On this episode of Unblocked with Jessica Smarro, we are joined by the radiant and resilient Dr. Mecca Nelson—a Gold Star spouse, wellness entrepreneur, author, and founder of Mecca’s City of Wholeness.

After losing her husband, Army Sergeant Mario Nelson, in 2006, Mecca embarked on a powerful journey of grief, growth, and transformation. In this deeply moving conversation, she opens up about navigating trauma, reconnecting with her faith, and building a life rooted in purpose and holistic healing.

Dr. Mecca shares how she turned profound loss into a legacy of empowerment, creating The YOMA Method—a unique blend of yoga, martial arts, mindfulness, and meditation—and guiding others through grief, energy healing, and spiritual renewal. From founding a wellness center to becoming a Department of Education vendor, Mecca’s story is one of aligned action, divine timing, and unwavering resilience.

We talk about:

• What it means to be a Gold Star spouse
• The spiritual and emotional toll of trauma, and the power of naming it
• How Mecca rebuilt her life through intuition, energy work, and radical self-trust
• Learning to pause, pivot, and protect your energy
• The importance of releasing your story in order to receive your blessing
• The power of goals, spiritual alignment, and speaking life into your body

This episode is a sacred reminder that you can be blessed and hurt in life, and still rise. You’ll leave this conversation feeling inspired to trust your process, follow divine nudges, and choose yourself fully.

Featured Guest:

Dr. Mecca Nelson
Founder of Mecca’s City of Wholeness
Co-Author of Blessed Not Broken and Still I Thrive
IG: @the_yoma_method and @drmeccanelson

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