Elite Athlete to Self-Care Mentor: Jess Simson’s Journey of Self-Discovery
What does it mean to live authentically? For Jess Simson, it’s been a journey of continually learning and pushing her limits of what’s possible. In this episode of the Rewild You podcast, Jess shares her incredible story, taking us from the depths of mental health struggles to the heights of elite endurance sports, and eventually to a life defined by joy, compassion and self-care.
Jess’s Story
Jess grew up in New Zealand and now calls the Canadian Rockies home. She’s a devoted mother and wife, but her true passion lies in helping others embrace their authentic selves. Yet, her path wasn’t always clear. Jess recounts how she found herself in a beautiful place in life—living in Lake Wanaka with a loving husband and stunning scenery—but waking up every day feeling utterly stuck.
When nothing else seemed to work, Jess turned to movement. What began as a coping mechanism during her teenage years became her lifeline as an adult. This led her to endurance sports—a world of pushing limits, breaking barriers, and discovering inner strength.
Highlights From the Episode
The Catalyst for Change: Jess describes the moment she realized something had to shift and how running became her first step toward healing.
The Journey Into Multisport: Despite her initial resistance, Jess dove headfirst into the athlete world, discovering both triumph and hardship.
Burnout and Recovery: Pushing herself to her limits came at a cost. Jess reflects on the lessons learned from reaching rock bottom of burnout and how it reshaped her perspective.
A New Approach to Movement: Today, Jess views movement as an act of self-love and connection, a stark contrast to her earlier fear-driven motivations.
Lessons From Jess’s Journey
One of the most inspiring parts of Jess’s story is her ability to transform challenges into opportunities for growth. She emphasizes the importance of trusting your instincts, leaning into discomfort, and finding joy in the process.
Whether you’re navigating your own life transitions or searching for inspiration to step into your authentic self, Jess’s journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.
🌟 Tune in to the full episode to hear Jess’s story in her own words and uncover actionable takeaways for your own path.
🎧 Listen to the episode here on Spotify, or search Rewild You on your favourite podcast platform.
And don’t forget to check out Jess’s amazing work on her website and Instagram!
