“Life is a series of experiences, each one of which makes us bigger, even though sometimes it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us in our marching onward”.

– Henry Ford –

At some point in your life, you’re going to experience a setback of some sort. It could be the end of a relationship, missed job opportunity or maybe even the death of a loved one. Something will occur in your life that will most definitely knock you off your feet. But guess what that’s ok because ‘every dog has their day’. As you live through this thing called life you’ll soon come to understand that setbacks come with the territory. Everyone will go through it at some point but that’s not even the hardest part. Bouncing back after you’ve been knocked down is.

A setback is hard to overcome but its not impossible

I’ve had my fair share of setbacks and I know just how much they can affect you. 2016 was my year of setbacks for me. As a result of stress, I experienced hair loss, fatigue and exhaustion. I genuinely lost all the will to function and I lost all my motivation. Every single day for a long time I felt very defeated and I struggled to shake that feeling off. It’s crazy how situations can have such a major impact in your life.

For the record, heartbreak is the absolute ghetto and I certainly would not recommend. Unfortunately, the impact of heartbreak left me gloomy lost my inner and outer glow was definitely affected. Back then I didn’t think that I would ever bounce back but by the grace of God, your girl eventually did.


The word glow actually means to illuminate a steady radiance of light or warmth. However, I’ve conjured up my own definition because I strongly believe that a person glow represents so much more. For me, your glow is a reflection of your aura, your mojo, your vibe and energy. This manifests physically into your appearance”.

jenna’s world view – 2019

When it’s gone you’ll struggle to get it back.

So I’ll be the first to say it getting your glow back is far from easy. It took me forever and a day just to find myself again. I went through the motions and experienced many highs and lows. It’s a weird cycle of emotions. One day, you’ll feel like you’re making progress to getting the old you back then all of a sudden you’ll hit a couple of roadblocks. Taking you right back to square one. All of this combined is emotionally, mentally & physically draining. The entire process is extremely tedious. Mix that in with discouragement, self-doubt, stress and disappointment and you have a for complete and utter disaster.

On my personal journey to getting my glow back, I picked up a few gems along the way. I wish I’de known now what I didn’t know then. It would have saved me a lot of time and unnecessary stress. But I guess if I didn’t experience that then I wouldn’t be able to share these gems with you.

Don’t expect to always be great. Disappointments, failures and setbacks are a normal part of the lifecycle”.

– Colin Powell –

3 gems to help you get your glow back after a setback

Before I go any further I would like to point out that this isn’t a quick fix for healing. Don’t expect to apply these gems and be back on your feet in a day or two, it doesn’t work like that.

Now I don’t know what setbacks you may have faced in 2019. I’m just here to let you know its not the end of the world and you can’t come and kill yourself. So if you’re still in a funk its time for you to get back on your feet and continue running this life marathon. You’ll never be the same person you were prior to a setback and that’s ok. Setbacks always come with a lesson, message and purpose all while helping you to become a better person. If you commit yourself to apply the following below you’ll be glowing and growing in no time.

Acceptance: It is what it is

In 2018, I had a job interview at Google and I got through to the last stage but didn’t get the job. I cried like a baby because I really wanted that job. I was devastated, discouraged and highly disappointed. The job that I was in at the time I desperately wanted to get out of. So when the door closed on this AMAZING job opportunity it hurt like hell. It was difficult for me to accept that the job slipped through my hands and there was nothing I could do about it.

I was hurt for a while but I eventually got over it. The first step in doing so was me acknowledging what happened then accepting it for what it was. Yes, it was a hard pill to swallow but I accepted that I couldn’t change the outcome. Now, I didn’t just wake up and come to this conclusion overnight. It took me time. But eventually, I got there after realising there wasn’t much that I could do. All I could do was learn from the experience and move on.

Here’s some free game for you, the longer you dwell on something that has since passed the harder it’ll take for you to get over it. When things happen acknowledge it. Accept it and then go out there and flourish! You can’t cry over spilt milk that is already on the floor.

Change your perspective

In life, you cant change the things that happen to you but you can change the way you respond to them. Rather than seeing a setback as something negative look at them as positive. This way you’ll be able to see things in a different light.

In the early days of my break up, I had a negative outlook on the entire situation. It took me some time to get my head around it all but with time my perspective changed. I started to look at it like “hmmm maybe this could a blessing in disguise”. After months of looking at things one way, I began to explore different options. I searched for a deeper meaning and came to the conclusion that maybe it wasn’t all bad. Even though I had people in my life telling me that from the moment it all transpired.

We often son’t see a setback as something good initially. However, in time with a shift of perspective we see the light at the end of the tunnel. In the end I decided to the my break up as a positive rather than a negative setback. It truly helped me move on and grow. Remember: A positive perspective changes everything!

Pour back into yourself & do things that you love

Setbacks can suck the life out of you. Often making you feel like you don’t want to do anything. On your journey to getting your glow back its important to stay busy and keep your mind off the issue at hand.

The best way to do this by simply doing you. Whether that be going to the gym or a few catching flights. You’re going to have to tap into those things that make your soul happy and you’re going to have to tap in often. By occupying yourself with things that you love doing will get you glowing in no time. Pour back into yourself at any given opportunity.

Now, this doesn’t mean go on a reckless splurge. Please don’t go out there and harm yourself or your finances in order to soothe your wounds. Instead, Immerse yourself in all the things that get you happy juices flowing and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Pick up an old hobby, top-up on the self care, spend time with people you love, set some goals and realign yourself.

After a major setback, you’re going to need a lot of rejuvenation to help you get back in your feet. It will be a long road to recovery but with some determination and focus you’ll be back and better in no time.


Tell me your thoughts? – Feel free to mind dump below. What things have you done that helped you on your quest to bounce back after a setback? Do you have any advice, tips, life gems or words of encouragement? Let me know in the comment section or give me a shout on Twitter!!!!!

Stay Blessed

Lots of Love

Jenna

xoxo