Hello, beautiful soul,
Have you ever looked at a piece of sea glass, worn smooth and beautiful by the relentless churning of the ocean? It started as sharp, broken glass, but the struggle transformed it into a treasure.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about how much of a woman’s life is like that. We are thrown into fires we didn’t ask for, tumbled by waves of expectation and disappointment. And for a long time, it can feel like we’re just being broken. But what if we started to see the beauty in what that fire forges? What if we realized that the struggle isn't just breaking us, it's making us?
This week, let’s talk about that transformation—from the inside out.
🔥 Forged in Fire
We spend so much of our lives trying to avoid the fire. The fire of confrontation, of difficult truths, of painful endings. We believe the fire will destroy us. And in a way, it does. It destroys the person we thought we had to be. It burns away the facades, the people-pleasing smiles, the flimsy boundaries that were never meant to hold.
What’s left in the ashes? The truth. Your core. The indestructible part of you that’s been waiting underneath it all. When you walk out of the fire, you don’t emerge unscathed—you emerge unburdened. You are stronger, wiser, and shining with a light that comes from surviving, from knowing you can face the heat and not be consumed. That strength, that authentic glow... that’s something no one can ever take from you. Read the article below!
From Peacekeeper to Powerhouse
For years, many of us wear the badge of “Peacekeeper” with honor. We are the masters of de-escalation, the keepers of secrets, the smoothers of ruffled feathers. We sacrifice our own needs, our own voice, to maintain a fragile harmony in our homes, friendships, and workplaces.
But peace at the cost of your own soul is not peace—it's erasure.
Becoming a Powerhouse isn't about being loud, aggressive, or controlling. It's about generating your own power from within. It’s the quiet, unshakable confidence of knowing your own worth. It’s the ability to speak your truth with clarity and kindness, even if your voice shakes. It’s the radical act of making your well-being a non-negotiable priority. A Powerhouse doesn't just keep the peace; she embodies it, because her peace is no longer dependent on anyone else’s approval. Read the article below:
From Peacekeeper to Powerhouse: Reclaiming My Voice After a Childhood of Chaos
Ask a Grown Ass Woman
This week's question: "How do I stop feeling so cripplingly guilty every time I try to set a boundary or just say 'no' to something?"
Answer: Oh, this is the million-dollar question, and please know, you are not alone in this feeling. That guilt is a conditioned response, likely ingrained in you since childhood. It's an old alarm bell warning you that you might be disappointing someone, which you were taught was a "bad" thing to do.
The first step is to reframe the guilt. When that wave hits, I want you to pause and say to yourself, "This feeling of guilt is not a sign that I've done something wrong. It's a sign that I'm choosing myself."
It’s the growing pain of a muscle you haven’t used. It’s your brain’s old wiring trying to pull you back to the familiar role of Peacekeeper. Acknowledge it ("Hello guilt, I feel you"), and then gently remind yourself that you are allowed to have needs. You are allowed to protect your energy. The guilt will get quieter with every single act of self-honor. You are not responsible for managing other people's reactions to your boundaries; you are only responsible for upholding them with kindness.
The Sovereign Sparkler ✨
Ready for a taste of what honoring yourself feels like? This delicious summer mocktail is all about refreshing your spirit. It's vibrant, healthy, and a perfect way to toast to your own well-being.
Ingredients:
- 4-5 thin slices of cucumber
- 6-8 fresh mint leaves
- 1 oz (2 tbsp) fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz (1 tbsp) agave nectar or honey (or to taste)
- Ice
- 6-8 oz sparkling water or club soda
- Garnish: a sprig of mint and a lime wheel
Instructions:
- In a sturdy glass, gently muddle the cucumber slices, mint leaves, and lime juice. You just want to release the oils, not pulverize them.
- Stir in the agave or honey until it dissolves.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Top with sparkling water and give it a gentle stir to combine.
- Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a lime wheel. Sip and feel sovereign!
The Empowered Woman's Toolkit
Two things that are perfect for this leg of the journey:
- Book Recommendation: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown. If you haven't read it, now is the time. This book is the ultimate permission slip to let go of who you think you're supposed to be and embrace who you are. It's a guide to wholehearted living, and it is essential reading for reclaiming your worth.
- Idea: The "Brain Dump" Journal. Forget structured journaling for a moment. Get a beautiful notebook (I love a good Leuchtturm1917) and a pen that feels good in your hand. Every morning, or whenever you feel overwhelmed, spend 10 minutes doing a "brain dump"—writing down every single thought, worry, fear, and to-do list item in your head without judgment. It’s a powerful tool to clear the mental clutter so you can hear your own voice underneath.
3 Things I'm Excited About...
On a personal note, my own life is buzzing with some new and exciting energy I wanted to share with you!
- A Trip to the Coast! I’m taking an upcoming trip to Corpus Christi with my amazing middle daughter and three of my grandbabies. I've never been to that part of the Texas coast, and I am so excited to explore somewhere new, breathe in the salt air, and just be present for sandcastle-building and memory-making.
- A New Fitness Challenge! I just started the full "Speed Train 25" program on Beachbody on Demand with trainer Joel Freeman. I did the sample workout and absolutely loved the energy and efficiency. It feels so good to commit to moving my body in a way that feels powerful and fun!
- My Voice in the World! I am over-the-moon excited to share that I have an article being published soon in The Midst, a wonderful publication about midlife. It’s a raw and honest piece about navigating the escape from a toxic narcissistic relationship. It's a bit of my own "forged in fire" story, and I can't wait to share it with you all.
Feeling that pull to create more space in your life? Ready to stop being a peacekeeper and start building your powerhouse? It all starts with boundaries.
My free guide, The Boundaries Blueprint, gives you the simple scripts and mindset shifts you need to start reclaiming your time, energy, and peace—without the guilt.
[Click Here to Download Your Free Boundaries Blueprint]
Thank you for being here, for showing up for yourself, and for being willing to step into the fire. You are worth the journey.
With so much love and belief in you,
Jessi
