I grew up in the desert of southern New Mexico, where resilience isn’t something you talk about—it’s something you live. The desert teaches you early: nothing grows without pressure, and the most beautiful things often come from the harshest conditions. My path hasn’t been linear. I’ve been the underestimated one. The single mom wondering how I was going to make it. The person who had to rebuild from scratch more than once. I’ve faced rejection, loss, and moments where I questioned everything—including myself. But every single time, I got back up. Today, I’m a senior living executive, a creator, a builder, and the founder of Desert Grit—a movement rooted in helping people remember who they were before the world told them to shrink. I created this space for people who know they’re meant for more—but may be standing in the middle of the rebuild. Inside this community, you can expect: • Honest conversations about growth, leadership, and identity • Tools to help you break through mental and emotional barriers • Support from people who understand what it means to start over • And reminders that your story isn’t over—it’s just getting powerful I believe resilience is a skill. Confidence is built. And your past does not disqualify you—it qualifies you. I’m glad you’re here. Truly. Drop a comment and tell me: Where are you rebuilding in your life right now? — Jen Founder, Desert Grit

Let’s be honest. Most people will invest in everything except themselves. They will invest in jobs that replace them. They will invest in relationships that drain them. They will invest in distractions that numb them. But when it comes to investing in their own healing, growth, confidence, and evolution… suddenly it feels “selfish.” It’s not selfish. It’s survival. Because the truth is — the moment you start loving yourself differently, everything changes. You stop begging to be chosen. You stop shrinking to make others comfortable. You stop tolerating environments that starve your soul. You start protecting your energy like it matters. Because it does. Self-love isn’t bubble baths and affirmations. Self-love is discipline. Self-love is accountability. Self-love is walking away from what breaks you, even when it hurts. Self-love is investing in the version of you that your younger self needed. No one is coming to build your life for you. No one is coming to install your confidence. No one is coming to give you permission. You give it to yourself. Every time you learn something new. Every time you choose growth over comfort. Every time you refuse to abandon yourself just to belong somewhere you’ve outgrown. That’s Desert Grit. It’s choosing yourself. Not once. But over and over again. Even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard. Because when you invest in yourself, you become someone the world cannot ignore. — Jen Burkhart | Desert Grit

I’m Jen Burkhart — senior living executive, speaker, and creator of the Desert Grit movement. I was raised in the deserts of New Mexico, where I learned early that growth doesn’t come from comfort… it comes from endurance, faith, and the willingness to keep showing up when life gets hard. My career has been built in healthcare and senior living leadership, where I focus on building strong teams, creating cultures rooted in dignity and accountability, and helping families navigate some of the most emotional seasons of their lives. I believe leadership is not about titles — it’s about service, resilience, and leaving people better than you found them. Desert Grit is the philosophy that shaped my journey. It represents standing tall in life’s storms, choosing kindness even when it’s difficult, and refusing to let setbacks define your story. Through speaking, mentorship, and content creation, I help others develop mental toughness, personal accountability, and purpose-driven leadership. I’m passionate about empowering professionals, caregivers, and leaders who feel called to make a difference but need the confidence and strategy to step fully into their potential. If you believe growth comes through adversity, if you believe kindness is strength, and if you believe success is built one intentional step at a time — you’re in the right place. Keep showing up. Kindness is never wasted Please introduce yourself! This is a safe space