Jaclyn Kennedy, Callie Kennedy and Kim Derkach are the cofounders of The Life is Worth Living Way. The Life is Worth Living Way is their outlook on life, it is how they try to live their lives in ever changing landscapes and scenery. It was created at a time in their lives when they did not know what tomorrow would bring.
Not having control of their lives and the uncertainty that remained in their paths made them want to share their stories. Although they did not know the ending, they wanted to reflect on what had happened and what they had been through. Jaclyn, Kim and Callie were inspired to do this because of the untold stories of their siblings.
Through The Life is Worth Living Way, Jaclyn, Kim and Callie are excited to offer programs, digital content, community, resources and more to teach you how to embrace living the life is worth living way.
I have had the pleasure of working with and getting to know these three amazing women over the last few years.
I reached out to them to ask them to share some of their favourite wellness tips for self care.
Q: I know we have had many conversations about mental health and wellness and I have always appreciated your suggestions on different products that you have found helpful. What would you say is your top 3 wellness products that are must haves for you each?
J- Weleda Skin Food, Green Tea + Water
C-: My weighted blanket , journal, and peppermint essential oil
K- Essential oils, epsom salts and herbal teas
Q. We have all had a harder time during this pandemic, what have you found helpful for your wellness / products during these tough times?
J- My apple music subscription – music helps me when I am having a bad day, it helps calm me, grounds me, and encourages me to breathe. Sometimes you need to throw on dance music and just let loose, and other times you need to listen to something emotional and just feel the music.
Q. Many of us have struggled getting a goodnights rest, have you found anything to be helpful for getting a good sleep ?
C – I received a Gravity weighted blanket for my birthday and it has helped with my sleep so much! The weight helps with my anxiety when I am trying to fall asleep, and I have found I wake up less now that I sleep with it. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who struggles with falling asleep or staying asleep.
Q. Self care is an important part of our mental health and I find using certain products in a daily routine is definitely helpful for me. Do you have any selfcare, beauty or wellness daily routines and/or products that are helpful for you?
J- I take advantage of the hours in the day that I have when my little girl is sleeping. My selfcare is doing things that fill up my cup! In my spare time I like to work on Life is Worth Living projects so I feel like I am accomplishing my goals.I also love cooking and making homemade meals, and getting outside into nature for a walk.
K- This year I read “A Course in Miracles” and did the workbook, which was a huge part of my wellness and mental health routine each day! Water, nourishing food, and a morning practice to intentionally read, pray, or meditate. Getting outside when I can to get fresh air and sunshine. Creating a warm and nourishing environment.
Q. I love tea and baths. Do you have any favourite teas or bath time products you love?
J- I travel a lot and am minimalistic in my products – I just like a good lotion for when I get out of the bath and use the Pomegranate Hemp Lotion.
C- I love real ginger with lemon and honey as tea.
K- Epsom salts with essential oils.
Q. I know we have a shared love of books and podcasts. What are your top three podcasts and books that you have found helpful for wellness?
J – Girl, Wash your Face by Rachel Hollis was very motivating. I also loved Rising Strong by Brene Brown. I love non-fiction books and reading about other people’s stories. Educated was one of the most recent ones I read and I enjoyed it.
C – I love anything Brene Brown! I have enjoyed each book I read and I love all the inspiring individuals she has on her podcast. I also love reading fiction books as I find they are a way to escape and not think about the dailey stress of life. I am also a real fan of True Crime podcasts – it may not seem like this would be helpful for wellness, but I like hearing the stories behind them and once again, not thinking about what is going on in my own life, so it is a bit of an escape.
K – The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer
Q. I love your clothing line you have created and that you are raising money for the Canadian Mental Health Association, how can we support what you are doing to raise money and awareness for mental health?
C – Thanks Holly! 100% of the proceeds from our clothing are used to fund mental health initiatives in Canada when purchased through our non-profit organization, Life is Worth Living. You can purchase our clothes online at www.lifeisworthlivingbck.com! We have various types of clothing items, from hoodies, to crewnecks, to t-shirts. It is our hope that in addition to raising money for mental health awareness we will also be able to encourage conversations about mental health, mental illness, and suicide and reduce the stigma that exists around these topics.
Jaclyn, Kim & Callie
Interview by Holly Decker
