Renea Jones-Hudson embodies resilience and leadership and inspires transitioning military women with her two-decade military journey. As a certified Health and Life Coach and international bestselling author, she empowers others to reach their full potential. Her dedication to mentoring young girls and pursuing doctoral studies highlights her commitment to lifelong learning and growth. Renea's journey is a testament to transforming challenges into opportunities for success. Renea's mission is to ignite a path of growth, wellness, and unstoppable success for women poised for their next great adventure.
Renea Jones-Hudson, Empowerment Coach for Military Women
Embracing my journey of self-discovery and empowerment
My journey from Jamaica to the United States and into the military has been a profound adventure of bold decisions and relentless personal growth. The two decades I spent in the military didn't just shape my leadership abilities; they instilled a deep appreciation for diversity, resilience, and the power of unity. These experiences have been instrumental in my journey as an Empowerment Coach for Military Women, helping them transition from military to civilian life with grace and strength.
The inception of Body by Renea, now known as EmpowHERed Life, evolving from IslandJam Fitness LLC, marked a significant turn in my life. The challenges brought on by the pandemic steered me towards a coaching model centered on personal growth, empowerment, and self-love. This was more than a shift in my business; it was a profound journey of self-discovery ignited by my former business coach, Chris Goodman, when he asked me this jarring question in one of my most vulnerable moments during one of our sessions, "Have you ever considered that you're exactly where you’re supposed to be?"
At the time, I had a profound realization. I discovered that I genuinely wanted to be there for others, but I couldn’t do that for anyone until I showed up for myself.
My target audience: Empowering military women
My dedication lies in helping military women transition to civilian life. I understand the unique problems and tailor my services to meet their needs, not just on the surface but at a profound, personal level, which means diving into the emotional, psychological, and practical challenges they meet. I aim to provide a holistic approach that eases their professional transitions and supports the personal journey of identity transformation, emotional resilience, and purpose realignment. It's about helping them redefine their civilian life roles, rediscover their inherent strengths and passions, and reaffirm their values and capabilities, ensuring they are poised to step into their next chapter as their best self with confidence and a clear sense of direction.
Embracing change and transformation
My narrative, "In Love with the Main Character – Renea 2.0," is not just my story; it inspires all women going through the difficulties of transition and transformation. When I left the military, it was a decision; I was ready to do something else; however, I didn’t realize until almost a year later that my transition was more than changing jobs; it was a complete life overhaul, and I couldn’t just coast through it. I took it for granted and thought I could fall into this new role without a problem, but I was different; my life was different, my experiences were different, my situation was different, and people were different. I felt disconnected.
One of the most life-altering moments occurred when I felt like I was on a relentless rollercoaster ride. I felt lost and out of alignment, and I was moving on autopilot, showing up each day just aiming to make it through.
Feelings of insecurity and invisibility overshadowed by memories from my childhood and adolescent years would often leave me feeling devalued, abandoned, and, at times, unloved. These experiences were not just challenging; they were isolating, forcing me to go through dark periods with little to no support.
This place was even lonelier, especially feeling like no one would understand or the weight you carry is too much to onload unfairly on others. However, I realized at some point that I needed to understand this new space, the person outside the uniform, and my new position. The concept of slowing down, allowing life to unfold at its own pace, and being in the moment was not just foreign to me; it was unnervingly challenging.
The most significant transformation occurred when I decided to love myself truly, to honor and value myself in the way God created me. This was not merely about self-acceptance but about loyalty and self-respect. It was like being reborn, discovering strength and a sense of self-worth obscured by years of self-doubt and external validation.
This journey of self-discovery and empowerment led me to where I am today—a place of peace, purpose, and empowerment. Embracing my past with the good, the bad, and the ugly has taught me to extend grace and be grateful for everything. It’s taught me to hold on to each moment in the moment and let those moments go when they expire. So often, we want to hold on to things, people, and experiences that have run their course, but in doing so, we throw ourselves off course.
My experiences allow me to guide others to understand the importance of personal growth and self-discovery. It's a testament to emotional resilience, faith, and the transformative power of self-love.
In sharing my story, I hope to challenge and inspire others to get on a path of growth and self-discovery, to find strength in their vulnerabilities, and to recognize that even in our darkest moments, there is the potential for rebirth. My journey underscores the importance of standing firm in one's beliefs and the transformative power of embracing oneself fully, as I have learned to do.
Tell us about your greatest career achievement so far.
So far, my most outstanding career achievement is becoming an international best-selling author and speaker, honestly staying the course, and not giving up on myself, even when I feel like it. I hope to highlight the journey of my personal transformation stories and the significance of leadership for women; it is also a testament to having a great support system and a fantastic network of business besties and coaches.
Are there any upcoming projects, features, or developments you're excited about for your website or business?
I am running a Transitioning Military and Veteran Women course, Beyond TAP: Back to Basic, and speaking at an upcoming Valentine's “Love Yourself Retreat."
These endeavors and my role as the newly appointed Vice President for DSPII – Waypoint underscore my commitment to veteran women's empowerment, leadership, and diversity appreciation.
Here are five steps to guide you through your process of self-empowerment:
1. Redefine your identity
Step away from previous labels: Begin by detaching from the labels that have defined you in the past, especially those rooted in your professional identity, like being in the military. Recognize that you are more than your job title or past roles.
Craft a new personal mission statement: Reflect on your core values, interests, and aspirations. Write a personal mission statement that encapsulates who you are now and who you aspire to become.
2. Rediscover your passions and strengths
Engage in Self-Exploration: Spend time exploring new interests or rekindling old ones that fell by the wayside. This could involve creative pursuits, educational endeavors, or physical activities.
Identify your Core Strengths: Reflect on the skills and strengths that served you well in the past and consider how they can be applied in new contexts. This might include leadership abilities, resilience, and adaptability.
3. Reaffirm your values and beliefs
Clarify your values: List your personal values and beliefs. Understand what truly matters to you, not just in the context of your career but also in your personal life. This clarity will guide your decisions and actions moving forward.
Align your actions with your values: Once you understand your values, actively seek ways to align your daily actions and decisions with these principles. Living in alignment with your values promotes authenticity and satisfaction.
4. Set Boundaries
Reaffirm your values and boundaries. Knowing what you stand for and setting clear boundaries are essential for keeping your integrity and self-respect. It empowers you to make decisions that align with your true self, just as Renea stood firm in her "Yes" and "No," marking a significant turning point in her journey.
Develop Emotional intelligence: Enhance your awareness and management of your emotions, as well as the feelings of others. Emotional intelligence is important for understanding and setting boundaries, advocating for your needs, and maintaining healthy relationships.
5. Cultivate resilience
Embrace challenges as growth opportunities: Approach life's obstacles with a mindset that views them as opportunities for growth and learning. This perspective empowers you to navigate through difficulties with grace and determination.
Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself during struggle or “failure.” Self-compassion fosters resilience by allowing you to recover from setbacks and continue pursuing your goals with renewed strength.
Bonus tip: Build a supportive community
Redefine the role of community in your life. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. The power of a positive, encouraging community cannot be overstated. It provides a safety net as you navigate through changes, much like the network of professionals and mentors Renea relied on for guidance.
Nurture meaningful relationships: Invest time in building and keeping relationships that enrich your life. These connections provide emotional support, advice, and encouragement as you navigate your path of self-empowerment.
"In Love with the Main Character – Renea 2.0" is more than just a personal narrative; it's a blueprint for anyone looking to embark on a journey of self-empowerment. By following these steps, you can redefine your identity, rediscover your purpose, and reaffirm your position in the world, stepping into your next chapter as your best self with confidence and a clear sense of direction.
Are you ready to redefine your identity, rediscover your passions, and reaffirm your values? "In Love with the Main Character – Renea 2.0" isn't just my story—it's a beacon for anyone seeking transformation and empowerment. Let this be your call to action. Step away from the labels that confine you, explore new horizons that ignite your spirit, and build a life aligned with your deepest values.
Come with me on this journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Whether transitioning from the military to civilian life, seeking personal growth, or embracing your true self, now is the time to start. Share your story, your challenges, and your victories. Connect with a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to supporting each other's journeys.
Take your time with the change. Be the change. Take the first step today towards becoming your story's main character. Reach out, engage, and let's get on this empowering journey together. Remember, there is always time to start anew and live your life with purpose, passion, and empowerment.
For more insights, support, and resources, visit my website and join our community. We can redefine, rediscover, and reaffirm our paths to becoming our best selves.
Your journey begins now. Let's make it remarkable.
