We often underestimate how powerful one decision can be—until we look back and realize it changed everything. Growing up in a cycle of trauma and limitation, I never saw possibility, only survival. But one choice at a time—whether to believe in something greater, to seek support, or to break generational patterns—brought me from a life of reaction to a journey of restoration.

In this heartfelt piece, I reflect on the importance of choosing faith over fear, community over chaos, and purpose over pain. Whether it’s a career move, a relationship, or your mental health, every decision shapes your path. And when you choose to surrender to God’s guidance, that’s when transformation truly begins.

You have the power to change everything—starting with one choice. Are you ready to make it?

In a world of big dreams and high aspirations, success often begins with small, consistent steps. Whether you're launching a business, leading a team, or pursuing personal growth, the key to long-term achievement lies in embracing small beginnings while keeping a big vision in mind.

The Bible reminds us in Zechariah 4:10, "Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin." Faithfulness in the process matters more than immediate results. As you take small yet intentional actions—setting up a website, networking, or refining your leadership skills—you build momentum and credibility, laying the foundation for greater success.

But thinking big is just as crucial. Without a vision, your steps lack direction. Proverbs 16:3 encourages us, "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." Break your dreams into actionable goals, surround yourself with a supportive community, and track your progress. Most importantly, extend grace to yourself along the journey.

Success isn’t about overnight transformation; it’s about consistency, resilience, and faith. Take that first step today—because small actions, rooted in purpose, lead to extraordinary impact.

Want more guidance and support? Join us inside the Lady J Empowerment Collective!

Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with highs and lows, moments of clarity and chaos. When I officially began this path in 2017, it wasn’t out of luxury—it was out of necessity. Like many, I stepped into the unknown with passion and vision, only to be met with unexpected challenges, seasons of doubt, and a lack of support. But what I’ve learned is this: God doesn’t call us to a purpose without equipping us to walk through it.

One of the hardest lessons in business has been realizing that while people may step back, God always steps in. The world glorifies hustle and endless grinding, but true success is found in stewardship—faithfully managing what God has given us. My journey led me to the Kingdom Driven Entrepreneur movement, where I learned to embrace grace over grind. Instead of striving for validation, I began focusing on divine alignment, allowing God to shape my business and mission.

If you find yourself overwhelmed or questioning your path, take the first S.T.E.P.—seek help from above. True transformation happens when we release control, trust the process, and remain faithful to the vision God has placed in our hearts.

We’ve all heard the phrase "you are what you eat," but have you ever considered that what you consume is not just about physical nourishment—it’s spiritual too? The way we fuel our bodies directly impacts our energy, mindset, and overall well-being. Just like managing finances requires tracking expenses, achieving optimal health starts with paying attention to what we put into our bodies.

My journey with nutrition began as a caregiver for my mother from 2007 to 2009. After she passed, I realized I had neglected my own health while juggling pregnancy, military service, and school. It wasn’t until 2010 that I discovered the power of food tracking, a practice that transformed my approach to health. Over the years, I pursued multiple certifications in nutrition and bodybuilding, reinforcing the truth that no quick-fix diet or pill can replace intentional eating habits.

Just as ignoring finances can lead to debt, neglecting nutrition leads to declining health. Tracking what we eat isn’t about restriction—it’s about awareness. With today’s technology, like the 1st Phorm app, there’s no excuse not to take control of our health. Simple habits—like drinking enough water, prioritizing whole foods, and maintaining consistency—create lasting change.

Your health is your greatest investment. Don’t wait until it’s too late to prioritize it. Start today, one step at a time.

In 2022, I thought I had my path figured out. My vision was clear: build a team of personal trainers, expand 2BEpic Fitness and Nutrition, and create lasting impact. But God had a different plan—one I never saw coming but was designed for my growth.

Through financial setbacks and heartbreak, I learned that what seemed like a breakdown was actually a divine setup. God redirected me toward real estate investing, partnerships, and opportunities that aligned with my true calling. He reminded me that I was already equipped to lead—not just in fitness, but in all areas of life.

Faith Like a Mustard Seed

I carry a mustard seed as a reminder that faith doesn’t have to be big—it just has to be present. Even in uncertainty, God is at work, orchestrating every step.

Not Everyone Can Go With You

Growth requires letting go. If people naturally exit your life, trust the process. God is refining your path, protecting your journey, and preparing you for what’s ahead.

Will You Trust Him?

If you feel unequipped or overwhelmed, know this: God calls before He equips. Your struggles are not a mistake—they are preparation. The question is, will you surrender the pen and let Him write your story?

Have you ever wondered why certain relationships leave you drained while others uplift you? For years, I struggled with trusting the wrong people, ignoring my instincts, and dismissing the warning signs that God placed in front of me. But through growth and faith, I discovered that discernment is one of the greatest gifts we can receive. When we embrace it, we empower ourselves to break free from cycles of hurt and misplaced trust.

The Bible reminds us in Matthew 7:15 to “Beware of false prophets... they look gentle like sheep, but they are really dangerous like wolves.” Without discernment, we may fall prey to situations that pull us away from our God-given purpose. Learning to trust in divine wisdom changed my life.

At the end of 2024, I became intentional about setting boundaries, protecting my peace, and truly listening to the Holy Spirit. This shift gave me clarity in my relationships, business, and spiritual journey. A key tool in my transformation was The Cortina Method (TCM), which helped me heal from past traumas and trust my intuition.

If you’re struggling with discernment, I invite you to explore this journey with me. Until March 10, I am offering a free TCM visit for those who book a discovery call through my website: www.ladyjempowers.com.

Take a moment to reflect:
🔹 Are the people in your life truly for you?
🔹 Do your relationships bring peace or drain your energy?
🔹 Are you trusting God’s guidance or ignoring red flags?

Discernment is a gift that requires practice and intentionality. Pray for wisdom, set boundaries, and never be afraid to walk away from what no longer aligns with your purpose.

With love and empowerment,
Lady J

Mental health diagnoses are meant to provide clarity, but they can also become limiting labels that shape our identity and restrict our healing journey. While these classifications help professionals navigate treatment, they may also foster stigma, discouragement, and a sense of permanence in conditions that are, in reality, changeable.

In my own experience, being diagnosed with Complex PTSD, anxiety disorder, and chronic depression left me feeling trapped. I was told I would carry these conditions for life. Yet, through transformative approaches like The Cortina Method (TCM), I discovered healing was possible—often in just one session.

Unlike traditional therapy, TCM reprograms the subconscious mind, addressing trauma at its root without prolonged treatment. This breakthrough led me to offer free TCM sessions for a limited time, giving others the chance to experience true healing. If you've ever felt confined by a diagnosis, know this: you are not your label. Healing is possible, and it begins with a single step.

📅 Schedule a Free Discovery Call: Click here to book.

Have you ever woken up feeling overwhelmed before your day even begins? I lived in that reactive state for years—letting anxiety, stress, and past trauma dictate my actions. But everything changed when I embraced the power of stillness.

"Be still, and know that I am God." – Psalm 46:10

In this blog, I share my journey from living in survival mode to finding peace through faith, boundaries, and intentional growth. Healing doesn’t happen overnight, but when we shift from reacting to proactively seeking peace, we step into the life God has for us.

If you're ready to reclaim your peace and break free from anxiety, read more.

On the outside, I seemed strong—successful, driven, and a leader. But inside, I was battling PTSD, burnout, and silent suffering. Too often, those who carry the weight of others’ struggles have no one checking in on them.

In this heartfelt blog, I share my personal journey of hitting rock bottom, how faith became my anchor, and why it’s crucial to support the strong ones in our lives. If you or someone you know is struggling, this message is for you.

Success isn’t about shortcuts or quick fixes—it’s about consistent action, mindset shifts, and embracing what actually works. Yet, so many of us stay stuck in self-sabotage, resisting the very strategies that lead to growth. Why? Because we crave instant results and avoid the effort real change requires.

In this powerful read, I uncover the biggest mindset traps holding us back, the truth about sustainable success in health, business, and life, and the steps you can take today to break the cycle. If you’re ready to stop getting in your own way, this blog is your wake-up call.

Are you setting the tone in your life, or are you merely reacting to the world around you? Be the Thermostat, Not the Thermometer explores how to lead with faith, influence your environment, and overcome self-doubt. Through personal experiences and biblical truths, Jodi Watkins reveals how God’s strength empowers us to step into our calling. If you've ever felt the pressure of leadership or struggled with self-sabotage, this message will inspire you to stand firm, heal, and embrace your purpose. Stop shrinking—start leading.

Life is full of choices—some big, some small, but each one shapes the direction of our lives. Yet, how often do we make decisions out of habit, convenience, or a desire for quick relief, only to find ourselves stuck in the same cycles?

I know this struggle all too well. I’ve fallen into patterns of overcommitting, overindulging, and overthinking—looking for solutions in all the wrong places. But what I’ve learned is this: transformation isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress.

That’s where the S.T.E.P. and S.H.I.N.E. frameworks come in. They’re not just acronyms; they’re tools for intentional living. When we S.T.E.P. forward, we acknowledge that we can’t do this alone. Seeking help, trusting the process, and evaluating the impact of our choices allows us to make real progress. And as we S.H.I.N.E. brightly, setting boundaries and healing from within, we release the lies that have kept us bound and step into a new journey of freedom and purpose.

The hardest part is starting—admitting that something needs to change. But here’s the beauty: we don’t have to do it on our own. God meets us in our brokenness, offering grace and strength to move forward.

So, let’s pause today and ask: What is one choice I can make differently? It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. Sometimes, the smallest intentional shift creates the biggest ripple effect.

Remember, you’re not alone. Together, as we reflect, pray, and act, we’ll step into the greatness we were created for—one choice at a time.

As women and moms, we often take on the weight of the world—careers, children, relationships, and endless expectations. Somewhere along the way, we lose sight of the one person who holds it all together: ourselves.

Over the past year, I’ve faced challenges that have tested me in unimaginable ways. Strained relationships, especially with my daughter, left me questioning everything I thought I was doing right. But through the heartbreak came the lessons I needed most—the importance of stepping back, letting go, and prioritizing my well-being.

In this blog, I’ll share the dangers of trying to do it all, the toll it takes on our minds and bodies, and the steps I’ve taken to reclaim my peace. From learning to say no without guilt to embracing imperfection, I’ve found that letting go doesn’t mean giving up—it means creating space for growth, healing, and rediscovering ourselves.

If you’re overwhelmed, misunderstood, or simply feeling stuck, know that you’re not alone. Let’s walk this journey together toward valuing ourselves and thriving—not for everyone else, but for us.

The start of a new year brings an opportunity to reflect and reset. As we step into this season, it’s time to embrace the greatness within us by releasing fear, setting boundaries, and walking boldly in faith. Stepping into God’s purpose for our lives isn’t always easy—it may feel lonely, challenging, or even isolating—but the journey is worth it.

In this blog, I share hard truths about faith, practical tips to overcome fear, and how to create a plan for a purposeful year ahead. Let’s align with God’s vision, set faith-focused goals, and take daily steps toward the extraordinary life we are called to live.

Your greatness is already within you—now it’s time to claim it.

Read the full blog and begin your journey of faith, courage, and purpose.

Mental health has become a global crisis, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. As someone who has experienced trauma firsthand, I’ve learned that faith, exercise, and nutrition are essential pillars in improving mental health. These three elements not only transformed my life but also helped my loved ones, including my mother, find strength and healing.

Faith offers hope and grounding during life’s most challenging moments, serving as a spiritual anchor that reduces anxiety and stress. Exercise, beyond its physical benefits, boosts mental health by releasing endorphins and enhancing overall mood. Nutrition supports brain function, stabilizes mood, and fuels the body with the nutrients it needs for optimal performance.

When my mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and struggled with bipolar tendencies, traditional medications failed her. Through a holistic approach incorporating faith, gentle exercises like Tai Chi, and nutrient-dense foods, I witnessed significant improvements in her mental and physical health.

If you’re ready to take control of your well-being, this blog explores actionable steps to integrate faith, exercise, and nutrition into your daily life. From starting your day with prayer to embracing movement and tracking your nutrition, these tools can help you break free from the cycle of poor mental health and reclaim your life.

Join the Step Into Your Greatness Community and be part of a supportive network dedicated to transformation and growth. Together, we can build a lifestyle that nurtures the mind, body, and soul, creating lasting change from the inside out.

As we approach 2025, it’s natural to reflect on the past year and dream about what lies ahead. But dreaming is only the beginning. Turning your vision into reality requires intentional action, alignment with your values, and a clear strategy.

Whether you’re aiming for career advancement, stronger relationships, improved health, or personal growth, clarity is key. Define what success looks like for you, ensure your goals align with your core values, and break them into actionable steps.

Consistency, flexibility, and gratitude will be your allies as you navigate the year ahead. Small, regular actions can create big results, while staying adaptable helps you handle the unexpected with grace. And don’t underestimate the power of community—having support and accountability can make all the difference.

Start 2025 with purpose and direction, and watch as your vision transforms into a vibrant reality.

For more on creating a vision and practical tips to achieve it, read the full blog.

The difference between being healed and unhealed is profound—transformational and deeply spiritual. I’ve walked both paths, and the contrast is life-changing. In my unhealed state, I lived in anger, blame, and negativity, projecting unresolved pain onto others. But God began a pruning process, removing the toxic parts of my life to allow new growth.

Being healed is about freedom—freedom to take accountability, encourage others, and seek validation only from God. It’s a journey that requires faith, self-awareness, and patience, but the transformation is worth every step.

Are you ready to embrace your greatness? Join the Step Into Your Greatness community and start your healing journey today.

In a world of quick fixes and fleeting trends, true transformation stems from building intentional, sustainable habits. Food tracking stands out as a simple yet powerful tool to nurture a healthier relationship with food and foster long-term success. Research underscores its effectiveness—those who track their food are more likely to maintain healthier weights and make informed nutritional decisions.

Tracking food provides insight into portion sizes, calorie intake, and eating patterns, empowering us to make adjustments that align with our health goals. It’s not about perfection but progress, creating awareness and fostering habits that last a lifetime.

Curious about how to get started? Tools like the 1st Phorm food tracker simplify the process, allowing you to begin small and gradually build consistency. Remember, every step counts on your journey to a healthier, more empowered you!

Leadership rooted in faith transcends traditional approaches, empowering leaders to inspire teams with authenticity, purpose, and resilience. In this blog, we explore how combining authentic, transformational, and servant leadership principles creates a foundation for trust, growth, and collaboration. Drawing from my military experience and faith journey, I share insights on leading with integrity, fostering personal and team development, and aligning actions with God’s purpose.

Through transparent communication, a commitment to serving others, and an unwavering focus on personal growth, faith-driven leadership equips teams to thrive in a meaningful and impactful way. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just beginning your journey, this resource offers tools to help you lead with authenticity and empower others to step into their greatness.

Dive into actionable tips and scripture-backed insights that highlight the transformative power of faith in leadership. Together, let’s embrace a leadership approach that strengthens our teams and aligns our actions with God’s greater purpose.

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and reflection, but it’s also an opportunity to look inward and ask: What’s holding me back from becoming the person I’m meant to be? For so many of us, the answer lies in our limiting beliefs—those quiet but powerful thoughts that tell us we’re not enough, not capable, or not deserving.

I know this struggle all too well. For years, I believed my voice didn’t matter. I let fear and doubt keep me small, even when everything in me longed for more. But here’s what I’ve learned: those beliefs aren’t truths. They’re stories we tell ourselves, and we have the power to rewrite them.

In this blog, I’m sharing the steps that helped me break free—steps like recognizing the lies we’ve believed for too long, surrounding ourselves with people who lift us higher, and trusting that we were made for more.

This Thanksgiving, as you count your blessings, remember to count yourself in. You are worthy of greatness, capable of growth, and deserving of a life that feels full and free.

Ready to step into your greatness? Let’s do it together.