you want to have AND do you want to be in those memories? You will find joy! You will not regret it - ever!!!!!!!!!!!

If you want a shot at that exceptional life...pay attention to yourself. Do what you need to do to feel balanced. Make a toolkit (strategies) that helps you respond to stress rather than react. Everyone has stress. I have just as many stressful things happen in my life as you. It is not who has more stress, it is simply who responds better. And those responses to stress take practice. Make it a daily practice.