“Welcome to Everyday Happiness; I’m your host Katie Jefcoat.” I have said this phrase 668 times, but last week was my last time. Since June 2nd, 2021, I have been creating a micro podcast on happiness. In around 2 minutes a day, I shared with listeners my signature method of Intentional Margins® (creating harmony between your to-dos and your priorities), happiness science, and musings about life. For nearly two years, I have put out a podcast episode a day – never missing a single day, so you may be wondering why I am stopping now.
Before we get into the why and the way forward, the podcast episodes will still be live; you can listen to them anytime. You can search for key topics on my website or start from the beginning with your favorite podcast player. Plus, I want to give a quick shout-out to my incredible team. It takes a group effort, and Chelsey, Blessy, Richelle, Jeimy, and Jeff are a 5-star team and make all of the magic happen behind the scenes.
Identity Foreclosure – Why I am Stopping the Podcast
We started this podcast during covid, at a time when we were all at home, and all needed a boost to our happiness. I had created space and was obsessed with this new creative outlet. However, while COVID is still out there, we live in a post-Covid world; the seasons have changed, and my priorities have shifted.
I heard someone say, “don’t be afraid to quit the things that are no longer working for you in your business or your life.” For me, this was a thoughtful decision because this is working for my business, but it wasn’t working for my life to have a daily podcast.
Have you ever felt like you had too many irons in the fire or too many demands on your time? I often say there is a mental bandwidth to saying “yes.” I am feeling the need to zone in on my kids, my husband, and the people I love so deeply. That feels like the right decision for right now. This season will change; they always do.
Right now, I am living in my word of the year – CARE; I am choosing to care for my body, my mental bandwidth, and the friends and family I love. I am living my priorities and choosing social connection, which we all know is the cornerstone to fulfilled happiness.
Scientists sometimes use the term Identity Foreclosure. What this means is that it can be so hard to leave behind something that you think is so closely tied to your identity. I am a podcast host; I have a daily micro-podcast. I realized through some quiet time with my thoughts and conversations with my bestie, Jenna, that podcasting is the vehicle. The vehicle can pivot; we have pivoted it to a bi-monthly email instead of a daily podcast. Rather than a daily podcast, I want to provide you with the happiest email in your inbox.
How We Are Pivoting Our Actions
I love happiness. That isn’t changing. The way I show up for the people that I am blessed to have joined the email community is with quality content, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes peek into life.
Let’s face it; we are all on this path of life. We are all in different seasons. This podcast has taught me a lot, and I share my biggest happiness takeaways from writing a happiness podcast in episodes 663-667, if you are curious. We can be busy and balanced if we are living our priorities.
I am still busy and living my motto of Intentional Margins. I have consulting work that brings me incredible purpose - satisfaction and fulfillment. I am a rep for Rodan + Fields, which brings me great joy to not only have the best skin and hair of my life as I age but also to help others. Plus, I am expanding our happiness writing into Medium, beyond just what we are doing on our blog, so that we can reach an even greater audience of people who need a little extra joy in their lives. So yes, we are reaching the end of a chapter, but the story is still being written, just in a new way. I invite you to join us in our email community. Life is heavy enough; we shouldn’t have to search for happiness. Get the happiest email in your inbox, delivered with a smile only twice a month right now. No spam. Just happiness.
It's Okay to Brake and Pivot
What I am seeking comfort in is that I am choosing to put my foot on the brake pedal, but I know where the gas is and how to accelerate when the time is right. That feels good.
I invite you to reflect on how you could use that brake pedal in your own life. What could you say “no” to that would allow you the space to flourish?
Until next time, whenever that is, you can always connect with me in our email community; join by clicking HERE. You can also find me on socials @katiejefcoat and @everydayhappinesswithkatie as well as on Medium! And remember, kindness is contagious. I know that our small acts of kindness make an impact, and that continues to inspire me to do this work. I’m cheering for you, and I believe in you.
Disclosure: Some of the links on this blog are affiliate links, which means that I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support the maintenance of this blog. I only link to products and services that I have used or believe will be helpful to my readers. Thank you for supporting my blog by using my affiliate links.