Written by A Wild Dove | Photographed by Eric White
Jamie Graber recently made a change, a big one. After seven years owning the popular West Village cafe Gingersnaps Organic, she chose to focus on wellness and lifestyle coaching and recently launched her new website Organically Jamie. It’s not easy to make a change as an adult, and we wouldn’t be alone in often wondering, “What If?” We spoke with Jamie on how she came to make that leap of faith and what’s lies ahead in her next chapter.
A Wild Dove
So you’ve made a huge transition recently. Many of us are probably experiencing similar desires to make a change but we fear what lies ahead. Can you walk us through your thought process in making the change and offer some guidance for our readers?
Jamie Graber
It was a difficult decision and one that I took a long time to make. As the years rolled along with Gingersnap’s I felt less and less inspired. I sat with that and noticed that I was feeling depressed and each day it was more difficult for me to get up and go. Once I got there, I would see the customers and light up, but often I had to go handle some store emergency. I made lists of the things that lit me up and then lists of what I spent my day doing. I took a look at those lists and saw that they were very different and it was in that moment that I knew I had to make a huge change.
Make lists and compare them. Get a coach to help you navigate making changes.
A Wild Dove
We love how you refer to your work as Cognitive Reframing Sessions. Can you tell us what that means and share what those sessions are like?
Jamie Graber
It is the idea that you have the ability to choose the way you see the world. We can choose to see life as happening to us or for us. It is your perception that will change the outcome and the journey. It is finding out the thoughts and beliefs that are holding you back and training yourself to see it differently. It is behavioral training that changes the way you perceive the world. It is similar to the Law of Attraction, but goes deeper than that. You have to sit and see what your blocks are and then we do the work to remove them, through pattern changing and Reiki, which is a subtle body energy work that helps facilitate block removals.
A Wild Dove
That makes total sense to us. Especially since we're all trying the be the best versions of ourselves.
For the busy mamas you coach, what is some advice to help them balance, restore and thrive?
Jamie Graber
Start with knowing that there is a reason they tell you to put your mask on first during the safety portion of flights. You can’t be of service to your family without taking care of yourself first, and that is not being selfish. Finding a way to move your body at least 45 minutes a few times a week. There are so many options. The important part is finding something that works for you, something that is fun and therapeutic. And I would say a daily, nonnegotiable is to sit quiet for a minimum of 10 minutes and do some form of mediation. This can be mantra based, guided, anything that helps you sit quiet, and breathe. Long breaths in and out.
A Wild Dove
Food and cleansing was also such a big part of Gingersnaps, how do you think those themes parlay into the work you're doing now?
Jamie Graber
It all goes back to prioritizing yourself and doing things that make you feel good. Everyone feels better when they are making conscious choices, whether food, thoughts, company. Some sessions are mostly about food, but that is just a small part. It is the deeper feelings of self worth that most people have to work on. When you are loving yourself, it is so much easier to make better food choices.
A Wild Dove
It’s amazing to see you truly following your heart. What are some suggestions you can give to others seeking to empower themselves and follow their dreams?
Jamie Graber
Meditate, sit, quiet your mind. Take the time to really observe what you are doing daily and see if that is bringing you closer to what you really want. I can’t say enough how important I think having a coach can be. The ability to have someone who can be objective about what they see as your blind spots and then holding you accountable is priceless.
A Wild Dove
What makes you fly?
Jamie Graber
Seeing clients, friends and family make changes in their lives based on our discussions. Laughing with my friends and family. Noticing all the blessings and love that surrounds me. Fun projects with my husband, we are currently copper electroforming crystals.