Cheerful by Choice: Recent Episodes
Lydia Taggart
Being and staying happy can be hard work. Like any good relationship, we want to put in the time and effort to improve our happiness and the relationship we have with ourselves. Lots of people talk about being happy. In here we talk about the 'how to' and provide you a growing supply of simple, easy to use tools to keep in your happiness toolbox so you can build and create the life you want and deserve.
Hosted by mother of 6 (including a set of quadruplets) Lydia Taggart, who also is a best-selling author, NLP practitioner, and speaker. New episodes out every Monday.
Music has played a major role throughout human history in creating and celebrating relationships. Music helps us communicate on a "soul" level and evokes emotions.
Special guest Krystal Holm shares with us how to use the environment to help us choose happiness, overcome (or ignore) the idea of perfectionism, and just love life a little more.
Find Krystal on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FengShuiKrystal/
or at her website https://www.krystalholm.com/declutteryourmindset
Find Lydia at https://www.LydiaTaggart.com
What do we have that helps us remember and recognize where we are, where we want to go?
Let's reverse engineer that with the foundation of declarations:
I am strong. I am organized. I belong.
Old stories might come up and remind you about all the pain you have been through in life.
What happens when we wrap them in gratitude?
Whose voice are you listening to?
You voice is the one that matters most. In this episode Lydia shares a story about her voice and making decisions.
Special guest Shelly Drymon shares her story of running away from home and creating who she wanted to be. Her insights on feeling what we feel, what can be done about it, and creating new habits will inspire you as it did me.
Find Shelly at Women Over 50 a life redesigned
Here's a fun story to illustrate being stuck and what we can do about it.
Let me know in the comments what you take away from it.
It's not always about finding the positive in a situation.
People would see me with all my kids at the park or grocery store or anywhere I would go and they would always ask me, "How do you DO it?!?!?!"
This one foundational piece made it possible and it will help you find more peace and happiness too.
It has been said that to find happiness you must forgive, which often is interpreted as ignoring the situation. That is not the solution.
Listen in to learn what I did this weekend about how important it is to forgive and not just ignore things.
Here is more evidence that you CAN change and choose happiness. Listen in for another way how.
Trying to get a little more happiness in your life? Try using the power of words.
The words we use have the power to change our world.
Listen in for more with our special guest Becky Kemp.
Driven by the desire to spread and inspire goodness, Becky Kemp is dedicated to sharing the power found in positive words. From the onset of her clothing brand, Becoming Threads, to her podcast, “The Word Effect,” Becky loves speaking and coaching about HOW Words Matter! She is finishing up her first book, The Word Effect--How to Create Your Most Beautiful Life, which offers seven power words that you will want to practice putting on.
Find her here:
Becky Kemp
becky@becomingwithbecky.com
801-205-5797
www.becomingwithbecky.com
@becomingwithbecky on FB and IG
Subscribe to “The Word Effect” Podcast
Emotions are vital to human life. I discovered that I am super passionate about this and I got SO mad!!!!
Are you feeling like a horrible person? You might be human, and you might benefit by listening in to this episode. Everyone should listen to this and know what happens as humans.
Is it time for a good cry? You know, everyone stuffs their emotions, not just the men. It's time to end the discrimination and allow ALL humans to feel their feelings.
What's the difference in goals and resolutions? Why do some people achieve a goal while the rest of us don't?
Today we explore and analyze making life changes that stick and become part of our identity.
Creating happiness is about connections and relationships. In this episode we talk about a friend's story of having smoothies on the steps.
Where is your step set aside for connection moments?
Everyone of us as humans struggle. Every. Single. One.
But, perspective is an amazing thing. You are doing better than you think you are.
Please get and use The Frame Formula book if you have not yet. It will change your life for the better.
www.TheFrameFormula.com
Using our bodies as the tool they are meant to be helps us create happiness.
Listen in for some great ideas on how to move it.
Ever had that conversation that felt like it was all you talking and asking for help with no response?
Emotions might be getting in the way of finding the answers and help you are seeking.
Listen to this episode to learn more about it.
Like, Share, Subscribe and leave me a comment.
Thanks for being here!
Do you know what the next best thing is for creating even more happiness? Do you have it?
I know you do! Tune in and find out more about what you already have.
Then let me know in the comments, or send me an email, how long your list is and what's on it.
It's as easy as redirecting a toddler's tantrum. Works for any age, including our self talk.
Mistakes are part of being human. We all make mistakes but often the mistakes carry a negative emotion with them.
We can erase them!
Did you know the eraser was invented on accident?
Listen in for more on how to erase the negative emotions, after we feel the feelings. It's a new way to move through the emotions.
Ever feel like you're surrounded by bullies? There's a simple solution to end it all. It is to know who you are.
Have you ever had someone say something that brought tears to your eyes? I had this happen the other day.
Let's talk about what happens when someone says they are praying for you.
How do we manage our emotions and fears around things that are not in our control such as cancer? This episode we discuss some options and share wonderful resource
Our special guest today is Sarah Ariaudo.
Here’s a list of where you can find Sarah:
Get her Book: https://www.amazon.com/Cancer-Journey-Guidebook/dp/130480433X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1LPW0Z7N8LLEH&keywords=Sarah+ariaudo&qid=1645200752&sprefix=sarah+ariaudo%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-1
Website: www.mindfulbasedhealing.com
Free Meditation: www.lazygirlmeditation.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahariaudo/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahariaudo
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahariaudo/
And find Lydia at www.LydiaTaggart.com or get her book at www.TheFrameFormula.com
Expressing our emotions is important. Feelings are meant to be felt. Sometimes it comes out as yelling and it turns into a negative experience.
Want to yell less? Tune in and find out how.
Cows are a great example of why we want boundaries.
Starting the day with a simple routine and ending the day the same will put a boundary around our day.
Expectations can be good or bad. Who is directing what you are expecting? Is it helping you? Let's explore expectations and let some of them go.
Ever make a silly mistake? I made a real one recently! Listen in to find out what happened.
Ever wonder how in the world you're going to be a good parent and help your kids with what they really need? I had to have a "specialist" remind me that I am the mom to consider that I knew how to be a mom. He told me I knew what to do because I am the mom. You already know what you need to know, too.
Today we visit with Kristen Buchtel about her system for making a plan. As the parent you already know what you need to know, this is a great way to organize it all and make it make sense with her book, Noteworthy Parenting - How to Use Your Own Ideas to Create Your Parenting Roadmap.
Comment and share this episode to get a chance to win a copy of her book!
You can fine Kristen at www.noteworthyparenting.com and as always, find Lydia at www.CheerfulByChoice.com
Faith, fear, and being scared... We live in all of them and sometimes at the same time. Today we discuss a tip for getting through the fears, because being scared is different than having fear.
Do you have people around you who are sensitive to your moods? Having a great support team is super helpful. My kids are part of my support team and can tell when I am having a bad day. They help me get through challenges by changing my perspective.
Have you ever had someone help you change your perspective? Have you ever had someone hop on a plane and fly out to meet you somewhere, just to get a hug? They would if they could.
Listen in for more.
Welcome back to season 2! Let's jump right into the next tip from Lydia!
A certain level of anxiety is reduced when we make decisions. It can be easier said than done, but here are a few ideas on how to make decision making easier.
Season 2 begins August 29, 2022. As the last episode of Season 1, we are counting our wins.
Are you aware of all the things you are winning at? It's probably more than you realize. Sometimes we get used to life as it is and we forget to count the things we are winning at. Collecting successes and wins boosts our ability to choose into happiness. In this episode Lydia shares some wins and encourages listeners to do the same.
Connect with Lydia at www.CheerfulByChoice.com
With all the troubles in the world we often want to blame someone, or something, for all of it. It is human nature to want to blame, to find where the responsibility lies. That is one perspective.
In this episode Lydia explores another perspective that can bring the ability to respond through the responsibilities we embrace. How can we each become more response able?
If you don't feel safe nothing else matters much. It is near impossible to grow and build relationships without first having safety and trust. You deserve to feel safe. Here's a few things we can do to increase both safety and trust.
I hear "be gentle with yourself" all the time, but what does it really mean? How do you do that? Nadine Lewis is here to help us out discussing gentle self love, how to shine your light brighter than ever before because the world needs you more now than ever, and clearing the clutter to allow space for the gentle self love we all deserve.
Some of my favorite parts of this episode are flowing forward, changing your purpose, and pulling back to the heart. We live from the heart but try to figure it out in the head. Join us as we discuss the micro baby steps to truly honoring our space and creating that safe place of a sanctuary we seek.
Nadine's background as an International Feng Shui, Space Clearing and Clutter Clearing Consultant shines through in the conversation, touching on a few personal experiences as well. She was a single mum bringing up two sons, when she met the man of her dreams. They married in the Cook Islands, all went traveling around the world . They built a successful eco retreat in Portugal. She was living the dream!
Until her world came crashing down., No longer a mother, a wife, daughter or business owner.
Deeply unhappy, and depressed , it took years of inner reflection and being a recluse to work out her identity again, to make life happen and pick up the pieces.
As a midlife mindset coach Nadine helps women who might be going through a transition time of life and works with them to live with more passion, positivity and purpose.
Find Nadine Lewis at www.nadine-lewis.com
Get your free gift from Nadine at nadine-lewis-sparkle-more.mailerpage.io
Find Lydia Taggart at www.cheerfulbychoice.com
Every once in a while those negative voices that were so strong during the worst of my depression come back and try to get me. Here's one way to deal with them. It's called the Dump and Destroy.
There is a simple joy in knowing and accepting limits, being honest with ourselves increases the joy in the journey.
Lydia Taggart and Rachel Strivelli talk about the struggles of having a child with insomnia and how to reset the peace inside to be able to handle another day. One of my favorite parts is about finding patterns in nature for peace, avoiding burnout, and Rachel's Gratitude/Forgiveness experience.
Rachel can be found at www.RachelStrivilli.com
Lydia can be found at www.CheerfulByChoice.com
Celebrating Passover and spring cleaning have taken on new meaning for me this year. De-cluttering clears the way for increased happiness.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but sometimes we let the opinion of others dictate our behavior and ability to belong. Remember the ugly duckling? Maybe to fit in and feel more beautiful we need to change what is around us, not who we are.
Habits can be broken in an instant. Building new habits is the part that takes time. Either way, we need to be in the belief that we can forgive and change.
When we have a problem we are trying to figure out, sometimes answers come in mysterious ways. I am sharing one of those ways today with my dream.
Play is essential for happiness, but when we get older it is often difficult to really play. Lydia is joined by Lyssa Scott to discuss the pieces of playing on purpose with intention, how to keep it easy and fun, and a few extra surprises along the way. Like, did you know planning for a meal has a lot in common with puzzles?
Lyssa Scott is the host of the Maximum Potency Podcast, and owner of the coaching company, Maximum Potency. Lyssa's mission is to teach entrepreneurs to rip on life by leaning into their gifts and creating a business they love. She focuses on personal growth, lifestyle design & business growth with her clients.
Born and raised in PA, now traveler and nomad, temporarily in Austin TX, I am so excited to have her on the show!
Links mentioned to connect with Lyssa:
www.instagram.com/maximumpotency
www.lifeatmaximumpotency.com/
Connect with Lydia at www.CheerfulByChoice.com
Is it possible to choose to be cheerful during war? The answer is YES. Listen in for an extra portion of hope.
What if you were right 90% of the time?
I was given a new assignment at work and I want you to join me in the quest to trust yourself knowing you will be right 90% of the time.
What happens when there is a conversation you need to have but there's too much anxiety about it to actually meet with the person you need to talk to and say hi?
In this episode Lydia shares some ideas to help reduce the anxiety so there can be a safe enough feeling that there is a freedom to speak. If there is not a true feeling of being free to speak, the conversation will not happen. At least not the way you want it to.
Have you been dreaming big enough? Wondering why things just aren't quite what you are expecting or hoping for? Maybe you need to get more details in your dreaming. In this episode Lydia shares about how to add and simplify dreaming to get things happening for happiness.
There is so much to gain from listening to this episode interviewing Debbi Migit!
My favorite quote from this episode: What they call obsession, I call faith.
With all of the emotional and mental issues that come along with infertility challenging Debbi for over a decade, she still found a foundation of faith to carry her through the pain to see the miracles God had in store for her.
Now she asks God, “What do you want to talk to me about today?” and then she listens with her heart. Her book series takes readers on the adventures of following God. She encourages us to jump in and see where God takes you.
GUARD OUR JOY. Is something stealing my joy? No matter what circumstances are we need to protect that.
What are Debbi’s top tools for getting the happy back when the happy is hard? Stones of remembrance and laughter.
Joshua 4:9 talks about stones of remembrance. Debbi takes out stones of remembrance all the time and reminds herself of the things that God has done.
“Because He has a plan and a reason for putting me where and when I am. I remind myself that it’s just His grace that I can live where I live.” We can take time to list all the negative things, but Debbi chooses to list all the good things that God has done for her. She rehearses them and builds up her faith and gratitude.
Laughter is a wonderful gift that contributes to healing. Debbi encourages us to find things to laugh about and have a physical release through humor instead of crying.
You can find Debbi’s books on Amazon or find her at her website and connect with her on Facebook.
https://www.debbimigit.com/
https://www.amazon.com/Debbi-Migit/e/B004M3HYGE%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
https://www.facebook.com/authorDebbiMigit/
Find Lydia at https:www.CheerfulByChoice.com
Here's my favorite story of all time! How I met and fell in love with my husband nearly 26 years ago and how he taught me a better way to love myself.
This week's tool is about changing patterns. What patterns do you recognize in your life?
When I chose to allow my husband to keep just one thing it changed my perspective and level of happiness in our marriage like nothing else could. (for the better!)
What if we took that same principle and allowed ourselves to keep just one thing? Changing the level of happiness never looked so good.
When there's something we can do that is so simple and so life transforming it could be considered magic, I need to share it with you!
This episode is brief, but the results are nothing short of... magical. The effects of using The Magical Pause are limitless, covering every aspect of relationships and building stronger happiness.
Feeling stuck? Try this as the most simple and easiest tool I have EVER come across for do it yourself stuff.
My son would not talk because of stress and trauma in his life at 4 years old. He went from a quiet "Meow!" to giving presentations in front of large groups of strangers with confidence and a certain kind of joy. That's right. He actually enjoyed presenting in front of people today.
My favorite most transformational tool that I call the 'Chunk It Down Principle' is how you can do something little, simple and easy to make enormous changes in your life. In this episode I share about my experience with my son and how we used this tool to completely change his life, and mine. And how you can change your life in miraculous ways, too!
Repetition and collection of evidence is required to convince the Reticular Activating System to allow changes to happen in our subconscious mind. In this episode Lydia teaches about the Reticular Activating System and shares the very first time she remembers collecting evidence in an effort to be more happy. Listeners are invited to share what evidence they are collecting and what is changing in their lives because of it through email to cheerfulbychoicepodcast@gmail.com and on her Instagram @cheerfulbychoicepodcast
How do we get the most out of our efforts? By small and simple things great things are brought to pass. What are some small and simple things that make a big difference in the results? Results can create happiness.
Lydia Taggart interviews Melissa Miller on The Cheerful By Choice Podcast. Their in depth conversation reveals Melissa's best and most effective practices she uses for creating peace and happiness when illness strikes.
Melissa was forced to leave the life she knew behind. The former CNA suddenly became a stay at home mom and caregiver for her epileptic husband. Now Melissa is mentoring other moms on their journey transitioning to SAHM/Spousal Caregiver.
What's kept her happy and gotten her through this season of life? Tune in as we learn more about her relationship with God, The Bible, how journaling has benefited her and her family, and the structure she creates to provide an extra layer of peace to her daily routine. Lydia and Melissa take the conversation deep to encourage and inspire you with simple ways to find your joy and reignite your relationship with the Lord.
Find Lydia on Instagram @LydiaTaggart and @CheerfulByChoicePodcast
and find Melissa on Instagram @MelissaMiller2011
Story time of our Christmas traditions and creating the "perfect" life on my way to having a dead battery. If you have ever overdone your efforts to be perfect, tune in and hear what the Taggart family has done about it.
If you have felt like you are out of power, you might benefit from changing the batteries. Today's tool for creating more happiness is all about finding what is being neglected and changing it. Small and simple steps to let your light shine a little brighter.
It's okay to not be okay. AND it's okay to be okay! Sometimes we get stuck in thinking we have to be unhappy because the world is that crazy, but we can move through the feelings and get to the other side of them to feel something else. Happiness is also a feeling to move through.
Changing up the words we use makes things more fun and easier to get things done. Avoiding our to-do lists and procrastinating is a trap we can all fall into. This is one way to get out of the trap of procrastination.
Sometimes we stuff our emotions and ignore them, thinking it will help us be happy. The key to building relationships is vulnerability and acknowledging our feelings.
Life is crazy enough without all the extra crazy we put into it. Cheerful by choice is about creating our happy endings. This is my why for doing it. I was not creating happiness until it was almost too late. I want to help more people create a better life, and this podcast is part of how I will do it.