Happiness Happens

Latest Episodes:

Catching Up and Exciting Changes Ahead Aug 11, 2024

Show notes

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

www.instagram.com/simona__costantini
www.instagram.com/volt.productions
www.instagram.com/happinesshappenspodcast
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXtOxOAuXxW7c5cYKdAEfWg
https://www.facebook.com/happinesshappenspodcast/
www.simonacostantini.com
www.voltproductions.co

237: Conquering the Sunday Scaries with Author Alysson Bourque Jun 18, 2024

Show notes

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:

Podcast Resources: https://www.simonacostantini.com/resources
Happiness Guide: https://www.simonacostantini.com/happiness-guide

Connect with Alysson

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expoundpublicity
https://expoundpublicity.com/

Connect with Simona

www.instagram.com/simona__costantini
www.instagram.com/volt.productions
www.instagram.com/happinesshappenspodcast
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXtOxOAuXxW7c5cYKdAEfWg
https://www.facebook.com/happinesshappenspodcast/
www.simonacostantini.com
www.voltproductions.co

236: Redefining Aging and Aging Differently with Yvonne Marchese of Late Bloomer Living Jun 11, 2024

Show notes

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:

Podcast Resources: https://www.simonacostantini.com/resources
Happiness Guide: https://www.simonacostantini.com/happiness-guide

Connect with Yvonne

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latebloomerliving
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latebloomerliving/
https://www.latebloomerliving.com/

Connect with Simona

www.instagram.com/simona__costantini
www.instagram.com/volt.productions
www.instagram.com/happinesshappenspodcast
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXtOxOAuXxW7c5cYKdAEfWg
https://www.facebook.com/happinesshappenspodcast/
www.simonacostantini.com
www.voltproductions.co

235: How to Unlock Happiness Through Travel with Simona Costantini Jun 04, 2024

Show notes

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:

Podcast Resources: https://www.simonacostantini.com/resources
Happiness Guide: https://www.simonacostantini.com/happiness-guide

Connect with Simona

www.instagram.com/simona__costantini
www.instagram.com/volt.productions
www.instagram.com/happinesshappenspodcast
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXtOxOAuXxW7c5cYKdAEfWg
https://www.facebook.com/happinesshappenspodcast/
www.simonacostantini.com
www.voltproductions.co

234: Reprogram Your Mind for More Happiness Using NLP with Jayna Swan May 28, 2024

Show notes

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:

Podcast Resources: https://www.simonacostantini.com/resources
Happiness Guide: https://simonacostantini.ck.page/happinesshub
Get 3 months free on the HER App using code HAPPYPOD3. Sign up here: https://her-embodiment.passion.io/

Connect with Jayna

Connect with Simona

233: Divorced, Single Mom Finds Love and Self-Worth with Michelle Demaree May 21, 2024

Show notes

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:

Podcast Resources: https://www.simonacostantini.com/resources
Apply to be a podcast guest: https://forms.gle/
Happiness Guide: https://simonacostantini.ck.page/happinesshub

Connect with Michelle

Connect with Simona

232: Finding Light in the Shadows of Beating Addiction with Derek Videll May 14, 2024

Show notes

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:

Podcast Resources: https://www.simonacostantini.com/resources
Apply to be a podcast guest: https://forms.gle/
Happiness Guide: https://simonacostantini.ck.page/happinesshub

Connect with Derek

Connect with Simona

231: Do Our Dreams Talk to Us? What We Can Learn by Paying Attention to Our Dreams with Megan Mary May 07, 2024

Show notes

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:

Podcast Resources: https://www.simonacostantini.com/resources
Apply to be a podcast guest: https://forms.gle/
Happiness Guide: https://simonacostantini.ck.page/happinesshub

Connect with Megan

Connect with Simona

230: 7 Strategies to Shift Your Mindset Towards Positivity (That Actually Work) Apr 30, 2024

Show notes

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:

Podcast Resources: https://www.simonacostantini.com/resources
Apply to be a podcast guest: https://forms.gle/
Happiness Guide: https://simonacostantini.ck.page/happinesshub

Connect with Simona

229: Finding Happiness Beyond the Norm with Krystal Small Apr 23, 2024

Show notes

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: