“Authenticity is
not something we
have or don’t have.
It’s a practice…
a conscious choice.
It’s about the choice
to show up and be
real. The choice to
let our true selves
be seen.”
— BRENÉ BROWN
been there, but it can be avoided! Self-
care, healthy nutrition and good sleep
are important, but there are two other
options to consider: flow and stillness.
Flow, or “the zone”, as it’s known, is
characterized by a “complete absorption
in what one does” and a lost sense of
time. Find your flow by simply seeking
out things you love to do, then doing
them often! For some, it’s running or
hiking; for others, it’s gardening or
knitting. If you’re not sure what it is for
you, start experimenting. Find what you
love—something that brings you into
“flow”—then make it a regular part of
your routine.
Then there’s stillness. This could be
a meditation practice, a breathing
practice, etc. I call it a presence practice.
It means taking time every
day—five minutes will
make a difference—to
quiet your mind and practice being fully
present. There are many studies that
show having a practice like this
improves sleep, energy and productivity
while lowering stress and anxiety. It’s
also free, so why not give it a try?
Prioritize yourself and let the inspiration
flow!
Be Authentic
I cannot stress enough how important it
is to be courageous enough to just be
yourself. There’s nothing inspired about
feeling like we have to be someone
other than who we are in this life. Not
only is authenticity your greatest differ-
entiator, but, if part of your “why” is
about helping people, remember that
only when you are being real can you
truly connect with people. And it’s only
when we truly connect with people that
we can make a true positive impact on
their days and perhaps their lives. I love
how Brené Brown explains it:
“Authenticity is not something we
have or don’t have. It’s a practice…a
conscious choice. It’s about the choice to
show up and be real. The choice to let
our true selves be seen.”
As scary as it is to be vulnerable, you
have to remember that working in the
spa industry provides you with a
tremendous opportunity to be an
uplifter for others. Will you show up
fully? Will you let your true self be seen?
Now this is tapping into true inspi-
ration, because this is tapping into the
power of you.
As you continue your journey,
remember to stay connected to your
“why,” prioritize yourself and be
authentic. It won’t be long before true
happiness, success and fulfillment will
become your way of life. n
KIMBERLY SPREEN-GLICK is a professional speaker specializing in motivational coaching for the wellness
and fitness industries. She has also worked professionally as a fitness instructor for nearly 25 years.
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PULSE
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January/February 2019