Episode 7: A Life of Growth & Care with Jaime Wheeler

This episode idea was actually brought to me by someone who works on Jaime’s team at the nonprofit she and her husband direct together.  This member of Jaime's work team had become a follower of The F.E.E.L Podcast and messaged me via Instagram with this idea. The funny irony in the whole story is that I actually know of Jaime because her nonprofit is one of our partners through my day job with the Volunteer Center of Lubbock. When I let this person that had suggested Jaime as a guest know where I worked during the day, we had a chuckle at what a small world this is, and how incredibly grateful I am that she brought this idea to me. I also then wondered, how in the world did I not think of this myself, but that’s the beauty of shared ideas and being open to our listeners suggestions.  So, if any of you our followers have suggestions, message us on Instagram @embracinglayers or email us at embracinglayers@gmail.com. I say that because I would have hated to have you all miss out on this opportunity to hear from Jaime if her friend had not been willing to send that suggestion our way.

Jaime said a lot of really wise and important things in this episode, so get your pens and paper ready, but there was one message that stuck out to me above all else, and that is that she is Here to Participate versus Consume, meaning she does not want to be a passive consumer in her life.  What a striking message and self awareness, and given the work she does in the community, in her relationships, and in her life, you can definitely see this as the compass she has used to direct her.

People in her life describe her as having a contagious drive & spirit, a person who carries herself with joy, is a natural leader, and is committed to being a peacemaker. She also carries an innate strength to keep seeing the good.  I would argue that without that last sentence it would be difficult, if not impossible to do the work she does in our community, which encompasses a great amount of heartbreak along with a great amount of breakthrough, healing, and victory.  She carries that juxtaposition with  empathy, humility, and a sense of reality, never wavering that this is the life she has grown into and was meant for.  She is a 7 on the Enneagram, which is really no surprise as you listen to her and how she operates and walks through her life and what and how she cares for people and causes.  See her resources information on our website for more information on the Enneagram if that is not something you are familiar with.

Jaime has several preventative and restorative practices in her life that sustain and fill her up, and important resources in what she reads and consumes that guide that path as well.  You’re definitely going to want to check out the sources she cites on our website as there are very impactful resources that you may want to put in your toolbox as well.

I’m going to end with another statement she made in this episode when we were discussing embracing the layered aspect of ourselves that really stuck with me as well, and that was “Do I value more layers, or the depth of my layers?”.  

Think on that this week, and make sure you don’t miss out on this episode with Jaime Wheeler!