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Episode Description
2021 was a big year for Joanna Hogan, who was ready to try something new—something entirely outside her comfort zone.
This was the year that Joanna, a runner, professional fundraiser in west Michigan and mom of four adult sons, decided she would set a goal of training for and completing a triathlon.
What she didn’t know then, however, was just how much her life was about to change over the course of a year, and the years following. She would in fact eventually complete that triathlon, but other major life changes would also be part of her journey.
Four years later, Joanna says she is especially proud of how she took steps to learn more about herself (she’s a big advocate of taking solo retreats!) and ultimately to change her life.
“I did it for myself … I did it for me,” she says.
“And I think it’s important to check your motives and be sure you’re doing it for yourself—I think that’s the biggest takeaway over the last couple of years. Being someone who has for most of my life been so concerned with what other people think of me…you get older and you realize, ‘No one is thinking about me—they’re thinking about themselves.’ … I think we’re learning it’s all about us and our journey. It’s spending time getting close to the spirit within you, no matter what you call it.”
I’m excited to share this beautiful conversation with you. To listen to this episode of the occasional Moving Through podcast, click on the player at the top of this post or download the episode using your favorite podcast app (search for ‘Moving Through’ on your podcast app).
You’re going to love hearing Joanna Hogan’s story and how she is doing the work of building and creating the life she most wants for herself. It’s been a long, trying road filled with all the twists and turns that life has a way of dishing out, but it’s also been a gratifying and instructive path that continues to bring so much joy, hope and happiness to Joanna.
Her story is incredibly inspiring, and I am just so thankful Joanna’s path has crossed with mine—with all of us here in the Moving Through community. (Joanna and I haven’t yet met in person—we hope to soon!—but we met here, through this community, and I am so grateful.)
Enjoy our conversation and please share your thoughts here in the comments. I’d love to hear what you think about this conversation and what it brings up for you.
And if you’d like to learn more about Joanna and her work, visit her website Inspire-Generosity.com. You can write to her at joanna@inspire-generosity.com.
If you enjoyed today’s newsletter please let me know by tapping the ❤️ button below—this also helps others find the Moving Through community. I always like to read your comments, too, so please share your thoughts if you’d like to!
And if you’d like to support my work here—and have access to the full archive of essays, interviews and resources—please consider upgrading your subscription. My goal is to connect with as many of you as possible and keep growing this community. Your financial support, if you’re able to give it, helps me do this.
Interested in other Moving Through podcast episodes? A few more to listen to:
And if you missed hearing about my most recent outdoor adventure, you can read about my return to the 10K here:
I’m wishing all of us a good week ahead. May we all experience moments of quiet reflection and joy-filled adventure. I’ll be back again soon.
Until next time,
Heather
