How do we find happiness after a profound loss? In this episode, Sam and I conclude our journey through Mo Gaudet's "Solve for Happy," sharing an emotional reflection on the author's poignant insights into the loss of his son, Ali. We unravel the continuous process of resolving happiness, focusing on how illusions of self and suffering influence our perceptions. Through heartfelt discussions, including my own struggles with self-blame concerning my children's actions, we examine balancing expectations with reality in our quest for happiness.

Raising children not only transforms our lives but also demands self-growth. We reflect on the bittersweet reality of watching our children evolve from babies to pre-teens and the deep bonds that shape us as parents. A touching conversation with Vincent underscores the importance of cherishing the present moment and embracing our children's growing independence. We delve into the necessity of confronting and healing our pasts, emphasizing the joys and challenges of parental reflection.

Finally, we turn our focus to the impact of loss and the ways we celebrate and remember those who have passed. Drawing inspiration from Aiden's life and legacy, we emphasize living with gratitude and choice, inspired by the resilience of friends who have faced serious health challenges. Through a poignant conversation with my mom, we find peace and inspiration in daily life. Wrapping up, we highlight the transformative power of books, previewing our next read, "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin, and inviting you to join us on another enlightening journey through happiness literature.

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

Can contemplating the universe’s design really lead to greater happiness? Join Denise Russo and Samantha Powell as they wrap up their enlightening series on happiness with a thought-provoking exploration of "Solve for Happy: Engineer Your Path to Joy." In this episode, we ponder the grand question of whether the universe is intentionally designed or merely random. Tune in to hear personal anecdotes, such as Denise's poignant story about artist Cody Fry and his evocative song "A Little More," as we discuss the profound impact that different perspectives can have on our quest for joy.

Relinquishing control can be the key to peace and happiness, and we delve into this idea by examining philosophical debates around intelligent design. We discuss how managing expectations and accepting life’s inevitable uncertainties—like loss and change—can help us cope better and find serenity. We also reflect on how our personal beliefs and religious backgrounds shape our acceptance of these complex concepts, finding common ground in our shared human experiences.

Navigating loss and embracing life’s unpredictability is a journey we all face. Reflecting on the story of Job from the Old Testament, we consider how recognizing a larger design at work can bring solace. By focusing on what we can control—our reactions and expectations—we can discover a balanced state of joy. This episode encourages listeners to actively embrace life with gratitude, transforming how we perceive events and enhancing our overall well-being. Join us as we conclude this remarkable year-long series, aiming to inspire a proactive approach to finding happiness.

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

When Mo Gawdat shared his personal story of loss in "Solve for Happy," he opened the door to a conversation many avoid: the sobering reality of death. Our latest episode takes these reflections further, as we navigate the intertwining of life's end with its beginning and how facing this ultimate truth can unexpectedly guide us toward happiness. With Gawdat's insights framing our discussion, we venture into the realms of life's cycles, both natural and personal, and how they mirror the acceptance and peace that can come with life's final chapter.

Music and literature often capture life's deepest truths, and in this episode, we draw from these wells of wisdom. From "Turn! Turn! Turn!" to "The Circle of Life," we examine how art reflects our journey through life and death, the resilience of nature, and the complex emotions tied to letting go. The conversation weaves through the peace that can accompany the end of life, and how that serenity contrasts with the pain left in the wake of departure. It's a poignant reminder that while death is inevitable, it's also a call to fully appreciate the living moments.

Our final thoughts turn to the personal impact of grief, inspired by Gawdat's own experience with the loss of his son. This story, although deeply individual, echoes a collective human experience, offering a glimpse into the profound ways loss reconfigures our existence. We reflect on how the awareness of our mortality can sharpen the way we love, live, and find joy in the seemingly mundane. Join us for these heartfelt discussions, where we seek to understand and find solace in the shared journey of life and death.

Additional Resources:

Order: Solve for Happy

Denise Russo's Website
www.schoolofthoughts.net

Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
Forbes Article Link

Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
Lead The Game

Connect with us on LinkedIn:
Denise Russo
Samantha Powell

Where you can subscribe and listen:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Amazon Music
Podcast Index
Podcast Addict

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

Additional Resources:

Order: Solve for Happy

The How of Happiness website

The Passion Planner
Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C

Denise Russo's Website
www.schoolofthoughts.net

Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
Forbes Article Link

Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
Lead The Game

Connect with us on LinkedIn:
Denise Russo
Andy Hughes
Samantha Powell
School of Thoughts

Where you can subscribe and listen:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Amazon Music
Podcast Index
Podcast Addict

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

Have you ever experienced a love so deep and pure that it seemed to defy all conditions and expectations? Together with Denise Russo and Sam Powell, they take a journey inspired by Mo Gawat's "Solve for Happy," diving into the world of unconditional love and its power to transform our lives. They'll share insights into how this boundless affection can be the bedrock of personal growth, leadership, and even the way we tackle life's nuisances like pesky raccoons.

In this latest episode, they don't just talk about love—we live it through examples that challenge the status quo. From the heartwarming to the heart-wrenching, they bring to light the profound effect of unconditional love in unexpected places, including a high-risk prison environment where empathy and respect unlock human potential. We also explore the ripple effects of leading with love in our professional lives, drawing wisdom from authors like Joel Manby and Marcus Buckingham to paint a picture of a business world fueled by this most human of emotions.

They wrap up our heartfelt discussion with a reminder that the journey to happiness isn't without its struggles. Personal accounts of transformation demonstrate the healing power of love, especially when directed inward. Tune in, as we share not only our thoughts but also actionable steps you can take to cultivate a deeper sense of joy and satisfaction in your own life. Remember to subscribe and become part of our quest to uncover the unconditional love that surrounds us, often waiting to be recognized and embraced.

Additional Resources:

Order: Solve for Happy

The How of Happiness website

The Passion Planner
Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C

Denise Russo's Website
www.schoolofthoughts.net

Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
Forbes Article Link

Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
Lead The Game

Connect with us on LinkedIn:
Denise Russo
Andy Hughes
Samantha Powell
School of Thoughts

Where you can subscribe and listen:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Amazon Music
Podcast Index
Podcast Addict

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

Ever felt like your life needed a garage sale for the soul? Join Denise and Sam, as they embark on a quest for clarity in their latest podcast episode, inspired by Mo Gawdat's "Solve for Happy." They share intimate experiences about stripping back the layers of complexity in our lives, and how that opens up space for joy and productivity to flourish. Imagine your surroundings and your to-do list refreshed, simplified, and serving your quest for happiness. They shed light on practical approaches to living in the moment and the profound impact of embracing simplicity as a cornerstone for contentment.

Change is the only constant, and this episode maneuvers through life's ever-changing currents with grace. They e ponder the exuberance that comes with riding the waves of change rather than resisting them. They navigate the intricate metaphor of a complex cockpit to demonstrate that life's richness lies not in the pursuit of control, but rather in the search for natural balance and harmony. The yin and yang of existence become our guides as we discuss the beauty of life's fluctuations and the tranquility that comes from welcoming them as old friends.

In a heartfelt crescendo, Sam and Denise turn to the transformative power of gratitude. Through the moving story of a father’s shift from grief to gratefulness, they find keys to 'solving for happy.' This episode isn't just about listening; it's an invitation to engage with them and the community of listeners as we collectively unearth the joy that lies within. So, tune in, share your journey, and discover why gratitude might just be your new superpower on the path to genuine happiness.

Additional Resources:

Order: Solve for Happy

The How of Happiness website

The Passion Planner
Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C

Denise Russo's Website
www.schoolofthoughts.net

Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
Forbes Article Link

Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
Lead The Game

Connect with us on LinkedIn:
Denise Russo
Andy Hughes
Samantha Powell
School of Thoughts

Where you can subscribe and listen:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Amazon Music
Podcast Index
Podcast Addict

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

Ever wondered why happiness can often feel like an elusive puzzle? Join Denise Russo and Sam Powell, as they unpack the teachings from "Solve for Happy" by Mo Gawdat, and take you through a journey that redefines your understanding of contentment. Amidst life's challenges and the inevitability of events such as death, we discover together how shifting our mindset and aligning our expectations with reality can lead to a transformative approach towards happiness.

In this heartfelt conversation, we bring the beauty of living in the moment to light with wisdom from "The How of Happiness." Sharing personal stories and insights, Denise and Sam reveal how being present in everyday interactions can unearth joy that we often overlook, and how this simple shift in awareness can enhance our happiness. They delve into the power of connection and how it elevates our consciousness, drawing upon John Maxwell's ideas on effective communication and the profound difference between simply 'being' and 'doing'.

As they wrap up this episode, Denise and Sam encourage you to join in removing the clutter from our lives - be that physical, mental, or emotional - to make space for growth and the new. They leave you with an invitation to reflect on your experiences with presence and awareness, and to look forward to the next discussion on minimizing distractions and deepening your appreciation for the time we have.

Additional Resources:

Order: Solve for Happy

The How of Happiness website

The Passion Planner
Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C

Denise Russo's Website
www.schoolofthoughts.net

Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
Forbes Article Link

Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
Lead The Game

Connect with us on LinkedIn:
Denise Russo
Andy Hughes
Samantha Powell
School of Thoughts

Where you can subscribe and listen:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Amazon Music
Podcast Index
Podcast Addict

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.