What is happiness, really — and can we learn to be happier? In this week’s conversation, Jo talks to Christina Lenway, a Happiness Educator and author, about the science and practice of happiness. Christina shares how a personal crisis led her to study happiness academically and discover evidence-based ways to create more joy, meaning, and fulfillment in everyday life.
They explore how happiness isn’t a destination but a skill — one we can strengthen through intention, awareness, and daily practice. From “dialing up the good” emotions to using breathwork and gratitude to shift perspective, Christina explains simple, practical tools anyone can use to feel lighter, calmer, and more at peace.
This is an inspiring and grounded look at how midlife can be a time to reclaim happiness on your own terms — not by pretending everything’s fine, but by choosing how you respond, finding purpose, and building emotional resilience.
💡 In This Episode
Why happiness is a learnable skill, not a lucky accident
The surprising science behind positive emotions
How to “dial up” joy and “dial down” negativity
What Viktor Frankl and the Holocaust can teach us about inner freedom
The difference between healthy optimism and toxic positivity
How breathwork and gratitude retrain your brain for happiness
Why knowing your values and strengths is key to fulfillment
Courage, authenticity, and choosing who you want to be — not who life made you
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Connect with Jo Blackwell
Links: https://linktr.ee/joblackwelluk
YouTube: Jo Blackwell – Midlife & Beyond
Email: jo@joblackwell.co.uk
Helping women 50+ feel braver, bolder, and happier — redefining how we age.
