I am so excited to welcome my dear friend Caryl Derenfeld, the heart and soul behind Joy Filled Souls, to this powerful conversation all about choosing JOY on purpose. Caryl has this incredible gift for helping people reconnect with laughter, presence, and the kind of self-care that truly shifts your spirit. Through her practice of Laughter Yoga and other creative tools, she shows us how joy isn’t something we stumble upon—it’s something we can actually create and live into every single day.

In our conversation, we dive into the inspiration behind Caryl’s work, and we share stories (and a few laughs!) about what happens when you give yourself permission to let go of stress and lean into joy. We also talk about our upcoming retreat designed to help you maximize joy—an experience that combines laughter, mindfulness, and courageous self-care so you can feel lighter, more present, and more alive.

This episode is your reminder that joy is not a luxury—it’s essential. And when you choose it courageously, you don’t just change your day… you change your destiny.

Takeaways:

• The podcast emphasizes the importance of balancing stress with self-care to cultivate joy.
• Laughter Yoga, as described, combines the physical act of laughter with yogic breathing techniques.
• Participants in the retreat will engage in activities designed to elevate their joy and emotional well-being.
• The discussion highlights the transformative nature of laughter, particularly in overcoming emotional challenges.
• A central theme of the episode is the ability to respond positively to life's challenges through intentional practices.
• Listeners are encouraged to open themselves to new opportunities for fulfillment and joy in their lives.

• joyfuelledsouls.com
• http://linktr.ee/courageousdestiny
• https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1478715661349?aff=oddtdtcreator

Caryl Derenfeld is the Founder of Joy Fueled Souls, providing inspirational workshops and conversational programs that enhance everyday living.

She became a Laughter Yoga Leader in 2008 and a Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher in 2010, taught by Madan Kataria, the Founder of Laughter Yoga University in Mumbai, India

She lead religious services for 18 years at Brookdale Hawthorn Lakes (Senior Living) in Vernon Hills, IL

Caryl holds a Certificate in Positive Psychology from the Whole Being Institute in Lenox, MA, as well as a course completion on Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction in Chicago.

She learned meditation from The Art of Living Foundation, and continues to practice via daily meditation sessions @Ourmandalauniverses on Instagram. She leads the 30 minute session there on Thursday mornings 10am Central time.

In her free time she enjoys water aerobics, strength training, drawing, dancing, baking bread, and creating delicious meals in her kitchen for her family and others.