Today we’d like to introduce you to Janette Owens.
Janette, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hey there! I’m Janette Owens, the founder of Be Inspired For Real. an inspirational web site. I’m a firm believer in Jesus Christ and all things positive. My journey began when I faced some tough times and found solace in faith and inspiration. It ignited a fire within me to spread positivity and encouragement to others who may be going through their challenges. Life is beautiful.
For me, that beauty arrived in the summer of 2017 when I took a leap of faith and decided to turn my scars into stars. That’s when Be Inspired For Real came to life, my “happy ministry,” born from a space where I had once felt shattered but found restoration. I wanted to create something that would make folks smile, help them shake off their worries, and feel the overwhelming love of Jesus like I did.
With Be Inspired For Real, my mission is to share uplifting stories, motivational quotes, and practical advice to help you overcome obstacles, find your purpose, and live your best life. I hope you will join me on this journey of growth, faith, and inspiration. Together, let’s unlock our potential and make a real difference in the world.
My story is still being written, with each chapter more promising than the last. And although the New Year is just beginning, let’s resolve to love and inspire others. I know one thing. I am eternally grateful for the purpose and love revealed to me through the divine lens of redemption. Each step forward is taken with courage and hope, for in the grand tapestry of life, every thread counts, and every stitch is a chance to create something beautiful
I’ve lived in eight states (IL, OR, NC, CA, TX, FL, TN, MS), interviewed my share of celebrities, written a book of poems and short stories, “A Swang Song,” dabbled in art, opened and closed a business or two, filed bankruptcy twice, recovered immeasurably, thank God!, retired at 56 years old, and now happily selling real estate as a REALTOR in the great state of Mississippi. I would say, my story is still unfolding and God is not finished with me yet.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Once upon a time, nestled in the fractured embrace of a paradoxical family, a child grew up learning that love was a prize awarded for good behavior; it was conditional. This wasn’t the kind of family you’d see in movies, where hugs were plentiful, and “I love yous” rained down like confetti. Instead, this was a home where compliments were as rare as shooting stars, and encouragement was a foreign language.
Growing up in such a setting, I became an expert at building high, thick walls around my emotions. These walls were my fortress against the sting of rejection. I couldn’t bear the thought of being vulnerable because vulnerability meant the possibility of being unloved. I became the ultimate people-pleaser, molding myself into whatever shape I needed to gain acceptance. Yet, despite the laughter and the nodding, my relationships were as superficial as a reflecting pool, barely skimming the surface of what it means to connect with another soul
Only after years of carrying the weight of my emotional armor did I begin to feel the strain. Like Atlas, hunched beneath the celestial heavens, I reached my tipping point. The loss of my father was the catalyst that set me free, albeit gradually. His passing was a dark cloud with a silver lining, for it forced me to scrutinize my life to clear away the smog of unhealthy emotions that clouded my perception of love and worth.
As I began to sift through the debris of my past, I stumbled across my wounded inner child—the little girl who felt abandoned and unloved. Encountering her was like finding an old, forgotten photograph at the bottom of a drawer; it was heart-wrenching but necessary. Slowly, I began reconciling with that part of myself, offering the acceptance and love that had been missing all those years.
I purged my life of toxic relationships like old clothes that no longer fit and filled my mind with thoughts as pure as the first snowfall. I forged new friendships and rekindled old ones, drawing strength from these bonds and the light of my faith that was now shining bright. Jesus became my guiding star, leading me out of the shadows and into a place of grace and redemption.
I learned to be my cheerleader, my social worker, my best friend. I discovered that love wasn’t a transaction but a gift freely given and received. My relationships became more profound and richer as I learned to love incrementally, adding layers to the foundation like paint upon a canvas, each brush stroke a testament to growth.
And so, here I am today, weaving tales of redemption with anecdotes as vivid as the varied hues of dawn. They say that the most beautiful roses are the ones that bloom despite the cracks in the pavement. Like those roses, my soul flourished amidst adversity, finding nourishment in faith and understanding that unconditional love can come without fearing being unloved.
And that’s why Be Inspired For Real exists. To make a difference in a lost and dying world, we’re looking for everyday people like you with a God-given message that has the potential to change hearts.
I invite you to share your personal experiences of overcoming hurdles, dealing with failures, finding your way back to faith, or simply rejoicing in your spiritual journey. Be Inspired For Real is interested in hearing about the lessons you have learned in life, whether they come from moments of joy, difficult challenges, moments of triumph, or even moments of breakdown.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Be Inspired For Real is not just about the feel-good quotes and morning affirmations; we’re about real life—your life, my life, and the messy, beautiful journey of faith we’re all on. Last June, I created Be Inspired For Real, LLC, to sell merch to complement our mission. Our tees, hoodies, journals, and sundries, speak to the soul, Our blog space offers discussion, personal reflection, and practical advice on living out one’s faith. We are a community of like-minded Believers who seek to inspire readers to grow and share their faith.
Why did I start to Be Inspired For Real? Because somewhere out there, someone needed a word of hope just like I did. They needed to know that brokenness isn’t the end of the story—it’s just the beginning of a comeback tale. And let me tell you, there’s power in your comeback. And we won’t rest until we fulfill our mission to encourage, motivate, and inspire others.
Speaking of missions, our mission is simple: to lift spirits and motivate souls to live their fullest lives through God’s love, a solid prayer life, and discovering who they are. We’re all about the big stuff—Love, Joy, Peace, Hope—but also the stuff that gets overlooked sometimes, like Kindness, Generosity, Patience, Forgiveness, and Fairness. They’re the ingredients for a life well-lived, the spices in the stew of a story worth telling.
You see, giving folks a daily dose of inspiration is just one piece of the puzzle. We want to walk alongside you as you turn those bursts of inspiration into steps of action. Our blog, social media, and soon-to-come coaching services are like your personal toolbox for building the life you’re meant to live, brick by brick, day by day.
But here’s the thing: it’s not a solo mission. Growth thrives in community, and at Be Inspired For Real, we’re all about that family vibe. We’re meant to uplift each other, to be that voice that says, “Hey, you’ve got this! because, together, we’ve got this.”
So I’m inviting you—yeah, you—to hop aboard this journey with us. Discover the power of inspiration, the strength of community, and the joy of living out your testimony. The world needs your story. Your voice. Your talents. It needs YOU. So let’s shake off that fear and step into the light of your purpose.
We’re here for it. We’re here for you. Let’s be inspired, for real.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Born in the windy city of Chicago, Illinois, I spent my first few years of life in the hustle and bustle of city life. But as fate would have it, my family packed up and moved to the beautiful Pacific Northwest when I was young. They traded skyscrapers for mountains and concrete jungles for lush green forests. It was in this new environment that I discovered my passion for writing and connecting with people on a deeper level. Honestly, I think that’s where my inner-inspirationist was born,
I was always a friendly and inquisitive child, eager to explore the world around me and engage with others. From a young age, I found joy in connecting with people, learning about their stories, and understanding their perspectives. This curiosity and openness shaped the person I am today.
As I journeyed through life, I discovered the immense power of honesty, care, and thoughtfulness. These values became my guiding principles, influencing how I interacted with others and approached various situations. Honesty became the foundation of my relationships, allowing trust to thrive and genuine connections to form. It took a while to learn that by being honest with both myself and others, I could foster a sense of authenticity and create deeper bonds.
Caring for others became second nature to me. Whether it was lending a listening ear to a friend in need, offering a helping hand to a stranger, or supporting loved ones through challenging times, I found fulfillment in being there for others. This sense of care extended beyond just the people in my life; it encompassed my compassion for animals, the environment, and the world as a whole.
Thoughtfulness became a lens through which I viewed the world. I recognized the impact of my words and actions on those around me, and for the most part, I strived to be mindful of that impact. I sought to understand different perspectives, to empathize with others, and to approach situations with consideration and kindness. This thoughtfulness allowed me to cultivate deeper connections, resolve conflicts peacefully, and contribute positively to the people around me.
Over time, my journey from a friendly and inquisitive child to an honest, caring, and thoughtful human being has been filled with personal growth, self-reflection, and a continuous desire to better myself. These qualities have not only shaped my character but also influenced how I navigate the world. I believe that by embracing these attributes, we can create a more compassionate and understanding society, one interaction at a time.
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Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.beinspiredforreal.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beinspiredforreal/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeInspiredForReal/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZEuQHEs001Yyl24kz1eULA
Image Credits
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