Sometimes it is an absolute necessity to shake the Sometimes it is an absolute necessity to shake the sleeping self.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Just like a snake sheds its skin, we need times of renewal to rid ourselves of the muck we no longer need to carry.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
To shake the sleeping self requires discomfort.  It requires us to leave the safety and certainty of our homes and routines so that we can open our eyes to the vastness that lies before us.  I think when you feel stuck, the best thing you can do is put yourself in a position to be awed.  Sometimes feeling small is exactly what you need to feel big.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
On this #mlkday, I'm reminded of my smallness.  But, I'm also reminded of my ability to participate in ways that bring about big change.  Like...
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
➕Supporting @15percentpledge
➕Choosing to be uncomfortably aware of my white privilege
➕Joining groups and organizations & classes with people who come from vastly different backgrounds than I do
➕Celebrating, sharing, and promoting black owned businesses, accounts, artists, creators, etc. 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
None of the above is hard - it just requires me to get out of my head and into the usefulness of my hands.  To sit in awareness and ask myself: "how can I participate in creating equality today?" 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Human rights are just that... a right.  Not a privilege.  When one of us is persecuted, all of us are... for we all come from the same source.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
❤️ Who are some of your favorite black creators/owned businesses/artists, etc. here on instagram?  Please share.  I want to follow.  I want to participate.  I want to see the vast beauty that lies before me.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I want to share the AMAZING artist, @starofonyii (you can commission art from him), the yoga studio @activepeaceyoga (they offer virtual classes), non- profit @divaswhowin, the GORGEOUS blogger @bloggermamahayleyj, and musicians @dwaynenate @blacknerdmonsta & @wesdaruler.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Participating in community is fun.
Are you feeling stressed right now? Is the chaos Are you feeling stressed right now?  Is the chaos of our current political climate making you feel unsteady?  Me too.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I want to share a few things I'm finding deep, deep comfort in amidst unprecedented times in the hope that you will feel comfort, too.  The best thing we can do right now is care for each other & care for ourselves.  My individual energy is part of the collective & vice versa.  We are connected me & you.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Here are a few things that are bringing me solace:
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🙏🏼 The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday.  Such a beautiful book.  If you cannot afford it right now, DM me.  I'll share insights & help you figure something out.
🙏🏽 Meditation.  I use the @insighttimer app every day right after I make coffee & it helps to calm me before I engage with the outside world.  Nourishing our inner world before going out into the outer world is vital.  ESPECIALLY right now.
🙏🏾 Essential oils.  Whether you believe in their efficacy or not, stopping for a moment, smelling, & breathing help relax your nervous system & transport you into the present moment.
🙏🏿 My @komusodesign Shift necklace.  It's a necklace (not picture above) that you exhale into.  It slows down your breath, calms your nervous system, slows your heart rate, reduces your cortisol, & helps to relax your mind and body.  Do this breathing several rounds after putting your fave essential oil on your neck & wrists.  It's like the bliss of savasana after a yoga class.  I have a discount code.  DM me if you want it.  I don't want you to feel any obligation or trigger pressure to buy more stuff in this moment.
💧 Liquids.  I've been drinking so many smoothies & so much water and tea.  When the outside world is chaotic, nourishing my inside world feels really necessary.  Also, hydration is paramount to thinking clearly.  I need this.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
What are you doing to care for yourself?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Love,
J
9 days ago my boots were crunching atop the snow a 9 days ago my boots were crunching atop the snow and ice at the Grand Canyon.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This land we call home is pure magic.  Getting out in nature and tapping into my peace of mind does wonders for my soul.  Especially when things feel so uncertain as they do right now. 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
(I realize I am particularly fortunate in that I live in an RV and can safely venture to a lot of places). 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🌲 Sometimes when I am feeling stuck, it comforts me to think on the beautiful things that lie ahead for me.  If you are feeling in that place of stuck-ness, where is one place you could go in your head right now that would uplift your heart? 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Is it a lavender field?  Paris?  The Grand Canyon?  You local farmer's market?  I want to know.  And where is the first place you want to go when it is deemed safe?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I'm sending you so much love right now.  You deserve it.
.
.
.
.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Hat is @gigipip (DM me if you want a discount code!), Jacket is @levis, Boots are @thefryecompany, Layered necklaces are @electricpicks
A short poem that came to me on my walk yesterday A short poem that came to me on my walk yesterday regarding current events...⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
And she wept.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
She wept for the soul of a nation on whose soil she was born.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
She wept for the collective broken heart of the people who call this land home.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
She wept for the fear, uncertainty, and helplessness that so many are feeling in these moments that will be scrolled into history.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
She wept for the day.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
And then as the dawn broke anew, she lifted her face to the sun.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
There is hope.  Always. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
So much love to you all,⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Jaclyn
It feels good and right to lift our faces to the s It feels good and right to lift our faces to the sun. 🌞 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
With so much uncertainty and craziness happening in the world, I'm clinging to a Stoic Philosophy principle: focus on what you CAN control.  My thoughts, my feelings, my actions...⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It's easy to get bent out of shape with worry, but I when I do, I ask myself: is this worry benefitting me or anyone else?  Spoiler: my worry never benefits anything.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
For today, I want to do something kind for someone for no reason in particular, work on a project I'm really looking forward to releasing (like maybe even next week...), write a new podcast episode, and go and enjoy a Mediterranean dinner with my mom and my husband.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
When things feel big and messy, I like to keep things simple.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
✨ How are you feeling about current happenings?  I want to know because I want to know YOU.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Sending you big love today!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Jaclyn⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
p.s. Also, speaking of living with intention, did you listen to episode 52 of the podcast?  It's all about being intentional, with practical tips and questions, about who you want to be by the end of 2021.  The link to the episode is in my stories AND via the link in my bio.
This is what Tumnus calls a family hug. 😂 He do This is what Tumnus calls a family hug. 😂 He does this EVERY time Sam hugs me or tries to dance with me. 

I forgot I had this on my phone.  I recorded it when I was making a bunch of youtube videos... one being about all my pets.  LOL.  They are constant sources of entertainment.  I know you already know this because so many of you have pets.

📣 Do you have dogs or cats?  What are their names?

➕ I have Tumnus - a Yorkie/Schnauzer mix.  He's 13.
➕ I have Pippin - a Yorkie.  She's 9, almost 10.
➕ And I have Shiloh, who we often call Birdie because she once ate an ENTIRE bird that our cat killed and then came inside and proceeded to throw up the ENTIRE bird carcass on our very nice West Elm rug.  She's 4 and a rescue and we have no idea what kind of breed she is but we like it like that.
➕ Santiago, our cat, is currently being taken care of by the lovely people who purchased our home.  We were really worried about taking an outside cat out on the road with us.  When we purchased our former home, he was on the front stoop waiting for us when we arrived.  He was in pretty bad shape, but with some vet care and TLC from us, he became part of the family and we miss him dearly.

I cannot imagine life without pets.  They are little joy (and sometimes annoyance) buckets.  I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!
1st Monday of the year and I'm channeling my inner 1st Monday of the year and I'm channeling my inner @beyonce.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I'm telling you... nothing makes me get on the dance floor faster than 7/11.  You feel me?  I'm also a real sucker for and turn into a freaking 12 year old boy - just undone - when Thrift Shop from Macklemore & Ryan Lewis plays. (💃🏻 Don't believe me?  Ask @samthurmond_rei what I'm like on the dance floor).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
👊🏽 What are your pump up songs?  I love infusing the beginning of the year with some high vibe, powerful energy!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
👩🏼‍🎤 Should we start a playlist?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Cheers to the 1st Monday of the 2021!  Sending you all BIG BIGGG BIIIIIIIIIIG love. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Jaclyn
📝 Endings are beginnings and beginnings are end 📝 Endings are beginnings and beginnings are endings.  All we have to do is keep writing in the circle of life.  The in-between is what makes us who we are.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Happy New Year!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Things may look uncertain right now, but keep writing... Tomorrow is a new page.  And so is every day after that.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Love you,⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Jaclyn
I hesitated posting this photo.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It's actually a self portrait I took in January of 2019.  I haven't shared it for a few reasons:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
➕ It's artsy and more aloof than the photos I usually post.  Aloof isn't really my brand.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
➕ I took it after my trip to the Middle East.  That trip was a series of unfortunate events, so much so, that I wrote an ebook about it (ask me if you want it, it's free).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
➕ It's a visual peek, instead of my usual written peek, into the very layered and complex part of who I am.  I generally try and keep things positive on here because who needs more complexity?!?!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I'm changing things up in 2021 though.  I'm curiously diving deeper into the next layers of my self expression - not just for fun, though it is fun - but for survival.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
My Hashimoto's diagnosis is representative of dis-ease in my body - dis-ease that is rooted in unexpressed emotion (look up the metaphysical manifestation of thyroid disorders...).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
So while I LOVE being positive and uplifting on here, I also want to share that I'm multi-faceted.  We all are.  No one is just one thing.  We are multi-dimensional like a beautiful kaleidoscope.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
And just like I'm experimenting with sharing my journal entries, I'm also going to experiment with sharing more of my artistic expression.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It's an exercise in self expression and hopefully a creative paver on my road to Hashimoto's recovery.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
➡️ What are you desirous of switching up in 2021?  How can I support you in that? 🖤 Drop your project, goal, website, etc. below and let's support one another!
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Music, Self Help, This is Important, Wellness · December 5, 2018

The Expense of Compassion

What I really want is to be self aware.

I'm Jaclyn. Writer. Podcaster. Songstress. Wander-luster. Clean beauty convert & conscious fashionista. I've never met a nude lipstick or personal development section I didn't like.

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Sometimes it is an absolute necessity to shake the Sometimes it is an absolute necessity to shake the sleeping self.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Just like a snake sheds its skin, we need times of renewal to rid ourselves of the muck we no longer need to carry.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
To shake the sleeping self requires discomfort.  It requires us to leave the safety and certainty of our homes and routines so that we can open our eyes to the vastness that lies before us.  I think when you feel stuck, the best thing you can do is put yourself in a position to be awed.  Sometimes feeling small is exactly what you need to feel big.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
On this #mlkday, I'm reminded of my smallness.  But, I'm also reminded of my ability to participate in ways that bring about big change.  Like...
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
➕Supporting @15percentpledge
➕Choosing to be uncomfortably aware of my white privilege
➕Joining groups and organizations & classes with people who come from vastly different backgrounds than I do
➕Celebrating, sharing, and promoting black owned businesses, accounts, artists, creators, etc. 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
None of the above is hard - it just requires me to get out of my head and into the usefulness of my hands.  To sit in awareness and ask myself: "how can I participate in creating equality today?" 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Human rights are just that... a right.  Not a privilege.  When one of us is persecuted, all of us are... for we all come from the same source.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
❤️ Who are some of your favorite black creators/owned businesses/artists, etc. here on instagram?  Please share.  I want to follow.  I want to participate.  I want to see the vast beauty that lies before me.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I want to share the AMAZING artist, @starofonyii (you can commission art from him), the yoga studio @activepeaceyoga (they offer virtual classes), non- profit @divaswhowin, the GORGEOUS blogger @bloggermamahayleyj, and musicians @dwaynenate @blacknerdmonsta & @wesdaruler.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Participating in community is fun.
Are you feeling stressed right now? Is the chaos Are you feeling stressed right now?  Is the chaos of our current political climate making you feel unsteady?  Me too.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I want to share a few things I'm finding deep, deep comfort in amidst unprecedented times in the hope that you will feel comfort, too.  The best thing we can do right now is care for each other & care for ourselves.  My individual energy is part of the collective & vice versa.  We are connected me & you.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Here are a few things that are bringing me solace:
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🙏🏼 The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday.  Such a beautiful book.  If you cannot afford it right now, DM me.  I'll share insights & help you figure something out.
🙏🏽 Meditation.  I use the @insighttimer app every day right after I make coffee & it helps to calm me before I engage with the outside world.  Nourishing our inner world before going out into the outer world is vital.  ESPECIALLY right now.
🙏🏾 Essential oils.  Whether you believe in their efficacy or not, stopping for a moment, smelling, & breathing help relax your nervous system & transport you into the present moment.
🙏🏿 My @komusodesign Shift necklace.  It's a necklace (not picture above) that you exhale into.  It slows down your breath, calms your nervous system, slows your heart rate, reduces your cortisol, & helps to relax your mind and body.  Do this breathing several rounds after putting your fave essential oil on your neck & wrists.  It's like the bliss of savasana after a yoga class.  I have a discount code.  DM me if you want it.  I don't want you to feel any obligation or trigger pressure to buy more stuff in this moment.
💧 Liquids.  I've been drinking so many smoothies & so much water and tea.  When the outside world is chaotic, nourishing my inside world feels really necessary.  Also, hydration is paramount to thinking clearly.  I need this.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
What are you doing to care for yourself?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Love,
J
9 days ago my boots were crunching atop the snow a 9 days ago my boots were crunching atop the snow and ice at the Grand Canyon.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This land we call home is pure magic.  Getting out in nature and tapping into my peace of mind does wonders for my soul.  Especially when things feel so uncertain as they do right now. 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
(I realize I am particularly fortunate in that I live in an RV and can safely venture to a lot of places). 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🌲 Sometimes when I am feeling stuck, it comforts me to think on the beautiful things that lie ahead for me.  If you are feeling in that place of stuck-ness, where is one place you could go in your head right now that would uplift your heart? 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Is it a lavender field?  Paris?  The Grand Canyon?  You local farmer's market?  I want to know.  And where is the first place you want to go when it is deemed safe?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I'm sending you so much love right now.  You deserve it.
.
.
.
.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Hat is @gigipip (DM me if you want a discount code!), Jacket is @levis, Boots are @thefryecompany, Layered necklaces are @electricpicks
A short poem that came to me on my walk yesterday A short poem that came to me on my walk yesterday regarding current events...⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
And she wept.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
She wept for the soul of a nation on whose soil she was born.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
She wept for the collective broken heart of the people who call this land home.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
She wept for the fear, uncertainty, and helplessness that so many are feeling in these moments that will be scrolled into history.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
She wept for the day.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
And then as the dawn broke anew, she lifted her face to the sun.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
There is hope.  Always. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
So much love to you all,⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Jaclyn
It feels good and right to lift our faces to the s It feels good and right to lift our faces to the sun. 🌞 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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With so much uncertainty and craziness happening in the world, I'm clinging to a Stoic Philosophy principle: focus on what you CAN control.  My thoughts, my feelings, my actions...⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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It's easy to get bent out of shape with worry, but I when I do, I ask myself: is this worry benefitting me or anyone else?  Spoiler: my worry never benefits anything.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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For today, I want to do something kind for someone for no reason in particular, work on a project I'm really looking forward to releasing (like maybe even next week...), write a new podcast episode, and go and enjoy a Mediterranean dinner with my mom and my husband.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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When things feel big and messy, I like to keep things simple.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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✨ How are you feeling about current happenings?  I want to know because I want to know YOU.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Sending you big love today!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Jaclyn⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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p.s. Also, speaking of living with intention, did you listen to episode 52 of the podcast?  It's all about being intentional, with practical tips and questions, about who you want to be by the end of 2021.  The link to the episode is in my stories AND via the link in my bio.
This is what Tumnus calls a family hug. 😂 He do This is what Tumnus calls a family hug. 😂 He does this EVERY time Sam hugs me or tries to dance with me. 

I forgot I had this on my phone.  I recorded it when I was making a bunch of youtube videos... one being about all my pets.  LOL.  They are constant sources of entertainment.  I know you already know this because so many of you have pets.

📣 Do you have dogs or cats?  What are their names?

➕ I have Tumnus - a Yorkie/Schnauzer mix.  He's 13.
➕ I have Pippin - a Yorkie.  She's 9, almost 10.
➕ And I have Shiloh, who we often call Birdie because she once ate an ENTIRE bird that our cat killed and then came inside and proceeded to throw up the ENTIRE bird carcass on our very nice West Elm rug.  She's 4 and a rescue and we have no idea what kind of breed she is but we like it like that.
➕ Santiago, our cat, is currently being taken care of by the lovely people who purchased our home.  We were really worried about taking an outside cat out on the road with us.  When we purchased our former home, he was on the front stoop waiting for us when we arrived.  He was in pretty bad shape, but with some vet care and TLC from us, he became part of the family and we miss him dearly.

I cannot imagine life without pets.  They are little joy (and sometimes annoyance) buckets.  I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!
1st Monday of the year and I'm channeling my inner 1st Monday of the year and I'm channeling my inner @beyonce.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I'm telling you... nothing makes me get on the dance floor faster than 7/11.  You feel me?  I'm also a real sucker for and turn into a freaking 12 year old boy - just undone - when Thrift Shop from Macklemore & Ryan Lewis plays. (💃🏻 Don't believe me?  Ask @samthurmond_rei what I'm like on the dance floor).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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👊🏽 What are your pump up songs?  I love infusing the beginning of the year with some high vibe, powerful energy!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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👩🏼‍🎤 Should we start a playlist?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Cheers to the 1st Monday of the 2021!  Sending you all BIG BIGGG BIIIIIIIIIIG love. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Jaclyn
📝 Endings are beginnings and beginnings are end 📝 Endings are beginnings and beginnings are endings.  All we have to do is keep writing in the circle of life.  The in-between is what makes us who we are.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Happy New Year!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Things may look uncertain right now, but keep writing... Tomorrow is a new page.  And so is every day after that.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Love you,⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Jaclyn
I hesitated posting this photo.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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It's actually a self portrait I took in January of 2019.  I haven't shared it for a few reasons:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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➕ It's artsy and more aloof than the photos I usually post.  Aloof isn't really my brand.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
➕ I took it after my trip to the Middle East.  That trip was a series of unfortunate events, so much so, that I wrote an ebook about it (ask me if you want it, it's free).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
➕ It's a visual peek, instead of my usual written peek, into the very layered and complex part of who I am.  I generally try and keep things positive on here because who needs more complexity?!?!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I'm changing things up in 2021 though.  I'm curiously diving deeper into the next layers of my self expression - not just for fun, though it is fun - but for survival.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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My Hashimoto's diagnosis is representative of dis-ease in my body - dis-ease that is rooted in unexpressed emotion (look up the metaphysical manifestation of thyroid disorders...).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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So while I LOVE being positive and uplifting on here, I also want to share that I'm multi-faceted.  We all are.  No one is just one thing.  We are multi-dimensional like a beautiful kaleidoscope.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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And just like I'm experimenting with sharing my journal entries, I'm also going to experiment with sharing more of my artistic expression.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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It's an exercise in self expression and hopefully a creative paver on my road to Hashimoto's recovery.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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➡️ What are you desirous of switching up in 2021?  How can I support you in that? 🖤 Drop your project, goal, website, etc. below and let's support one another!
I might ruffle a few feathers with this one...⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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📝 We are not meant to play small.  However, we don't just wake up one day ready to play big - we grow into our abilities - challenge by challenge.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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(📝 - this emoji means I'm quoting directly from my journal).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This has been a challenging Holiday season for so many of us.  Hell, a challenging whole year.  And we don't know what 2021 will bring.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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What I'm taking solace in today, though, is that I have the capacity to face challenges.  And challenges are often a redirection.  And redirection is often the very pathway to expansion.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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What if instead of fighting all of these challenges, we start to embrace them?  What if we allowed life to redirect us without putting up such a fight?  Could it be that life is actually looking out for us?  Changing our trajectory toward a future that is beyond our wildest dreams?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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That's what I'm holding to.  I have not historically gone easily into challenging times, but now, in a space where they cannot be avoided, I'm trying to learn to use them to my advantage. ➕To learn, ➕to reshape, ➕to change my mindset, ➕to grow, ➕to expand, ➕to add to my skillset.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Whatever you are going through, you are not alone.  Also, whatever you may be facing, know that you are stronger than you realize.  You are far more capable than you may feel right now.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Listen to a sad song.  Dance it out.  Cry it out.  Journal it out. Do what you need to do... ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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And then get to work.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Love you,⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Jaclyn⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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(Jumpsuit - @freepeople, Ruffle blouse - @amazonfashion, Earrings - @houseofharlow1960, Lipstick - @lawless liquid lipstick in George)

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