Hey Beautiful Souls~
As I sit down to write this blog post, a profound urge washes over me to share my testimony, to unfold the layers of my soul and reveal the essence of my journey—a journey marked by trials and triumphs, darkness and light, despair and hope. It’s a story not of perfection but of persistence; not of unblemished faith but of a relentless pursuit of light amidst the shadows that often shroud our world.
In the world today, it feels as though a tangible evil lurks in the air, a darkness that attempts to obscure the sunshine that bathes our lives. This struggle isn’t just external; it mirrors the war within—a battle for the soul, a contest between our higher selves and the temptations that seek to derail us from our divine path. I’ve come to see this not just as a metaphorical devil on my shoulder but as a real, palpable force seeking to influence my choices and cloud my judgment.
My life has been a series of tempests—near-death experiences, health challenges, and mental health struggles. Each trial, whether it be fighting to stay nourished amidst diabetes and gastroparesis, battling the demons of depression, anxiety, and PTSD, or simply striving to find a place of peace and health, has taught me resilience. Yet, for too long, I focused on saving others, driven by nostalgia and an idolized notion of what life should be, neglecting the most crucial relationship of all: my connection with God and the Savior.
The journey of repentance is profound and deeply personal. It’s about recognizing where we’ve faltered, not to drown in self-judgment but to understand that the Atonement is always within reach. It’s about creating lists not of our failures but of our steps towards improvement, recognizing that while labels may define aspects of our lives, they do not determine our worth or our potential.
As I’ve aged, I’ve learned that life’s end isn’t about knowing the exact moment of the world’s conclusion or the precise path our souls will take hereafter. Instead, it’s about ensuring that our souls shine for eternity through the love, creativity, and help we extend to others.
I am inspired by the Divine Creator who formed me, and in return, I feel compelled to share that peace, testimony, faith, and knowledge through my talents and passions. It’s about living for today, for the sunshine that pierces through the storms, embracing each day with the knowledge that He lives, and our Savior is indeed coming.
My years were marked by darkness, a period where my soul felt as if it were erupting in agony. Now, I find solace in the peace and quiet, in the beauty that lies within and in the warmth of the sun that fuels my spirit. This transition from darkness to light hasn’t been swift or easy. It’s a daily commitment to progress, to surround myself with love and light, because I’ve learned that darkness only serves to dampen the spirit, especially for someone like me, whose essence is deeply intertwined with art, truth, and humor.
In a world obsessed with competition and comparison, I choose to stand apart. God is the ultimate destination, and as we anticipate the Savior's return, I wish to meet Him hand in hand, surrounded by joy and living each day to the fullest. This means transforming platforms of darkness into canvases of light, changing narratives of despair into stories of hope, and replacing competition with compassion.
As I navigate the complexities of this world, my resolve remains unshaken—to be a beacon of strength, to stir my surroundings with love and light, and to cherish the journey, regardless of the challenges it presents. It's about making each day count, not in anticipation of what the end might bring but in celebration of the present moment and the potential it holds for growth, learning, and love.
To you reading this, know that you're not alone in your struggles. We are all walking this path together, seeking light, yearning for peace, and striving to leave the world a little brighter than we found it. Let's embrace this journey with open hearts, ready to learn, forgive, love, and illuminate the path for others as we go.
In closing, my message is one of hope: Regardless of the darkness that may seem to prevail, light is always within reach. We must only choose to see it, embrace it, and become vessels of its power.
With Love ~
Keep Shining~Be Inspired~
~Jackie Inspires~
Because, in the end, God is everything. The Savior is coming, and I want to be ready, hand in hand with joy, just living each day.
Hey Beautiful Souls~ 🌸
I recently crossed a significant milestone in my journey—completing my Associate's Degree in Humanities and Social Sciences. It's a moment of reflection and pride, marking both an end and a beginning. Looking ahead, there's the potential path toward a Bachelor's degree in Family Science which has always been my plan but due to life, health, trials, and well I figure I am okay, especially being 40 with my Associate's Degree. I am so proud of myself for sticking through college and it's been a rough go but I MADE IT~ So can you :) Whatever you are doing. If my future wants me to complete my last semester and get my Bachelor's so be it, but for now I am enjoying finding my next embrace in this journey.
I'm embracing this season of 'me-time'. Whether it's exploring the stunning landscapes of southern Utah with my loving husband, Tarl, or pouring love into my blog and shop, every moment is a step towards discovering the 'Jackie' I'm meant to be. 🌈💕
I am so grateful to be married to an amazing and creative partner as well. I am and continue to support my husband in his journey and will always and forever. We have some fun creative projects planned and lots of things to explore now that school is done.
This journey is teaching me the importance of self-love and care. Remember, it's not selfish to prioritize your well-being. Your mental, physical, and spiritual health is paramount. 🌿🧘♀️
To anyone out there feeling lost or overwhelmed, know that it's okay to seek help, to take a step back, and to focus on YOU. You are enough. You are capable. And most importantly, you are uniquely designed by Our Heavenly Parents to shine in ways you can't even imagine.
Right now, there's a beautiful peace in not rushing into the next thing. Instead, I'm savoring the quiet, the space to breathe and choose my next adventure. It's a time for creativity, exploration, and most importantly, for self-discovery. 🌈✨
This period is teaching me the value of taking time for myself—time to heal, to grow, and to simply be. Mental health, self-love, and self-care are not just buzzwords; they're vital practices that allow us to recharge and navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience.
So, I'm embracing this pause. Whether my journey takes me toward further education or down another path entirely, I'm learning to trust the process and my inner voice. And I encourage you to do the same. Trust in your journey, beautiful souls. Allow yourself the space to explore, to dream, and to find peace in the unknown. 🌟
Remember, it's okay to take a step back, to reflect, and to choose your adventures with intention. You are enough, just as you are, and your path is yours to shape. So, let's keep shining, keep dreaming, and most importantly, keep being true to ourselves. You're amazing.
Keep Shining~ Be Inspired~
~Jackie Inspires~
#SelfDiscovery #InnerPeace #CreativeJourney #Mindfulness #MentalHealthMatters #HealingPath #SelfCareJourney #PersonalGrowth #InspirationalLiving #PeacefulMoments #LifeReflections #EmbraceTheJourney #FindingYourself #GrowthMindset #QuietMoments #CreativityEveryday #PathOfLife #InspireChange #HopefulHorizons #BeautifulSouls
Hey Beautiful Souls,
As we near the end of 2023, I want to share with you one of my deepest and most important desires: my dream of creating a CD. This journey is not just about music; it’s a reflection of my life, shaped by a family rich in diversity and love, and a personal growth journey that has led me to where I am today.
As a woman with a myriad of interests, my life has always been a canvas of varied hues. I've embraced everything with a spirit of curiosity and passion. As an artistic soul, an empath, and someone with an INFJ personality type, I've always been deeply attuned to the emotions and potential in others. This sensitivity and awareness were honed through years of observing and learning from my twelve siblings and parents and then extended to my aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. Along with the closest family, I consider not ''related'' in the eyes of the world. Whether from teachers, mentors, friends, co-workers, or anyone whose heart desires to have a piece of their example. Truly value the meaning that ''God puts others in your path for a reason''. He is the mastermind behind the scenes.
Every soul has and continues and will collectively lay a foundation that has enriched my understanding of relationships, creativity, and self-expression. This will go on for all eternity. Why do you think I feel so hard? Express? Share? Because I have had a beautiful light since I came to this earth and my experiences and trials have tried to ''burn it out''. Each day is a growing and learning experience and continues into my education and working on my degree in Family Science, which is a huge milestone and dream that I am working to accomplish in May 2024. I can't wait to use my knowledge and experiences and help others, individuals, and families, like those reading my posts.
I have always loved the language and the arts. I, like many wanted to be a singer, writer, actress, and more but I'm not one for the ''stardom'' light. Yes, I like to be noticed but in different ways and smaller or behind the scenes. More like in the world labels or ''terminology'' directors, musicians, someone still shining but rather see others shine even brighter because I know my glory and I have always had the gift to see others' glory way far into the future never-ending. Why do you think I have so much desire? Take it as President Russell M. Nelson recently said ''Think Celestial'' Oh, if you only knew my eyes, soul, and heart have always thought and seen that since birth and I am realizing more than ever. I know we all have that potential, even myself. it's a work in progress to always hold on to that. Easier said than done ;)
My fascination with characters like Ariel from "The Little Mermaid" and Belle from "Beauty and the Beast" reflects my journey. Ariel's yearning to explore beyond her familiar world mirrored my desire to dive into the arts, while Belle's love for learning and seeing beyond the surface resonated with how I view others and the world. My life, in many ways, paralleled Cinderella's – a journey to find true love, which I discovered in 2020 with my husband, Tarl. Writing a song for him was not just an expression of love but also a reawakening of a long-held dream to create a CD.
This dream, however, often took a backseat as I habitually put others' dreams and passions ahead of mine. Meeting Tarl was like finding my 'prince,' 'beast,' or hero – he helped me realize my fairy tale, a tale of true love and self-realization.
From my earliest memories, music has been a constant companion, a source of joy and expression. My mother, Anne, introduced me to the enchanting world of piano and the timeless voices of Barbara Streisand, John Denver, and Kenny Rogers. These melodies became the soundtrack of my childhood, nurturing a love for music that grew with each passing day.
Equally influential in my life is my father, Stuart. An adventurer and outdoorsman at heart, of action more than words. His love for the outdoors, hiking, and family outings was infectious, instilling in us a sense of adventure and appreciation for nature. As a businessman, he exemplified the qualities of a go-getter, teaching me the importance of determination and hard work. His traditional yet fun-loving approach to life, always with a smile on his face, demonstrated the balance of responsibility and enjoyment. Stuart's athletic nature and family-oriented values were cornerstones in our household, shaping my understanding of the importance of family bonds and a life well-lived.
In our lively home, every sibling contributed uniquely to my story. Their names and the lessons they imparted are etched in my heart:
Jeff: Inspired by teamwork and perseverance.
Jon: Showed the beauty of creativity and humor.
Carolyn: Taught the power of compassion.
Liz: Demonstrated resilience in adversity.
Marylynn: Shared the power of music through her angelic voice.
Maureen: Encouraged creative thinking.
Michael: Exemplified strength and integrity.
Allen: Brought joy through wit and humor.
Charlie: Taught the value of laughter.
Tommy: Inspired a sense of adventure.
Charity: Showed the importance of empathy.
Tony: Encouraged stepping out of comfort zones.
Through the lens of my experiences and storytelling, I want to convey a message of hope and empowerment. It's a narrative that intertwines love, music, and the realization of dreams. This is where I am today, at the precipice of fulfilling a dream that has long been in my heart. And it's a journey that I believe can resonate with others, inspiring them to discover and embrace their passions and dreams.
The purpose of the song, and indeed this blog post, is to share how finding someone who inspires you can also help you inspire yourself. It's about recognizing the light within us that has always been there, from the moment we came to this earth.
The veil between us and the divine is thinning, strengthening our spirits and bringing our talents into sharper focus. These talents are not just abilities; they are avenues for learning, growing, and discovering the light within us. If we are made in God's image, then it's within our power to see ourselves in that divine light and to elevate our perception of our worth and potential.
You don't need to have everything that someone else has in order to experience love or success. We each have our moments to shine, our 'fame' moments. These are guided by divine timing and wisdom. Each of us is on our unique journey of discovery and growth. While some may feel they've always known their path, others, like me, it's a journey of continuous learning and self-realization. And that's okay. It's my learning, my story, and I'm sticking to it.
As we step into 2024, let's do so with the knowledge that we are enough. Focus only on each day and set goals for every tomorrow to the future as far as you can see. Hope and embrace all that is given, even the blessings among trials. Why do you think I've sought faith and blessings in all circumstances? It's because they turn into beautiful art to share. Let's support each other, share our dreams, and embrace the beauty of our journeys.
Remember, each of us has a friend in us, a supporter, and an honest voice to encourage and guide. My heart is set on not just dreaming but doing. The creation of this CD is not merely a musical project; it's a journey of self-discovery and expression. It's an opportunity to collaborate, to bring together hearts and minds in a symphony of creativity.
In this journey, I extend my gratitude to everyone who has been a part of my story - My husband Tarl, my parents, siblings, extended family, friends, and even those I've inspired and who have inspired me in return. You have all played a part in shaping the person I am today.
This post, my story, is a message of encouragement and hope. It's an affirmation that we all have inherent worth and potential. I believe in living a life filled with love, kindness, and understanding, meeting each other where we are, and supporting each other's dreams.
Keep Shining ~Be Inspired ~
With love and hope,
Jackie Inspires
P.S. If you feel inspired to collaborate on my CD project or simply want to connect and share your story, I'm here. Let's support each other in our endeavors, big or small, and continue to grow in faith and love. Keep shining, be inspired, and let's embrace the beauty of who we are and what we can become together.
#JackieInspires #LoveAndLifeJourney #EmotionalResonance #CreativeSoul #InspirationalStories #RelationshipGoals #LifeInMelody #HeartfeltExpressions #ArtisticJourney #EmpathInAction #PassionateCreativity #PersonalGrowth #DreamsInMotion #AuthenticLiving #MindfulMoments #LoveLife #SoulArt #TrueJoy #InspireDaily #DreamBig #HeartSong #LifeGoals #CreateJoy #EmpowerLove #GrowTogether