On Journaling Practices, Big Transitions And Creative Directions: Shana Rehwald
Today, we’re chatting with one of The Front Market’s Fall 2022 vendors Shana Rehwald of Me-Est Me Journal.
✰ ABOUT SHANA REHWALD
“I’m Shana, the founder of Me-est and the FoundHER Program Coordinator at the Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute at UT Austin. I’m an extroverted social butterfly turned cozy introvert and small business owner.”
Q: Our latest market theme was “Metaphorical Community Garden.” What does this mean to you?
A: To me, that means taking care of yourself so you can show up for your community. This season can be anxiety-inducing with lots of community events, so it’s important to take time to ground yourself so you can be supportive and show up fully engaged.
Q: How did you create the Me-est Me Journal?
A: I quit my job a month before the pandemic hit. At that time, I was at a total crossroads in my career and in the midst of a divorce with my ex-husband who was my partner for over a decade. During these major life transitions, it took me a minute to reconnect with myself and figure out exactly what I wanted to do next. How do I identify when major things I use as signifiers are changing so rapidly?
That’s where the prompts in Me-est Me came in. I decided to create a journal using the tools that helped me when I really needed them. The questions used throughout this workbook helped me get grounded in me and celebrate parts I had overlooked. I wanted to create something that anybody could use to reconnect with themselves and celebrate their version of the me-est me. After a year of working to bring my idea to life and learning an entirely new industry, I launched Me-est Me in March of 2021.
Q: Are there resources and teachers you recommend for those who are stuck or going through a transition?
A: Highly recommend therapy, if you're not already seeing a therapist. I also recommend Esther Perel for support in your relationships, Glennon Doyle to help remind you that you’re not alone and that other people’s expectations really don’t matter and Nedra Glover Tawwab for support in setting boundaries… a very important tool always, but especially during times of transition.
I also recently discovered Jenni Adishian, she’s a meditation and manifestation advisor and helped me discover the empowering practice of manifestation. I wasn’t ever very good at goal-setting, but I think setting S.M.A.R.T. goals just isn’t for me! Using manifestation, I can get super clear on what’s next and what I want for my future self. And, of course, the Me-est Me Journal is a great place to start.
Q: Your journal is a deep-dive into self-exploration and authenticity. Are these prompts and exercises something that you often return to yourself? Which are some of your favorites?
A: Yes! I check in with the Me-est Me Journal when I need to reconnect with myself which is every month or so and sometimes daily depending on the week. A few prompts I always come back to are “Who are you today?” “Who were you this time last year?” “What do you love about who you’ve become since this time last year?” It's always so inspiring to reflect on how things have shifted since last year. Another I love is “What are you tolerating?” and “What are you no longer willing to tolerate?” Both are tough questions, and sometimes a little hard to face, but I think those are some of the most important ones to answer.
Q: What are some other practices you do to remain connected with yourself?
A: Last year I started a meditation practice and now I meditate for 5-10 minutes daily and work out for 15 minutes/day. It’s not much, but the consistency always makes me feel so good. I'm also a part of two groups that help me remain connected to myself. One is Yellow Co’s Guidance Groups where I meet every other week with other entrepreneurial women. The other is Jenni Adishian’s Abundant Collective, a manifestation group with a very expansive slack channel and community! Both hold me accountable and always help push me further.
Q:This year has been wild for us all! What are some lessons or experiences you are grateful for?
A: Couldn’t have said it better myself! I went to a wedding where some of my oldest friends got married and my ex-husband was there for the entire weekend. We had an amicable divorce so things were cool. It was just a really healing experience for me and a great reminder that I’m exactly on my path and things always unfold how they’re meant to.
Q: Is there anything else you'd like to mention that I didn't cover?
A: I really believe that when you connect with yourself, you can unlock an even deeper connection to your gut feeling and your inner knowing. The more you tune into that and trust that your inner knowing is guiding you towards where you should be headed, the easier it is to say no to things that aren’t aligned and build a life that truly feels good.