My Journey - How I got where I am
I was born in Hull in 1978 with an older brother, my mum and my dad (who worked at sea as a Captain).
Life was outwardly idyllic, but I was bullied for years and would often walk home from school crying. I had a deep connection with where we lived, despite the difficulties, so it was quite a shock when, at 11 years old we moved to Scotland so my dad could come ashore.
We had been to Scotland many years on holiday, but this was a whole new proposition. Being an English almost teen (and teen for my brother) and being launched into a new school system with an English accent was a culture shock (to say the least). I think we both went into survival mode. We developed Scottish accents as quickly as possible (which I lost within 6 months of moving South 26 years later – weird).
I suffered from undiagnosed anxiety all the way through school and actually, until I was in my 30’s, it was pretty severe. Anxiety for me showed up as ill health. Constant colds and upset stomach, difficulty breathing (panic attacks as I now realise) and a sense of complete stuck-ness. I had no idea what I wanted to do.
I met my (ex) husband at 19 while I was doing a Fashion degree I really hated (the degree not the husband). He was doing engineering at a different university, and we met through mutual friends, turned out we had been to school together, only 1 year apart. Just before I turned 25, we got married and at 27 we had our first baby.
All the anxiety I had never acknowledged over the years came crashing down in the form of postnatal depression. I had a fight on my hands. It turns out I am pretty tough. With 2 Grandma’s of equal stubborn determination and resilience, I have no idea where I got it from!
It was difficult. It was a time where I lived in a fog and my husband was doing his best to start his career and support us all. I was fighting to get better in a system that doesn’t really allow for that. Eventually I was given antidepressants that helped and was put back on track. If I knew then what I know now, I would go back and tell myself to get a coach with NLP skills.
I then planned and fell pregnant with my second baby. This was my first step into personal development. I signed up to a 20-week course having hypnotherapy, NLP, coaching and reiki; it totally changed my life.
I went from being an entirely negative person to someone who looked for positives everywhere. I went from having no spirituality or “woo” to completing my Reiki Practitioner certificate (later Reiki Master).
But this was only the start.
I still didn’t know what I wanted to do. I became a professional volunteer while supporting my husband’s advancing career.
I trained to be a volunteer breastfeeding support worker, I had had such a difficult time feeding my eldest daughter (which I eventually did for 13 months) that I wanted to give something back. I later became Chair of the PTA and on so many committees my head was spinning.
My husband’s job moved to Norfolk. I stayed at home for 6 months getting the house ready for sale and finding a new school and nursery for my daughters.
We became a united family again on the 9th July and on the 14th August, my husband said he needed to look for another job. The one he was in was becoming unethical and he wasn’t willing to stay there. So, the search began again.
It was at this time I noticed my joints in my hands had started to ache and I was struggling to stand upright. I was so exhausted I spent my days on the couch, but I also couldn’t sit still or sleep. I was all over the place. I was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease, an autoimmune illness likely caused by stress that affects your thyroid. Your thyroid controls most of the functions in your body from weight (I didn’t lose any) to temperature, hair production, periods, mind capacity, the list is long and depressing.
I went on medication for 18 months and when I came off it again, I immediately came out of remission. The consultant told me they would probably have to remove my thyroid, but I wasn’t allowing that until I was absolutely sure I had tried everything. I altered my diet and became aware of my stress levels. I have been in remission for 8 years.
Then we finally bought our house. We sat in it one day, only a few months later, and realised our relationship was over (see the full story - We have to talk article).
I still didn’t really know what I wanted to do with life. I was working in the cinema as a secretary but that wasn’t a long-term option. I needed (and wanted) a career. That’s when I found coaching.
The last few years have been the best, most positive times of my life (even with covid). Helping people to achieve their dreams, design their life and gain confidence the way I have is nothing less than a joy. Living without anxiety for me is mind-blowing. I hear people all the time saying, “I’m a worrier, I’m just an anxious person, it’s just who I am” and I know it doesn’t have to be that way.
I’m still on my journey, I don’t intend on it ever ending. I love growing and changing and adapting to life challenges and I love helping others do the same.
So that’s it, my journey in a nutshell.
What’s your journey and where are you hoping to get to?
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How can an Introductory Call benefit me?
I know (as someone with introvert tendencies), having a call may feel like the last thing in the world you would want to do. I know that feeling of staring at the phone thinking, I really want to do something but this feels very scary. In all honesty, I still feel the same for a second when the phone starts to ring!
The reason it is important is that we need to know if we want to work with each other. This works 2 ways.
Building a relationship where you feel confident enough to tackle some deep issues with me starts here. Before you part with any money, before you commit to 3, 6 or 12 months deep work, we both need to know it's the right thing for you.
Because I understand how hard it is, booking the introductory call via the website creates the whole initial link. You get the meeting time you want, you receive the zoom link and reminders and then, when the time comes, we have an informal chat about what you want out of all of this. I will guide you the whole way and during this first call, we will already begin to design the life you want.
How I can help
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Take the first steps towards your own Powerful Life.
Jenny Jarvis is a practicing, certified, UK Life Change Coach and NLP Practitioner who has empowered numerous people to live a life of their dreams, unleash their relationship with money and start and grow brands and businesses to great success. A truly inspirational individual, Jenny is also the mum to two amazing teens, a Reiki Master and motivational speaker. She inspires all to harness their greatness through energised coaching sessions, workshops and her membership club.
Book a free introductory session with Jenny and discovery how you might work together.