Relax for a while

Welcome! I’m Joanne, the creator of Relax for a While and the voice behind the Drift Off Bedtime Stories podcast.

Here you’ll find relaxing bedtime stories, calming narratives, and peaceful audiobooks—gently adapted from classic public domain literature and lovingly brought to life through my own narration, soft pacing, and tranquil ambiance.

Each story begins with a soothing relaxation and is gently adapted to help you unwind, settle in, and drift off peacefully.

Every story is chosen with care to ease anxiety, quiet the mind, and guide you toward deep, restful sleep. My mission is to create a safe, cozy space that’s free from distractions—just soothing storytelling to comfort your spirit.

Whether you’re here for a peaceful pause or to fall asleep to the sound of a soft-spoken voice, I’m so glad you're here.

Friend, it’s truly an honor to be part of your journey toward restful sleep. Let’s make bedtime the best time—together.

Sweet dreams 🌙✨
Joanne


Relax for a while

💞Holding Onto the Little Blessings💞
I wanted to share a heartfelt update about Emily. Right now, things are stable, and for that we are truly grateful. Her prognosis remains poor 😔We are taking each day as it comes and trying to stay present rather than look too far ahead. At the moment, she isn’t showing any changes, which feels like a blessing, and we’re holding onto that.

The photo I’m sharing is from a Christmas tea we attended this weekend with her special-needs choir. They are some of the most authentic and pure-hearted people I’ve ever known. Despite all the challenges they each live with, the joy they bring into a room is extraordinary. Being around them feels deeply inspiring… they remind me what truly matters. It was such a beautiful afternoon and I cherished every minute.

These days, I’m soaking up each precious second we have together, letting myself really feel the sweetness in the small, everyday things.

Thank you for your continued support, kindness, and love. It means more than I can say.

3 days ago (edited) | [YT] | 570

Relax for a while

I took a little walk today and filmed a tiny moment of calm. I hope you find a moment of peace in your day too. 💛

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 23

Relax for a while

This one took me quite a while to finish… but I’m so happy to finally share it with you 🩵
My dreamy bedtime retelling of Pinocchio is now live! ✨
It’s a gentle, relaxing version of the classic tale — created to help you unwind and drift off peacefully.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I loved bringing it to life 💫
Sweet dreams!

1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 21

Relax for a while

✨ New Video! ✨Another Little House!! By the Shores of Silver Lake is now available 🥰

This is the fourth book in the beloved Little House series, and I’m so happy to share it with you. Settle in, get cozy, and let this gentle classic carry you into a peaceful night. 🌙

You can find it here 👉https://youtu.be/GT8KbC8HVms

Sweet dreams,
Joanne xo

3 months ago | [YT] | 30

Relax for a while

🌿 A Personal Update 🌿

Some of you may remember I mentioned we were waiting for Emily’s MRI results. Sadly, the news wasn’t what we were hoping for. The prognosis is difficult, and though we don’t know how long this chapter will last, we’re taking things day by day.

Right now, Emily is doing beautifully—full of light, laughter, and joy. She’s not experiencing any symptoms, and for now, she doesn’t know the full picture. That’s okay. I want to protect her sparkle for as long as I can.

As for me… I’m doing my best to stay strong, but some days, it’s hard to breathe and it feels so heavy to respond to comments or messages. Please know I see your kindness, and I hold it close.

This photo was taken last week at a cozy little tea shop. A sweet moment I’ll always treasure. 💛

Thank you for being here. Truly.

With love,
Joanne

4 months ago | [YT] | 687

Relax for a while

💤 New Sleep Story Collection Just Posted! 🌙
Hi friends! If you're looking for something extra soothing tonight, I’ve just shared a brand-new collection of peaceful sleep stories to help you gently unwind.
Wishing you deep rest and sweet dreams tonight!
With love,
Joanne xo

4 months ago | [YT] | 9

Relax for a while

💛 A Note From My Heart 💛
I’ve gone back and forth about whether to share this here, but my heart felt the need to speak. About a week and a half ago, Emily had a routine follow-up CT scan after her surgery—something we expected would simply confirm that things were moving in the right direction. Instead, a few small spots were noted on her liver, and as a precaution, we were sent for an MRI.

Hearing that news was difficult—it caught us off guard. But we’re holding onto hope and trusting in the steps ahead. We’re incredibly grateful that the doctors are being thorough and proactive, and now we wait for results with cautious optimism and steady hearts.

During this time, I’ve been leaning into quiet moments and gentle things that help bring a little calm. I recently attended a watercolor painting class offered at Wellspring, a wonderful cancer support center near us. I hadn’t picked up a paintbrush since childhood, but something about it felt right. Creating this little painting gave me a peaceful space to reflect and breathe—it’s far from perfect, but it holds a bit of my heart, and I wanted to share it with you.

Thank you for being here—for supporting this little community, and for walking alongside me through life’s twists and turns. Your presence, even in silence, means more than I can say. I’ll share more when I can.

With love,
Joanne xo

5 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 617

Relax for a while

🌙 New Members Only Video is here! ✨
Drift off tonight with a dreamy fairytale just for you Sleepy Eyes! Tonight’s story is The Golden Branch — a gentle, enchanting tale to help you unwind and ease into restful sleep.

Thank you so much for being a Sleepy Eyes member. Your support means the world to me!
Sweet dreams,
Joanne
https://youtu.be/THIxgZV8K20

5 months ago | [YT] | 1

Relax for a while

New video up! Snuggle in and drift off to 7 hours of gentle bedtime stories—perfect for a full night of peaceful sleep. Hope it brings you deep rest, my dear sleepy friends 💖✨
Sweet dreams...

5 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 13