From Self-Doubt to Self-Discovery: My Journey with Boreal Bliss
Hi there, I’m Jess! Jessica if we’re being formal, but most people know me as the “oldie yogi.” (Well... actually that’s in my own head!)
You may have seen me, met me, or even joined one of my classes at a Boreal Bliss retreat or day retreat.
I wanted to share a little bit about who I am and how I found my way into this magical world of Boreal Bliss. I’m endlessly grateful to be part of such a powerful, heart-centered team of women.
I first discovered Boreal Bliss back in 2019, quite by accident. A good friend invited me to take
the place of someone who couldn’t attend a weekend retreat. I said yes — excited, but also a
little nervous. Questions flooded my mind:
“Am I qualified to go to a yoga retreat?”
“Will I be the oldest one there?”
“The biggest one there?”
...and a few other insecure thoughts I won’t even name.
But my friend adored Boreal Bliss, and she promised it would be amazing — so I took the leap.
And honestly, that one “yes” changed my life forever.
My first retreat was at Deep Portage Learning Center in Hackensack, MN. It was February: snowy, quiet, and beautiful. From the moment we arrived, the welcome we received was so warm and genuine that my nerves began to melt away.
I immediately felt accepted, like I belonged; just as I was.
One phrase in particular stuck with me:
“If you’re breathing, you’re practicing yoga.”
It was one of the most beautiful things I’d ever heard. Up until that point, I thought yoga was all about bendy, twisty poses and matching outfits. But here, it was about presence, permission, and being enough.
There were so many classes and activities to choose from, yet we had complete freedom to follow our own rhythm: no pressure, no “shoulds.” One of my favorite mottos is “Don’t ‘should’ on yourself or anyone else.” It sounds funny, but it’s something I live by.
I attended another retreat in November 2019 and remember crying my eyes out (in the best way) during Yin and sound bowls. I left that weekend feeling so full and whole.
When the Boreal ladies announced they were offering a yoga teacher training, I felt instantly
called…and instantly terrified. I didn’t see myself as a “real” yogi and couldn’t imagine anyone wanting to take a class from me.
But with the support of my wonderful therapist, I took another leap. Best decision ever.
Training began in August 2020 — a challenging year for everyone — and I graduated in May 2021 with eight incredible women.
Since then, I’ve been teaching in a variety of spaces and loving every moment.
Still, my heart kept coming back to retreats. To that sense of connection, acceptance, and magic. I wanted to help others experience that same feeling of belonging and joy.
For much of my life, I didn’t make much space for joy. I became a mom young. A teen mom,
twice, at 17 and 19. Thankfully, I had a loving, supportive family who embraced me and my
two beautiful biracial daughters. Without their encouragement, my path could have been very
different.
Life was still hard. I raised my daughters while going to college and living in subsidized housing, supported by MFIP (Minnesota Family Investment Program). When funding for my training program was cut during welfare reform, I fought back with a Legal Aid lawyer, and won. I graduated with my Bachelor of Social Work in 2000. It wasn’t easy, but I did it — thanks to persistence and family love.
I’ve also struggled with mental health for most of my life: deep depression and intense anxiety. There were many overwhelming seasons, but mindfulness, therapy, and yoga became my anchors. Finding a meditation center in Minneapolis was where I truly began learning to be present, and to heal.
I met my husband in 2013, and we got married in 2019. Together, we have a beautifully blended family — my two daughters and four grandchildren, and his six kids and six grandchildren. That’s a lot of love and a lot of birthdays!
We’re about to buy our first home together (my first ever. He’s owned before), and honestly, it
feels like such a wild thing to do at 51. But that’s just me. I’ve never followed a traditional path, and I’m perfectly okay with that.
Professionally, I work in mental health, which feels like an extension of my yoga and mindfulness practice. I’m a Program Manager at Mental Health Minnesota, to support the Minnesota Peer Support Warmline and I assist with 988; I also work with the Homeless Action Team through the Metro Transit Police Department. Supporting others with compassion and presence is something I’m deeply passionate about.
I’m also finishing up my 500-Hour Yoga Teacher Training this December and can’t wait to bring my new knowledge and inspiration into future retreats.
In my spare time, I love walking my two lab-mix dogs, spending time with my grandkids, hubby,
friends, and family. I’m happiest when I’m outdoors: camping, hiking, or traveling. I’ll never turn down a good concert or a quiet yoga flow.
I love spending time with the incredible women of Boreal Bliss. Even though I’m a bit older and my path has been less traditional, I feel completely accepted and deeply connected.
Boreal Bliss has a way of bringing women together. I’ve watched countless friendships bloom, including my own. I’m so honored to be part of this community and look forward to many more opportunities, memories, and joyful moments ahead.
If you see me, please say hello!
And if you’re thinking about joining us, we still have a few spots open for our Sunday, November 23, 2025 – Savor Day Retreat.
