And I want to add this:

“Stillness doesn’t mean stopping. It means noticing.” — Deb

welcome to Be Your Empowered Self. If you’ve been here before, I’m so glad you’re back. And if this is your first time joining us, take a deep breath. Do you feel that, You belong here.

Last week, we talked about unplugging from the noise. And today, we’re doing the opposite of hustle. We’re practicing presence.

This episode is about embracing the sacred in the small. The ordinary. The beautifully uneventful, thats what summer is all about, so enjoy each day to the fullest in whatever you are able to do.

Finding Joy in Simple Moments: Embracing the Ordinary

Introduction: In a world that often glorifies the hustle and bustle, it's easy to overlook the beauty in simplicity. Yet, as we pause and breathe, we find that joy often resides in the quiet, unassuming corners of our lives. This is a journey into embracing the sacredness of ordinary days.

The Power of Presence: "Ordinary moments can hold extraordinary peace," says Deb, reminding us that we don't need grand events to feel whole. It's about noticing the breeze, the light, and the miracle of the moment. As Maya Angelou beautifully put it, "This is a wonderful day. I've never seen this one before."

Science Backs Simplicity: Research supports what our souls already know: presence heals. A study from the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that spending just 10 minutes a day outside can significantly improve mood. Similarly, journaling small moments of gratitude fosters connection and resilience.

Personal Reflections: Deb shares a personal story of finding joy in a simple backyard moment with a squirrel, illustrating how nature's small wonders can bring laughter and happiness. It's a reminder that we don't need to chase meaning; we just need to be present when it arrives.

Practical Steps to Embrace Simplicity:

Name One Good Thing a Day: Train your brain to notice goodness by acknowledging one positive moment each day. Create a Sacred Pause: Turn everyday tasks into rituals, like lighting a candle while brushing your teeth. Walk Without a Goal: Take a walk with no destination, allowing your body to teach your brain how to be present.

Conclusion: Joy doesn't always shout; it often whispers. By embracing the ordinary, we find that life doesn't need a climax to be meaningful. Let today be a reminder that you don't need more; you just need to be here, awake, gentle, and present

Follow Now: For more insights and stories on finding joy in the everyday,

Love deb😊✌️💯

⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek advice from qualified health professionals with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.

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It’s the season of open windows, bare feet, watermelon slices, BBQs and laughter echoing off cottage walls and the many concerts happening in and around Ontario.

But I also know this—many of us are holding something heavier in our hearts. There’s grief, injustice, war, uncertainty… and it can feel almost wrong to enjoy anything when the world is hurting.

This month is all about Joy, last episode we talked about unplug to reset> and since we have done that.….lets fill it with some Joy, wouldn’t you agree we need to, “ savour the season: finding joy without guilt in a world that is hurting”

But today’s episode is about this exact moment—this tension between global sorrow and personal joy—and the truth that:

“Joy is not a betrayal. It’s a lifeline.”

So, if you’ve been wondering, “Is it okay to smile right now? Is it okay to rest?” — this one’s for you.

Let’s talk about what it means to savor the season without guilt—and how claiming joy might just be the most radical, healing thing you can do right now.

QUOTE

“We cannot cure the world of sorrows, but we can choose to live in joy.”

— Joseph Campbell

“Joy isn’t selfish. It’s sacred.”

— Deb 💛

So my friends……………

🗞️ WHAT’S MAKING THE NEWS

A June 2025 study out of the University of British Columbia showed that Canadians who intentionally engaged in “micro-joy practices”—things like gardening, watching birds, or hugging loved ones—had significantly lower levels of anxiety and greater life satisfaction, even while being aware of world events.

Psychologist Dr. Rina Mehta says:

“Joy doesn’t mean you’re ignoring the world. It means you’re staying resourced enough to care about it.”

Listen to the full episode to learn more 😊

💛

Until next time, protect your peace and be joyful.

You Git this

Debxoxo💕💯

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⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek advice from qualified health professionals with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.

Opening Quote

“Your peace doesn’t live inside your phone. It lives in your pause.”

— Debra Fodor

true peace and calm aren’t found in the constant scroll—they live in the stillness of our own breath, our own body, and the moments we choose to come back to ourselves.

If this is your first time joining me—you picked a good week. And if you’ve been walking with me for a while now, welcome home.

So this week, we’re talking about digital overload. The nonstop scroll. The pings. The pressure to be on, all the time. And how we can gently, intentionally step out of that noise and back into ourselves.

Mindfulness Moment –

“I am allowed to step away.”

“My peace is more important than my notifications.”

“I am present in this moment, and this moment is enough.”

“I choose rest without guilt.”

“When I unplug, I return to myself.”

💭A Real-Life Story from Ontario

Earlier this month in a small Ontario town, a teacher named Maya challenged her entire Grade 8 class to go screen-free after 6 p.m. for just one week. Instead of scrolling TikTok or gaming, the students read, journaled, helped cook dinner, or sat outside and watched the sky change.

One student wrote in his final reflection: “I didn’t think I could do it, but I actually felt less tired. My mom and I talked more. It felt like we were a family again, not just roommates with Wi-Fi.”

Simple, right? But that one act—of unplugging for an evening—reconnected a family. That’s what this is all about.

National Doctor’s Day in India (July 1, 2025):

Doctors from various specialties emphasize that “prevention is better than cure,” and that longevity often begins with small, consistent daily habits. News.Az outlines several simple doctor-endorsed routines that can meaningfully enhance long-term health:

• Start your morning with 10 minutes of silence — quiet reflection helps reset the nervous system, lower cortisol, and stabilize heart rhythm before facing the rush of the day.

• Finish dinner before sunset — aligning meal times with your circadian rhythm (early time-restricted eating) supports digestion, insulin sensitivity, and reduces inflammation.

• Use the 30:3 rule — every 30 minutes of sitting, stand or move for 3 minutes to improve blood sugar control and cardiovascular health.

• Brush (or scrape) your tongue daily — this supports a healthy oral microbiome, reduces inflammation, and even benefits gut and brain health.

• Write down one stressful thought at night and discard it — a simple decluttering ritual that eases mental load and improves sleep.

• Drink plain water—but not during meals — sipping between meals (rather than with them) supports digestion and nutrient absorption.

Thank you for showing up for yourself today—not just for me.

I hope you take the time this summer to unplug.

If this episode reminded you to pause, breathe, or unplug—share it with someone who needs the same permission. Let’s normalize rest. Let’s reclaim presence.

Follow the show, leave a review, and come connect on Instagram @beyoureempoweredself and on Facebook, where we share real life, memories, and moments that matter.

Until next Power Wednesday, I’m Deb.

Protect your peace. Reclaim your rhythm.

You are worthy now. Not later.

You got this. 💛

Debxoxo 🫶🏼

🛡️ Disclaimer

This episode is intended for educational and motivational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified health provider regarding any physical or mental health concerns. All views expressed are personal reflections and insights shared to inspire well-being and self-awareness.

Any references to studies or media reports are for context and awareness only, and all listeners are encouraged to explore further sources if needed. Your well-being is your responsibility—and your right.