We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Goldmuntz Stokes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I have always been good (or so I think) at work life balance. I have always created a rich tapestry of professonial and person passionate endeavors. At times, and in the past it included a successful business, raising kids and the ‘side’ projects. At some point it became clear that the side projects were way more fun and filled my heart more. With that said, balance becomes more challenging. As I have aged, I have had to figure out a way how to not burn the candle at both ends. This has been driven by what is important, plus my own health and those around me. We have to learn how to say ‘no’ to filling up the plate, while still doing what brings us joy. Even the midst of chaos, we can find balance, and choose things that bring us joy.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a writer. I started writing to navigate my way through the grief and the process of losing my mom when she was in the middle of a 13 year journey with Alzheimers. The true inspiration was a box of letters I found while cleaning out my parents garage. It dated back to 1963 when mom left home and went to Nursing School. They were between Mom and my grandmother. My grandma had saved the letters and given them back to my Mom. When I found the letters it was is if I was finding her voice. She was well into the Alzheimers journey and I had felt I lost her. When I found those letters, I found her voice. As I started writing about our journey, I found myself finding peace with the journey we were all on. It allowed me process as we were living it. I have used writing and sharing our story to help me find our truth, and navigate my healing and growth as well as being present for my family.
Writing and publishing our story has led me to see how important it is for us all to find our truth. If it is through healing work, dancing, movement, finding our passions, walking a labyrinth (the metaphor I use in my book to reflect on the grief journey) or supporting causes you love (Alzheimer’s Association, etc). Do what you love, find your passions, be present and find the joy.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well I am a Colorado native. I grew up in Manitou Springs. The Penny Arcade & Garden of the Gods will always be a favorite spot to take any visiting friends to. In Denver, there are are so many fun areas in the city- downtown Littleton, Englewood, Old Towne Arvada, Golden to grab some food and pop in and out of shops! Denver Botanic Gardens, City Park & hitting up the Art Museum. Red Rocks for a show or a walk! Or spending an afternoon in South Broadway antiquing and tacos at Adelitas!

We are so blessed to have so many easy accessible ways to be in nature so close to home. An afternoon in Boulder, or down in Castle Rock will always support food deliciousness, and visual wonder.

I am a big fan of finding a labyrinth to walk. Denver and the surronding area have tons! Www.Labyrinthlocator.com is a great resource in the city and the state.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I could not do what I do with out the sisterhood and partnership of other women. My community has many tendrils that I have created over the years. My writing journey goes back to a writing retreat years ago with Tami Palmer & Soul Work Retreats (Greyzonementoring.com/soulwork) and Tanja Pajevic (tanjapajevic.com) and thier couching. Now I help Tami run retreats and again, lean up on Tanja’s skills in guiding a new writing project. I am grateful every day to the community that Vialet Rayne has created at Discover Your Spiritual Gifts (www.discoveryourspiritualgifts.com).

There are so many others, and I am grateful for all the connections I have made.

Website: https://www.jessicastokesauthor.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/jessicastokesauthor

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-stokes-author-233538259/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/JessicaStokesAuthor

Image Credits
Andy Twyman, Susan R. Baily-Estes

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