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 · February 13, 2019

“You are stronger than you believe.”

I watched Wonder Woman (again) last week. I was having a rough day and my eyes were tired from staring at my computer screen. It was one of those afternoons where from the outside looking in, it would have appeared as though I was being productive, but truthfully, I felt like I was just clicking between tabs and incessantly checking my email.

When that happens, I take it as a clue I’m in dire need of a re-set. I took a deep breath and asked myself what I needed… After a few moments, I felt a little nudge telling me to watch Wonder Woman. There was a message in it that I needed to hear.

The older I get, the more I listen to and take action after these nudges. Its intuition bubbling up to show us there is a better way than strong arming through. We know we are human, yet so often, we treat ourselves as robots. We fool ourselves into believing we can power through anything and not deal with the consequences that ensue from this unsustainable behavior. I’m all for working hard, but I’m also alllll for listening to my intuition when it tells me I need a break.

So, I watched Wonder Woman and this scene, one I completely forgot about, hit me straight between the eyes. (It’s in the first 35 seconds).

“You keep doubting yourself, Diana!” – Antiope

“No, I don’t!” – Diana

“Yes, you do.” – Antiope

“No, I don’t!” – Diana

“You are stronger than you believe. You have greater powers than you know.” – Antiope


This first time I saw this movie, I didn’t realize the significance of this scene. Diana is training physically and she is becoming stronger and stronger, but her mind still hasn’t developed fully. Our thoughts, what we really believe about ourselves, directly affects our ability to fight for our dreams.

Let me say that again in another way… what you think you are capable of, you are.

Bringing it back to this scene, Diana is becoming a very competent warrior, but what her aunt is trying to teach her is that there is also a battlefield in her mind. She is going to have to train in that arena just as hard, if not harder, than she does in the physical realm. And while we may not be Amazons or demi gods, we all fight on the battlefield of the mind periodically.

Just recently, I fought a battle of my own. It was Wednesday of last week and I was invited to be a part of a song writing circle at an intimate venue in Athens, GA. There were 5 other female songwriters besides myself on stage and between each song the host would ask us a series of questions related to what we played. Some of these women have toured internationally and have bands and pressed records and merch tables and big reputations, and for a moment I wondered what am I doing here? My songs can’t possibly be good enough. But I’ve heard this tape before. Many times. I recognized it like an acquaintance from high school you wish you could avoid. But you can’t avoid doubt. Everyone, if they’re honest, experiences it from time to time – some experience it all the time. In this instance though, just like Diana, I had two choices: I could shrink and allow the doubt to threaten me like a sword at my neck, OR I could face it head on and fight back.

I fought back. One chord at a time, one verse at a time, one song at a time until the doubt faded peacefully into the back of my mind like a wolf retreating back into its natural habitat.

It’s so easy to doubt ourselves. Not only is self-doubt a human tendency, but we also live in an age where we are set up to constantly compare ourselves to others – driving home this idea that we aren’t good enough, or ready enough, or whatever enough. This negative energy storm sucks the life right out of us. It takes the wind out of our sails and keeps us in a place of complacency.

Let me ask you something: do you want to live a life of complacency? Or do you want fulfill what you came here to do?

What I’m learning personally, is that I have to fight for my desires. And fight hard. No one is going to hand them to me. No one is going to magically discover me and sign me to a multi-million dollar publishing deal. No one is going to pick up a sword and be my stand in for the battles I don’t feel prepared to fight. There is no “tapping out” in life. The only way forward is to face my fear, and if I’m not willing to do that, then I will forever be trapped in the land of “What if.”

I say “fu#k that.” I’m picking up the sword. I’m choosing to face my own fears. I may not be slaying physical dragons, but I’m going to prepare to annihilate the mental ones. The life I’m working for is worth fighting for and I’m ready to wage war against anything that gets in my way.

SPOILER ALERT: In the climax of the movie, Wonder Woman thought the only way she could kill Aries (the god of war) was with a special sword called “the god killer,” but guess what? She is the god killer. She is her greatest weapon. She just had to believe it.

You don’t need money. You don’t need accolades. You don’t need a write up in a fancy publication. You don’t need 20k followers on social media. I’ll tell you exactly what you need: YOU.

You are your greatest weapon and you can continue to sling that sword at yourself, or you can point it forward and battle on. One step at a time. One thought at a time. One day at a time. Your life is worth fighting for. Your dreams are worth fighting for. YOU are worth fighting for.

I’m taking this lesson to heart, as well. Doubt is insidious and no one that I have ever met is immune to it. It shows up along with its other mental dragon friends whenever it wants to – whispering lies and breathing ideas that threaten to keep us down, but you have a choice. You can choose whether or not you listen. I’m going to steal Antiope’s words here:

“You are stronger than you believe. You have greater powers than you know.”

Antiope in “Wonder Woman”

These mental dragons may look a little different for all of us, but they are dragons all the same. Learn their behaviors. Learn where they hang out. Learn their patterns of attack and make a battle plan. No one will fight your battles for you. No one will fight my battles for me. But we are stronger than we think – we have powers greater than we know. And the more we train, the more adept we will be on the battlefields we find ourselves in.

So train, show up, fight, battle on. Don’t let a little doubt pin you down. Repeat after me: You are stronger than you know.

YOU are the sword. Wield accordingly.

LIGHT, LOVE, & PEACE,

J A C L Y N S T E E L E

In: Self Help, Wellness · Tagged: battlefield of the mind, doubt, fight, mental strength, strength, strong, sword

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Comments

  1. ian says

    February 13, 2019 at 3:38 pm

    I loved your performance at Foundry, the high note you sing in meet you on the moon was eargasmic 🙂

    Reply
    • jsteele says

      February 13, 2019 at 4:54 pm

      Ian, THANK YOU! And thank you for being there. That song will be out soon! Can’t wait to share it with the world. Send me more of your stuff. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Jean says

    March 13, 2019 at 12:52 pm

    It’s so ironic that when we feel this way, unprepared for what we face, so many others are looking at us in awe of our potential and strength. I know this because this is how I look at you, Jaclyn. Our harshest critics are oftentimes ourselves, and we have to tamp that down when it creeps into our lives. Insecurities are part of being aware of one’s abilities, but not to paralyze us in our tracks, it is intended to let us know a great opportunity is before us, and we can reach the next level by embracing it. We have the necessary tools, and it is only our own self-doubt that holds us back. And if our efforts go unrewarded after “putting it all out there”, have we failed? We have not. We have just put another arrow in our quiver for the next time.

    Love you,
    Jaclyn

    Reply
    • jsteele says

      March 13, 2019 at 4:36 pm

      Jean, I cannot tell you how much your words mean to me. Thank you. Our harshest critics are ourselves. That is so true. I like the idea of our insecurities as being a part of having awareness about our abilities… almost like they go hand in hand versus insecurity being a negative thing. Maybe they are there to guide us… to play the devil’s advocate so we know what we are stepping into. I like that perspective a lot more. You are so wise and I’m so grateful you are in my life. Thank you for your words. <3

      Reply

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Dear Self: Burn the Bridges

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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