<i>A solo reflection on courage, abundance, and choosing to shine anyway</i><br /><br />What if the very thing you’ve been told to tone down is the thing meant to carry you forward?<br /><br />This is a conversation about gifts, doors, courage, and the quiet pressure to stay small in a world that claims to love equality but fears exceptional light.<br /><br />You’re not arrogant for knowing what you’re good at.<br />You’re not selfish for wanting more.<br />And if you’ve ever felt someone reach for your ankle just as you started to rise—<br />you’re in the right place.<br /><br />🚪 <b>Gifts aren’t decorations</b> — they’re meant to open something.<br />🦀 <b>The hermit crab problem</b> — why some people pull instead of lift.<br />🌊 <b>A rising tide isn’t a threat</b> — unless someone’s guarding scarcity.<br />🔥 <b>Shine anyway</b> — even when your light makes others uncomfortable.<br />🗣️ <b>Words as a doorway</b> — why you reach for your strongest gift first.<br />🧰 <b>The bag you’ve been building</b> — cultivated skills don’t apologize.<br />🪜 <b>Holding the door open</b> — abundance multiplies when shared.<br />📉 <b>Comparison is a trapdoor</b> — and it doesn’t lead where you think it does.<br />🥊 <b>More than one fighter in the ring</b> — different paths, same worth.<br />👥 <b>Check your inner circle</b> — who fuels your fire and who dampens it.<br />🎁 <b>Stop saving the wrapping paper</b> — tear into what you’ve been given.<br />🦇 <b>Batman-shirt courage</b> — open the box like a four-year-old who trusts joy.<br />🏠 <b>If the doors won’t open</b> — you might be in the wrong building.<br /><b></b><br /><b>This episode isn’t here to fix you.</b><br />It’s here to remind you that your gifts were never meant to stay hidden, softened, or politely postponed. The world needs them. Your community needs them. And—this matters—you need them too.<br /><b></b><br /><b>We’re really, really glad you’re here. 💛</b><br /><br />Become a supporter of this podcast: <a href="https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/radical-joy-with-james-bullard--5644728/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss">https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/radical-joy-with-james-bullard--5644728/support</a>.<br /><br />🌹🧡🟡🌳🔷🟪🤎🖤❔  ❤️🍊🟨💚💙💜🟤🖤❕❕<br />Take care of yourself, take care of each other, and breathe!  <br />❤️🍊🟨💚💙💜🟤🖤❕❕  🌹🧡🟡🌳🔷🟪🤎🖤❔  <br />Got something on your mind? James never runs out of things to say, so tell us what you want to discuss!   <br /><br />Remember there is no shame in joy or for asking for what you need.  <br /><br />Leave a review, send us a screenshot, and we’ll mail you a sticker! See you next FRIDAY for another dose of Radical Joy.  <br /><br />James is not a therapist, but you’re not alone. If you're in crisis, call 988 for professional help.  <br /><br />For non-emergencies,<a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><b> Psychology Today</b></a> can connect you with support and therapists who fit your needs.  <br /><br />This podcast and CLW Studios content are not therapy or a substitute for it. Guest opinions are their own.  <br /><br />We're here for insight and encouragement but always seek professional support when needed.  <br /><br />This episode was Produced and edited by Kerri J of CLW Studios