Category: Growth

I Knew Who I Was Until My Life Changed

There are some changes you prepare for, and then there are changes that divide your life into before and after.

Losing my mom was one of those changes for me. When she died, I wasn’t only grieving the loss of my mother. Somewhere underneath the sadness was a question I didn’t know how to answer: Who am I going to be without my mom?

I had known myself as her daughter my entire life. She had been part of my understanding of family, strength, and even myself. Then suddenly, she wasn’t physically here anymore, and life expected me to keep going.

That’s one of the hardest things about loss and change. The world keeps moving even when something inside you has stopped.

I kept moving too.

Eventually, I graduated from chiropractic school with my Doctor of Chiropractic degree. That should have been one of the happiest and proudest moments of my life. I had worked hard for that degree. I had accomplished something significant. But my mom wasn’t there. I remember wishing I could see her sitting in the audience. More than anything, I wanted to hear her say, “I’m proud of you.”

And because she wasn’t there, part of that moment felt pointless.

That’s messy to admit because earning my doctorate wasn’t pointless. I know that. But grief doesn’t always care about what makes sense. Sometimes you can accomplish something you worked years to achieve and still feel the emptiness of the person who isn’t there to see it.

I think that’s something we misunderstand about uncertainty. We usually think uncertainty means not knowing what’s going to happen next. But sometimes uncertainty is much more personal.

Sometimes uncertainty sounds like: “I don’t know who I am anymore.”

Maybe the relationship ended. Maybe the career that once made you feel successful no longer fulfills you. Maybe your business is growing, but you’re exhausted from carrying it. Maybe you’ve accomplished what you thought would make you happy, yet success hasn’t given you the peace you expected.

Or maybe you’re the person everyone depends on—the provider, the leader, the responsible one—and privately you’re wondering who you are when you’re not taking care of everybody else.

Uncertainty has a way of exposing what we’ve been depending on for security, the roles we’ve confused with our identity, how much control we thought we had, and sometimes even what we really believe about God.

After my mom died, uncertainty exposed something in me.

I believed I had to step into her shoes.

I thought I had to take on the responsibilities she left behind. I believed I had to be strong because she had been strong.

But underneath all of that was something even deeper.

I thought I had to become her.

I was grieving who I lost while believing I had to become who I lost.

At the time, I thought I was doing what needed to be done. I thought being strong meant carrying the responsibility, keeping things moving, and becoming the person I believed everyone needed me to be.

Maybe you know something about that.

Sometimes life changes, and before we’ve even had time to process what happened, we’re already creating rules about who we have to become because of it.

I have to be strong.

I have to figure this out.

I can’t let everybody down.

I have to keep succeeding.

I should trust God more than this.

After a while, those thoughts don’t simply describe what we’re going through. They start shaping who we believe we have to be.

Then something changes, the familiar answers disappear, and we’re left asking:

“Who am I now?”

I wish I could tell you that I figured that out shortly after my mom died.

I didn’t.

It took years.

Years before I understood that honoring my mother didn’t require me to become my mother.

My mother helped me become who I am, but God never asked me to become her.

God used my mom to help get me here, but He still had a plan for me. My mother loved me, influenced me, and helped shape the woman I became.

But God created me to become Jeanine.

And when my mother died, God didn’t leave with her.

That realization didn’t erase my grief. It didn’t make me stop wishing she had been sitting in that audience when I received my degree. It didn’t suddenly answer every question I had.

But it began changing the way I understood uncertainty.

I started realizing that not knowing what comes next doesn’t mean God has left. Losing someone or something that helped define your life doesn’t mean you’ve lost who you are. And having your life change doesn’t mean God’s plan for you disappeared with the life you used to know.

Hebrews 13:5 reminds us, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

I’ve had to learn what those words mean outside of the comfortable seasons.

Sometimes God’s presence doesn’t mean He prevents the loss.

Sometimes it means you discover that He is still there after the loss.

That changed my faith and how I understand identity.

The people we love, our relationships, careers, businesses, responsibilities, and accomplishments matter. But none of those things were designed to carry the full weight of telling us who we are.

Because life changes.

And sometimes the life we were certain we would have becomes a life we have to grieve.

That’s when the deeper work begins.

Instead of only asking, “What’s going to happen next?” I’ve learned that sometimes we need to ask:

“Who am I believing I have to become because my life changed?”

Maybe you’ve decided you have to become harder because someone hurt you. Maybe you believe you have to do everything yourself because someone left. Maybe you can’t slow down because people depend on you. Maybe you’ve decided starting over means you failed.

Those beliefs can quietly follow us into the next chapter of our lives.

Then there’s another question:

“Who is God asking me to become now?”

Not who does everybody else need you to be. Not who were you before everything changed. Not who do you think you should be by now.

Who are you becoming?

I’m still learning the answer to that question.

There are still times when uncertainty makes me uncomfortable. There are still moments when I’d rather know exactly what God is doing than trust Him without an explanation.

And I still wish my mom had been sitting in that audience.

I wish I could have seen her face.

I wish I could have heard her say, “I’m proud of you.”

Becoming who God created me to be doesn’t require me to pretend I don’t still want those things. Growth hasn’t erased my grief. I don’t think it’s supposed to.

But grief no longer tells me I have to become my mother in order to carry forward what she gave me.

My mother helped me become who I am, but God never asked me to become her.

God used her to help get me here. And when her part of my journey ended in a way I never wanted it to, God didn’t stop writing mine.

He was still there.

And He was still helping me become Jeanine.

My Traveling Friend, maybe your uncertainty isn’t only about what’s going to happen next. Maybe underneath everything that’s changing is a quieter question:

“Who am I going to be now?”

You don’t have to rush to answer it.

Maybe this season is inviting you to become aware of what you’ve been believing about yourself, acknowledge what you’ve lost, process what the change has brought up, accept what you cannot change, and begin taking intentional action toward the person God created you to be.

That’s the kind of deeper work we do inside the Confidence Mindset Program. I help individuals feel sure of themselves and live on purpose by teaching them how to change the way they think and partner with God to create the life they truly desire.

If uncertainty has left you questioning who you are, where you’re going, or who you’re becoming, schedule a consultation call at www.lifeisbutajourney.com to learn more about the Confidence Mindset Program.

You may not know exactly who you’ll be on the other side of this season.

I didn’t either.

But I’ve learned that when life changes, God doesn’t stop being God, and you don’t have to become someone else to survive what changed.

Sometimes uncertainty is where the familiar answers disappear, and you begin discovering who you are underneath them.

And sometimes it’s where you realize God was never asking you to replace what you lost.

He was still calling you to become who He created you to be.

Until next time, remember to Live Confidently on Purpose.

When Life Changes and You Feel Lost: Finding Your Way Through a Season of Transition

There was a season in my life when everything felt like it was shifting all at once. What once felt familiar no longer felt right, and the path ahead seemed soooooo unclear. I remember sitting quietly one evening thinking, Why does this feel so uncomfortable? Why does it feel like I’m standing between who I used to be and who I’m supposed to become? That’s what transition often feels like. A transition season is when life begins to move you from one chapter to another. It may come through a career change, a relationship shift, a personal awakening, or simply the quiet realization that you can’t stay where you are. Transitions can feel confusing because the old season has ended, but the new one hasn’t fully begun yet.

Transition seasons usually show up when growth is happening. They often come when God is preparing you for something different or deeper. You may notice them when you start questioning things that once made sense or when your heart begins searching for more peace, clarity, and purpose. The truth is, transition doesn’t mean life is falling apart—it often means life is being rearranged. The Bible reminds us in Ecclesiastes 3:1, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Every transition has a purpose, even when you can’t fully see it yet.

During a transition season, one of the most helpful steps you can take is to slow down and intentionally seek God before making your next move. When life feels uncertain, the natural reaction is to rush into decisions just to feel in control again. But slowing down allows you to listen, pray, reflect, and gain clarity. This step is based on the principle of trust…trusting that God will guide you step by step instead of expecting yourself to have every answer right away. This principle is rooted in Proverbs 3:5–6, which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” When you slow down and trust God first, the next step becomes clearer.

Many people try to navigate transition by gathering more information, reading another book, attending another workshop, or having long conversations about what might be happening in their lives. These steps can bring awareness and understanding, and they can be helpful along the journey. But often what people are still searching for is something deeper—real change, internal peace, and the confidence to move forward with purpose.

That’s where working with me inside the Confidence Mindset Program becomes a powerful next step. I help people feel sure of themselves and live on purpose by teaching them how to change the way they think and partner with God to co-create the life they truly want. This program is designed to help you rebuild trust in yourself, move through life’s transitions with clarity, and step into the person God is calling you to become. Join the Confidence Mindset Program by scheduling your consultation call at lifeisbutajourney.com. This is your opportunity to receive the guidance, mindset transformation, and faith-based support that will help you move through transition with confidence and peace.

Until next time, remember to Live Confidently on Purpose…

Mental and Emotional Overload: Why So Many Are Carrying Too Much Into 2026

As we move toward 2026, one of the biggest struggles people are quietly carrying is mental and emotional overload. It’s the feeling of having too many thoughts running at once while your emotions feel heavy and unsettled. You may look like you’re holding it together on the outside, but on the inside, your mind feels full, your heart feels tired, and peace feels out of reach. This kind of overload doesn’t mean you’re weak; it means you’ve been strong for a long time without the right support.

Mental and emotional overload often shows up during seasons of uncertainty. It appears when life doesn’t go as planned, when answers feel unclear, and when control starts slipping away. You may notice it when you’re constantly overthinking, feeling emotionally drained, snapping more easily, or feeling disconnected from yourself and from God. I’ve been there myself, trying to manage everything, praying but still feeling overwhelmed, and wondering why peace felt so hard to hold onto. The truth is, overload continues when we keep trying to carry what God never intended us to carry alone.

This struggle happens because many of us were taught to push through, figure it out, and stay busy instead of slowing down and renewing our minds. We try to control outcomes instead of trusting God with the process. Scripture speaks directly to this in Matthew 11:28, where Jesus says, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” God doesn’t shame us for feeling overwhelmed; He invites us to rest, reset, and learn a new way of thinking and living with Him.

Many people have already tried to “fix” this overload by investing in expensive options: long retreats, vacations, or services that focus only on talking through stress. While those experiences may offer temporary relief, the overwhelm often returns because the mind hasn’t been renewed, and confidence hasn’t been rebuilt. Real change doesn’t come from escaping life for a moment. It comes from learning how to think differently, trust God more deeply, and live with intention from the inside out.

This is where the Confidence Mindset Program becomes the turning point. I help people feel sure of themselves and live on purpose by teaching them how to change the way they think and partner with God to build the life they truly want. This program is not about quick fixes. It’s about lasting transformation, internal peace, and learning how to live confidently even when life feels uncertain. If you’re tired of carrying mental and emotional overload into another year, it’s time to choose a different path.

Join the Confidence Mindset Program by scheduling your consultation call at www.lifeisbutajourney.com. This is your step toward real change, renewed peace, and a life created on purpose with God—no longer controlled by overwhelm, but guided by clarity, confidence, and faith.

Until Next Time, Remember to Live Confidently on Purpose…

Sacrifice: Why Letting Go Is Often the First Step to Becoming Who You’re Meant to Be

Sacrifice is not about losing something; it’s about making room for something better. To sacrifice means to give up what feels familiar, comfortable, or safe so you can grow into what God is calling you to become. Sometimes the sacrifice is a habit, a mindset, a relationship, or even an old version of yourself. God often asks for sacrifice when staying the same is no longer helping you move forward. Sacrifice is the bridge between where you are and where God wants to take you.

A sacrifice usually comes when life feels uncomfortable or confusing. You may feel stuck, restless, or unsure of who you really are. That’s often when God steps in and asks you to release something so He can do something new. One feeling many people experience when they are called to sacrifice is fear—fear of change, fear of the unknown, or fear of losing control. But fear doesn’t mean stop. It often means growth is close. God asks for sacrifice because He sees the full picture and knows what you need to let go of so you can thrive.

The Bible reminds us in Romans 12:1, “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, this is your true and proper worship.” Sacrifice is an act of trust. It’s saying, “God, I believe Your plan is better than my comfort.” When you make the sacrifice God is asking you to make, clarity starts to replace confusion. Confidence begins to grow. You start to feel more connected to who you truly are and the life you’re meant to live.

Avoiding sacrifice often keeps people feeling lost, unsure, and disconnected from themselves. Life starts to feel like it’s just happening to them instead of being created with intention. But when sacrifice is embraced, transformation begins on the inside first. Your thinking changes. Your confidence grows. You stop reacting to life and start intentionally co-creating it with God. Sacrifice opens the door to real change because it requires both faith and action.

This is where working with me inside the Confidence Mindset Program becomes the next step forward. Many people spend more money on vacations, entertainment, shopping, or quick escapes that feel good for a moment but leave their lives unchanged. Real transformation doesn’t happen on the outside first; it starts within. Working with me gives you the support, structure, and guidance you need to move toward lasting change. I help people feel sure of themselves and live on purpose by teaching them how to change the way they think and partner with God to build the life they truly want. Schedule your consultation call today and take the step that leads to real growth, real confidence, and a life created on purpose.

Until Next Time Remember to Live Confidently on Purpose…

Rediscovering Your True Identity in God

Identity is something everyone struggles with at some point in life. The truth is, our identity comes from God, the one who created us. He gave us our worth and purpose before we ever tried to define ourselves by titles, roles, or what others thought about us. When we lose sight of who we are in Him, we start to search for identity in people, achievements, or even the opinions of others, leaving us feeling empty and disconnected from who God designed us to be.

Many individuals lose their sense of self when life takes unexpected turns — through failed relationships, career struggles, or painful experiences. I know because I’ve been there. For a long time, I lost my identity in the labels others placed on me and the mistakes I made. I believed the limiting belief that “I am not enough unless I prove myself.” That belief kept me trapped in cycles of doubt and insecurity, always striving but never feeling whole. It wasn’t until I turned back to God and allowed Him to remind me of who I truly was that I began to heal and walk confidently in my identity.

The good news is you don’t have to stay stuck in that place. A first step you can take right now to begin discovering your identity is to spend intentional time with God daily. Write down what He says about you in His Word and speak it over yourself. 1 Peter 2:9 reminds us, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” This scripture is proof that your identity is secure in Him, not in what the world says. God also places people in our lives to walk alongside us, encourage us, and help us see the gifts He placed within us.

When we lean on God and begin to see ourselves the way He sees us, we step into freedom. We start to live with intention, clarity, and confidence. It’s not about chasing the approval of others, but about standing firm in the identity He has given us. And when you walk in that truth, you don’t just change your own life; you inspire others to do the same.

Applying today’s lesson is a powerful first step toward rediscovering your God-given identity. The next step is to schedule your consultation call to work with me inside the Confidence Mindset Program. In this program, I’ll help you build confidence, break free from limiting beliefs, and start living on purpose with God by your side. You don’t have to keep feeling lost or unsure because together we’ll create the clarity, peace, and direction you’ve been searching for. I help people feel sure of themselves and live on purpose by teaching them how to change the way they think and partner with God to build the life they truly want.

Until Next Time, Remember To Live Confidently On Purpose…

#FaithAndPurpose #IdentityInChrist #ConfidenceMindset #LiveOnPurpose #GodGivenIdentity

Original by Design…Embrace The Gifts God Gave You!

God gave you something special, your “OWN” unique gifts and talents. These aren’t random or average. They were carefully chosen by God to be used to bless others, make a difference, and help you live out your purpose. Whether your gift is encouraging others, solving problems, organizing chaos, or creating beauty, your talents matter. You don’t have to be on a big stage to have a big impact. When you use what God gave you, right where you are, you become a light in someone’s life. That’s powerful.

One trap that keeps people stuck is thinking their gifts aren’t good enough. It’s a common limiting belief that says, “If my talent doesn’t look like theirs, it must not matter.” But wanting someone else’s gift is like telling God He made a mistake when He made you. I’ve been there myself, struggling with comparison, thinking I had to sound more like other coaches or speak a certain way to be accepted. But I learned that my strength was in being me. Your value isn’t in being a copy, it’s in being you. God didn’t ask you to be a duplicate. He created you to be an original.

If you’ve been doubting your gifts and talents, take this first step today: Write down three things that come easily to you, even if they seem small. Ask God to show you how to use them to serve others. 1 Corinthians 12:4 reminds us, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.” This means your gift may look different, but it comes from the same loving God who created all of us for a purpose. You don’t have to do it all. You just have to do your part.

And the good news? God doesn’t just hand out talents and leave you on your own—He places the right people in your path to guide, support, and grow with you. Whether it’s a mentor, a coach, a friend, or a prayer partner, God sends people to help water the seed He planted in you. You were never meant to walk this journey alone. And when you’re open to that support, your gifts and talents begin to bloom in ways you never imagined.

If you’re tired of feeling like life is just happening to you and you’re ready to feel sure of yourself and intentionally co-create your life with God, it’s time to take action. Schedule a consultation call today to join my Confidence Mindset Program. I help people feel sure of themselves and live on purpose by teaching them how to change the way they think and partner with God to build the life they truly want. You don’t have to wait for permission to start living boldly. You already have the gifts. Let’s activate them…together.

Until Next Time Remember That Life Is But A Journey…

P.S. You can also grab powerful coaching activities, with or without journals, designed to help you grow and walk in your purpose. Just click on the JAccessories Page and start your journey today!

Start Living on Purpose: The Power of Being Intentional With God

Living a life of purpose doesn’t happen by accident. It takes being intentional. When you are intentional, you’re deciding to work with God, not just waiting for life to change. It means making decisions on purpose that reflect who you are, what you believe, and who you are becoming. God shows us this from the very beginning of creation. In Genesis 1, He spoke things into being, day by day, with care and purpose. He didn’t rush or guess. He created everything with clear intention. And as His children, we are invited to do the same with our lives.

One belief that keeps people stuck is the thought, “I don’t know where to start, so I won’t start at all.” I’ve felt that before, and I know how heavy it feels. That belief leads many to live on autopilot, going through the motions, instead of deciding to co-create life with God. But being intentional doesn’t mean you need a perfect plan. It just means you are deciding to show up on purpose, with faith that each step matters. Even one small step of intention can lead to great transformation when you include God in it.

If you’re wondering how to start being intentional, try this: Set one clear intention each morning before the day begins. For example, you might say, “Today, I choose to speak life,” or “Today, I will focus on peace, no matter what happens.” This daily decision trains your mind and heart to live with purpose. Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” When you are intentional about your thoughts, your time, and your actions, you open the door for God to lead you in powerful ways.

God didn’t design us to walk this life alone. He places people in our path to support, encourage, and walk with us, especially when we’re stepping into something new. Being intentional also means letting the right people pour into you and help you grow. You don’t have to do it all on your own. And you’re not meant to. If you feel like life is just happening to you, now is the time to take back your power by being intentional and deciding to walk with purpose.

When life feels out of control and nothing seems to align with who you are or where you want to go, it’s time to take your power back. The Confidence Mindset Program is designed to help you stop surviving and start intentionally building the life God created you to live. Through faith-based coaching, you’ll break free from limiting beliefs, gain clarity, and finally feel grounded in who you are. This is your moment to stop drifting and start co-creating your future with purpose. Schedule your consultation call today—because you’re ready to lead your life, not just react to it.

Click the link – http://www.lifeisbutajourney.com to schedule your consultation call today, because you’re not meant to do this life on autopilot, and living on purpose starts with one bold decision. Let’s start building the life you truly deserve, with God leading the way.

Until Next Time Remember That Life Is But A Journey…

“Let Go of Familiar—Your Growth Begins Where Comfort Ends”

Nobody really likes feeling uncomfortable. It’s awkward, scary, and let’s be honest—downright annoying. But guess what? Growth doesn’t happen where it’s cozy. Getting uncomfortable to grow means stepping out of what’s familiar so you can step into who God created you to be. I remember a time in my life when I had to make a huge decision that didn’t make sense to the people around me. I left behind a situation that felt safe but was keeping me small. It was uncomfortable, even painful at times, but it was the very thing that pushed me closer to my purpose and brought out strength I didn’t even know I had. God doesn’t call us to comfort zones; He calls us to grow. In fact, James 1:2-4 reminds us, “Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials… because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

Still, most people stay stuck because of one sneaky thought: “What if I fail?” I’ve believed that lie before, too. It kept me in places that looked okay on the outside but were draining me on the inside. That kind of thinking holds you back from creating your life on purpose. You stop applying for new jobs. You avoid tough conversations. You keep hiding your dreams in the back of your mind. But avoiding discomfort means avoiding the growth that leads to peace, freedom, and real joy. You were made for more, not just for comfort.

Here’s one way you can start today: do one small thing that stretches you. Maybe that means saying “no” when you usually say “yes,” or trying something new that you’ve been scared to try. Write down what you feel, and ask God to show you what He’s growing in you through it. Getting uncomfortable to grow isn’t about doing big, wild things—it’s about showing up differently, one brave step at a time.

Getting uncomfortable is where your growth begins, and coaching helps you stay on that path when your mind wants to run back to what’s familiar. That’s exactly what the Confidence Mindset Program is here for—to walk with you as you push past fear, break through limiting beliefs, and start showing up as the person God created you to be. When you commit to this journey, you’re not just learning how to handle life—you’re learning how to thrive in it. Peace in every situation, confidence in every room, purpose in every step. Schedule your consultation call today and begin living the life you were made for—full of joy, clarity, and unstoppable confidence.