How are you? Really?
I love September, the changing of the colours, Autumn Equinox, muddy races, goal setting, catching up with friends, plotting new ideas etc. I’ve set myself some new ‘rules’ and goals this Autumn after an interesting year of health with my neurology. It taught me to very much live in the moment and enjoy the moment, yet somehow, for the first time ever, I think I got stuck in it. Fearful that my usual planning would not happen as things are sometimes out of my control currently. So I’ve kindly kicked myself, and will gently, when appropriate challenge myself to do a few things I have potentially, possible with lack of awareness, been avoiding…. resonate at all?
My hashtag for the last 18 months is to #empower you to be your best. For me, this means giving your the tools, writing, musing, links, inspiration, coaching and/or support to find a tiny nugget that sparks a flame inside you, that makes you think Yes, yes I am ready to begin to change, get uncomfortable to become a better, happier me….
I have just finished reading The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul, a lovely read. I do love to read, from stories to learning, business to travel. It had a quote that may work for you…
‘Remember that life is short and full of surprises. If you wait too long, opportunities fade like the setting sun. Don’t mourn for too long what you have lost.’
I then clicked on a link from UK Womens Health Magazine with Hearst Magazines, interviewing their editor Farrah Storr about Empowerment. You can read it here, good, thought provoking answers; http://empowering.hearst.co.uk/be-inspired/farrah-storr-editor-womens-health/?utm_content=buffere7bb7&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
I thought what a great blog to write for you, if I answered the questions about #empowerment to. I hope you like the answers and it gives you a moment of thought to begin something you keep wishing you had started….
What does empowerment mean to you?
Believing in the person that I am, having the courage to trust myself to do whatever it is, even if I don’t know if I can. To respect myself and give others the tools to respect themselves. To have courage, to laugh, love and live.
What is your best piece of advice?
Life’s a journey, you have to become your own best friend, make things happen, learn from the past, be in the moment, plan for the future and enjoy the ride.
How do you de-stress?
Walking, fresh air, the outdoors, exploring, wandering, sitting with good friends catching up in cool little places, writing, music, laughter.
How have you overcome lack of confidence?
Wow, big question. When I little I used to believe anything was possible. Then when I was around 8 I think i became really self conscious about my body and myself, I didn’t really like the person I was, funny how these things happen. I was painfully shy, definitely had weird eating habits and dysmorphic body thoughts and was bullied. I would avoid standing up in class, presenting anything that would draw attention to myself. Then in my mid teens after a really challenging period I realised that I wanted to learn to like who I was, to look after my body and mind, and help others do the same. Through riding horses ( animals are great therapy:-), working in a part time job, pushing myself to do things I wanted to do but I was scared of, like my Gold Duke of Edinburgh and then heading to Belize when I was 17 with Raleigh International I start to grow in my own self confidence. Years on and I have learned so much, and believe that is why I am good at helping others realise they are good enough, and find what makes them sparkle. Because every one can sparkle, you just have to have the courage to work yourself out, and allow yourself to shine.
What’s the one piece of tech you couldn’t live without?
I’m old school, I think my journal and pen is the best thing I could have with me and if I got sent to The Island with nothing but one thing it would be this. Tech wise, I love music, work projects I’m developing, skyping my god daughter and family abroad & writing, so proabably my ipad would combine all this if it was one thing!
Who is the woman who most inspires you?
I’m really inspired by so many people and women, everyone has a unique story and often the most unassuming person, will give you a nugget of inspiration. I have worked with a girl who has cerebral palsy since she was 8, she is now 14 and she inspires me every week. I have a Team GB athlete and 2 Strictly Come Dancing Pro’s who challenge and inspire me on a different level. And then I have a lady who is over 60 cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats for her retirement. I could give you a million examples of clients to inspire you, and I’m so grateful to work with them all. My Best Friend Em’s and her family, my little sister and if I had to give you one name, recently it would have been Eve Branson. I had the pleasure of meeting her whilst running the first marathon for the Strive Challenge with Sam Branson and Team. What a completely incredible women, generous of spirit and showing that dreams and growth is always possible. Her twitter feed posts insightful thoughts.
What does success look like to you?
Being content and happy with the person you are, having fun, taking opportunities, knowing yourself, making time for others, taking a risk, growing a wealth pot, following your heart, seeing the best in yourself and others, learning, growing, being in flow. Does that ramble make sense? 🙂 Of course I have a list of ‘magic goals’ to achieve, do, see, give and share too!
What is the most important life lesson you have learnt from another woman?
Do not allow yourself to become a victim.
If you could make one wish that would change the world for women, what would it be?
To realise that you are good enough, beautiful, wise and wonderful. Yes, there maybe things they you to change, but anything anything is possible. Learn to love and respect yourself.
Tell us the one thing you know for sure about love.
It changes all the time, you have to learn to love yourself to allow others to really love you too. That love needs daily attention to nuture and grow, with respect and care. That there are all sorts of different love.
If you could go back in time and tell your teenage self one thing, what would it be?
Life’s one crazy journey, there will be highs and there will be big learnings, but if remain open, have courage, be kind to yourself and be brave, you will have the most amazing ride. And remember, try to avoid comparison as you will only sabotage yourself, surround yourself with people who inspire you, who you feel good with and always, always find a moment to laugh. Realise that you are good enough as you are, then go out and do what you dream of doing. We only get one life, don’t wait too long wondering what if, or becoming fearful to get started… you rock, you will realise that in time.
These words in the book summarise the advice well, from The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul:
‘This is what I wish for you, I wish for you to continue to live as you have all these years, fearlessly, with passion, with big dreams, with caring and kindness, with your strong opinions and with your arms outstretched….’
I watched this from Robin Sharma on Procrastination, I’m doing the #30DayProcrastinationDiet
Check it out here, well worht 15mins of your time : http://youtu.be/bLp9EimaEQI
And finally, tell us something nobody else knows…
I’ve been in hospital quite a lot for various things! And I sleep in Purple Unicorn Pyjamas and often have the most crazy dreams …..and that’s another story 🙂
Be Bold, Brave and Beautiful….. #empower you to have your best Autumn.
Do tweet or comment how you go and any thoughts/questions @kimingleby or below.
#Kimpossible #ThePossibles 🙂
