Did you know that when I created Rekindle back in 2017, my goal was to help everyone? I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, regardless of their health challenges. I kept hearing from business coaches and mentors, “You need to have a niche,” and “Be clear on who you help.” But my mindset was, Pffft… I’m helping all I can!
One thing I struggled with was building a consistent client list. Because I was so open, I missed the mark on how to market myself effectively.
Then COVID hit, and everything shifted—including my vision for Rekindle. I began analyzing how I could refocus and become more intentional about my niche. My mentors were right: I needed to be more client focused. So, in the midst of global chaos, I started narrowing in on the WHO.
It felt natural to focus on polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), unhealthy food cravings, lifestyle challenges, and grief—because I had personally faced struggles in all those areas.
But the biggest hurdle for me, starting in childhood, was the lifestyle challenge of identity, confidence, and body image. Feeling “less than” is exhausting. It’s a constant overwhelm of self-doubt, second-guessing, and self-criticism. Sometimes, just one or two negative comments from peers can make you believe the worst about yourself. You think, If this is how they see me, it must be true.
That kind of thought process can be haunting—and for many, those verbal wounds never fully heal. For me, it led to an eating disorder. I was borderline anorexic and severely anemic. I felt a sense of control when I skipped meals. I remember the doctor warning me, “If you don’t eat, you’ll die.”
My boyfriend at the time (now my husband) sat with me and said, “Jen, you need to eat. You can still be little by being healthy.” I slowly started eating again, but I developed terrible GI issues. Everything I ate irritated my system, eventually leading to IBS.
Later in life, I experienced blood sugar imbalances, dizzy spells, constant fatigue, and intense cravings for carbs and sugar. After two years of battling dizziness, checking my blood glucose all day (pre-diabetic), and feeling waterlogged and exhausted, I saw my doctor. He said I was depressed and quickly prescribed Lexapro.
He also referred me to a psychiatrist who asked, “Why are you here?” He told me, “You’re not depressed.” So, I didn’t take the Lexapro.
Shortly after, my work manager recommended I see an integrative doctor. She ran blood and saliva tests and diagnosed me with Adrenal Fatigue and PCOS—not depression.
For the first time, I felt heard. She recommended a low-carb, low-sugar diet. Eventually, I stopped needing naps, felt energized, and no longer had to check my blood sugar. No more prediabetes!
Looking back, I realize my anxiety started in kindergarten. I remember having to say my ABCs to graduate to first grade. I was terrified of eye contact. My mom promised me any toy I wanted if I said them. I still laugh—when it was my turn, I rattled them off so fast my teacher, Mrs. Love, wasn’t sure I even said them. But I did… and I got my stuffed monkey.
Sadly, my anxiety was never addressed in school, and I struggled academically. That didn’t help my confidence.
But over the years, my confidence bloomed—especially when I became a mother to two beautiful children. It grew even more as my faith deepened after losing both of my parents to cancer.
Learning to lean on the Lord and surrender control in every area, I discovered my true identity as His daughter. He reminds me:
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7
That verse is a lifeline. Anxiety is a common lifestyle challenge and casting it onto the Lord doesn’t mean we’ll never feel it—but it does lighten the load.
As we move forward, I’ll be sharing more on this topic.
When I say I get it—I mean I GET IT.
I hope you feel encouraged and connected through my story, and that you find hope in your own struggles.
Until next time, stay happy and healthy.
Love, Jen