Jacqueline Birch shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Jacqueline, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I have felt a powerful calling to fully embrace my role as a Mindset and Movement coach, particularly focusing on supporting women in their 20s who are navigating their purpose and direction in life. My mission is to help others enhance their self-awareness, recognize the connection between mind and body, and empower them to become the CEOs of their own mindsets and ultimately, their lives.
Throughout this past year, the urgency to step into this role has only intensified. Naturally, self-doubt has crept in, pressuring me with questions like, “Am I really ready for this?” and “Is it even possible for me to succeed in this?” However, I’ve come to realize that my purpose extends far beyond myself. I have had to set my ego aside and focus on the greater mission behind Run To Not From: to help individuals break free from the mundane of life, embrace their power as creators of their own dreams, and TRAIN YOUR MIND LIKE A MUSCLE!
Through sharing my own journey, I aim to demonstrate that anything is possible and that a transformative mindset is the key to unlocking a more fulfilled and purposeful life. My vision is to inspire others to realize their potential, overcome their fears, and step confidently into the lives they truly desire.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Run To Not From is a transformative Mindset and Movement Coaching brand dedicated to helping individuals enhance their self awareness, unlock their full potential and embrace their most authentic, abundant lives. Rooted in the philosophy that you are the creator of your own reality, Run To Not From emphasizes the connection between mind and body. By addressing both mental and physical health, I coach you how to train your mind like a muscle, empowering you to take control of your well-being.
What sets Run To Not From apart from other coaching businesses is its foundation built on my personal life experiences and lessons learned along the way. I created this brand for those who feel stuck, lost, unmotivated, or overwhelmed by life’s challenges. Through a shift in mindset and a commitment to self-prioritization, I guide individuals through a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, showing them that they can transform any circumstance life may present.
Focused on integrating movement with mindset and mental health practices, this program encourages individuals to choose any form of movement that resonates with them. It dives deep into the connection between mind and body, promoting daily gratitude and embracing discomfort. Through navigating life’s challenges and setbacks, participants learn to listen to their inner voice and extract valuable lessons and learn to reframe challenges as opportunities to grow and a chance to train your mind like a muscle!
Through nurturing your inner child and connecting with your emotions, you will develop the skills to respond intentionally rather than react impulsively. The program guides you in overcoming limiting beliefs and stepping into your full potential by embracing your shadow aspects, learning to RUN TO them as powerful allies rather than RUNNING FROM them.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I used to think I was “too much,” believing that my struggle to fit in meant something was wrong with me. I felt I had to conform to others’ expectations to be accepted and worthy of love. Society’s mold of how I “should” behave turned into limiting beliefs: “Don’t be too loud,” “Just smile and say thank you,” “Don’t speak up, just be happy with what you get,” and “Don’t feel too much; vulnerability is a weakness.”
I relied on others’ validation and permission to live my life, fearing that embracing my true self would lead to rejection. Wearing a mask made by someone else left me furious with life and feeling like I was stuck living someone elses life.
I learned there’s no roadmap for life; life doesn’t comeo with a blueprint, and life is not a one-size-fits-all. My life is mine, and I chose to celebrate being the CEO of my own journey.
I took control of my emotions, embracing my sensitivity and vulnerability as my superpower. I realized I could no longer blame others for my circumstances. If I was the CEO, I called the shots. Accountability and self-love became essential. I learned to accept myself unconditionally, without judgment, so I could take responsibility from a safe space rather than one of shame.
I recognized that someone’s “too much” is another person’s connection. Being unheard, unseen, and undervalued became a chance for me to reevaluate how I showed up. If I was authentic, kind, and respectful and still unseen and unheard, it just meant I was in the wrong room with the wrong people.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has gifted me with humility and resilience. I have experienced deep pain, and this journey has taught me that suffering illuminates the joy I innately know how to feel. The truth is, one cannot exist without the other; both are integral to the human experience. I learned that the depth of pain I may feel often reflects the great joy I’ve experienced and will continue to experience.
Suffering has connected me to my emotions and helped me navigate both the good times and the challenging ones. In choosing to be lean into my feelings and take control of my life, I’ve discovered that we are all connected through our feelings, and we share similar emotions as a result of our own unique experiences. Doing this has allowed me to connect deeper with others, and ultimately cultivating a community.
It has encouraged me to embrace every aspect of life, slowing down to truly enjoy not just the amazing moments but also the difficult ones – because that is where growth occurs if you lean in and learn the lessons that arise from suffering. There is no destination without the journey you go through to get there. It has helped me be patient through each part of the journey so I can truly enjoy the destination of success.
I have learned to slow down, understanding that time cannot be bought. Looking back on parts of my journey, some of the most precious moments have been the moments that were uncomfortable and challenged me with inevitable growth.
The uncomfortable moments and transitions in live have shaped me into the person I am today – someone who knows how to connect deeply with others and make them feel less alone, motivating and encouraging them to keep going. The light always comes at the end of the tunnel, and as contradictory as it may sound, some of life’s greatest moments happen when you feel like you’re in the dark.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I believe one of the biggest misconceptions in the industry is that healing is a destination; that once you’ve done the work, you will be healed forever.
In reality, healing is not a destination but rather it’s an ongoing practice. This is the foundation of my slogan, “Train Your Mind Like a Muscle.” The essence of a healing journey is to strengthen the “muscle” of your mind, equipping you with a metaphorical toolbox filled with coping mechanisms, self-regulation tools, and self-awareness techniques. This way, when adversity arises in life, you are better prepared to navigate through it with greater wisdom.
Healing is a continuous practice. It’s important to accept that certain things may still upset you, but with the tools you carry in your metaphorical toolbox, you’re more capable of addressing your challenges with compassion for yourself and for others who are also on their own healing journeys.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I can relate to the feelings of struggle and the fear that it will never end. For much of my early life, especially in my early twenties, I was consumed by anger and confusion. I struggled to understand why, despite my genuine efforts to improve myself through constant self-work, I kept encountering situations that led to pain and betrayal. It felt like I was trapped in a cycle of struggle, where healing seemed impossibly out of reach.
Eventually, I had to confront the patterns in my life. This was a significant challenge for me – recognizing that I was often the common denominator in my circumstances. While many events were beyond my control, I realized that I repeatedly allowed my boundaries to be crossed, lowered my standards, repeated patterns of unhealthy dependence on things and those around me, and fell back into limiting beliefs rooted in my deep fear of rejection and the desire to fit in.
I learned to remove my mask (once again), and stop blaming others for simply being human. I had to accept that not everything is personal, and the only person I can truly control is myself. In my coaching, especially when guiding others through emotional regulation and feelings, I come from a place of true empathy and understanding how overwhelming life and emotions can feel.
If you’re feeling like you’re drowning in pain and constant disappointment, I promise you can turn it around at any moment. You hold the power to shape your feelings and, in turn, your reality through how you perceive the world around you.
Life doesn’t have to be hard. I know that if I had read these words five years ago, I might have laughed and thought, “You have no idea!” But trust me, I do. I’m here to not only tell you, but to show you, that there is indeed another side to the challenges you’re facing. Life is a beautiful miracle that you have the miraculous opportunity to experience. You are here for a reason. You are irreplaceable, worthy and important.
Embrace the patterns, the pain, and the frustrations. Allow yourself to learn from the lessons revealed through repetition and struggle. Stand strong in your power; realize that you hold the key to unlocking a better future.
Yes, it may feel easier to remain angry, sad, and stuck in those familiar patterns. But that’s just your brain trying to keep you “safe” through predictability. Remember: you can retrain your brain to align with the life you dream of. You have everything you need within you to create change, and I believe in you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.runtonotfrom.com
- Instagram: lifesabirch__
- Linkedin: Jacqueline_Birch
