Hey ,
This morning I received a letter I wrote to myself on my last birthday. Those of you who've participated in coaching with me might be familiar with this exercise. Often, as an act of grace and compassion during challenging times, I task my clients to write a letter to their future selves to talk about the best possible outcomes they might experience as well as the process that brought them there.
Last year, I put this exercise to the ultimate test after receiving a challenging health test result that I’m still working with. It's important to note that I'm healthy, symptom free, and living a very normal life. But as many of you know, when you receive a scary result, it can turn your world upside down for a time.
Today, I'd like to share a portion of the letter with you (with a few key omissions, because somethings are between me, myself, and I) in case you need to hear the words that lifted me up when I saw them in my inbox.
I encourage you to read them in the autumn sun, if possible, sipping a warm beverage and listening to your favorite feel good song. If you have a fabulous hat, poncho, or jacket, reminiscent of the great Diane Keaton (may she rest in peace) all the better. Here goes:
Well self, it's one of those times again. The times that fortify you into a stronger person than you thought possible. By the time you receive this, you will have made it through another storm. I know that you are most likely shaking your head once again in disbelief that you made it this far but you've always known that you would. This unwavering support of yourself, even when things get rough is the stuff of legends. And yes, tiny legends still count.
Your internal courage and ability to keep going - no matter how scared you are, continues to show those around you that you are a force to be reckoned with. But more importantly than any of that, it continues to prove to yourself that YOU that you are worth it.
You are worth it.
You are worth it.
Every day you become more worth this life.
You have to remember to breathe through the hard patches, reach out and connect to make it through.
You will handle what comes your way with integrity and grace, even if that thing is illness. Keep loving yourself. Keep loving your family. Take breaks. Pay those taxes. Plant things. Listen to music - play the piano. I love you so much.
Your 47 year old self, signing off forever. xoxo
Looking back at the time I wrote that letter, I can feel a visceral memory of fear that had taken over my body. It took some time to metabolize and figure out how I wanted to move forward this year with my work. One word kept bubbling up as a theme:
Thoughtfully.
Each time I was confused or frustrated about the healthcare system, I considered how I could be a better ally to my clients and community.
Each time I felt frozen by fear of the next steps, I thought about my resources - both knowledge and network - and how these aspects might help someone else who was going through a similar process.
Whenever I felt a need being unmet, I moved myself through a coaching exercise to find the words to have empowered conversations, ask seemingly "stupid" questions, and remind myself that I was an important part of MY HEALTH care.
And all of this has informed the work I do today for my clients.
You are worth it.
You are worth it.
Every day you become more worth this life.
Sometimes, reaching out means connecting to someone who has the resources and knowledge to help you navigate your own journey thoughtfully and with integrity. If this feels like what you need right now, I urge you to join the waitlist for my upcoming coaching program. I'll be working with a number of private clients on a monthly basis to support their health and wellbeing while moving through some of the roughest patches we've lived through. See below for more information or hit reply with your questions.
In the meantime, thank you for reading and I hope that no matter what you're navigating through, you're able to find the space to take a breath today.
Living Well With You, Not At You,
Coach JZ (Jenna)
Save The Dates:
Finally Ready Coaching Program
Coming Soon!
With this affordable, once-a-month coaching engagement, you'll receive the structure needed to move past resistance:
✔️ One Monthly Goal-Focused Coaching Call
✔️ One Monthly Self-Reflection Assessment to track real progress.
✔️ Text & Email Support for direct encouragement, urgent support, and those "I need a boost" moments—no more slipping back.
Space will be limited for this inaugural program. Secure your spot! Click the link below and receive a digital download of my JZ Self Care Planner and be the first to get access when the program opens this month!
Group Pilates & Fitness Classes at It's Lit Studio:
September Schedule:
Mondays - 6pm: Sweat and Shine
7:30pm: Weekly Reset Pilates - all levels (this is a postural reset class with a special meditation at the end)
Wednesdays - 6pm: Step and Stretch (step aerobics)
Thursdays - 6pm: Inner Circle Pilates ( a magic-circle-based, inclusive class with lots of variations)
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