Have you gotten so good at “managing” life that you’ve forgotten how to enjoy it?

In this episode, we talk about why joy fades when life becomes task-driven, how emotional numbness sneaks in, and what it looks like to reconnect with delight, presence and the simple pleasures God designed us to savor.

Let’s discover how to begin enjoying life again, with God leading the way.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

[00:00] Why high-functioning, over-responsible seasons drain joy

[03:00] What role do hidden expectations play in suffocating joy?

[05:00] The difference between managing life and actually living it

[11:00] How to rediscover what genuinely brings you delight

[17:00] How delight strengthens your ability to love others well

[19:00] What to expect in the Emotional Confidence Club’s Jan/Feb Joy study

Go here to read the article Alicia mentions on the signs of depression.

JOIN ME IN JAN/FEB FOR A 6-WEEK STUDY ON JOY: If life feels flat or joy has gone missing, join us for our next 6-week journey inside the Emotional Confidence Club: “Rediscovering Joy + Finding True Happiness.” Let’s rediscover God’s design for lasting joy! Go to AliciaMichelle.com/club to join the Jan/Feb joy study.

RELATED EPISODES:

Ep 330 — How to Manage Big Out-of-Control Emotions

Ep 333 — Tired of Going from One Crisis to Another? How to Stop Reacting and Start Responding

Ep 339: Rediscovering Joy (When You’re Unsatisfied + Restless)

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What do you do when life looks “fine on the outside,” yet something still feels off? When you feel flat, restless or like you’re quietly aching for more? In this episode, uncover what Scripture says about joy, why so many women feel unsatisfied even when life appears good, and how to return to a steady, soul-anchoring joy in Christ instead of chasing temporary emotional highs.

Learn the signs that you might be pursuing happiness instead of cultivating joy, how expectations distort contentment, and the biblical foundation for experiencing joy as a fruit of the Spirit.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

[00:00] Why joy can feel dim or distant even when life looks “good”

[01:30] What does Psalm 51:12 show us about losing the joy of salvation?

[03:00] How do hidden expectations quietly sabotage our joy?

[05:00] The difference between chasing emotional highs and cultivating Christ-centered joy

[08:00] Why joy anchors the soul rather than acting as a mood

[14:00] What is “destination sickness,” and why does it leave us restless?

[19:00] Why achievements and accomplishments can’t create lasting joy

[23:00] How to re-anchor your joy with Scripture, reflection, and spiritual truth

6-WEEK STUDY ON JOY: If life feels flat or joy has gone missing, come be part of our next 6-week journey inside the Emotional Confidence Club: “Rediscovering Joy + Finding True Happiness.” Let’s rediscover God’s design for lasting joy! Go to AliciaMichelle.com/club to join us.

RELATED EPISODES:

Ep 330 — How to Manage Big Out-of-Control Emotions

Ep 333 — Tired of Going from One Crisis to Another? How to Stop Reacting and Start Responding

Ep 337 — Holiday Emotional Challenges: 3 Ways to Prepare Yourself for Tricky Situations + Difficult People

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Do you ever feel pressured to “pick a side,” react instantly or otherwise “join the outrage” in today’s intense culture?

In this episode, discover practical, faith-based tools for managing emotional reactivity so you can represent Jesus with peace, clarity, and discernment. Learn how Daniel and Jesus modeled emotional stability, why outrage sabotages our witness and how to regulate your nervous system before responding.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

[00:00] Why is outrage rising in today’s culture?

[03:00] How pressure to take sides affects Christians

[06:00] The line we should take a stand on as believers

[09:00] What Daniel teaches about calm conviction under pressure

[12:00] How Jesus modeled emotional regulation and healthy boundaries

[15:00] Four reasons outrage damages our witness and spiritual health

[19:00] How emotional regulation tools help us respond instead of react

[24:00] How to set boundaries with media, comments, and unhealthy conflict

[29:00] A practical invitation to grow emotional stability with Jesus

2026 SAN DIEGO BEACH RETREAT: Join Alicia in Feb 2026 in San Diego for this all-inclusive, 5-day experience for Christian women seeking deep soul rest at the beach (virtual options available).

RELATED EPISODES:

Ep 326: A People Pleaser’s Guide to Setting Boundaries (When You’re Afraid to Offend Others)

Ep 327: Is It Time to Set a Boundary? My Favorite Tool to Express Boundaries in a Loving Way

Ep 282: Emotional Responsibility: How to Stop Owning Other's Feelings + Take Charge of Your Own

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Holiday gatherings can be joyful, but they can also stir up anxiety, conflict, or emotional pain—especially with complicated relationships or unresolved family history. In this episode, learn how to prepare your heart and mind before stepping into challenging holiday situations so you can show up with peace, strength, and wisdom.

Discover three biblical and practical tools that protect your emotional wellbeing during the holidays: healthy boundaries, emotional fitness, and the A.D.D. method for processing emotions with God.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

[01:00] Why Your Responsibility Isn’t to Fix People—But to Show Up Healthy

[04:00] Tool #1: Healthy Boundaries — Your First Line of Emotional Protection

[14:00] Tool #2: Emotional Fitness — Taking Responsibility for Your Thoughts

[17:00] What Does It Mean to “Get Off the Mat” and Take Action?

[19:00] How to Decide What Thoughts You Will Let “Land”

[21:00] When Are We Creating Our Own Drama or Overreacting?

[23:30] When Victim Thinking Keeps Us Stuck

[28:00] Tool #3: The A.D.D. Method — Acknowledge, Discern, Decide

[33:00] Using A.D.D. Proactively or After an Emotional Trigger

2026 SAN DIEGO BEACH RETREAT: Join Alicia in Feb 2026 in San Diego for this all-inclusive, 5-day experience for Christian women seeking deep soul rest at the beach (virtual options available).

RELATED EPISODES:

Boundary + Responsibility Episodes
Ep. 327 — Is It Time to Set a Boundary? My Favorite Tool to Set Boundaries in a Loving Way
Ep. 326 — A People Pleaser’s Guide to Setting Boundaries (When You’re Afraid to Offend Others)
Ep. 282 — Emotional Responsibility: How to Stop Owning Other People’s Feelings

Emotional Fitness Episodes
Ep. 304 — Get Off the Mat + What Thoughts Will You Let Land?
Ep. 305 — Procrastination, Complaining, Victim Thinking

A.D.D. Emotional Processing Episodes
Ep. 286 — Emotional Confidence Through Holiday Stress
Ep. 277–279 — A.D.D. Breakdown Series
Ep. 204 — 6 Questions to Ask When Emotions Feel Overwhelming

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What happens when women from all walks of life come together in one of the most beautiful places on earth to rest, connect, and hear from God? In this episode, Alicia shares highlights and testimonies from the 2025 Italy Retreat, where God’s presence was unmistakable through laughter, connection, rest, and reflection.

Hear stories from the women who joined her in Tuscany, the surprises they experienced, the spiritual lessons that unfolded, and how the retreat’s balance of rest and exploration created space for deep renewal.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

[00:00] How the Italy Retreat Came Together and What Made It Unique

[02:00] Stories from Attendees: Why They Said “Yes” to the Trip

[05:00] What It Was Like to Attend with a Spouse and Travel as a Group

[07:00] How God Showed Up Through Connection, Prayer, and Shared Experiences

[16:00] The Power of Connection and Vulnerability in a Christ-Centered Community

[21:00] Favorite Moments and Memories from the Retreat (Cooking, Worship, Laughter)

[24:00] Reflections on God’s Promises and What Comes Next for Future Retreats

2026 SAN DIEGO BEACH RETREAT: Join Alicia in Feb 2026 in San Diego for this all-inclusive, 5-day experience for Christian women seeking deep soul rest at the beach (virtual options available).

2027 SCOTLAND RETREAT: Get on the interest list for this 10-day all-inclusive retreat experience with Alicia in the Scottish Highlands in June 2027 for Christian women (spouses of retreat attendees welcome).

RELATED EPISODES:

Ep 335: Need Deep Soul Rest? Join Me In 2026/2027 for Women’s Retreats that Restore Your Spirit

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Feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or spiritually dry? Discover how intentional rest can renew your heart and restore your spirit. In this special episode, Alicia announces two upcoming women’s retreats designed to help you slow down, connect with God, and experience deep soul restoration, one in San Diego (February 2026) and another in Scotland (June 2027).

Learn what makes these retreats unique, how they blend rest, teaching, creativity, and connection, and why true soul rest requires stepping away from the noise to listen for God’s voice.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

[00:00] Why Rest Is Essential for the Soul

[02:00] Details About the 2026 San Diego Beach Retreat and 2027 Scotland Retreat

[06:00] The Cost of Superficial Rest vs. Deep Soul Restoration

[10:00] The Power of Reflection, Creativity, and Solitude in Retreat Settings

[17:00] The Spiritual Gift of Silence and Unhurried Time with God

[19:00] How to Participate (In-Person or Virtually) and Create Your Own Mini Retreat

2026 SAN DIEGO BEACH RETREAT: Join Alicia in Feb 2026 in San Diego for this all-inclusive, 5-day experience for Christian women seeking deep soul rest at the beach (virtual options available).

2027 SCOTLAND RETREAT: Get on the interest list for this 10-day all-inclusive retreat experience with Alicia in the Scottish Highlands in June 2027 for Christian women (spouses of retreat attendees welcome).

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Ever wish you could talk directly with Alicia about what you’re feeling or how to apply what you hear on the show to your own life? Alicia’s shares a new opportunity to connect personally with her for a quick, grace-filled chat about what’s on your heart.

Learn how this free 15-minute “Chat with Alicia” session offers encouragement, clarity, and next steps for managing emotions.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

[00:00] Why This Episode Is Different: A Personal Invitation from Alicia

[00:45] What’s Missing in a World Full of Information but Little Connection

[02:30] What You Can Expect from a Chat with Alicia

[03:00] This Isn’t Coaching or Counseling—Just a Grace-Filled Conversation

[04:00] How to Sign Up for a Chat and Share What’s on Your Heart

CHAT WITH ALICIA: Got a question about how to manage emotions in your specific situation? Apply here.

EMOTIONAL CONFIDENCE CLUB: Discover practical ways to manage emotions from a science and scriptural perspective in our live 6-week studies with Alicia. Apply here.

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Do you feel like life is just one emotional crisis after another? Discover how to break the cycle of constant reactivity and learn how to respond with peace and intention instead of panic.

Let’s explore three key questions to identify what’s fueling your overwhelm, biblical truths about why trials are inevitable, and practical ways to calm your nervous system and find stability through faith.

Learn how to move from chaos to calm and why the path to peace begins with noticing what’s really underneath the emotional noise.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

[00:00] Why Do We Get Stuck in Constant Crisis Mode?

[05:00] Three Questions to Know How to Respond to Crisis

[10:00] Why Do Some People Stay Attached to Chaos?

[14:00] The Difference Between Reacting and Responding

[17:00] How to Recognize When You’re Operating from Overwhelm

[21:00] Practical Steps to Break the Crisis Cycle

CHAT WITH ALICIA: Got a question about how to manage emotions in your specific situation? Apply here.

EMOTIONAL CONFIDENCE CLUB: Discover practical ways to manage emotions from a science and scriptural perspective in our live 6-week studies with Alicia. Apply here.

RELATED EPISODES:

Ep 330: How to Manage Big Out-of-Control Emotions

Ep 331: Overcoming Overwhelm: Less Chaos in Your Head, More Peace in Your Life

Ep 332: You Don’t Have to “Hold It All Together” (Lovingly Releasing Yourself when Overwhelm Takes Over)

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