This week, Tee is joined by Bracha Goetz, a Harvard-educated author of 47 children's books and a candid memoir for adults about her journey to joy, Nourish the Soul: Filling the Emptiness Within. Her newest picture books include The Happiness Box and The Mother Who Always Said Yes. After spending two decades trapped in binge eating, restrictive dieting, and a persistent sense of emptiness, Bracha discovered a powerful truth: what we are truly craving is not more food, but lasting spiritual nourishment. Her healing journey led her to explore ancient wisdom and uncover the role gratitude plays in overcoming addiction and restoring joy. Bracha shares how eating disorders and other addictions often stem from a deeper search for pleasure, meaning, and connection. She explains that while food, alcohol, gambling, and other compulsive behaviors may offer temporary relief, they can never fill what she describes as a "spiritual hole." Through practicing gratitude and learning to appreciate the abundance already present in life, Bracha found freedom from her eating disorder and began helping others do the same. She also discusses how gratitude reshapes the brain through neuroplasticity, making it easier over time to focus on what is good rather than what is lacking. Tee and Bracha also explore her transformative concept of the Pleasure Ladder, a five-step framework rooted in ancient wisdom that guides individuals toward deeper and more sustainable forms of joy. The ladder begins with healthy physical pleasures such as nourishing food, movement, music, and time in nature, then progresses through love, meaningful service, creativity, and transcendence. Together, they discuss how these forms of pleasure nourish the soul, reduce the need for addictive behaviors, and help individuals feel more connected to themselves, others, and the greater universe. This uplifting episode offers practical wisdom for anyone seeking to overcome emotional eating, anxiety, depression, or simply live with more gratitude and lasting joy. Connect with Bracha: Website Books The Pleasure Ladder Free Download Follow Therese "Tee" Forton-Barnes and The Green Living Gurus: Austin Air Purifiers: For podcast listeners, take 15% off any Austin Air product; please email [email protected] and mention that you want to buy a product and would like the discount. See all products here: Austin Air The Green Living Gurus' Website Instagram YouTube Facebook Healthy Living Group on Facebook Tip the podcaster! Support Tee and the endless information that she provides: Patreon Venmo: @Therese-Forton-Barnes last four digits of her cell are 8868 For further info, contact Tee: Email: [email protected] Cell: 716-868-8868 DISCLAIMER: ALL INFORMATION PROVIDED HERE IS GENERAL GUIDANCE AND NOT MEANT TO BE USED FOR INDIVIDUAL TREATMENT. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR PROVIDER OR DOCTOR FOR MEDICAL ADVICE. Produced By: Social Chameleon