We had the good fortune of connecting with Jenny Finneran and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jenny, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
When I was young, I just remember hearing… where are you going to college? Where are you going to work? What are you going to do? No one really prepared me for this. I didn’t know what I “really” wanted to do. I did know that everyone was working and that was what we were supposed to do. So I joined the bandwagon. Day after day, working, grinding for a paycheck.. And eventually I broke down. I avoided dealing with the heartache of the loss of my father. Yoga slowed me down and made me tune in. I began to notice my emotional self for the first time. I was hurt, stressed and lost. Yoga gave me light. Eventually I got back into the “hustle” because yoga teachers don’t make the ideal salary. One day it hit again, and a quote awaked me…constant grind can turn an iron rod into a needle. I thought “grinding” made me a BOSS. but I was becoming dull. So with the right questions again…what is this all for? What do I want to do? I started prioritizing my dreams and crushing my goals because I realized time got away from me. Life flies by. We aren’t meant to work it away, we are supposed to live. So I took time off. I traveled, I played. I became in touch with the real me again. Balance is the key to life. Work hard but play harder…. but you can’t play if you don’t work! So do what you love. Give and spread love to others. Find joy and you will go exactly where you want to be!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I always had multiple jobs and skills. Way back, I walked dogs, babysat, cleaned houses, and helped people organize. Eventually, I found yoga which led me down a healthy “lifestyle” career path. I became a yoga teacher, teaching classes all day every day. Then I went into fitness and became a personal trainer. Next led me towards nutrition and wellness coaching. Wellness coaching allowed me to offer multiple services at once. Yoga is where it began for me and helped me find my purpose, which is to help others connect to their truest authentic selves. We all need direction and guidance because life is tricky with ups, downs, expectations, and social barriers. Working with people daily I began to see we all were in need of connection and communities, myself included.

So to put my line of work under one word. I call myself a “life enhancer”. I help people feel better about themselves inside and out. I bring them to their truest self and create the life that they always wanted but were too scared to walk into. I create communities with like-minded people where they can support each other along the way. Community connections are the most exciting part of this journey. This process of connecting with the truest self might come from a yoga class, a one-on-one coaching session with me, or during one of my retreats.

The journey where I am now established as Flourish With Jenny has been a process. I host retreats, own a yoga studio, and do Wellness Coaching. A long journey and lot of transitions to get to this point. I had to test a lot of waters but mostly ended up just trusting my gut. Now everything feels right. I know I am here to help people get in touch with the life they really want. So with the right motive and drive to get there, I couldn’t be stopped from my goal. I stopped waiting, and wishing and just took the leap of faith to say YES to me. I can do it. I had to do my own inner work to get here and unleash my truest potential. A lot of business lessons were learned but with a good heart and intention, everything always works out. This is worth it all.

Now, I travel the world doing what I love. Creating communities with people and exploring new land and culture. My retreats always have some sort of adventure, such as cliff jumping, scuba diving, and big hikes to waterfalls. We normally go off the beaten path and see things most “ tourists” don’t see. The physical need is always met by all the yoga and adventures, but so are the mental aspects. I make time for inner reflection, growth, and vulnerability. This is the only way to authenticity. Yoga is all about union, with ourselves and those around us and we make sure to find that on our adventures! So if you are looking to make that next step.. Feel stuck, in any aspect of your life then Flourish With Jenny can get you there. Come on a retreat to step away from your day-to-day life and have a chance for clarity. Or book a coaching session with me, together we can outline where you are and where you want to be and we begin the trek together!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Currently I live in Ocala, Florida when I’m not traveling the world. This town is a hidden gem in central Florida, known as the horse capital of the world. West side of town is a horse haven for those who like to ride.  Also we now have the World Equestrian Center where you can experience the beauty of horse life. East side is home of some of clearest spring waters surrounded by alligators, manatees, monkeys, and other wildlife. Then right in the center is downtown filled with restaurants, shopping, and a loving supportive community.

I would say, the Ocala must dos:

Food: *(ALL locally owned and ran)*

Katya Vineyards – Fine dining experience YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS.

Big Hammock – Local brewery and Asian fusion

La Hacienda – Best Mexican food, experience, and prices!

La Cuisine – French Restaurant

Lakis – Greek/ Mediterranean

Symmetry – Coffee & CREPE break

Adventure:
Silver Springs State Park – Kayak or paddleboard around the wildlife and take a walk thru the park

Santos – Bike, hike, or however you like to roll on the path….Endless routes and ways .

Baseline TrailHead – Same as above but bonus Disc Golf course! *( enter at Ocala Greenway Disc Golf Course)*

WEC – experience a horse show

The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park- Ziplining for you adventure junkies

Appleton Museum

Noma Art Gallery

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m grateful my journey has brought me where I am today. My life looks really different then what I originally planned. I was open to trying anything Career wise and yoga was the one thing that made my heart feel full. My closest friends were a big part of this as I changed my lifestyle. They still supported me even if it looked different than their life. In the end that’s what it’s about, to feel loved and support each other. So thank you, The 1. Shiva Shala, (my first yoga home) , for guiding me thru my yoga journey. 2. Breathe of Life , (my first yoga “job”) for letting me completely dive in my creative energy as a teacher. 3. Becca (my best friend) for the constant support and love. 4. Ocala. This place has healed my heart.  – One Hot Yoga & Evolve Power Yoga  (all the staff, students, and friends), This is my current yoga home that always shows me endless support and appreciation. 5. And to all my other dearest closest friends who have been a big part of my growing journey !

Website: https://www.flourishwithjenny.com/

Instagram: @flourishwithjenny

Facebook: flourish with Jenny

Other: Yoga studio: EvolvePowerYoga.com

Image Credits
Photos are mine, I took photos on my retreats

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