Jean Marshall | Author, Coach, Speaker

My journey as a stroke survivor has been marked by a silent struggle. While I may appear healthy on the outside, a constant battle rages within. Neuro fatigue, body aches, and forced rest days are realities I manage, learning to listen to my body's limits to avoid setbacks. Despite these challenges, the future looks bright. Turning 60 feels surreal, not strange – a reminder of how much I've overcome. Unlike many my age, I haven't given up. The stroke forced me to work harder, regaining coordination and learning to manage dizziness and vertigo. Each hurdle has made me stronger and more resilient. I'm excited for what the future holds. This journey has been a scary one, but a valuable one. Sharing my story allows me to connect with others who may be facing similar invisible struggles, inspiring them to face their challenges with courage and hope. The Invisible Scars The true depth of my suffering, both physical and emotional, may never be fully understood. The fear, angu...

Happy stroke-aversary to me! Four years ago, my life took a dramatic turn. But instead of dwelling on "what ifs," I've chosen to focus on staying alive and WELL-ish (skin cancer aside!). Most importantly, I haven't had another stroke, a fear that will likely stay with me forever. To combat this fear and embrace life, I turned to faith and healthy living. Over the first three years, I shed 30 pounds, not through fad diets, but by making conscious choices about the fuel I put in my body. This journey also made me hyper-aware of my blood pressure, understanding the importance of keeping it under control. Year 1: The Healing Battle The first year post-stroke was a constant battle. While my brain healed, I experienced a barrage of symptoms: nausea, dizziness, anxiety, fear, chronic pain, and fatigue. Sensory overload was overwhelming, and my usual sensitivity as an empath became heightened to the point where other people's energy caused me physical pain, making it dif...

 One Step at a Time  After going up and then down hundreds of steps of stairs, on my way back up again I looked up at the steep steps and asked myself while out of breath why I do this? The answer came quickly: Because I can! Walking is a gift, and as a #strokesurvivor, it's also a #miracle that I am able to. Having been completely paralyzed on half my body, every step for me is a victory. On my way back up, I knew the higher I climbed, the harder I had to push myself.  With each step I take, the distance between me and a repeat stroke lessens. I push past what feels impossible and I #nevergiveup.

You might wonder why I started a photography business.  After losing my career in the mortgage industry and struggling to find work in sales and marketing during the 2007 recession, I turned to landscape photography as a hobby. People who saw my photos started asking for headshots and family portraits. Initially, I resisted, insisting I didn't photograph people. But with gentle encouragement from friends, I eventually gave in, and lo and behold, I was really good at photographing people. So much so that it felt more like divine intervention. It was as if God were saying, "Stop trying to open doors to your past of dead-end jobs and oversold career promises when I'm trying to open doors to your future." This was a spiritual awakening, and with that, everything sort of just fell into line. After that, what truly motivated me to start my own business was a deep-seated frustration. I was tired of building other people's empires with my own sweat and effort. Whether it ...

  Why Was I Spared? A Search for Purpose I often find myself lost in thought, questioning the intricate design of my life. What is my purpose in this grand scheme? Beyond the simple joy of capturing beautiful memories for others, what deeper purpose awaits me? It's a question that has echoed in the chambers of my mind, growing louder with each passing day. Life dealt me a cruel hand. My own brain turned traitor, attempting to steal my mobility and my life. Yet, here I stand, a walking testament to the unyielding spirit within and nothing short of a miracle by the grace of God. I am one of the lucky ones. I escaped the confines of a wheelchair, the clutches of an untimely demise. But luck alone cannot explain this miraculous escape. It is in these moments of grace that the search for purpose intensifies. Why was I spared? What is this grand design that has woven such a complex thread into the fabric of my life? Yet, against all odds, I emerged, a survivor in a world of countless pos...

  In 2007, a frustrating job search led me to a profound realization. While seeking sales and marketing roles, I questioned why I kept pursuing a path that no longer resonated with me. This epiphany, which I believe was guided by God, led me to pursue photography as a career, a hobby that became a lifeline during that challenging time. Photography wasn't just a passion; it became my lifeline in challenging times, restoring my peace and spiritual connection with God. Witnessing this transformation in myself, I feel compelled to share the power of photography with others. Especially in today's demanding world, creative outlets are more vital than ever. Photography offers a unique way to connect with oneself, express emotions, and experience the joy of creation. The course I'm creating, "The Art of Healing Through Photography," is designed to guide you on a photographic exploration of mind, body, and spirit. It equips you with the tools and strategies to unleash your...

Life throws curveballs. Sometimes, those curveballs can knock you down and leave you feeling broken and lost. That's exactly what happened to me. In 2010, the loss of my father left a gaping hole in the world. I felt a deep emptiness and a grave sense of loss. In a desperate plea, I prayed for a creative outlet, unsure of what form it might take. Despite a former multi-decade fulfilling career in fashion across multiple continents, I found myself searching for a new purpose and creative direction.   I've always been one of those people who needs to express themselves creatively. The answer arrived unexpectedly. Picking up a camera, I embarked on a journey of photographing everything and anything. With each click, a piece of me began to heal. Through the lens, I experienced a series of epiphanies, gaining a newfound perspective on life. Little by little, the darkness receded, replaced by the light I found Through My Lens. In the midst of that darkness, I discovered a powerful t...

Life throws many things our way, some beautiful, some challenging. But through it all, we have the power to choose what defines us. For me, it's not the number on my driver's license or the size of my bank account. It's the unwavering faith that guides me, the lessons learned from both triumphs and stumbles, and the ever-evolving person I strive to become. This journey of self-discovery is far from over, but with faith as my compass, I'm excited to see where the road leads next.

Society tells us to keep our age a secret, but why? Age is just a number. True worth comes from experiences, not the year you were born. If someone judges me based on appearances, wealth, or possessions, that's their limitation. What defines me is my inner self: my beliefs, my spirit, and my resilience. Life has handed me victories and losses, but through it all, I've learned to be a fighter. I refuse to settle. I trust that God rewards my efforts with true wealth – wisdom, peace, and unwavering faith.  For me, faith liberates me from worry, fear, and doubt. It allows me to chase my dreams without hesitation. Surrendering to God's will has brought peace. I've learned that everything I need will be provided for. My role is to take action, stay faithful, and live a life that glorifies Him.  Living in the spirit often means waiting, but this strengthens my connection with God. It may not always be easy, but the rewards are immense. In my younger years, I travelled the w...

The sky and the earth are my constant inspiration. I love being outside so much, I bring those vibes right into my home. My color schemes come straight from the landscapes I see. Golden fields that have passed their peak? Those earthy tones become my base colors. Accents of blue from the sky and green from the trees? They pop in everywhere. Even my bedroom reflects the colors of sunrise and sunset. No matter where I am, a piece of the outdoors is always with me.