Get to Know Julie Hawkes
Julie Hawkes, creator and owner of Life Balance, will be speaking at our GHF Sisterhood of Grief, Happiness, and Friendship Disney Retreat, February 1-5, 2022. You can find more information about the Retreat here. If you have any questions, email Hailey at ghfsisterhood@gmail.com Because No Widow Should Walk the Grief Journey Alone.
Sitting on the hearth of her stone fireplace, Julie watched through tears as a family friend handled the games, presents, and laughter at her own daughter's seventh birthday party. Her heart was heavy after the recent loss of her 23-year-old brother in a boating accident, leaving his wife, who was six months pregnant with their first child. On top of that, her family faced serious financial difficulties.
She began to question God's love for her. If He really did love her, why hadn't he saved her brother? Why wouldn't He show her how to make ends meet to provide for her family? Why were so many hard things happening all at once?
With the passing of each day, Julie's worries grew until they turned into debilitating, crushing anxiety. She couldn't be left alone. She needed help to care for her four children, ages nine, seven, five, and two. Her family and friends grew more and more concerned.
"Julie," her mom said one afternoon. "You have to get better. Your children need you."
Julie knew she was right. She wanted to get better. She wanted to take care of her precious children. She wanted to be happy. But her mind was in such a tangled mess of confusion she didn't know how, and she knew she couldn't do it on her own. So she turned to a doctor and a counselor for help.
Julie was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and was prescribed medication. Within weeks, her anxiety began to stabilize. Her counselor listened and offered advice to help her move forward.
Slowly, she was able to resume her mom duties and care for her children and her household. Her husband found a good job, and they were able to balance their books.
But she still struggled emotionally. She was in a constant state of worry that threatened her recovery, so she began an intensive 17-year study of anxiety. She researched the causes and effects of anxiety, and she sought out solutions. During her journey, she learned–sometimes by trial and error–what worked for her and what did not. She found tools that helped her change her way of thinking. She changed the way she saw herself. Finally, she found peace and confidence.
If you ask her, Julie will tell you she is a different person today than she was that day she sat on the hearth of her stone fireplace, watching everyone laughing and enjoying her daughter's seventh birthday party. Today, she is happy, healthy, and rarely feels anxiety–even though she still eats sugar. She has three more children, she is a grandma, and she owns and runs a business.
Julie did not walk her journey to wellness alone, and she is grateful for all of the help she received along the way. She is passionate about helping others through their pain so they won't have to suffer as she did. She knows what works and what doesn't work. It is her mission to teach others to reconnect, love themselves, and stop worrying. Seeing others get unstuck as they develop healthy relationships and reach their goals makes her happy. Helping them find peace and joy fills her heart.
We are thrilled to have Julie speak at our upcoming retreat! To learn more about Julie, follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and checkout her website juliehawkes.com.
