This Is My Truth

In the last conversation of 2020, I connect with Jordan Wavra who shares her story of understanding how food played a role in her health. Though the underlying theme we talk about is how taking control of your own health and being your own best advocate is vital for every part of your life. 

A bit more about Jordan in her own words:

Jordan Wavra is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, Energy Healer & Pre/Postnatal Fitness & Nutrition Specialist helping busy moms to nourish themselves holistically so they can feel better, increase their energy & decrease their stress. You can follow Jordan on her journey at @jordanwavra. 

I hope you enjoy our conversation!

xoxo,

Jessi

Today I have a conversation with my friend Marcie. Marcie shares a bit about her journey and the path she's on in learning that in order to continue to grow, you must start with yourself and part of that journey is learning to surrender. And boy, was (is!) that a lesson that was hard for me to personally learn. But in learning that lesson, Marcie learned the importance of community.

More about Marcie: I am 32 and a working single mom of a beautiful 5 year old daughter. I love running, random adventures, and having time alone to reflect and write. I am currently living in Lincoln, NE and working as an occupational therapist. I grew up in Lincoln and I have 7 siblings. I was greatly loved by these siblings. We raised each other. Growing up with a big family had many challenges and trials. It was through these challenges, I was able to find my greatest strengths. Looking back, I am now thankful for the trials. Accepting I had parents who needed help with their own addictions and loving them in spite of their short comings launched me into personal growth work at age 24 during grad. school. I knew life was not supposed to feel so dark and dim. I was living with a fog due to the addiction struggles of my parents, even though on the outside I was fun, smart, and a high achieving student. I wanted to feel better. To live better. I put myself in a 12 step program called Al-anon and started my journey. I continued to forgive, to feel my emotions, to work on my own short comings, and to get comfortable with uncomfortable big emotions. After my first year of working as an OT, I became pregnant after dating a guy for about 6-7 months. It was through this "unplanned" pregnancy I found my voice. I didn't know how strong I was until I had to be. When the relationship ended due to infidelity, I had to forgive, but move forward. Moving forward was working through false beliefs about myself, my family, and the perfection image I just couldn't live up to. I was finally free to be human! I realized I couldn't care anymore what people thought. So I became more genuine, more authentic, and more real about who I was. I kept leaning on my family, my Al-anon community, and kept praying daily! Prayer truly changed everything. I had a faith life that was vibrant. People noticed and would share how much I would helped them find their own faith again. I realized simply by prayer, trust, and self care I could truly make an impact on people's lives. Now I'm growing my OT business to continue to help others through helping them become independent and confident in what they can do. I am 32, but I feel like my life is just beginning. It has been a beautiful ride so far, and I cant wait to see where it will take me. 

You can continue to follow her journey at @Marcie.Minchow.

xoxo, Jessi

This is My Truth is a newly launched podcast, and I'd love to know what you think! Please consider leaving a review, comment or rate the podcast on Apple Podcasts. If my message resonated with you, please share with others in your circle who may benefit as well! It would be much appreciated!

You can connect to This is My Truth on:

*PRIVATE* Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/238438050699433/

Leave me a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jessi-shuraleff/message

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisismytruthpodcast/

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.jessishuraleff.com

My conversation with Meliea is all about owning yourself. There is no one right way to live or parent, and we are all just trying to do the best that we can! No one else "has it right" either, and comparison just makes us feel inadequate. We can (and need to) express love to ourselves and our families by sitting in our discomfort and redefining what love looks like to us - and it may not be the way our own parents did it!

More about Meliea: Meliea is an author, mother, multipassionate entrepreneur, midwife, life & wellness coach, intuitive guide, oracle reader, lunar coach, birth activist and intersectional feminist. When she isn't looking at the moon, helping to usher life into the world, dismantling the patriarchy or helping women to re-connect to their personal power, she can be found sitting on the couch in a graphic tee and leggings, watching The L Word(again) and eating Starburst jellybeans. Whether it's through the process of birth or through cyclical living by the lunar phases, Meliea's passion is to see every person connect to their own intuition, flow with their emotions and expand their wisdom and resilience. Her near death experience in 2013 led her away from fundamental religion and toward nature, love and her own inner knowing. She believes that when each person does this work within themselves and their own homes, we create a necessary healing movement that is crucial to dismantling systems of oppression, white supremacy and patriarchy in our society. She sees herself as a drop in the water of the cosmos, creating ripples that will change the rhythm of our world.

You can find Meliea online and on Instagram @rebelmysticmidwife

xoxo, Jessi

This is My Truth is a newly launched podcast, and I'd love to know what you think! Please consider leaving a review, comment or rate the podcast on Apple Podcasts. If my message resonated with you, please share with others in your circle who may benefit as well! It would be much appreciated!

You can connect to This is My Truth on:

*PRIVATE* Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/238438050699433/

Leave me a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jessi-shuraleff/message

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisismytruthpodcast/

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.jessishuraleff.com

My conversation with Sausha Davis was so much fun. We discussed the Law of Attraction and how sometimes we need to let go of control to see the results we want (which is much easier to say than to do)! We're all going to have highs and lows throughout the process of life, but learning to recognize where you are will allow you to know what steps you need to take to get to your goal. We want everyone to remember that even though society gives mixed messages, you are allowed to feel, you are allowed to succeed, and you are allowed to take care of yourself!

About Sausha: Sausha believes we are more than a label but to keep things simple she is a country gal living on an acreage in rural America with her husband, 2 kids, 5 horses, 4 dogs and 12 chickens. As a young trouble maker, she wasn’t sure what life would look like as an adult. Against the odds - she is living out her “best life” and teaching others how they can manifest their dream life using personal development and the law of attraction.

Sausha can be found online and on Instagram @sausha.davis

xoxo, Jessi

This is My Truth is a newly launched podcast, and I'd love to know what you think! Please consider leaving a review, comment or rate the podcast on Apple Podcasts. If my message resonated with you, please share with others in your circle who may benefit as well! It would be much appreciated!

You can connect to This is My Truth on:

*PRIVATE* Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/238438050699433/

Leave me a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jessi-shuraleff/message

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisismytruthpodcast/

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.jessishuraleff.com

My conversation with Rho Thomas is all about money. Money tends to be a taboo topic in our society, which leads to lack of education on making appropriate financial decisions, and can ultimately lead to excess debt and stress! Contrary to popular belief, it is our mindset about money, rather than the quantity of money, that needs to change to allow us to gain more control of our finances and gain the financial freedom and flexibility we desire.

More about Rho: Rho Thomas is an attorney, mindset strategist, and personal finance coach who believes that true wealth is having control of your time. She helps lawyers make intentional lifestyle and money decisions to regain control of their time, build wealth, and live the lives of freedom and choice they deserve. She has been featured in outlets such as Yahoo! Finance, Refinery29, and Mic and hosts the Wealthyesque podcast, which explores how lawyers can achieve lifestyle freedom by reframing their mindset and by managing their money to achieve financial independence.

Rho can be found online: https://www.rhothomas.com

Podcast: https://www.rhothomas.com/podcast/

Instagram, Twitter, & Linkedin @iamrhothomas

xoxo, Jessi

This is My Truth is a newly launched podcast, and I'd love to know what you think! Please consider leaving a review, comment or rate the podcast on Apple Podcasts. If my message resonated with you, please share with others in your circle who may benefit as well! It would be much appreciated!

You can connect to This is My Truth on:

*PRIVATE* Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/238438050699433/

Leave me a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jessi-shuraleff/message

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisismytruthpodcast/

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.jessishuraleff.com

I'm excited to share my discussion with Lauren Jane! Lauren dealt with the isolation and stress of putting on the appearance of perfection for the outside world. Over time she realized that holding in her stress, grief, and anxiety over past and current life events was making her feel unhappy and and less-than, so she decided to make a change. Her message is clear: you are important, your voice matters, and you should never be afraid to speak up or ask for help.

More about Lauren: Maya Angelou encourages us to be kind when we don't what to do... This resonates in my journey. I became a mom at 21 and had 4 kids fast. I felt so alone, so isolated, and began to feel more depressed and anxious. I spent years pouring myself out and feeling worse every year. I was searching for something, although I had no idea what. Truth I suppose, support, to be seen, to be heard, but I remained diligent and kind. I spent all of myself for my family, and finally hit rock bottom. I had moments where I wanted to end it all, but finally a broke through the wall. I rebuilt myself from the ground up and have my book Surviving Staying Home coming out Aug 27 2020. This is where I share part of my story and encourage women that they are not alone and the importance of self love and looking to share with the world from that place. My desire is to inspire Stay at Home Moms that they are NOT alone, they are worthy and loved, and that they are capable of anything they want to do.

Follow Lauren on Instagram @the.lauren.jane

xoxo, Jessi

This is My Truth is a newly launched podcast, and I'd love to know what you think! Please consider leaving a review, comment or rate the podcast on Apple Podcasts. If my message resonated with you, please share with others in your circle who may benefit as well! It would be much appreciated!

You can connect to This is My Truth on:

*PRIVATE* Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/238438050699433/

Leave me a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jessi-shuraleff/message

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisismytruthpodcast/

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.jessishuraleff.com

In today's conversation, I discuss with Alisa Otto how finding community in hard times can be the support you need to make it through. Alisa has struggled with miscarriages, ectopic pregnancy, preeclampsia, and postpartum depression, and has focused on speaking up and speaking out about these issues to help form a community for women experiencing similar challenges. We also discussed how an integral part of her healing journey has included hiking and the outdoors, and even encouraged her to start her own outdoor clothing company!

More about Alisa:

Be sure to check out Alisa's clothing company www.ottomaticthreads.com and on Instagram @ottomatic_threads

xoxo, Jessi

This is My Truth is a newly launched podcast, and I'd love to know what you think! Please consider leaving a review, comment or rate the podcast on Apple Podcasts. If my message resonated with you, please share with others in your circle who may benefit as well! It would be much appreciated!

You can connect to This is My Truth on:

*PRIVATE* Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/238438050699433/

Leave me a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jessi-shuraleff/message

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisismytruthpodcast/

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.jessishuraleff.com

Grief has a way of being universal, but also unique, and in today's discussion with Crystal Webster we discuss just how challenging and taboo grief can be in our society. After the untimely death of her infant daughter, Crystal struggled to regain her sense of purpose and identity. She lived every day waiting to die, until she realized that she needed to make a change. Crystal has been able to turn her grief into an organization that helps others, but it was not an easy road. "Everything happens, you find the reason."

More about Crystal: Her infant daughter died in her arms in 2010 (8 hours after she was born) from a genetic condition. Because of that condition, Crystal was unable to have more children, even after 3 rounds of IVF in 2 states over 5 years. One in 4 women experience a pregnancy loss or infant death and 1 in 8 couples deal with infertility. Crystal states, "My story is not that 'special' but in the moment it feels like no one can even start to understand." She founded a company, Sharing Solace, founded on the principle 'Remember. You're not alone.' and wrote a book talking specifically about how we WANT our grief to be special (and it is in many ways) but it is not completely unique. We don't have to feel alone and there are similarities in our stories - if we choose to see them.

Continue following Crystal's journey at www.sharingsolace.com or on Facebook or Instagram @sharingsolace

xoxo, Jessi

This is My Truth is a newly launched podcast, and I'd love to know what you think! Please consider leaving a review, comment or rate the podcast on Apple Podcasts. If my message resonated with you, please share with others in your circle who may benefit as well! It would be much appreciated!

You can connect to This is My Truth on:

*PRIVATE* Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/238438050699433/

Leave me a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jessi-shuraleff/message

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisismytruthpodcast/

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.jessishuraleff.com

In my conversation with Katie, we discussed how standing up to workplace harassment set Katie on a path of self-discovery and success. We talked about the importance of being where we are on our journey, and that even though we may not be able to see the light while we’re in the darkness, there is always a reason for our experiences. It is also important to remember that no matter where we are, what phase of life we are in, or what our struggles may be, we are enough.

“You’re worth taking the time to learn about, you’re enough as you are, and wherever you are in your journey right now is exactly where you’re supposed to be.” - Katie Dirkswager

More about Katie: I went through a sexual harassment situation at work. I stood up and said something in a male dominated role. I was isolated from the rest of the group. I lost people in my life that I thought would support me and felt alone. I knew that by speaking out this could happen and it was worth it. I had to work through being alone, taking a medical leave, and eventually losing my job. I found my strength and rose like a Phoenix into my new life.

To continue following Katie, she can be found on Instagram @guidedpathcoaching and online at www.guidedpathcoaching.org

xoxo, Jessi

This is My Truth is a newly launched podcast, and I'd love to know what you think! Please consider leaving a review, comment or rate the podcast on Apple Podcasts. If my message resonated with you, please share with others in your circle who may benefit as well! It would be much appreciated!

You can connect to This is My Truth on:

*PRIVATE* Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/238438050699433/

Leave me a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jessi-shuraleff/message

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisismytruthpodcast/

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.jessishuraleff.com

Today's interview is with Teresa Amelia, a fertility warrior who lost herself in her journey, only to rediscover herself and come out of the journey more confident in herself. We discussed the importance of listening to your inner voice by living your life authentically and unapologetically! This often means we have to let go of control and learn to fight the current of very loud cultural and societal expectations. 

More about Teresa: I consider myself an infertility warrior. I grew up saying I didn't want kids but got caught up in society expectation when I met and fell in love with my now hubby. We had a hard time getting pregnant and went to fertility treatments. I had many rounds of meds and IUD's. One day I was sitting at the clinic waiting to get blood taken for a pregnancy test, which I KNEW I wasn't pregnant! I'll never forget how the wave of "I"m done" washed over me. It felt so natural and normal. I came home and told my hubby I was done in which he responded "I"m so glad cause I'm done watching you do this!" We spent lots of time that summer talking about what we really wanted in life and decided not to have kids. We now actively live kid free, a life of chasing our wildest dreams and couldn't be happier!

xoxo, Jessi

This is My Truth is a newly launched podcast, and I'd love to know what you think! Please consider leaving a review, comment or rate the podcast on Apple Podcasts. If my message resonated with you, please share with others in your circle who may benefit as well! It would be much appreciated!

You can connect to This is My Truth on:

*PRIVATE* Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/238438050699433/

Leave me a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jessi-shuraleff/message

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisismytruthpodcast/

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.jessishuraleff.com