This week on IAW’s podcast Unlimited HERizons our host and president, Megan Bozzuto, chatted with a member, Suzanne Castle, about recapturing joy after experiencing a traumatic divorce. She is affectionately known as the “human confetti cannon,” and helps others find the sparkle factor that makes them unique. Suzanne is the Chief Curator of Collaboration at Suzanne Castle Consulting and is a Chapter President for the IAW Dallas Local Chapter. “I do want to be in the camp that is helping people unleash an inner light and inner glow that the world tries to blow out,” said Suzanne. “Sometimes it rages when things are going really well but sometimes it barely flickers at all.”
Suzanne gave a lot of excellent advice and shared stories during the podcast. Here are some of her insights on how to light your inner sparkle:
Joy is a Choice
We might not consider emotions a choice, especially in times of stress. Yet, choosing joy over other emotions can start to change your perspective. “I think joy is an intentional choice. It’s not necessarily happiness,” said Suzanne. “Joy is an intentional decision you make when your eyes open, and if the only thing you can say at the end of the day is ‘I woke up today,’ then that’s okay.”
Finite Attention to the Negative
Not everything is rainbows and sunshine. Suzanne is an advocate for having the space to feel your emotions to move forward. “Give it a timeframe. For the next hour, I’m gonna just rail against the world, or I’m gonna cry and feel all the feels. When you do that, a neurological and physiological change happens and your body needs a release when you’re under that much pressure,” she says. Once you’ve had that release, Suzanne suggests doing something that brings you joy in life.
Build Your Sparkle Squad
The Sparkle Squad is what Suzanne calls the five people you need in your life to help you. They could be mentors, friends, family, etc. but they contribute to your sparkle in some way or another. She suggests having someone with more experience than you, someone honest all the time, one who’s always there in a pinch, one to push you to do more, and one to bring you fun.
Want to listen to Suzanne Castle’s full story and get more advice? Listen to Unlimited Herizons updated weekly with different amazing professional women telling their stories. All IAW members can connect with Suzanne in the IAW Community!
