Journey to Healing and Self-Love: Jenefeness Franke on "The Day with Trae"
In a recent episode of "The Day with Trae," host Trey engaged in a powerful and enlightening conversation with author and coach Jenefeness Franke. This wasn't just an interview; it was a candid sharing of a personal journey marked by trauma, healing, and ultimately, self-love. Jenefeness opened up about her experiences, her books, and her mission to help other women find their own paths to wholeness.
The interview began with congratulations for Jenefeness on her new book, "Drawn to You," which she describes as a sequel to her first book, "Broken Wife, Broken Life," published in 2017. Jenefeness explained that "Broken Wife, Broken Life" was written in the aftermath of significant trauma in her life, a period when she discovered she had PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Writing that book was therapeutic, initially starting as journaling before she decided to share her story with the world.
However, earlier this year, Jenefeness reread "Broken Wife, Broken Life" and realized how much she had grown. She felt like a completely different person, having healed and transformed significantly. This realization sparked the creation of "Drawn to You," which chronicles her journey from that broken place to the healed and self-loving woman she is today.
Jenefeness openly discussed the painful circumstances surrounding her first book, revealing that her ex-husband was a child molester. The resulting trauma led to broken relationships, difficult choices, and a period of deep self-blame and shame. "Drawn to You" explores her process of reframing what love and self-love look like, as well as her work coaching other women through their own traumas.
A significant part of the conversation focused on the power of understanding trauma's impact on our bodies and brains. Jenefeness spoke about recognizing trauma responses and breaking free from patterns influenced by societal expectations and family experiences. She shared her own struggles with domestic violence, acknowledging the real and difficult nature of her past.
Therapy played a crucial role in Jenefeness's healing journey. She addressed the stigma around therapy, especially in communities of color, while highlighting the increasing availability of trauma-informed care. Through therapy, she was able to forgive others and, most importantly, forgive herself. She acknowledged that healing is not a destination but an ongoing process, admitting to recent bouts of depression and emphasizing the importance of looking towards a brighter future.
The conversation touched upon the idea of "why not me?" rather than "woe is me." Jenefeness shared that she now sees her experiences as opportunities to be a voice for others, knowing she's not alone. "Drawn to You" is particularly aimed at high-powered Black women who might feel pressured to shrink themselves to find love. Jenefeness wants these women to know that they are more than enough and can attract love while being their authentic, bold selves.
Self-love, self-care, and healing are central themes of her new book. Jenefeness encourages women to find their "sacred garden place," a space where they can radiate and thrive without competition or the need to dim their light for others. She believes that being whole and complete allows us to be complementary in any space we occupy.
Jenefeness also discussed the importance of "testing before investing" in relationships. She emphasized showing up as your true self from the beginning, rather than a representative version, to ensure genuine connections. She shared how her second divorce led to a complete reset, prompting her to move across the country to Washington and rebuild her life.
Ultimately, Jenefeness wants her work to help people realize that they don't have to adjust or shrink to attract the love they deserve. She hopes her book and coaching will inspire an awakening, helping others discover the healed version of themselves they want to become.
"Drawn to You" is available at jenniferness.com, along with sacred garden alignment cards, which Jenefeness believes can further aid in the journey of self-discovery. The interview ended with a powerful card reading: "I don't have to shrink to be safe. You will not edit your essence. Don't apologize for your light." This message encapsulated the core of Jenefeness's message and the essence of her inspiring journey.
This interview was a beautiful reminder of the power of resilience, healing, and self-love, and Jenefeness Franke's story is sure to resonate with many on their own personal journeys.
Website: https://jenefeness.com/
