We had the good fortune of connecting with Jenine Camins and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jenine, what role has risk played in your life or career?
When it comes to risk, I wouldn’t call myself a daredevil. The mere thought of bungee jumping or skydiving, makes my palms sweat! But, when it comes to life and career, I understand the importance of taking risks to make a positive impact on myself and others.
At 41, after a lifetime of living in New York, I faced a tough decision: stay put in the safe and predictable or pursue something new. With my family by my side, we decided to take a leap and head to Denver in search of a more balanced life.
This change of scenery propelled me to step outside of my comfort zone and opened my eyes to the possibilities ahead. Who was I in this new stage and what did I want? There was an unexpected freedom in starting over.
My first step – becoming a certified mindfulness trainer – was the most empowering. It was a signal that I trusted myself. The bigger risk, I realized, was playing it safe. Worrying about other people’s opinions or what my next steps were, would keep me from taking action. Learning to manage my own mindset and moving forward despite the unknown became a crucial skill.
The biggest roadblock is often the stories we tell ourselves. We get stuck in a negative loop, focusing on everything that could go wrong. I use the same self-awareness skills that I teach my clients. They help me identify my own limiting beliefs and replace them with empowering narratives, so I can continue to take action.
Here’s the truth: even playing it safe comes with risks. The risk of living a life filled with “what ifs” and regrets. Taking calculated risks flips the script. We stop fearing failure and judgment, and instead, embrace the exciting possibility of achieving beyond our self-doubt and confidently pursuing a life of meaning, joy, and fulfillment. Every step becomes a chance to grow and discover who we are truly capable of becoming.
If your negative self-talk is holding you back, discover how to reprogram your thoughts and unlock your potential future in my free guide, “Quiet the Critic: Reprogram Your Negative Thoughts in 4 Easy Steps.”
https://uq-mindfulness.ck.page/52e371f349
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Did you know that the term life coach is a reference to the old time stagecoaches for transportation from one place to another? I love this imagery, because life is a journey, filled with changing stages – each shaped by our values and goals at the time.
The path can often feel rocky. It’s normal to experience a wave of emotions – confusion, frustration, anxiety, or maybe even insecurity. While it might feel uncomfortable, these transitions are a natural part of growth.
My clients are often seeking two things, happiness and peace. It might be through the lens of
– figuring out what career to pursue in this stage of their life
– redefining themselves after a major shift like divorce or illness
– creating healthier habits
– or defining their shifting identity as their older school aged children begin to be more independent
Ultimately, the belief is that they can find peace, happiness, and confidence when they finally (get the job, find a new relationship, are illness free).
My goal is to help clients learn to find peace, happiness and confidence NOW. There will always be a challenge. There will always be a new stage. Research by Bruce Feiler suggests we experience up to 36 of them in our lifetime, which means roughly one every year and a half!
When I help a client navigate a new stage, we focus on the process and growth over the end result. There will always be another goal to strive for. Life will never be perfect. The value comes from gaining a deeper awareness of yourself and learning to feel confident and content in the present as you work towards the future.
Seeing the evolution of each client is exciting! When they become the person who thinks, acts, and believes in supportive ways – that they are worthy, and the potential rewards of taking chances outweigh their fears.
Through our sessions, we build a foundation of trust. This creates a safe space to take risks, express vulnerabilities, and move forward with bravery, flexibility and compassion. It’s an honest, real process with a lasting impact that ripples throughout different areas of your life.
Are you entering a new stage or are sensing a shift approaching? Is it creating questions for you? I invite you to connect with me at jenine@uqmindfulness.com for a conversation. Let’s discuss how I can be of support and service to you.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Denver has a lot of variety to offer! Planning an itinerary, I would include a mix of local exploring and some short drives.
Some of my favorite memories with friends are when we’re not doing anything in particular, just exploring and seeing where the day takes us. That being said, any of these options would provide the perfect setting for some connecting and conversation!
Locally, we would
– explore Wash Park; walking, bike riding, picnicking and people watching. I still haven’t taken a swan boat out on the water yet!
– walk and eat along Gaylord and South Pearl Streets. There are some great places to eat outside and enjoy the amazing weather! They each have an intimate feel. I love when we can have a more pedestrian lifestyle and walk to a nearby restaurant. Some favorites are Tap and Dough, Devil’s Food, Sexy Pizza, Ototo, and Park Burger
– enjoy ice-cream at Sweet Cow, Bonnie Brae, and Little Man- because they’re all so tasty!
– take a pre-dinner walk through Cherry Creek and eat at Fortune, Cherry Creek Grill, Flower Child or explore somewhere new!
– tour the street art and cool vibe in RiNo
– go to a concert at Red Rocks
– visit one of Denver’s museums. I like to rotate our visits and haven’t been to the Denver Art Museum in awhile.
explore Garden of the Gods
– stroll to Larimer Street after seeing a show either at the DCPA or a comedy show nearby. I love the string lights and the charming feel!
– depending on their beverage of choice, we could visit some of the cute coffee shops, breweries or distilleries. There’s something for everyone!
– eat at the Buckhorn Exchange. For out of towners, I think it could be a fun and unique Denver experience!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There have been many books and mentors along the way that have inspired and supported me (A recent favorite is Soundtracks by Jon Acuff), but the love and encouragement from my family is undoubtedly the fuel behind my success.
As any small business owner has experienced, the path is full of fear and self-doubt. Adding the pressure of judgment from your loved ones will always make you play and feel small.
Throughout my journey, my husband and daughters were my biggest cheerleaders. They celebrated every win and helped me find the silver lining in setbacks, fostering my growth every step of the way.
From the beginning, they took my business and me seriously. It made me feel seen and empowered. Their support and the encouragement of friends and family, helped me to dream bigger and believe in myself on those days when doubt could have easily snuck in.
They deserve a big shout out!
Website: https://uqmindfulness.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uqmindfulness/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenine-camins-pellegrino-a931294/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uqmindfulness