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The Path to Joy

Melissa Bloom

Yes!! This a podcast about joy, perspective, and being human. I share stories from my own life -- the things that make me laugh, make me think, and sometimes make me rethink everything.

No expertise. No perfect answers. Just one person paying attention and sharing what she finds along the way.

Join me every Tuesday and Thursday for a new episode.

Enjoy the journey.

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#380
Yesterday · 10 min
What's Mom Up To??
Apparently, my mom has become the breakout star of this podcast, so today I'm sharing an update on her suddenly VERY busy social calendar and how much happier she is these days. Remember all those seeds we planted at last year's retreats (it's OK if you don't)? Well, they've sprouted! Have I received even an ounce of credit? Of course not. But I know. Oh, I know. Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY. Here are links that I mention in the show!! 🌱 Create the Life You Love Living Retreat (for women only) 🌱 Make Some Space -- A One-Day Spring Retreat (3/6/27) 🌱 Melissa Bloom's JOY SCHOOL! 🌱 Free workbook Your Daily Guide to Finding More Joy 🌱 Stay Connected Newsletter 🌱 Schedule a 20 minute call with me for FREE! 🌱Check out my website If you'd like to check out my book, The Path to Joy, on Amazon, click here! If you'd like to connect, share your thoughts on the show, suggest a topic to discuss, etc. please feel free to email me at: connect@melissabloom.life. I LOVE connecting! Enjoy the journey!
#379
Tuesday · 11 min
Always Magical!
Retreat number TEN! This one was a little smaller, a little slower, and perhaps my most relaxed retreat yet. Not entirely retreat-related, but I discovered that having a room all to myself and binge-watching trashy British television might actually be my greatest joy. Who knew? I'm currently reassessing my life goals. Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY. Here are links that I mention in the show!! 🌱 Create the Life You Love Living Retreat (for women only) 🌱 Make Some Space -- A One-Day Spring Retreat (3/6/27) 🌱 Melissa Bloom's JOY SCHOOL! 🌱 Free workbook Your Daily Guide to Finding More Joy 🌱 Stay Connected Newsletter 🌱 Schedule a 20 minute call with me for FREE! 🌱Check out my website If you'd like to check out my book, The Path to Joy, on Amazon, click here! If you'd like to connect, share your thoughts on the show, suggest a topic to discuss, etc. please feel free to email me at: connect@melissabloom.life. I LOVE connecting! Enjoy the journey!
#378
October 29 · 8 min
An Ode to the Mess!
Today is about STUFF! I have so much stuff, friends: laundry that never gets put away, thousands of Pokémon cards, LEGO sets, school projects, exercise equipment, and enough artwork to give the Barnes Museum a run for its money. Sometimes it drives me a little nuts. But today, we're celebrating the mess! And I've got a beautiful Hannah Rosenberg poem to share with you too. Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY. Here are links that I mention in the show!! 🌱 Create the Life You Love Living Retreat (for women only) 🌱 Make Some Space -- A One-Day Spring Retreat (3/6/27) 🌱 Melissa Bloom's JOY SCHOOL! 🌱 Free workbook Your Daily Guide to Finding More Joy 🌱 Stay Connected Newsletter 🌱 Schedule a 20 minute call with me for FREE! 🌱Check out my website If you'd like to check out my book, The Path to Joy, on Amazon, click here! If you'd like to connect, share your thoughts on the show, suggest a topic to discuss, etc. please feel free to email me at: connect@melissabloom.life. I LOVE connecting! Enjoy the journey!
#377
October 27 · 10 min
A Quilt, a Smorgasbord, and Two Compliments!
What started as a family trip to Lancaster to replace our 22-year-old quilt turned into one of those unexpectedly GREAT days. There was a seven-minute quilt purchase, my mom spending some actual money on HERSELF (much to the horror of my teenage financial advisors), spectacular mini golf, a smorgasbord bargain, and a compliment from BOTH of the twins! I don't know which was more surprising -- the compliments or the half-price buffet! Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY. Here are links that I mention in the show!! 🌱 Create the Life You Love Living Retreat (for women only) 🌱 Melissa Bloom's JOY SCHOOL! 🌱 Free workbook Your Daily Guide to Finding More Joy 🌱 Stay Connected Newsletter 🌱Schedule a 20 minute call with me for FREE! 🌱Check out my website If you'd like to check out my book, The Path to Joy, on Amazon, click here! If you'd like to connect, share your thoughts on the show, suggest a topic to discuss, etc. please feel free to email me at: connect@melissabloom.life. I LOVE connecting! Enjoy the journey!
#376
October 22 · 11 min
Give Yourself Some Credit!
It's about time we give ourselves some friggin' credit! We get so used to everything we've done, created, and built that we forget none of it was always there. A home, a career, a business, a family. All of it came from somewhere. We have pretty selective amnesia when it comes to recognizing what we've accomplished. Today, let's remember! Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY. Here are links that I mention in the show!! 🌱 Create the Life You Love Living Retreat (for women only) 🌱 Make Some Space -- A One-Day Spring Retreat (3/6/27) 🌱 Melissa Bloom's JOY SCHOOL! 🌱 Free workbook Your Daily Guide to Finding More Joy 🌱 Stay Connected Newsletter 🌱 Schedule a 20 minute call with me for FREE! 🌱Check out my website If you'd like to check out my book, The Path to Joy, on Amazon, click here! If you'd like to connect, share your thoughts on the show, suggest a topic to discuss, etc. please feel free to email me at: connect@melissabloom.life. I LOVE connecting! Enjoy the journey!
#375
October 20 · 8 min
It's OK to Not Know: A Meditation
Today's episode is a little different. It's a short meditation about letting go of the need to know what's coming. Frankly, none of us love uncertainty. Spontaneity, maybe. But uncertainty can be scary. Today's meditation is meant to help you find a little more ease with something that's ultimately always uncertain: life. Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY. Here are links that I mention in the show!! 🌱 Create the Life You Love Living Retreat (for women only) 🌱 Melissa Bloom's JOY SCHOOL! 🌱 Free workbook Your Daily Guide to Finding More Joy 🌱 Stay Connected Newsletter 🌱Schedule a 20 minute call with me for FREE! 🌱Check out my website If you'd like to check out my book, The Path to Joy, on Amazon, click here! If you'd like to connect, share your thoughts on the show, suggest a topic to discuss, etc. please feel free to email me at: connect@melissabloom.life. I LOVE connecting! Enjoy the journey!
#374
October 15 · 10 min
Two Hundred Bonus Days.
Today is a bit of a hard episode. I’m not going to sugar-coat it. Today is about the passing of my dear rabbi, Michelle Pearlman. It’s hard to get beyond the grief and the feeling that this can’t be — that this incredible human being can’t actually be gone. But I do keep thinking about the fact that she got two hundred bonus days. Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY. Here are links that I mention in the show!! 🌱 Create the Life You Love Living Retreat (for women only) 🌱 Melissa Bloom's JOY SCHOOL! 🌱 Free workbook Your Daily Guide to Finding More Joy 🌱 Stay Connected Newsletter 🌱Schedule a 20 minute call with me for FREE! 🌱Check out my website If you'd like to check out my book, The Path to Joy, on Amazon, click here! If you'd like to connect, share your thoughts on the show, suggest a topic to discuss, etc. please feel free to email me at: connect@melissabloom.life. I LOVE connecting! Enjoy the journey!
#373
October 13 · 11 min
What Does It Feel Like to Be 15?
Today I share about the twins’ first college visit. I kind of can’t believe I’m starting this process all over again — but you know I love it! I would go on any college tour, any time! The day takes some interesting turns and really highlights how stressful it can feel when you think you’re supposed to have it all figured out. Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY. Here are links that I mention in the show!! 🌱 Create the Life You Love Living Retreat (for women only) 🌱 Melissa Bloom's JOY SCHOOL! 🌱 Free workbook Your Daily Guide to Finding More Joy 🌱 Stay Connected Newsletter 🌱Schedule a 20 minute call with me for FREE! 🌱Check out my website If you'd like to check out my book, The Path to Joy, on Amazon, click here! If you'd like to connect, share your thoughts on the show, suggest a topic to discuss, etc. please feel free to email me at: connect@melissabloom.life. I LOVE connecting! Enjoy the journey!
#372
October 8 · 10 min
Not on My Watch!
I'm always coming up with new phrases to help me stop a train of anxious thoughts — the quippier, the better! The one I've been repeating lately is, "Not today, bucko. Not on my watch." Yes, I sound ridiculous in my own head, but it does seem to do the trick! Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY. Here are links that I mention in the show!! 🌱 Create the Life You Love Living Retreat (for women only) 🌱 Melissa Bloom's JOY SCHOOL! 🌱 Free workbook Your Daily Guide to Finding More Joy 🌱 Stay Connected Newsletter 🌱Schedule a 20 minute call with me for FREE! 🌱Check out my website If you'd like to check out my book, The Path to Joy, on Amazon, click here! If you'd like to connect, share your thoughts on the show, suggest a topic to discuss, etc. please feel free to email me at: connect@melissabloom.life. I LOVE connecting! Enjoy the journey!
#371
October 6 · 10 min
A Season to Wake Up.
I've done an episode about Rosh Hashanah every year — and, yes, I know it's not actually Rosh Hashanah by the time you're listening to this. But the timing doesn't really matter. One of the themes of the holiday is to wake up — and it's always a good time for that! Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY. Here are links that I mention in the show!! 🌱 Create the Life You Love Living Retreat (for women only) 🌱 Melissa Bloom's JOY SCHOOL! 🌱 Free workbook Your Daily Guide to Finding More Joy 🌱 Stay Connected Newsletter 🌱Schedule a 20 minute call with me for FREE! 🌱Check out my website If you'd like to check out my book, The Path to Joy, on Amazon, click here! If you'd like to connect, share your thoughts on the show, suggest a topic to discuss, etc. please feel free to email me at: connect@melissabloom.life. I LOVE connecting! Enjoy the journey!
#370
October 1 · 9 min
A Shift in Perspective.
Sometimes you need someone to remind you what things could look like on the other side. It’s not that we try to operate with blinders on, but sometimes we do. So, I always appreciate a shift in perspective. Even when it’s heartbreaking, I appreciate it. And on today’s episode, I got one. Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY. Here are links that I mention in the show!! 🌱 Create the Life You Love Living Retreat (for women only) 🌱 Melissa Bloom's JOY SCHOOL! 🌱 Free workbook Your Daily Guide to Finding More Joy 🌱 Stay Connected Newsletter 🌱Schedule a 20 minute call with me for FREE! 🌱Check out my website If you'd like to check out my book, The Path to Joy, on Amazon, click here! If you'd like to connect, share your thoughts on the show, suggest a topic to discuss, etc. please feel free to email me at: connect@melissabloom.life. I LOVE connecting! Enjoy the journey!
#369
September 29 · 11 min
Can We Just Sit at a Lake?
Today I share a bit more about our trip to the Finger Lakes but, really, today is all about expectations. What is my life with Andy, the most active man on the planet, going to look like when it’s just us?? Are we going to be able to just sit at a lake? I don’t know if I have the answers, but I’m trying. Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY. Here are links that I mention in the show!! 🌱 Create the Life You Love Living Retreat (for women only) 🌱 Melissa Bloom's JOY SCHOOL! 🌱 Free workbook Your Daily Guide to Finding More Joy 🌱 Stay Connected Newsletter 🌱Schedule a 20 minute call with me for FREE! 🌱Check out my website If you'd like to check out my book, The Path to Joy, on Amazon, click here! If you'd like to connect, share your thoughts on the show, suggest a topic to discuss, etc. please feel free to email me at: connect@melissabloom.life. I LOVE connecting! Enjoy the journey!
#368
September 24 · 12 min
I Guess Summer is Officially Over!
Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY. Here are links that I mention in the show!! 🌱 Create the Life You Love Living Retreat (for women only) 🌱 Melissa Bloom's JOY SCHOOL! 🌱 Free workbook Your Daily Guide to Finding More Joy 🌱 Stay Connected Newsletter 🌱Schedule a 20 minute call with me for FREE! 🌱Check out my website If you'd like to check out my book, The Path to Joy, on Amazon, click here! If you'd like to connect, share your thoughts on the show, suggest a topic to discuss, etc. please feel free to email me at: connect@melissabloom.life. I LOVE connecting! Enjoy the journey!
#367
September 22 · 12 min
Oh Vermont!
Life got so busy I almost forgot to tell you about Vermont! Vermont is a funny place for me — it’s my home, it’s a place my kids feel is very much their second home, and yet, in many ways, I’m still a fish out of water! If you’re wondering how NOT to handle the aggressive mosquitoes in Vermont, then listen in! Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY. Here are links that I mention in the show!! 🌱 Create the Life You Love Living Retreat (for women only) 🌱 Melissa Bloom's JOY SCHOOL! 🌱 Free workbook Your Daily Guide to Finding More Joy 🌱 Stay Connected Newsletter 🌱Schedule a 20 minute call with me for FREE! 🌱Check out my website If you'd like to check out my book, The Path to Joy, on Amazon, click here! If you'd like to connect, share your thoughts on the show, suggest a topic to discuss, etc. please feel free to email me at: connect@melissabloom.life. I LOVE connecting! Enjoy the journey!
#366
September 17 · 11 min
An Update!
Today I share an update -- about Ben, me, and life in general. I think my rambling is getting worse, friends. At this point, some episodes are so all over the map that I’m not even sure how to write a summary. Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY. Here are links that I mention in the show!! 🌱 Create the Life You Love Living Retreat (for women only) 🌱 Melissa Bloom's JOY SCHOOL! 🌱 Free workbook Your Daily Guide to Finding More Joy 🌱 Stay Connected Newsletter 🌱Schedule a 20 minute call with me for FREE! 🌱Check out my website If you'd like to check out my book, The Path to Joy, on Amazon, click here! If you'd like to connect, share your thoughts on the show, suggest a topic to discuss, etc. please feel free to email me at: connect@melissabloom.life. I LOVE connecting! Enjoy the journey!
#365
September 15 · 10 min
Is It Time to Go Back to School?
I've been toying with the idea of going back to school. I have a little PTSD from getting my master's over twenty years ago, so I'm not exactly sure what “school” would even look like this time around. But I'm considering it. Never too old to try something new, right?? Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY. Here are links that I mention in the show!! 🌱 Create the Life You Love Living Retreat (for women only) 🌱 Melissa Bloom's JOY SCHOOL! 🌱 Free workbook Your Daily Guide to Finding More Joy 🌱 Stay Connected Newsletter 🌱Schedule a 20 minute call with me for FREE! 🌱Check out my website If you'd like to check out my book, The Path to Joy, on Amazon, click here! If you'd like to connect, share your thoughts on the show, suggest a topic to discuss, etc. please feel free to email me at: connect@melissabloom.life. I LOVE connecting! Enjoy the journey!
#364
September 10 · 10 min
And How Am I Actually Doing?
I shared all the details of Ben’s move-in on Tuesday. But how am I actually doing (because it’s all about me, right??). If you need the CliffsNotes version because you can’t wait to listen to the episode: Ben is so happy, hardly calls, and I’m actually doing OK. I suppose better than expected. I still think this whole setup seems rather archaic — send the humans you love most in the world off to live with a stranger and a bathroom down the hall. But we are all OK. Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY. Here are links that I mention in the show!! 🌱 Create the Life You Love Living Retreat (for women only) 🌱 Melissa Bloom's JOY SCHOOL! 🌱 Free workbook Your Daily Guide to Finding More Joy 🌱 Stay Connected Newsletter 🌱Schedule a 20 minute call with me for FREE! 🌱Check out my website If you'd like to check out my book, The Path to Joy, on Amazon, click here! If you'd like to connect, share your thoughts on the show, suggest a topic to discuss, etc. please feel free to email me at: connect@melissabloom.life. I LOVE connecting! Enjoy the journey!
#363
September 8 · 12 min
Rochester Here We Come!
So, this is it, friends! No, don't freak out — I'm not ending the podcast, but the move is here. Ben has officially moved to Rochester (land of 90 inches of snow — no exaggeration — look it up!), and life will never be the same. Today I share how move-in went, and then on Thursday I'll just break down and cry! Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY. Here are links that I mention in the show!! 🌱 Create the Life You Love Living Retreat (for women only) 🌱 Melissa Bloom's JOY SCHOOL! 🌱 Free workbook Your Daily Guide to Finding More Joy 🌱 Stay Connected Newsletter 🌱Schedule a 20 minute call with me for FREE! 🌱Check out my website If you'd like to check out my book, The Path to Joy, on Amazon, click here! If you'd like to connect, share your thoughts on the show, suggest a topic to discuss, etc. please feel free to email me at: connect@melissabloom.life. I LOVE connecting! Enjoy the journey!
#362
September 3 · 12 min
An Icon!
My dear friend Caitlin hit the nail on the head when she said, 'Your mother is a freakin' icon!' Well, there you have it folks -- I am the daughter of an icon. I think you'll just have to listen to today's episode to learn why! Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY. Here are links that I mention in the show!! 🌱 Create the Life You Love Living Retreat (for women only) 🌱 Melissa Bloom's JOY SCHOOL! 🌱 Free workbook Your Daily Guide to Finding More Joy 🌱 Stay Connected Newsletter 🌱Schedule a 20 minute call with me for FREE! 🌱Check out my website If you'd like to check out my book, The Path to Joy, on Amazon, click here! If you'd like to connect, share your thoughts on the show, suggest a topic to discuss, etc. please feel free to email me at: connect@melissabloom.life. I LOVE connecting! Enjoy the journey!
#361
September 1 · 11 min
It's My Birthday!
Well, it's not actually my birthday. As you are listening to this, my birthday was a few weeks ago. I am sorry -- there's no way for me to write and record in actual real time. But, today's episode is about my birthday -- 47 -- and, spoiler, a key lime pie! Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY. Here are links that I mention in the show!! 🌱 Create the Life You Love Living Retreat (for women only) 🌱 Melissa Bloom's JOY SCHOOL! 🌱 Free workbook Your Daily Guide to Finding More Joy 🌱 Stay Connected Newsletter 🌱Schedule a 20 minute call with me for FREE! 🌱Check out my website If you'd like to check out my book, The Path to Joy, on Amazon, click here! If you'd like to connect, share your thoughts on the show, suggest a topic to discuss, etc. please feel free to email me at: connect@melissabloom.life. I LOVE connecting! Enjoy the journey!

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