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.
This is what Tumnus calls a family hug. 😂 He do This is what Tumnus calls a family hug. 😂 He does this EVERY time Sam hugs me or tries to dance with me. 

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

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

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

I cannot imagine life without pets.  They are little joy (and sometimes annoyance) buckets.  I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!
1st Monday of the year and I'm channeling my inner 1st Monday of the year and I'm channeling my inner @beyonce.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I'm telling you... nothing makes me get on the dance floor faster than 7/11.  You feel me?  I'm also a real sucker for and turn into a freaking 12 year old boy - just undone - when Thrift Shop from Macklemore & Ryan Lewis plays. (💃🏻 Don't believe me?  Ask @samthurmond_rei what I'm like on the dance floor).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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👊🏽 What are your pump up songs?  I love infusing the beginning of the year with some high vibe, powerful energy!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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👩🏼‍🎤 Should we start a playlist?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Cheers to the 1st Monday of the 2021!  Sending you all BIG BIGGG BIIIIIIIIIIG love. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Jaclyn
📝 Endings are beginnings and beginnings are end 📝 Endings are beginnings and beginnings are endings.  All we have to do is keep writing in the circle of life.  The in-between is what makes us who we are.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Happy New Year!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Things may look uncertain right now, but keep writing... Tomorrow is a new page.  And so is every day after that.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Love you,⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Jaclyn
I hesitated posting this photo.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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It's actually a self portrait I took in January of 2019.  I haven't shared it for a few reasons:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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➕ It's artsy and more aloof than the photos I usually post.  Aloof isn't really my brand.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
➕ I took it after my trip to the Middle East.  That trip was a series of unfortunate events, so much so, that I wrote an ebook about it (ask me if you want it, it's free).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
➕ It's a visual peek, instead of my usual written peek, into the very layered and complex part of who I am.  I generally try and keep things positive on here because who needs more complexity?!?!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I'm changing things up in 2021 though.  I'm curiously diving deeper into the next layers of my self expression - not just for fun, though it is fun - but for survival.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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My Hashimoto's diagnosis is representative of dis-ease in my body - dis-ease that is rooted in unexpressed emotion (look up the metaphysical manifestation of thyroid disorders...).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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So while I LOVE being positive and uplifting on here, I also want to share that I'm multi-faceted.  We all are.  No one is just one thing.  We are multi-dimensional like a beautiful kaleidoscope.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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And just like I'm experimenting with sharing my journal entries, I'm also going to experiment with sharing more of my artistic expression.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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It's an exercise in self expression and hopefully a creative paver on my road to Hashimoto's recovery.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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➡️ What are you desirous of switching up in 2021?  How can I support you in that? 🖤 Drop your project, goal, website, etc. below and let's support one another!
I might ruffle a few feathers with this one...⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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📝 We are not meant to play small.  However, we don't just wake up one day ready to play big - we grow into our abilities - challenge by challenge.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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(📝 - this emoji means I'm quoting directly from my journal).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This has been a challenging Holiday season for so many of us.  Hell, a challenging whole year.  And we don't know what 2021 will bring.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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What I'm taking solace in today, though, is that I have the capacity to face challenges.  And challenges are often a redirection.  And redirection is often the very pathway to expansion.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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What if instead of fighting all of these challenges, we start to embrace them?  What if we allowed life to redirect us without putting up such a fight?  Could it be that life is actually looking out for us?  Changing our trajectory toward a future that is beyond our wildest dreams?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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That's what I'm holding to.  I have not historically gone easily into challenging times, but now, in a space where they cannot be avoided, I'm trying to learn to use them to my advantage. ➕To learn, ➕to reshape, ➕to change my mindset, ➕to grow, ➕to expand, ➕to add to my skillset.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Whatever you are going through, you are not alone.  Also, whatever you may be facing, know that you are stronger than you realize.  You are far more capable than you may feel right now.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Listen to a sad song.  Dance it out.  Cry it out.  Journal it out. Do what you need to do... ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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And then get to work.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Love you,⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Jaclyn⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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(Jumpsuit - @freepeople, Ruffle blouse - @amazonfashion, Earrings - @houseofharlow1960, Lipstick - @lawless liquid lipstick in George)
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Entrepreneurship, Music, Self Help, Wellness · November 14, 2018

You have to jump before you can land.

In some ways, every day of our lives is a risk assessment, isn’t it?  

You make dozens of choices everyday and most of the decisions we make are based on the amount of risk involved.  If I do this, then I have to give up that…  If I commit to this, then I may not be able to do that…  If I eat this, I may feel like this…  Risk assessment after risk assessment.  It can be exhausting, no?

I say this because I have taken some major risks recently.  Some calculated, some not.  I decided I was going to release an EP with work that I wrote, helped record, and helped produce, and I decided that I was going to show up in a way publicly that I had never done before… through this very blog you are reading now.  I committed to honesty, truth, authenticity, and sharing what I believe are really important things that I’ve gone through that may be of encouragement and value to others.  It’s been mighty rewarding – so much so, that I’m planning on dedicating a lot of time, even more time than I do now, to content creation for 2019.  

I’ve done all the above while running 2 other businesses.  One that I own, called Steele International, and one that a friend of mine owns in Florida (she was given a huge promotion at a tech company and has needed me to help run her firm during the transition since August).  It’s been a lot.  A risk I miscalculated a bit if I’m honest.

Even though I prepped for this busy season by making sure I had my business team in place, I didn’t account for the changing levels of energy I would have.  I have this bad habit of always assuming my energy is going to be high – which it often is – but not always, and not all day long.

So why am I sharing this with you?  Because it relates to the release of my EP.  I’m currently performing a risk assessment.  I released Mississippi Sinner in prep for a full EP release in late November/early December, but I’m realizing I’m not fully prepared for the marketing portion of this album release.  I wrote the songs, got them recorded, did massive work trade to pay for it, helped produce and edit them, and now… only a few weeks out, I feel like I need more time to market them.

If I know one thing it’s this:  I worked SO hard on these songs, a whole team of us did, and I am SO massively proud and excited to share them with you… but, I don’t want to share them in a way that feels rushed.  I want to share them in a way that feels intentional, purposeful, aligned.

So I guess my question is:  would you care if I pushed the release date of the songs to January?

I realize that asking a question like this to your audience is very unusual, but like I said above, I’m committed to including you in this process.  I want you to see/hear/read that you aren’t alone in the struggles you experience.  You aren’t alone in questioning whether or not you are doing the right thing, the right way, at the right time.  I’m right here in the trenches with you, trying my best to be prepared, but also just figuring it out along the way.

The title of this post is, “You have to jump before you can land.”  It is an adaptation of a lyric from a song I wrote called “If Not Now.”  The actual phrase in the song is, “I don’t need a plan/I’ve gotta jump before I land.”  If you ask anyone that knows me, this lyric is the total opposite of my personality.  I LOVE planning.  In fact, I spent my whole morning work block (notice I use work blocks #plannerPatricia) on planning my daily schedule for 2019!  But the thing I do understand is that:

Doing anything brave requires risk.  You can plan as much as you want, but at some point, you will have to jump.

So my jumping point now is… I’ve done all it takes to create this music and have it ready to market, but now that it is ready to market, what do I do?  

Yes, I have a background in branding and marketing, but I’ve never created a marketing plan for my own music before (my first EP was just distributed and that was that… we had no idea how to market and release anything at that point in time).  I’ve only ever shared stuff on social media.   This fact is a bit daunting, but it’s also incredibly exciting to be embarking on this next lag of my journey.  But that being said, I think I need more time before I release this small body of work in it’s entirety.  I don’t want to disappoint anyone, ever, but at the same time, I feel in my guts that these songs are worthy of the time and energy required to market them.

What do you think?  What would you do if you were me?  What have you done in the past when you were faced with rushing something out or extending the deadline?  I would LOVE to hear from you.  I NEED to hear from you.  This is the part in the blog where I ask for your story.

I’m so grateful you’re here.  ALWAYS.

LIGHT, LOVE, & PEACE,

JACLYN STEELE

In: Entrepreneurship, Music, Self Help, Wellness · Tagged: entrepreneurship, honesty, marketing, music, planning, question for you, reward, risk, risk assessment

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Why I’m Pushing Back the Release of My EP. #idowhatiwant

Comments

  1. Ian says

    November 14, 2018 at 2:31 pm

    I hope I speak for everyone when I say that I’ll wait as long as I have to to hear your music! Especially with holidays coming around, I think it would be really exciting for you to kick off the new year with the release. I don’t think there is a magic time to drop anything, but if it doesn’t feel right to you, I can handle the suspense! 🙂

    Reply
    • jsteele says

      November 14, 2018 at 4:01 pm

      Ian, thank you! I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your support. It means so much to me. I agree… I feel like being in the flow versus rushing is so much more effective. Thank you for your feedback… I’m definitely leaning in the direction of releasing in January. 🙂 <3

      Reply
  2. Teri says

    November 14, 2018 at 6:02 pm

    You should release the EP when you feel ready. I mean if you think you should wait until January then wait till January. Your fans will understand. I’m really excited for the new music and will wait as long as it takes for you to feel comfortable releasing it. You are awesome.

    Reply
    • jsteele says

      November 15, 2018 at 3:38 pm

      Teri, you just made my day! Thank you! I so appreciate your participation in this whole process. Your support is beyond appreciated. I think I will release in January and take my time with it. 🙂 <3 You rock!

      Reply
    • jsteele says

      December 5, 2018 at 2:50 pm

      I’m so lucky to have you encouraging me! Thank you! YOU are awesome!

      Reply
  3. Kathleen Capella says

    November 14, 2018 at 6:51 pm

    I feel time is a funny thing. To you right now putting something back a month seems like a big deal. Next year this month of delay will be nothing in the scheme of things. Take your time, enjoy your planning process and let it flow the way you let release of Mississppi Sinner flow. Sending love.

    Reply
    • jsteele says

      November 15, 2018 at 3:33 pm

      Time IS a funny thing. I so value being a woman of my word, so I think where I get hung up is that I said I would release in November… but, I think at this point, most people really understand that I’m doing a lot of this as a one woman show. I’m very fortunate to have such kind, loving, and supportive people in my corner. I covet your advice, Kathleen. Thank you for sharing with me. 🙂

      Reply

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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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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.
This is what Tumnus calls a family hug. 😂 He do This is what Tumnus calls a family hug. 😂 He does this EVERY time Sam hugs me or tries to dance with me. 

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

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

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

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

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