Happiness Coach Angela

02/11/2025

I had a long phone call with a dear, old friend the other night during which she shared that she never really has any fun anymore.

I was a bit taken aback by this before going into Happiness Coach mode (with her consent of course).

She shared that she missed our carefree, clubbin', college days. We both love to dance and were out at nightclubs just about every weekend. We laughed at the memory of having fake IDs so we could get in the best clubs. Those were good times indeed!

I asked her what she missed about that season of life and she said "It was fun. I never really have fun anymore." I asked a few more questions like "What did you used to do that was fun?" and "Where might you find something similar?" plus "How could you fit that activity into your current life?"

I keep thinking about this conversation because I have a LOT of fun. And often. I'm not saying this to compare lives or to pat myself on my back. I'm sharing this because making space for JOY has been an intentional priority for me for many years, and reflecting on this has been powerful medicine for me.

Ecstatic Dance, dancing to online Zumba videos in my apartment, playing in an Afro-Brazilian drum group, marching in not one but *two* parades in December, volunteering for the Gainesville Giving Garden, and much of my work are all, quite simply, FUN.

I'll likely have more to share about Joy As Resistance in another post soon but for now, I'll leave you with this:

Are you having any fun?

02/10/2025

Join me, Gainesville End-of-Life Doulas, and ElderCare of Alachua County for:

​It’s Never Just About the Stuff: Confronting Clutter with Angela Dragon​
Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 3-4pm EST
Zoom Only: ID # 580-002-7735. No password.

In this interactive presentation, we’ll discuss emotional attachment and the benefits of having a decluttered and organized home that's aligned with your needs and values. I'll share a few heartwarming stories of transformation and some practical tips you can use.
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It's never really just about the stuff. It's about letting go of past identities, old hobbies, incomplete projects, and memories from the past, while processing the grief that arises.
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Home is sacred, and we all deserve a sanctuary that supports us.

My goal is that you will leave feeling inspired and empowered to make positive changes that bring more ease and joy into your life.
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For more information, please email Shanti Vani at [email protected]​
I look forward to seeing you then!

About: 📅 When: Wednesday, February 12th⏰ Time: 3–4 PM EST💻 How to Join:  Click here to Zoom! (ID:  580-002-7735) ✨ Featured Presentation: “It’s Never Really Just About the Stuff: Confronting Clutter” Presented by Angela Dragon, CEO of Simplify Home Organizing In this interac...

01/07/2025

It's Just Hair, but It's Not - my identity as a biracial woman, and how I am perceived
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I recently started a loc journey, so my identity as it relates to my hair - and how I am perceived in the world as an ethnically ambiguous person - is on my mind.

People seem to treat me quite differently based on my hairstyle. When I had chemically straightened hair (commonly called a “relaxer”, as if my curls and coils were too tense…) and worked in corporate America, I was palatable enough to get respect, at least some of the time.

A notable exception was the time I got about a hundred gorgeous braids while on a cruise to the Bahamas, only to arrive back at the office and get called into HR to say that the small, wooden beads on the end of each braid were a violation of the (racist 🙄) dress code. I spend several hours that night after work taking out those braids, and crying.

In the Black community, there's a saying that we have to "work twice as hard for half as much", and gaining respect as a woman - and especially as a woman of color - in that kind of environment was a challenge indeed.

When my hair is curly, people view me as friendly and approachable. When my hair is in braids/extensions, Black and brown folks recognize me as one of their own, which I very much enjoy. And then there are the brief moments of blowing out my hair into an epic, fluffy afro just before getting braids…

When I was bald (which only lasted briefly - my hair grows *fast*), people seemed to either think I was sick and undergoing chemo, or that I was just a punk weirdo. This was way more fun than I had imagined, and my goodness, I had literal hours of newly free time! 🎉 Being bald also freed up loads of mental space: no more plotting out "wash day" each week, or factoring in time to style my hair before leaving the house. And showers were a whole new sensory delight! ☺️

I truly think that every woman should shave her head at least once in her lifetime. It was exhilarating and liberating. And much to my surprise, I felt more powerfully feminine than ever. 💅🏽

And then there are the rare times I throw on a wig. Most recently was maybe a year ago with my boyfriend at the time. The result was his best friend scolding him for seemingly cheating on me after he saw us out together from across a room. 😂 Sometimes it's fun to be a chameleon. ☺️

I've had natural locs in the past but had done them myself, so they got messy quickly. I didn't have the support of YouTube University and a local Emmy Award-nominated loctician, like I do now. Still, I'm a little worried that I'll look like a "dirty hippie" white girl. I'm not white, though. I'm also not Black. And I'm also both of those (not the dirty hippie part, though if that's you, then you do you, boo).

I often feel like I fit in everywhere and nowhere simultaneously. People speak Spanish to me in salsa dance classes. A random woman on the street last week shouted “Are you Brazilian? You look Brazilian!” at me. A UF professor who works with international students once (accurately) guessed part of my background to be Ukrainian, which was a first. I'm not sure that anyone has ever guessed my background accurately, which is sometimes fun and sometimes annoying depending on the context, their vibes, and my mood at the time.

I'm curious to see how I'm perceived and how I'm treated as my hair evolves. Will wealthy home organizing clients with racist tendencies still hire me and my team? Will old white women still touch my hair without my consent (which has happened three times in the last month alone - three!)? Will I abandon the process when it gets hard, and shave my head again? 😁 We shall see...

I do love a good transformation journey…

🙌🏽

(Want more of my writing? Please consider subscribing to my Substack so I don't have to rely on the evil algorithm to show you things. The link is in the comments.)

12/17/2024

After many years of trying to manage email marketing and segment numerous lists of people (like many of you!) who have received my services or come to my events, I decided to create *one* place to share all the things, perhaps impart some wisdom upon you, and build community and connection. 🎉

Would you like to create more JOY with me? 😊 Please consider subscribing to my Substack for free!

This is your home for my musings about home organizing & decluttering, building community & belonging, and expanding your capacity for JOY. Click to read Making Space with Angela Dragon, a Substack publication with hundreds of subscribers.

11/20/2024

Just finished your mix for the Ecstatic Dance portion of AlcheMystic ~ astrology . dance + sound journey this Thursday evening at House Of Waking Life - HOWL! 💖

Since this dance is for women/femmes, I challenged myself to only use music that was produced by or primarily features women. This was a bigger challenge than I had expected, but I had an absolute blast searching for new music and crafting a mix that's as joyfully diverse and q***r as the world I love to celebrate. 🌍😃🏳️‍🌈

I've been DJing and leading Ecstatic Dances since 2017 and this is definitely one of my favorite mixes I've ever made! 🔥

These last few weeks have been *intense* so it feels like the perfect time to somatically process grief, rage, hope, joy, and any other emotion you feel. Come as you are, and leave it all on the dance floor.

I hope to see you there! 💖

Thursday, November 21st | 6-9pm

a space for all who identify as woman / womxn / femme and non-binary + trans folks who feel called to it

10/18/2024

Ecstatic Dance is a freeform, sober dance party done without talking, and barefoot. It's truly liberating as we endeavor to let go of judgement of ourselves and others, and move however our bodies choose. It's also *great* child-like fun! ☺️ (Kids 12 and under can join you for free!). Join this global community as we experience connection and joy in movement!

I've facilitated and DJd more than 25 dances since 2017, and craft an eclectic mix of music from around the world, designed to awaken your full expression.

See you then!

10/03/2024

"Do you like who you are with him?"

It's rare that I ask such a closed (yes/no) question during a Happiness Coaching session, but this question gave my client pause, and then led to some important insights and realizations.

We've been working on building her business but it's been sticky, partially because her energy keeps getting drained by ongoing conflict in her romantic partnership.

Can you relate? 🤔

Choosing a romantic partner (especially for those of us who are monogamous) is perhaps the most important life decision you will make. This choice affects your mental and physical health, finances, energy levels, friendships, and career.

So, do you like who you are with your partner or potential partner? Do they bring out the best in you, at least most of the time?

My coach uses the term "relationship soup", which I love. You each may have wonderful ingredients, but do they make a tasty, nourishing soup? 🍲

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If you'd like support with growing your business while also learning to set boundaries in your relationships, I'd be honored to be your guide. Simply message me to set up your free phone consultation. 💓

09/13/2024

I just shared this video with a loved one who struggles with emotional regulation (especially anger that shows up as out-of-control rage/outbursts) and figured it might be helpful to share here, too. 💓

Do you want to learn How to Process Emotions and improve your Mental Health? Sign up for a Therapy in a Nutshell Membership, you'll get access to all of Emma...

09/04/2024

A recent clinical study showed that free-form dance was an effective tool for healing from trauma, depression, and anxiety.

I love it when science confirms what we already know! ☺️ Our ancestors have been dancing to move through every kind of emotion and experience since the dawn of time.

I hope to see you at Ecstatic Dance at Heartwood Soundstage as we heal in commUNITY. 💓

Here's a link to the study!

UCLA Health study shows conscious, or ecstatic, dance helps those struggling with depression and anxiety.

08/23/2024

Though I haven't fully embraced the title of Business Coach (yet), that has slowly become one of the main things I'm doing in coaching sessions.

A new client cried happy tears at the end of her first coaching session today. 🥹 She felt more capable of growing her business, had clear next steps, and now has my loving support to hold her accountable for moving steadily towards her goals. 🔥

My face in this photo accurately expresses the joy I feel having uplifted and supported a fellow woman entrepreneur. 😃 I am grateful to get to serve in this way, and look forward to celebrating this client's success!

08/23/2024

Details and registration coming soon! 🪩

07/31/2024

Can we take a moment to pause and admire these EPIC transformations?! 😲 Gloria and Denise often amaze me with what they can accomplish together in one full day with a client.

Are you ready to enjoy every room in your home again? ✋🏾 Simply fill out the contact form on our website and I'll reach out for your free phone consultation call!

https://www.simplifyhomeorganizing.com/contact

07/31/2024

I had the phenomenal opportunity to go on a Happiness & Creativity Retreat in Italy with my Happiness Coach, , back in 2018, and I still use many of the tools she shared with us during an epic 10 days immersed in the beauty and richness of Porto Venere.

One topic was the concept of Stressors and Soothers. Do you know what situations, stimuli, and experiences trigger stress for you? What about what calms your mind-body-spirit? What do you need the most when you are experiencing stress?

What stood out to me perhaps the most was the fact that us humans can often have polar opposite needs. For example, if I'm stressed, I want to be held by someone who cares. I crave closeness: a hug from a dear friend, cuddling, or even simply sitting next to someone with our arms touching soothes my system. Someone else may need to be alone when stressed, and may actually find that touch and affection in those moments exacerbates their stress!

💓💓💓I encourage you to write down a list of your Stressors and Soothers, and perhaps share it with your loved ones.💓💓💓

I'll share a few more personal examples: A major Stressor for me is a loud TV in the background. I simply cannot stand it! Another Stressor is being too cold. I find it to be incredibly distracting and dysregulating. Some of my top Soothers are: warm beverages, long hugs from friends, dim lighting, and a fridge full of food.

Will you make a list of your Stressors and Soothers? Some may surprise you! Let me know what insights arise.

Would you like more tools and 1:1 support through life's stressors? My Happy Summer Special ends today at midnight!

Simply comment YES! or book your FREE consultation call online at the link below. You can also use our time together for Virtual Organizing! 🏡 If you're feeling stuck and want skilled support in creating a home environment that reflects your needs and values, I can absolutely help you get there. 😊

https://www.happinesscoachangela.com/onlinescheduling

07/30/2024

If you've ever gone though a breakup or divorce, you know it can be disorienting and confusing.

My very wise, long-time therapist suggested this journaling activity to help process any relationship that has come to an end. I encourage you to give it a try and share it with friends.

List the following:
1. Happy memories and good things about the relationship
2. Unhappy memories and things about the relationship that were not good; incompatibilities
3. Hopes and dreams about the relationship; plans that will no longer come to fruition
4. Hopes and dreams that you want to reclaim for yourself; hobbies or activities that you will continue to enjoy
5. What you now know about the other person
6. What you now know about yourself
7. What you now know about relationships

Let me know if these are helpful as you process and grieve. I'm going through a painful separation now and have found comfort in reflecting on these prompts.

As a reminder, I'm delighted to offer a Happy Summer Special of two, one-hour coaching sessions for $200 (regularly $400). This offers ends tomorrow! 💓 Schedule your free consultation call today.
https://www.happinesscoachangela.com/onlinescheduling

07/09/2024

Have you ever avoided setting a boundary or hesitated to ask for what you needed in a relationship? These are some of the most common topics that come up in coaching sessions.

Non-violent Communication, or NVC for short, provides fantastic and sometimes deceptively simple tools for improving communication in all of our relationships. One of the tools I share often is OFNR:

𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬

Here's a quick example:

Let's say your partner/lover/spouse says they'll pick you up at 6 pm for dinner, but doesn't arrive until 6:45. You're hangry at that point and they don't apologize, making you even more frustrated. When you're in a calmer place (perhaps after eating a nice meal!), you could try this out:

As concisely as possible, describe your observation. Be sure to include only the facts. In this example, you could say:

You said you were picking me up at 6 and arrived at 6:45. (Observation)

Next, share how you felt. Be careful to not use "faux feelings" like "I felt abandoned" or "I felt forgotten". Abandoned and forgotten are not emotions. You may say "I felt angry and sad." (Feelings)

From here, again remembering to be as concise as possible, express your unmet needs. "Clear communication is very important to me." (Needs)

And finally, ask - directly and specifically - for what you would like to happen in the future. "The next time you're running late, could you agree to call and let me know?" (Request)

I've used this MANY times to defuse stressful conversations with loved ones. It lessens the odds of the other person getting defensive, and steers the conversation towards a resolution. All close relationships experience what I've heard called "rupture and repair". How you repair is everything. 💓

Let me know if you try out OFNR the next time you need to set a boundary or express your needs!
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​𝗔𝘀 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿, 𝗜'𝗺 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗮 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 🌞 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝘄𝗼, 𝗼𝗻𝗲-𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 $𝟮𝟬𝟬 (𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 $𝟰𝟬𝟬) 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀. 💓

Simply comment YES or book your FREE consultation online at https://www.happinesscoachangela.com/onlinescheduling

Photo: Feeling cute on Zoom going into one of our CULTIVATE sessions. 😊 Getting fully dressed up for Zoom calls really makes a difference in how I feel!