The Courage to Feel Alive: Why Growth, and Joy Matter More Than We Think

What if the confidence, courage and joy we keep waiting to feel are actually created by doing the things that scare us first? As we get older, life can become very predictable. We go to work, come home, make plans, cancel plans, repeat the same routines, and tell ourselves we will do something different when we feel more confident, more motivated, less tired, or when life finally gives us the right moment. But psychology suggests we may have this backwards. Confidence, motivation and even happiness often come after we act, not before. This lecture looks at what actually makes life feel fuller. Why our brains are so drawn to familiarity, even when we are bored by it. Why doing something before you feel ready can be what creates confidence in the first place. And how novelty, anticipation, awe, curiosity, play and even simply paying more attention can make ordinary life feel much richer. We will also look at the idea of “romanticizing your life,” not as pretending your life is perfect, but as noticing and participating in it more deliberately. You do not necessarily need a completely different life to feel more alive. Sometimes you need to experience the one you already have differently. Jaclyn Doyle is a Registered Psychotherapist, corporate mental health speaker and former HR professional with over a decade of experience working with people and organizations. Her work brings together psychology and neuroscience to help people understand behaviour, change and confidence. She has delivered talks and workshops for organizations across Canada and has appeared multiple times on Breakfast Television Toronto. Agenda 6:00 PM doors open. Guests are welcome to arrive early, order drinks, and have dinner before the lecture begins. 7:00 PM lecture begins, followed by Q&A. 8:15 PM wrap up. Guests are welcome to stay for conversation and another drink.