January 27, 2025 • 13 mins
In this enlightening episode of The Unfiltered Faith Podcast, we delve into the art of finding happiness in the most unexpected places. Life is a tapestry woven with ups and downs, yet we often discover our most beautiful moments within the chaos. Join us as we explore how to cultivate gratitude and transform our perspective, enabling us to see the world in a brighter light. Together, we'll uncover the small moments that frequently go unnoticed but hold immense potential for joy and fulfillment. Tune in as we embark on this journey of self-discovery and learn how to embrace happiness amidst life's unpredictability! I'd love to connect with you! Follow me on my Instagram @the.unfiltered.faith.podcast.
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https://discord.com/channels/1367934041688375386/1367938917437018152
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Hey everyone, my name is Austin and I want to personally welcome y'all wherever you're
(00:04):
listening to the very first episode of Unfiltered Thoughts with Austin, the podcast where curiosity
meets authenticity.
Whatever walk of life you're in, whether you're navigating the chaos of everyday life or seeking
fresh perspectives, this is your space to explore life's big questions, small moments
in everything in between.
No filters, no judgment, just real authenticity that inspires, challenges, and uplifts.
(00:29):
Today we're going to be talking about unexpected joys and finding happiness where you least
expect it.
Let's dive deep into the heart of everyday experiences and discover the joy hidden within
them.
Now I know we all have our ups and downs, but sometimes the most beautiful moments come
from the least expected places.
As a general society, we often think about the bad rather than the good.
(00:53):
Our minds often go to the worst case scenarios in a lot of situations.
Why is that?
Why do we often think about the bad, the ugly, and the worst before the good?
Why do we often ask for the bad news first before we ask for the good news?
Now I'm not speaking for everybody, but I am speaking for the general populace.
What would happen if instead of thinking of the worst case scenarios, the bad, the ugly,
(01:17):
and the worst, or asking for the bad news first, we start thinking about the best case scenarios,
the good, the bad, and the great, and asking for the good news first.
What would happen?
So let's explore where we can find happiness amidst the chaos and cultivate a spirit of
gratitude that transforms our perspectives and you'll begin to see the world more brightly
(01:41):
on those gloomy days.
Let's start with the little story.
Picture this.
It's a rainy Monday morning and you're stuck in traffic, feeling the weight of the world
on your shoulders.
You're running late for work and all you can think about is the stress of the week ahead.
But then as you look out your window, you see a small child, splashing in puddles, laughing
(02:04):
with sheer joy.
In that moment, something shifts.
You realize that happiness can be found in the simplest of things, like a child's laughter
or the beauty of rain.
This brings us to the first point of our discussion, finding joy in the mundane.
We often overlook the small moments that can illuminate our days.
(02:26):
Gratitude is like a lens.
It allows us to focus on the positive aspects of our lives, no matter how small they may
be.
When we practice gratitude, we train our minds to recognize the good around us.
Now let's be honest.
How many of you wake up each day and feel like you're on autopilot?
I know I do.
You go through the motions, brush your teeth, prepare your breakfast, commute to work, and
(02:51):
take off endless to-do lists.
It can feel tedious, can't it?
But what if I told you that within these mundane moments, life can often feel like a whirlwind,
can't it?
We get so caught up in the daily grind, in our routines, in our responsibilities, that
we sometimes forget to pause and notice the small sparks of joy that pop up when we least
(03:17):
expect them.
Have you ever had one of those serendipitous moments?
Maybe you stumbled upon an old friend while running errands, or perhaps you found a $20
belt in your co-pocket that you had forgotten about.
These moments, while small, can bring a burst of happiness that lights up your day and reminds
(03:37):
you of the beauty of life.
I want to share a personal story with you.
The end of May last year, I was rushed to the emergency room only to find out I almost
contracted sepsis.
But before I continue my story, let me give you guys a little bit of a backstory on myself.
I'm a college student and I decided to move back home from my senior year due to mental
(03:59):
health issues and I'm not sure if it was a god thing because two weeks prior to me going
to the hospital, I was packing up my apartment to go move back home.
What I thought was the common flu ended up almost taking my life.
For two weeks, I almost, I was incredibly ill because of it.
(04:20):
I ended up lip-boosing 10 pounds in those two weeks.
Not exactly the weight loss, which can I sign up for, but I digressed.
I was rushed to the hospital and they immediately had to administer fluids through my veins along
with some pretty heavy antibiotics because I was severely dehydrated and from what I've
told, been told, it's what gets into your body the fastest.
(04:44):
The emergency room nurses looked at me like they had seen a ghost.
I was gray in the face and had thick black circles around my eyes.
The doctors said that if I had waited another week to go to the hospital, then I would have
died.
I ended up having surgery the next day and then another surgery 12 days later.
(05:05):
You may be thinking yourself Austin, well, what is the point of this story?
Sorry guys, I'm a, I'm a writer and I, I love telling stories.
I'm a very tell it how it is no sugar coating type of guy.
And it's the title of this podcast on filter thoughts with Austin because I want to be
100% real with y'all.
So the first three days of playing the hospital was a lot of fun.
(05:28):
Well, fun is a, is a bit of a loose term.
I didn't hate it.
I had nurses and tax taking tremendous care of me, good food, TV friends and family, coming
to visit me pretty much every day.
I had it made, but at the same time I felt this overwhelming sense of loneliness over
me, definitely not for shadowing for future episode.
(05:51):
I can go on and on about each individual person that came to visit me, those that texted me
to check up on me and those that gave me a warm welcome when I returned back to school.
But this would be a two hour podcast.
I felt an overwhelming amount of joy when I saw the door knob of my hospital door turn
and then I saw a familiar friendly face and speaking of joy open and speaking of staying
(06:15):
open to joy and let's dive into a quick segment on mindfulness practices.
Mindfulness is a powerful tool that helps us remain, remain present, allowing us to
notice the beauty around us.
Here, here are a few simple practices to incorporate into your daily life.
First of all, how about we start our day with graduate?
(06:38):
Each morning instead of getting on our phones and take a moment to reflect on three things
you're ready for.
This sets a positive tone for your day and opens your heart to joy.
And the second one is mindful walks.
When you're out for a walk, put your phone away again.
Focus on your surroundings, the colors, the sounds, the smells.
(07:01):
Let yourself be mindful and fully present in that moment.
Joy journaling.
Keep a journal where you jot down joyful moments, no matter how small.
Over time, you'll create a collection of happiness that you can revisit whenever you
need a boost.
And over time, you'll begin to see a shift in your mindset.
(07:24):
I'm a writer.
That's what I love doing.
It's my passion.
So joy journaling has been my go to not only do I engage in joy journaling, but I also
write poetry.
I would often refer back to poems.
I wrote several years ago compared to now and just see the transformation and how far
I've come.
And then the last thing, add some humor into your daily routine.
(07:49):
One technique I found helpful in transforming these monotonous tasks into moments of joy
is to inject some humor into them.
Maybe it's turning your morning coffee ritual into a mini dance party in your kitchen or
listening to a comedy podcast during your commute.
Laughter is a powerful antidote to the stress and it can turn the most ordinary moments
(08:15):
into extraordinary ones.
And speaking of joy, let's talk about kindness.
Have you ever noticed how a simple act of kindness, a smile, a compliment, or even holding
the door open for someone can create a ripple effect?
When we're kind, we not only uplift others, but also elevate our own spirits.
(08:36):
It's a win-win.
But let's not stop there.
Gratitude doesn't change how we see ourselves.
It also impacts our interactions with others.
When we express gratitude to those around us, we strengthen our relationships and create
a ripple effect of positivity.
A simple thank you can brighten someone's day and remind them that they matter.
(08:59):
Now let's shift gears for a moment.
Because life throws us a curveball.
Jobs we didn't get.
Projects that didn't go as planned or paths that suddenly veer off course.
But what if I told you that these failures might just guide us to our true passion and
joys?
Think about it.
(09:19):
Every setback can be a setup for a comeback.
We often discover we're truly passionate about when we confront obstacles head on.
Embrace those moments.
They can lead to unexpected adventures and new beginnings.
We live in a world that but bars us with information, emails, social media, notifications.
(09:44):
It can feel overwhelming by declaring our mental spaces.
We can create a sanctuary for our thoughts.
And that's what I was talking about earlier.
Of about putting our phones away.
And starting our day.
So let's take a moment to reflect.
(10:07):
Think about a challenge you're currently facing.
How might you find enjoying the situation?
Is there a lesson to learn or an opportunity for growth?
Perhaps there's a person you can reach out to or a way to help others in similar circumstances.
Imagine a community where kindness is the norm.
(10:27):
It starts with each one of us.
It can be as simple as checking in on a neighbor or volunteering an hour of your time.
These small acts can lead to unexpected connections and a deeper sense of belonging, ultimately
enhancing our personal well-being.
Remember, happiness is not a destination.
It's a journey.
By embracing gratitude, we can navigate life's ups and downs with sense of purpose and positivity.
(10:53):
It's incredible how a simple moment of joy can turn your day around.
It's a reminder that happiness often comes in unexpected forms and that sometimes we
just need to be open to it.
I was reminded that even though these series of events have happened to me, to take a moment,
slow down and appreciate those around me more.
(11:15):
And that's what I want to encourage you to do today.
Stay open to joy.
Let's embrace stillness that whether it's a smile from a stranger, a compliment from
a co-worker, or a beautiful sunset that takes your breath away.
These are the moments that make life richer.
Take time each day to pause, breathe and let go of the noise.
(11:36):
Whether it's through meditation, journaling or simply taking a walk in your nature.
When your mind can lead to unexpected contentment, you may find that once you clear out the clutter,
joy and inspiration can slow in.
Now I want to hear from you.
What unexpected toys have you experienced?
(11:57):
Please share your stories with me.
You can reach out through social media, link and bio.
Let's create a little community of joy together.
As we wrap up today's episode, I encourage each of you to take a moment each day to acknowledge
something you're grateful for.
You might be surprised at how it transforms your outlook.
(12:20):
This thing that I'll step off my soapbox.
So let's remember that happiness doesn't have to be found in grandmothers.
It's often hidden in the mundane waiting for us to uncover it.
By finding laughter in our daily routine, spreading kindness and embracing our failures
and decluttering our minds, we can cultivate a life filled with joy and purpose.
(12:44):
Joy is all around us, waiting to be discovered.
It's in the small things, the seven debut moments that catch us off guard.
Let's keep our hearts and minds open to the experience.
Thank you for joining me today on today's episode of Unfiltered Thoughts with Austin.
(13:04):
I hope you feel motivated to discover those unexpected joys in your life.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who could use a little boost
of joy.
Don't forget to share your stories with others.
And if you'd like, let's keep this conversation going by submitting your own personal stories
on my Instagram of when you faced a challenge in your life and how you encountered unexpected
(13:27):
joys and found happiness where you least expected it.
At my Instagram, God's plan for Austin.
Join me for next week's episode where I will share from your responses where you guys
experienced unexpected joys and found happiness where we least expected it.
So then, stay mindful, stay joyful, and remember to embrace the beauty of the unexpected.
Hey everyone, my name is Austin and I want to personally welcome y'all wherever you're
(00:04):
listening to the very first episode of Unfiltered Thoughts with Austin, the podcast where curiosity
meets authenticity.
Whatever walk of life you're in, whether you're navigating the chaos of everyday life or seeking
fresh perspectives, this is your space to explore life's big questions, small moments
in everything in between.
No filters, no judgment, just real authenticity that inspires, challenges, and uplifts.
(00:29):
Today we're going to be talking about unexpected joys and finding happiness where you least
expect it.
Let's dive deep into the heart of everyday experiences and discover the joy hidden within
them.
Now I know we all have our ups and downs, but sometimes the most beautiful moments come
from the least expected places.
As a general society, we often think about the bad rather than the good.
(00:53):
Our minds often go to the worst case scenarios in a lot of situations.
Why is that?
Why do we often think about the bad, the ugly, and the worst before the good?
Why do we often ask for the bad news first before we ask for the good news?
Now I'm not speaking for everybody, but I am speaking for the general populace.
What would happen if instead of thinking of the worst case scenarios, the bad, the ugly,
(01:17):
and the worst, or asking for the bad news first, we start thinking about the best case scenarios,
the good, the bad, and the great, and asking for the good news first.
What would happen?
So let's explore where we can find happiness amidst the chaos and cultivate a spirit of
gratitude that transforms our perspectives and you'll begin to see the world more brightly
(01:41):
on those gloomy days.
Let's start with the little story.
Picture this.
It's a rainy Monday morning and you're stuck in traffic, feeling the weight of the world
on your shoulders.
You're running late for work and all you can think about is the stress of the week ahead.
But then as you look out your window, you see a small child, splashing in puddles, laughing
(02:04):
with sheer joy.
In that moment, something shifts.
You realize that happiness can be found in the simplest of things, like a child's laughter
or the beauty of rain.
This brings us to the first point of our discussion, finding joy in the mundane.
We often overlook the small moments that can illuminate our days.
(02:26):
Gratitude is like a lens.
It allows us to focus on the positive aspects of our lives, no matter how small they may
be.
When we practice gratitude, we train our minds to recognize the good around us.
Now let's be honest.
How many of you wake up each day and feel like you're on autopilot?
I know I do.
You go through the motions, brush your teeth, prepare your breakfast, commute to work, and
(02:51):
take off endless to-do lists.
It can feel tedious, can't it?
But what if I told you that within these mundane moments, life can often feel like a whirlwind,
can't it?
We get so caught up in the daily grind, in our routines, in our responsibilities, that
we sometimes forget to pause and notice the small sparks of joy that pop up when we least
(03:17):
expect them.
Have you ever had one of those serendipitous moments?
Maybe you stumbled upon an old friend while running errands, or perhaps you found a $20
belt in your co-pocket that you had forgotten about.
These moments, while small, can bring a burst of happiness that lights up your day and reminds
(03:37):
you of the beauty of life.
I want to share a personal story with you.
The end of May last year, I was rushed to the emergency room only to find out I almost
contracted sepsis.
But before I continue my story, let me give you guys a little bit of a backstory on myself.
I'm a college student and I decided to move back home from my senior year due to mental
(03:59):
health issues and I'm not sure if it was a god thing because two weeks prior to me going
to the hospital, I was packing up my apartment to go move back home.
What I thought was the common flu ended up almost taking my life.
For two weeks, I almost, I was incredibly ill because of it.
(04:20):
I ended up lip-boosing 10 pounds in those two weeks.
Not exactly the weight loss, which can I sign up for, but I digressed.
I was rushed to the hospital and they immediately had to administer fluids through my veins along
with some pretty heavy antibiotics because I was severely dehydrated and from what I've
told, been told, it's what gets into your body the fastest.
(04:44):
The emergency room nurses looked at me like they had seen a ghost.
I was gray in the face and had thick black circles around my eyes.
The doctors said that if I had waited another week to go to the hospital, then I would have
died.
I ended up having surgery the next day and then another surgery 12 days later.
(05:05):
You may be thinking yourself Austin, well, what is the point of this story?
Sorry guys, I'm a, I'm a writer and I, I love telling stories.
I'm a very tell it how it is no sugar coating type of guy.
And it's the title of this podcast on filter thoughts with Austin because I want to be
100% real with y'all.
So the first three days of playing the hospital was a lot of fun.
(05:28):
Well, fun is a, is a bit of a loose term.
I didn't hate it.
I had nurses and tax taking tremendous care of me, good food, TV friends and family, coming
to visit me pretty much every day.
I had it made, but at the same time I felt this overwhelming sense of loneliness over
me, definitely not for shadowing for future episode.
(05:51):
I can go on and on about each individual person that came to visit me, those that texted me
to check up on me and those that gave me a warm welcome when I returned back to school.
But this would be a two hour podcast.
I felt an overwhelming amount of joy when I saw the door knob of my hospital door turn
and then I saw a familiar friendly face and speaking of joy open and speaking of staying
(06:15):
open to joy and let's dive into a quick segment on mindfulness practices.
Mindfulness is a powerful tool that helps us remain, remain present, allowing us to
notice the beauty around us.
Here, here are a few simple practices to incorporate into your daily life.
First of all, how about we start our day with graduate?
(06:38):
Each morning instead of getting on our phones and take a moment to reflect on three things
you're ready for.
This sets a positive tone for your day and opens your heart to joy.
And the second one is mindful walks.
When you're out for a walk, put your phone away again.
Focus on your surroundings, the colors, the sounds, the smells.
(07:01):
Let yourself be mindful and fully present in that moment.
Joy journaling.
Keep a journal where you jot down joyful moments, no matter how small.
Over time, you'll create a collection of happiness that you can revisit whenever you
need a boost.
And over time, you'll begin to see a shift in your mindset.
(07:24):
I'm a writer.
That's what I love doing.
It's my passion.
So joy journaling has been my go to not only do I engage in joy journaling, but I also
write poetry.
I would often refer back to poems.
I wrote several years ago compared to now and just see the transformation and how far
I've come.
And then the last thing, add some humor into your daily routine.
(07:49):
One technique I found helpful in transforming these monotonous tasks into moments of joy
is to inject some humor into them.
Maybe it's turning your morning coffee ritual into a mini dance party in your kitchen or
listening to a comedy podcast during your commute.
Laughter is a powerful antidote to the stress and it can turn the most ordinary moments
(08:15):
into extraordinary ones.
And speaking of joy, let's talk about kindness.
Have you ever noticed how a simple act of kindness, a smile, a compliment, or even holding
the door open for someone can create a ripple effect?
When we're kind, we not only uplift others, but also elevate our own spirits.
(08:36):
It's a win-win.
But let's not stop there.
Gratitude doesn't change how we see ourselves.
It also impacts our interactions with others.
When we express gratitude to those around us, we strengthen our relationships and create
a ripple effect of positivity.
A simple thank you can brighten someone's day and remind them that they matter.
(08:59):
Now let's shift gears for a moment.
Because life throws us a curveball.
Jobs we didn't get.
Projects that didn't go as planned or paths that suddenly veer off course.
But what if I told you that these failures might just guide us to our true passion and
joys?
Think about it.
(09:19):
Every setback can be a setup for a comeback.
We often discover we're truly passionate about when we confront obstacles head on.
Embrace those moments.
They can lead to unexpected adventures and new beginnings.
We live in a world that but bars us with information, emails, social media, notifications.
(09:44):
It can feel overwhelming by declaring our mental spaces.
We can create a sanctuary for our thoughts.
And that's what I was talking about earlier.
Of about putting our phones away.
And starting our day.
So let's take a moment to reflect.
(10:07):
Think about a challenge you're currently facing.
How might you find enjoying the situation?
Is there a lesson to learn or an opportunity for growth?
Perhaps there's a person you can reach out to or a way to help others in similar circumstances.
Imagine a community where kindness is the norm.
(10:27):
It starts with each one of us.
It can be as simple as checking in on a neighbor or volunteering an hour of your time.
These small acts can lead to unexpected connections and a deeper sense of belonging, ultimately
enhancing our personal well-being.
Remember, happiness is not a destination.
It's a journey.
By embracing gratitude, we can navigate life's ups and downs with sense of purpose and positivity.
(10:53):
It's incredible how a simple moment of joy can turn your day around.
It's a reminder that happiness often comes in unexpected forms and that sometimes we
just need to be open to it.
I was reminded that even though these series of events have happened to me, to take a moment,
slow down and appreciate those around me more.
(11:15):
And that's what I want to encourage you to do today.
Stay open to joy.
Let's embrace stillness that whether it's a smile from a stranger, a compliment from
a co-worker, or a beautiful sunset that takes your breath away.
These are the moments that make life richer.
Take time each day to pause, breathe and let go of the noise.
(11:36):
Whether it's through meditation, journaling or simply taking a walk in your nature.
When your mind can lead to unexpected contentment, you may find that once you clear out the clutter,
joy and inspiration can slow in.
Now I want to hear from you.
What unexpected toys have you experienced?
(11:57):
Please share your stories with me.
You can reach out through social media, link and bio.
Let's create a little community of joy together.
As we wrap up today's episode, I encourage each of you to take a moment each day to acknowledge
something you're grateful for.
You might be surprised at how it transforms your outlook.
(12:20):
This thing that I'll step off my soapbox.
So let's remember that happiness doesn't have to be found in grandmothers.
It's often hidden in the mundane waiting for us to uncover it.
By finding laughter in our daily routine, spreading kindness and embracing our failures
and decluttering our minds, we can cultivate a life filled with joy and purpose.
(12:44):
Joy is all around us, waiting to be discovered.
It's in the small things, the seven debut moments that catch us off guard.
Let's keep our hearts and minds open to the experience.
Thank you for joining me today on today's episode of Unfiltered Thoughts with Austin.
(13:04):
I hope you feel motivated to discover those unexpected joys in your life.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who could use a little boost
of joy.
Don't forget to share your stories with others.
And if you'd like, let's keep this conversation going by submitting your own personal stories
on my Instagram of when you faced a challenge in your life and how you encountered unexpected
(13:27):
joys and found happiness where you least expected it.
At my Instagram, God's plan for Austin.
Join me for next week's episode where I will share from your responses where you guys
experienced unexpected joys and found happiness where we least expected it.
So then, stay mindful, stay joyful, and remember to embrace the beauty of the unexpected.
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