Discover how a moment of quiet desperation sparked a simple practice that’s now helping people around the world find clarity, connection, and hope—one question at a time.

In today's episode, I’m joined by Anne Barry Jolles, the founder and creator of Grace Trail®—a transformative life practice designed to help people navigate challenges through five simple but powerful questions. A professional coach, TEDx speaker, and award-winning author, Anne first developed the concept in 2000 during a personal crisis. Since then, she has expanded Grace Trail into a nationwide movement with public installations, interactive kits, and programs for individuals, schools, hospitals, and corporations. Her work has guided thousands toward resilience, hope, and clarity. Rooted in compassion, nature, and authentic connection, Anne’s mission is to make grace accessible to everyone, everywhere.

Throughout this episode, Anne brings warmth, vulnerability, and profound insight as she shares how Grace Trail evolved into a deeply healing practice for individuals from all walks of life. She breaks down the meaning behind each letter in the GRACE acronym—Gratitude, Release, Acceptance, Challenge, and Embrace—and explains how asking these questions can help shift perspective and restore hope. Anne also explores the role of nature in amplifying the trail’s impact and highlights the power of simply being present and listening without judgment. Her stories—from walking the trail with cancer patients to designing large-scale community activations—reveal the universal need for reflection and self-compassion. Whether taken on a walk, practiced at a desk, or explored in a group, Anne invites everyone to take that first step toward inviting grace into their lives.

Tune in to episode 207 of Joy Found Here as Anne Barry Jolles shares how the Grace Trail® can help you find your footing in life’s toughest moments—through five simple questions that lead to clarity, connection, and hope. Discover how grace, nature, and curiosity can guide you back to yourself, one powerful step at a time.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

The moment Grace Trail was born (4:01)

The five Grace Trail questions explained (5:20)

Grace in marriage: Walking through pain together (6:30)

Building the first Grace Trail in Plymouth, MA (7:43)

Grace Trails across the country (8:45)

What is grace, really? (11:25)

Nature as a conduit for clarity (13:47)

The prayer bench that speaks back (14:40)

Bringing grace to 11,000 women (24:14)

Adapting grace trail for events and teams (25:57)

Grace Trail kits and creative applications (29:16)

Redefining self-care: Stay home, slow down (35:49)

Daily rituals that invite grace (39:03)

Final invitation: Grace is waiting (41:00)

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