What Does It Mean to Be an Expert?
On strength, reinvention, and why it’s never too late to begin again
I believe that if we’re lucky, we each become an expert in a few things over the course of our lives.
Not because of degrees or titles,
but because of time, repetition, care.
Because we’ve done something so often, or with so much love, that it becomes second nature.
And I don’t think it always has to be tied to career goals.
My stepmom is an expert in cooking without recipes. She can taste something once and know exactly what it needs.
My sister is an expert in gardening, she’s always had this natural gift for remembering what each plant needs to thrive.
These aren’t skills they chased to impress anyone. They’re just things that light up their lives.
And to me, that counts.
So it got me thinking… What am I an expert in?
After nearly 20 years of working with people, I can confidently say,
I’m an expert in helping people start working out, and build systems to help them sustain it.
It’s a skill that’s grown through years of conversations, trial and error, and the incredible privilege of walking alongside people through all seasons of life.
What I’ve seen is this, when someone starts moving in a way that feels good, consistent, and aligned with their life, everything begins to shift.
They feel more grounded, more clear, more like themselves again.
It’s not about reaching some ideal version of yourself.
It’s about having a tool that helps you return to who you already are, especially in the harder seasons.
That’s why I do this work.
It’s why I’ve stayed in it for so long.
And it’s why I still love it.
But here’s something I’ve noticed, especially in midlife:
There’s often a moment when you pause, look around, and quietly wonder, Is this the life I thought I’d have?
It’s not always dramatic. Sometimes it’s just a soft dissonance,
a feeling that you’ve outgrown something, or that a part of you is asking for more.
In those moments, it can be easy to feel stuck, like the window for change has already passed.
But I think these are actually the most powerful moments,
the ones that invite us to reflect on what’s working, what we’ve learned, and what we want to try next.
And that next part? That’s where grace comes in.
Because it takes real courage to be a beginner again.
To try something new, to struggle a little, to build something slowly.
To give yourself permission to practice, without needing to have it all figured out.
If we’re lucky, we get to become an expert in something else.
That’s been the heartbeat behind this Substack for me.
I’ve always been a writer, but now I’m really committing to the craft.
I dream of writing a book someday. But for now, this is my practice space,
a place to show up, share what I’ve lived, and cultivate a new skill.
Because I know that becoming an expert takes time.
And I also know that when something lights you up, even when it’s uncertain, it’s worth doing.
This sense of reinvention is also what inspired me to create my virtual strength training program.
After nearly two decades of working one-on-one and two-on-one with clients, I wanted to take everything I’ve learned, the conversations, the coaching, the systems that actually work, and bring it to more women in a way that felt simple, flexible, and supportive.
I knew exactly who I wanted to serve,
women who are ready to feel stronger and more energized, but who don’t want rigid rules, unrealistic expectations, or an approach that ignores the realities of their life.
And I’m so proud of what’s grown.
In just over a year, I’ve trained more than 100 women virtually, helping them create space for themselves, build strength at home, and stay connected to what matters most.
Now, with fall approaching, I’m getting ready to open up my next group.
September always carries that fresh-start energy.
If you’ve been feeling like you want to shift your energy this fall,
if something inside you is saying it’s time to try something new with movement,
I’d love to connect with you.
It can feel overwhelming to know where to begin,
and my hope is to help you realize how doable it can be.
How strength training—even in short, consistent sessions—can be a catalyst for shifting your entire relationship to your body, your time, and your sense of self.
And if you're ready to begin sooner, you don’t have to wait.
If I Were Starting to Work Out for the First Time…
Let’s say I was starting from scratch. No routine. No gym. Just that quiet nudge, I want to feel better.
Here’s what I’d do:
1. Start small, and stay consistent
Choose the version of movement you can actually stick with.
Not the hardest. Not the trendiest. Just what fits.
Because what matters most is repetition, not intensity.
2. Walk more. Period.
Aiming for 7,000 to 10,000 steps a day can shift everything.
Stress, digestion, mood, sleep—it’s all connected.
Start where you are, and build slowly.
3. Schedule your workouts like appointments
Don’t wait for the right time, create it.
Block it in your calendar like any other commitment.
You’re worth the time.
4. Begin with strength, simple and effective
Two short strength sessions a week is enough to start.
No fancy gear, just dumbbells or bands.
This is about building stability and confidence you can feel.
5. Track how you feel, not just what you do
Sure, count your steps or log your workouts.
But also pay attention to your energy, sleep, mood, and stress.
That’s where the real transformation happens.
6. Ask for support
You don’t have to do this alone.
Find a coach, a group, a friend.
Accountability can be soft, steady, and full of care.
If you're at the edge of starting, or starting again, I want to say:
You’re not behind.
You’re right on time.
And there is space for your version of strong.
Start small. Stay consistent. Let it build.
And if you want someone in your corner, I’d love to support you.
Ready to Begin?
My next virtual strength training group starts this September, and consults are now open.
You can also learn more about me and my approach at www.jennamayefitness.com
And before you go,
take a quiet moment and ask yourself:
What are you an expert in?
It might not come with a title.
It might be something quiet and tender that you’ve lived a hundred times.
It might be something brand new you’re just beginning to grow.
Whatever it is, honour it.
Because that’s where the magic lives.
And if you're feeling that little nudge to start something new—follow it.
Maybe you want to learn how to sew.
Maybe you want to get better at meal prep, or finally try strength training, or take up golf.
Whatever it is, it’s valid. It matters.
You don’t need a reason beyond the simple fact that something in you is curious.
It might not make sense right now,
but the universe has a way of guiding you exactly where you need to be.
Who knows what this next skill will bring, who you’ll meet, or where you’ll go?
Let yourself begin.
Let yourself be a beginner again.
It might just change everything.
xo,
Jenna