What Does Rooted & Rising Mean?
Introducing Jade Gaspard's Substack
I’m excited to tell you that my girlfriend Jade just started her own Substack, Rooted & Rising. To make the shameless plug here because she’s my favorite person, I wrote out 9 questions on a shared doc for this very special nurse, pilates obsessive, weightlifter, reader, and overall incredible person to answer.
What does Rooted and Rising mean to you?
Rooted and rising is knowing who you are. Knowing your habits, values, the version of you that shows up first. Also wanting more for oneself, not because you feel behind but because you’re genuinely curious about what you can do. I want this to coexist together with everyone.
Why did you want to start a Substack?
Honestly, I wanted a space that was mine that I could play with and express myself in. I’m a nurse and I’m around for a lot of “real life moments” and I think women deserve more honest conversations about what it actually looks like to build a life you’re proud of. Substack feels like the right place for this.
What will your readers get out of it?
A fun newsletter that doesn’t feel like homework or another checklist. Essays on building a life one loves through practical stuff, personal stuff, and everything in between.
What are the biggest mistakes women in our generation make?
Comparing themselves to other women instead of just building what they want. I think that we spend a lot of time looking at what this girl is doing, what she has, where she is and it keeps us in an endless loop. The girl you are comparing yourself to is probably comparing herself to someone else. It’s a cycle that doesn’t end until you put your head down and create. Create something, bet on yourself. The energy you spend watching someone else’s life is energy you could be putting into your own.
What is your highest calling as a woman? Why?
I feel that my highest calling as a woman is serving others. I’m a nurse who chose a career where I literally show up for people on their worst days. This wasn’t accidental, this is who I am. I think it takes a special type of person to make people feel seen and taken care of. Not at the expense of yourself, but because you’re full enough to pour into others. And I stand by that.
What are you most fascinated by at the moment?
I’ve been fascinated by the slower life. Reading, writing, and listening to my body more. Making something from scratch is its own kind of answer.
What was nursing school like?
The hardest and best thing I’ve ever done. It pushed me to my limit, emotionally, physically, all of it. But it was also the first time I really saw what I was capable of. Like oh, I can actually do this. I can learn this, be great at this, attain this. The feeling of finding where you thrive is just nothing like it. I also had amazing people supporting me through it, and I couldn’t have done it without them.
How do you stay disciplined?
Calendars, checklists. Also waking up before the world is awake. I’ve been a morning person my whole life, it’s just how I’m wired. I get more done before 9 am than I do the rest of the day sometimes. But it’s also a mindset thing. Discipline isn’t always about motivation. Sometimes it’s just deciding you’re going to do the thing and then doing it.
What is it like being bilingual?
Honestly, it’s just normal to me. Spanish was my first language, so switching between English and Spanish feels as natural as breathing. I don’t think about it. It’s just there, you know? I carry a lot of pride because it’s something my parents wanted to instill in me. It’s not just a language. It’s my culture and roots. It shows up for me every single day.
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Sending my best wishes, Jade .
Good luck, Jade!