My story may sound a little like yours...
After 20+ years in Corporate accounting and finance positions, I had a beautiful family, good friendships, a great job, a nice house and car. Yet, it felt like something was missing. I kept thinking to myself there must be more - why did I have what I thought I wanted, yet feel so empty? I worked hard, got ahead, and wondered why I felt unfulfilled and unsatisfied.
I was exhausted by 75-hour workweeks, being "plugged-in" to work all the time, and the merry-go-round of all my responsibilities that seemed to be spinning faster every day. I was tired of not sleeping, of getting sick several times a year (often at the worst times), of being on-edge, of never feeling like I was doing enough or really getting anywhere.
I often hid the “real” me because it didn't always fit what I thought others expected, and I sometimes wore myself out trying to figure out what they did expect and think. And while I loved helping my family and friends and being a high-performing employee, I was drained and wished I had the time and energy to take better care of myself.
During one particularly busy time at work, after many nights of not being able to sleep because of everything swirling around in my mind, I stumbled onto yoga. For the first time ever, I was able to experience some stillness in my mind, which helped me get to sleep easier. I went on to study meditation, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, mantras, mudras, mindfulness, Nia, food psychology, various styles of yoga, coaching, stress management, and numerous other subjects. I tried out every way of moving that called to me, reconnected with horses, read countless books, journaled, told and listened to stories, and practiced presence and awareness. I learned about nature, movement, patterns, the world around me, and the world within me. I got reacquainted with myself and discovered what I really care about. I managed to get out of my head, and discovered that I don't always need to take life so seriously.
I started sleeping better, getting sick less, and feeling more energized. I found the courage to bring my whole self to work and let people see the less conservative sides of me. I was more productive than ever and received glowing reviews and consistent raises. I began to feel peaceful more often, and to notice what helped when I wasn't. I finally woke up to the beauty all around me and got clear about the difference I want to make in the world.
I'm passionate about helping people, particularly women, get off the hamster wheel of expectations and perfection and make real progress toward goals that make their heart smile. My overall philosophy is that there is no right or wrong - each experience simply offers us information about what works and what doesn't. I believe we progress most quickly when we’re fully present – not in pain, not judging good vs bad or right vs wrong, but present and aware of the sensations within us, honoring our body, mind & spirit. Tweaking to find what’s just right in the moment, fully present in the experience, rather than in the story running through your head.
Out of sheer necessity, I practice what I teach (otherwise, I'd probably be a frustrated, raving looney). I share my stories and experiences so that clients know they're not weird or isolated, but that we're all here in this human experience together. I believe that we all want to feel happy, loved, and like we make a difference in our little corner of the world. Everything I offer, from my blog posts to classes, workshops, and retreats are designed to help you feel more inspired, connected, joyful, and at ease on your journey through life.
Wishing you peace, love, and deep happiness,
Jena
After 20+ years in Corporate accounting and finance positions, I had a beautiful family, good friendships, a great job, a nice house and car. Yet, it felt like something was missing. I kept thinking to myself there must be more - why did I have what I thought I wanted, yet feel so empty? I worked hard, got ahead, and wondered why I felt unfulfilled and unsatisfied.
I was exhausted by 75-hour workweeks, being "plugged-in" to work all the time, and the merry-go-round of all my responsibilities that seemed to be spinning faster every day. I was tired of not sleeping, of getting sick several times a year (often at the worst times), of being on-edge, of never feeling like I was doing enough or really getting anywhere.
I often hid the “real” me because it didn't always fit what I thought others expected, and I sometimes wore myself out trying to figure out what they did expect and think. And while I loved helping my family and friends and being a high-performing employee, I was drained and wished I had the time and energy to take better care of myself.
During one particularly busy time at work, after many nights of not being able to sleep because of everything swirling around in my mind, I stumbled onto yoga. For the first time ever, I was able to experience some stillness in my mind, which helped me get to sleep easier. I went on to study meditation, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, mantras, mudras, mindfulness, Nia, food psychology, various styles of yoga, coaching, stress management, and numerous other subjects. I tried out every way of moving that called to me, reconnected with horses, read countless books, journaled, told and listened to stories, and practiced presence and awareness. I learned about nature, movement, patterns, the world around me, and the world within me. I got reacquainted with myself and discovered what I really care about. I managed to get out of my head, and discovered that I don't always need to take life so seriously.
I started sleeping better, getting sick less, and feeling more energized. I found the courage to bring my whole self to work and let people see the less conservative sides of me. I was more productive than ever and received glowing reviews and consistent raises. I began to feel peaceful more often, and to notice what helped when I wasn't. I finally woke up to the beauty all around me and got clear about the difference I want to make in the world.
I'm passionate about helping people, particularly women, get off the hamster wheel of expectations and perfection and make real progress toward goals that make their heart smile. My overall philosophy is that there is no right or wrong - each experience simply offers us information about what works and what doesn't. I believe we progress most quickly when we’re fully present – not in pain, not judging good vs bad or right vs wrong, but present and aware of the sensations within us, honoring our body, mind & spirit. Tweaking to find what’s just right in the moment, fully present in the experience, rather than in the story running through your head.
Out of sheer necessity, I practice what I teach (otherwise, I'd probably be a frustrated, raving looney). I share my stories and experiences so that clients know they're not weird or isolated, but that we're all here in this human experience together. I believe that we all want to feel happy, loved, and like we make a difference in our little corner of the world. Everything I offer, from my blog posts to classes, workshops, and retreats are designed to help you feel more inspired, connected, joyful, and at ease on your journey through life.
Wishing you peace, love, and deep happiness,
Jena
