This episode of Bouncing Back introduces its newest host, Joahanna Wickramaratne. Hosted by Gabriella Joustra, this engaging and thoughtful episode balances humor, storytelling, and insights into resilience.
Meet Joahanna Wickramaratne
Joahanna is an enthusiastic storyteller with a passion for resilience, personal growth, and curiosity-driven learning. She likes to read young adult (YA) novels. Her favorite is Breathless by Jennifer Niven. She is a devoted fan of the Harry Potter film series, with Goblet of Fire being her favorite due to the thrilling trials and her admiration for Cedric Diggory.
When it comes to music, Joahanna is currently obsessed with “She Only Loves Me When I’m There” by Ball Park Music, an Australian indie band. This song has been on repeat for her since attending one of their live performances.
As a podcast enthusiast, Joahanna is captivated by “Potterless” by Mike Schubert. Joahanna’s greatest inspiration is her mom, whom she describes as her role model for always pushing her to become her best self. Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Joahanna enjoys journaling, thoughtful reflection, and spending time with her beloved dog, Summer.
About the episode
In this episode, Joahanna shares her journey from podcast fan to host. She discusses her background in Design and Journalism, her passion for storytelling, and her interests, such as reading, journaling, and listening to true crime podcasts.
Joahanna reflects on her personal definition of resilience. She emphasizes that resilience is not just about surviving adversity but also about growing from it. She shares her mantra: “It’s not about the thing that happens to you but how you handle it.” This mindset resonates as she recounts key life experiences, such as navigating COVID-19 during her senior year and adapting to challenges during an exchange program in the U.S.
She discusses journaling as a tool for reflection and personal development. She explains how her practice evolved from lengthy entries to succinct daily reflections and an annual review process. This habit not only anchors her own resilience but offers actionable advice for listeners seeking to incorporate mindfulness into their lives. Here are some actionable advice she recommends:
- Keep a journal to document your thoughts, challenges, and achievements.
- Use a structured reflection process at the end of the day or year to recognize patterns and areas for improvement.
- Write down small memories or moments of gratitude to stay connected with positive aspects of life.
In conclusion
Listeners will surely come away from this episode feeling energized, motivated, and deeply connected to Joahanna’s journey. Her warm, relatable, and insightful presence makes her the perfect addition to the Bouncing Back team.
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