JESSICA HUTCHISON
Jessica L. Hutchison, LCPC, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, trauma and grief specialist, and founder of My Red Said, a mental health awareness campaign to increase hope that things can, and will, get better. She speaks nationally about the psychological implications of grief and loss, and trains mental health professionals on how invisible trauma alters our ability to cope with loss.
When in the Office
FASHION STYLE? Trendy/Chic
COFFEE OR TEA? Coffee in the AM, Tea in the PM
FAVORITE LUNCH? Salads! I love to mix up what goes in.
MUST HAVE WORK GADGET? Laptop
BRING A LUNCH OR EAT OUT? Bring
FAVORITE SPACE? Next to a large body of water. If at home, on my porch swing.
COMMUTE TIME? 1-2 minutes.
NEWS SOURCE? I like to look at major publications in addition to smaller ones. I also read stories from both sides of the aisle (even though all media is supposed to be unbiased). It helps keep me balanced and provides perspective. I have an easier time understanding someone else’s thoughts or opinions by maintaining balance. I might not agree with them, but I can understand why they feel the way they do.
DESK ORGANIZED OR CLUTTERED? Is there an organized clutter category? On the outside it looks organized but open the drawers and you might see a little less organization!
BRIEFCASE OR HANDBAG? A large handbag that can serve as a briefcase.
Mac or PC? Mac
BREAK TIME? What’s a break?
MOST EFFECTIVE HOURS OF THE WORKDAY? Morning girl! My brain struggles after 2pm.
FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK? I don’t know that I have one. Majority of my nonfiction books are psychology based. I love the work of Gabor Mate. I align with the way he sees the world. I used to read business books focused on revenue; but now my books are more about perspective and helping others find balance in this very unbalanced world.
SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR INDUSTRY? I still love the work of Brene Brown, but don’t connect with her as much as I used to. Gabor Mate, the 73-year-old man of German descent, has become someone I deeply admire and would strive to be like.
HOW DO YOU CLOSE OUT YOUR WORK DAY? Probably not the way I should. With two young kids at home, I am often rushing to be home with them, or rushing to one of their activities. I do the exact opposite as I would tell others to do. What’s that old saying, “those who can’t do, teach?!”
BUSINESS ADVICE? “Do what you love, and the money will follow.” This was the first business book I read. To be honest, I don’t remember the content, but the title will always hold true. I began my career in the business world. I had a glass ceiling above me, but zero passion for what I was doing. I have found that you sometimes must take a step back in order to leap forward. Do not be afraid of moving backwards, and always find passion and purpose in your work. If you have all three, you are unstoppable.
When in the Home
FASHION STYLE? Comfy as can be.
WINE OR COCKTAIL? Still coffee
FAVORITE MEAL YOU COOK? I did not grow up in the Midwest, so a fish/meat and veggies is often what our meals consist of.
MUST HAVE KITCHEN GADGET? My stove. I have lived without several appliances but not sure how I could live without that one.
COOK OUT OR TAKE OUT? Cook out.
FAVORITE ROOM IN THE HOUSE? My kitchen. It is often the cleanest room in the house. With windows all around, it always brings in light.
HOURS SPENT DRIVING AROUND? Luckily my kids are still young, so not many.
MUSIC OR PODCAST? Music. I would love to say podcast, but music speaks to my soul.
SELF CLEANER OR CLEANING SERVICE? Definitely, a cleaning service. I love to cook but hate to clean!
PURSE OR WRISTLET? Wristlet
TV OR NETFLIX? Netflix
HOW LONG CAN YOU GO BEFORE YOU NEED A BREAK? I usually go strong from sunup to sundown. Then crash hard! Luckily, I do not struggle with going to sleep.
MORNING PERSON OR NIGHT OWL? I have always been a morning person. My brain just works better first thing in the morning. However, I need to have my morning coffee in silence. I am the opposite of a morning person without that small moment of peace.
FAVORITE RECREATIONAL READ? I don’t know that I have a favorite book but love a good psychological thriller. I like the suspense.
SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE? I don’t know that I can pick just one. I admire several people in my life for very different reasons. I am humbled by the village that surrounds me. The people in my life teach me something new every single day. They remind me to slow down, and aren’t afraid to put me in check, when I fall out of alignment. Rather it be insight my office or out, I am constantly in awe of the compassion people have despite the many obstacles they have experienced. We were never meant to do life alone, grateful for my village.
HOW DO YOU UNWIND YOUR DAY? I am quite social, which leads people to assume I am an extrovert. I like to think I am an “extroverted introvert.” While I love to connect socially, when I need to unwind, I find solitude in the silence. When I feel the most unbalanced, it is always related to a disconnect with myself. I have to connect with myself before I can connect with others.
HOME FRONT ADVICE? Just let it go! Allow your home to be messier in the summer. Go outside, play, enjoy life. There will always be another home nicer, cleaner, better decorated, more organized, than your own. Learn to appreciate what you have and allow yourself grace when it comes daily order.
A Recipe Favorite of Jessica’s
Loaded Chicken Taco Dip
Ingredients
chicken:
- 2 cups chicken breasts cooked and shredded
- 1/4 cup avocado oil or light olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- Juice of 2 small limes about 1 1/2 tbsp
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp chipotle powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
guacamole:
- 2 avocados
- 1/4 cup onion minced
- 2 clove garlic minced
- 1 med jalapeno pepper minced
- 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice or to taste
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro plus more for garnish
- Sea salt to taste
chipotle ranch:
- 1 cup homemade mayo
- 2 tsp fresh lime juice or lemon juice
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp dried chives
- 1/2 tsp chipotle powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
additional ingredients:
- 1/2 cup salsa compliant
- 1/3 cup Shredded Brussels Sprouts Or lettuce, or cabbage
- 2-3 Jalapeño peppers thinly sliced
- Additional cilantro for garnish, if desired
Instructions
- To prepare the chicken, whisk together the oil, salt, line juice and spices in a bowl until fully combined, then toss with the shredded chicken.
- Prepare guacamole by mashing all ingredients together. For the chipotle ranch, whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl.
- Assemble the dip: In an 8 x 8 dish (or comparably sized dish/container) layer the guac, chicken, chipotle ranch, salsa, shredded Brussels sprouts, jalapeno, and any additional cilantro
- Serve immediately with fresh cut veggies, sweet potato fries or tostones. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy!
Recipe/Photo Source: www.paleorunningmomma.com