We were lucky to catch up with Jennifer Emperador recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jennifer, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

After 33 years of hiding in shame, I finally invested most of my efforts in healing my past while simultaneously receiving in-depth trauma training. Many of my loved ones (family/friends) expressed concerns about my financial stability at that time. I traded my stressful high paying corporate job for a less demanding administrative job. I blindly entered this new phase knowing that it was a risky endeavor. Although I didn’t have a specific plan in place, I had faith that I was on the right path. The more I advocated for myself, the more determined I was to advocate for other survivors.

I know without a doubt that nothing great comes without taking risks in our lives. There is freedom in embracing ourselves fully, knowing that we do not have to be held back because of our past. Life has taught me that only when we take risks, do we realize our full potential, power, and worthiness.

Jennifer, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

The BIG reason why I do this work: I believe the point of our lives is to embody the truth that we are enough, that our voice matters, and that we are worthy to be seen.

As a Body-Mind Integration Trauma Specialist, I use a holistic approach to address the patterns that keep my clients feeling stuck and powerless. In my experience, I found that talk therapy alone was not enough to overcome complex trauma. Integrating embodied and holistic practices were everything for my personal healing and extending those practices to my clients has been very powerful. By learning body-based skills, my clients gain personal sovereignty and navigate life with embodied confidence and self-trust.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

“Owning our worthiness is the act of acknowledging that we are sacred.” ~Brene Brown

Owning my worth and knowing that I am safe to show up is an ongoing courageous process, especially as a survivor. Trusting myself to step away from my comfort zone has had its difficulties. However, my life’s purpose of helping other survivors is my greatest motivation and reward.

My devotion to my embodiment and meditation practices nurtures my spirit-led and heart-centered life. By doing what I love, I know without a doubt that I am living my best life. Although life may have its challenges, I simply strive to be better than I was yesterday.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Facing our past is not an easy endeavor; however, it is a reminder of our innate resiliency. Many people who know me, would tell you that I’ve done the work to be where I am today. Therapy, coaching, and holistic practices have helped me rewrite my story and reclaim my voice and power.

I left abusive relationships, addressed my addictive behaviors, and adopted a growth mindset. After many years of not speaking with my mother, I finally made amends; the stepfather who took my innocence became proof that meeting him in person was the most courageous step for my healing.

Self-love and deep commitment made all of this happen. Using tools to regulate my nervous system so that I am fully embodied, has been the antidote to how I navigate my life on my terms—safe, strong, and present. Although my life’s journey was filled with difficulties, healing my deep childhood wounds changed the perspective of my life and filled my heart with gratitude for those who are/have been a part of my journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://soldiscovery.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healwithzenjen/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SolDiscovery
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-Emperador

Image Credits
-Individual photos of me were taken by Jennifer Conway @ Iris Photography -The photo of me speaking at the Arizona Domestic Violence panel discussion was from: https://www.ahwatukee.com/news/article_d2aa1b42-4829-11e4-be6c-8b1a4d0811a0.html