Episode 2: Joy Is Your Birthright — Not a Reward

What if joy wasn’t something you had to earn—but something you’re meant to live from?

In this powerful episode of Relish, host Alyssia Sheikh explores the hidden conditioning that tells us we must “deserve” joy—especially as adults. From childhood messages to cultural productivity pressures, many of us learned to suppress play in favor of performance. But science, mindfulness, and personal experience all point to the same truth: joy is essential—not a luxury.

You’ll hear:

• Alyssia’s awakening to play at the Hoffman Process
• Neuroscience-backed benefits of play and intrinsic motivation
• The difference between hedonic vs. eudaimonic joy (and why both matter)
• How joy and mindfulness go hand-in-hand
• A guided Joy Mapping journaling prompt to help you reconnect with your playful essence

Plus, she shares a vulnerable story about perfectionism and pottery—and how mindfulness helped her let go of productivity to rediscover pure presence.

This episode is your invitation to:

• Reclaim joy as your natural state
• Break generational and cultural cycles of “earn it first”
• Use joy to energize—not escape—your personal growth

If you’ve ever felt guilty resting, playing, or enjoying yourself before finishing your “to-do” list—this one’s for you.

What’s one thing you loved doing as a kid? DM me or tag me on Instagram and let me know—I’d love to hear and maybe even share it on the pod?

Follow & Connect:

• Instagram
• TikTok
• YouTube

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Journal Prompts on Joy → Download your free journal prompts
• The Hoffman Process → https://www.hoffmaninstitute.org
• Dr. Stuart Brown – National Institute for Play → https://www.nifplay.org; https://www.ted.com/talks/stuart_brown_play_is_more_than_just_fun?language=en 
• MDPI 2024 Study: Hedonic Activities Reduce Stress → https://www.mdpi.com/2673-5318/5/4/47?utm 
• Texas A&M 2024 Study on Play & Productivity → https://online.tamucc.edu/degrees/business/mba/why-adults-need-play-time/?utm