Today we’d like to introduce you to Jess Fee.
Hi Jess, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Whew… what an adventure it has been. For a long time, I didn’t really have a vision for myself. And now, I’m here in a space where I am launching my own wellness program. Getting here is the result of three things:
1. Accepting my failures (not easy) as lessons
2. Finding intrinsic and extrinsic boundaries
3. Recognizing that I cannot outsource my needs. I am my own healer and no one else can do that work for me
And to that last point, everyone is their own healer. That is what my program does: it empowers women in reclaiming themselves, and sustaining health!
And like I said, it hasn’t always been this way, I used to crave and create chaos! Looking back, I can recognize my younger (15-19 yo) self’s behavior as escapism. Lots of partying and bad choices. At the time, it felt like chaos, thrilling, and a little lonely…
Looking back, I can recognize my younger (15-19 yo) self’s behavior as escapism. Lots of partying and bad choices. At the time, it felt like chaos, thrilling, and a little lonely. Lonely, mostly, because I did not acknowledge or accept the gifts and skills that brought me where I am today. Lonely because some of my gifts were misunderstood, misinterpreted and dismissed by those with whom I was closest. From a young age a strong intuition was programmed out of me. And it took me a long time to reconnect with that side of myself and trust what I was sensing, experiencing, and communicating.
By 22, I was completely directionless in my purpose and slipping into contentment in a life that was without drive and curiosity for more. AND that is exactly when the powers that be, the universe, whatever it is that is out there sent me a wake-up call in the form of extreme morning sickness, quick labor and the most perfect baby boy that has ever been born (not that I am bias). Having a baby and experiencing that unconditional love, was the first step I took back toward loving myself, accepting myself.
I married the father of my little man and we had another son, another wake-up call that I wanted more. At the time I had my second son, I was a personal trainer, specializing in movement-based health with seniors, women and teens.
One day, I was working with a group of four women aged 92-103 and one of the ladies said to me “because of how strong you’ve made me, I put my socks on by myself for the first time in almost a year. My Occupational Therapist (OT) was so proud of me.”
And that is how I found OT.
Becoming an occupational therapist (OT) was the best kind of happy fluke, stemming from the thought of “I want to help people do everything, I don’t want to just talk to them (talk therapist) and I don’t just want to strengthen their bodies (physical therapist).” And thus, I found OT, a career where I can care for the whole person, their environment, and occupations (anything that occupies a person’s time).
Grad school was tough… but not because of the content. Because one day, I woke up and knew that to seek out opportunity and potential, I needed to confront relationships that were constricting, unstable, and unwell. I filed for divorce from my husband in my 2nd year of grad school. Almost everyone offered condolences and as cruel as it may sound, I didn’t need a single sentiment. I was FLYING from the joy that comes from trusting your instincts and following through, even when things are hard and fear-filled. Alone, with 5 and 3-year-old boys, I had never been happier. I still had a lot of growing to do, though; as a single mother of two young boys in graduate school and then new to the workforce. I was living a life of survival. I was reactionary, resulting in stressed and anxious decision-making and surface-level organization. The effects of it permeated into all areas of my life: Self-cares, Home management, money management, diet and exercise, relationships, my work ethic and capacity… I could go on, but visualize clothes and toys in every corner of your living space and a lot of time spent trying to control your emotions. My wellness tanked. I gained weight and was told I had Thyroid dysfunction, endometriosis, and possible PMDD.
How did I break the cycle? Well, of course, I had help and sought out help, but most importantly, I began taking my own advice and implementing sustainable, healthy, and realistic habits that became a lifestyle. A lifestyle of balance and one that has brought me meaning, happiness and purpose. It has also brought me HEALTH. I have reversed diagnoses and seen changes within my cognition, physicality, and medical and mental health that have made me more trusting of my body and spirit’s capacity for self-healing.
ending cycles, being brave in the face of uncertainty, and trusting myself has led me to where I am today, Starting my dream business, surrounded by uplifting people, adventuring & hiking as much of the world as I can lay my eyes on, scared but hella excited for the future!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
-childhood learned not to trust myself -Teenhood: all together not great… Strictly religious home, sneaking out, partying, lying, bursting tension points with family.
-Pregnant (with bronchitis) at 22
-married at 25
-uncovered lies and alcoholism from hubby
-found out I was pregnant again (YAY!)
-hubby got DUI
-went back to school with a 3 yo and 3 month old
-filed for divorce
-health issues
As you know, we’re big fans of inspire lifestyle. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Recently, frustrated with the bounds created by insurance when treating clients… I realized 3 things.
1) the only person/people who should be determining how I treat clients are the clients. We all know what we need (sometimes we need help uncovering what that is) and we are worthy of being treated as such.
2) I have big plans and great ideas and I want to see and experience them being used and shaped in a way that promotes empowering people.
3) Holistic/integrative management of wellbeing will always be challenged within a system that is fearful of digging deep for healing.
I have created an entirely unique 90-day program designed to empower women in reclaiming themselves, so they have the energy and patience to fully show up for the people and things that they love.
I am focused on providing truly client-centered care for individuals with health issues (chronic or acute).
I am providing mindset mentoring for other OT professionals!
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Yes! find an embodied leader… someone who is walking the walk while they talk the talk… if you will. Look for a mentor who is entirely accepting of your perspective but is willing to constructively challenge it without trying to change what makes you, you. If you are starting a business: find. a. business. coach.
Outside of your comfort zone is where you will make the most connections and find the most growth.
Contact Info:
- Email: jess@inspirelifestyle.com
- Website: www.inspirelifestyleot.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_intuitively/
Image Credits
Rachel Lahlum
