237: Conquering the Sunday Scaries with Author Alysson Bourque

237: Conquering the Sunday Scaries with Author Alysson Bourque

Author: Simona Costantini June 18, 2024 Duration: 21:33

In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Alysson Bourque, a former teacher and lawyer turned full-time author. We get into Alysson’s children's book series, The Alycat Series, specifically focusing on the latest release, 'Alycat and the Sunday Scaries.' 

This series aims to help children navigate life's challenges, with actionable tips that are also beneficial for adults. She shares her personal journey of transitioning from law to writing, overcoming numerous rejections, and the importance of finding small, attainable goals to foster happiness. Our discussion also highlights the significance of gratitude, flexibility, and the creation of personal happiness, even in less-than-ideal circumstances. Alysson offers advice for combating the Sunday Scaries and emphasizes the value of bravery in the face of fear. 

We’ll touch on:

  • 00:00 Intro

  • 02:11 What does happiness mean to you

  • 03:21 Alycat and the Sunday Scaries

  • 04:22 Why we get the Sunday Scaries

  • 05:48 Her routine change to help her fear

  • 09:31 Why was it important to write this for kids

  • 10:27 Where she drew inspiration from

  • 12:19 How have these books influenced her children

  • 14:06 A lesson in standing out and being different, and receiving rejection while continuing on

  • 17:19 Pivots in life and stepping into the next thing

  • 18:32 Sneak Peek into next book

  • 20:01 How to create a little more happiness in your day, every day, starting today


Resources:


 

Connect with Alysson


 

Connect with Simona


We all ask those big questions about contentment and purpose at some point. Happiness Happens doesn’t treat those queries as abstract philosophy, but as a practical, weekly conversation hosted by Simona Costantini. Rather than offering a rigid formula, this podcast explores the many facets of a meaningful life through dialogues with thoughtful guests from various fields. You’ll hear from psychologists, artists, thinkers, and everyday people who have found unique pathways to fulfillment. The discussions are grounded in real experience, focusing on actionable insights that go beyond simple positive thinking. Each episode feels like a deep dive into a different corner of the human experience, whether it’s examining the role of community, the pursuit of creative passion, or the quiet practice of self-acceptance. Simona guides these conversations with a genuine curiosity, making complex ideas about well-being feel accessible and personal. The result is a resource that feels both expansive and intimately useful. Tuning into this podcast is less about searching for a single secret and more about gathering a toolkit-a collection of perspectives and practices that help you define what happiness actually means in your own life. It’s for anyone who believes that a more contented life is built from a series of conscious choices and deeper understandings, one honest conversation at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Happiness Happens
Podcast Episodes
216: 3 Ways to Start the Process of Letting Go with Susan Casey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:00
In this week’s episode of the Happiness Happens podcast, I have the incredible privilege of diving deep into the human experience and exploring the pursuit of genuine joy. In this special episode, I had the honor of sitt…
214: Considering Divorce? These Tips Will Help You with Molly Rubesh [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:40
Are you going through a divorce? Or maybe you know someone who is. Divorce is a challenging and painful experience that can leave us feeling lost and devastated. But what if I told you that divorce doesn't have to be a s…
213: 2023 Break You Down? Here’s How to Rebuild in 2024 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:46
This is going to be the most transformational year of your life, and I guarantee that incredible things are going to happen for you. In today's episode, I want to share with you five things that I'm personally doing this…
212: Why Happiness Happens When You’re Least Expecting It (Part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:42
Throughout 2023, I have had the privilege of hosting incredible guests from around the world, and today, in our final episode of the year, I want to share with you five powerful clips from past episodes that can help you…
211: 5 Life-Changing Tips that Will Make You Happier (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:31
This episode on the Happiness Happens podcast features a round-up of 5 life-changing tips from guests on the show this year. As we come to the end of another incredible year, it's time to look back at some of the most in…
209: The Side of Growth No One Talks About with Justin Schenck [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:58
In this episode of the Happiness Happens Podcast, Justin Schenck joins me on the show to talk about all things GROWTH. Justin shares his thoughts on measuring growth, change and transformation and the importance of apply…
208: Are You Designing Your Future? With Sarah Centrella [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:04
In this episode of the Happiness Happens Podcast, we talk all about Future Boards with my guest Sarah Centrella. We discuss the difference between a future board and a vision board and how to manifest dreams into reality…