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My Empowered World is happy to share the following interview with one of our Contributors, Jesse Golden. Enjoy.

Tell us about yourself, your background?

I grew up in Chicago, Il. Raised by my Mom who ran a dance studio for 42 years. As a child, dance was my life! I wanted to be a prima ballerina. I actually did get to dance with the Fort Worth Ballet at the age of 15! Which is unheard of since you have to be 18 to be in the company. I got burnt out though. I went to florida when I was 17 on spring Break and never came home! I started modeling and that has been by bread and butter since. I eventually migrated to Cali and continued modeling and some acting.

 

You have had to contend with an auto-immune disease. What challenges has that presented for you and how do you overcome this adversity?

I always saw myself as “bullet proof”. Growing up in a strict ballet background, you are taught to fight through pain and never give up. So when my body virtually gave out on me, it was the most humbling experience of my life. One of my greatest lessons. I was actually getting my yoga certification when I was diagnosed. I was the girl who could do all the crazy poses, on account of my dance background but my body completely gave out on me and I was faced with having to go inward. Put my ego aside and practice the other limbs of yoga, aside from asanas or poses.

Every day is a challenge but I look at my RA as a blessing instead of a curse because it has given me compassion, sympathy,gratitude, knowledge and strength.

What empowers you? What’s your passion?

Overcoming challenges in my life and in turn being able to help others. I was a single Mom for the first 5 years of my son’s life. I really saw what I was capable and came into my own when I became a Mom. Not only from the natural child-birth but being able to do it all by myself. I still don’t know how I did it sometimes. Having to care for someone other than yourself makes you a better person. Before I was a parent, I don’t think I saw past my own eyelashes and truth is I wasn’t happy. Giving to others, especially my son and family is the most fulfilling feeling in the world and makes me the happiest.

 

How did you get started with your yoga practice?

My cousin has always been a huge inspiration in my life . She is 5 years older than me and always seemed to be about 5 years ahead of the rest of the world. She was practicing yoga before there were even yoga schools in Chicago. Now she actually owns several schools in Chicago:)

I fell in love with yoga completely tho when I was going through a hard time in my life. I have always said, yoga is my prozac. It has been the one constant in my life for the last 15 years. It has never let me down, always teaches me something and always makes me feel better.

 

What do you do to stay in a positive mindset?

There is no other choice. You can be two things…happy or sad. I choose to live in gratitude for all my blessings. I frown upon poor me syndromes. Pitty parties are an invitation to more sorrow and darkness. There is no other way to be that optimistic and positive.

 

Besides Yoga, what other interests do you have?

My son comes to mind:) But I love the beach, hiking, horse back riding. I am a self-proclaimed sand turtle. I would be content on an island somewhere and never get bored. I heard a phrase once that only stupid people get bored so I am never bored!:)

 

You’ve stated that you want to help others. Tell us more about that.

I have always been very open about my disease and it has drawn thousands of people to reach out to me. My disease has broken walls down and made me more relatable. I always say its part of my charm:) I guess I’m not your typical face of RA and my treatment and experience with it, is not typical either. I noticed the need that people living with auto immune diseases needed hope. I feel like I can give them just that through sharing my own experiences and helping them change their perspective.

 

What’s in store for you in the future?

I am continuing on my path of sharing my success with living with an auto immune disease and I have all kinds of hush-hush stuff in the works related to that. On account of people seeking my opinion and guidance I am finally taking on clients as an intuitive holistic coach. I have been doing so for the past 5 years but it has gotten overwhelming at times trying to respond and help everyone for free!:) This way I can truly focus and dedicate my time to each client.

 

Be sure to check out Jesse’s website TheGoldenSecrets.org

Follow her on her social media channels Facebook and Instagram

Listen to our interview with Jesse Golden on Empowering Radio!

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