Meet Laurie
WRITER/CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH
I’m a Certified Health Coach, writer, author, speaker, and lifelong seeker whose work sits at the intersection of physical wellness, mindful living, and emotional healing. With a deep understanding of what it means to feel stuck, and more than 25 years of experience promoting health and wellness through education, media, and personal appearances, I bring warmth, insight, and practical guidance to every client.
I became a health coach for the same reason I wrote my book—because I have been where my clients are, and understand what it takes to move forward.
I have navigated weight challenges, depression, emotional trauma, and a marriage that slowly stripped away my sense of self. I know what it’s like to feel stuck, isolated, and hopeless. I also know what it feels like to find a way through the sadness and come out happy on the other side.
My book, Unexpected Awakening, tells the story of 22 days at a Buddhist monastery that changed everything for me. My coaching is what came after—a commitment to helping others experience meaningful change in their own lives.
Work With Me
ONE-ON-ONE COACHING
You are not lazy or broken. You may simply be exhausted from trying solutions that were never designed for YOU.
I believe health is not complicated. The industry often makes it feel that way.
After more than 25 years in this space, I have seen trends come and go. Each promises results, yet many people end up feeling frustrated, confused, and disappointed.
Sustainable health comes from looking at the full picture, including nutrition, movement, stress, relaxation, relationships, and mindset. As your personal coach, we’ll build a plan together that fits YOUR lifestyle and meets your goals.
I am also a strong listener. Most clients already know more than they realize. My role is to help you trust that inner voice, and support you as you move from stuck to forward.
“Laurie’s warm and understanding approach in helping me achieve my goals helped rid me of the negative self-talk that I had experienced, but also, and more importantly, helped me maintain a positive and can-do attitude towards the process. The insights I have gained and personal strength I have learned will stay with me. Thank you, Laurie for guiding me and empowering me.”
– ANNE P.
My Book
Unexpected Awakening is a deeply personal story of one woman’s winter of reinvention and the quiet miracles that carried her back to herself.
At forty-three, Laurie Jacobson’s life had become unbearable. Isolated in a remote Pennsylvania farmhouse, she was married to a man who had transformed from inspiring partner to cruel abuser. Broken and desperate to relieve her emotional pain, she made a decision that would change everything: to attend a silent retreat at a Buddhist monastery in the mountains of West Virginia. What happened there would unlock a healing she never imagined possible.
FROM THE AUTHOR
“If you finish this book and take nothing else from it, my hope is that you walk away with renewed hope, confidence, and the belief that no matter how difficult things may feel, there is always a path forward.”
My Book
Unexpected Awakening is a deeply personal story of one woman’s winter of reinvention and the quiet miracles that carried her back to herself.
At forty-three, Laurie Jacobson’s life had become unbearable. Isolated in a remote Pennsylvania farmhouse, she was married to a man who had transformed from inspiring partner to cruel abuser. Broken and desperate to relieve her emotional pain, she made a decision that would change everything: to attend a silent retreat at a Buddhist monastery in the mountains of West Virginia. What happened there would unlock a healing she never imagined possible.
Ask me about my free book club kit for your group or club.
Praise for Unexpected Awakening
“Unexpected Awakening is a testament to the power of compassion and the vast potential we each hold for healing and forgiveness.”
Sharon Salzberg, Author of Lovingkindness and Real Life
“I couldn’t put this book down! With honesty and humility Laurie invites us to witness the mysterious workings of the Dharma that help her awaken into a new life of freedom and love.”
Trudy Goodman, Founding Teacher of InsightLA
“Over the years of teaching meditation, I have witnessed the extraordinary power of long-term silent retreat to change lives. This book is a rare opportunity to peek inside a retreat to witness a remarkable journey.”
Diana Winston, Director of UCLA Mindful, and author of Fully Present.
Media & Speaking
Let’s Talk Fabulous
WITH TAMARA HUNTER PRODUCTIONS
Laurie joins a panel discussion on the topic of reclaiming our dreams in midlife. Panelists share their personal stories of midlife reinvention. If you’ve ever felt nervous about starting over in your 50s or 60s, this lively discussion will help your let go of fear and embrace the next chapter of your life with anticipation and excitement.
Tell Me What It’s Like
WITH RAINE MEDIA
Laurie discusses Why she decided to go to a Buddhist monastery after trying many other forms of help, how the experience changed the way she saw her marriage and gave her the strength to leave it, and the lessons she carried forward about openness, desire, and letting go.
Design Your Life Your Way
WITH GLORIA RAND
A fascinating conversation. Topics covered include: Healing after divorce at midlife and the courage it takes to leave, reinventing yourself over 50, meditation as a spiritual and practical healing tool, self-compassion after years of self-sacrifice, embracing impermanence as a path to freedom.
Fraternity Foodie Podcast
WITH DR. MICHAEL AYALON
Laurie explains how college students can bring mindfulness into their day, the role of physical health in supporting emotional and spiritual wellbeing, what misconceptions about health and wellness she sees most often, and how anyone can start a meditation practice their for better mental health and to combat stress.
In the Limelight
WITH CLARISSA BURT
Laurie explains how college students can bring mindfulness into their day, the role of physical health in supporting emotional and spiritual wellbeing, what misconceptions about health and wellness she sees most often, and how anyone can start a meditation practice their for better mental health and to combat stress.
The Guiding Voice
WITH NAVEEN SAMALA
Laurie shares how she overcame years of emotional pain and a toxic relationship through the power of meditation and Buddhist teachings. We dive deep into recognizing the early signs of emotional abuse, and the science of how mindfulness “shrinks” the brain’s fear center. We also discuss her incredible journey from the darkness of abuse to a life of profound serenity, and how you can begin your own healing journey today—no monastery required.
Strategies for Living
WITH DAVID C. MCMILLIAN
Laurie shares how silence, mindfulness, loving-kindness, and spiritual awakening helped her break free from an emotionally abusive marriage and rediscover hope, resilience, and inner peace. This inspiring conversation offers insight for anyone seeking healing, personal growth, emotional recovery, or spiritual transformation.
In-Person Appearances
July 26, 2025 — Noon – 5:00 pm
Book signing, Barnes and Noble, Fredericksburg, VA
August 14, 2025 — 1:00 pm & 7:00 pm
Author Q & A, Fredericksburg Food Coop Book Club
September 6, 2025 — Noon – 3:00 pm
Author Talk and luncheon, Beth Sholom Temple, Fredericksburg, VA
September 24, 2025 — 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Author Q & A, Lake of the Woods Book Club
September 27, 2025 — 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Love, Light Wellness Festival, Fredericksburg, VA
October 4, 2025 — 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Fredericksburg Independent Book Festival, Riverfront Park
October 20, 2025 – 7:00 pm
Author Q & A, Lake of the Woods Book Club
May 20, 2026 — 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Author Talk and Q & A, Wilderness Branch library
September 19, 2026 — Noon – 4:00 pm
Book signing, Barnes and Noble, Fredericksburg, VA
September 26-27, 2026 — 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Book sale and signing, Lake of the Woods Art Show
Midlife Musings
Embracing Stillness
As someone who enjoys movement, activity, and exercise, I’ve learned the hard way how to handle [...]
Cultivate Your Heart Garden
Something magical happens to me once the weather warms and the fresh smell of spring [...]
Golden Days, Golden Years of Gratitude
Throughout my life, spring was by far my favorite season of the year. Until now. [...]
