Episode Details

What if joy wasn't something you had to wait for until life got easier?

If you've been feeling overwhelmed, burned out, stuck, or like you've lost sight of the joy and purpose God has for your life, this conversation is for you.

In this episode of Anchored with Purpose, Melissa Wilkinson sits down with Catholic author, speaker, and writing coach Shemaiah Gonzalez to talk about finding joy in difficult seasons, overcoming comparison, pursuing God-given dreams, and discovering God's presence in everyday life.

Shemaiah shares her powerful faith journey from Protestant seminary to the Catholic Church and how choosing "joy" as her Word of the Year unexpectedly led her on a years-long journey of surrender, gratitude, and deeper trust in God. Together, Melissa and Shemaiah discuss motherhood, creativity, faith, purpose, and why you don't have to wait for the perfect time—or feel fully qualified—to take the next step God is calling you to take.

Whether you're navigating a season of transition, struggling with self-doubt, feeling stretched thin by life's responsibilities, or simply longing for more peace in the midst of the chaos, you'll walk away encouraged to look for God's presence in the ordinary and embrace the unique calling He's placed on your life.

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• How Shemaiah's journey led her to the Catholic Church
• Why surrender is often the key to peace and joy
• The difference between happiness and lasting joy
• Practical ways to find joy in difficult seasons
• How gratitude changes your perspective
• Why comparison steals your joy and how to overcome it
• How to embrace your unique gifts and calling
• Encouragement for women pursuing God-given dreams
• Why five minutes a day can change everything
• How God works through small, faithful steps

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Shemaiah Gonzalez
02:15 From Protestant Seminary to the Catholic Church
05:45 Finding Peace and Beauty in the Catholic Faith
08:20 Living as a Christian in Seattle
09:05 Why Joy Became Her Word of the Year
11:15 Joy vs. Happiness
12:50 Finding Joy When Life Feels Overwhelming
14:00 Gratitude and Worship as Daily Practices
15:10 How Looking for Joy Changes Everything
18:15 Comparison, Success, and Staying in Your Lane
24:45 Using Your Gifts to Serve Others
27:30 Encouragement for Women Pursuing Big Dreams
28:20 The Power of Five Minutes a Day
31:30 Learning from Great Writers and Mentors
34:00 Where to Find Shemaiah and Undaunted Joy
36:00 Final Encouragement and Closing Thoughts

Resources Mentioned

📖 Undaunted Joy: The Revolutionary Act of Cultivating Delight
https://a.co/d/0b6rZeBq

🌐 Shemaiah's Website
https://www.shemaiahgonzalez.com

📝 Undaunted Joy Substack
https://shemaiahgonzalez.substack.com

📱 Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/shemaiahg

📖 Free Anchored with Purpose Faith Journal
https://anchored-with-purpose.kit.com/fb72f69cdf

🌊 Learn More
https://anchoredwithpurpose.com

🎙️ If this episode encouraged you, be sure to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with a friend who could use a little more joy, peace, and encouragement today.