Ep.117 How to Rediscover Joy in Midlife: Summer Joy, Playfulness & Living Well

Welcome to Country Proud Living "Where Nurturing Spaces Empower Your Life and Everyday Feels a Little More Like Home." When was the last time you laughed until your cheeks hurt or did something simply because it brought you joy?In this uplifting episode of Country Proud Living, LoriLynn explores how to rediscover joy in midlife through playfulness, gratitude, meaningful connection, and creating a home that supports the life you truly want to live. Drawing on research in positive psychology and her own experiences, she shares why joy isn't something we wait for—it's something we intentionally notice and choose.If you've been longing for a slower, lighter, more joyful season, this episode is your invitation to embrace the ordinary moments that often become life's most treasured memories. Because a beautiful life isn't built through extraordinary moments—it grows from ordinary moments filled with joy. 💛 🌿 In This EpisodeWhy joy is essential for emotional wellbeing and resilienceThe science behind positive emotions and flourishingHow playfulness and presence create a more meaningful lifeCreating a home that welcomes joy instead of perfectionSimple summer ideas to reconnect with your inner child"Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day."  — Henri Nouwen, The Return of the Prodigal Son"This is a wonderful day. I've never seen this one before."— Maya AngelouEpisode Timeline:🕰️ 00:11 – Why joy matters more than ever in midlife🕰️ 04:30 – The science of joy and Barbara Fredrickson's research🕰️ 09:30 – Catherine Price and the surprising power of fun🕰️ 12:00 – Summer nostalgia and rediscovering your playful spirit🕰️ 13:20 – Creating a home where joy feels welcome🕰️ 14:10 – Daily reminders to choose joy and embrace flow🕰️ 15:30 – Gratitude, Robert Emmons, and noticing life's blessings🕰️ 16:24 – A joyful summer invitation and final reflections📚 Books & Resources MentionedThe Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri NouwenA timeless reflection on grace, joy, and living with an open heart.Learn more: https://henrinouwen.org/read/the-return-of-the-prodigal-son/Positivity by Barbara FredricksonExplores the Broaden-and-Build Theory and how positive emotions help us flourish.Learn more: https://www.positivityratio.comThe Power of Fun by Catherine PriceA practical and research-based look at why playfulness, connection, and presence are essential to a joyful life.Learn more: https://catherineprice.com/books/the-power-of-funThanks! How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier by Robert EmmonsGroundbreaking research on gratitude and its impact on happiness, relationships, and overall wellbeing.Learn more: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/profile/robert_emmons🌿 Connect with LoriLynnDiscover more podcast episodes, interior design inspiration, retreat updates, and resources for creating a nurturing home and living your best life.https://countryproudliving.com🌼 Gentle Invitation, this week, do one thing your 10-year-old self would absolutely love.Pick wildflowers. Watch a sunset. Dance in your kitchen. Eat ice cream before dinner. Laugh with someone you love.Country Proud Living is a podcast for women who want to create nurturing homes, live with greater intention, embrace personal growth, and cultivate a life they're truly proud to live. 💛joy in midlife, finding joy after 50, summer joy, playful living, positive psychology, gratitude and happiness, intentional living, creating a joyful home, cozy home inspiration, personal growth for women, slow living, midlife wellness, nurturing home, women over 40Let me know if there is something you would like to learn more about in the color & design, nurture & empower space? I'd love to hear from you! Thanks for stopping by today! Please subscribe to the podcast by clicking plus follow at the upper right. Click those three little dots at the top right & copy the link to share the show with your friends and family. Please leave me a review. This is truly one of the only ways to help my podcast grow. I just want you to know what it means to me that you're here today. I know everyone's time is valuable and it means a lot. Thank you. Love and light, Lori Lynn.Please share this podcast with your like minded friends and family and  subscribe to never miss an episode!  If you have questions, ideas of topics you would like to learn more about or you want to work with me. Inquires can be sent to [email protected] LINKS TO CONNECT WITH ME:   : )MY WEBSITE: www.countryproudliving.comMY IG:  www.instagram.com/lorilynn_countryproudlivingPINTEREST: https://pin.it/3mX6xMNcRMY ART GALLERY: https://lorilynn-o-uter.pixels.com/MY LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olafsonloriMY PODCAST:  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/country-proud-living-nurturing-home-empowered-self/id1715855014BUZZSPROUT: https://countryproudliving.buzzsprout.comSpotify, iHeart, the pod can be found anywhere you choose to listen!