As I was sitting at home working on Mastery Tests for my new job today I couldn't help but reflect at how 2011 was a complete whirlwind...wait, wasn't 2010 a whirlwind? 2009?...Honestly, the past several years have been so trying for me but out of it I have become a stronger person inside (and a little outside). You see, I've always been a firm believer that lasting through adversity only makes a person stronger. It can be a game of survival. It's similar to what I say after a really tough workout, 'well, I'm not dead so I must be stronger.' The past couple of years have proven my own theory. I know people experience the unexpected and other adversity at points in their lives, but mine seemed to escalate and explode this year.
On a positive note, I had closure on a couple of issues in my life and am happy to move forward... A wiser, funnier, and up for the challenge of creating my own future type of Cat Woman. Despite the turbulence, I have managed my life's situations in ways that have kept things moving forward, kept the people close to me sincere, and myself humbled (almost hitting rock bottom, almost). I sometimes wonder if this journey that is my life will ever slow down, but I don't know if I want it to. Often it's not the end result that matters, but rather, the journey. So, on that note I am ready to close the chapter on the year of Kicking Life in the Shins, also known as 2011, and move on to make 2012 The Official Year of Kick Ass. Continuing the drive of grabbing life by the horns, throwing it around a bit, and officially kicking its ass will bring new accomplishments and success with same ol' me. All the while continuing to make my journey a fun one.
Yours in strength (inner and outer),
~Cat~
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
The value of a smile..
Yesterday was Monday, and it was raining. Usually I don't let those two factors determine my mood. But yesterday I was in a pretty crappy mood. Then of course, lately my stress levels have been pretty high, so unfortunately, the fact that it was Monday AND it was raining effected me a little bit. I typically look at Monday's as a fresh start. New week. New business. New opportunities. Another chance to start the week off right and make it better than the previous week.
As an entrepreneur and a person who works in sales, most of the time I am conscious of my appearance, demeanor, facial expressions, perspective, etc. Always asking myself the question: "Would I approach me?" Anyone who owns a business, talks with others on a daily basis in business, or has a market to serve understands the fact that one must be 'approachable'. Not stand-offish and bothered by others' inquiries or conversation. People pleasing isn't the key to success in business, but relationships are key, so it's important to be trustworthy, approachable, and smart. So with that in mind my personal 'ism' to success in life is: "Smile, you'll make more money." Of course it's a simplistic approach, but in perspective a person is more likely to attract others when he or she has the outward appearance of being happy. The easiest way to share that feeling is to simply smile. Be happy to help others. Engage with others. Be genuine. Smile. I have even gone so far as to get dental work done to make sure I'm at least confident in my smile and folks aren't turned off by my smile.
Back to Monday...after the meeting my mood felt a little better because the meeting was positive, encouraging, and very informative for the sales team. Pumped and ready to book appointments. The stresses of my personal life and finances still pressed on in my mind though. When I stopped at the gas station and was walking in to go put '20 on 5' (yep, times are tight when I'm paying cash for my fuel) and a woman walked out of the store as I'm walking up, classic suburbanite climbing into her Lexus SUV, dressed nice, hair and makeup near perfect, and she looked at me and just flashed the nicest, most courteous and genuine smile and said 'Hello'. Now how can I not respond to that? I mean, I definitely did not want to be 'a snooty bitch' and not respond, or flash a 'fake smile' so I smiled back. I was pleasantly surprised and returned the 'Hello', and it was genuine. A friendly interaction that could have been shrugged off, but the fact that it re-aligned my perspective on my Monday issues making me realize that the only way to go is up, the whole thing felt good.
The whole 'incident' got me thinking that life's not so bad, and that there is a lot of value in a genuine smile. The value perceived may vary by person, but think of how a smile can change your day or better yet, someone else's day. I'm not trying to be the rah-rah smile cheerleader, but if you want to make a difference in someone's day or your own, flash a pretty little smile and see what happens.
~Cat~
As an entrepreneur and a person who works in sales, most of the time I am conscious of my appearance, demeanor, facial expressions, perspective, etc. Always asking myself the question: "Would I approach me?" Anyone who owns a business, talks with others on a daily basis in business, or has a market to serve understands the fact that one must be 'approachable'. Not stand-offish and bothered by others' inquiries or conversation. People pleasing isn't the key to success in business, but relationships are key, so it's important to be trustworthy, approachable, and smart. So with that in mind my personal 'ism' to success in life is: "Smile, you'll make more money." Of course it's a simplistic approach, but in perspective a person is more likely to attract others when he or she has the outward appearance of being happy. The easiest way to share that feeling is to simply smile. Be happy to help others. Engage with others. Be genuine. Smile. I have even gone so far as to get dental work done to make sure I'm at least confident in my smile and folks aren't turned off by my smile.
Back to Monday...after the meeting my mood felt a little better because the meeting was positive, encouraging, and very informative for the sales team. Pumped and ready to book appointments. The stresses of my personal life and finances still pressed on in my mind though. When I stopped at the gas station and was walking in to go put '20 on 5' (yep, times are tight when I'm paying cash for my fuel) and a woman walked out of the store as I'm walking up, classic suburbanite climbing into her Lexus SUV, dressed nice, hair and makeup near perfect, and she looked at me and just flashed the nicest, most courteous and genuine smile and said 'Hello'. Now how can I not respond to that? I mean, I definitely did not want to be 'a snooty bitch' and not respond, or flash a 'fake smile' so I smiled back. I was pleasantly surprised and returned the 'Hello', and it was genuine. A friendly interaction that could have been shrugged off, but the fact that it re-aligned my perspective on my Monday issues making me realize that the only way to go is up, the whole thing felt good.
The whole 'incident' got me thinking that life's not so bad, and that there is a lot of value in a genuine smile. The value perceived may vary by person, but think of how a smile can change your day or better yet, someone else's day. I'm not trying to be the rah-rah smile cheerleader, but if you want to make a difference in someone's day or your own, flash a pretty little smile and see what happens.
~Cat~
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Somewhat girlie night..
So, as I was feeling a little girlie tonight drinking my Skinny Girl Margarita and listening to my Adele station on Pandora, I couldn't help but feel a little bit of sadness and guilt whenever Amy Winehouse showed up on the playlist. I'd think to myself, 'No other voice will compare to her', and 'So bummed I never got to see her in concert.' I have a couple of her CD's, and her F*#k Me Pumps is one of my favorite songs. I have always had a soft spot for gals with soulful voices: Amy, Joss, Adele, and Etta as they have somehow touched a part of my heart because of the depth and soul that their voices so represent. Historically, there have been artists that have fallen to rest in peace at the same age and time in their careers as Amy did, but you can't help but feel sadness that no one was there to help her come out of her dark place before she fell. Was this a classic case of the rock star lifestyle? Or is it just a reminder of how deep and lost artists (musically or any other art form) can get at certain points of their careers? The pressures to produce material, fallen relationships, loneliness..they all play some role in an artist's journey. The evidence is often in their songs. For the average person, obviously seeking solace in drugs is not likely to lead to a productive solution. After all, what kind of boss will say it's ok you missed a meeting because you were hungover from your overdose the night before? Sorry, a bit of cynicism. But, it kind of serves as a lesson. A lesson to not fall to the bottom alone. There is a difference between being alone and being lonely. One is typically not so bad, after all, who doesn't appreciate a little down time and alone time every once in a while?..but when you fall and find yourself lonely versus alone is when you have to find the strength to seek help. Oftentimes, that is a test of one's inner strength. So, is it fair to ask if some of the artists that have searched for solace in a mind altering drug really that strong of a person? Sometimes, the answer is no and the unfortunate issue evolves to the pressure of being a celebrity. Part of the full circle. Amy did say that she was 'just a musician'. What kind of 'musician' are you in your corner of the world?
We can't go through life seeking for a cheat way, easy way, no effort way, non-challenging way..you get my point out to find minimum exerted effort in life and call it successful, right? Adversity comes full circle. Your inner strength is tested in times of adversity. Pressure to get the job done right, produce a sufficient amount of sales numbers, athletic statistics, write and record a hit song..an internationally known musician just has extra perks, right?..Oh, wait..so it's ok. Mental issues have a way of exposing their ugly heads when a person is lonely at the bottom with no one to help pick them up, or when the pressures of your career lead to such intense amounts of pressure that you crack or cave into an easy way out..only to find yourself alone when it comes to crunch time. I can't help but wonder if the element of self-responsibility becomes a factor that needs to be re-evaluated? Well, I'd say yes. After all, in the end we are each responsible for ourselves and our own actions.
R.I.P. Amy. I will jam your beautiful, troubled songs, and keep you in my memories for years to come.
We can't go through life seeking for a cheat way, easy way, no effort way, non-challenging way..you get my point out to find minimum exerted effort in life and call it successful, right? Adversity comes full circle. Your inner strength is tested in times of adversity. Pressure to get the job done right, produce a sufficient amount of sales numbers, athletic statistics, write and record a hit song..an internationally known musician just has extra perks, right?..Oh, wait..so it's ok. Mental issues have a way of exposing their ugly heads when a person is lonely at the bottom with no one to help pick them up, or when the pressures of your career lead to such intense amounts of pressure that you crack or cave into an easy way out..only to find yourself alone when it comes to crunch time. I can't help but wonder if the element of self-responsibility becomes a factor that needs to be re-evaluated? Well, I'd say yes. After all, in the end we are each responsible for ourselves and our own actions.
R.I.P. Amy. I will jam your beautiful, troubled songs, and keep you in my memories for years to come.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Life's Edge
Sometimes all a girl needs is a good cry. Sometimes a soak in the tub with a glass of wine will do. Sometimes getting lost on a trail run and being alone with just her thoughts and endorphins is all she needs. No matter whatever it takes to help clear her head, she must keep her head straight, put her needs first, and compartmentalize her thought processes so she can move forward with success and never cower in fear. The thought of being lost and overwhelmed is well, overwhelming and can drive a girl to the edge. It’s what she does on that edge that matters the most. If she goes crazy she’ll fall and ultimately lose control. If she maintains her logic, faces reality, and stares adversity in the face she stands tall and wins.
~Cat~
Monday, October 11, 2010
Expectations
What are expectations? Are they self-imposed events, processes, things, etc. that one looks forward to happening or arriving at? The loose term from a Webster’s American Dictionary states that an expectation is ‘the act or state of expecting.’ And to expect is to ‘look for as likely to happen or arrive.’ But oftentimes in life, I find my expectations aren’t met, personally and professionally. There are several approaches to consider from this point as I focus on self-reflection: Are my expectations too high? Am I communicating effectively? Does the person not realize my expectations or even care of my expectations? Is it better to just not have expectations at all, and therefore eliminate the risk of being disappointed in whatever situation? That’s a really difficult task for me. I know my weaknesses: lack of patience, insecurities with myself, and confidence in my capabilities to excel at times. So if I were to counter-balance or attack my weaknesses I could say that my insecurities should be fuel to excel and prove that I am completely capable of what I set my mind to and that people close to me won’t or have no intention of hurting me, at least not on purpose…wait, was that last part a dish of my insecurities?
There are certain personality types who you know will not meet your expectations. And most times it benefits you to not associate with those personality types. But what if you don’t have a choice but to associate with those types of personalities at some point in your life? Do you just give them a free pass? Won’t that essentially inhibit growth for everyone? Yes, in my humble opinion. But to not focus on the negative and disappointment of such situations, it would behoove the typical high expectations personality type to adjust their expectations according to the situation. It’s the least someone can do and if done effectively will benefit all parties involved and encourage ‘self and intellectual growth.’ We learn it as parents, as professionals, as friends, as partners, and as self-fulfilling individuals to adapt. And that is what brings about growth and contributes to making the world a better place to be in.
Expectations can be clear and sometimes an entity will stop meeting your expectations. That is a sign of growth for the individual, a test of adaption, and an opportunity for self-reflection. Self-reflection brings about growth for the individual and oftentimes opens doors of opportunity that otherwise would not have been noticed. Take note, I said ‘noticed’. Opportunity is always there, it just may not be what you are expecting.
I welcome input on the subject matter as I know I have only scratched the surface. Expectations and opportunity evaluation are areas that carry many perspectives and methods, as they are as unique as the individual.
~Cat~
Your body is meant for movement. Your brain and intellect are meant to be challenged. Fulfill your human prophecy, explore your freedoms, and set out to do everything that you imagine (within the law of the land, of course). :)
Your body is meant for movement. Your brain and intellect are meant to be challenged. Fulfill your human prophecy, explore your freedoms, and set out to do everything that you imagine (within the law of the land, of course). :)
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Who? What? and Why?
Welcome to my new blog. Yes, another blog for opinion and perspective to crowd the internet. I can't promise my blog will be controversial or deeply intellectual, but my blog provides me a platform to share my perspective on life's little whatever's every now and then. So here's the skinny:
WHO AM I?
Well, I'm a thirty-something female, mom, entrepreneur, lover, friend, full-time student, Paleolithic eater, and probably an enemy to a select few even though I don't really care about people that fall into that category. I've been told I have a strong personality by some and occasionally I've been called nice, but mostly misunderstood. Evidently, I carry myself in a way that most people feel free to judge before getting to know who I really am. And quite frankly, I really don't care about other people's judgement. The adversity I experienced growing up and the common everyday folks' tendency to be pretty transparent and shallow has thickened my skin a bit through the years. Don't get me wrong, I don't go and seek people to piss off or piss on. I go about my business doing the best I can to keep my life organized and productive and joyous. And evidently, some people totally read my intentions wrong. I can't solve everyone's problems, only my own. I will tell you that I believe in self-governing (to an extent) and therefore lean on the Libertarian side of political views. However, I am NOT a member of any tea party (I'll save that explanation for another post someday). A social democracy is not going to give Americans strength to build their own future and wealth. Carry on.
WHAT DO I DO?
So what is that I do that makes me so special? So worthy of my own blog? Well, I'm not a diplomat or sexy mistress with lots of juicy stories to tell (sorry to disappoint). I own a fitness business and have plans to open other businesses in the future. That would put me in the serial entrepreneur category. Professionally, I am certified through NSCA, RKC, USAW, and ACE. Personal training and small group training utilizing kettlebells, barbells, TRX, and bodyweight exercises is what I LOVE to teach. My clients see noticeable differences in not only their physiques but also in their everyday functional body movement, stamina, and strength. I function under my business name of State of Fitness, LLC and independently for my PT clients.
On a personal level, I prefer the simple life (although I'm technology dependent), I love to drink beer (occasionally), scotch, workout (obviously), golf, Jeep, my little pugs, ride a certain someone's Harley, watch movies with my boys, and trail run. There are many other things in life that I love, but why go over all of them in just one post? You'll learn about them as I go along my blogging journey. Take note that trail running is my drug of choice. There is nothing more freeing and zen than running through the woods (Vibrams preferred). I'm not an ultra-runner, but I am fascinated with how the ultra-runners are so resilient for the sport. I run anywhere from 2-10 miles per run. Nothing major. Just enough to get my fix and ponder life's little whatever's. Many mind-clearing trail runs have taken me discover new things about myself and different perspectives on things in life. Life is good.
WHY AM I HERE (blogging)?
I felt the need to share my a-ha moments, my cloud-clearing moments, my perspectives on life's whatever's, my workouts, etc. with the internet world. I foresee the blog-o-sphere to be an outlet for keeping my intellect in check, an opportunity to write, motivation or inspiration for myself and others, accountability, personal growth, etc. My whole life is in transition as I am in my thirties and this past year has been no exception. I have taken on a love for writing and hope to contribute some posts worthy of a 'good read'.
BTW: my workout today was a focus on upper-body pulling with emphasis on intermixing bi-lateral and uni-lateral strength moves.
5x5 each of 1 arm KB row (20k), 2 arm KB row (2x16k), barbell row (95lbs).
Finale (just for fun): 5x5 each of 2 KB high-pulls (2x12k) and double KB snatches (2x12k).
*At first, the 1 arm row was the most challenging due to the off-balance nature of the move but by the 3rd set the barbell row was the killer due to the singularity and strength aspect of the move.
Thanks for reading!
~Cat~
WHO AM I?
Well, I'm a thirty-something female, mom, entrepreneur, lover, friend, full-time student, Paleolithic eater, and probably an enemy to a select few even though I don't really care about people that fall into that category. I've been told I have a strong personality by some and occasionally I've been called nice, but mostly misunderstood. Evidently, I carry myself in a way that most people feel free to judge before getting to know who I really am. And quite frankly, I really don't care about other people's judgement. The adversity I experienced growing up and the common everyday folks' tendency to be pretty transparent and shallow has thickened my skin a bit through the years. Don't get me wrong, I don't go and seek people to piss off or piss on. I go about my business doing the best I can to keep my life organized and productive and joyous. And evidently, some people totally read my intentions wrong. I can't solve everyone's problems, only my own. I will tell you that I believe in self-governing (to an extent) and therefore lean on the Libertarian side of political views. However, I am NOT a member of any tea party (I'll save that explanation for another post someday). A social democracy is not going to give Americans strength to build their own future and wealth. Carry on.
WHAT DO I DO?
So what is that I do that makes me so special? So worthy of my own blog? Well, I'm not a diplomat or sexy mistress with lots of juicy stories to tell (sorry to disappoint). I own a fitness business and have plans to open other businesses in the future. That would put me in the serial entrepreneur category. Professionally, I am certified through NSCA, RKC, USAW, and ACE. Personal training and small group training utilizing kettlebells, barbells, TRX, and bodyweight exercises is what I LOVE to teach. My clients see noticeable differences in not only their physiques but also in their everyday functional body movement, stamina, and strength. I function under my business name of State of Fitness, LLC and independently for my PT clients.
On a personal level, I prefer the simple life (although I'm technology dependent), I love to drink beer (occasionally), scotch, workout (obviously), golf, Jeep, my little pugs, ride a certain someone's Harley, watch movies with my boys, and trail run. There are many other things in life that I love, but why go over all of them in just one post? You'll learn about them as I go along my blogging journey. Take note that trail running is my drug of choice. There is nothing more freeing and zen than running through the woods (Vibrams preferred). I'm not an ultra-runner, but I am fascinated with how the ultra-runners are so resilient for the sport. I run anywhere from 2-10 miles per run. Nothing major. Just enough to get my fix and ponder life's little whatever's. Many mind-clearing trail runs have taken me discover new things about myself and different perspectives on things in life. Life is good.
WHY AM I HERE (blogging)?
I felt the need to share my a-ha moments, my cloud-clearing moments, my perspectives on life's whatever's, my workouts, etc. with the internet world. I foresee the blog-o-sphere to be an outlet for keeping my intellect in check, an opportunity to write, motivation or inspiration for myself and others, accountability, personal growth, etc. My whole life is in transition as I am in my thirties and this past year has been no exception. I have taken on a love for writing and hope to contribute some posts worthy of a 'good read'.
BTW: my workout today was a focus on upper-body pulling with emphasis on intermixing bi-lateral and uni-lateral strength moves.
5x5 each of 1 arm KB row (20k), 2 arm KB row (2x16k), barbell row (95lbs).
Finale (just for fun): 5x5 each of 2 KB high-pulls (2x12k) and double KB snatches (2x12k).
*At first, the 1 arm row was the most challenging due to the off-balance nature of the move but by the 3rd set the barbell row was the killer due to the singularity and strength aspect of the move.
Thanks for reading!
~Cat~
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