summary

Former marketing executive Sarah Gomley shares how she transformed her life after discovering that all her achievements – the prestigious job titles, beautiful apartments, and impressive salaries – weren't bringing her joy. When she was laid off from Adobe just as her mother was dying, Sarah returned to Ohio and took a year off to reassess everything. Through therapy (which had started years earlier), caring for her mother, and confronting her perfectionism, she ultimately found genuine happiness running an art gallery in Columbus and falling in love with a kind man – a life she never would have imagined for herself. Sarah discusses how she learned to silence her inner critic (which she named after a childhood bully), the difference between happiness and joy, and why we should never dismiss our pain just because our lives look good on paper.

takeaways

• Letting go of societal expectations can lead to true happiness.
• Joy is a deeper, more fulfilling experience than mere satisfaction.
• The journey of transformation often begins with loss.
• Therapy can be a catalyst for understanding oneself better.
• Self-love is crucial for emotional well-being.
• Life's challenges can be easier to navigate with self-acceptance.
• It's okay to miss the financial security of a corporate job.
• Finding joy can be a lifelong pursuit.
• Change is possible at any stage of life.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Book Appreciation

02:19

Courage Capital and the Writing Process

04:59

The Journey to Joy and Self-Discovery

07:08

The Complexity of Joy vs. Satisfaction

09:07

Navigating Corporate Life and Personal Growth

11:42

The Impact of Loss and Transformation

13:43

Financial Realities and Career Choices

15:50

Mentorship and Community Connections

18:17

The Role of Therapy in Personal Change

20:56

Reflections on Life Changes and Identity

24:23

The Journey to Emotional Health

25:54

Managing Negative Self-Talk

28:24

Finding Joy Amidst Struggles

29:16

The Importance of Self-Compassion

31:29

Courage and Change

33:56

The Self-Publishing Experience

34:51

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