Happy Side Of Neutral

In this final episode of the season, we reveal the ultimate recipe for happiness!  Well… at least a summary of what we are taking away from all the brilliant women we heard from this season. I’m joined by my sister Heather Johnson who has been behind the scenes helping me process what we are hearing and was happy to chat about her own conclusions.

If you have been following along you will know that I said this would be the final episode. Well, another episode emerged that I think you will love. In this week’s episode, I interview one of the matriarchs of my family Jackie Ostberg. Nana is turning 95 in a few months and during this interview, she shared stories ranging from her childhood to what she’s currently reading and everything in between. Through these stories, we get a glimpse of the things that have continued to hold meaning and what has left her feeling happy as she looks back at her life.

Influencers mentioned:

The Book of Delights by Ross Gay

Alex Lawrence has worked in both the public and non-profit sectors in roles aimed at making systems and services work better for the people they are meant to serve. She recently stepped into a big role on Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s cabinet and is energized by the role. Alex has held many hard jobs and in her assessment of what made some life-giving and others draining she described three key ingredients to feeling fulfilled in her work. Hear from Alex about being busy and balanced and how unique the equation of finding happiness is to each individual.

Alex’s recommend influencers:

• The Practice of Adaptive Leadership by Ronald Heifetz

Natalia Chase is a vocal instructor, singer-songwriter, founder of a non-profit called Unified, and mother of three. In this episode, she describes a personal and professional life constantly in motion. As new opportunities come her way it requires her to make creative adjustments to her life. Listen in as she shares her key balance indicators and strategies to fight for not only a sense of balance but also continued enjoyment in her work.

Stream Natalia's music on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/2rsodGWvOBhp4a6RZUdOoX

Natalia’s recommend influencers:

• Rick Warren
• Francis Chan

Meena Kothandaraman is an expert in human-centered research who has a fascination with the human experience and cares deeply about people's stories being told. In this episode, she shares moments of joy and hardship and expresses how the power of shifting perspective has left her feeling gratitude and an overall sense of balance in her life. She will leave you questioning: How might a shift in perspective to our approach to others, ourselves, and our lives leave us feeling more content.

Meena’s recommended influential books:

• The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz
• Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything by BJ Fogg

Ayla Gavins is an exceptional educator and leader working to support the growth and development of children and believes healthy balanced adults make joyful children. In this episode, Ayla shares moments in her journey when she felt out of balance as she pursued this work, as well as factors that helped her maintain balance while in demanding roles, and most importantly what she learned along the way. She will leave you questioning: What does it mean to be strong? What is your definition of success? Who is your community of supporters?

Ayla’s influential reads:

• Buddha Is as Buddha Does by Surya Das
• My Grandmother's Hands by Resmaa Menakem
• The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

Welcome to the first episode of the Happy Side of Neutral. This season is about a journey to find balance amidst the chaos and discover ways to live life on the happy side.  In this first episode, I’ll be sharing my personal story of burnout and the questions I was left trying to answer.

Are you someone who struggles to find balance in your life? I certainly am. In this season, I'll share my own struggles with burnout and my search to find methods, and practices that lead to a happy life.  I'll be reviewing books and interviewing inspiring women further along on this journey in hopes of learning how they maintain balance amidst the chaos and find ways to live life on the happy side.