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Almost a year ago, I had the privilege of documenting one of my client’s journeys in a way that still gives me chills when I think about it.Her name is Myra. And on paper? She had it all.She was a doctor in Vegas. She had the husband, the gorgeous baby boy, the house, the car, the career. Every box checked. Every “should” accounted for. From the outside looking in, Myra was the definition of success.But here’s the truth most people never talk about: you can check every box, make your family proud, and still feel like something’s missing.<h3>The Moment Everything Shifted</h3>Shortly after her mom passed away, Myra realized she couldn’t keep living like this. Her life was full, but she didn’t feel full. She knew she was hiding parts of herself, weighed down by projections, limiting beliefs, and the old conditioning that told her how she “should” show up in the world.Depression had crept in. And with it came a knowing: it was time to dig deep. It was time to finally ask the question—Who am I really, and what would it look like to live as her?That’s when she hired me as her coach.<figure id="figure-6wzsdrhvdamgb6char"><iframe id="6wzsdrhvdamgb6char" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2cvE_ZBzMVI" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/2cvE_ZBzMVI?si=RHa8sRd71Dyc6YDw" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2cvE_ZBzMVI" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure><h3>The Work</h3>For 12 weeks, Myra and I worked together. We unpacked core wounds. We uncovered triggers that had been running the show for years. We looked at the patterns repeating in her life and started breaking them apart.Piece by piece, she began reclaiming herself. And when she was ready to step through in a bigger way, she joined me in St. Pete for a weekend immersion—a few days filled with breakthroughs, healing, transformation, and yes, a whole lot of fun.That’s where I witnessed it happen: the moment she stopped living for everyone else and started choosing herself.<h3>Why This Story Matters </h3>Myra’s story is the heartbeat of why I do this work.Because here’s the thing—having “it all” doesn’t mean you’re free. Success, on the surface, is meaningless if you feel like a prisoner in your own life.Freedom isn’t the house, the car, or the job. Freedom is waking up and feeling like you’re fully yourself—no masks, no chains, no “shoulds.”And watching someone claim that for themselves? That’s everything.<figure id="figure-pkr7qerxjsmgb6el4t"><img id="pkr7qerxjsmgb6el4t" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1124440WoLZ7u2IATE0kW39jqJTk7sYylG4bqbVYzJNzCmcUjAQ7SfVoSo0eZEKz.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 30%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="30%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1124440WoLZ7u2IATE0kW39jqJTk7sYylG4bqbVYzJNzCmcUjAQ7SfVoSo0eZEKz.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 30%;"></figure><h3>Your Turn</h3>I share Myra’s story because I know she’s not the only one who has felt this way. Maybe you’ve built a life that looks good on paper, but it doesn’t feel good in your body. Maybe you’ve been living by someone else’s script, and deep down, you know it’s time to rewrite it.If that’s you, this is your invitation.I’m calling in 10 one-on-one clients who are ready to break free and step into the life they actually want—not the one they’ve been told to live. I have 2 spots open right now.If you’re ready for your own transformation, message me. Let’s do this.Because you can have it all. But more importantly—you can have yourself.<h3><a data-mce-href="https://jaimecoaches.com/jaime-messina----mindset---empowerment-coach--one-on-one-coaching" href="https://jaimecoaches.com/jaime-messina----mindset---empowerment-coach--one-on-one-coaching" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">LEARN MORE HERE!</a></h3> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Myra’s Story: You Can Have It All and Still Feel Trapped

Imagine this…You wake up early and meet me by the bay. The sky is still streaked with pink and gold, the world not yet buzzing with noise. As the first rays of the sun stretch across the water, we settle in. The sound bowls hum, vibration moving through the air, and you feel your nervous system finally exhale. For the first time in a long time, the constant background static in your mind fades away. You can actually hear yourself again.That’s how a Freedom VIP Day begins.<figure id="figure-eo75yceh2nmg6xp0bm"><img id="eo75yceh2nmg6xp0bm" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/aZj49iQu6ec63L6HW54wgLFzZfFAjinIZIlVKG1HIISMkKP1eVsFve6cwjwmP5W7.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 30%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="30%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/aZj49iQu6ec63L6HW54wgLFzZfFAjinIZIlVKG1HIISMkKP1eVsFve6cwjwmP5W7.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 30%;"></figure><h3>More Than a Coaching Session</h3>This isn’t about sitting in a chair across from me for an hour and talking through your goals. This is about creating the conditions for transformation. All day long, you’re immersed in experiences designed to regulate your body, open your mind, and bring you back to your truth.From there, we move through a carefully crafted flow:<ul><li>Floating in salt water, where your body releases tension and your mind lets go of the weight of old patterns.</li><li>Gentle yoga on the sand, reconnecting your body and breath with the rhythm of the ocean.</li><li>Powerful coaching conversations, not about surface-level fixes, but about what’s really been holding you back.</li><li>Intentional meals, designed not just to fuel you, but to nourish you on a deeper level.</li></ul>Every piece of the day is about shifting you from survival mode into a space where clarity and possibility open up.<h3>The Closing Ritual</h3>We end where we began—on the beach. Only now, it’s not sunrise but sunset. A picnic dinner, the waves as background music, and the breakthroughs of the day celebrated and anchored into your being. We close with a ritual that makes sure the transformation doesn’t stay in St. Pete—it goes home with you.Because this isn’t just a beautiful day on the beach (though it is that, too). It’s a full-body reset. A chance to unplug from the noise, regulate your nervous system, and reconnect with the vision of who you’re becoming.<h3>Why I Created Freedom VIP Days</h3>Here’s the truth: coaching at this level takes energy, presence, and intention. That’s why I’ve limited my 1:1 coaching to just a handful of clients. I don’t want to rush transformation. I want to give everything I’ve got. And these Freedom VIP Days are a big part of that commitment.This is the work I do best—helping you step out of old patterns and into a life that feels expansive, embodied, and free.The question is: are you ready for a day that could change everything?<h3><a data-mce-href="https://jaimecoaches.com/jaime-messina----mindset---empowerment-coach--one-on-one-coaching" href="https://jaimecoaches.com/jaime-messina----mindset---empowerment-coach--one-on-one-coaching">LEARN MORE HERE!</a></h3> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

A Day of Freedom: What a VIP Coaching Experience Really Looks Like

The man sitting in the corner of the room has emotional and mental problems He has depression and stress from society and work. medical concept.

No one mentioned this part when it comes to growth: the grief of leaving old identities behind.We love to hype up the transformation story—the glow-up, the confidence, the boundaries, the self-love. And sure, those things are awesome. But what about the quiet, uncomfortable grief of letting go of the person you used to be?Because here’s the truth: even the identities that kept us small once kept us safe. The people-pleaser, the overachiever, the fixer, the one who stayed quiet to keep the peace. At some point, those roles weren’t just habits—they were survival.So when you grow out of them, when you decide you’re done betraying yourself to make others comfortable, it doesn’t just feel liberating. It also feels like loss.<figure id="figure-qyimjgwjq8mg5i5f50"><img id="qyimjgwjq8mg5i5f50" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31QTFExhi5gnGqoCRsDcr6axVpaNHXlPQNMo2YHGfv51EzoqD9g02PEspDJba992.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 20%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="20%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31QTFExhi5gnGqoCRsDcr6axVpaNHXlPQNMo2YHGfv51EzoqD9g02PEspDJba992.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 20%;"></figure><h3>Why It Hurts to Let Go of Old Identities</h3><ul><li>Familiarity feels safe. Even if it wasn’t good for you, it was predictable.</li><li>Others were attached to that version of you. When you change, it shakes up the dynamics—and not everyone claps for your evolution.</li><li>It feels like a death. An old self is gone, and your ego mourns it, even while you’re stepping into freedom.</li></ul>And that mix of emotions—celebrating who you’re becoming while mourning who you were—isn’t a sign you’re doing it wrong. It’s a sign you’re doing it for real.<figure id="figure-b7vvzg90srmg9kv493"><iframe id="b7vvzg90srmg9kv493" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ngqZklwbjZA" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowFullScreen="" data-url="https://youtube.com/shorts/ngqZklwbjZA?si=wUSxSdBdL4pzScAp" data-corners="default" data-fullWidth="false"></iframe></figure><h3>How to Move Through It</h3><ol><li>Honor the old you. Thank them. Write them a letter. They got you this far.</li><li>Let yourself feel it. Grief is natural. Pretending it’s only “yay, growth!” bypasses the process.</li><li>Anchor into your values. When the old self calls you back, check: does this align with freedom, peace, joy?</li><li>Trust the in-between. It’s messy before it’s magic. That liminal space is where you’re becoming.</li></ol>Growth is not just about adding new habits or mindsets—it’s about shedding skins that no longer fit. And every shedding comes with grief.But here’s the beauty: you don’t have to fear that grief. It means you’re evolving. It means you’re brave enough to let old versions of you rest in peace so that your most alive, expansive self can step forward.So the next time you feel that mix of sadness and pride, remind yourself: you’re not broken. You’re just becoming.The only question is—are you willing to keep going, even when growth feels like loss?If this hits home and you know you’re ready to release those old identities but want someone walking beside you as you do, I’ve got space for <a data-mce-href="https://jaimecoaches.com/jaime-messina----mindset---empowerment-coach--one-on-one-coaching" href="https://jaimecoaches.com/jaime-messina----mindset---empowerment-coach--one-on-one-coaching">one-on-one coaching.</a> Together we’ll reprogram the patterns, regulate the nervous system, and step fully into freedom. Reach out if you’re ready—it’s all unfolding perfectly.<h3><a data-mce-href="https://jaimecoaches.com/" href="https://jaimecoaches.com/">LEARN MORE HERE!</a></h3>

The Grief No One Talks About in Growth

When you hear the word wealth, what comes to mind? For a lot of people, it’s money, status, or material things.But let’s be real—wealth is so much bigger than that.Wealth is freedom from the beliefs that keep you small. It’s understanding that the universe isn’t out to get you—it’s conspiring with you. It’s the deep human connections that make you feel seen and alive. It’s waking up in the morning with joy in your chest, not because everything is perfect, but because you are.And the beautiful thing? There’s a formula for it:As I think, so I feel. As I feel, so I do. As I do, so I have.Read that again. Slowly.Your thoughts are the beginning of everything. They create the feelings you carry, those feelings drive the actions you take, and those actions create your reality.When you start shifting your inner world, your outer world can’t help but change, too. That’s wealth.<h3>A Tip to Start Today</h3>If you want to begin creating more wealth in your life—the kind that actually matters—start with this simple practice:Pick one thought every morning that aligns with the kind of life you want to create.It could be:“I am free from old patterns.” “I am worthy of deep connection.” “Joy is available to me right now.” Repeat it. Write it down. Let yourself actually feel it. Then notice how your actions start to shift throughout the day.<h3>Ready to Go Deeper?</h3>This work is powerful, but sometimes it takes guidance to really break old patterns and step into a new way of being. That’s where coaching comes in. If you’re ready to create wealth in your life—not just in numbers, but in freedom, connection, and joy—let’s talk.Because the truth is: you don’t have to do this alone.<h3><a data-mce-href="https://jaimecoaches.com/" href="https://jaimecoaches.com/" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">LEARN MORE HERE!</a></h3> &nbsp; &nbsp;

The Definition of Wealth

Let’s talk about something a lot of people don’t like to admit: when life gets messy, most of us reach for “painkillers.”And no, I’m not talking about Advil. I’m talking about the rebound relationship, the shopping spree, or that “new year, new me” plan that dies by February.They’re quick fixes. They take the edge off. They distract you just long enough so you don’t have to feel the discomfort. And let’s be honest—they’re easier.But here’s the problem: painkillers don’t solve anything. They mask. They numb. And when the relief wears off, the pain comes back louder, the patterns get stronger, and you’re left circling the same mountain all over again.<figure id="figure-nrpvyljsxhmfzmjvio"><iframe id="nrpvyljsxhmfzmjvio" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bYmUM9bw7DI" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtube.com/shorts/bYmUM9bw7DI?si=A3DeSZ2Y1o8Dqzqp" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bYmUM9bw7DI" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure><h3>Why Painkillers Feel Easier</h3>Reaching for the quick fix feels good in the moment. Who doesn’t want instant relief? It’s like putting a band-aid over a wound—you don’t have to look at it, deal with it, or sit in the discomfort.But here’s the truth: masking the pain keeps you stuck. It convinces you you’re doing something when really… you’re just pressing snooze on your growth.<h3>Vitamins Build Strength</h3>Now let’s talk about vitamins. Vitamins don’t work overnight. They take consistency, intention, and commitment. You don’t feel the results immediately, but over time? They strengthen you. They build resilience. They prevent the pain from coming back in the first place.That’s the work I do with my clients. Coaching with me isn’t about handing you another “painkiller” pep talk or motivational sticker. It’s about giving you the vitamins—tools, support, and strategies—that rewire your patterns, build a stronger foundation, and transform your life from the inside out.<figure id="figure-jkw4icxmsmfzmlhfg"><img id="jkw4icxmsmfzmlhfg" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/32bTBs66atmNehP5eM2ljzE0BHEjpl4ZxvfG4jiZPrvTAQsSoJXzGU6cqhb3vAl8.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 80%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="80%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/32bTBs66atmNehP5eM2ljzE0BHEjpl4ZxvfG4jiZPrvTAQsSoJXzGU6cqhb3vAl8.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 80%;"></figure><h3>Why Coaching is the Vitamin You’ve Been Avoiding</h3>Vitamins aren’t sexy at first. They take patience. They ask you to face what you’ve been running from. But they’re also what create lasting change.When you finally stop numbing the symptoms and start addressing the root cause, that’s when transformation happens. That’s when you stop repeating cycles, stop attracting the same red flag in a different outfit, and finally start living the life you’ve been chasing.Because painkillers are easy. Vitamins are powerful. And getting to the root? That’s freedom.So the real question is—are you here for another painkiller, or are you ready to finally take your vitamins?<h3>Ready for the Vitamins?</h3>If you’re done with the quick fixes and ready for real transformation, this is your moment. Coaching with me is about doing the work that actually changes your life—not just for now, but for good.Reach out, let’s talk, and I’ll show you how to stop masking and start transforming.<a data-mce-href="https://jaimecoaches.com/jaime-messina----mindset---empowerment-coach--one-on-one-coaching" href="https://jaimecoaches.com/jaime-messina----mindset---empowerment-coach--one-on-one-coaching" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">LEARN MORE HERE!</a> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Painkillers vs. Vitamins: Why Quick Fixes Don’t Transform Your Life

<figure id="figure-b7c234fpsrmfo9z6r3"><img id="b7c234fpsrmfo9z6r3" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2178107070/photo/burnt-slice-of-toast-bread-isolated-on-white-with-text-space.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=N2jC_ci7ZZ6fd1qkVODo-esFzxHzvb0NCfYwIDvfVIE=" alt="Burnt slice of toast bread isolated on white with text space" title="Burnt slice of toast bread isolated on white with text space" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 20%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="20%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2178107070/photo/burnt-slice-of-toast-bread-isolated-on-white-with-text-space.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=N2jC_ci7ZZ6fd1qkVODo-esFzxHzvb0NCfYwIDvfVIE=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 20%;"></figure>Sometimes life burns your toast.You’re rushing out the door, ready to take on the day, and then—bam—the toast is black. Instant frustration. You’re late, annoyed, and wondering why life couldn’t just give you a break.But here’s the thing: what if that burnt toast was actually saving you? Maybe the delay meant you avoided a car accident. Maybe it gave you just enough pause to remember the file you would’ve left on the counter. Maybe it slowed you down so you could run into someone who changes your life.That’s the heart of the Burnt Toast Theory: the detours, delays, and inconveniences aren’t punishments—they’re protection.<figure id="figure-vb2wpx8lmqmfoa08bs"><img id="vb2wpx8lmqmfoa08bs" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/1etUBuzZNaXdvxRrgfbZ6RUfSeaZ3dPrRiFiq3x49Flszgvr6LOml7bgyITGzkIQ.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/1etUBuzZNaXdvxRrgfbZ6RUfSeaZ3dPrRiFiq3x49Flszgvr6LOml7bgyITGzkIQ.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Enter Benny the Cat (a.k.a. Burnt Benny Toast)</h3>Now, you might be wondering what a cat has to do with any of this.This is Benny, my cat. After surgery, he needed a cone-of-shame collar. But instead of the typical plastic one, I got him something a little cuter—a loaf-of-bread-shaped collar. His little face peeking through the “bread” was hilarious and adorable all at once.One day, I was coaching a client and explaining the Burnt Toast Theory. To lighten the moment, I pulled up a picture of Benny in his bread collar. We laughed so hard, and I said, “You know what? I should turn him into burnt toast so you’ll always remember this theory.”And just like that, Benny became the official mascot for the Burnt Toast Theory.<h3>Why It Matters</h3>Life throws curveballs all the time—traffic jams, canceled plans, burnt toast, or even bigger setbacks. But if you zoom out, sometimes those “inconveniences” are exactly what keep you safe, redirect you toward better opportunities, or remind you to slow down.Benny in burnt toast form is your cue to trust the timing. To remember that even when things feel frustrating or out of sync, it doesn’t mean life is against you.It’s all unfolding perfectly.<h3>Your Turn </h3>Next time your toast burns (literally or metaphorically), instead of spiraling into frustration, ask yourself:<ul><li>What might this delay be saving me from?</li><li>What new opportunity could this open up?</li><li>How can I trust that this is protection, not punishment?</li></ul> And if you need a visual, just picture Benny’s little face popping out of a loaf of bread. Trust me—it’s hard to stay mad when you think of that.<h3>Take Benny With You</h3>If you want your very own reminder to trust the timing (and smile when life feels inconvenient), you can grab a <a data-mce-href="https://mindsetmemos.com/" href="https://mindsetmemos.com/">Burnt Benny Toast sticker </a>in the shop. Stick it on your water bottle, laptop, or journal—and let it be your daily nudge that it’s all unfolding perfectly. &nbsp;<h3><a data-mce-href="https://mindsetmemos.com/" href="https://mindsetmemos.com/" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">GET YOUR BURNT BENNY TOAST HERE!﻿</a></h3> &nbsp; &nbsp;

Jaime Coaches

Mindset & Empowerment Blog

Myra’s Story: You Can Have It All and Still Feel Trapped

A Day of Freedom: What a VIP Coaching Experience Really L...

The Grief No One Talks About in Growth

The Definition of Wealth

Painkillers vs. Vitamins: Why Quick Fixes Don’t Transform...

Burnt Benny Toast: The Burnt Toast Theory