We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jessica Sessions. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jessica below.
Hi Jessica, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Discovering that consciously making and honoring commitments to yourself boosts self-esteem has been a valuable realization for me as a small business owner. I’m learning the significance of self-love and treating yourself as a cherished friend. Whether it’s as simple as tidying up in the morning or dedicating time to yoga, each fulfilled commitment, no matter how small, contributes to a growing sense of confidence. For me prioritizing the right fuel for the mind, body, and soul, including food choices, media consumption, reading material, who I surround myself with and physical activity, is crucial. This mindful effort in self-care not only promotes discipline and self-control but also strengthens the connection between mind and body, naturally fostering greater confidence.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Magical Scraps, beyond being a creative outlet, is my haven for building connections and spreading positivity. On this journey, my mission is to not just bring joy but also forge lasting relationships and offer a helping hand in ways that truly make a difference. Life’s challenges, a universal experience, have been my teachers, and I firmly believe that no one’s pain is in vain—it’s about the transformative steps we take in response. This understanding is where I discover purpose and my ‘why.’
Within my family, there are heroes who’ve faced the battles of PTSD from service days in Iraq and Vietnam. This personal connection fueled my collaboration with a non-profit in Guffy, Colorado—a picturesque ranch with snug cabins, equine therapy, exhilarating ATV adventures, life-coach-like therapists, and educational courses on healthy living. Notably, the ranch is also becoming the first home in the United States for boys who have survived human trafficking.
Now, my goal is to fundraise for the ranch to extend support to as many people as possible. The vision includes hosting retreats, initially for women affected by PTSD, either directly or through a family member’s experience. The aim is to make these retreats entirely free of charge while maintaining a high-quality environment conducive to healing and community building. It’s about reminding people they’re not alone and equipping them with tools for self-regulation and acceptance.
In pursuit of this mission, I’m organizing my first fundraising event in March 2024—a golf tournament in Scottsdale, AZ. The objective is to raise funds to enable the ranch to host, promote, and fully fund these healing retreats, as well as to sustain the work of the J146 foundation for trafficked boys. Through this, I envision bringing together a diverse group of individuals I’ve encountered on my life journey, compensating facilitators for their valuable contributions, and fostering a community of women supporting women in impactful ways. The golf tournament is just the beginning of a collective effort to create positive change and healing for those who need it most.
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?
Embrace a perpetual learning mindset—immerse yourself in books, master the art of steering your thoughts, lest they take control.
Establish a routine and commit to it unwaveringly. Consistently show up for yourself; never let dedication waver.
Master the art of saying no and gracefully walking away from things you’ve outgrown or that no longer contribute to your growth. Setting boundaries and uttering that two-letter word are vital skills.
Remember, you’re the hero of your story. You possess intelligence beyond measure, courage that exceeds your perception, and nothing authentically meant for you will ever pass you by.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
The Book Ikigai” – Ikigai is a Japanese concept that combines the two words “iki,” meaning life, and “gai,” meaning worth. It is often translated as “a reason for being” or “a reason to wake up in the morning.” Ikigai represents the intersection of four elements: what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. Finding one’s ikigai involves discovering a harmonious balance between these four aspects, leading to a sense of fulfillment, purpose, and satisfaction in life. The concept encourages individuals to seek a deeper understanding of their passions, skills, contributions to society, and potential for financial stability to identify and live a meaningful life.
I would strongly recommend delving into the wisdom of the book “Ikigai” and applying its teachings. Another read that has significantly impacted me and one I’ve revisited multiple times is “The Untethered Soul” by Michael Singer. Both these books guide you through profound self-reflection, prompting a thoughtful examination of how you shape the course of your life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://magicalscraps.com
- Instagram: magicalscraps
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/15881662/admin/feed/posts/
Image Credits
Mikkelle Carlson Mason Sieling
