Welcome to the Inspiring Women Series! My intention behind this series is for women of all backgrounds and stages of life to share what makes them love their life. My hope is that, through sharing this, you become inspired to live more of your own dream life that you love. If you are interested in being featured in this series please send me an inquiry at danielle@danielleyeager.com and I will send you more information. I am incredibly excited about this series because I see so many women floating through life not feeling engaged, happy, or loving life. I want everyone to love the life they are living and live to the fullest!

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The inspiring woman being featured this month is my lovely friend Jenipher Mennaar, here is her story:

Tell us how you are living the life of your dreams? 

Where to begin?  About 2 years ago, while cleaning out my spare bedroom, I found an old journal from 2003 that I had kept while at a meditation retreat in Guatamala.  I’m not usually a big “journaler,” but this was part of the course requirements at this retreat.  As I was flipping through the pages, I came across a section titled “My ideal job and life.”  As I read this – 10 years later – I realized everything I had written down was NOT a part of my current job as a personal assistant to a wealthy family, nor was my life really where I wanted it to be.

At the time of rereading this, I was going through a period of re-evaluation and deep introspection about my life.  Although I was “happy” enough – I felt something was missing.  I didn’t feel connected to myself or something higher; I didn’t have any tangible dreams, goals, or aspiration. I felt like I was just wandering through life – going through the daily motions – but without purpose, intention, or passion.  All was “ok”….but something deep within me knew there had to be more.

Over the years I had always dabbled in holistic and healing modalities….massage therapy, yoga teachers training, meditation, aromatherapy, herbal medicine, Ayurveda, nutrition….yet I never seemed to pursue any of these beyond getting certifications and knowledge.  The same thing always seemed to stand in my way – the comfort and security of having a consistent paycheck. Oh, and the fear of committing to something fully at which I might fail.  The idea of starting my own business, generating clients, and being in business for myself was terrifying. So I never allowed myself to explore those sides of me in a professional way.

I knew I needed a change.  I knew I needed to break free from a job – and a life – that wasn’t giving me any pleasure or personal gratification.  And I knew I had so much to share with the world if I could discover what that truly was…. AND if I could believe in myself.

Over the years, I had become kind of the go-to girl in my circle of peeps for advice on nutrition, and it lit me up to give this advice.  I decided to enroll at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.  I thought maybe taking another course would feed my soul, give me the “distraction” from my job that I needed, and give me a hobby (as a health coach) that was fulfilling and purposeful.  However, once I registered at IIN, something in me clicked.  I realized that this would just become another one of those hobbies that I could turn into a fulfilling career – but probably wouldn’t. And my life would go on being just “ok.”

It was at that time that I decided to make a radical shift in my life.  I quit my job and dove in fully to IIN and coaching women in the area of health. This was hugely scary….the insecurity of leaving a set income, the fear of failure, the not-knowing if I would be successful. This was a massive leap of faith….and one that I am so happy I finally had the nerve to do.

Since then, I have not looked back! I am now able to create the life of my dreams, which not only serves myself and my highest values, but also allows me to be of service to other wonderful women.  And it is this being in service that ignites and fuels my soul!  I come alive by helping others step into the highest vision they can hold for themselves.

My dream life is pretty simple – based on nourishing my soul with things that give me pleasure and happiness.  I practice a self-care routine in the morning that involves lemon water, no cell phone or computer, meditation, and moving my body. I have learned that by slowing down, I am able to live in the moment and enjoy the simple pleasures of life….my sweet little home, my beautiful backyard and pool  – a tiny oasis that I wake up to every morning.  And by allowing myself this time in the morning– I actually accomplish more during the day – in a relaxed way. It’s amazing what opened up for me when I actually slowed down!

I love good food – everything from home-cooked meals to molecular gastronomy.  And good wine! Enjoying meals and dining experiences with family and friends is a true delight.  I adore making spaces and settings beautiful – creating the perfect ambiance. I also have an affinity for gorgeous buildings (especially hotels) – the design, the aesthetic, the architecture, the atmosphere – and love seeing new places and spaces.

I have an amazing husband, who is my best friend and biggest fan.  My mom and grandparents recently moved to Florida, so I now see them frequently. I consider the majority of my friends as family and hold those relationships sacred. Although we have no children of our own, it gives me great joy spending time with the children (and pets) of our friends – playing and watching them learn and grow.

I live in a tropical paradise surrounded by sunshine, palm trees, and the ocean. Being outdoors and feeling the sun on my skin is a true gift that I enjoy daily. I am able to create my own schedule and can work from anywhere in the world, which allows me the freedom to travel – a true passion of mine.

The biggest inspiration and drive is that I am able to help people each and every day – helping them reach their vision for their highest selves and create a life they love. Through this work, I am able to constantly evolve and grow.

What hurdles came up on your way to getting there?

The biggest hurdle was getting up the nerve to leave my “comfy” job and trust that all would be ok.  I’ve always supported myself financially, so releasing that control of not contributing to the family income in the same way was difficult.  I had to learn to value myself based on more than just money.  Another hurdle was actually believing wholeheartedly that what I have to offer is valuable  – releasing the negative self-talk that pops up from time to time.

What has been the biggest help in living a life of your dreams?

I feel so blessed to have an amazing husband who is extremely supportive and encouraging.  When I’m confused or frustrated or doubting myself – he is always there to lift me up and help me see solutions. My mom and friends offer ongoing unconditional love, support, guidance, encouragement and always seem to be stretching me to be a better version of myself.

What would you say to someone who feels like their dream life is impossible? 

Take notice of simple pleasures.  Live in the moment.  Notice all the beauty around you. Be truly grateful for what you have, and be open to new possibilities.  Live your life based on how YOU want to FEEL – and design your life accordingly.  Take the reigns, jump in, and make it happen.  The possibilities are limitless….and it’s up to you to go for it!

How are you continuing to build a life of your dreams?

I plan to eventually grow my online audience and group programs so that I can serve more women at a time, helping them reach their health and wellness goals.  My big dream is to host retreats for women in fabulous destinations – so that we can all come together in a supportive, nurturing environment, take time for ourselves, and have some flat-out fun! I want to create soulful experiences for women that they will savor forever.

 

Jenipher Minnaar is a women’s Food + Body + Soul Coach, creator of healthy recipes, yoga enthusiast, green-juice junkie, nature lover, happiness seeker and Wellness Architect.  Her passion is to teach busy women how to access their unique “Personal Blueprint for Exceptional Health & Living” so they can cleanse and nourish their bodies, lose weight pleasurable and permanently, discover hidden food allergies, reclaim their vitality, and fall in love with their bodies and lives. She is here to empower you – giving you the tools and support you need to create a lasting lifestyle transformation that will elevate the health of your mind, body and soul.

Jenipher believes that physical, mental and spiritual health are NOT exclusive of one another; and, in order to reach optimal health, we must look at the WHOLE being. This includes not only your relationship with food and the food you choose to energize your body, but also your personal relationships, work atmosphere (career), spiritual practices, exercise patterns, and home environment.

Yes, it starts with food, but it’s really about living!

You can find out more about Jenipher at www.JenipherMinnaar.com

 

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Did you find Jenipher’s story inspiring? Tell me in the comments below your biggest takeaway from her story.

Looking to add a little more happiness to your life? Try the 21 Days of Smiling challenge.

 

Much love, Danielle