A Year of Growth, Lessons, and New Perspectives

Learning to truly listen to a very full life

Jul 05, 2025

Hey friends,

It's Jessie, and if you're reading this, you might be wondering, "What happened to Jessie and Travis? What about the Shiny Eyes Retreat?" We are doing well and It's been a year since our last email, and yes, it's been quiet. We had so many plans, so much excitement, and then… life happened! But we're finally ready to share our journey with you. Time for vulnerability!

Life Beyond the Retreat Dreams

This past year has been brimming with unexpected turns and profound lessons. A new development since beginning our retreat, we found an amazing church home that we love and are committed to serving in. Our kids are incredible humans that deserve our focus. We've been busy navigating the glorious chaos of raising our family of 7, including graduating two sons from high school and teaching two more to drive! We did sneak away for a much-needed Caribbean cruise to celebrate 17 years together.

You might also remember our Cultivate the Ordinary podcast, which we launched in January 2024. It's been a joy meeting with friends, sharing stories, and introducing new ideas. With nearly 3,000 downloads, we're thrilled it's serving so many of you just needing a space to be reminded of God’s presence in the everyday! We'll continue to post new episodes, though less regularly, as Travis and I explore exciting solo podcast projects. (More of that later.) Yes… our retreat is on hold.

man in yellow hoodie lying on green grass field under white cloudy sky during daytime — Photo by Ihor Malytskyi on Unsplash

What’s up with Shiny Eyes Retreat? Our Lesson in Listening

Now for the big question: the Shiny Eyes Retreat in East Tennessee? In the spring of 2024, we did launch it on Airbnb for four months, pouring our hearts into every detail. We created what we thought was the perfect glamping retreat: three tiny units with a view and hiking trails, a geodesic dome, a cabin, and a shipping container, all designed for 10-12 guests. Our reviews were five stars, and bookings felt right, but we did not feel settled.

We didn't anticipate the anxiety of being so far from our beloved property. Small guest issues, though minor, made us feel out of the loop. Plus, our teens, no longer enchanted with the land, had become less likely to travel to the property with us due to their sports and jobs. After much thought and family prayer, we unanimously decided this isn't the right time to start a business in Tennessee while living in South Carolina.

We still hope to open Shiny Eyes one day, perhaps when our kids are more in the adult stage. For now, we're simply enjoying the property ourselves. We cherish the sparkling sunsets, country breakfasts, rustic coffee shops, and Douglas Lake. We have bonfires with friends and share the beauty of the place with people we know and trust. It's low-pressure and fun, and it feels like a gift from God. For those who need soul care, respite, or a break from the grind, it's waiting. We're not advertising or stressing over every detail anymore, but focusing on bringing people to rest, work on their marriage, pray, or dream. We're still keeping the Shiny Eyes dream alive, just in a different way for now.

And as this retreat project feels like a chapter closed, I began to enter a process of discernment asking the question, “God, what do you have for me to do, if this is not it?” Months of spiritual direction and prayer led me to a clear vision around my own soul care journey, and a refreshed excitement for my coaching practice, which had taken a back seat while we got our property ready to receive guests. I have always come alive sitting in groups, hearing stories, asking questions, and sharing tools based on assessments and honestly, an intuition about people I have had since I was a child. I love the space of listening and reflection. I always have. I want more of it and the soft strength it brings into my spirit.

My Journey: Soul Care, Coaching, and Soft Resilience

As for these newsletters, I (Jessie) have been immersing myself in an internship and studies with the Soul Care Institute. I'm expanding my marketing and media communication skills, forging incredible friendships, and attending retreats every four months.

My coaching practice continues to be where my heart is. I've spent hundreds of hours learning about the Enneagram, attachment theory, parts work, and various parenting trainings to serve my clients well. My goal is to help create pathways to a type of resilience that isn't rock solid, but more soft and flowing. As I've learned tools for self-regulation and conflict resolution in relationships, I've begun to share these invaluable tools with my friends and clients.

Brené Brown once said, "Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it's having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome."

This deeply resonates with me. When we truly see someone and witness their story unfold, especially in their vulnerable moments, we create space for profound healing and connection.

A Heart Full of Gratitude

This past year has taught me to slow down and trust God's timing. It's taught me the value of "sweet nothingness" and the importance of learning to stop sometimes. I'm grateful to watch my kids become adults and my husband grow in Christ-likeness. I've learned to use my voice more and truly believe I can do big things.

I've realized I don't have to be the "good girl," constantly productive, or always helping others to be God's beloved. I am valuable right now, just as I am, and the pressure is off. It feels really good.

I hope to use this newsletter to share some of the rich stories God is unfolding in me and the gifts He has given me as a coach and teacher. Stay tuned for more on upcoming creative projects, all while we patiently wait a few years on the retreat center dream.

With much love and anticipation,

Jess

An Invitation to Transformational Relationship Coaching and my Poetry Reflection

Dear Readers, are you ready to truly understand the patterns that have shaped you? We all have them—whether they show up in your relationships, your sense of safety and security, or your personal strength and boundaries. These are the threads that weave through your life, and by seeing them clearly, you can identify where you need balance.

I'm here to help you do just that. Using two incredibly effective systems, the Enneagram and Attachment Theory, along with personalized assessments, I'll provide you with powerful tools. You'll gain a deeper understanding and feel equipped to significantly improve your communication and connection.

Ready to explore your patterns and transform your path forward?

Checkout to a new Podcast called “Transforming Us”

https://transforming-us.captivate.fm/listen