Finding Joy in Simplicity

In this heart-centered episode of Simply Satisfied, Greg Danielson sits down with Kristan Swan for a conversation that feels like a deep breath—slow, intentional, and full of truth. Together, they explore what it really means to experience joy and contentment in a fast-paced world that constantly pushes us toward “more.”

Kristan opens up about the experiences that shaped her: the influence of family, the lessons learned through relationships, and the lifelong work of self-discovery. The conversation moves from childhood patterns to the complexity of divorce, from the pressure of people-pleasing to the freedom of choosing authenticity.

They also dive into entrepreneurship—how to build from a place of passion rather than competition, how collaboration creates momentum, and why slowing down is often the smartest move you can make. Kristan shares the inspiration behind her journal, Spaghetti on the Wall, a tool designed to help people cultivate discernment, trust their inner voice, and make decisions rooted in awareness.

The episode closes with a reminder that life isn’t a race—it’s a series of choices, moments, and opportunities to listen inward and come home to yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • Joy and contentment are found in the simple, overlooked parts of life
  • Being satisfied doesn’t mean settling—it means being grounded
  • Our upbringing significantly shapes how we move through the world
  • Self-discovery is ongoing and nonlinear
  • Trusting yourself is foundational for personal growth
  • Collaboration > competition
  • Passion creates better businesses than money ever will
  • Slowing down often leads to better decisions
  • Awareness transforms the way we navigate life
  • Imperfection is part of being human
Listen Here

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You can’t always get what you want…

The Rolling Stone lyrics “you can’t always get what you want” kept going through my head after a recent walk in NYC and lots of eavesdropping. It was the end of the workday on a Tuesday and already a dark, chilly evening. I wondered if anyone who was complaining had really taken the time to ask themselves-What do I want? What do I need?

Learning to Listen to Your Own Life by Kristan Swan

Learning to Listen to Your Own Life by Kristan Swan

The conversation also explores the fear of success, the relationship between spirituality and professional growth, and the significance of support systems in building confidence, and introduces her unique journaling method, ‘Spaghetti on the Wall,’ which encourages self-awareness and non-judgmental observation.

Death by a thousand cuts

My first marriage eroded slowly, almost without my noticing it. I am aware of other times I have allowed dreams and ideas to die a slow death. It has been a pattern. With attention, it is possible to achieve dreams, grow ideas into a reality, and deepen relationships. Each day, one step at a time.