Creating Safe Spaces: How Girls Talk Builds Authentic Female Connections with Marissa Jones

 In our latest Off Balance podcast episode, we had the privilege of hosting Marissa Jones, the dynamic founder of Girls Talk, a movement dedicated to empowering women to become the best versions of themselves. Marissa's journey is one of resilience, faith, and authentic connection, creating spaces where women can be vulnerable, grow together, and support one another through life's challenges.

The foundation of Girls Talk stems from Marissa's personal belief that every woman deserves a safe space to connect and discuss personal issues they might not feel comfortable sharing elsewhere. As she eloquently explained, "Every woman wants that relationship with a friend where you have a safe space to connect and talk about personal issues." This vision emerged from her own experiences with close friends who created environments where she could be her true self, speak freely about her feelings, and navigate difficult circumstances with support.

What makes Marissa's approach particularly powerful is her integration of mental and spiritual wellness. She firmly believes that "mental health and spirituality work hand in hand," noting that you can't truly have a spiritual life if your mind isn't right. This holistic perspective allows women to address both their practical mental health needs and their spiritual growth simultaneously, creating a more comprehensive approach to well-being than either component could provide alone.

One of the most compelling discussions during our conversation centered on the importance of setting boundaries. Marissa emphasized that women, as natural nurturers, often pour out constantly without replenishing themselves. The signs of an empty cup manifest as frustration, tiredness, and emotional depletion. Her advice? Learn to say the "deep word no" and prioritize self-care. "You have to take a step back and say I have to do this for me," she advised, noting that it's perfectly acceptable to take a day to rest, recharge, and refuel. This permission to rest is revolutionary for many women who have been conditioned to believe that constant productivity is the only path to worth and success.

Perhaps one of the most vulnerable moments in our conversation came when Marissa opened up about her own mental health journey. She candidly shared her daily battles with anxiety and depression, offering powerful insight for believers who might feel shame about experiencing these struggles while maintaining their faith. "We are still flesh," she reminded listeners, validating their feelings and experiences. Marissa strongly advocates for seeking professional help alongside spiritual practices, emphasizing that God provides wise counsel through therapists, physicians, and medication. "Don't hesitate to go and get the counseling and therapy that you need," she encouraged, challenging the stigma that often exists within church communities.

Marissa's personal testimony of overcoming a devastating divorce revealed the depth of her resilience and the power of her faith. During her lowest moments, when she found herself broken and isolated, she learned valuable lessons about crying out to God, giving herself grace, and finding strategies to heal. Her journey taught her that sometimes God dismantles unhealthy relationships to save us from future destruction, a difficult but necessary process of growth. Through her experience, she offers hope to those who can't see the light at the end of the tunnel: "Keep fighting, keep praying... I promise you, as time goes on, it will get better."

As we concluded our conversation, Marissa shared her wisdom on balancing faith, family, and business—emphasizing the importance of prioritization with God at the center. Her approach rejects the societal pressure to burn ourselves out in pursuit of success, instead advocating for intentional time management that honors all aspects of our lives. This balanced perspective ensures we can enjoy the fruits of our labor without sacrificing our health or relationships along the way.