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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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#365
Today · 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
Thursday · 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!
#360
August 27 · 9 min
Learning to Sit Back.
What mom wants their kid to suffer or struggle? I don't know many. But where is that line between supporting your kids and taking over? I have no clue because I probably cross it daily. But I'm learning...maybe I can sit back just a bit! 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!
#359
August 25 · 9 min
My Nervous System!
I love getting older. I love that, at this point, I know myself pretty well. I even know what my nervous system needs. Sometimes I forget -- like when I make a doctor's appointment way too early in the morning. But, at least 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) 🌱 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!
#358
August 20 · 13 min
And Now Flying a Little Further West!
From California we fly west! To Hawaii! Middle seat again. Hawaii brought up lots of childhood memories, too. And the Dole Whip at the Dole Plantation was probably worth the flight. 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!
#357
August 18 · 14 min
Traveling Old Footsteps.
Today I share a bit more about our time in California. Driving south to Monterey brought up all these memories of time with my parents in Monterey, Carmel, and then San Simeon (home of Hearst Castle). Memory is funny, isn't it? Mine can be hazy and blotchy. But it's telling what our minds latch onto. 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!
#356
August 13 · 13 min
Time to Wear Flowers in Your Hair!
Today I share some stories from the start of our family trip in San Francisco. I honestly travel with a very funny crew -- from Andy, who likes to 'pump up the crowd' by playing songs related to our destination weeks in advance, to Alexander, who's worried he’s going to lose too much weight on our trip because we do so much walking. I can’t tell you how many times I ask myself, “How did I get here??” But it’s been a great few 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!
#355
August 11 · 10 min
It's Almost Time!
As I write today's episode, I'm on a plane headed to California with my crew (middle seat -- I always get the middle seat!), but I'm really thinking about how much time is left before Ben leaves. In fact, by the time you're listening to this, it will be his last week home. It's all just crazy and surreal. Today, I kick off the start of this two-week trip and spend a little time grappling with the change that's coming. I don't really feel ready. I am definitely not a grown-up yet, so how could my child possibly be leaving for college?? 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!
#354
August 6 · 8 min
What Does Your Rich Life Look Like?
What does your rich life look like? I love this question. Not what will you do someday when you have more money, but what kind of life do you actually want to create? Today, we’re talking money, budgets, and soap presses -- no joke!! 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!
#353
August 4 · 9 min
What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up??
What do you want to be when you grow up? I kind of love that question. Little kids' answers are the absolute best — firetruck might still be my favorite. But somewhere along the way, that question starts feeling a little more stressful. Today, let's talk about why maybe we’re asking the wrong question and what we might ask instead! 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!
#352
July 30 · 12 min
Oh So Lucky!
Does luck exist? I love the word luck — it makes me think of rainbows, leprechauns, and little pots of gold — but I'm not sure I actually believe in it. Today, I share a week full of minor disasters that somehow made me feel incredibly lucky. Was it luck? Or was it something else entirely? 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!
#351
July 28 · 10 min
Did He or Didn't He??
I know -- you've been waiting with bated breath. Did Ben actually come to the beach?? I know the last five days of waiting have been torture -- but the wait is over! I reveal the answer in probably the first minute of this episode because I hate suspense. I can't handle it. So, don't worry, you won't have to wait very long! 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!
#350
July 23 · 12 min
Pulling Away!
I always thought those moms who said their kids start pulling away before college were talking about their kids -- not mine. Well...they were right. Today I'm sharing the story of our annual beach trip, which, spoiler alert, ends on a true cliffhanger! 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!
#349
July 21 · 13 min
A New Beginning!
My mom is moving! If you know my mom, or you attended one of my retreats in 2025, you know this is a really big deal. I'm so excited for her. Honestly, it feels like she's one of my kids who studied for months, aced the exam, and just got the best news ever. She is absolutely over-the-moon, and I couldn't be happier. 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!
#348
July 16 · 10 min
The Power of Attention!
Today's episode is all about a New York Times monthly challenge that invites readers to spend ten minutes looking at a painting. The idea was inspired by an assignment from a Harvard art history professor (although her challenge was three hours!). There's also a little test in today's episode to see if Andy actually listens to this podcast! 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!
#347
July 14 · 12 min
Paradise!
My grandparents lived in a retirement community called Century Village. My childhood joke was that you had to be 100 years old to live there. It's not quite as funny now that I'm getting closer to the age where I could probably move in myself. They lived in a small two-bedroom condo overlooking a man-made lake. For them -- especially for my grandfather -- it was absolute paradise. Today I'm sharing a few stories about them and a little about paradise, 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) 🌱 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!
#346
July 9 · 15 min
Physics Anyone??
Don’t be turned off by the title of today’s episode! Yes, there’s a little physics talk -- in honor of my dad -- but today is really about miracles. Miracles that exist within the natural world. We don’t have to force conclusions or make tenuous connections -- we just have to be patient and let science keep catching up with the wonder all around us. 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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