Find the Joy
Season 1
by Courtney Vroman
Takeaways Talking about the people we've lost is one of the most powerful ways to keep their memory alive, even years after they're gone. The small, specific details, a lipstick shade, a perfume, a favorite movie, are what make someone's memory feel close and real. The values, confidence, and grit a parent instills in their children carry forward in everything those children do, long after that parent is gone. In this deeply personal episode of Find the Joy, host Courtney Vroman takes a pause from her usual format to honor a very special day. May 26th would have been her mom Carol Mensen's 66th birthday, and Courtney uses this episode to share memories, celebrate her mom's life, and keep her legacy alive through storytelling. Carol was a cosmetologist, salon owner, interior decorator, community volunteer, and above all, a devoted mother and grandmother. Courtney paints a vivid picture of a woman who was always well put-together, endlessly community-minded, and the kind of mom who would show up to a volleyball game in a coconut bra just to win a costume contest and make her kids laugh. From the kitchen sink haircuts and frosting caps to homemade pizza and late-night baking, Courtney shares the little details that make her mom impossible to forget. She also reflects on how her mom shaped the woman she is today, from her love of painting and being on stage to the confidence to chase her dreams and the grit to keep going when things get hard. This episode is a reminder that grief doesn't have to be quiet. Sharing memories keeps people present, and the best way to honor someone you've lost is to live out the very best of what they gave you. Key Topics Covered Celebrating a late parent's birthday and why it matters to speak their name out loud The life and personality of Carol: cosmetologist, volunteer, mother, grandmother Small but meaningful memories that preserve a loved one's identity over time How a mother's encouragement shapes a child's confidence and direction in life Carrying a parent's legacy into your own motherhood Finding joy in grief through memory, gratitude, and a Diet Coke https://www.empowerhermn.com/
Takeaways Decluttering becomes manageable when you focus on small spaces instead of entire rooms. Momentum is built through finishing small projects, not creating bigger messes. The “container concept” helps you set limits and intentionally curate your space. Asking better questions about your belongings leads to lasting change. Decluttering is not about perfection. It is about creating space for what matters most. In this episode of Find the Joy, Courtney Vroman shares practical decluttering strategies that help reduce overwhelm and create lasting progress. After experiencing firsthand how clutter followed her through a major life transition, Courtney realized that sustainable decluttering starts with small, intentional steps instead of tackling everything at once. She explains why momentum matters more than perfection and introduces the powerful “container concept” from Dana K. White, which encourages you to let your space determine how much you keep. Courtney also shares the mindset shifts that helped her stop equating “more” with “better” and start making room for peace, clarity, and joy. Whether you are overwhelmed by overflowing closets, kids’ toys, or cluttered kitchen cabinets, this episode will help you begin your decluttering journey with confidence and purpose. Key Topics Covered: How clutter creates emotional overwhelm Why starting small is the key to successful decluttering The importance of building momentum Questions to ask before keeping an item The “container concept” explained Decluttering without perfectionism Creating intentional spaces that support your life Letting go of excess without guilt
Takeaways Clutter creates constant mental noise that leads to stress and overwhelm Too many choices can lead to decision fatigue and emotional exhaustion Decluttering is not just physical, it requires emotional processing and decision-making In part two of this three-part series, Courtney dives deeper into the true impact of clutter beyond the physical mess. She explores how excess belongings create mental overload, contribute to stress, and affect how we show up in our daily lives. From decision fatigue to emotional attachment and guilt, this episode uncovers why letting go can feel so difficult but also so freeing. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed in your own home, this conversation will help you understand why and inspire you to create a calmer, more supportive space. Key Topics Covered: The connection between clutter and mental overwhelm How clutter creates constant background stress Decision fatigue caused by too many choices Emotional attachment and guilt tied to belongings The “just in case” mindset and why it keeps us stuck How decluttering leads to clarity, peace, and joy https://www.empowerhermn.com/
Takeaways Clutter contributes to mental overload, stress, and emotional frustration Decluttering creates clarity, reduces decision fatigue, and improves daily life Letting go of items is not loss, it is a step toward freedom and joy In part one of this three-part mini series, Courtney shares her personal journey with decluttering and how it transformed not just her home, but her mental and emotional well-being. What began as a struggle with constant mess and overwhelm turned into a powerful realization that clutter was the root cause of her stress. After a forced reset due to a home flood, Courtney began letting go of excess belongings and discovered that creating physical space also created mental clarity. This episode sets the foundation for understanding how simplifying your environment can lead to more joy, presence, and peace in everyday life. Key Topics Covered: The connection between clutter and emotional stress Why cleaning alone doesn’t solve overwhelm The mindset shift required to let go of possessions How decluttering improves mental clarity and reduces decision fatigue The impact of fewer toys and belongings on children’s creativity Why buying more never leads to lasting joy The first steps to starting a decluttering journey https://www.empowerhermn.com/
Takeaways Finding joy should not feel like another overwhelming item on your to-do list. Delegating responsibilities can help create space for hobbies, rest, and personal joy. Small breaks throughout the week can help prevent burnout and make daily life feel less hectic. In this episode of Find the Joy, host Courtney Vroman offers encouragement for anyone who feels overwhelmed by responsibilities and unsure how to make room for joy. With work, chores, schedules, errands, activities, and family needs constantly competing for attention, finding joy can start to feel like another task on an already exhausting to-do list. Courtney reminds listeners that joy is not meant to be daunting. It is meant to be positive, encouraging, and life-giving. Through personal stories and practical advice, she shares how to rediscover the hobbies and simple pleasures that once brought happiness, without neglecting everyday responsibilities. This episode explores the importance of delegating tasks, prioritizing what matters, giving yourself permission to take breaks, and asking yourself what you truly enjoy. Whether it is reading, baking, gardening, sewing, music, or another hobby you have set aside, Courtney encourages listeners to start small and make space for joy again. Key Topics Covered: Finding joy without adding pressure Why busy seasons make joy feel difficult How household responsibilities can crowd out hobbies Letting go of the need to do everything yourself Delegating chores, meals, errands, and tasks Prioritizing joy over distractions like scrolling or binge-watching Giving yourself permission to rest Preventing burnout through small breaks Rediscovering hobbies and interests you once loved Making a list of what you do versus what you enjoy Starting small when joy feels overwhelming
Takeaways Joy does not have to wait until life feels calm, organized, or easy. Small intentional moments can bring peace and beauty into busy days. Progress matters more than perfection, especially in overwhelming seasons. In this solo episode of Find the Joy, Courtney Vroman shares encouragement for women navigating busy seasons of life. As spring brings fuller schedules, long days, and the pressure to hold everything together, Courtney offers a refreshing reminder: joy is not something reserved for slower days. It can be found right in the middle of the chaos. This episode explores how to stop wishing away the busy season and start noticing the small moments that make life meaningful. Courtney talks about creating simple grounding habits, releasing perfectionism, and allowing space for progress instead of pressure. She also shares a faith-filled reminder that God is present with us in the everyday moments, not just on the other side of overwhelm. If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, emotionally tired, or tempted to wait for “next week” to finally enjoy your life, this episode will encourage you to pause, breathe, and find joy in the life you’re living right now. Key Topics Covered: How to find joy in busy seasons Why waiting for life to slow down keeps us from enjoying the present The power of small moments and intentional daily habits Letting go of perfectionism and choosing progress Faith, peace, and God’s presence in overwhelming seasons Practical encouragement for busy women, moms, and homemakers https://www.empowerhermn.com/
Takeaways Protecting your peace is essential if you want to experience real, lasting joy. Healthy boundaries help guard your energy, mind, and emotional well-being. Peace creates the space joy needs to grow. Summary of the episode In this episode of Find the Joy, Courtney Vroman talks about protecting your peace and why it matters so much for emotional health, mental clarity, and lasting joy. She shares how peace is often drained by overcommitment, unhealthy consumption, comparison, negative thoughts, and environments that leave us feeling heavy. Courtney offers a powerful reminder that peace is not a luxury—it is the foundation for a joyful life. She also explores what it looks like to protect your peace in practical ways, including setting healthy boundaries, saying no without guilt, stepping back from social media when needed, and interrupting negative self-talk with truth. This episode is an encouraging invitation to notice what is draining you and take one small step toward greater peace so joy has room to grow. Key Topics Covered: Protecting your peace in everyday life Why joy needs space to breathe The connection between peace and joy Healthy boundaries and emotional wellness Social media, comparison, and mental overload Overcommitment and energy drain Replacing negative self-talk with truth Simple ways to create more peace in your day https://www.empowerhermn.com/
Takeaways Easter is the foundation of Christian hope and the source of lasting joy. The resurrection reminds us that what feels like the end is not always the end. True joy is not based on perfect circumstances, but on Jesus and the promise of new life. In this episode of Find the Joy, Courtney Vroman reflects on the true meaning of Easter and why the resurrection of Jesus is the reason hope and joy are possible. She shares how Easter is more than a holiday—it is the foundation of faith, redemption, and new life. Courtney explores how the Easter story began with grief and confusion before turning into victory, reminding listeners that God is still working even in seasons of uncertainty. This episode offers Christian encouragement for anyone walking through disappointment, suffering, or waiting, and points back to the deep, unshakable joy found in Jesus. Key Topics Covered: The true meaning of Easter Why the resurrection changes everything Finding hope in hard seasons Joy rooted in Jesus, not circumstances God’s redemption and the promise of new life Personal faith reflections on Easter Living Easter joy every day https://www.empowerhermn.com/
Takeaways Comparison can make a good life feel lacking, even when nothing has actually changed. Social media often fuels dissatisfaction by exposing us to curated highlight reels. The first step to reclaiming joy is noticing comparison and getting honest about what triggers it. In this episode of Find the Joy, Courtney Vroman talks about how comparison quietly steals our joy and leaves us feeling behind, not enough, or dissatisfied with our own lives. She explores how social media intensifies comparison, why it often points to deeper insecurities, and how quickly it can shift our perspective even when nothing in our life has actually changed. Courtney shares practical encouragement for recognizing comparison in real time, identifying personal triggers, and gently redirecting attention back to gratitude, presence, and your own unique journey. This episode is a reminder that joy is not found in keeping up with everyone else. It is found in appreciating your real, unfiltered life. Key Topics Covered: How comparison turns gratitude into dissatisfaction Why social media makes us feel behind The connection between comparison and insecurity How to notice comparison without judging yourself Identifying triggers and protecting your peace Refocusing on gratitude, growth, and your own timeline Why presence is the key to lasting joy https://www.empowerhermn.com/
Takeaways Joy is not limited to perfect moments; it can still be chosen in stressful, messy, and emotionally heavy seasons. Feeling drained, discouraged, or unmotivated after doing something meaningful does not mean you are failing. Hard moments may be a sign that your work matters, and you always have a choice to pause, breathe, and choose joy again. In this honest and encouraging solo episode of Find the Joy, Courtney Vroman shares what it looks like to struggle with joy even after a meaningful and successful event. After hosting her annual Empower Her Conference, Courtney expected to feel energized, but instead found herself feeling run down, discouraged, and emotionally tested by both small frustrations and unexpected hard moments. Through personal stories and faith-filled reflection, she unpacks the reality that joy is not just for easy or perfect days. This episode explores how burnout, stress, guilt, self-doubt, and emotional heaviness can show up even after doing something good and impactful. Courtney reminds listeners that struggling does not mean failure, and that resistance may actually be evidence that what you are doing matters. If you have ever felt overwhelmed after pouring into others or questioned your ability to keep going in a hard season, this episode offers a powerful reminder: you always have a choice to find the joy. Whether you are on a mountaintop or in a mess, joy is still possible. Key Topics Covered: Finding joy in difficult seasons Processing emotional lows after meaningful highs Faith, spiritual resistance, and purpose Choosing joy in everyday stress and mess Overcoming self-doubt and discouragement Mindset shifts for hard moments Encouragement for women navigating overwhelm Learning to pause, breathe, and choose joy again https://www.empowerhermn.com/