So a bit of health update here.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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For those of you who don't know, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis in August of last year.  I was exhausted, anxious, sad, & had suddenly gained like 10 pounds - seemingly overnight.  It was really scary.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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After meeting with an endocrinologist, I started taking 25 mcg of Levothyroxine every morning (reluctantly because I'm intrinsically averse to pharmaceuticals - but I felt so horrible, I was desperate). I also decided to approach my health recovery through nutrition (limiting gluten, sugar, and healing the gut) and hormone replacement therapy (episode 44 of the podcast).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I had a blood test 2 weeks ago, and my TSH went from 4.9 to 2.7, and my thyroid antibodies went from 277 to 165.  I am within a healthy range now except that my antibodies are still little high.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I'm not even 6 months from my diagnosis so this is good, however, if you know me, you will not be surprised by what I did next...⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Decided to go off Levothyroxine... I've been off it for a week and I'm starting to feel fatigued again.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Which segues perfectly into today's podcast topic: how to stop giving our power away.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Among other things (and they're addressed in the episode), we have to know when to push & when to pull back.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I'm rushing my healing recovery by getting off the medicine too soon.  I need more time.  And, in this instance, renewing my prescription so that I can feel the energy I know I have inside, is taking the power back into my own hands.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Don't do what I did, which was: look at your numbers and feel frustration because they aren't perfect.  Choose to see the progress.  That's what I'm leaning into.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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And if you need some outside help, it's ok.  We don't have to be islands.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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✌🏼 Name one area in your life in which you've made progress! Go!
I HAVE to tell you what Sam and I did this weekend I HAVE to tell you what Sam and I did this weekend (no, we didn't go back to the Grand Canyon 😩).
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We did what Bill Gates calls a "Think Week." But because we couldn't take a whole week rn, we did a Think Week(end).
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We both took Friday off and for 3 days we mapped out what we want the rest of the year to look like individually and as a couple.
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The idea is to:
➕ turn off outside noise, so you can hear your own thoughts (so less media, or ideally no media - I cheated a little on this 😬)
➕ outline a life and a business goal... and get super micro about leading indicators (what you will do on the daily to achieve these)
➕ unplug!!!
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Friends, to say it was glorious is an understatement.  We are going to do this on the regular, AND do a full week at least once per year.  I feel so clear on what I want to do - AND I have a really focused idea of what I need to do to get there.
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Some Highlights:
➕ taking a drive in Sedona and being blown away by the views
➕ seeing @samthurmond_rei take a break for the first time in a LONG time
➕ eating a bunch of fruit (I swear this helped me get over whatever was making me feel sick)
➕ taking some time to learn about essential oils (so into them rn)
➕ watching New Girl and LAUGHING SO HARD
➕ mapping out my plans in my @savorlifeplanner - this is a TOTAL game changer.  I love it so much! - Link to my planner in my stories.
➕ watching The Gladiator & The Pursuit of Happiness (SO INSPIRATIONAL)
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➡️➡️➡️ Do you guys want to hear more about Think Week(end)? I was thinking about doing an Instagram Live on Thursday about it.  Drop a 🤗 in the comments if you are interested in that, and I'll make it happen.
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I learned about this idea from @theskinnyconfidential and it is seriously game changing.  I cannot recommend it enough!
Twelve and a half. 12.5. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Twelve and a half.  12.5.
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That's the number of years @samthurmond_rei and I have been a thing.
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The first trip we ever took together was to the Grand Canyon.  We look like babies.  I was a senior in college, he was fresh out of the Air Force Academy and we were two kids who had no idea what we were doing... just that we really liked each other.  Lol.  That's what we would say on the phone to each other before getting off the line, too. It was before "I love you." "I really, really like you."
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Our love story has not always been rosy.  We've had some amazing times, and we've had some times that have really brought us to our knees.  Like big time, knees aching kind of stuff.  But something I cherish the most about our relationship is the history we have built.
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12.5 years worth of history.  I wrote a song a long time ago and one of the lyrics was this "I know it's tempting to lean into the mystery, but you and me, we got history..." There is something so comforting about those shared experiences.  They ground me.  They make me feel seen.  They are evidence that we keep choosing each other even when we don't have to.
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I have a sinus infection right now and I'm feeling like crud - but I want to continue my habit of looking around me and feeling awe.  Awe that inspires such gratitude in me that I could burst... Knowing my husband is in the next room.  The health of my sweet Pip whose resting on my lap.  The hot tea I am about to make.  The sweet message from my friend who loves me so much and wants to know how I am.
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Another thing I'm so grateful for is YOU.  The friendships I've made on here lift me up.  I hope I can lift you up the way you lift me.
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What's something small you are feeling incredibly grateful for today?
I JUST got off the phone with Pip's vet and she sh I JUST got off the phone with Pip's vet and she shared that Pippin's biopsy results show...
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NO CANCER!  It's been one week since the shocking phone call I received while she was having her routine dental.  The doctor informed me that they thought they found a tumor in her mouth and essentially that I needed to prepare for the worst and that the best thing we could do is try and make her comfortable, but that humane euthanasia would probably be necessary.  7 days have passed without knowing her biopsy results. 
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I've looked at her sweet little face every single day for the last week and I've been filled with gratitude knowing she has been mine for the last 10 years.  I shared in my IGTV video last week the priming God provided leading up to this crazy news (reference that video if you are interested) and I have continued to feel so held and loved and cared for despite the not knowing. 
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So many of you have texted me, messaged me, checked in on me.  You've prayed and shared so much love.  I cannot thank you enough.  THANK YOU from my heart's bottom.  LOL.  I adore the community on here.  You all are my peeps.
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In lighter/far more disgusting/totally unglamorous news:  I woke up and rolled over into a pile of Pippin vomit this morning.  She is a little diva model and when she over eats (she did last night) she throws it up.  And today, I had the immense pleasure of rolling right into it first thing.  Normally, I would've cursed and been angry, but today, I looked at her and was like: throw up all you want, girl.  I'm just so happy you're here. 
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🐶 Perspective is everything, huh?  Have any funny/gross pet stories you can share with me?  I'm in a relief laughing mood.
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Love to you,
J
What a historic day! Couple of announcements/upda What a historic day!  Couple of announcements/updates:
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➕ to those of you who are asking about my precious Pip - still no updates.  We are still awaiting biopsy results.  Your comments, prayers, messages have filled my heart.  She is currently acting like her sassy self.  I'm so grateful.
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➕ with the unexpected Pip news last Wednesday, I failed to share that season 2 of Self Discovery is out (link in bio)! Like right now.  And last Wednesday.  So TWO eps.
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➕ Today's episode is with surgeon @drstephenlober.  I had never considered plastic surgery to be a part of my wellness practice, but I think that thought needs to be shaken up.  Why?  Because the way we feel in our bodies is important.  While I don't want you to ever feel like you need to have plastic surgery to fix anything, I do want to take some of the stigma surrounding plastic surgery away.  That's why I think this conversation with Dr. Lober is so interesting and that's why I'm openly talking about the procedure I had done.  
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You are gorgeous the way you are, but I understand what it feels like to feel self conscious about an area on your beautiful bod.  So, we crafted this episode around your questions.  My intent in sharing this information is to educate, empower, and satisfy your curiosity around the intriguing world of plastic surgery.
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👏🏿👏🏾👏🏽👏🏼👏🏻 Also, how much do you agree that Amanda Gorman stole the show today??? MY GOSH! Tell me your thoughts!!!
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Love to you all!
J
Sometimes it is an absolute necessity to shake the Sometimes it is an absolute necessity to shake the sleeping self.
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Just like a snake sheds its skin, we need times of renewal to rid ourselves of the muck we no longer need to carry.
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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.
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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...
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➕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. 
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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?" 
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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.
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❤️ 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Here are a few things that are bringing me solace:
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🙏🏼 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.
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What are you doing to care for yourself?
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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.
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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. 
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(I realize I am particularly fortunate in that I live in an RV and can safely venture to a lot of places). 
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🌲 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? 
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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?
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I'm sending you so much love right now.  You deserve it.
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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...⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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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.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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There is hope.  Always. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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So much love to you all,⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Jaclyn
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Self Help, Wellness · October 21, 2019

I have never, ever done this before.

I’m standing on a precipice, friends.  I’m on the verge of doing something I have never, ever done before.

I have some fear, but I also have a sense of peace around the decisions I’ve made.

This year has been rough with a capital R.  Family drama.  Check.  Emotional Trauma. Check.  Financial Stress.  Double Check.  Pet health scares.  Check.  My own health scares.  Check.  Business pains.  Check.  Tree falling and missing the house by literally 3 inches.  Check.  Anxiety.  Check.  Fear monsters.  Full force check.

In the wise words of Jack Black, and also in his accent in the classic, Nacho Libre, this year has been a “doozy.”

But if you have known me for any length of time, you know that I choose not to dwell in the negative.  I’m a big fan of giving myself a little space to wallow because I need that sometimes, but I actively try not to stay in that space for very long because I know that no good will come of it.

And even though this year has been a doozy, I’m really grateful for it.  At the time that all of this was reaching its climax I wasn’t, of course.  I’m only human and I cannot always see the forest for the trees, but now, looking back, I can see the power that came from my deep pain.

I had to break down to build back up.  

Or more specifically, I had to shatter my self limiting beliefs in order to replace them with newer, healthier, more empowered ones.  Had I not experienced all this pain and stress in a fairly simultaneous fashion, I wouldn’t have cracked like I did last March (way more on that later… I have much to share with you all).  I had to undo years of conditioned behavior and perfectionism.  I had to get to a point where I was so sick of the tapes and tendencies playing on repeat in that version of myself, that I had to shed that self altogether.

So now, I’m happy to report that I am fully cured and officially, 100% a totally different person.

JK!

But I will tell you this: I am a much, much healthier version of the human I was at the beginning of this year.

The breaking down and peeling back of all these layers that I thought I had addressed, but really hadn’t, taught me something essential about myself.  I have never put the full weight of my own belief behind my projects.  I have consistently doubted myself (that’s normal).  I’ve consistently, though subconsciously, sought approval from a very specific person in my life.  I have consistently created things and then found excuses not to release them out of fear.  (Y’all, I have 2 finished songs that have been done for over a year!  I have unpublished blog posts, manuscripts, freebies, instagram content, and ideas that have never seen the light of day.  The list goes on and on and on…)

Before I cracked in March, I thought I had been showing up at full capacity all this time, but I was wrong.  This year taught me that I had been missing an essential ingredient: real belief in myself.

I had to figure out how to stand up amidst the doubt, approval seeking, fear, unpublished creations, etc. that were weighing me down.  I had to actively choose to see through a different lens.  A lens where I still walk forward despite doubt.  A lens where I let go of what this person is going to think or say and believe because I have not fully gotten their approval ever and I cannot keep shrinking myself while making major life decisions because of this fact.  A lens where I acknowledge my fear but also tell it that my heart is taking the lead.  And a lens where I hit publish and release these creations because they are part of who I am and creating feels like breath to me.

Friends, belief in myself is not the absence of doubt – it’s the bravery to expand past it.

I feel like the immense pain and discomfort of this year squeezed me out of my old form and into a newer, higher vibe, expanded, and spacious form.  One where I respect myself a lot more.  One where I walk around a little lighter.  One where I treat myself much more gently.  One where I forgive myself much more willingly.  And one where I show up fully for my creations – no more hiding them in a corner on one of my many external hard drives.

And this brings me to the thing I have never, ever done before: invested in myself.

Friends, besides college, I have never really invested my own cold hard cash in my own projects.  I have boot strapped everything.  I started by branding business by charging $300 on my credit card and then did everything else myself.  Much of this was out of necessity and I think its awesome that I’ve been able to create a lot from so little, but here’s my dirty little secret: I didn’t believe in myself enough or feel worthy enough to market my brand.  Of course, I didn’t fully understand this while all these things were going down.  I just chalked it up to not being able to justify the expense if I could figure out a way to do it myself.  Smart… sometimes.

And that’s what I’ve done.  I’ve tried to do everything myself.  And at this point, in the last quarter of 2019, I can take myself no further on my own.  So, I hired a marketing expert.  I took money that I had saved for a new computer and my trusty credit card and I leapt into the unknown.

I’ve been quiet this year.  I haven’t blogged.  I haven’t vlogged.  I haven’t sent emails or updates really.  I’ve been focused on my healing and my expansion – and the result of that was a meteor of creativity.  So while I’ve been publicly quiet, I’ve been privately creating.

And because I’ve been doing the work of letting go of so many of my self limiting beliefs, I’m walking willingly into new territory.  I’m putting my money where my creations are and hiring a team to help me share them with the world because I believe these creations will empower people.  I’m putting my bootstraps on the shelf for a bit.

I still have doubt.  I still have fear.  I still have anxiety around money and spending it on myself.  But I also have this immense sense of confidence and pride that I am actively placing my belief back into myself where it belongs.  This outweighs the doubt, the fear, and the anxiety.

Friends, where are you placing your belief?  Are you giving it to others who may or may not give it back to you?  Are you placing it in the outcome of a project you have no control over?  Or are you actively placing your belief where it belongs? – in yourself.

I’m not trying to persuade you to put down large chunks of money on something that hasn’t hatched yet, but I am telling you to do so when it has.

You matter to me.  Your time matters to me.  Thank you for reading this.  May you go into your day with a renewed sense of self confidence and the bravery to bet on your own ideas.


Light, Love, & Peace,

J A C L Y N

In: Self Help, Wellness · Tagged: bravery, courage, doubt, expansion, fear, self discovery

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Comments

  1. Hunter Altman says

    October 22, 2019 at 1:44 pm

    <3

    Reply
    • jsteele says

      October 22, 2019 at 3:00 pm

      Thanks, Hunter! <3

      Reply
  2. Paula Loniak says

    October 22, 2019 at 3:21 pm

    I’ve missed you, online & in person. I’ve seemed to just ignore that (positive) part of my life until it no longer was a regular part of my ‘routine’. And it’s had an effect on me that makes me think I should start spending time with you again if you’re up for that.

    I’d love to catch up and find out what’s going on (now) with you and discuss what’s going on (and has been going on) with me. It’s been a roller coaster in various areas of my life.

    Love,
    Paula

    Reply
    • jsteele says

      October 22, 2019 at 4:50 pm

      Paula, I miss you too! I understand. Sometimes life takes over before we realize what’s happening. I’d love to grab a cup of coffee. <3

      Reply
  3. Eddie Graham says

    October 23, 2019 at 12:54 am

    Hi Jaclyn ~

    As I awake this morning I had the thought, “I wonder how Jaclyn is doing — it’s been a long time since we’ve heard from her.” So it was serendipitous to see that you had just sent an email shortly before then!
    Thank you for the update – big shift!

    There’s never an end to discovery and opening to life and to love, huh? You’re certainly delving into your life!

    Mary and I send you our love and best wishes.

    Reply
    • jsteele says

      October 23, 2019 at 2:42 pm

      Eddie!

      It is SO great to hear from you. Isn’t it interesting how thoughts manifest into reality. Yes, there have been some HUGE shifts in my life for the better. I had to undo a lot of beliefs I didn’t realize were holding me back.

      I miss you and Mary so much. You know, as I was reading your comment I thought “I would love to be penpals with Eddie and Mary.” Would you have any interest in that? I think we would have all kinds of cool things to discuss. 🙂

      You and Mary are gifts in my life.

      Jaclyn

      Reply
  4. Alexandra says

    October 26, 2019 at 9:05 am

    OMG Jaclyn your story is so similiar to my this year… But I’m not cured in 100% and I think is so long road before me. In my business I start from 0 because I was quiet almost 3 years… I’ve prepare blog post about that. In this time I’ve prepared new products (premade logos, mini courses, freebies etc) but not publish any of them. Now I’m ordering new logo for my biz (not doing yourself everything), invest in online course about starting etsy shop etc. I’m thinking about life and business coaching. Also I know that hard decisions it means easy life but easy decisions means hard life. Is more less like my mantra recently. I have dream about tiny living maybe even in Thailand… But is some many things to do before be done

    Reply
    • jsteele says

      October 26, 2019 at 5:32 pm

      I hear you about all of this. I would love to live abroad. You are so not alone. Just remember to be gentle with yourself – not that you aren’t. This whole living business is complicated. <3 So much love to you!

      Reply
      • Alexandra Ross says

        October 30, 2019 at 12:50 pm

        Thank you so much!

        Reply
        • jsteele says

          November 14, 2019 at 7:02 pm

          Of course!

          Reply

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“You are stronger than you believe.”

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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So a bit of health update here.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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For those of you who don't know, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis in August of last year.  I was exhausted, anxious, sad, & had suddenly gained like 10 pounds - seemingly overnight.  It was really scary.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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After meeting with an endocrinologist, I started taking 25 mcg of Levothyroxine every morning (reluctantly because I'm intrinsically averse to pharmaceuticals - but I felt so horrible, I was desperate). I also decided to approach my health recovery through nutrition (limiting gluten, sugar, and healing the gut) and hormone replacement therapy (episode 44 of the podcast).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I had a blood test 2 weeks ago, and my TSH went from 4.9 to 2.7, and my thyroid antibodies went from 277 to 165.  I am within a healthy range now except that my antibodies are still little high.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I'm not even 6 months from my diagnosis so this is good, however, if you know me, you will not be surprised by what I did next...⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Decided to go off Levothyroxine... I've been off it for a week and I'm starting to feel fatigued again.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Which segues perfectly into today's podcast topic: how to stop giving our power away.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Among other things (and they're addressed in the episode), we have to know when to push & when to pull back.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I'm rushing my healing recovery by getting off the medicine too soon.  I need more time.  And, in this instance, renewing my prescription so that I can feel the energy I know I have inside, is taking the power back into my own hands.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Don't do what I did, which was: look at your numbers and feel frustration because they aren't perfect.  Choose to see the progress.  That's what I'm leaning into.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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And if you need some outside help, it's ok.  We don't have to be islands.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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✌🏼 Name one area in your life in which you've made progress! Go!
I HAVE to tell you what Sam and I did this weekend I HAVE to tell you what Sam and I did this weekend (no, we didn't go back to the Grand Canyon 😩).
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We did what Bill Gates calls a "Think Week." But because we couldn't take a whole week rn, we did a Think Week(end).
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We both took Friday off and for 3 days we mapped out what we want the rest of the year to look like individually and as a couple.
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The idea is to:
➕ turn off outside noise, so you can hear your own thoughts (so less media, or ideally no media - I cheated a little on this 😬)
➕ outline a life and a business goal... and get super micro about leading indicators (what you will do on the daily to achieve these)
➕ unplug!!!
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Friends, to say it was glorious is an understatement.  We are going to do this on the regular, AND do a full week at least once per year.  I feel so clear on what I want to do - AND I have a really focused idea of what I need to do to get there.
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Some Highlights:
➕ taking a drive in Sedona and being blown away by the views
➕ seeing @samthurmond_rei take a break for the first time in a LONG time
➕ eating a bunch of fruit (I swear this helped me get over whatever was making me feel sick)
➕ taking some time to learn about essential oils (so into them rn)
➕ watching New Girl and LAUGHING SO HARD
➕ mapping out my plans in my @savorlifeplanner - this is a TOTAL game changer.  I love it so much! - Link to my planner in my stories.
➕ watching The Gladiator & The Pursuit of Happiness (SO INSPIRATIONAL)
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➡️➡️➡️ Do you guys want to hear more about Think Week(end)? I was thinking about doing an Instagram Live on Thursday about it.  Drop a 🤗 in the comments if you are interested in that, and I'll make it happen.
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I learned about this idea from @theskinnyconfidential and it is seriously game changing.  I cannot recommend it enough!
Twelve and a half. 12.5. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Twelve and a half.  12.5.
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That's the number of years @samthurmond_rei and I have been a thing.
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The first trip we ever took together was to the Grand Canyon.  We look like babies.  I was a senior in college, he was fresh out of the Air Force Academy and we were two kids who had no idea what we were doing... just that we really liked each other.  Lol.  That's what we would say on the phone to each other before getting off the line, too. It was before "I love you." "I really, really like you."
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Our love story has not always been rosy.  We've had some amazing times, and we've had some times that have really brought us to our knees.  Like big time, knees aching kind of stuff.  But something I cherish the most about our relationship is the history we have built.
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12.5 years worth of history.  I wrote a song a long time ago and one of the lyrics was this "I know it's tempting to lean into the mystery, but you and me, we got history..." There is something so comforting about those shared experiences.  They ground me.  They make me feel seen.  They are evidence that we keep choosing each other even when we don't have to.
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I have a sinus infection right now and I'm feeling like crud - but I want to continue my habit of looking around me and feeling awe.  Awe that inspires such gratitude in me that I could burst... Knowing my husband is in the next room.  The health of my sweet Pip whose resting on my lap.  The hot tea I am about to make.  The sweet message from my friend who loves me so much and wants to know how I am.
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Another thing I'm so grateful for is YOU.  The friendships I've made on here lift me up.  I hope I can lift you up the way you lift me.
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What's something small you are feeling incredibly grateful for today?
I JUST got off the phone with Pip's vet and she sh I JUST got off the phone with Pip's vet and she shared that Pippin's biopsy results show...
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NO CANCER!  It's been one week since the shocking phone call I received while she was having her routine dental.  The doctor informed me that they thought they found a tumor in her mouth and essentially that I needed to prepare for the worst and that the best thing we could do is try and make her comfortable, but that humane euthanasia would probably be necessary.  7 days have passed without knowing her biopsy results. 
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I've looked at her sweet little face every single day for the last week and I've been filled with gratitude knowing she has been mine for the last 10 years.  I shared in my IGTV video last week the priming God provided leading up to this crazy news (reference that video if you are interested) and I have continued to feel so held and loved and cared for despite the not knowing. 
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So many of you have texted me, messaged me, checked in on me.  You've prayed and shared so much love.  I cannot thank you enough.  THANK YOU from my heart's bottom.  LOL.  I adore the community on here.  You all are my peeps.
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In lighter/far more disgusting/totally unglamorous news:  I woke up and rolled over into a pile of Pippin vomit this morning.  She is a little diva model and when she over eats (she did last night) she throws it up.  And today, I had the immense pleasure of rolling right into it first thing.  Normally, I would've cursed and been angry, but today, I looked at her and was like: throw up all you want, girl.  I'm just so happy you're here. 
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🐶 Perspective is everything, huh?  Have any funny/gross pet stories you can share with me?  I'm in a relief laughing mood.
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Love to you,
J
What a historic day! Couple of announcements/upda What a historic day!  Couple of announcements/updates:
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➕ to those of you who are asking about my precious Pip - still no updates.  We are still awaiting biopsy results.  Your comments, prayers, messages have filled my heart.  She is currently acting like her sassy self.  I'm so grateful.
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➕ with the unexpected Pip news last Wednesday, I failed to share that season 2 of Self Discovery is out (link in bio)! Like right now.  And last Wednesday.  So TWO eps.
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➕ Today's episode is with surgeon @drstephenlober.  I had never considered plastic surgery to be a part of my wellness practice, but I think that thought needs to be shaken up.  Why?  Because the way we feel in our bodies is important.  While I don't want you to ever feel like you need to have plastic surgery to fix anything, I do want to take some of the stigma surrounding plastic surgery away.  That's why I think this conversation with Dr. Lober is so interesting and that's why I'm openly talking about the procedure I had done.  
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You are gorgeous the way you are, but I understand what it feels like to feel self conscious about an area on your beautiful bod.  So, we crafted this episode around your questions.  My intent in sharing this information is to educate, empower, and satisfy your curiosity around the intriguing world of plastic surgery.
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👏🏿👏🏾👏🏽👏🏼👏🏻 Also, how much do you agree that Amanda Gorman stole the show today??? MY GOSH! Tell me your thoughts!!!
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Love to you all!
J
Sometimes it is an absolute necessity to shake the Sometimes it is an absolute necessity to shake the sleeping self.
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Just like a snake sheds its skin, we need times of renewal to rid ourselves of the muck we no longer need to carry.
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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.
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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...
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➕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. 
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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?" 
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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.
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❤️ 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Here are a few things that are bringing me solace:
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🙏🏼 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.
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What are you doing to care for yourself?
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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.
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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. 
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(I realize I am particularly fortunate in that I live in an RV and can safely venture to a lot of places). 
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🌲 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? 
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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?
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I'm sending you so much love right now.  You deserve it.
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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...⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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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.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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There is hope.  Always. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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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.

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