Welcome to Alive and Well, the podcast for the new era of high achievers.

You're done burning out and you're ready to lead, work, and live in a rhythm that honors both

your brilliance and your body. I'm your host, Michelle Grocer. I'm a trial attorney turned nervous system strategist,

and I've lived the burnout story. I know what it's like to chase your goals at the expense of

your well-being. And I also know it doesn't have to be that way. Here, we're redefining success. It's where productivity feels peaceful,

boundaries feel like freedom, and energy comes from within. Each week, I'll share practical

tools for nervous system regulation, time mastery, and somatic strategies so you can show up with clarity,

calm, and confidence in every part of your life. Because you, my friend, were given a spirit

of power, love, and a sound mind. So here's to life and living it fully. This is the path to feeling alive and

well. Let's dive in. Hey, you're listening to Alive and Well. It's Michelle here. Welcome on the show today.

We're going to talk about joy. And as I'm recording this, it's, or if you're

listening live too, it's December 23rd. So we're right before Christmas in the thick of the holidays.

But I think this applies regardless of what season it is. Because if you're listening, you can probably think, or at least I'll speak for myself,

I can remember back to certain seasons in my life or certain events.

And knowing intellectually that this should be bringing me a massive amount of joy, right?

Something with my kids, being with extended family, traveling, what have you.

But for whatever reason, in those moments, joy felt really hard to access.

And for me, this brought up so many questions. Like, what am I doing wrong, right?

What's wrong with me? Am I just like a curmudgeon? Like, why can I just feel happier? My life is so

good on paper and in reality. And I'm grateful. And I love my people. But why does it still feel like

drudgery or why does it still feel heavy? And if that's

you, if you've been in seasons like that too, I just want you to hear me. And it's not that you're

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