In the latest episode of Daring to Leap, host Lori Phillip welcomes a remarkable guest, Lynne Golodner. An accomplished author of nine books, a writing coach, a marketing entrepreneur, and the host of the Make Meaning podcast, Lynne shares her inspiring journey of embracing the ordinary and finding joy in the mundane.

Lynne’s Journey: From Journalist to Entrepreneur

Lynne’s career began with a passion for writing, which she initially pursued through journalism. Living in New York City and Washington, DC, she wrote for various magazines and newspapers across the country. Despite her love for journalism, the economic downturn in 2007 forced her to pivot. With three young children and a changing media landscape, Lynne founded her marketing and public relations company, Your People.

However, Lynne never lost sight of her writing ambitions. Balancing her business with her passion for writing, she eventually realized that her true calling was to write full-time. This realization led to another significant pivot: shrinking her marketing business and focusing on writing and teaching. Today, Lynne’s goal is to write and publish a book every year, a testament to her commitment to her craft and her ability to adapt and thrive.

Embracing the Ordinary: Finding Joy in the Mundane

A major theme in Lynne’s first novel, Woman of Valor, is the idea of finding happiness in a simple, domestic life. This theme resonates deeply with Lynne’s personal philosophy. She believes that while it’s important to have dreams and aspirations, we must also appreciate the present moment and the ordinary aspects of our lives.

Lynne emphasizes the importance of being present and finding joy in everyday activities. Whether it’s cooking dinner with her husband, gardening, or simply spending time at home, these ordinary moments provide profound satisfaction and happiness. By shifting our focus from constantly striving for more to appreciating what we have, we can lead more fulfilling lives.

Key Takeaways from Lynne’s Conversation

Embrace the Ordinary and Find Joy in Everyday Moments: Lynne encourages us to cherish the simple aspects of our lives. These moments, though seemingly mundane, can bring immense joy and satisfaction.

Don’t Seek Validation from Others; Trust Your Own Path: Lynne reminds us that seeking approval from others can be detrimental. Instead, we should trust ourselves and our journey, recognizing that our unique path is valuable.

Finding Purpose and Meaning in What You Do Can Lead to a Fulfilling Life: By finding purpose in our daily activities, we can create a life that is not only successful but also deeply fulfilling.