We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Jurkofsky and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
I admire Rumi. Two of his quotes have greatly influenced my personal growth and I use them often throughout my work. The first quote, which is featured on the front page of my website, says, “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today, I am wise, so I am changing myself.” This quote emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and personal growth in living an empowered and authentic life.

The other quote from Rumi that I often reference is “The Guest House.” It discusses the idea that being human is like being a guest house, where different emotions and experiences arrive as unexpected visitors. The quote encourages us to welcome and embrace all emotions and experiences, whether we percieve them as joyful or challenging, as they can all serve as guides for personal growth and transformation.

Guest House: “This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all! Even if they are a crowd of sorrows who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture, still, treat each guest honourably. He may be clearing you out for some new delight. The dark thought, the shame, the malice, meet them at the door laughing and invite them in. Be grateful for whoever comes because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.”

What should our readers know about your business?
I’d be delighted to share more about my journey, values, and what sets My Holistic Self® apart.

This business was born out of a passion for bringing together the mind, body, and spirit to form a holistic healing approach for the mental health field and to make a positive impact in the lives of our customers and community. Our unwavering commitment to see beyond pathologizing diagnoses and honouring each person’s unique experience sets us apart in the industry. Whether it’s our dedication to quality care, innovative ways of exploring the self, or social responsibility in spreading self-acceptance and love, we strive to exceed expectations and leave a lasting impression on those we serve.

I am proud of how far the business has come in such a short time, and excited for where it is heading. I am amazed and humbled to have received the Global Recognition Aware for our “holistic approach, treating the mind, body, and spirit in unison, delineating a new path in mental healthcare that resonates deeply with modern societal needs for integrative wellness strategies.” This incredible recognition reflects our dedication to excellence and ability to adapt and thrive in a competitive market.

The journey toward a spiritual practice was not an easy one. Facing regulations and an industry-wide unspoken avoidance of bringing spirituality into mental health, taking this step was a leap of faith.

Some key lessons I’ve learned include the importance of resilience, adaptability, and staying true to my values. I’ve learned to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success, to listen to feedback with an open mind, and to never lose sight of my purpose and vision.

What I want the world to know about our brand and story is that we are more than just a business – we are committed to making a difference. We believe that we can not heal piece by piece; we need to heal and grow as a whole being, and we are dedicated to creating products/services that not only meet the needs of our customers but also contribute to the greater good.

Thank you for allowing us to share our story with you. We are excited about what the future holds and grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact in the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ottawa, as well as the Gatineau Hills in Quebec, do have many amazing sights and spots worth visiting.

Depending on your interests, there is everything from browsing artisan shops in the Byward Market to museum hopping (Art, Nature, History, and more!). If you like theatre, we could attend a performance at the National Arts Centre, showcasing world-class theatre, music, and dance. If you enjoy music festivals, we have those too! We could take a stroll along the canal or play volleyball on the beach and Mooney’s Bay. In the winter there are places to ski, snow show, go tubing, or take a hike, and the Winterlude Festival is a sight to see! Dinner in town can be anything you want. We have amazing restaurants that embrace authentic recipes from around the world. If you want to enjoy something truly Canadian, give poutine a try, I love Smoke’s, but there are many options, maybe some taste testing is in order!

Maybe you would like to take a guided tour of the iconic Parliament buildings or relax on a river boat as you see the city from land and the river. We could also drive to Gatineau Park and hike along one of the scenic trails, such as the Pink Lake Trail or the King Mountain Trail. It is worth stopping at the Chelsea Bakery to grab a picnic lunch, to enjoy on the beautiful grounds of the Mackenzie King Estate, or stop into any of the lovely restaurants in Chelsea to replenish from the hike. In the evening, we can relax and unwind with dinner at Le Hibou or enjoy some music and dancing at the Black Sheep Inn, both located in the picturesque village of Wakefield.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to my children for their patience, understanding, and reticent support as I embarked on the journey of going back to school and building my business. I want to send a special thank you to my partner, Don, for his endless support and feedback on my many projects and endeavours. The love and encouragement from friends and family have been my guiding lights, giving me the strength and motivation to pursue my dreams even during the most challenging times. Thank you all for believing in me and for being the pillars of strength I have leaned on every step of the way.

Website: https://myholisticselfcounselling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myholisticselfcounselling/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-jurkofsky-06942543/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/MyHolistic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1632381473706567

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cL0M9a7F6XHJVPU8AJbqEQ

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@myholisticself

Other: https://twillowlifestyle.ca/tlc/about-us/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.