What if joy is still possible—even in the seasons you wouldn’t have chosen? Today, Hanna is joined by author and podcast host Rachel Awtrey for a warm, honest, hope-filled conversation about learning to love your life — even in seasons you didn’t choose and wouldn’t pick again. Rachel shares the surprising backstory behind her book Love Your Life (Even When You Don’t Like It All the Time) and how she began to practice joy in the middle of loneliness, constant transition as a military spouse, and the everyday grind of motherhood. Together, Hanna and Rachel talk about the small, ordinary things that bring them joy (like open windows, fall breezes, and instrumental jazz), and why those “little” things actually matter deeply in our spiritual formation. They unpack how joy is something we practice, not something we wait to feel; how paying attention to God’s goodness grows gratitude; and why celebration becomes a kind of spiritual discipline that prepares us for the harder days. Rachel also shares practical ways to invite joy into your home, friendships, rhythms, and thought life — especially when nothing feels ideal. If you’re craving more joy, more presence, and more delight in the life you’re actually living, this conversation will feel like a deep breath and a gentle nudge toward hope. 💡Topics discussed: -Joy can be found in the ordinary moments of life. -Celebration is a discipline that can transform our perspective. -Community is essential for unlocking joy and combating loneliness. -Invitation is a powerful tool for building friendships. -We often have more in common with others than we realize. -It's important to be open to unexpected friendships. -Hosting is about love, not impressing others. -Spiritual formation is more important than just gaining information. -We should focus on being present in our relationships. -God desires a personal relationship with us, not just a student-teacher dynamic. ⏰ Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Intro 01:12 – Meeting Rachel Awtrey 03:04 – The Story Behind “Love Your Life” 06:55 – When Joy Feels Hard to Find 10:31 – Practicing Joy in the Everyday Moments 14:18 – Motherhood, Loneliness & Honest Confession 18:42 – Why Celebration Is a Spiritual Discipline 22:57 – How Gratitude Shapes Our Perspective 27:40 – Small Rhythms That Grow Big Joy 31:28 – Friendship, Connection & Feeling Known 35:16 – Inviting God Into Ordinary Life 39:48 – What Rachel Is Loving in This Season 43:12 – Encouragement for Anyone Struggling Right Now 46:05 – Final Thoughts & Where to Find Rachel ✨ Key Quotes "This isn’t a self-help book. It’s a self-plus-God-help book—because only the Lord can heal what our hacks and habits never will." - Rachel Awtrey "People are starving to be invited in. Most of us are just waiting for someone else to go first—so go first, even if it’s awkward or messy." - Rachel Awtrey "You’re not meant to be impressive; you’re meant to be available. Hospitality isn’t perfection—it’s letting people into your real life." - Rachel Awtrey 📚 Connect with Rachel 📖 Love Your Life → https://a.co/d/7hYp1kQ 🎙️ Real Talk with Rachel Awtrey Podcast 📸 Instagram: @rachel.awtrey 💬 Connect with Hanna 🌐 hannaeseymour.com 📸 Instagram: @hannaeseymour 🎧 Listen to No Matter What wherever you get your podcasts #RachelAwtrey #NoMatterWhatPodcast #LoveYourLife #BiblicalHospitality #ChristianPodcast #ChristianWomen #SpiritualHabits #BusyMomLife #HannaSeymour
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47 mins
50 mins
Nov 4 202548 mins
54 mins