Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Kunkel.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I once gave an introductory speech at a local Toastmaster titled “An Ordinary Life” because that was the life I used to wish for… my life was far from ordinary. As of this date, I’ve moved 25 times, living in places like Africa, Canada, Colorado, and Oklahoma, where I met my husband. He was playing for the OKC 89ers at the time, the farm team for the Texas Rangers. We would make our home here in Texas beginning in 1987 where Jeff would play for the Rangers through 1990 and then various other teams. He retired in 1994 and we made our home in Burleson, TX and raised our three children there.
My oldest daughter works at the Dallas Market Center. My son is a firefighter in Irving and my youngest daughter is a photographer. She is responsible for the photo on my instagram post. @CarolineJoyConcepts.
During the Burleson years, I taught myself how to design websites and formed my own company. Through my webdesign, I was able to donate my design skills to local charities. My volunteer work led me to receive three very distinct honors of which I am very proud. The Athena International Award in 2005, President George W. Bush Volunteer Service Award in 2008, and February 9, 2009, was named “Jill Kunkel Day” in Johnson County Texas.
My life has taken me through many different lines of work but throughout all the years, I continued to write. My dream of becoming a published Author was realized in 2017 when my children’s book “I Will Always Love You” was released.
I currently live in Highland Village, TX where I write for my blog on my website, Facebook, and Instagram. I am working on my next book as well.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Advice for younger women… the biggest obstacle I had to overcome was my own self doubt and self defeating behaviors. Those were the things that held me back the most.
I lived most of my life in that space between “you’re not enough” and “who do you think you are?” I had been asking myself those questions, my whole life, with such an accusatory tone, you know with that snarky voice in our heads… so I changed the tone of the question… delivered it to myself with kindness. Insert kind voice…”Who do you think you are?”
If I could give any advice to any young woman starting their journey in life would be to love yourself for who you are, every wonderful imperfection that makes you unique from anyone else. Celebrate your gifts and let yourself be enough, don’t compete with anyone… there are enough energy, light and love to go around.
I once heard a quote that said: “In your 20’s, you worry what everyone thinks about you, in your 30’s, you don’t care what anyone thinks about you and in your, 40’s you realize that they were never thinking about you to begin with.”
The day I stopped worrying about what others thought about me was the day I started believing in my ability to really make a difference in the world.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Jill Kunkel, Author story. Tell us more about the business.
I believe what sets any of us apart is the ability to be real. I want to show up in life in an open and honest way. To live life from the heart… to live life in my heart… thus my Instagram @alifeinmyheart. When I can get to that place, and it’s not always easy, I believe that’s where my best work comes from. We’re all on this journey together, searching for connection, love… belonging. If I can create a space in my writing where someone feels connected, where they can say to themselves… “You too?… I thought I was the only one.” Then, I’ve made a difference in that moment in time.
I’m proud of the work I’ve done to peel away the layers that kept me from being myself, believing in myself. I didn’t set out to be known for anything. I set out to find my own significance in my life and in doing that, I’ve been able to connect with so many beautiful people. And through those connections, I hope I’ve made a difference.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
I meet twice a month with a core group of ladies. They love me enough to ask me hard questions and challenge me in areas where I need to grow and make changes.
I have several books that I love… The Bible, Henri Nouwen, Living Beautifully with Uncertainty and Chnage by Pema Chodron; all of Brene Brown’s books.
Pricing:
- “I Will Always Love You” Hardback $19.95 (Amazon)
- “I Will Always Love You” Paperback $12,95 (Amazon)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jillkunkel.com
- Email: JILLAKUNKEL284@GMAIL.COM
- Instagram: @alifeinmyheart
- Facebook: @alifeinmyheart
- Twitter: @alifeinmyheart
- Other: www.facebook.com/Jill.a.kunkel
Image Credit:
Caroline Kunkel @carolinejoyconcepts
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