goals

Name

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Where did your name come from?

My name is Jena, and it’s pronounced “Jenna.” The amount of times I was called “Gina” by substitute teachers really confused me as a kid! My name is Jena because originally my parents were thinking about naming me Genesis. I wouldn’t not consider myself religious, and honestly, I’m not sure if my parents really would consider themselves religious anymore either, but I definitely believe in a higher power.

Genesis refers to the origin or beginning of something, and me arriving in their lives as their first (and only) child was definitely a new beginning for my parents. When I was young my dad was in a band, and he wrote a song called “Jena Says,” which was a play on Genesis as far as I know. I should probably ask to hear this song, or at least read the lyrics at some point.

I’ve always had this dream of starting a podcast, and I’ve always said it would be called “Jena Says,” because it gives homage to Genesis and new beginnings, but it also gives me freedom to talk about any and all topics, rather than being limited to one genre. I know I’d talk about my healing and spiritual journey, but I’d also love to talk about dental insurance being horrendous and relationships and happy things! I’d also love to have friends and guests on to discuss topics that they feel passionate about!

It’s something I’ve had in my heart for a while, and I’m working on trying to get past self-sabotaging habits and breaking through perfectionism. I’m recognizing that I just need to start doing something regularly, even if it’s just writing up a paragraph or recording for five minutes. Cocoon season is right around the corner, so as I hibernate in my home, maybe I can dive into this dream.

Honesty

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I didn’t record my podcast episode, and I am giving myself grace about it. I will record soon, and I know this is just my brain getting into survival mode and putting me in a freeze state. I am feeling my way through it and I see exactly where all this fear is stemming from.

As a child my father would often tell me that I had no voice. He’d remind me that I had zero power or control in the home, because I was just the child. Also, being a child of alcoholics, I kept that part of my life a secret from everyone outside of the house (except for a couple close friends as I got older). I was always keeping quiet as a way to be safe, so my brain automatically shut down when I went to start recording my podcast episode.

I am working through this feeling, reminding myself that I am allowed to have a voice. All I have to do is speak the truth and remember my intentions. People will judge regardless, and that is not my business or my problem. I know my intentions and I know who I am- that is all that matters. I am not putting a harsh timeline on this, but I am determined to start recording this year!

4-15-2025 Astrology Prompts

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I saw my favorite Instagram page posted a couple prompts today in regards to communication, so I thought, why not answer those here on my blog? The reason for the post/prompts is because Mercury, the planet of communication, is transitioning into the sign of Aries. According to astrologers, this is a time for fierce and honest words from the heart to be unleashed unapologetically.

Here are the prompts from SistersVillage:

1. I have not started my podcast (or written my book for that matter) out of fear of hurting others…mainly family members. I know that harsh truths can be hard to hear, and the whole point of my podcast would be to tell my story as authentically and honestly as possible. It’s hard to bring up where my parents have had their faults, as I am not trying to shame them or make the whole rest of our family aware of their issues; but at the same time, I have overcome a lot in my life and I know that my journey could inspire others to keep going during hard times. There were many times in my younger years where I was lost and angry, and I often felt that I did not have role models, but instead I had people showing me the life I did not want to live. Luckily, I do not live that life anymore, but it took a lot of work and reflection to stop myself from becoming consumed in my trauma.

Okay, I have to pause for a second before I answer this next prompt because I just saw 5:55 on the clock and I am crying at the timing. 555 is the angel number for CHANGE! Talk about a synchronicity! I just feel so connected to my angels and the universe in this moment, so the pause is necessary. Call me delusional, but I’d rather get excited over numbers than sit here having anxious intrusive thoughts any day. Anyways, onto the next prompt!

2. Prompt two goes with number one: my podcast. I am holding myself back from my dreams, and have been for years now. The calling never goes away either, I basically think about it every day. I distract myself with scrolling and watching TV. I keep saying it isn’t the time or I don’t know how to start, but none of that is actually true. I am the only person in my way, and it’s about time that I stop holding myself back.

10 Years From Now

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Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Ten years from now I’ll be 39. I see myself and my husband with two children, living in a new, single family home with a yard. The kids are in school, youngest just in preschool or kindergarten, so I’m returning to a more full time work schedule. Whether that is still in dental or at one of my children’s schools to get help with tuition assistance (if we decide to go private), I know I’ll be happy either way.

I see us being creative at home, having the kids help with tasks like cooking simply because they think it’s fun to be helpful. I see finger-painting days, as well as days where we make messes with shaving cream with food coloring. I see movie nights with an assortment of different popcorns and snacks. I see more time at the parks and the pools when it’s nice out, and lots of sledding and snowman building in the winter.

Life looks busy, yet also slow. I see less technology usage for myself, except when it comes to work or helping the kids with school. Oh, and of course we will have our Mario Kart nights so we need our technology for that! I’m still blogging, and I am finally good at being intentional with my mornings, as I’ve learned that getting alone time is still a huge priority.

My husband and I still get our solo breakfast dates at least once a month, but usually twice since both sets of grandparents love spending Saturday mornings with the kids. Our anniversary is celebrated in the house as our “family birthday,” and our kids grow up seeing what real, healthy love looks like. Ten years from now looks pretty good to me.

Letting Go (1-3-25)

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I am letting go of my worries and anxieties about the future, and instead I am trusting that I can handle anything that comes my way.

I am letting go of the need for perfectionism, and instead I am embracing mistakes and failures, as I know they only allow me to evolve.

I am letting go of shame and embarrassment, and instead I am leaning into self-love and confidence in myself and my uniqueness.

New Moon / NYE 12-31-24

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from @SistersVillage on Instagram
  1. My goals of healthy living align with my future self because I want to be able to travel and hike and keep up with my future children. I also want to have more healthy food options around for my future children, so they don’t struggle like I do with my lack of palette.
  2. I have been avoiding taking responsibility towards actually working on my goals. I’ve been wasting time on mindless TV when I can reading/learning. I did take a break off social media, and I’m gonna continue that into the new year so I can focus on my true goals and stop mindless scrolling.
  3. I am calling in confidence and consistency. I am focusing on my goals and how to make them fun. I am focusing on all of the joys in every day life. I am calling in peaceful energy, and I’m letting go of anxieties about things beyond my control.

Tuesday Thoughts (5:55 edition)

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I try to start my day with gratitude, and when I do this I always find myself going to the first moment of the day and being thankful for our bed. My husband and I get to wake up with a roof over our head in a comfortable, warm bed next to each other every day- and this is something I will forever be grateful for.

I am grateful everyday when both my husband and I make it to and from work safely, as I learned at a young age how impermanent life really is. This entire experience is temporary, which is both terrifying and relieving. It’s terrifying because everything we have grown to love here is simply temporary, and we have no idea how long any relationship, job, or life will last. It’s also relieving for the same reasons, because when we are in the depths of darkness and struggle, we can stop and recognize that this is absolutely temporary.

We’re allowed to change and make new choices. If we feel stuck or unmotivated, we have the ability to move on from people, places and jobs and move onto the next opportunity life brings. If you’re upset with your habits and how you spend your day to day life, write it all out and look at what you want to change. I’m writing this as I walk on my treadmill, because I want to be the person who cares about moving her body and being healthy.

When I think about reasons to workout and to eat better, I always am thinking about my future self. I’m someone who wants to become a new mom in her 30s and I’m also someone who wants to feel physically and mentally well, and I know that moving my body and eating healthier will help with all of those goals. I’m just trying to stay in the mindset of doing the things that my dream self would do. Writing, working out, connecting with friends, and eventually becoming a mom and figuring out the balance of it all.

Sending love to everyone on this lovely Tuesday. From what I have seen online, between today and tomorrow Pluto is entering Aquarius. Pluto has been in Capricorn since 2008, and boy have I changed a lot from 2008-2024. I’m determined to take advantage of this astrological shift and focus on my personal goals and my wellbeing. I deserve to live the life I dream about, and I can start taking steps to do that today.

Friday // Full Moon

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Good morning! Today is a great day to stay grounded in your energy and intention. The full moon is here, it’s Friday, and you get to choose how you feel today.

I personally am feeling great as I type this in my warm bed. I’m gonna get ready for work here soon and after work I’m meeting up with a friend for a late lunch! I’m excited to catch up with her.

This full moon I am really leaning into faith in my angels, but also in myself. I have the ability to create the life I desire- I mean I’ve literally done that so far! I often find myself hiding behind limiting beliefs and unhealed wounds from childhood, but I am actively embracing my shadow self and working to shed light on the darker parts of me.

We’re all humans, we all have parts of us that we have been ashamed or embarrassed of, but hiding them away and trying to ignore them won’t make them go away. We have to acknowledge our pain and shame, and give ourselves patience and understanding for who we were.

Everything in your life has led you to this moment- be sure to honor it all.