Hey ,
Before we dive in, a few reminders/announcements:
- I've been creating some smaller, lower-pressure health coaching options, perfect for when you need a little boost without a big commitment. More on those below!
- We're heading back to the 80's next weekend with our first Breakfast Club Reformer Class on March 22nd. My high-haired, jelly-shoe-wearing inner child is SO happy so many of you are going to join me for this one 🤘.
- The date of our Boundaries Workshop has been moved to April 9th. Silly me forgot about Spring Break... again... Here's the LINK.
Now on to the stories!
This week, I'm going to try to make you giggle/smile with a silly/heartfelt one because lord knows that laughter is both core work and good for mental health.
Here goes:
While at the hospital recently, my eyes landed on a giant blow up replica of smooth muscle... That can't be a....colon?? I thought. But as my gaze landed on the three unfortunate expressions of the young girls who were in charge of handing out the free colo-guard packs to those who dared to step inside of their "inflata-bowel" for a photo-op, I realized that yes, I was indeed looking at a giant, inflatable asshole. Or rather a pre-asshole. A prasshole.
I walked to the elevator bay hoping that as the doors closed my Severence chip might kick me into a world where giant, inflatable body parts weren't normal waiting room decor, but alas, it was still me, innie/outie Jenna, all in one. (sorry if I lost you there- I'll get you back in the next paragraph)
I sat in the waiting room with a tapestry of people from all over Chicago. Patients, caregivers, and those waiting in the in-between, not knowing whether or not they'd become either. Living with chronic illness makes doctor's waiting rooms a regular stop on my weekly agenda. If you want to get to know humanity these places are a beautiful study hall.
The room was buzzing and I found myself tuned in to a conversation between two lovely women who had just met each other that day. One was a patient and one was her caregiver for the day who was hired from a service. They talked about the weather, the city and of course the Chicago Bears. Soon, their conversation landed on the current government attack on medicaid.
That language might only feel harsh to you if you don't know anyone who is living without insurance, or living with a child or family member who has special needs or is disabled or living with disease. If hearing about the attacks on the VA or medicaid hasn't made your heart tighten in pain, or your breath catch, I would implore you to ask yourself why? Because for so many, including my family members, this is a tragic time.
And maybe that's why this conversation touched me so much. Because as these two women spoke about what would happen if their aid went away, one of them said:
We'll do what we always do. We'll take care of each other.
What she meant was: The community would take care of it's own because it was used to stepping up when those who were supposed to care for them fell short, which is both beautiful and heart-breaking all at once.
Since that day, the piece that keeps standing out to me is community. We are wired not only to avoid pain, seek pleasure, and ultimately stay alive, but to connect. According to philosopher Jeremy Bentham:
We are naturally curious about what is going on in the minds of other people. And our identities are formed by the values lent to us from the groups we call our own.
In this case, I chose to borrow from a group that was not my own, but that I hope to honor by carrying the torch. This concept of "lending values" has become a bit of an activator for me. Unexpected acts of relief are part of my value system. Quiet, honest talks are too. And ridiculous stories of inflatable colons often top the list of ways to provide my friends, family, and clients with comic relief to remind us that the absurdity of life helps us through the stressful times.
I know you're feeling the pressure and that it's challenging to seek help when it feels hard to breathe. I also know how much relief I've been able to provide for my clients and I've chosen to get creative with some ways to make my health support feel a little more accessible and a little less "big commitment" for you.
Sometimes you just need a steady hand to remind yourself of your own strength, right?
I've got some shorter, lower-pressure coaching options, and I'm pretty excited about them. I hope you are too:
Next Step Health Action Plan - $47
This one is a low-cost, asynchronous option where you let me take it all off of your plate for you:
Start with a quick, online, tailored assessment.
Receive a personalized video breakdown from me, outlining clear, simple next steps.
Get downloadable worksheets and guidance to help you take action in nutrition, exercise, sleep, and more!
Leave the guess work behind, and start taking action with a clear plan.
Discover the Power of Health Coaching: Try One Session
Right now, many of us are navigating uncertainty and fear, unsure of what steps to take next. It's easy to feel lost and unseen in the midst of it all and basic stress management is no longer enough. When someone holds space for your experience, that validation can fuel you forward, creating the space for more energy, care and perspective for the life you need and want to live.
My sessions are designed to leave you feeling lighter and hopeful, with tangible tools you can use in every aspect of your life—from nutrition and movement to shifting your perspective. If that resonates, Book a single session. No pressure, just genuine support for a path forward.
Sharing stories, offering support, and creating connection—it's all part of who I am. My work is a tapestry of my values and yes, I have offers and programs, but they come from this place of genuine care. I hope, in some small way, they help you feel seen, supported, and validated. My happiest days are those when I get to bop from the Cadillac to the coaching chair, serving and stretching, using every single skill I've gathered throughout the years.
So, if anything resonated with you today, know it came from a place of genuine care. And if you're ready to explore the Next Step Health Action Plan or dive deeper into coaching, I'm here.
Living Well With You, Not At You,
Coach JZ, Jenna
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