Meet Jayci Gibbs

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jayci Gibbs. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jayci, thrilled to have you on the platform as I think our readers can really benefit from your insights and experiences. In particular, we’d love to hear about how you think about burnout, avoiding or overcoming burnout, etc.

Growing up in a low-income household, I learned early on that hard work meant food on the table. My family taught me to work hard, save money, and sacrifice—because in our world, sacrifice equaled success. My dad missed so many Christmases and birthdays because he was working, yet we were still struggling to get by. I picked up that same work ethic and ran with it, working multiple jobs and staying on the grind.

But somewhere along the way, I stopped considering my own needs and well-being. My only focus became, How much can I work? Rest felt like laziness, and if I wasn’t constantly moving, it felt like I was falling behind. I sprinted through life, numbing myself on weekends with Netflix binges and drinks.

Then, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, I lost my dad—and shortly after, I lost my job too. Without the usual distractions, I was forced to slow down and reflect. The grief and stillness were overwhelming, but they also made me realize how much my relentless pace had taken a toll on me—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Having nothing to do and nowhere to be felt so uncomfortable at first, but without all the noise, I finally faced the parts of myself I’d been avoiding. That’s when I realized I deserved a life of balance and fulfillment.

I’ve always been passionate about helping others, but for the first time, I stopped to help myself. I started a regular yoga practice, and it completely shifted my perspective. Yoga taught me how to quiet my racing thoughts and let go of the constant go-go-go mindset. I became a better listener, a more present friend, and someone who could finally set boundaries. I prioritized my health and let go of relationships that no longer aligned with the version of me I was becoming.

I learned to process my grief, befriend my pain, and set aside guilt-free time to do absolutely nothing. And while adding these practices to my life felt stressful at first—like learning any new skill—it was worth it. Breaking through those growing pains showed me there’s a life beyond the grind.

Burnout doesn’t just happen to people chasing big careers; it happens to anyone unclear about their needs, values, and self-worth. In a world that glorifies overworking and sacrifice while disregarding well-being, prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. If you don’t put yourself first, who will?

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m a millennial woman who’s always been drawn to the idea of connection—connection to myself, others, and the world around me. But there were times in my life when I felt completely disconnected. I experienced agonizing anxiety, grief, and a sense of pain that I couldn’t pinpoint. Through a lot of self-reflection, I realized these feelings often came from moving too fast, not giving myself space to rest, and neglecting simple yet vital things—like noticing my breath or how much water I’d had that day.

That realization was the start of a transformation. I developed systems and habits that allowed me to slow down, reconnect, and nurture myself. This led me to crave and seek out deep, meaningful experiences—those moments where you feel truly cared for, seen, and at peace.

As someone from Kentucky, with Southern hospitality in my blood, I’ve always loved creating warm, welcoming experiences for others. But I wanted to go deeper. I envisioned a way to help others connect—not just with their communities, but also with themselves. That’s why I founded This Connected Life.

Through my 1:1 coaching, I guide people in becoming more deeply connected to themselves and enhancing their overall well-being. I also host wellness events designed to foster community connection in positive, inclusive environments. One of my favorite offerings is our monthly Recharge Room. It’s a space where we practice immediate stress-relief techniques together and explore practical strategies to reduce stress long-term.

I’m also an avid gardener, dog lover, road tripper, and outdoor enthusiast. Spending time in nature is one of the ways I stay connected to what truly matters. I dream of a world where people “devolve”—a word I’ve reimagined to mean getting back in touch with our roots, simplifying life, and rediscovering joy in the little things.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue expanding This Connected Life through new wellness events and opportunities for people to build meaningful connections. Whether it’s through a retreat, a coaching session, or a conversation in the garden, my mission is to help people slow down, reconnect, and create lives that feel balanced, fulfilling, and deeply connected.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Optimism is the number one quality I believe sets me apart. I have a unique sense of joy that allows me to see the positive in almost any situation. I view trials as opportunities for growth and failures as redirections. At my core, I believe that only good flows to me, and this belief has shaped my journey in incredible ways.

One guiding principle for me is the law of attraction: what you put out into the world is what you get back. I’ve learned to be intentional about the energy I share, setting the tone and vibe I want to see around me. By focusing on positivity and abundance, I’ve attracted opportunities, relationships, and experiences that align with the life I want to live.

Another crucial lesson has been practicing non-attachment. This means putting my intentions out into the world but staying open to how those blessings come back to me. I love the metaphor of asking the universe for a bike. Over time, you might receive handlebars, a wheel, pedals, and a chain, but still wonder why the bike hasn’t appeared. The truth is, blessings often come in unexpected forms, and it’s up to us to recognize and embrace them.

For those early in their journey, my advice is simple:

Cultivate optimism. Learn to see challenges as growth opportunities and trust that redirections are guiding you to something even better.
Focus on the energy you put out. Be intentional about what you want to attract and align your actions with that energy.
Practice non-attachment. Set your intentions, but stay open to the unexpected ways the universe delivers. Flexibility and gratitude will take you far.
These three qualities have been pivotal for me, and I hope they inspire others to embrace their journey with curiosity, positivity, and trust.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, I’m always open to partnerships and collaborations, especially with individuals and organizations that align with my mission to help people feel more connected—to themselves, their communities, and the world around them.

I would love to collaborate with wellness practitioners, health educators, or event planners who share a passion for creating meaningful, inclusive experiences that promote well-being. For example, partnering with yoga instructors, mindfulness coaches, or nutritionists could add incredible value to the wellness events and retreats I host. I’m also interested in working with community organizations or local businesses that focus on sustainability, gardening, or mental health.

If you’re someone who believes in fostering connection and improving well-being, let’s team up to create something impactful. You can connect with me through my website, social media, or email. I’d love to explore how we can work together to bring positive change to our communities.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Jordan Honeycutt

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