💌Learning to Listen to Your Body Is a Part of the Journey

Hey Work It Out Fam!

I want to get candid with you all today. Back in 2020, I injured my Achilles heel during a massage. I thought it had healed because the pain had gone away for a few years. This year, though, with my busy Zumba schedule, my injury has been getting worse 😩. Recently, I had to make a really tough decision: cutting my Saturday Zumba classes so I can give my body the space it needs to heal.

I’m telling y’all the truth—it wasn’t easy. Dancing is my escape, my mental health check, my me-time, especially when I have you all by my side. Sharing that energy with you all fills my spirit, and stepping back, even for one class, felt like admitting defeat, which is very hard for a stubborn person like myself to handle. 😅

But here’s the thing I had to remind myself: sometimes, the strongest thing we can do is slow down.

We live in a culture that tells us to “push through,” to “grind harder,” to “ignore the pain.” But your body is always talking to you, and healing requires that we actually listen. Choosing rest isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom.

This is where Grace Over Guilt comes in. Instead of beating myself up for stepping back, I’m learning to extend grace. Grace to heal. Grace to grow. Grace to honor the season I’m in without guilt for what I can’t do right now, at this moment.

And I want you to remember the same:

It’s okay…
✨ to take a rest day.
✨ to scale back when your body needs it.
✨ to choose healing over hustling…all the time...

Because here’s the thing—your worth isn’t measured by how much you can push. Your strength shows up in your ability to listen, to care, and to keep showing up for yourself in ways that honor your health and your spirit.

So, Work It Out Fam, let’s choose grace together. When you feel the pull to criticize yourself for not doing “enough,” pause. Ask yourself: What would grace look like here?

That’s where true healing begins. Love Y’all. 💛

🌱 Of Course, We Need a Summer Recipe to Nourish & Heal:

How About a Refreshing Watermelon Mint Salad

• 3 cups watermelon, cubed

• ½ cup cucumber, thinly sliced

• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves

• ½ cup feta cheese (optional)

• A squeeze of lime juice

Toss together for the perfect hydrating summer salad—it’s light, refreshing, and packed with love for your body.

👕 Wear the Reminder

If you’re walking through your own season of healing, my “Grace Over Guilt” tee is your daily nudge to be gentle with yourself. You can grab it (and more inspiring designs) over at my merch store:

With love, healing, and grace,
Jessika 💪🏾💛

P.S. New Blog Posts coming to the website soon, so look out for those!
👉 workitoutwithjessika.com