Leaders: See the Light in YOU and your TEAM!

One piece of what Brooke Jean does is coaching and consulting workshops for organizational leaders and their teams. Learn more about her approach and why she believes that success is an inside job.

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Take care of yourselves and therefore each other,

XO brooke jean

Perfectionists! 5 Quick Therapeutic Tips to QUIET your Inner B! (Critic)

There is just SO much we are all dealing with lately, and for perfectionists it can be too much. This can create angst, worry and anxiety- leading to our inner critics getting LOUDER.

So, perfectionists, how do you silence your inner critic? Learn 5 Quick Therapeutic Tips to QUIET Your Inner B with Brooke Jean of Brooke Jean Counseling and Coaching.

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Take care of yourselves and therefore each other,

XO brooke jean

Pause, Become Aware, Deep Sea Dive! Exploring Anxiety.

How do you do the deep-sea-diving to understand and gain awareness about your anxiety and triggering events? Where do you even start?

Brooke shares several signs as to how your anxiety might be manifesting, what is happening when you are feeling triggered, and what you can do with this information for your own healing and growth. Follow along and learn more from Brooke Jean with Brooke Jean Counseling and Coaching.

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Take care of yourselves and therefore each other,

XO brooke jean

A Deeper Look at Anxiety and Brainspotting

Have you been feeling triggered lately? We are currently living in a pressure cooker for anxiety and it can be hard to process all.the.things. What is emerging for you and revealing itself? Now is the time to heal. Learn more and explore anxiety and the healing brainspotting modality with Brooke Jean of Brooke Jean Counseling and Coaching.

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Take care of yourselves and therefore each other,

XO brooke jean

Strengthening Your Roots through Meditation

Join Brooke as she shares thoughts and ideas about what meditation has done for her and what meditation can do for you. Tune into your vibrations and consciously raise your awareness through meditation. Listen for more with Brooke Jean Counseling and Coaching.

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Take care of yourselves and therefore each other,

XO brooke jean

Settling Into Our New Normal

How are you settling into what is our 'new normal' and what is the larger spiritual assignment during this time? Listen as Brooke Jean shares her thoughts and insights on navigating our new realities.

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Take care of yourselves and therefore each other,

XO brooke jean

Mindfulness During Uncertain Times

Brooke Jean explores ways to use Mindfulness as a tool during times of uncertainty. How do you create space for your feelings of fear and anxiety while also consciously noticing the good in every day? This practice is essential for keeping our minds well. Listen for more with Brooke Jean Counseling and Coaching

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Take care of yourselves and therefore each other,

XO brooke jean

Mommy's Mental Health Matters, Series Expert: Terra LaRock

Join Brooke Jean with Brooke Jean Counseling and Coaching on her journey to exploring, sharing, and supporting all things for Mommy’s Mental Health!

In this monthly interview series, Brooke talks with other experts who are also passionate about and working to support mental health and the pressure on mothers. The first expert is Terra LaRock, CEO, and founder of The Mindful Mamas and creator of the Mindful Mama’s app.

Join Brooke and Terra as they discuss all things mindfulness, including working through anxiety, how to make a Holy shift!, and how to integrate mindfulness as a successful habit- all in this quick 30-minute series expert interview.

If you’re a mama looking for a little support and inspiration, join #BJCC’s Mommy’s Mental Health Matters group on Facebook.

Don’t forget to Subscribe on YouTube!

Take care of yourselves and therefore each other,

XO brooke jean

Reflect and Rise for 2020

Let's talk about New Year's resolutions and why they aren't all that great. Brooke Jean with Brooke Jean Counseling and Coaching wants to invite you to Reflect and Rise to make this coming year a magical one.

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Take care of yourselves and therefore each other,

XO brooke jean

Belly Breathing

Are you struggling with BIG Feelings such as stress, rage, overwhelm, anxiety, or Mom Guilt?

Does it feel like no matter what you do, you are stuck in that big feeling even though you desperately want to get out?

The reason why feelings can be so intense is because we are having a body reaction. Our nervous systems are firing away.

In this video, you will learn how to leverage Belly Breathing to calm down.

Here is why it works:

The Vagus nerve is one of the largest nerves in our systems linking our brains to our bodies.

When we engage in deep belly breathing, we tickle the bottom of the Vagus nerve, which then sends a message to our brains that we are safe and all is okay. Then, our brains release hormones that help us calm down, and when we calm our rational brain comes back online and we can take more conscious action.

Watch the video and try belly breathing when you are in the heat of any BIG FEELING and let us know how it goes for you.

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Take care of yourselves and therefore each other,

XO brooke jean

5 Signs You're Struggling with Mom Guilt

Are you a mama struggling with Mom Guilt?

If so, you are so not alone, sister.

I have yet to meet one single mama who hasn’t experienced some form of Mom Guilt.

In my most recent vlog, I share 5 signs you are struggling with Mom Guilt, and some tips on what you can do about it.

In a nutshell – our conditioning (messages we received growing up) about what at “good enough” Mom looks like have developed unconscious beliefs about what we “should” and “should not” be doing.

When we don’t follow the rules, we experience Mom Guilt.

BUT these old rules we are living by are not always true, relevant, or helpful.

We also struggle to notice how amazing we already are, thanks to our brain’s evolution.

AND we often have an area we do need to level up on to reduce Mom Guilt.

Check out the video to learn the signs…

To join my mailing list to be the FIRST to receive the launch of my course “Kick Mom Guilt to the CURB!” Get access here.

If you’re a mama looking for support, learn more about how I can help here!

Join my private FB group for connection and laughs here.

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Take care of yourselves and therefore each other,

XO brooke jean

Why Self-Care is the MOST Important Strategy for Success Edit

Learn why this wildly successful working mama believes self-care is the most important strategy for success.

In my summit, Moms Living a Life they Love, I interviewed several brilliant, power-house business women who are also Moms on how they overcome barriers to have both, a successful career and flourishing family.

This Mom is a friend of mine who I have been inspired by in our community for several years. Holly Scott sets the bar for living the life she wanted and created. Somehow she makes being the VP of Wiesner Media, the Group Publisher of two very popular local magazines Mountain Living and Colorado Homes & Lifestyles, a very involved Mom of two boys and wife look not only fun but easyC

She has over 20 years of experience in the publishing and media industry. During her 15 years at Network Communications and WiesnerMedia, Inc., she elevated the company’s Home Design brands through increased sales revenues, product development, operations, mentorship, training, senior management, and marketing development.

In 2011, she authored “Sales University,” a weekly sales training program she developed and conducted for the company. In addition, she has hosted a Women’s Retreat to coach young women professionals about building confidence and creating work-life balance.

In my interview with her she shares:

• Self-Care is #1 in her life and how that helps her

• There really are NO EMERGENCIES

• Her art of balance and time management

• How to give yourself permission

Don’t forget to Subscribe on YouTube!

Take care of yourselves and therefore each other,

XO brooke jean

How to Advocate for Yourself on the Job to have Work/ Life Balance

How to advocate for yourself on the job to have work/ life balance- An Interview with Beth Feldman – Founder of the Role Mommy Blog and Co-Founder of Beyond PR Group.

In my summit, Moms Living a Life they Love, I interviewed several brilliant, power-house business women who are also Moms on how they overcome barriers to have both, a successful career and flourishing family.

This down-to-earth and brave working mama thought outside of the box and had the courage to ask for what she needed to have both family and a big career. Beth Feldman experienced great success working for CBS before launching her own entrepreneurial endeavors. Using the gifts she already had, she launched two successful companies/brands.

She is the co-founder of Beyond PR Group, a a full-service public relations consulting firm founded by leading experts in the parenting, consumer, lifestyle and entertainment PR industry. She is also the founder of RoleMommy, a parenting blog network, online community and events company dedicated to inspiring, entertaining empowering today’s busy parents to pursue their passion while raising a family.

As a nationally recognized parenting expert, Feldman is frequently interviewed by national and regional news media on career re-invention, social media, parenting tweens and work-life balance. She has appeared on broadcast news programs such as “Good Morning America,” “Nightline,” Better TV, ABC News Now, Fox News Channel, “Inside Edition,” WCBS-TV and CW-11 Morning News and has been quoted as an expert resource by national news sources such as Associated Press and The New York Times. Feldman is the co-author of Peeing in Peace: Tales & Tips for Type A Moms (Sourcebooks) and is the author and editor of the humor anthology See Mom Run – Sidesplitting Essays from the World’s Most Harried Moms (Plain White Press).

In my interview with her she shares:

• How essential is it to advocate for yourself to get what you want.

• Be daring, courageous, and creative!

• Use skills and connections YOU ALREADY HAVE.

• Tips on how to start blogging.

• Values – let them steer and guide you….

Go to Beth’s blog Role Mommy for some hilarious and helpful stuff!

Learn more about how my coaching program can help you advocate for yourself at work here!

Set up your FREE discovery call today to get busy making BIG THINGS happen in your life, while feeling your best!

Don’t forget to Subscribe on YouTube!

Take care of yourselves and therefore each other,

XO brooke jean

May Brings New Growth and Beginnings, But With That…

Who’s ready for some GROWTH?

This past weekend was an emotional one for me. There is something truly special about the beginning of May. As I look around, everything is green, bright, fresh and clean. All the dead is drifting away and making space for new growth.

I find this phenomenon both in nature and in me, psychologically. This is a good time to remove what no longer serves us, perhaps toxic relationships, bad habits, a negative inner critic, you get the picture. This is a good time to strengthen your spiritual practice (mine is meditation) to de-clutter your mind and access your higher self, your best creativity, your guidance. This is a good time to purge your closet, clean your home and get your outside stuff ready to enjoy in the warmer weather. This is also the month we celebrate Moms and my the birth of my first born.

Usually, this time of year I feel invigorated, energized and ready to rock. But his past weekend was an emotional roller coaster for me. Yes, you can chalk it up to the pregnancy hormones, but I am aware it is much deeper than that. You see, I am beyond grateful to have a healthy growing baby girl in my belly. I can’t wait to meet her and have been enjoying every second I can feel her move. She is going to enhance our family and lives in so many ways. This is truly such an exciting time for my husband and I, and most days I am living in sheer joy.

However, to get ready for this baby girl, there are lots of changes also happening. We finished the basement to make a room for my son, an entertainment area, and some storage space. This basically feels like an apartment for my soon to be high schooler. He is thrilled. We painted his room and just made everything down there perfect for him.

And yet, this weekend, as we were transitioning him down there, I happened to walk by his “old room” totally empty. I walked in and started hysterically crying. You see with all this new, something has to die. And in this moment I realized that my baby is no longer my baby, and that my time with him is passing by WAY too fast, and he is growing into this amazing human being, but one that doesn’t need what he used to from me. I took a trip down memory lane, when we first bought this house, got him this awesome bed with a slide and fort, reading him books, playing dinosaurs and legos, changing his room as he aged and so much more. Where has this time gone?

I realized that in creating space for the new, my growing family and all that entails, I have to say good-bye to just as much. And this folks, is straight up grief. So I allowed myself a full blown cry session. I let it all out. I miss my son being little. And I never want him to feel like he’s being pushed aside for the new baby. You see, even thought he is ecstatic about the basement, my mind was telling me we were pushing him aside (these are the false truths our brain tell us). And sub-consciously I was buying into that emotionally. So I took a moment to recognize the false truth and to remind myself of what I know to be factual. Adding a new baby will not lessen our love for Cam, it just adds love to our home. Cam knows what he means to me, and I will never stop telling, showing, proving to him what he means to me. And he is thrilled about the new baby, we all are. This is a beautiful transition, but with it comes grief. Its normal, and to be expected, and yet we usually ignore this part of the process.

So my point is, yes lets celebrate what’s to come. AND let’s also allow ourselves to grieve what we leave behind. Grief is the most disenfranchised emotion in American culture. Let’s slow down and allow ourselves to feel the full range of emotions, and honor the same in others. Let’s be aware of all that is happening so we can move forward with full intention. Let’s teach our children its OK to cry in a bedroom because things are changing, and that just like in nature, our tears (water) make everything fresh, clean and new.

Whether you are in a life transition like me, a love transition, or a career transition, know that honoring what was is an essential part of the process.

This morning I woke up with such a grateful heart and walked into the basement to wake my son up and was in love with his new space. Now, we are ready. Now that I have acknowledged the whole picture and all parts of me.

Here’s to a May filled with amazing shifts in your lives.

Learn more about me and why I care so much about growth here!

Take care of yourselves and therefore each other,

XO brooke jean

Get Real, Get Clear, and Get Connected!!

Happy New Year! I hope you all had an awesome holiday and if you’re anything like me, you’re back into the grind of January.

Today I wanted to share my 3-step process to crushing your goals, resolutions and intentions for the New Year. I love the energy around the new year, the commitment to self-reflection and what we want to change and shift going forward.

But, I’ve noticed, we are all super passionate right out of the gates about our resolutions, and just a couple of weeks in, we lose our steam, we lose our momentum, you begin to notice the gym isn’t as packed, and you notice that your new routine was already tossed out the window.

Year after year we set the same resolutions and goals, just to get discouraged….which does not help us feel any better about ourselves.

So…here’s why I think that happens and how we can change this vicious cycle for once and for all!

Whether your New Year’s resolution was to lose weight, quit drinking, or improve intimacy in your relationship, this 3-step process applies.

Step 1…GET REAL! This is all about being really honest with yourself. Ask yourself what is the pattern or behavior you want to change? Then, begin to break that down. When are you finding yourself in the fridge looking for sugar? This is going to require some mindfulness. Slowing down and taking a look at the landscape surrounding you. As you are reaching for that 3rd drink, what are your feelings, your thoughts, and what happened in your day? Perhaps you had a stressful day which triggers your desire to reach for that unhealthy coping mechanism.

And MOST IMPORTANT is asking yourself what’s underneath this behavior or pattern that you want to change?

Typically, under the drinking, drugging, cheating, gambling, eating too much, or shopping too much is an unhealed wound. We are engaging in this behavior to nurse ourselves, to survive, to feel better. But the reason we are unsuccessful in changing the behavior and following through on our resolution is not due to a lack of will power or strength, its because we are addressing the symptom rather than the root cause.

Once we are honest with ourselves about the real thing that needs to be addressed then it’s time to:

Step 2…GET CLEAR! The purpose of this step is to develop an understanding of what has been going on, and for how long. To ignite self-acceptance and compassion. To analyze what we have done to change that works and does not work, and to build authentic motivation to change.

So here are a couple questions to ask yourself. How long have you been suffering with this (you fill in the blank…drinking problem, promiscuity, spending habit, etc.)? What’s working and what’s not working? My guess is year after year you make changing this pattern your resolution and IT’S NOT WORKING!!! Who are you doing this for? If you are wanting to change for anyone other than yourself, you are less likely to succeed. What would life be like if you were to finally address the root cause, and heal your wounds?

Wounds underneath maladaptive behaviors might be grief over a lost loved one or a lost marriage, trauma, low self-worth based on things the adults in your life said to you growing up, guilt and shame over past actions, a negative belief you have about yourself and so much more. Carrying these wounds around are like carrying a heavy bag of metal. Its effects our ability to be ourselves, our belief that we can achieve our dreams, how we connect with others, and pretty much every aspect of our lives.

So ask yourself again…what would life be like if you could finally put the bag of metal down and be free of these wounds?

You’ll probably have a lot more energy to actually drive meaningful change in your life.

Step 3…GET CONNECTED! If you are trying to resolve your problems alone, its most-likely not working. Just gonna be honest here folks. And here’s why. Not sharing your struggles keeps you in a shame cycle. And shame is also like a bag of heavy metal. It also avoids having an accountability partner. Who’s going to support you on this journey? Who’s going to help you problem-solve when you fall off?

We have to reach out!

Just by sharing your story and your wound with one other human being can immediately release the shame around it, lifting the heavy bag of metal and allowing you some different options.

This is where having a counselor and coach can be invaluable.

Join a support group.

There is power in numbers and you are definitely not alone.

We all turn to unhealthy behaviors at times in our lives to band-aid pain. I did for many, many years.

But its your turn to heal once and for all, to be able to truly make change happen in your life.

Contact me for any questions or if you are in need of support.

Let’s make 2017 the year we GET REAL, GET CLEAR, AND GET CONNECTED!

Take care of yourselves and therefore each other,

XO brooke jean

My Reflections on 2016…

Many people have felt that 2016 was a really tough year. I can affirm that I certainly felt a great deal of grief and fear along with the rest of you. I sense lots of loss and worry about the future. But for me personally, I tend to see things a tad bit differently. I believe that chaos precedes change and a shift. I know that when people are emotionally invested, action happens. So I see this as the necessary rumble before real movement occurs. And what we need right now is a movement toward coming together for the greater good, on helping one another and on making conscious choices that are mindful of the future.

This is not to minimize people’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

It’s simply my take on things.

You see, for me, 2016 was a year of demonstrating courage and taking bold risks. Of deep reflection and altering of ways of being. I launched my private practice exactly one yer ago and really put myself out there, as a helper in the universe. I changed patterns and learned the real powers of meditation and manifestation. I learned to ask for what I want, believe I deserve it, and took action day after day.

My business is thriving and the goals I have for myself in 2017 are blowing my mind!

My partner has gained professional clarity, grown as an individual, and shown me unconditional support which has strengthened our bond immensely. My son…well what can I say? He’s crushing life (feedback he gave me on the way to school one morning recently!) He has flourished this past year and is just a good human being who loves to laugh and play music, just like his mom. It’s as though we all have a better sense of WHO we are both individually as well as collectively. This solid foundation enables and holds me through the crazy ups and downs that life tends to offer.
It’s been a journey to heal, find myself, and become more grounded than I have ever been. I can forgive myself of things I have done along the way.

I finally know exactly what blocks me from being the very best me and achieving greatness and am committed to releasing those parts that are no longer serving me. Goodbye guilt, shame, insecurity and fear….thanks for trying to keep me safe, but you are now just getting in my way! I am letting go of the belief that it’s impossible to be an amazing wife and mama, and wildly successful while engaging in a vibrant personal life. I have already proven otherwise and need to remind my brain of those facts.

This release clears space, declutters my mind, and makes room for new and meaningful opportunities in 2017.

So, whether 2016 was a tough year, or a magical one, we all move forward together in 2017. For those of us that feel down, reach out to others for a hand of support. And for those of us feeling strong enough to help, scoop someone up, reminding them of their worth. Have faith in humanity. Become part of the solution. Tend to your own wellness and inner peace. Influence those under your own roof watching the magnificent ripple effect on others around you.

And use your voice to help us all shift more towards love and intention.

Thank you all for your support in 2016 – you have no idea what it means to me.

Here’s to a May filled with amazing shifts in your lives.

Learn more about me and why I care so much about growth here!

Take care of yourselves and therefore each other,

XO brooke jean

Annual Reflections for an Epic New Year: 4 Questions to Ask Yourself

How to leverage annual reflections to make next year even better that this one.

Today we're talking about the four questions to ask yourself to recap your year to therefore create an epic year following.

In the month of December, I spend a lot of time both myself and with my clients reflecting on how we spent our time, energy and money throughout the year so we can take that information and formulate a plan to have an even better 2017.

So the first question that I like to ask is one that you all have heard of which is what are you most proud of and what made you feel really good yourself in 2016? You might be asking “Are you talking personally or professionally?” and my question back to you is how are they different? If personally you're really proud of using courage to come out of your shell and try new things, how does that not impact both your personal and professional lives simultaneously? If your goal/ intention was to strengthen your communication and your intimacy with your partner, how does that not help you overall feel better which would flow into the workplace?

The second question is in what way did you stretch yourself? You all have heard the saying “If we’re not growing we’re dying” or “If we’re not uncomfortable we’re not trying hard enough” so in what ways did you really push yourself out of your comfort zone? And most importantly, how did you overcome the obstacles attempting to block you from trying that thing? Maybe it was fear or self-doubt or an old tape that you play about how you show up in those situations, but how did you overcome that to go ahead and try it anyways? Those are going to be sources of strength that we want to use to make great things happen moving forward. Perhaps you did a public speaking engagement and you overcame your fear of being in front of a group and how you did that was to talk to your coach, to meditate on it, to practice and prepare, or to just know and trust that you can do it when you get there. Make a note of how you did it! Then, how did it feel to show up and make it happen?

The third question is about what you learned… what was the biggest mistake you made and what did you learn from it? All of the greats in the world will tell you they made more mistakes than they can count before they found their way. But what makes them great is their resiliency and how they came back from those mistakes. They focus on what they learned and how to apply that information going forward. I challenge you to be really honest with yourself, where did you mess up  and what can you learn about yourself to become a more authentic version of you?

Please know we all make mistakes!!!! I hope that you’re not sitting in shame or judgment. The first thing I encourage you to do is to release the shame and judgment around making mistakes and the second thing to do is normalize that we all make mistakes and remind yourself that that to be great you MUST make mistakes. The third thing you can do is learn, try something different and use mindfulness to make conscious choices the next time.

The fourth and final question is my favorite…what are you willing to shed from this year to become next year? I use the snake metaphor a lot with my clients but what are you willing to de-clutter in your mind, what are you willing to let go of and release that’s no longer serving you? Perhaps it’s an old tape such as that “I’m not good enough” story. That is definitely a tough one to shed but so worth the work. Maybe it’s a habit or a pattern that you’ve identified that’s no longer serving you well and not helping you get what you want. Maybe it’s a mistake you made and you don’t want to hold onto the guilt and shame of it, you’re ready to release it and let it go!

Here’s the deal guys… if we want to become what it is that we’re trying to become we have to let go of some of these things that we tend to carry with us, and a lot of those things are pretty heavy such as guilt, shame and regret. All of those unpleasant thoughts and feelings don’t really serve us, rather, they weigh us down. Starting today, give yourself permission to let it go. There’s a lot of different ways that you can let it go, you can journal, you can write it down and burn it, you can release it through body movement, or you can work with a counselor or coach, just to name a few.

The point is, if you want to become the very best version of you and you want to create an amazing life, you’re gonna have to let some things go!

These are the four questions that I love to work with clients on when doing their annual reflections to begin to make plans and to clear space for what you are going to create next.

Now, if you need to work with a counselor or a coach to really heal from some of the things that happened this year, or to process some of the things that happened, there’s no judgment in that, and I strongly encourage you to get the resources that you need.

And if you need a partner to help you create the life you’ve always wanted or to manifest your dreams give me a call and book a free discovery call to see what we can work through together.

We only live once and we want to live life to the fullest, so get rid of what’s no longer serving you and believe that you can have all that you want.

I hope you found these four questions helpful and I hope you have an amazing year ahead.

Take care of yourselves and therefore each other,

XO brooke jean

Everybody Has a Comeback Story

As I sat in my own workshop last week it dawned on me. I have been lucky enough to attract, hear about, learn from, be a part of and write my own COMEBACK STORY. As most of you know, I am a counselor and coach who specializes in life, love and career transition, but I am also a BADASS who has had to be resilient many times in my life. From recovering from an eating disorder, to surviving a horrible car accident, to becoming a Mommy in college and losing a very special Target team member of mine in the Aurora theatre shootings, as well as my high-paying security blanket of a career, I have learned that things actually never have gone as planned.

Just when I thought things were under control, the ground would come out from under me.

Just when I believed I had everyone fooled, my secrets came forward and I was forced to deal with them.

Just when I grew comfortable in who I was, life events made me question everything down to my core.

On and on we go….

And yet in my darkest night, in my deepest sadness, in my most vulnerable reflection of myself I have reconnected to my super power: RESILIENCE.

In the last couple of weeks alone I have had many people share with me that they couldn’t help but tell me their story (not just clients folks!) and I started to ponder why that is. Does my openness about my struggles open doors for others? Do I appear approachable? Is it because of my title of counselor and coach? Are these stories ready to BE HEARD? I am not sure, but I feel honored and lucky to be a real-talk story magnet.

I am astounded at how many people are suffering underneath their persona (ones they are exhausted from keeping up because society says they should). Everyone I come into contact with has been through some real stuff including my family, friends, neighbors, and clients. Who at this point hasn’t experienced loss, trauma, abuse, guilt, shame, or a change so big your world turned upside down?

So much happens when we are in transition, and now I can’t help but notice the power and hidden wisdom in the rebuilding process.

So, I ask you…what is your comeback story? When has life completely thrown you down and how did you get back up? What inner strength did you call on to be your guide? What outer faith held the way? Who have you become coming out of that time in your life?

We often focus too much on what’s next. We plan and find security in our over-analyzation of life events. But where does that get us?

The beauty is in the journey, not the outcome. We cannot determine and plan for what’s to come. But we can get busy identifying the gems inside of us that remind us we’ll always be okay. We have what it takes.

If you wish, take a moment to write out or just think on your highest and lowest points of your life. Begin to recall how you made it through them. Look for patterns in your thoughts, feelings, and behavior. How did you get through? Who helped you? What served you during that time? You can begin to see some of the inner gems from each experience all lined up to form a beautiful formation that is you, your resilience and your comeback story.

Honor what you have been through and the resilient warrior that keeps moving forward. Be forgiving and accepting of how and what you have done to survive. Normalize your thoughts and feelings, and most important, share your story!

I believe that what we learn about ourselves in our comeback story is our superpower which then needs to be shared with the world. You are special and have a unique life experience that makes you the perfect vessel to provide relief for other’s who are suffering. Shame diminishes the moment we share our stories and no longer feel isolated in our experiences.

I would love to hear your comeback stories, please do share them.

My wish is that you remain connected to your resilience and superpowers.

May you shine bright knowing just how amazing you are.

Take care of yourselves and therefore each other,

XO brooke jean

Know When to Slow Down

The moment I had been waiting for for over three years had finally arrived. I had graduated from graduate school, launched my counseling and coaching private practice and been building it like crazy, and was still working for Studio 10 Interior Design as their Business Development Executive/ Client Relations/ HR/ Counselor-On-Duty. All while juggling being a wife, mom, friend, daughter, neighbor, you get the picture. Most days were absolutely nutty and I would fall into sheer exhaustion at night. I didn’t have much left to give, but I was passionate about all I was doing…and grateful for all the opportunities the universe was presenting.

It was like my psyche and body was waiting for me to just slooooow down a little to break down a lot. After my final day at Studio 10, and a fabulous going away might I add, I woke up to what felt like a glimpse of death. I had envisioned skyrocketed productivity now that I could channel all my work energy into my business, and my passion. I dreamed of this moment that I could take the leap of faith and fly on my own. I imagined it to be inspiring, peaceful, and monumental.

None of the which came to fruition.

I was bedridden for days and felt weak, depressed, and worthless.

My husband was making my Theraflu tea for me for fuck’s sakes. THAT’S MY JOB!!!!

The internal battle of knowing what I needed to do to tend to my illness versus what I wanted to do as a productive go-getter was exhausting. So, I threw in the towel and sat my ass back on the sofa. (And yes, I only started to use the word “sofa” after working for an interior design firm.)

We have to know when to hustle and when to listen to our bodies and slow down. Trust me, as a type A personality I know how hard this is. Often, we are oblivious to how run down we really are because our own strength keeps us going through the motions.

You’ll know when you’ve gone too far. You’ll get ill or have a panic attack the second you get to relaxing on vacation. And when those signs are showing, rest your bones and turn your attention inward. What is your mind and body trying to tell you?

What have you been neglecting in yourself lately?

How do you rest, recharge and play?

Start each morning with a mediation to check in, take lots of breaths throughout each day, including two adult time-outs, a bath at night and write in your journal before bed.

I hear all the time from clients, “I don’t have time!!”

Well here’s the brutal truth (because we all know its my style to break it down in this way), if you don’t take preventative measures for self-care, you’ll get grounded to your sofa for a week (which turns out to take more time than the preventative measures).

Ask for help.

Once I accepted that my husband needed to “baby” me, I began to enjoy it. I felt taken care of, which was an unfamiliar feeling, not because no one’s ever taken care of me, but because I have it in my head I don’t need help and therefore don’t let them.

As human beings we can’t be everything to everyone, every minute of everyday. Its actually impossible.

So, let’s collectively rid ourselves of the unrealistic ideal of success we have created and settle into knowing we are enough and are doing enough.

Let’s take care of ourselves and therefore each other and encourage one another to be sensitive to the needs of the human spirit.

We can do amazing things in this life without working ourselves into illness.

And once I realized this epiphany on my sofa, I acknowledged that my time turning my attention inward led me to some insight I wanted to share.

Take care of yourselves and therefore each other,

XO brooke jean

Overcoming the Loneliness of Being an Entrepreneur

Being an Entrepreneur Can be Lonely:

We’ve all been there. We have dreamt of being a business owner, creator, or CEO for years and here we are at the launch. As the days of preparation come to fruition, we are ecstatic and petrified to put ourselves completely out there and go for it. The first few months we are overwhelmingly busy getting our baby off the ground and running. And before we know it, the truth hits us like a brick wall. Being an entrepreneur can be excruciatingly lonely. The appeal of working for yourself, with no one to report to begins to fade and the reality that all of this is YOUR responsibility begins to sink into your consciousness. We wonder who we will share our wins and failures with and who we can hold accountable to not making quarterly sales goals. The weight of the world is on our shoulders and we hesitate from sharing our unpleasant feelings in fear that sharing will illustrate we have made a mistake or are going to fail in some way.

We are not alone! These are normal feelings, and only a few of what I have experienced. Being an entrepreneur can be lonely, but there are things we can do to surround ourselves with an extended team to support our initiatives. This is so important to our long-term success and fulfillment, therefore building your team could be a top priority in the planning process of launching your business.

It begins with being strategic and intentional with selecting what I call “your clan,” those who are going to cheer you on and pick you up when you fall. These folks should be trust-worthy, supportive, and honest. You’ll need to be vulnerable and you may need different folks for different reasons. For example you might get a coach to help you achieve your professional goals, and a neighbor you hang out with to reignite your inspiration. You might have a mentor who can specifically share information related to your business and then call your grandmother on the weekends for that feel-good moral support. 

A few key partners to have in this journey might be:

• A mentor

• A coach

• A best friend or group of friends who know the real you and with whom you can be vulnerable with

• A therapist to help you manage the stress, fear, and emotions that arise being an entrepreneur

• A networking group you can share ideas with and be inspired by or who share your personal and professional headaches

• People who enjoy the same hobbies and play – yes play is critical to your success! Join a running club, or a pottery class, whatever your inner child desires

• People in your industry who are already doing great things – we can always learn from each other

• A collaborative workspace to get you out of the house and your jammies and around anabolic energy

• A spiritual community to help you remain centered and connected to yourself, the community and your values

• Employees, partners, or supportive teams

When professionals think about who they would want in their clan or on their team, they often overlook the relationships they currently have. Our romantic partner is key to our success. Start with those who are already closest to you and begin to assess. Are you sharing your dreams, plans, and worries with them? Why or why not? Are they someone you can problem-solve with or ask for a hug after an exhausting day? What do you need from them in relation to your profession and have you asked them? Having an honest conversation about what starting your own business will look like and how you’ll stay connected can be helpful ahead of time.

Family, family, family! Some are supportive and others not so much. And guess what, you do not need everyone’s blessing to do your thing! What’s unique about us entrepreneurs is we take risks and see things that might not be seen yet by others. Don’t let their speculation bring you down…or anyone’s for that matter. On the other end of the spectrum, you may have an unbelievably supportive family, or family members who want to be too involved or want to work with you. Use your intuition to guide you when it comes to family matters.

My coach taught me to surround myself with eagles. There are a lot of pigeons….folks who will take your energy, bring you down, put you down and not reciprocate your efforts. We must be selective and mindful with our time and energy. It’s very easy in the beginning to become overwhelmed with the marketing and networking for the business, but there are only so many hours in the day so it’s best to choose wisely.

Using a planner, I like to schedule 5 meetings a week with eagles (like-minded individuals with positive energy who have big dreams and want to make a difference). I make sure my values are first and foremost represented in my calendar. For instance, date night with my husband is written down under Friday night, taking my son to drum lessons and all his activities, plus family time is penciled in. My work outs are scheduled. You are more likely to be strategic and productive when everything is accounted for and scheduled in. Allow room for the unexpected and analyze why you did or did not follow your schedule.

Starting a business can feel like being pulled into a blackhole and before we know it we are lonely, over-booked, and maybe even unhealthy, which is why getting ahead of these potential challenges can provide support we’ll need on this journey. All while keeping us connected to our values. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help, as that is an act of strength.

If you or someone you know would like some coaching around taking care of the self while launching a business, growing a business, or balancing work and life in general, please pass my information along.

Take care of yourselves and therefore each other,

XO brooke jean