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Happiness Happens

Simona Costantini

The Happiness Happens podcast is your daily dose of motivation for a happier, more inspired life.

  • 4 minutes 42 seconds
    Catching Up and Exciting Changes Ahead

    In this episode of Happiness Happens, I pop in after a brief hiatus to share a few personal updates and big changes. I open up about her journey of living alone for the first time, creating a dog sitting business, and Airbnb-ing my house, which has finally taken a toll on my creativity.

    I share with you the direction of my content and a mini rebrand of the podcast set for the fall. Please stay connected with us on here (don't unsubscribe!!), via Instagram and through our free guide called the Happiness Hub. I promise to return with even more meaningful conversations and helpful notes about impactful life transitions.

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome

    01:20 Life Changes and Challenges

    02:01 Creative Struggles and Hiatus

    02:48 Rebranding and Future Plans

    03:28 Stay Connected and Conclusion


    Connect with Me



    11 August 2024, 4:14 pm
  • 21 minutes 33 seconds
    237: Conquering the Sunday Scaries with Author Alysson Bourque

    In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Alysson Bourque, a former teacher and lawyer turned full-time author. We get into Alysson’s children's book series, The Alycat Series, specifically focusing on the latest release, 'Alycat and the Sunday Scaries.' 

    This series aims to help children navigate life's challenges, with actionable tips that are also beneficial for adults. She shares her personal journey of transitioning from law to writing, overcoming numerous rejections, and the importance of finding small, attainable goals to foster happiness. Our discussion also highlights the significance of gratitude, flexibility, and the creation of personal happiness, even in less-than-ideal circumstances. Alysson offers advice for combating the Sunday Scaries and emphasizes the value of bravery in the face of fear. 

    We’ll touch on:

    • 00:00 Intro

    • 02:11 What does happiness mean to you

    • 03:21 Alycat and the Sunday Scaries

    • 04:22 Why we get the Sunday Scaries

    • 05:48 Her routine change to help her fear

    • 09:31 Why was it important to write this for kids

    • 10:27 Where she drew inspiration from

    • 12:19 How have these books influenced her children

    • 14:06 A lesson in standing out and being different, and receiving rejection while continuing on

    • 17:19 Pivots in life and stepping into the next thing

    • 18:32 Sneak Peek into next book

    • 20:01 How to create a little more happiness in your day, every day, starting today


    Resources:


     

    Connect with Alysson


     

    Connect with Simona


    18 June 2024, 12:00 pm
  • 29 minutes 1 second
    236: Redefining Aging and Aging Differently with Yvonne Marchese of Late Bloomer Living

    How do we age differently? In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Yvonne Marchese, podcaster and creator of Late Bloomer Living, to discuss the different perspectives on aging. 

    Together, we challenge societal norms that emphasize the need to stay perpetually young and reflect on Yvonne's personal journey through her 30s and 40s, including career changes, motherhood, and self-discovery. 

    Yvonne shares insights on finding happiness through curiosity, embracing playfulness, and letting go of ageist mindsets. They also touch upon the impact of social media on beauty standards and the importance of maintaining a hopeful outlook towards the future. Our episode concludes with practical advice for integrating more joy and personal fulfillment into daily life.

    We’ll touch on:

    • 00:00 Intro

    • 01:50 Diving Into the Conversation: Yvonne's Journey

    • 03:03 The Shift in Perspective: Aging and Identity

    • 04:52 Exploring Happiness and Curiosity

    • 08:50 Finding Joy in the Mundane and Making Time for Play

    • 09:35 Late Bloomer Living: The Podcast and Its Mission

    • 09:44 Confronting Societal Views on Aging

    • 12:07 Personal Reflections on Aging and Beauty Standards

    • 13:59 Embracing Change and Overcoming Ageism

    • 19:41 Advice for Living a Joyful, Ageless Life

    • 26:19 Final Thoughts and How to Connect with Yvonne


    Resources:


     

    Connect with Yvonne


     

    Connect with Simona


    11 June 2024, 12:00 pm
  • 16 minutes 5 seconds
    235: How to Unlock Happiness Through Travel with Simona Costantini

    Today I’m thrilled to talk about a topic that’s particularly close to my heart: the correlation between happiness and travel. Over the past year, I've had the opportunity to travel to SO many places, and through this, I’ve uncovered some profound insights. In this episode, I'll share what I’ve learned in hopes that it can inspire and help you on your journey, wherever you are.

    Travel is more than just a change of scenery; it's a powerful tool for personal growth and happiness. Stepping out of your comfort zone and experiencing new places can provide numerous benefits, including meeting new people, gaining new perspectives, and learning more about yourself and the world.

    Travel exposes us to a plethora of new experiences, whether it's tasting exotic foods, exploring unique cultures, or trying new activities. These novel experiences activate our brain’s reward system, sparking joy and expanding our awareness. From my own travels, I've tried various foods and engaged in different cultural practices, which has made me more empathetic and appreciative of diversity.

    One of the most significant outcomes of travel is personal growth. I recently heard a quote: "You can't heal in the environment that hurt you," which resonated deeply with me. Travel pushes you out of your comfort zone, allowing you to establish new routines and develop a deeper understanding of yourself. As someone who has recently gone through a separation, travel has been instrumental in my healing and growth journey.

    It’s essential to acknowledge that the ability to travel, especially internationally, comes with a level of privilege. However, travel doesn’t have to be extravagant to be meaningful. It could be a short trip to a neighboring city or a brief getaway. The critical thing is to break the monotony of daily life and experience something new.

    Travel, in any form, can significantly enhance your happiness and quality of life. It offers unique opportunities for personal growth, broadens your perspective, and allows you to form connections that you otherwise wouldn’t have. As someone who has traveled extensively, I can attest to its profound impact on my happiness and overall well-being.

    We’ll touch on:

    • 00:00 Intro

    • 02:02 Planning stage

    • 03:59 New experiences

    • 05:23 Personal growth

    • 08:15 Connection to self and others

    • 11:52 Post travel


    Resources:


     

    Connect with Simona


    4 June 2024, 12:00 pm
  • 35 minutes 30 seconds
    234: Reprogram Your Mind for More Happiness Using NLP with Jayna Swan

    Have you ever pondered the immense power your mind holds? The thoughts you entertain and the stories you tell yourself can significantly shape your life. In today's episode, we dive into an inspiring conversation with Jayna Swan, an NLP practitioner, who shares her insights on the mind, creativity, and the stories we live by.

    If you’re unsure of what NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) is, Jayna defines it and shares how it rewires our thought patterns. Jayna breaks down the concept, emphasizing that our thoughts and words create our reality. She explains how NLP can shift our identity, beliefs, and values to get better results in life by changing the stories we tell ourselves.

    Jayna introduces the concept of maintaining emotional neutrality as a form of true power. She discusses how the ability to remain neutral in both successes and failures can lead to a more balanced and powerful life. This segment provides valuable insights into handling emotions and maintaining control over our perspectives.

    We also talk about different tools and techniques for self-healing, such as Internal Family Systems (IFS) and other modalities. She provides practical tips for tapping into the subconscious mind to gain better insights and make decisions that align with our true selves.

     

    We’ll touch on:

    • 00:00 Intro

    • 02:03 What does Happiness Mean to Jayna

    • 02:56 Creativity and Constraints: Navigating the Corporate World

    • 03:20 The Creative Struggle: Finding Freedom to Express

    • 07:22 Exploring NLP: A Gateway to Personal Transformation

    • 08:20 The Power of Language: Shaping Our Reality

    • 14:51 Understanding Listening Styles: Enhancing Communication

    • 18:33 The Power of Neutrality in Business and Life

    • 19:19 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Decision Making

    • 19:41 Building Rapport and Overcoming Resistance

    • 20:17 Navigating Life's Resistance and Finding Your Path

    • 21:27 Understanding and Managing Anxiety and Guilt

    • 22:07 Exploring Different Modalities for Self-Healing

    • 28:39 Introducing the Connection Equation Podcast and Her Embodiment App


    Resources:


    Connect with Jayna


    Connect with Simona


    28 May 2024, 12:00 pm
  • 39 minutes 22 seconds
    233: Divorced, Single Mom Finds Love and Self-Worth with Michelle Demaree

    In this episode of 'Happiness Happens', I’m joined by Michelle Demaree, a luxury concierge jewelry expert that navigated founding her own business (after premier training at Harry Winston and Tiffany) as a divorcee and single mom. 

    Although leaving her marriage with her young daughter meant Michelle had to start back at square one, her enduring belief in true love, partnership, and her commitment to creating a stable home for her little girl never wavered. 

    Together, we get into empowering discussions on self-love, finding happiness, and overcoming tough periods in life, such as divorce, starting up new businesses, and more. 

    Michelle shares her personal transformation from experiencing a challenging marriage and career struggles to discovering true happiness and love, emphasizing the importance of self-connection, gratitude, meditation, and proactive mindset shifts. Through her story, Michelle showcases how embracing self-worth and gratitude can lead to profound happiness and fulfilling relationships. 

    The episode also touches on the importance of having a vision for one's life, utilizing meditation and gratitude practices to foster positive changes, and the transformative power of asking oneself what can be learned from difficult situations. Michelle's journey illuminates the pathway to achieving greater depths of happiness and love by focusing on self-improvement and the cultivation of a positive, loving relationship with oneself.

    We’ll touch on:

    • 00:00 Intro

    • 01:43 What does happiness mean to Michelle

    • 06:33 The Journey from Darkness to Light

    • 08:23 The Power of Self-Worth and Love

    • 12:10 Navigating New Relationships and Self-Discovery

    • 16:16 The Essence of Conscious Partnership

    • 17:11 Embracing Change and Overcoming Fear

    • 20:26 Finding Balance in Work and Life

    • 21:58 The Essence of Hard Work and Authenticity

    • 22:34 Celebrating Love Stories Through Jewelry

    • 23:20 The Power of Love and Partnership

    • 24:13 Navigating Single Parenthood and Dating

    • 24:28 Building Healthy Relationships

    • 25:41 Overcoming Age and Self-Doubt in Love

    • 29:19 Manifesting Your Dream Life

    • 32:44 How to create more happiness in your day, every day, starting today


    Resources:


    Connect with Michelle


     

    Connect with Simona


                                                                                                                                             

    21 May 2024, 12:00 pm
  • 37 minutes 25 seconds
    232: Finding Light in the Shadows of Beating Addiction with Derek Videll

    In this week’s episode of "Happiness Happens," we take a deep dive into a topic that’s pretty heavy but oh-so-important – beating addiction. Our guest, Derek Videll, really opened up about his battle with something many of us wouldn’t even pause to think could be addictive: marijuana.

    Derek got real with us about how easy it is to brush off marijuana addiction because it's legal in a lot of places. But through his story, he peeled back the layers on how something seemingly harmless took a massive toll on his life, turning everyday activities into a haze.

    Chatting with Derek, it was crystal clear that realizing the need for change was non-negotiable. For him, it was all about the relationships in his life and craving a happier existence that led him to say, “Enough is enough.” His story is a powerful nudge for anyone feeling stuck in a cycle that no longer serves them.

    Derek didn’t just leave us with his story; he gave some solid advice for anyone looking to kick a bad habit to the curb. Top of his list? Swapping out those nasty habits for good ones, like hitting the gym or whatever gets your heart pumping. It’s all about those baby steps toward a brighter, addiction-free life.

    We’ll touch on:

    • 00:00 Intro

    • 02:46 What does happiness mean to Derek

    • 03:58 Do you feel like there can be a false sense of happiness in the instant gratification of hitting certain goals as an entrepreneur

    • 04:36 Continuing to build and grow

    • 08:19 Derek's story of addiction

    • 12:48 Catalyst moment where he changed his life

    • 17:50 Addiction vs. just a way of life

    • 20:59 Advice for a listener currently in this spot

    • 29:02 How he managed his business at the same time

    • 33:03 How to create more happiness in your day, every day, starting today


    Resources:


    Connect with Derek


     

    Connect with Simona


                                                                 

    14 May 2024, 12:00 pm
  • 26 minutes 44 seconds
    231: Do Our Dreams Talk to Us? What We Can Learn by Paying Attention to Our Dreams with Megan Mary

    Dreams have long been a source of mystery and fascination for many of us. Have you ever found yourself curious about the meanings hidden within your dreams? If so, you're not alone. Exploring the world of dreams and unraveling their significance can be a transformative journey towards personal growth and enlightenment.

    In this episode of the Happiness Happens podcast, we get into the realm of dream analysis with special guest Megan Mary, a dream worker who specializes in decoding women's dreams to facilitate personal growth and spiritual awakening. Megan, the founder of Women's Dream Analysis, shared her insights on the importance of understanding and interpreting our dreams in promoting overall well-being.

    Megan Mary's journey into dream analysis began with her own experiences of recurring nightmares and inspiring flying dreams during her childhood. She highlighted the role of dreams as powerful messages from our subconscious, offering guidance, wisdom, and insights into our deepest desires and fears.

    Through her Dream Mirror Method, Megan emphasized the uniqueness of each dream and encouraged listeners to decode the specific symbols and scenarios present in their dreams. By translating dream language into conscious awareness, individuals can uncover the metaphors and messages hidden within their dreams, leading to self-discovery and personal transformation.

    Megan emphasized the importance of validating one's dream experiences and embracing the power of dream work as a tool for self-empowerment and spiritual growth. By honoring and exploring our dreams, we can tap into a wellspring of inner wisdom and guidance that can enhance our overall well-being.

    In a world filled with external distractions and noise, the realm of dreams offers a sanctuary for inner exploration and introspection. By embracing the messages hidden within our dreams and engaging in dream work practices, we can embark on a transformative journey towards self-discovery, empowerment, and spiritual growth.

    So, next time you find yourself drifting off to sleep, remember that within the realm of dreams lies magical insights waiting to be discovered. Happy dreaming!

    We’ll touch on:

    • 00:00 Intro

    • 01:47 What does Happiness mean to Megan

    • 03:48 Dream study group and foundation series

    • 05:44 How Megan became interested in learning about dreams and what they are communicating to us

    • 08:22 Where to begin understanding your dreams and turn it into guidance

    • 13:50 How would she guide someone to start to remember their dreams

    • 15:46 What does it mean if someone says they never remember their dreams or they don't dream?

    • 17:41 The transformations she has seen with clients to tap into their dreams

    • 20:27 One of her favorite dreams to have

    • 23:36 How to create more happiness in your day, every day, starting today


    Resources:


    Connect with Megan


     

    Connect with Simona


    7 May 2024, 12:00 pm
  • 10 minutes 59 seconds
    230: 7 Strategies to Shift Your Mindset Towards Positivity (That Actually Work)

    Welcome back to "Happiness Happens," a podcast dedicated to exploring all things related to happiness and providing practical tips for leading a more joyful and fulfilling life. In this solo episode, I get into the powerful topic of changing our thought patterns to cultivate a more positive mindset.

     

    We cover 7 strategies for changing negative thought patterns to cultivate a more positive, optimistic mindset. I share practical tips for becoming more aware of one's thoughts, reframing negative perspectives, practicing gratitude, cultivating self-compassion, using positive affirmations, limiting exposure to negativity, and actively countering negative thoughts. Simona emphasizes the importance of persistence in reprogramming the brain for optimism to enhance happiness, resilience, and life satisfaction. 

     

    We’ll touch on:

    • 00:00 Intro

    • 00:53 Conscious vs. unconscious thinking

    • 01:45 Strategy 1 - Noticing your thoughts

    • 02:20 Strategy 2 - Reframe

    • 03:06 Strategy 3 - Practicing Gratitude

    • 04:24 Strategy 4 - Cultivating self compassion

    • 05:21 Strategy 5 - Positive Affirmations

    • 06:16 Strategy 6 - Limit your negativity exposure

    • 07:41 Strategy 7 - Countering your negative thoughts


    Resources:


     

    Connect with Simona


    30 April 2024, 12:00 pm
  • 27 minutes 2 seconds
    229: Finding Happiness Beyond the Norm with Krystal Small

    In this week's episode of Happiness Happens, I’m joined by Krystal Small, a former occupational therapist who transitioned into entrepreneurship to create more personal freedom and fulfillment. 

    We get into the importance of prioritizing oneself, especially for women, and the journey of stepping outside of one's comfort zone to discover true happiness. Krystal shares her personal transformation from a career in healthcare to starting her own business in health and wellness, highlighting the pivotal moments that inspired her to seek more from life.

    The conversation also covers the Driven Mom Summit, an event Krystal is hosting to empower women to dream bigger and embrace change. The episode aims to inspire listeners to consider what happiness means to them and how they can pursue it by being open to new opportunities and redefining their goals and priorities at any stage of life.

    We’ll touch on:

    • 00:00 Intro

    • 02:23 What Happiness Means to Krystal

    • 02:23 Exploring Happiness and Abundance

    • 06:54 Navigating Life's Changes and Finding New Paths

    • 12:56 The Drive Behind Starting a New Venture

    • 17:49 Creating the Driven Mom Summit: Empowering Women

    • 18:25 The Power of Community and Dreaming Big

    • 25:23 Happiness in Action


    Resources:


     

    Connect with Krystal 


     

    Connect with Simona


    23 April 2024, 12:00 pm
  • 34 minutes 5 seconds
    228: Healing and Finding Strength After Surprise Heartbreak with Shanel Dubique and Ashley Orjiako

    In this episode of Happiness Happens, I sit down with Shanel and Ashley, the duo behind the transformative podcast "Soothing H.E.R." Our conversation sheds light on the internal healing journey necessary for finding joy and resilience in life's most tumultuous time. 

    The Power of Resilience Shanel and Ashley's stories are nothing short of inspiring. We uncover the raw and often painful process of healing from life's inevitable heartbreaks. Ashley shares her harrowing experience of dealing with betrayal just a week before her wedding, finding the courage to call off the marriage despite societal pressures and personal agony. Shanel, on the other hand, speaks about her divorce after a seven-year marriage, describing the isolation and struggle of starting anew in a foreign land. Their stories, though unique, converge on a powerful theme - the incredible strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

    The Catalyst for Change The conversation takes a deeper dive into the catalyst moments that propelled Shanel and Ashley to start their podcast. Ashley's traumatic heartbreak served as a profound wake-up call, pushing her towards intense therapy and self-reflection. Shanel, having gone through a similar journey of a painful divorce, became an unwavering source of support for Ashley, eventually leading them both to create "Soothing H.E.R" as an outlet for their healing and as a platform to support others going through similar challenges.

    Life on the Other Side They emphasize the beauty and liberation found in choosing oneself and walking away from toxic situations. Despite the fear and uncertainty that accompany such decisions, they assure listeners that liberation, strength, and happiness await on the other side. It's a message of hope for anyone feeling trapped or uncertain - that courage and self-love can lead to a richer, more fulfilling life.

    The episode closes with a poignant reminder about the importance of giving oneself grace and setting positive intentions for each day. For anyone navigating their own healing journey, their stories serve as a reminder that, despite the pain and challenges, happiness is attainable and often found in the most unexpected places.

     

    We’ll touch on:

    • 00:00 Intro

    • 02:07 What does happiness mean to Shanel and Ashley

    • 04:32 Is inner peace always accessible to everyone

    • 07:09 Catalyst moment that made them realize they needed to make their podcast to bring women together

    • 14:55 How to separate the action of the other person in your relationship and your own self worth

    • 19:49 The catch of finding yourself disappearing further into a relationship and feeling muted

    • 23:43 Life on the other side of choosing you

    • 25:48 Advice for women who are hearing from others that they're making the wrong decision even though they know it is the right one for themselves

    • 30:19 How to create more happiness in your day, every day, starting today


    Resources:


     

    Connect with Shanel and Ashley


     

    Connect with Simona


    16 April 2024, 12:00 pm
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