How 22 Women Reclaimed Their Joy

When you’re ready to let the world know you’re perfect the way you are.

Proof that success and joy exist despite the struggles you encounter.

We All Have a Story to Tell.

The SheBreathes Soul Stories collection serves as a reminder to those who may feel alone on their journey, that every woman’s truth is a vital piece of the larger human narrative. When personal stories are shared, they have the potential to create waves of change and understanding that touch everyone within reach.

Whether you’re seeking inspiration, connection, or simply an opportunity to listen and learn, this anthology is a powerful testament to the resilience and strength found within the souls of women. Open your heart and mind to the voices that have longed to be heard…and be forever changed by the experience.

– Jennifer Gulbrand

What a privilege it’s been to support these courageous women not only as writers, but writers who share their truth to amplify the truth of others. I’m humbled by each of their stories, and proud to be a part of getting them out in the world.

– Beth Knaus, Editor

Raw, vulnerable stories from 22 brave souls who moved beyond their own patterns of suffering, overcame their fears, and reclaimed their joy!

Our authors’ Soul Stories demonstrate that every woman possesses an inner strength that can conquer obstacles and inspire change. Within these pages, we celebrate diverse experiences and highlight the unbreakable spirit that connects us all. May these tales provide comfort, inspiration, and a sense of unity.

  Jennifer Gulbrand

Our Creator

I published my first book Embody Your Essence: Breaking Patterns of Suffering and Reclaim Your Joy within one month of my 60th Birthday. I had embarked on what I called my “Jennassaince” which centered around my intention to direct 100% of my energy into heart-centered initiatives that sparked joy within me. To me that was using my life’s experiences to help heal the human heart, one soul at a time.

 

I was delighted when other women began responding to say that my courage had inspired them to open up about their own painful life experiences and how they were shaped by them. I knew there was a “Shequel” on the way and that, this time, it would be a collection of other women’s stories who had moved through life’s challenges with both grit and grace. I began encouraging members in my circle to join me on this truth telling adventure. The concept for the SheBreathes Soul Stories was born.

About Jennifer

Author, Speaker, Trauma-Informed Somatic Therapy Practitioner, Embodiment Coach, Spiritual Mentor, Holistic Healer, and Podcast Host (High Vibes + Grateful Heart).

Jenn is a self-proclaimed “Corporate Dropout Gone Goddess” who discovered her life purpose as a builder of heart-centered communities and safe, supportive containers holding space for growth and healing. She founded SheBreathes Balance Women’s Collaborative and the WeBreathe Wellness Center to help raise the collective vibration and heal the human heart, one beautiful soul at a time.

Jenn’s passion is empowering women to stand up, speak out, and live in better alignment with their true nature. She walks her talk when it comes to lifting other people up to help them shine their own unique light into the world and this book is a testament to her commitment. 

She facilitates individual and group coaching sessions, leads business+mindset masterminds, teaches workshops, offers retreats, and shares her insight as a speaker at women’s education and empowerment conferences.  She combines positive psychology, mindfulness, meditation, breath work, movement, integrated energy and vibrational sound healing to improve people’s overall wellbeing and return them to a state of balance and alignment.

Jenn has recently founded the WeBreathe WellBeing Soul Sanctuary, a 501c3 Nonprofit. Its’ mission is to provide a safe, supportive container for growth and healing with programs and services designed to cultivate human connection, a sense of belonging, and a commitment of service to the world. The Soul Sanctuary is seeking funding support to secure their own location to cultivate immersive retreat experiences, in natural surroundings, for individuals and groups to gather in unity with a shared intention to raise the collective consciousness and directly combat the effects of a global mental health crisis.  

You can learn more about Jenn and her work at: www.jenngulbrand.com

Beth Knaus

Book Editor and Contributing Author

Beth Knaus is a copywriter, brand messaging consultant, and owner of That’s A Spade Copywriting Services. She loves writing and the challenge of crafting bold and clear messaging for clients ready to tell a deeper story to reach the right audience.

Beth has been writing since she was young – journaling, poetry, essays, and short stories, some which have been published in group anthologies. She is currently working on a memoir. To read more of her personal work, you can find her on Medium, a platform for writers. 

You can learn more about Beth at: www.thatsaspade.com

Robin Garstka

Book Designer and Contributing Author

Robin Pawlak-Garstka is a devoted mom to two sons, a sister, a daughter, a loyal friend, a dog lover, and a graphic designer (not necessarily in that order). She is a nature enthusiast and an artist at the core of all she sees and does. She loves spending her time outside in New England and at the end of the day, you can find her chasing a good sunset. 

If you would like to get in touch with Robin she can be reached at robingarstka@gmail.com

Robin Ganter

Portrait Photographer

Robin Ganter, the talented owner of Robin Ganter Photography, brings over 28 years of expertise in professional photography. After a successful international modeling career, Robin seamlessly transitioned to photography in Los Angeles, gaining recognition in ads, magazines, and editorials.  Specializing now in weddings, portraits, and lifestyle photography, Robin enjoys capturing the essence of her subjects and evoking emotional responses from viewers. By actively participating in this book, she finds fulfillment in aligning with her lifelong goal of empowering women.

Visit www.robinganterphotography.com to witness her captivating work

Authors

Susan Bradwin

Words of Wisdom From a Widow

Rebecca Bast

A Jumbled ADHD Path to Becoming a Declutterer

Danielle Cleary

The Power of Healing With Intention

Cathy Ripley Greene

The Day I Could Have Died But I Didn’t

Ann Lynch 

Inner Healing for Outer Joy

Telma Sullivan

My Journey Through Infertility and Adoption

Robin Pawlak Garstka 

Go Live Life: A Story of Surviving to Living

Julie Grimm 

Becoming Whole

Christine Skubon

The Price of Perfect

Jessica Lamontagne

Love Yourself So Others Can, Too

Robin Ryan Marquez 

What The Hell…Why Can’t We All Be Well?

Lisa Ponte

Finding My Voice

Kathy Slack

In Sync with Myself: In Pursuit of My Personal Alignment

Jennifer Sullivan

Growing Up With Spirit: The Ghost of Mary Ann Ely

Joanne Galami Queeney

Lesson From My Son: Look Up & Listen

Jacqueline Davis

Learning to Navigate on My Own

Beth Knaus

The Weight of Choice

Christel Poirier

The Journey of an Alchemist

Pavlina Gatikova

The Source Within The Self

Angela Nuss

Child-Free and More Than Okay That Way

Courtney Ricci

Wounds to Wisdom

Paula Reardon-Webster

Enough