You're Enough.

Some days, my mortal self whispers, "I'm not enough". My mind is a very powerful force, as yours is too.

I'll never forget my dad sitting my brother, sister, and me down sharing he wasn't in love with my mom and would be leaving us for another woman.

I was 7 years old and all I heard at that moment was "I don't love you and you aren't enough to stay."

My dad was the parent I gravitated toward. I was "daddy's little girl". It was the first heartbreak I ever experienced. Every day for 3 years, I prayed my dad would come back.

My dad was a Division-I collegiate hall of fame wrestler and subsequently had a successful coaching career. Athletics was our love-language. Before I turned 7, we had a pact that if I received a scholarship to a Division-I university he would buy me a new car. I hailed from a household where getting a car, any car, at 16 was a far off fantasy.

The little 7-year-old Jenna thought if prayer wouldn't bring my dad back, maybe a scholarship would.

Years of sacrifice, my mom investing money she didn't have, training in the dark, practicing when I didn't feel like it, and a small-town community of people lifting me up led to a Division I scholarship. To my surprise, I even had options from which to choose. As I was contemplating my choices, the University of Louisville swooped into the mix.

Some say when a Cardinal appears it's a visitor from heaven, a sent messenger.

For me, it was.

My dad never came back but maybe the divine sent me something better.

It was the beginning of unlearning all the messaging to that point that had told me I wasn't enough.

2 years ago I confronted the same test in my business when I bought out my partner; investing everything liquid I had saved for a vision seemingly only I could see.

After building a business I knew, deep down, in order to take a big step forward, I needed to take 2 back.

I was told the business would be dead within a year.

That I would still be paying off the business debt without a thriving business.

I was told I was crazy and a failure called demeaning & hurtful names and had people I loved leave me in the dark.

We postponed the big wedding, the new house, and scaled back my cost of living to that of a college student.

It tested my relationship, my mental fortitude, my team's trust, endurance, and the client relationships I had built along the way.

Most importantly, it tested my courage to choose the right path and not the easy one.

Every day I felt the whispering voice of "Am I enough?"

Two years of sacrifice, hard work, commitment to a vision bigger than myself, and the rallying of a small but mighty community helped me, one step at a time, walk out of the dark.

With gratitude and humility, I share with you that Guardian Owl has reached new heights.

We've been fortunate enough to even add new Owlettes to the Nest and through a pandemic continue to find bigger ways to serve.

I am enough.

My story isn't unique.

There are so many reading this that can relate to walking down a similar path.

No matter your age, or the journey you're on, I want you to know the belief in yourself is the greatest gift you'll ever receive.

That as you plan the 2021 dreams that scare you, test you, and make you feel crazy listen to the voice within pulling you towards them.

YOU are the creator.

That voice you hear is your own belief. Listen to it.

Because if this little Lancaster farm girl can create these big dreams into reality I believe you can too.

You are enough.

Even for your wildest dreams to come true.