Jessica Lindberg

This week's Heart Strong Podcast is with Jeff Janssen, author of the book Ten Lessons From Heaven. When Jeff was in his early 40's he had a widowmaker heart attack. He survived and started to explore some of the deeper questions of life.

He dove into Near Death Experiences (NDE's) and went through 2,500 of them to come up with 10 themes he wrote about in his book (I'll link it below).

After my son Ethan died, I dove into NDE's too. I was desperate to know what my son might have experienced. I had so many newfound questions about life and death and how to continue a relationship with him beyond this physical reality. This episode means a lot to me and I hope it will provide comfort to any of you missing someone you love or wondering how you might live more fully this one beautiful life you have.

You can listen wherever you get your podcasts, and I'll link it below. A special thank you to Carrie Kelley Kielty for sharing Jeff's book with me in the first place.

Happy 15th Birthday to you Blake! I’m so impressed with the young man you are becoming. You inspire me with your dedication to running and the pursuit of excellence in something you love. Everyday you ask us, “how was your day, today?” You are kind and compassionate towards others. Your sensitive heart is hard won and I love and like the person you are.

Happy Birthday! I love being your mom. 🩵

Good Things Ahead…this is a mindset I’ve chosen to consciously believe and cultivate in my life. I truly do believe there are great things ahead for me and for my family. This belief has lead me through some very dark times and a year of uncertainty. Through my boys’ illnesses. Through grief and utter disappointment.

I choose to see my life as an adventure. As an opportunity and a gift. I believe a bigger story is being written. One I can’t see, but I can feel. I believe God is using every uncertainty and disappointment to build me more into the woman I’m created to be. My life and story are opportunities to serve. And I’m so excited about where that’s leading me

This belief in good things is not something we can passively receive, it’s a mindset and belief we must actively bring into our life. It’s a choice. It’s a mantra, it’s energy, it’s deep trust.

We are not here to be victims or solely receivers of our circumstances, rather we are here to love and create and experience and choose to live with courage. Even if at times that means our hearts break.

So believe there are good things ahead…and act accordingly. When I saw this pullover on + I grabbed one. The words we wear and speak are so important.

Have a great day! 💜

I just want to normalize holidays that aren’t Insta ready. We didn’t see any of our extended families for Thanksgiving. Just us. I cooked all day only for my kids to be “meh” about the turkey. My pumpkin pies didn’t turn out the best. We spent the weekend at sports events for the boys (always fun! And 💯those people feel like extended family). We watched a lot of football. Yesterday, 30 minutes before it closed, Erik and I ran down to the garden store and grabbed a tree and wreath. My kids stayed home playing video games. But this is real life. It doesn’t have to look just so for it to be good or fun or special. So a shout out to all you doing your best. 👏🏼 let’s celebrate life as it is. I’m seriously considering making burgers for my kids next Thanksgiving 🙃

Fave part- don’t waste time gathering up your old self. Just take a step forward. It’s this weird dichotomy- we want something new but the pull of the familiar is strong. We can’t get where we want, hope, need to be if we’re living in the past. Sadness becomes comfortable, oddly. The same people, places, ideas are like comfort food. Until we realize we don’t want to be overly full and stuck, but rather we to be light. We want to fly. We want to feel free.

As the year winds down, think about where you’ve been and who you want to step into. Write it down, make a note, and find one thing you can do to become that person.

I don’t know who wrote this, if you do lmk so I can give credit.

Shop for a cause, give inspiration 💥

Our Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale is on. Shop the link in our bio or visit www.fourheartsshop.com

I’ve found that the times I feel most disappointed or uncertain or the world around me feels shaky, gratitude matters most. Yesterday after I dropped my son off at his running group, I stood in the sun and spoke the many things I’m grateful for. Some days it’s easy to be thankful- for the big wins, the great days, the energy we get from friends, our kids doing great, a dream realized. But in truth, there are many days where things feel a bit uneasy. And I’ve earned these are the days where whispering thank you, most shifts my mind, heart and spirit. There is SO much up be deeply grateful for and so much to anticipate- good things are on the horizon.

Be thankful.
Anticipate + work toward your dreams.
Keep Going. 🩵

Starting today through Monday, our entire shop is 35% off. As always, the shop is 100% non-profit. So everything you buy supports our mission. This will be our biggest sale of the season, so don't miss out. Discount is automatic at check out.

Our NEW Holiday Gear launches on Tuesday.

www.fourheartsshop.com

Working on some Heart Strong Podcast episodes today. As time goes on I become more and more passionate about creating space an conversations about how we can live full and purposeful lives where our challenges don’t over take us but eventually become avenues to ways we can live into our callings and help others in the process.

This month on the podcast, it’s all about taking back your power. Realizing you do have the agency to ask for what you need and want in your life. Tomorrow I’m dropping an episode w/ which is SO good. We chat the mental load of motherhood, self-care (what this actually is) and how to extend the same love to ourselves that we do to our families.

One foot in front of the other. Let’s keep going. 🩵

This week’s Heart Strong Podcast is so special. Carrie + Kelly have been friends of mine for nearly 20 years. Almost 7 years ago Carrie was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. Defying the statistics, Carrie is alive and thriving with cancer. In this episode she shares what she’s learned, the importance of mind, body and spirit and she gives you the permission to TAKE YOUR POWER BACK in medical care and in life. Today she and Kelly are writing a book so they can help others.

You don’t have to have cancer to learn from these two. They are teaching ways we can all live better. I’ve learned SO much from them. We all can take our power back and find a new way to do LIFE! You can listen wherever you listen to podcasts. Link is also in comments.

Carrie Kelley Kielty
Kelly French Korcek

Since Blake was a young boy, I knew two things about him- he’d run and build things. So to watch him excel at something he loves is just about the best thing ever. He’s reminded me this season about the value of a practice. About dedicating oneself to something and showing up each day to do it. And each day builds on the one before and before you know it, you are making huge strides. Our family knows the gift of a healthy body. I’ve spent so many years caring for one’s that just don’t work the way we’d like them to, so to witness the beauty of balance and a healthy heart, muscles, lungs and brain is pretty much one of the sweetest gifts. Most of all, this sport brings Blake so much joy and that brings me joy.

To his team- you boys are something. Blake succeeded because you pushed him. He wanted to be better because you all showed him how to be. To Coach / Randy Moore - thank you for believing in Blake and pouring so much encouragement and energy into his growth. You are a gift!

Thank you for all the pictures Courtney Walsh

Today I had the opportunity to spend part of the day telling stories and sharing my perspective with a group of women at their annual conference. We all carry different stories and we all desire to make sense of them. At our core as humans we are creators. Deeply desiring building and creating our lives out of the stories we are living. As the years pass, I’m more unsure there is really a destination to be found, but rather a continuous unfolding. These opportunities give me the ability to see how far I’ve come in the last 12 years and allows me to share what I’m learning along the way. I love teaching, sharing and learning, especially from women like me who are hopeful in the unexpected and want to live courageous lives.

Thanks for having me and for sharing the message through your shop.

I had the opportunity to share thoughts on caregiving and being a victor in your story on Bounce Back. I hope my honesty and perspective give others the inspiration to dive into their own story. No easy answers, but 10 + years of finding my way through.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guest-jessica-lindberg-topic-finding-personal-balance/id1657771436?i=1000630443198

Boys IL 1A Sectional Champs. I’ve watched Blake put in the work since June, so focused and truly enjoying a sport he’s naturally gifted at. He has reminded me of the power of practice. Of showing up and working each day toward a hope, a goal, mastery. I’ve watched him love the process more than the victory. The gift of a healthy body is not lost on any of us. Blake has overcome so many things in the last couple years and to see him here..well it’s hard to find words..even for me:-)

A huge shout out to his incredible teammates. You are the sum of the people you spend time with. These young men are truly amazing and they push one another forward. And to his coach…you are building champions. Not just on the course, but in life. Next stop STATE.

Regional CC Champs + 12th place for Blake. This team’s dedication and heart is unmatched. Way to put in the work! ❤️💪🔥

Today is my parents 50th wedding anniversary- a huge milestone for sure. Five kids with five spouses, eleven grand kids, countless challenges, bountiful joys and a foundation of faith has gotten them here. The longer I live and the longer I’m married the more I am so thankful for their faithfulness. They have not only built a beautiful family, but they are individuals who are separately and together have built lives and careers out of a deep sense of purpose. I’m so blessed my parents have modeled the value that to grow in a marriage you each have to be cultivating yourself as an individual. They both keep evolving and learning.

I’m thankful for their faith. I’m thankful for all the questions they’ve sat with me through. I’m thankful for the prayers they have prayed over us. I’m thankful for the times they have sat with me - out of words or answers- but sat and helped me trust a bigger story. My Dad always prays we can “wrestle a blessing” out of our life challenges. I think I’ve been largely able to do this in my life because of them.

I could write a book about them and there would still be more to say. I am profoundly blessed to be their daughter and to be a Tichar. Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad- love you beyond words.

Such a lovely Girls’ Night Out to support - Thank you for sharing your gifts with all of us. It’s been awhile since I’ve hosted an event and it felt good take the plunge. Thanks to all who joined us tonight. 🤍

Evolution and change have always excited me. In fact, it’s my nature to desire and embrace change. But when it comes to actually changing, the idea is way easier to embrace than the practice. The intersection of my desire for change and the impetus to stay put has a lot to do with my journey with grief. Grief has many stages, ups and downs, and throughs; it’s messy and unpredictable. But one thing that has been constant about it is that it wants me to stay put. It’s a battle of the will to move through it. It’s kept toys, clothes, and eyeglasses in drawers for over a decade. It’s given a microphone to self-doubt and a bullhorn to imposter syndrome. Perhaps it’s trying to keep me safe, riding shotgun with my ego. But I think it’s also secretly whispering to me and taunting – if you stay here, you stay close to Ethan. Stay close to that which formed you so beautifully and horribly. Stay close to the what ifs and if onlys. Don’t venture out too far; you might get hurt or disappointed again.

While I appreciate the protection, I know grief and challenges are more of an invitation to transformation than anything else. And I know that staying safe and still are not ultimately what brings healing. And so grief and challenge really invite me to continue transforming, evolving, and shifting toward the next version of myself. Somedays, I tell them to hold on because I need a minute. They are patient, but they beckon me to keep working with them to continue unfolding my purpose in this world for the time I’m here. And one thing I know, Ethan is riding shotgun, cheering me along. And I know Bodey’s horrible disease and incredible spirit are part of the story. And all the ripples, questions, mountains, and valleys are part of it. All of it is as it is as it should be. And I seek to surrender to it all over and over again.

About 18 months ago, I sensed a change coming. I felt it in my bones. What I was doing wasn’t working. Click below to keep reading.

Healing invites us to evolve. — Jessica Lindberg Evolution (noun): the process of change in a certain direction Synonyms: unfold, grow, progress, emerge, blossom Evolution and change have always excited me. In fact, it’s my nature to desire and embrace change. But when it comes to actually changing, the idea is way easier to embrace than the

Hey Rockford + Chicago Friends:

I'm hosting this Girl's Night Out on Friday, October 6th, supporting The Heart Strong Collective. It's a super chill evening with restorative yoga led by Bridgett Cawley Piacenti (think a nice relaxing nap after a long week); we'll have a Four Hearts Shop Pop-Up (get first dibs on our Holiday Collection) and enjoy some healthy appetizers.
All proceeds benefit families in the long haul of raising kids with disabilities and complex illnesses.

Tickets are $24 and available below (along with other details) - Hope to see you there!

https://www.classy.org/event/girls-night-out-pop-up-shop/e517451?preview=true

Hey Chicago/Rockford Friends- I’ve been itching to gather women together so I’m hosting a Girl’s Night Out w/ a pop-up shop + restorative yoga on October 6th from 6-9pm at The Pavilion

is joining us to lead restorative yoga + you’ll get first dibs on Holiday Collection. Tickets are available at the link in my bio.

Grab some girlfriends, your daughters + moms, wear your comfy clothes + come as you are. All proceeds benefit 🤍

DM me with questions. Hope to see you there.

Hey Chicago/Rockford Area Friends - I've been itching to gather gals together for an event, so I'm hosting a Girl's Night Out - Pop-Up Shop + Restorative Yoga on Friday, October 6th.

Bridgett Cawley Piacenti will lead the restorative yoga, and I'll have all our NEW shop items for Holiday (you get first dibs). I'm also excited to share some new things we are doing with the foundation moving forward.

Hope you can join me - get your tickets at the link below.

Girls Night Out + Pop Up Shop Girl's Night Out + Pop-Up Shop Join us for a girl's night out of restorative yoga, a Four Hearts Pop-Up, healthy snacks + community. Doors open at 6:00 PM Restorative Yoga begins at 6:30 PM Pop-Up Shop + Snacks 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM Bring a yoga mat, towel + wear comfy clothes

Yep, this is it. ❤️
Thanks for sharing
Originally seen on

What’s here now?? These words keep coming to me. Likely because my mind is always racing about what I need to do and want to be accomplishing beyond “what’s here now.” Most of August I’ve spend with Bodey. Longish days, lots of supported walking and sitting on the couch. I get antsy as I have my podcast to get going and other things that have been waiting for me all month. Things I love and feed my soul.

What’s Here Now?

When I’m with Bodey it’s all him. It’s all consuming. And it pulls me to the gift of now. I know I’d never have the vision to do the work I’m creating or the perspectives I’m teaching without him.

And so it’s about owning the lives we have. Not always the ones we envisioned. Because in them, here and now, are opportunities to grow and be stretched (so frustrating and uncomfortable many days) into a more wise, clear eyed version of ourselves.

So ask yourself, what’s here now?
What’s it teaching me and how can I lean into it?
I’m asking the same questions here too.

🤍

Life is so much about acceptance, I keep learning. It asks us to surrender over and over and over again. Somehow, even after all this time it still takes my breath away and the tears easily fall. As time passes I find the hardest and likely best posture is one of open hands and an open heart.

Bodey has Muscle Eye Brain disease. It’s a congenital muscular dystrophy that affects all those parts of his body. You eyes are really an extension of your brain and your retinas are actually brain tissue. After a procedure a year ago, Bodey lost his vision. Likely a combo of his disease and how his eyes tried to heal from a procedure that was actually suppose to help him. For the last year he’s has multiple surgeries trying to restore his vision and keep his eyes stable. We have had little to no good results. His left eye’s pupil is permanently dilated and his right eye has been full of blood for a while. We always knew his vision was at risk, but we took comfort in his beautiful blue eyes that countless people would comment on being so beautiful. They were a beautiful part of Bodey and a window to his sweet soul. As of now, both eyes are black and no blue is left. Both retinas are detached. There is nothing we can do or science can offer to help him. As an aside it’s incredible to me it’s 2023 and there are so few options for retinas once they are damaged.

And so another rung of surrender and for me curiosity. What can I learn to “see” differently and at the same time- I wish it was so different. It’s so hard to let to and accept, isn’t it. It’s so much easier to hold tightly and in the past. It’s so much easier to depend on what we can see vs. what we cannot.

Life is a beautiful gift and quite brutal so many days too. To you carrying this dichotomy in your hearts today, you don’t walk alone. May we all have the grace for surrender, the self love to allow for grieving, the inner fortitude to continue, the curiosity to keep learning and the courage to “see” with new eyes the path before us. Keep Going. Keep Going. 🤍

This feels about right.

This weekend we celebrated my parent’s 50th wedding anniversary. When I think of them the words love,faithfulness and perseverance come to mind. Life is full of incredible joys, deep pain and disappointment, triumph and overcoming- these two have lived and personified all of it. Five kids, five son/daughter-in-laws, eleven grand kids are all the manifestation of their love and the beautiful family they’ve built.

My parents have modeled living what they believe and each day showing up, loving one another and God, even when that feels really hard to do. A successful life is truly made from the little daily choices we make. The little things really do add up to the big things. I know how blessed I am to have the family I do. Thank you, Mom and Dad for all your investment of love in one another and each of us. Cheers 🥂 We love you!

The truth is I’ve struggled with comparison in my life. Not because I do not love my life, but because there are many things I long for. And when I see them in others I historically compared myself to them. A 2015 study says we care about comparison less with age. And I’m finding that to be true.

I’ve also learned that comparison and it’s deeper form, jealousy, really just point to desire. So I’ve learned to ask the question: what’s underneath that? Often it’s a desire or longing for something like a family vacation or a healthy kid or freedom to pursue dreams or bring a creative idea to life.

Research also shows passively scrolling others’ lives makes us less happy. But we still do it.

I canny control most of what I long for. I will never have all four of my handsome sons on a vacation together. I’ll likely be confined and limited by Bodey’s disabilities like he is for a long time and the freedoms others have will not be mine. And it’s okay to admit all of that. But I believe you long for things too. And compare and desire and are jealous too. Maybe you even use downward comparison- thank God I’m not then - to make yourself feel better. Can we normalize this conversation and be honest about our longings, disappointments, hope and get curious about what’s underneath it all?

That’s what this week’s Heart Strong Podcast is about. It’s 28 minutes and I’m really honest about my journey with comparison. I hope it makes you feel less alone. You can listen wherever you listen to podcasts. ❤️

Six years ago a family moved in across the street. They were beginning civilian life after a career in the US Marine Corps. Through that time they’ve not only been incredible neighbors, but dear dear friends. Sharing carpools, someone to call when we needed help w/the boys b/c something came up with Bodey. Night or day they’ve been such faithful friends. We’ve shared many laughs and walks and they were a text away if we needed eggs or sugar or milk.

They are headed to a new home on the eastern coast and we will miss them very much. Once in awhile life grants you people to share life with who are exceptional, these two and their boys certainly are. As we’ve learned many times through, it’s the people that make our lives rich. We love you Howes Fam!

Part 2 of this conversation with about challenging social norms. This week we’re taking about letting go of a victim mentality and the idea we can have it all.

* spoiler alert - you can have it “all” you just have to define it for yourself vs letting others define it for you. Today I heard share this question- “would you want to be doing what you are doing if you couldn’t see what anyone else was doing?” Similarly- would you have the same definition of happiness and fulfillment if you had no idea how people around you defined it? It’s a worthy question to sit with.

Thanks for all the great feedback on these episodes. You can listen whenever you listen to podcasts. 🤍

I am truly my father’s daughter. And I know I am beyond blessed, Dad, by your love, faithfulness + example. I’m so thankful for you. The list is endless, but the greatest gifts you’ve given me are the love and support as I’ve walked through my life, the room to question everything and the example of faith that puts one foot in front of the other and trusts a bigger story. I love you, Dad! ❤️

Happy Father’s Day E. You serve and love our family so well. Your boys are everything to you and you are leading them towards being loving, disciplined, focused + generous young men. We love you and are so thankful for you.

Why do we make others comfortable when we feel wildly uncomfortable doing so? Our insides are screaming but we silence ourselves. We do this in our relationships and when we sense the need to speak up at our kids schools and many places really. We proverbially cancel ourselves (we stop supporting ourselves because we make up some story as to why that’s a good idea). We easily fold into a social narrative we disagree with. We don’t speak up to our kids about something we know they need our advice on, we continue in marriages and friendships without asking for what we need. I think women (especially) do this to a boiling point and then we either make ourselves sick or we let it out in a rant. I’ve done both.

What if we listened to ourselves and honored our needs and listened to that still small voice. What if instead spoke up in love and then respected those who think differently?

We can be both aligned with our values, needs, beliefs and dreams AND live peacefully. We just need the courage to speak up, sometimes pivot and trust our inner compass.

These ideas are all discussed on this week’s podcast w/ - we are talking about these things because we observe the need to in the world around us. We cannot live our full potential or in peace or grow through our life challenges if we are first not honest with ourselves. And so if you listen this week, I hope you will feel encouraged to vote for yourself as you approach spaces you know you need to get honest about. We all struggle with this. But our culture does not often give us the space to do a, so we are reminding you! You can listen wherever you listen to podcasts.

PS - friendships that allow you to be YOU are life giving. Seek them out….be that friend. 🤍

NEW TWO-PART Heart Strong Podcast w/

Over these two episodes we are challenging three cultural norms through the lens of motherhood, marriage/partnership, friendship and career. Each season of the podcast Bridgett and I discuss cultural trends we are seeing and talk about how we might think differently about them.

1. Making others comfortable while we are uncomfortable.

2. Cancelling ourselves in this cancel culture.

2. Letting go of a victim mentality and the idea we can have it all.

Throughout these discussions we encourage you to be aligned with yourself, values and beliefs and speak accordingly in love. All of our life experiences make us who we are. That is beautiful. You do not have to be just like everyone or whatever the cultural narrative says you do. Take aligned action and live in freedom + love. 🤍

You can listen to us discuss the first two on the podcast this week. Listen wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Today 11 years ago, our Ethan left for Heaven. I’m surprised by the wave of grief I feel today. But I should not be surprised because it’s really just love. How can someone who left such a long time ago leave such a mark, still. My boys don’t remember him the way I wish they did. And yet his life changed everything about me as a woman and mother. He turned the whole thing upside down. In some ways Ethan’s life and death have brought such intense clarity our lives. So when the the scripture about love showed up in my inbox this AM, I was not surprised.

Our experience with Ethan has left us with this >> Love people. Get in the mix with them. Health, wealth or ability don’t make you better than anyone else. People need to be seen and loved. Especially people the world overlooks. Keep going to the end. Be faithful to your life as it is. Give love away.

I also make a choice about the narrative I speak about him. Instead of, I only had seven years, I’ve been robbed, I say: What a gift to have an amazing son for seven years who shifted and re-aligned my heart, mind and spirit. What a gift!!! Oh yes, I’d give anything to hug him today. But because of him I see oh so clearly and I trust his spirit will continue to guide me as I keep going. Thank you for remembering Ethan. Honor him today by telling someone who needs some encouragement that you believe in them. And turn up some music…loud. Life is a beautiful gift.

We love you Ethan. 🤍

🤍

Hope is a topic I’ve wrestled with and I’m talking about it on this week’s podcast w/

For me, hope is defiance in the face of adversity. Hope is not outcomes-based. It is a claim that "we will endure." A belief that "things can be better than they are today, and if things do not work out as I desire, I will find a way." I love that definition. I have hoped for many things that have not come to pass. There have been seasons I've wondered if I believe in hope at all. And then my human spirit tells me differently. Hope sprouts forth the will to continue, the desire to improve; it lights a fire from a nearly vanished ember. So many amazing things in this world have been created because people don't give up hope. For me, hope also resides in my faith that a bigger story is being written in and through my life. I'm hopeful because I'm also curious about what is next.

I was driving on the highway recently and saw a billboard for care at an area hospital. The headline said something like, "When I have a plan, I can have hope." That felt right too. When we take aligned action toward a desired goal, that does feel hopeful. It provides a sense of purpose, and a place to move towards, ultimately shaping our mindset and daily life. So action begets hope too.

Hope is nurtured through supportive relationships. We all need people who tell us we can do it. We need to see people who have persevered with hope through hardship. Their light reminds us we can do it too.

It's a choice to be hopeful in the face of adversity. My life has shown me that even when things do not work out as I hoped, I've built a strength within me that allows me to continue looking for light in places it seems to be hiding. And, every time, hope sprouts again and reminds me that my story and life adventure continue. I get another influx of that hopeful defiance that allows me to continue and be curious about what is coming my way.

So keep hope alive.
I believe in you.

Comment HOPE and I’ll DM you a link to this week’s podcast. 🤍