Paula Burch Jackson: Empowering Women to Embrace Their Shadows and Step into Their Light
Paula Burch Jackson, an Empowerment Strategist, author, and transformational life coach, has dedicated her life to helping individuals—especially women—embrace their true essence and live with purpose. Through her platform, Coach PBJ Speaks, Paula’s mission is clear: to empower others to chase their shadows, break free from limiting beliefs, and live authentically. Her work is deeply rooted in personal experiences that have shaped her understanding of resilience, faith, and personal growth. From the miscarriage of her first child and the loss of her first husband, sister, and father, to her battle with breast cancer, Paula’s journey has been marked by trials that have only strengthened her resolve to help others heal and grow.
A Writing Journey Inspired by Life’s Challenges
Paula’s writing journey began with poetry, where she found solace and expression through words. Her first book was a collection of poems, which allowed her to explore her thoughts and emotions. However, it was after the loss of her first husband that Paula’s writing took on a new direction. Journaling about her experience of becoming an instant widow, she discovered that her words resonated deeply with others facing similar losses. This journal became the foundation for a book that has since helped countless individuals grieving the loss of a spouse, child, parent, best friend, or even a pet. Paula’s decision to turn her grief into something that could heal others marked the beginning of a powerful writing career focused on emotional healing and personal transformation.
Key Works and Achievements
Among Paula’s most notable works is her upcoming book, Dancing with My Shadows, which focuses on shadow work, self-discovery, and personal growth. This book introduces readers to Paula’s unique approach to helping people face and embrace their inner challenges, transforming them into opportunities for growth. Another key work in Paula’s career is the book she wrote about grief and loss, inspired by her own journey after her husband’s passing. This book has resonated with readers who have experienced various forms of loss, becoming a cornerstone in Paula’s reputation as an author who understands the complexities of grief and healing.
Paula’s first published work, a collection of poetry, allowed her to explore raw emotion and marked the beginning of her literary journey. Each of these works has contributed to her standing as an influential voice in the realm of emotional healing and shadow work.
Overcoming Challenges and Finding Purpose
Like many authors, Paula has faced challenges throughout her writing career, particularly in balancing her numerous responsibilities while finding time to write. Additionally, learning how to market her work effectively has been an ongoing journey. Paula overcame these obstacles by setting aside dedicated time for writing, often in the early morning hours when her mind is at its best. She also learned to embrace help and seek guidance from others who had walked the path before her. Aligning herself with mentors and experts in the writing field allowed Paula to improve both her writing and marketing skills.
Mentors Who Shaped Her Path
Throughout her journey, Paula has been blessed with influential mentors who have shaped her approach to writing. Among the most influential was her late friend, Diona Wheeler, who constantly encouraged Paula to see the potential in her words and ideas. Diona’s belief in Paula’s unique perspective was the catalyst for many of Paula’s books, and even after Diona’s passing, her influence continues to inspire Paula to fulfill her writing goals.
Other key figures, such as Sonja Stribling and Shawn Fair, have played significant roles in helping Paula structure her thoughts and stay motivated. These mentors have provided the foundation and encouragement Paula needed to keep pushing forward in her writing journey.
Impact on Readers
Paula’s writing has had a profound impact on her readers, particularly those navigating difficult emotional journeys. One of the most meaningful pieces of feedback Paula received came from a mother who had lost her baby. The mother shared how Paula’s book, Life After Death, gave her the strength to move forward and eventually become the proud mother of two more children. This kind of feedback is what drives Paula to continue writing—knowing that her words can offer hope and healing to those who need it most.
Readers often express how Paula’s books make them “think about what they’re thinking about,” a compliment that Paula treasures. She believes her purpose is to help people pause, reflect on their thoughts, and examine the ways those thoughts influence their lives. The fact that her books are often given as gifts for special occasions speaks to the deep connection her writing fosters with her audience.
Diversity and Inclusion in Writing
For Paula, diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords—they are essential to her approach to writing and life. She believes that everyone’s story deserves to be told, and her work reflects a deep respect for the variety of human experiences. Paula strives to ensure that her writing speaks to people from all walks of life, honoring their unique journeys and perspectives. By embracing diversity, Paula creates a space where readers can see themselves reflected in her work and gain a greater understanding of others.
In a world where division often seems overwhelming, Paula believes that literature has the power to bring people together. By weaving diverse voices and experiences into her work, she contributes to a broader conversation about empathy, connection, and healing.
Advice for Aspiring Writers
To aspiring writers, Paula’s advice is clear: embrace your unique voice and trust that the world needs your perspective. “Don’t try to imitate others or conform to what you think will sell,” she says. “Lean into the things that make you different, and let those guide your writing.” Paula also emphasizes the importance of consistency, encouraging writers to set aside regular time for their craft, even when inspiration is lacking. Finally, she advises patience and persistence, reminding writers that success in the literary world often takes time.
Future Projects and Vision
Looking to the future, Paula has big plans for expanding her platform, Coach PBJ Speaks, and extending the reach of her work on shadow healing. She envisions not only writing more books but also developing large-scale programs, workshops, and even a nonprofit organization to support marginalized communities, particularly young people struggling with their own shadows. Her upcoming book, Dancing with My Shadows, is just the beginning of a larger movement focused on helping people uncover their shadows, face them, and embrace their true selves.
Paula also plans to create a curriculum based on her shadow work principles, offering readers and participants a deeper, more structured approach to personal growth and healing.
Balancing Writing and Life
Balancing a writing career with personal life can be challenging, but Paula has found ways to maintain equilibrium. By setting aside specific times for writing, usually early in the morning, and prioritizing what matters most in both her personal and professional life, she is able to stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed. She has also embraced the power of delegation and learned to be present in whatever task she’s focused on, whether it’s writing or spending time with loved ones.
A Message to Aspiring Writers
To those embarking on their writing journey, Paula offers this encouragement: “Your story matters. There is someone out there who needs to hear your words, who will be changed, healed, or inspired by what you have to say. Write fearlessly, share your truth, and trust that your voice has the power to make a difference.”
For more information on Paula Burch Jackson and her work, visit www.coachpbj.com, or connect with her on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
