Finding Joy Isn’t an Accident—It’s a Daily Practice

Hello Warriors!

This week’s episode of The Suburban Warrior Podcast features the brilliant Diane Lang—therapist, educator, and positive psychology expert—here to hand us practical tools to feel better fast (and for real). With 25 years in counseling and the classroom, Diane has a gift for turning brain science into kitchen-table strategies women actually use. Her newest book, Worthy, goes straight at that midlife ache of “not enough” and shows how to rebuild self-value without the perfectionism and people-pleasing that keep us stuck.

What I love about Diane: she’s walked it. After a scary health crisis left her unable to swallow for months, she doubled down on the very tools she teaches—gratitude, mindfulness, flow—and proved to herself (and now to us) that happiness isn’t a mood; it’s a muscle. She recently stepped away from college teaching to devote herself to speaking, coaching, and writing—so more of us can get these life-shifting tools in one go. Her vibe is equal parts research-backed and real-life doable. No fluff. No toxic positivity. Just smart habits that move the needle.

If you’ve ever thought, “I’m doing all the things…why don’t I feel better?” this conversation is your permission slip to try different, not harder. Diane’s approach helps us stabilize sleep, quiet stress, reset self-talk—and remember that joy is built, not found.

The Positivity Playbook: 7 Things We Learned from Diane Lang

1. Gratitude Is a Superpower (and a Sleep Aid)
Writing down two or three things you’re thankful for before bed doesn’t just lift your mood—it rewires your brain to notice the good. It also helps you fall asleep faster and wake up lighter. Think of it as emotional skincare.

2. Flow Isn’t Just for Artists—It’s for Sanity
Flow happens when you lose track of time doing something you love—walking, lifting weights, cooking, even driving solo with your favorite playlist. Schedule it like a meeting; your brain will thank you.

3. Kindness Is Contagious Chemistry
One random act of kindness—holding a door, sending a text, smiling at a stranger—releases endorphins in both the giver and receiver. Bonus: people who practice kindness daily live up to seven years longer.

4. Morning and Night Routines Are Mental Health Medicine
Start your day grounded (think coffee + gratitude) and end it with calm (think reflection + rest). These predictable anchors give your nervous system the security it craves—and the reset it deserves.

5. Negativity Is Louder—So Fight Back in Threes
It takes three positive emotions to balance out one negative. So, when traffic, teenagers, or to-do lists get you down, stack the positives: a deep breath, a funny text, a walk outside. Science says it works.

6. Rewrite Your Inner Script
Feeling “not good enough” isn’t fact—it’s programming. Lang recommends tracking your negative self-talk for a week, then challenging it with evidence. Replace “I’m stupid” with “Here’s what I’ve accomplished.” Truth dismantles lies.

7. Self-Compassion Is the New Hustle
If you wouldn’t say it to your best friend, don’t say it to yourself. Lang calls self-care and self-compassion “the oxygen masks” of emotional health—uncomfortable at first, lifesaving in practice.

Diane Lang’s latest book, Worthy: The Hidden Causes of Unworthiness and How to Reclaim Your Value, is available wherever books are sold.

If you loved this episode, share it with a friend who’s always there for everyone but herself. Her healing starts with one word: enough.

Ready to go from Confusion to Clarity?

Feeling stuck, confused, or a little gaslit by the “it’s just aging” shrug? Let’s change that—book a free holistic health consult with Crissy. Crissy’s a holistic health coach with real-world medical experience who blends science-backed therapies with natural, doable habits so you can feel like yourself again. After her own 10-year battle with perimenopause, she’s made it her mission to ensure no woman has to suffer in silence. In your consult, you’ll get a judgment-free space, clear next steps, and tools you can use right away. If you’re ready to move from survival to thriving, reach out—Crissy’s got you.

Ready to Reclaim Your Health in Midlife?

Reclaiming your health in midlife isn’t just possible—it’s powerful. Whether you’re feeling out of balance, run down, or simply not like yourself, this is your moment to take charge. The From ‘Pause to Power Roadmap is your free, practical guide to navigating perimenopause with clarity, confidence, and zero shame. Download it now and take the first step toward feeling stronger, more energized, and unapologetically you—redefining midlife wellness with grit and grace!

Ready to Warrior Up!

Listen to the Full Episode: Suburban Warrior podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Thank you for reading—and remember, knowledge is power! If you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t ignore them. There is help (and hope) out there. Stay tuned for our next newsletter to keep transforming your mindset and rocking your inner warrior!