We were lucky to catch up with Jen Jones recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
No parent is perfect. I can appreciate this reality so much more now that I am a mom of four kids myself. Parents have less control than we think but more influence than we can imagine. My parents realized this during some of the most critical seasons in my childhood, primarily the teen years. There is something they did in this pivotal time of my life is communicated that they were for ME. knowing that they wanted me to win and would come alongside with incredible belief in me caused me to rise even higher. They would often give me specific examples of what they saw in me and why they believed in my abilities and my endeavors. Often times this would lead me to stretch beyond what even I knew I was capable of. They often times encourage from the positive allowing me to soar in my strengths rather than criticizing my weakness. This also enabled me to really define what I was for.
As an adult leading teams of people and large organizations my parents belief has deeply impacted my influence. John Maxwell says there are three questions every follower wants to know about their leader: “Can you help me?” Do you care about me?” “Can I trust you?” Duplicating the response to these questions in my work that my parents so positively poured into me has been key to my success and kept joy in the journey of what I do and how I create health in my career.
Jen, 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?
As a Lifestyle Coach, I specialize in confidence, wellness, and family transformation. With over two decades of marriage and raising four children, I understand the intricate balance required for personal growth within a bustling family life.
As an accomplished author, health coach, and speaker, I offer a comprehensive approach to well-being. I provide tailored programs, groups, and resources to enhance physical health, emotional resilience, spiritual connection, and thriving family values.
My uniqueness lies in my resilience and triumph over challenges. I have found successful businesses, authored impactful books, and stood as a keynote speaker, all while nurturing my family.
My dedication to personal growth and empowerment is unwavering. I am your partner in unlocking your potential and realizing your personal mission. Embrace holistic transformation with a coach who has not only talked the talk but walked the walk.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
A pivotal moment in my career emerged when I was deeply involved in running a thriving non-profit organization and managing successful business ventures. While experiencing growth and achievement, I grappled with an internal conflict between my desire for greater impact and the pressure of constant success.
This struggle became starkly apparent before Easter, a significant event for our non-profit. The pressure to outshine ourselves each year began overshadowing the true essence of the occasion. Amidst this, I received a mail about a new non-profit launching nearby, which made me question our direction.
I confided in a friend, Karrie, who urged me to pivot. That one word sparked a transformation. Despite our success, the friction between the non-profit and my personal life pushed me to reconsider. Ultimately, I made the bold choice to step away from the non-profit, embracing a proactive shift. This marked a shift from being a victim of my ambitions to actively shaping my path.
In summary, a convergence of Easter pressures and the emergence of a new non-profit led to a career pivot. Encouraged by Karrie’s advice, I transitioned away from the non-profit, embracing a transformative moment that aligned my personal and professional aspirations.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
A story from my life that truly exemplifies resilience revolves around the unexpected circumstances surrounding the birth of my daughter, Addie. Her Down syndrome diagnosis upon birth took me completely by surprise, leaving me overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty. In that moment, it felt as though the air had been sucked out of the room, and I found myself grappling with the unknown path that lay ahead.
However, as time went on, I came to realize that this unexpected twist was, in fact, a unique and precious gift from a higher power. It was a powerful reminder that life often takes us on paths we never anticipated, and it’s how we respond to these challenges that truly defines our resilience.
Despite the initial shock and fear, I chose to embrace the “different” journey that was unfolding before me. I recognized that “different” is a choice—one that can be met with anger, grief, and fear, or with acceptance, gratitude, and a renewed perspective. I opted for the latter, and that choice changed the trajectory of my life.
The journey with Addie led me to shed the shackles of comparison and societal expectations. It opened my heart to love unconditionally and helped me grasp the profound beauty of embracing life’s uniqueness. Through this experience, I discovered a deeper connection with the divine and a renewed understanding of my purpose.
As the years unfolded, I found myself gradually letting go of self-doubt and embracing authenticity. This transformation wasn’t immediate; it was a process that took time and effort. But it was in this process that I recognized my own capacity for resilience. I learned that resilience isn’t just about weathering storms—it’s about finding strength in vulnerability, seeking divine guidance, and ultimately discovering the true essence of our journey.
In many ways, the challenges posed by Addie’s diagnosis acted as a catalyst for personal growth. Instead of striving for recognition and attempting to be the hero of my own story, I shifted my focus to becoming the “boat” that carries others through the rough waters of life. This shift in perspective allowed me to channel my experiences into helping others find their own faith, strength, and purpose.
Through the lens of my own story, I’ve come to understand that embracing “different” doesn’t merely mean tolerating the unexpected—it means fully embracing the divine opportunities that come with it. It means recognizing that the most transformative moments often arise from life’s greatest challenges, and that resilience is not just a quality we possess, but a choice we make every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: jenjonesdirect.com
- Instagram: @jenjonesx4
- Facebook: facebook.com/jonestribe
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SignificantLifePodcast
- Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/significant-life/id1564964195
Image Credits
Photo credit: @kileyshaiphotography @kaleeridingsphotosd