As this year comes to and end, I am feeling that ping of nostalgia, as many do. 2023 was quite a year. I have never been one for resolutions…I just have a list of “Things I would like to do.” Most of them get done, but if they don’t, I have learned to be okay with that too. After all, they are just things that I would like to do, not have to do. Art Gallery in Sedona with my art! 2023 was my year of change. SO many changes, I don’t even feel like the same person I was even at this time last year. I came home to myself. In the most pure sense of that saying. In my 48 years of life, I feel the most like my true and authentic self at this very moment in time. Old enough to be able to know what the joy of that feels like and strong enough to have the courage to do it and just let go. It feels good. I wish that it didn’t take me so long to get here, but I also know that every path that I was on led me here…and it makes me smile. There is beauty that comes from aging. It is hard to paint this feeling in words unless you are here yourself. “Quiet confidence” are words that I have used to describe this time in my life before. Something clicks and you just get it. For the first time, possibly ever in my life, I can tell you that I love myself. Truly. It is wonderful. Things that used to matter are just distant chatter to me now. I started paying attention to the beautiful results that come from being still and listening. How God uses seemingly serendipitous events to change the paths that we are on…we just need to pay attention to the prompts in order to find that gold at the end of the rainbow. Oh, it is there. Become aware of the signs, because they are all around you. Keep your heart open and they will become evident. They will make you smile, too. God wants to bless us with so many things, yet many of us are too busy and closed-minded to see what He has in store for us. Stop doing that. I have learned that I would rather be bored than busy. Home than out. Cook instead of going out to eat. Read than go see a movie. I discovered the peace that comes from creativity…that painting brings me so much joy. I also love seeing others discover their creative side. I am ok with having to wear readers to see. Using a flashlight at a restaurant. Not wearing makeup some days. Spending time with my husband is more precious than pretty much anything else. I learned that God takes people out of your life for a reason and that He turns sorrow into joy…He works everything out for the best when we let him. A betrayal in business, while heartbreaking at the time, turned out to be one of the hi lights of my year…it freed me. I lost 40 pounds. Went back to my natural hair color. Wrote a best-selling book. Became an artist. Retired from actually originating loans and moved to coaching others. Started speaking professionally. Fell more in love with my husband. I realized that my reason for being here is to change lives. To be honest, I have known this for quite some time, I just didn’t have the guts to take that last step. Now, I have. I am here to motivate. To teach lessons. To speak to thousands (one day MILLIONS)…to mentor others so they know that they can do anything they set their minds to. Empower. Give hope. Show love. I learned that it is ok to start over. And it is also ok to start over and over again. There’s no age limit and no time limit on how many times you can start over. You just gotta do it. Who care what anyone else thinks? It is truly a wonderful day when you can answer that question with, “I don’t.” Here’s to the miracles that 2024 brings. May you be blessed to see and recognize them all…and be grateful for them. Jen

Me getting my stemmies. Three years ago, I could not take more than 10 to 15 steps without having to rest. I could not talk a whole sentence without gasping for air.Three years ago, I thought that I might have only 5 to 7 years left of my life before my heart failed.Three years ago, I got stem cells in Tijuana Mexico. I remember walking – attempting to walk – through downtown San Diego the day before and I was so exhausted. Just walking around the block tired me out so much that I had to rest. I was scared. Hopeful. Out of options. Willing to try anything that could possibly help me. I had nothing else to lose.My hubs and my awesome in-laws took the journey with me and we made the best of our time together. Not knowing what to expect, but praying for a miracle, we did it. The doctor’s sister picked us up and we traveled down to Mexico. I got a high dose of vitamin C and some other vitamins, while the stem cells defrosted at room temperature. Then they were injected into my arm. The whole process maybe took about a half of a day. Then we drove back to San Diego, and she dropped off my father-in-law, and I back at the hotel…and then we prayed. I remember waking up every day wondering if I would feel better, breathe better… Nope, not yet. I continued to nurture myself, remain positive, and keep myself busy with little chores around the house, while I waited for what seem like an eternity. Every day was like Groundhog Day to me. Until one day, I walked up the stairs, and I noticed that I wasn’t out of breath. I remember I was home alone. My eyes darted back and forth, kind of like… Is it really happening? It was. So what did I do? I went back downstairs and put my workout clothes on and jumped on my peloton… something I thought that I would have to sell. You know, just to see. Then I rode for 15 minutes. I cried. Could this really be? The next day, I walked on my treadmill. Cried some more…and wrote on the mirror in the gym…. “One step, one breath at a time. You can do this.” It’s still there now. The stem cells, along with God, save my life.Michael and I were talking this morning about all of this, and he still tells me that the best day of his life was not the day that we were married, but the day that I got my heart cath a few months later. The doctor said I didn’t have pulmonary hypertension, and that my blood pressure between my heart and lungs was now at “athlete level.” Looks like I’ll be sticking around for longer than 5 to 7 years now… God willing.As I write this, I am filled with gratitude and a tear in my eye. I have been given a second chance… well, actually, now a third chance… at living and I am forever grateful. If you have a questions for me about stem cells, feel free to reach out.Over the past few years, I have sent many people down to the same place that I went with miraculous results.

How many times have you said that to yourself? I bet a lot. Yeah, me too.I found myself muttering that under my breath recently for making a simple mistake that really was no big deal. The problem was, I was embarrassed and mad at myself for making the blunder. So I called myself “stupid.” I would never say that to anyone else, so why in God’s name would I be so cruel to myself? Exactly. I am definitely not stupid. I am not my silly mistake. So, then I answered myself again…this time, a little louder and said, “No, I am not!” At this point, I was basically arguing with my own self… But the smart Jen, won the argument. This is a reminder today to be kind to yourself. Self talk matters. What are you going to say today?

One of those “memory” albums popped up on my phone a few weeks ago. It was a memory from 2020. Fourth of July picnic at my cousin’s house. I wasn’t there – they were pictures that my father had sent to me. Looking at them made me pause for a bit and then immediately think that life is so precious. Why would anyone waste it? Why do we worry about the stuff that doesn’t matter? There were pictures of my grandmother, just hanging out, smiling and laughing with everyone. In one of the pictures she was holding a crazy beautiful chicken and the look on her face was so funny. She was “normal “… not in a wheelchair, completely independent. Her mind was sharp. She was free. Her sister was alive and also laughing with the family. She was sitting next to my grandmother, and they looked so beautiful and healthy. One of my cousins who has recently just passed, was also there, and he was smiling along with everyone else. So many things were so good and so different, I wonder if they appreciated and enjoyed that precious time they had together. I wonder if any of them could imagine how vastly different life would be just a few short years later. I’ve had this image in my head for the past few weeks… Everything is the same until one day it is not. Let this be your gentle reminder today to enjoy those times with your family and the ones that you love. They are to be cherished. 💜💜💜💜💕 Jen

I see my future self all of the time. I see her and I smile. I close my eyes and I can feel her inside of my essence. She is fearless and strong. Bold and courageous. Healthy and full of the wisdom you only get from living a life of authenticity. She has something better than anyone else. She has enough. Looking at things from a different perspective.

The majesty of aging is that while in the world’s eyes, your outward beauty fades, an extraordinary blessing happens – your inner beauty explodes…if you allow her to come out. You have to lean into her… feed her…nurture her. Your most authentic self appears and you realize that she is more stunning than your outward beauty ever was. Then you’ll wonder why you didn’t let her come out sooner.

The fascinating phenomenon of the chrysalis has captivated the minds of scientists and nature enthusiasts throughout the ages. It represents more than just the stunning transformation from a caterpillar to a butterfly; it serves as a breathtaking testament to the profound changes that occur within our DNA and neural pathways when we undergo significant life transformations. Today, we will delve into the enigmatic process of the chrysalis and its intricate connection with the metamorphosis of our genetic makeup and cognitive pathways. The chrysalis functions as a cocoon within which the caterpillar undergoes a truly remarkable metamorphosis, emerging as a breathtakingly beautiful butterfly. Enclosed within the chrysalis, the DNA of the caterpillar undergoes a profound alteration, giving rise to an organism that is entirely distinct from its previous form. This transformation in DNA is not confined to the physical characteristics of the butterfly; it extends to its behavior, migratory patterns, and other unique attributes that make each butterfly an extraordinary creation. Similarly, when we experience significant changes in our lives, our DNA also undergoes a transformation. For instance, as we modify our behaviors and thought processes, our neural pathways adapt and establish new connections. These modifications within our neural pathways manifest as the development of new habits and beliefs. As our habits change, our DNA undergoes a fundamental metamorphosis, causing us to become fundamentally different individuals compared to our previous selves. When we draw parallels between the transformative journey of the chrysalis and the evolution of our neural pathways, we uncover a profound lesson about the formidable power of change. Just as the caterpillar must enter the chrysalis to undergo a miraculous transformation into a butterfly, we too must embrace change in order to shape the trajectory of our lives. By embracing and actively seeking transformation, we open ourselves to the possibility of significant alterations within our DNA, ultimately leading to a new way of life. Conversely, if we resist change, we jeopardize our potential for growth and remain trapped in the confines of our old habits and behaviors, much like the caterpillar enclosed within its chrysalis. It is therefore essential that we consciously and purposefully embrace change, viewing every opportunity for transformation as a stepping stone toward becoming the best versions of ourselves. The chrysalis not only serves as a remarkable phenomenon within the natural world, but it also imparts a potent lesson on the profound power of transformative change. The metamorphosis that takes place within the chrysalis, and its correlation with the changes occurring within our neural pathways and DNA, serves as a testament to the awe-inspiring potential of change. If we learn to embrace change wholeheartedly and allow ourselves to be transformed, we, like the butterfly, can witness the emergence of extraordinary beauty and freedom within our lives.

The right mindset is the foundation of any successful business. Suppose you want to be a successful entrepreneur, business owner, or executive. In that case, you need to understand that having the right mindset is the key to achieving your goals. Not only will it help you overcome challenges and setbacks, but it will also ensure that you stay motivated and inspired throughout your journey. Before we delve into the mindset that successful entrepreneurs and business owners adopt, it is essential to understand what mindset is. In simple terms, mindset refers to a mental attitude or disposition that shapes your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Your mindset determines how you perceive the world around you and how you react to different situations. Now that we have established what mindset is let’s take a look at the mindset that you need to embrace to be successful with your business. (1) Growth Mindset: To be successful in business, you need to have a growth mindset. A growth mindset is the belief that your abilities and skills can be developed over time through hard work, dedication, and perseverance. You need to be willing to learn, adapt, and improve continuously. By adopting a growth mindset, you are open to new ideas, challenges, and experiences, which will help you expand your skills and knowledge. (2) Positive Mindset: A positive mindset is crucial to success in business. It means focusing on your strengths and opportunities rather than your weaknesses and threats. By adopting a positive mindset, you can overcome challenges, setbacks, and failures with a resilient attitude. You will be more likely to find creative solutions to problems, attract like-minded individuals, and form strong relationships with your team and customers. (3) Strategic Mindset: A strategic mindset is essential to the success of any business. It means having a clear vision of your goals, a plan to achieve them, and the ability to adapt to changes in the market. By adopting a strategic mindset, you can prioritize your time, resources, and efforts to maximize your business’s growth and profitability. (4) Leadership Mindset: A leadership mindset is necessary for entrepreneurs and business owners. It means having the ability to inspire, motivate, and guide your team towards a common goal. By adopting a leadership mindset, you can create a positive work environment, build trust and respect with your employees, and develop a strong company culture. What’s my point? The mindset that successful entrepreneurs and business owners adopt includes a growth mindset, positive mindset, strategic mindset, and leadership mindset. By embracing these mindsets, you can overcome challenges, setbacks, and failures, and achieve your goals. Remember, mindset is the foundation for your business’s success, and it all starts with a positive and growth-oriented attitude. #Boom {stop article}

Self-love is the foundation of a healthy and fulfilling life. It’s the key to unlocking your true potential, building meaningful relationships, and achieving your goals. Unfortunately, self-love is often overlooked and undervalued in our fast-paced and demanding world. Here’s why it’s so important to prioritize self-love and some tips for cultivating it in your life. First and foremost, self-love is essential for your mental and emotional well-being. When you nurture a positive relationship with yourself, you gain confidence, resilience, and a sense of inner peace. You learn to accept your flaws and imperfections as part of your unique identity, rather than constantly criticizing and condemning yourself. You prioritize your own needs and create healthy boundaries with others, which creates a space where you can thrive as an individual. Self-love is also key for building strong and meaningful relationships with others. When you accept and love yourself, you attract people into your life who value and support you for who you are. You’re more likely to set healthy boundaries and communicate effectively with others, strengthening your connections and creating a sense of trust and intimacy. Finally, self-love is crucial for achieving your goals and pursuing your passions. When you believe in yourself and your abilities, you’re more likely to take risks and pursue your dreams with passion and determination. You won’t be held back by the fear of failure or the opinions of others, instead, you’ll embrace challenges and forge ahead with confidence. So, how can you cultivate self-love in your life? Here are a few tips: Practice self-care: Take time to do things that make you feel good, whether that’s practicing yoga, taking a hot bath, or getting a massage. Practice positive self-talk: Speak to yourself as you would to a dear friend. Use encouraging and supportive language rather than being overly critical and negative. Set boundaries: Say no to things that drain your energy and take time for yourself. Get in touch with your inner child: Tap into your playful, curious, and carefree side. Surround yourself with positive people: Build relationships with people who uplift, inspire, and encourage you. Remember that self-love is a journey, not a destination. It’s something we must cultivate and practice every day in our lives. By prioritizing self-love, we create a strong foundation for joy, fulfillment, and success in all areas of our lives.

I love working out in the morning. Mentally and physically, I exercise almost daily. In my reading this morning, the author talked about working out our “trust muscles.” I loved the reference. As Christians, we are called to trust in God in all areas of our lives. It’s not always easy, but just like any muscle, our trust muscle needs to be exercised and strengthened. In order to grow in our faith and fully rely on God, we must be intentional about stretching and challenging ourselves. Just like going to the gym, the more we use our trust muscles, the stronger they become. This means stepping out in faith, even when it’s uncomfortable or scary. Trusting in God means letting go of our own plans and relying on His perfect will for our lives. When we actively exercise our trust muscles, we experience the fullness of God’s love and blessings. We begin to see the beauty in the unexpected and find peace in the midst of chaos. So, let’s choose to trust in God’s plan for our lives and commit to working out our trust muscles every day. He is faithful and will never let us down.