Where Success Begins

I recently learned a term that stopped me in my tracks: “Bliss Station.”

Coined by Joseph Campbell in The Power of Myth, it refers to a sacred place—or time—where you intentionally disconnect from the noise of the world and reconnect with your deeper self. 

Campbell spoke about carving out this space unapologetically, slowing down enough to listen, reflect, and create.

I want to put a small spin on this idea.

My first job in a hospital placed me in a sterile room—four blank walls, little warmth, no comfort. Yet my goal was simple and non-negotiable: to connect with each patient before surgery. I wanted to hear their story, understand their concerns, and create an experience that felt human and grounding.

Without permission—and I’m sure breaking a few rules—I redecorated.

A rug.
A water feature.
Soft music.
A pillow for their back.

That space became a signal of trust and care. From the moment patients met me, they knew this was different. 

Attention to detail changed the entire experience. The environment did the work before I ever spoke.

Today, we’re inundated with tasks, competing priorities, and constant context switching. 
The mental toll is real. 
While we may not be able to control the volume of work coming at us, we can control how we receive it—physically and conceptually.

I’ve always believed that creating a space that “rises up to meet you,” as Oprah so beautifully says, is essential for focus, creativity, and productivity.

Everyone’s Bliss Station looks different.

For some, it’s a quiet corner in a coffee shop.
For others, it’s a bustling office full of input.
Some choose headphones and calming music.

These spaces require intention and a bit of upfront effort—but the return is exponential.

So create your Bliss Station.
Light a candle.
Play music.
Invest in a chair you love.

Attention to what matters to you doesn’t slow you down—it sharpens you. And that clarity translates directly into better work, deeper presence, and greater impact.