Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Ferguson.
Hi Jennifer, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My story began ironically on the day I thought it had ended.
I woke up that morning, and I was at complete rock bottom. I had been struggling with anxiety and depression for years and had managed to numb it out with anything that would make me not feel. Years of masking and pretending everything was okay. I broke open that morning. I knew that I was at the crossroad of either living or dying. And if I didn’t ask for help, I would be dead very soon.
That call ultimately saved my life. That 15-second decision to ask for help completely changed everything in my life. The entire time I was thinking, “Okay, if I make this call, the gig is up. I’ll have to face everything, and it will suck!”. And in the same seconds, a voice came to me and said, “But what if you find freedom from this and you are able to help someone who is struggling too?”
And that’s where my journey began.
I immediately found support, finding other people who had struggled like me and who had found freedom, showing up and doing the work. Everyday. I had to be cracked open to find out who I really was. I started out with the gift of desperation. Desperation to have a life, a life of freedom. To this day, I’ve never lost that gift of desperation.
Today, I have found a complete life of freedom and live my life, both personally and professionally, helping others find that freedom. That’s home base for me. I have what I call my “non-negotiables” that I have to do every single day to stay in balance with all the things.
I’m a mental health advocate, assisting people find help for anxiety, depression, addiction, and life blocks. I’m a public speaker, a mom, a podcaster.
I believe everyone deserves to live their ultimate best life of freedom. One of the best things I ever heard at the beginning of my journey was, “If you’re at rock bottom, congratulations! Your life is just starting!”
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
“Life gets lifey”! Life continues to do its thing. I’ve experienced some major losses of people I love, changed careers, navigated being a single parent, and have gotten really uncomfortable. But I have learned the key to life is just showing up. My purpose has shown up for me. That is helping others who are struggling like I was. I have learned that as long as I am staying in the path of my purpose, I am always navigated to the right direction.
Sometimes, that means not having a plan or a blueprint and taking a lot of chances. That’s not naturally in my comfort zone so I try to get uncomfortable as much as possible! When I was stuck in a dark place for so long, it was easy to play the “pity party” and ask, “Why me?” or complain about my circumstances. Those feelings still creep up, but I have tools now to turn those feelings around. A mentor of mine always says, “When the strippers show up to your pity party, it’s time to go home”! Meaning, I can sit in that space for a little bit, but it’s time to keep it moving, regardless of my circumstances. I can always find something positive in my day. Don’t believe me? Start your day off with writing at least 5 things you are grateful for. Try it for three months and see what happens!
Regardless of my circumstances, or what I’m feeling, or the fear that is blocking me. I just show up. My faith has taught me about trusting, surrendering, and handing it over. Those are my golden keys. Those non-negotiable I do every day keep me balanced when life wants to knock me down.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
For my career, I find help for individuals or family members who are struggling with mental health issues, substance abuse and/or addiction abuse. I work with clinics, mental health hospitals, private practices, therapists and churches who provide this help. I bridge that gap in finding that fast help that the client is needing. If someone is struggling they can email me at jenniferferguson623@gmail.com. I speak with individuals and family members.
I also have a podcast called L.I.F.T. (Love Inspire Fitness Trust). I started it during covid to keep the conversation going about mental health and the importance of taking care of ourselves while everyone was on lockdown. We have everyone from fitness professionals, mental health specialists, dietitians, life coaches & teachers. I am constantly meeting amazing people in Atlanta that are doing really great things with really great stories. My podcast is an invitation for these people to tell their beautiful stories. It’s my happy place. I am also a public speaker. I love sharing my story and a solution! I speak to schools, recovery centers, churches, and conferences.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
During covid, I learned so much about myself. The most important thing I learned is staying still with myself. Talking about getting uncomfortable! lol, I really dug deep into learning to meditate every morning before the day started. This was hard for me. I didn’t realize how fast-paced I was with all the things. Work, parenting, workouts, life! Covid taught me to slow down and take in what is now. Focusing only on what I can do at this moment, one thing at a time. It was crucial for me since I had two kids at home all day, doing their school on the computer! Now, my one hour of prayer and meditation time before anyone gets up is one of my main “non-negotiables.” That time to sit still with me sets my day up for success and grounds me. I also learned that connection is key. When I found out I could not be around my people during those crucial months of lockdown, I freaked a little. I used to be an isolator, and my energy comes from being around people. Especially people who make me better and energize me with the same energy I have. So, during covid, I found ways to connect, like my podcast virtual interviews, zooming in with my mentors, taking walks with friends literally gave me motivation and energy. That connection would change my entire day! Even today, I have boundless energy, and it’s because I surround myself around like-minded people. I find people who struggled like me, who found a way out, and I just do what they do! Find your mentors that have what you want. Do what they do. Spread your love and knowledge from those people. And repeat that process. When you are being in service to someone else, it’s really hard to have a bad day!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @loveinspirefitnesstrust, @jennkateferg, @meal_prepwarrior
Image Credits
M Jae Photography
