Meet Jenn
I know what it’s like to feel like you’ve lost yourself.
Growing up in the predominantly white, upper-class suburbs of Silicon Valley, I did my best to fit in so I could have friends at school. My sister and I were two of a handful of black children, and in most cases were the only exposure the kids had to the African American community. To my school friends, I was “different.” On the other hand, I had a close social circle of black friends through a black family organization who were accustomed to more diversity. To them, I was “different.” In both circles, I often felt I needed to talk, dress, and act in a certain way in order to be accepted for fear I would not be considered a part of the group.
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Given these conflicting cultures, I didn’t feel that I entirely fit with either. So, I had different versions of myself, and over time realized that I was showing up differently depending on who I was with. As a result, I went out into the world as a fractured person, attempting to understand which of these roles I felt comfortable with. Each version had aspects of my true self, but I still wondered who I really was underneath what I presented to others.
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As I got older, I began to discover and embrace who I was, my likes, dislikes, interests, and beliefs. Since I had the opportunity to build my social circles from scratch, I began to present myself to the world as the person that I truly am, and I sought out spaces that embraced me and others for who we are, not how we’re expected to be.
Quote?
“You are your own teacher. Investigate yourself to find the truth ― inside, not outside. Knowing yourself is most important.”
― Ajahn Chah, Buddhist monk and teacher
I also know what it feels like to lose your way.
My idea of what I wanted my life to look like evolved immensely over the years. I had pictured a traditional path that included going to college and gaining a degree, before getting married and having children. But it has looked nothing like that.
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I went from pursuing a degree in architecture to graduating with a degree in Consumer Affairs, only to build a fruitful career in digital marketing. For over 20 years, I worked for several Fortune 500 companies in various positions which I found rewarding overall, but I wasn’t progressing up the ladder as I’d hoped – or according to my expectations.
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Two “dream” jobs and lots of self-reflection later, I realized that the career path I was working so hard at was not aligned with my real interests, values, or strengths and was never going to fill the void I was feeling. When I finally was laid off after an almost 30-year journey to who knows where, I decided to create the life I would love rather than continue down the same path. I only wish I had made the discovery sooner.
And that’s why I’m here.
Through the help of a life coach, I uncovered a passion for helping others pursue a path of self-discovery as I have, and intentionally create a life that they would love.
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To be clear, this is a work in progress. I am still creating my life every single day, but I feel satisfied knowing that I make intentional decisions that align with my unique nature and the thriving life I’d love.
My Philosophy
You have talents, interests, beliefs, and personal values. When you embrace them and invest in them, your talents become strengths, your interests become passions, and your beliefs and values become your mission. Together, this is your unique identity. And when the life you live aligns with your identity, you’re living in your true nature.
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Your purpose in life is to contribute to society with your unique identity. No one else can provide that contribution the way you can. If you don’t provide your unique contribution, it will be greatly missed.
When you discover your true nature and live with intention and purpose, you can thrive. And when we can all embrace our true nature with honesty and integrity, we will be more accepting of ourselves and others.
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This is an ongoing process of discovery. We don’t just meet our true selves and conquer all; we’re constantly evolving. We have the freedom to be one person today but develop into someone different tomorrow, next week, or next year if we choose.
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That’s the beauty of creating the life you’d love.
“The freedom to be yourself is a gift only you can give yourself. But once you do, no one can take it away.”
― Doe Zantamata, author
