Jenelle’s Voice - Motherhood, Career & Infertility

Meet Jenelle.

When Jenelle first considered sharing her story, she wasn’t sure if it would “count” as a mental health journey. But that’s the truth so many of us live: quietly carrying heavy emotions, second-guessing our struggles, and wondering if our pain is valid. Through motherhood, infertility, career changes, and personal growth, Jenelle’s journey is one of deep inner listening, quiet strength, and choosing to honor what’s true, even when it’s so hard. Her words remind us that healing doesn’t have to come from a crisis. Sometimes, it begins with a whisper of knowing, and the courage to follow it.

What she went through inspired her to create a space where she could be a light for other moms who might be feeling the same way, or going through similar things. This led her to creating Humble, a community for women.

She is doing amazing work and I encourage you to check it out on Instagram!

@_itshumble_

Motherhood, Career & Infertility

When I first considered sharing my story, my first thought was, “My mental health journey isn’t typical, or that bad. Would I even have anything worth sharing?” Then I asked myself, what does “typical” even mean? If sharing my story can help even one person feel supported, then why wouldn’t I?

So here it is. A bit about me, and my journey.

I’ve always felt incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by love and support. I have a wonderful family and circle of lifelong girlfriends. Some friendships started in elementary school, others grew stronger in high school and university. Even our neighborhood has been a gift. We moved into a community where some of our neighbors have become like family, and it’s amazing to raise our kids alongside one another.

Early Career & Dreams of Motherhood

I graduated from the University of Regina with a business degree, majoring in HR. At the time, I really didn’t know what I wanted to do. My older brother was in the business program, so I followed his lead. Choosing a major felt uncertain too. I thought maybe I’d like helping people find jobs, so HR seemed like a fit. If I’m honest, I felt a bit self-conscious about that choice. Many of my peers chose finance or accounting, and I wondered if HR was somehow ‘less than.’ No one ever said that to me, it was my own inner narrative.

After university, I landed my first ‘real’ job with a crown corporation. I ended up spending the next 14 years there, surrounded by supportive teams, great leadership, and opportunities for growth and professional development.

Through all of that, the one thing I always knew with complete clarity from a very young age was that I wanted to be a mom. I wanted it so much that my own mom used to record episodes of Jerry Springer featuring teen moms, hoping to scare me out of having a baby too young.

The Joy of Motherhood

When I finally became a mom, it felt so natural. I loved every minute of it. Returning to work after my first maternity leave was hard. Going from spending every moment with my daughter to only a few hours a day was a painful adjustment. 

Eventually, I found a rhythm again and realized there was something fulfilling about using my brain in a different way and doing something for myself.

The Heartache of Infertility

I assumed I would go back to work for a year or so, then have another baby. I envisioned my kids two years apart, growing up as best friends. Life had other plans. We experienced four and a half years of unexplained infertility. There was no medical reason why we couldn’t conceive.

Those were some of the hardest years of my life. Something I longed for and dreamed of felt completely out of reach. I kept reminding myself to be grateful for the healthy, thriving daughter we already had. Something I knew many families long for. I avoided talking about it if I could, not wanting anyone to feel sorry for me, or open that raw wound. 

I didn’t seek help. My inner dialogue was:

“My gosh, so many people experience way worse things in life. Why would I seek professional support for something so insignificant? I have a child, and many people would love to have just one. Be grateful and happy for that.”

Looking back, I realize I was stuffing down my emotions instead of processing them, which only made things heavier.

I carried guilt too. Guilt for not always being fully present with my daughter because my mind was consumed with thoughts of another baby. I obsessed over the age gap, browsed double strollers we didn’t yet need, and mentally redesigned the nursery countless times. I couldn’t bring myself to take down the crib, walking past it daily with a mix of hope and heartbreak.

I remember thinking that all other things I had experienced in life I had more control over the outcome. If I wanted to do well on a test, I’d study hard. If I really wanted that job, I’d prepare well for the interview. This seemed out of my control and truly felt helpless. Over the course of the years, I had tried a variety of modalities—western medicine, natural treatments, and energy work.

Letting Go and Life’s Unexpected Gift

I will never forget a dinner with my husband on vacation in the summer of 2018. With tears in my eyes, I finally said out loud that maybe our family was complete with one child. Letting go of that dream was crushing, but the cycle of monthly hope and heartbreak had become exhausting. I felt like I needed to close the chapter of hoping and wishing and let it just be. 

On our way home from that trip, I had a feeling. My period was late, and I thought, “Could I actually be pregnant?” I stayed quiet on the drive, guarding my heart against disappointment. When we got home, I took a test—and it was positive.

To this day, I don’t know what shifted. Was it the act of letting go and finding a sliver of peace? Or was it simply timing and something bigger than me? What I do know is that this journey taught me there is something far greater than us and strengthened my belief in a universal power.

Balancing Career and Motherhood

I was ecstatic to become a family of four, even while still wondering if the age gap would affect my kids' bond. I spent 12 months at home with our second child, and during that time, COVID changed the world. Returning to work from home, with no daycare and an older child to homeschool, was tough. But working remotely also brought a sense of balance I hadn’t experienced before.

While I was on maternity leave, I was offered a promotion. I remember thinking, “Am I worthy of this? Do I want the added responsibility with such a young family?” I felt that constant tug-of-war between career and home life. Yet I was so supported at work and grateful for opportunities that many would only dream of (even receiving a promotion while on leave, in some industries, that would be unheard of).

Listening to My Inner Knowing

From the outside, I was checking all the boxes of success. Inside, I felt misaligned. For years, I compared myself to other working moms who seemed to manage more kids and bigger jobs. I’d tell myself, ‘If they can do it, you can too.’ Truly though, comparison is never healthy. It only pulls us away from our inner truth.

By August 2022, I made the decision to leave and create a work life with more flexibility. I carried guilt for leaving a workplace I loved and a team I respected. Things weren’t bad, they were good. But my inner knowing told me it was time for change.

Stepping into entrepreneurship has been both freeing and challenging. I’ve gained flexibility and growth, and I’ve given up the team environment I once thrived in. Through it all, I’ve realized my purpose has always been to support others. How I live that purpose may evolve, but that calling remains.

I’ve learned the importance of going inward and trusting yourself. Comparison truly is the thief of joy. Your joy is yours alone, and connecting with your authentic self is the gateway to it.

My Greatest Why

My daughters are my greatest why. Doing my own inner work, growth, and healing is the best gift I can give them. I want them to grow up with confidence, self-worth, and resilience to face life’s challenges while being aware of and aligned with their own purpose.

This summer, I watched my youngest daughter face new feelings of anxiety. As she walked up to the pool for her second-last swim class, I heard her say confidently out loud to herself, ‘Halle, you can do this.’ My eyes welled with tears. It was so hard watching her struggle, however at six years old, I can see she is learning to build trust and confidence in herself.

So whatever challenge you’re facing, know this: you are more supported than you realize. Listen to your own inner knowing. And in the wise words of Halle, ‘You can do this too.’

- Jenelle