Let’s talk about it.Not about what we’ll do one day—but what we need to do now.They say love leaves a legacy, but what happens when we don’t prepare?Chaos takes root, healing is halted, division festers, and families fracture under the weight of conflict.Grieving and closure are replaced with endless to-do lists, financial pressure, and the burden of honoring a loved one’s life and protecting their assets with limited resources.As a mother, wife, daughter, sister, Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist, and Mental Health Advocate who’s walked through loss myself, this conversation is near and dear to my heart.This Special Edition of With Love, Gwen, entitled“Because You Love Them: Practical Steps to Give Your Family Permission to Grieve & Leave a Lasting Legacy,” featuring Dr. Towanda Davis, DMin, MACC, BA, does more than educate—it equips.Together, we unpack the tools and truths that help you love your family well, explore resources available to protect them, and discuss why these conversations are vital and must be normalized—because they protect peace, preserve dignity, and prevent chaos when life happens.This is more than a podcast.It’s a redefinition of love.A wake-up call.A removal of excuses.A conversation that can unlock generational wealth—mentally, emotionally, and financially.If you’ve ever said, “I’ll get to it one day,”—this is that day.Because true love goes far beyond simply living well.Real love is legacy-focused—and it plans ahead. ___Contact Gwen: gwen@healingforwardwellness.com | info@gwendolynjjones.comDr. Towanda Davis: davistowanda64@gmail.com
What happens when life pushes you to the edge? When the plan you were holding onto falls apart, and you’re left with nothing but grit, faith, and a divine idea that could change your life?
This episode of With Love, Gwen is a tribute to Miranda Cox Haskins—a visionary, a trailblazer, and a reminder that it’s never too late to change your story.
Miranda is the owner of Legacy Cakes & Courtesies in Goldsboro, NC—the woman who turned $1 cupcakes into an award-winning brand and a legacy that continues to inspire.
I was honored to sit with her and unpack what it really means to rebuild from the inside out. When life backed her into a corner, she didn’t crumble—she pivoted. With nothing but faith and her God-given gift, she built a successful business and a life she and her children genuinely love—completely from scratch.
This one’s for the woman who’s rebuilding, rediscovering herself, or finally giving herself permission to dream again.
Sis… if you’ve ever had to start over, question your worth, or wonder if your dream still matters—this one is for you.
🎧 Be sure to subscribe, comment, and share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that everything they need is already within.
And if you’re listening right now, wondering if it’s too late for you— Let this be your sign: It’s not over. There is life after loss. You can pursue—and recover—it all.
🔔 Hit the bell so you never miss an episode!
💌 With love,
Gwen
______
You can also watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_9FYzWY_HSE
If you’ve ever felt stuck, misaligned, or uncertain about your next chapter, this episode will remind you of your power, your wisdom, and your ability to co-create a life of purpose and fulfillment.
On this episode of With Love, Gwen, I’m joined by the phenomenal Sarah L. Kent—a former astrophysicist turned Wild Soul Coach, and the creator and curator of the Dreamworks Project: a global initiative designed to help women reconnect with their soul-rooted dreams. She now lives off-grid on a narrowboat along the inland waterways of England, where she supports incredible women leaders in living extraordinary lives and helps women recover from burnout. Sarah is also a Professional Shamanic Practitioner, a Clean Language Facilitator, and an accredited Clean Coach for Leadership.
We talk about:
*Living lightly and nourishing your soul
*Why burnout often signals misalignment
*What your “wild soul” is—and what it knows
*How to set boundaries that feel good to you—and how boundary setting can help DEEPEN relationships
*The difference between goals and soul-rooted dreams—and how to give yourself permission to dream again.
This one’s deep, rich, and gently revolutionary.
I promise you, your future self will thank you for listening.
With love,
Gwen
______
www.gwendolynjjones.com
High-achieving women, this is your reminder: being a boss WITHOUT burnout is the real flex.
True success isn’t about doing it all—it’s about knowing what you're capable of and honoring your capacity in each season.
In this episode, my incredible guest is Zahna Williams—a powerhouse entrepreneur, co-founder of Stitched & Pressed Salon, founder of BundlesByZ, and child development therapist.
Zahna is also a mom and in a committed relationship so she knows firsthand what it takes to juggle multiple roles while protecting her peace, setting boundaries, and staying in control of her energy.
We’re diving deep into capacity vs. capability—because just because you can do it all doesn’t mean you should.
In this episode, we discuss:
**The power of boundaries and protecting your peace
**Knowing when to pivot, pause, or push through
**Why outgrowing relationships is normal—and necessary
This is a conversation every woman needs to hear. If you’ve ever felt stretched too thin, struggled with saying no, or wondered how to balance it all without burnout, this episode is for you.
🎧 Listen now and let’s talk about it!
🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more empowering conversations on emotional wellness, boundaries, and personal growth.
💬 What’s something you’re capable of but don’t have the capacity for right now? Drop it in the comments!
📌 Find Zahna Williams:
Social Media: @styledbyzahna
Salon: Stitched & Pressed Salon, Greenville, NC
📌 Find me online:
Website: www.gwendolynjjones.com
Instagram: @gwendoyn_j_jones
Facebook: Gwendolyn J. Jones
TikTok: @gwendolynjjones.com
If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who needs to hear this!
With Love,
Gwen
If you’ve ever struggled with prioritizing yourself or defining what self-love truly means, this episode is a must-watch!
Alfonzo & I dive deep into self-love from both the male and female perspectives, exploring how identity alignment, boundaries, and intentional rest shape how we love ourselves. From the power of a strong no to embracing your quirks and understanding your core values, this conversation is packed with wisdom, humor, and real-life gems.
We’re Healing Forward—and that starts with learning how to love ourselves well. My curiosity about self-love through the male lens turned into a whole coaching session. Watch as Mr. Jones gets me all the way together!
Let’s talk!
#WLGSeason2 #PowerofNO #BestYesONLY #NOSEASON!
💖Happy Valentine's Day! 💖
My gift to you? A powerful conversation on Radical Self-Love: Unlearning, Relearning & Thriving with my daughter, AlyssaJones.
Alyssa’s gift to you? Her vulnerability and a mind-blowing perspective on redefining what it truly means to be “right.”
We’re diving deep into what it really means to love yourself beyond the surface and how to break free from the narratives that keep us stuck.
In this episode, we discuss:
✨Unlearning harmful beliefs about self-worth
✨Relearning how to embrace who you are—flaws and all
✨Thriving by choosing yourself every single day
✨Overcoming comparison and stepping into your unique path
✨Giving yourself the same grace you so freely give to others
✨Setting boundaries and saying NO without guilt
Alyssa does not hold back and authentically shares her journey to self-love. This episode, outlining self-love, resilience, and trusting the journey is a GEM—this is one conversation you don’t want to miss!
Link to Mel Robbins & Dr. Pooja on self-care: https://youtu.be/y3oBxMfZIbU?si=6jCVbNMPXoMzNXIy
Alyssa’s Favorite Songs:
My Shot – Hamilton: https://youtu.be/wk01z2f5akg?si=M9gt8o7euFKB4tOn
Take the First Step Elmo: https://youtu.be/d05jHfRVuKE?si=pzBgD4QW3BRfbG2E
Jenna Raine – Roses: https://youtu.be/gpq6BPus8n4?si=hnRTYyV908jiapGg
Drop a comment below: What’s one belief about yourself that you’re unlearning?
Don't forget to LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE to join our community of healing and growth!
With Love,
Gwen
20 years ago, we had no idea that a chance meeting at choir rehearsal would lead to this incredible journey. Our love story is full of laughter, faith, and a little persistence (okay, maybe a lot on Mr. Jones's part).
In this special moment, we’re sharing the story of how we met, the hilarious twists and turns of our early days, and the unforgettable proposal that started it all. Spoiler: There were tears, a little drama, and garlic cheddar biscuits involved!
On our 20th anniversary, we’re looking back at how it all began and celebrating the love, growth, and grace that have carried us through. Watch, laugh, and fall in love with the story of us.
Join us as we reflect on the moment we said “yes” to forever. 💚
20 Years Later: The Real Truth About Marriage"
In this Season 2 premiere of With Love, Gwen, my husband, Alfonzo, and I sit down to reflect on two decades of love, lessons, and everything in between. We’re pulling back the curtain on what marriage really looks like—beyond the Instagram highlights—and sharing the ups, downs, and surprises that come with 20 years together.
In this episode, we’re diving into:
* The lessons we’ve learned about love, communication, and resilience. * Why knowing your partner’s love language is a game-changer (hint: ours have evolved over the years!). *How we’ve grown together through challenges, change, and intentional effort. Ready to discover your love language? Take the Five Love Languages Quiz and learn more about what makes you and your partner feel truly connected.
Whether you’re married, single, or somewhere in between, this episode packed with wisdom, laughs, and real talk, is just for you. Don’t miss it!
Confidence isn’t just a feeling—it’s the willingness to take action, even in uncertainty, built on a foundation of trust. In this reel, discover how trust and confidence work together to empower you to show up, take baby steps, and handle anything 2025 throws your way. Learn why confidence begins with trusting yourself to adapt and grow, and how you can revolutionize your mindset for a game-changing year. 🚀 Let’s make 2025 your most confident year yet!
Ready to release perfectionism and welcome self-love into your life? In this empowering episode of In My Grace Era, we explore how to give yourself kindness, compassion, and forgiveness—aka grace. Learn to challenge your negative self-talk and embrace a 3-step guide to believing in yourself. Whether you're struggling with self-doubt or seeking a path to personal growth, this episode is for YOU. Start your journey to self-acceptance and empowerment today! In My Grace Era: Embracing the Rhythm of Grace – I’m so excited to welcome you into what I’m calling my Grace Era—a journey of self-compassion, kindness, and forgiveness! In the final episode of Season 1, I’m sharing my own experiences of letting go of self-criticism and seeing failure as a path to growth. Plus, I’m bringing you powerful stories from women who are stepping boldly into their own grace eras. 💖 This is your invitation to join the Grace Movement and try grace! Download the profile frame here to boldly declare you are walking in your grace era and encourage others to do so as well. 🎉 Join NOW: http://eepurl.com/iU2_zg In this episode, we face the giant of negative self-talk head-on and commit to speaking our grace statements loud and proud each day. This is our declaration of grace: "I give myself kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, especially in moments of imperfection. I view failure as a stepping stone for growth; I choose to love myself enough to let go and embrace the natural rhythm of grace." 🌸 We’re changing our lives by changing our words. I’ve even got a theme song, Extraordinary Being by Emeli Sandé, to remind us to embrace our story, love and forgive ourselves, and be kind and compassionate—we deserve it too. Sing it loud and proud, sis! 🎶 Join my mailing list at gwendolynjjones.com to receive my personal letters, be the first to know when Season 2 is released, and enjoy a free gift—from my heart to yours. Step boldly into this journey of grace—your Grace Era BEGINS NOW! With Love, Gwen gwendolynjjones.com __ Profile Frame: https://www.canva.com/.../1pLuEhXLXbsVzR_81MxvuA/view... DJ PLAY OUR THEME SONG: https://youtu.be/NnYsk7jfUTE?si=bSbvP0vTjuJE4C6h https://youtu.be/NnYsk7jfUTE?si=bSbvP0vTjuJE4C6h
Growth happens OUTSIDE OF your comfort zone! This week on With Love, Gwen, we’re diving deep into the power of discomfort with our favorite Leadership and Personal Development Coach Alfonzo Jones II. It’s not about pushing yourself aggressively, but leaning into those uncomfortable moments and trusting the process of becoming the best version of you.
Ready to embrace the uncomfortable and adopt a growth mindset? Tune in and let’s explore this transformative journey together!
With Love, Gwen 🌱
In this bonus episode, we welcome the talented Alyssa Jones as our special guest! Alyssa shares three essential keys to personal growth and why embracing struggle is the secret to achieving victory. Listen in as she opens up about her journey toward becoming a Broadway actress, revealing how she developed the stamina, endurance, and mental toughness necessary to secure one of only eight spots in the highly competitive Musical Theater program at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. This is an episode you won't want to miss!
Authenticity: true to one's own personality, spirit, or character (Merriam-Webster).
Your Authentic Self is your Superpower!
In this episode, I empower us all (myself included) to live boldly and authentically.
We dive deep into the essence of authenticity and how living true to yourself can be transformative.
Episode Highlights:
What Authenticity Truly Means: Understand the essence of being authentic and what it feels like to live in alignment with your true self.
Barriers to Authenticity: Identify common obstacles that prevent you from fully expressing who you are.
Recognizing Inauthenticity: Learn how to spot when you're not being true to yourself and how to correct course.
The Importance of Core Values: Discover why understanding and honoring your core values is crucial to living authentically.
Plus, don’t miss the inspiring bonus segment on finding hope and staying motivated!
This episode is for YOU. Let’s empower ourselves to live boldly and authentically.
As Promised:
Guided Meditation:
Embrace Your True Self: Guided Meditation for Letting Go of Old Identities
https://youtu.be/ic9BqPRYmuA?si=H_MdbscU4TJyRwTk
Book Recommendations:
My Book: MAJORFIT: Keys To Embracing, Learning, and Loving You! | Gwendolyn Jones
https://a.co/d/4xFk1E3
Simple Money, Rich Life: Achieve True Financial Freedom and Design a Life of Eternal Impact | Bob Lotich
https://a.co/d/hKEjK6B
The Gifts of Imperfection | Brene' Brown
https://a.co/d/er2otzn
Articles on Core Values and Authenticity:
https://www.betterup.com/blog/personal-values-examples
https://www.mindtools.com/ay30irc/authenticity?from=shared-link
https://psychcentral.com/lib/ways-of-living-an-authentic-life
https://www.transcendhealth.com.au/why-is-personal-growth-important/
EPISODE 3 IS PHENOMENAL!!! I bring in my husband, Life Coach, Motivational Speaker, Leadership Development Coach, and Founder of Trifecta Prime Leadership | Alfonzo Jones II to discuss the power of self-awareness. Self-awareness is defined as "conscious knowledge of one's own character, feelings, motives, and desires." Knowing yourself will change your LIFE, your RELATIONSHIPS, and your ability to have COMPASSION for YOURSELF & OTHERS. It’ll also let you know when you’re in a danger ⚠️ zone at risk of burnout, compassion fatigue or potentially harming those you love. I love this pod because we dig deep and discuss why YOU are a worthy investment.
Did you know, that studies show that self-awareness is one of the most important factors in changing your life? 96% of people believe that they are self-aware but less than 15% are actually self-aware. In this episode, not only do we share how self-awareness will elevate every area of your life, we give practical tips and tools on how to become self-aware and of course, we share personal stories and examples of how this concept has radically changed our marriage, relationship with our children and our ability to advocate for ourselves.
Self-awareness doesn’t only elevate you personally, but professionally as well, an article in Forbes states, “Self-awareness is critical for career success. People who are more self-aware tend to perform better at work, get more promotions, and lead more effectively.”
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffkauflin/2017/05/10/only-15-of-people-are-self-aware-heres-how-to-change/
If there is one thing you need to get in 2024, it’s more self-aware. Tune in to learn more and don’t forget to like, subscribe, share, and leave a review. Excited to announce that the podcast is now LIVE on YouTube as well: https://youtu.be/CIYIqECylaw __ Contact me: gwendolyjjones.com (subscribe to my newsletter) E-Mail thoughts/questions: info@asafeplacenc.org Find me on Social Media: Gwendolyn Jones
__
Feelings Wheel (advanced): https://images.app.goo.gl/xM7K8AUe7VpfVBAj9
Feelings Wheel: https://images.app.goo.gl/Y56vmGiavf5o2mfh6
Dismantle: To take apart into its constituent pieces (individual components).
"Your worst enemy cannot harm you as much as your own unguarded thoughts." -Buddha
Often our world is colored by our emotions. Our feelings feel so real, but are the thoughts produced by these feelings accurate? This episode is a LOADED BAKED POTATO!! I talk about my vision for this podcast, my mental, emotional and TECHNICAL struggle to publish the first episode (IT GOT REAL) and what that triggered in me! I share my struggle with A.N.Ts (Automatic Negative Thoughts) and how I faced those giants one by one and slayed each one.
But wait, there's even more .. I'm still unpacking the effects of losing two significant figures in my life and I tackle topics like, when is it too risky to engage with those you love when you're wounded? Is there a way to isolate safely for a season? How do you know when you need help? What does good help look like and what the heck is brain fog (lol, random I know).
There's so much to discuss!! Let's get into it! Be sure to subscribe, share this podcast with a friend and let me know what you'd like to hear about next.
Tribe tools:
Feelings wheel:
Basic: https://humansystems.co/emotionwheels/
Advanced: https://www.calm.com/blog/the-feelings-wheel
YouTube (LIVE): https://youtu.be/YOIx6Nj792g
Brain Fog: https://www.bangkokinternationalhospital.com/health-articles/disease-treatment/brain-fog-syndrome