Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 188 W/Laurie Jacobson

Laurie Jacobson is in a small town in Virginia and is a step mom who is semi-retired and a certified health coach. She has done a lot about nutrition, chef work, yoga and has written a book called Unexpected Awakening about her time at a Buddhist Monastery. Laurie did not have kids of her own but is a step mom to 2 kiddos. When she came into the picture they were a little older so she didn't experience being a step mom of little kiddos but building a relationship with older "children" is also a challenge.  She worried about stepping on toes and overstepping her boundaries but now that she's a grandma, she feels good about her relationships with her step kiddos. Her book, about the 22 days she spent at a Buddhist Monastery, came from her personal experience.  She was in a dark place in a very abusive marriage and when she talks to other women, she has found that 9/10 of the women she talks to have experienced an abusive relationship. She had an opportunity to go to a silent retreat in West Virginia and she thought she had nothing to lose. She had tried everything else!  The emotional bubble up that happens when you are in silence for a long time can truly change your whole life.  It gave her the clarity and courage to find herself again and walk away from the abusive relationship. She came to the realization that everyone has struggles and most everyone just wants happiness and contentment. It also taught her to SLOW DOWN.  You pay attention more and ground yourself in the present moment.  Her website is www.lauriesjacobson.com where you can find links to her Amazon page and her book.  She also offers a free 24 page digital guidebook called Building Your House of Health if you prescribe to the newsletter on her website.