vulnerable beginnings

Hey friends, it’s me Jess! Warning, this posts about to get really vulnerable.

Why am I hosting a retreat? Well, there are lots of reasons, so I’ll answer by taking you back in time.

Many of you may not know this, but I struggled with an eating disorder off and on for about 10 years. I have done my best to keep that hidden for a long time. That along with anxiety, low self-worth & unhealthy relationships left me empty. It was such a lonely time in my life, I don’t think people realize how isolating that disease is. I wasn’t really living.

One day I got tired of my own shit & knew I had to change. So, I tried, one day at a time. I struggled, but I made it through.

I’m so grateful for this struggle though, & all the hard things I’ve had to get through. I know that without them I wouldn’t be the strong, confident, empathetic, authentic woman typing this today. I may not have tried plant medicine and gotten to remember who I really am (in this lifetime). If you’re struggling, know that I am here & I see you. It’s ok. I love you.

The goal of this retreat is to provide a safe container for other humans to feel free to express themselves, dive deep into some inner work, confront limiting subconscious beliefs to move past them and step into their truest expression of self. While having fun of course.

You may say to yourself, “gee that’s a whole lot to accomplish on a 5-day retreat” … & I may have agreed with you in the past. But I know that it’s possible because I’ve experienced it first-hand. My recent retreat with mama Aya set me on a trajectory toward my life’s purpose. To lead other people back to themselves.

I’ve realized that I’ve been on this spiritual path as a healer for a long time even though at first it seemed to happen almost by accident. Now able to fully own that part of myself and step into my power. Through years of work, therapy, EMDR, books, yoga, breathwork, community, support, and plant medicine I have been able to meet myself again. The real me, underneath all the masks I was so used to wearing.

If I could share even a tiny bit of what I’ve learned & experienced to help others see how beautiful their soul is, then I have served my purpose.

Jess