Stay Fit Even When Busy

by suzie | Jun 2, 2017 | Articles, Health and Wellness

As someone who has always been very active, I found it hard to stay fit when I landed a desk job. I used to be a hairdresser (and even wrote a light-hearted romance book about it) before and during college. So, I spent most of my day on my feet. When the day came that I started my first job in an office environment, I suffered.

I spent my entire day sitting. That was not good news for my overall health.

Essentially, I spent so much time with my butt in a chair that it sometimes hurt. My back hurt too. And my neck. The tension of spending my days bent over a computer keyboard took a toll on all my muscles.

I needed to find a way to stay fit

Thankfully, I did find one – a simple solution that I still use many years later.

There are creative ways to work in fitness and health-conscious actions to keep the heart pumping and muscles working even for a sedentary professional like myself.

Choose to stay fit

I choose fitness because I have too much planned in life to be sidetracked by muscle aches or low energy. I look at the human body as a vehicle. And, if I want this vehicle to run without issue, I need to fuel it with the best possible nutrients. Basically, I need to treat it like the gift it is. It’s the only body I’ll ever have, and if I don’t take care of it, I’ll have nowhere else to live. This fact alone is enough to motivate me to stay on top of fitness and work it into my life no matter what. It’s a top priority right up there with my family and development.

But how?

So how can you stay in shape when you have a full plate? How do you squeeze exercise in between cooking meals, cleaning the house, paying the bills, working a job, writing a book, running a business and trying to keep up with family and friendships?

Well, it may not be easy, but it’s doable. And if you’re committed to staying in shape, you can find a way. I have a few tips that work for me that I’m going to share right now.

Stay Fit Tip # 1 | Rise Early

I prefer working out early in the day because I start off with already accomplishing something. Working out first thing also gets my blood flowing and feel-good chemicals dancing in my brain. If you do it in the morning, it’s done. Nothing can interfere. If you’re morning schedule is already overwhelming, then rise half an hour earlier.

Stay Fit Tip #2 | Choose the Fit Option Always

Every single day we are faced with choices. We can choose to eat a bagel with cream cheese. Or, we can decide to fuel our body and brain with steel cut oats and berries. I personally love a delicious veggie smoothie. We can eat a calorie-ridden sandwich sided with chips or opt for a delicious entrée cooked in healthy coconut oil and loaded with vegetables and heart-healthy fiber. Or, we can ride the elevator or take the stairs. Another way, we can park close to a building or at the far end of it. Choices are weaved into our day, and if you consistently make the healthier choice, you’ll be healthier. Simple as that.

Stay Fit Tip #3 | Make Exercise Fun

Nothing will stop a person in her tracks faster than a dull routine that never changes. You wouldn’t want to watch the same television episode over again every day of your life, would you? No. You’d want to vary things by switching the channel and catching a glimpse of something that challenges your brain to think differently. It’s the same thing for exercise. You want to change up your routine.

So, one day you can walk, another day do Zumba, dumbbells, or yoga. By shaking things up, and doing things you enjoy, you’re much more apt to stick with it. And remember, exercise doesn’t have to be a grueling activity that you dread. It never should be!

The best exercise is the kind that you don’t even think of as exercise. Something like dancing or playing volleyball. Make a game out of it. The more fun something is the more you’ll be inclined to participate.

Stay Fit Tip #4 | Be Efficient

Pick a workout that you can do almost anywhere, whether you’re traveling or getting home late from the office. Set yourself up for success by making exercise accessible from virtually anywhere. Store dumbbells under your desk. Or you can use a stability ball in place of your office chair. Sitting on a stability ball strengthens your abdominal muscles. Those are the muscles your body uses to compensate for changes in balance. Basically, you’re getting a low-intensity abdominal workout every time you sit down.

Workout in front of your television, and break out into a series of exercises on commercial breaks. Some exercises you can do during this time are twenty push-ups or sit-ups while waiting for your show to come back on the tube. Or flex and tighten your abs and hold for 30 seconds. Release, and repeat 10 times. Squeeze your butt and hold for 30 seconds. Release, and repeat 10 times. Stand against a wall and do calf raises for one full minute.

Stay Fit Tip #5 | Take Short Breaks

Firstly, work in these short breaks by getting up, stretching your legs, and walking around. Even if you’re just walking, you’ll shed extra calories. You’ll also increase your ability to concentrate during the time when you’re working.

Secondly, when you reach a breaking point, make a point of moving around. Take a five or ten minute walk outside or climb the steps. Another exercise you can do during these short breaks is to do neck and shoulder rolls, waist bends, and yoga stretches.

Thirdly, take structured breaks. In a one hour time slot, focus really hard on the task at hand for fifty minutes. Then, get in 5 to 10 minutes of activity. At the end of an 8-hour workday you’ll have logged in 40 to 80 minutes of stretching and exercise. It all adds up. And, you’ll be more productive!

Stay Fit Tip #6 | Commit to a Schedule

As I mentioned, I prefer morning time to get in my 30-45 minute workout. But, if you’re not a morning person, consider scheduling your workout during lunch. Put in on your calendar like an appointment. Chances are you’ll show up! If you schedule it as part of your day and make it non-negotiable, you’re more apt to stick to it and not allow someone to sabotage this important time you set for yourself.

So there are my six tips. They’re pretty basic and easy to follow. Try them for a week and analyze how you did. I’m pretty confident that you’ll be amazed at how great you’ll feel and how easy it is to stay fit.

Benefits of Change

by suzie | Jun 17, 2016 | Articles, Health and Wellness

The benefits of change may not be apparent immediately. In fact, realizing these benefits may take some time. But, they are there.

Change can be a scary thing in life. It most certainly means things are not going to stay comfortable, and we will likely be knocked out of that pocket of predictability we enjoy.

Life is constantly evolving, and so change is unavoidable. It can bring enormous discomfort, fear, and unsettling consequences to those who resist it.

I’ve been known to resist change at points in my life because, let’s face it, it is something out of the realm of certainty. The very nature of it dictates that we must take up a new view elsewhere, whether we’re talking about a physical location, a dietary shift, a health crisis, a new job, having a baby, adopting a dog, etc.

Common reaction to change

Most times, change is out of our control. It might feel unfair that we are forced to make a shift. How dare life mess with me this way when everything was going along perfectly in the status quo! Yup, I’ve blurted out those words many times. When this type of forced change happens, I don’t know about you, but damn, it feels good to let off some steam and complain about it.

We complain because it brings comfort. It makes us feel connected. We get confirmation that we’re not the only ones going through tough stuff. We receive the empathy of others. (And hey, let’s face it, empathy is like chocolate – it soothes the soul.) And since our comfort was taken away, it only makes sense we’d seek it out in another form.

Moments of uncertainty

So, in moments of uncertainty, we may just feel like caving in and saying to the world come swaddle me in some comfort while I unleash the weight of the world onto your shoulders. We may invite a friend in to listen to our complaints, and before we know it, we’re both waddling around together in the same pool of anguish, both equally upset about our situations, both wishing we could right the wrongs of this illogical world and start fresh.

The problem with resisting change is this: we become inflexible. We stunt our growth. We get stuck in the muck of life. The rest of the world refines itself as we settle on the sure bets of the past. Advancements become impossible. Life takes on a stagnant state where potential realities fade into the background of the what-ifs we could’ve created.

Sandcastles are temporary. Trying to build them into permanent structures is an impossible dream. They fall down quickly, with little warning. The comfort comes when one realizes that when they crumble and fall back into the sea, they become the foundation for something else in the waiting. – Sandcastles by Suzie Carr

Many times we’re so rigidly focused on those things that actually spoil our spirits that we can’t see past the haze. We don’t even realize that if we look beyond the haze there is a whole lot of brightness that can help ease those things that eat away at our souls in our current circumstances.

That new job may be far better than your old job. The breakup might offer new insights into love. The loss of a dream might be the beginning to a more nurturing one. The new commute might offer you more time to reflect on life. The move to a new state might help you discover your inner strength. You see, with any change comes a new perspective and a chance to grow.

Instead of falling into the comfort of moaning and groaning about the shedding of the known, choose to shift the focus to things that bring about good vibes. If we have to change, we may as well make the most of it!

Change can bring enormous gifts that sweep in and pleasantly surprise us. Think back for a moment on those pivotal moments in your life and you’ll surely find that variation of some form created the momentum to nudge you into a moment when you were in the right place at the right time. You were likely flexible to the strength of the wind blowing you in a different direction, and because you were yielding, you didn’t break. You were able to bend with it and reshape in its wake.

Transformation is going to happen. If we can view it as a stepping stone to greater things, and learn to embrace its swift entrance and bold presence, then perhaps we can draw a dynamic strength from it and benefit.

I’ve started looking for opportunities to shake things up in life. Since seeking ways to get uncomfortable, I’ve experienced a more open mind, free spirit, and ability to recover from some of life’s toughest blows and disappointments quickly and successfully. I credit this largely in part to the constant reminder that we are meant to flow without resistance so that we may enjoy and not miss a moment of the ride’s blessings.

Benefits of Change

Keeps life fresh, unpredictable, and interesting
Offers new chances
Creates opportunities
Allows us to move forward
Builds strength
Rejuvenates life’s value
Improvements are likely to be the result
Generates greater flexibility

So try this

The next time the world is beating you up, and it will because that’s life, don’t stare at its mighty, impenetrable fists. Rather, cock your head to the side and latch onto the happy sights around, like the child giggling in the yard next door, or the dog wagging his tail, or the elderly neighbor wearing a smile on his face, or the trees dancing in the sky. Take in all of the beauty in your peripheral view. Then, ask yourself this defining question: What’s good about this change?

By asking yourself this question, your brain, a natural search engine, will begin its journey far and wide to find answers.

Everyone comes to a point in life when the ground will feel like it’s caving in below our feet, threatening to swallow us up and steal away the sunshine. In those moments of change, we can choose to cave or triumph. We can rise to our feet, dig ourselves out, and stake claim on new ground, this time stronger and wiser and embracing the new perspectives placed before us. Looking around, everything is new. The world, in its changed form, shines with possibilities. Its unpredictable, fresh new layers offer us brand new opportunities to plant and harvest new nourishment that has yet to tarnish our souls or persuade us that the status quo is comforting. Indeed, change is vital in the process of life. Its freshness offers us the promise of great advancements. For to grow, one needs to move forward, stretch her legs and embrace the gift of change.

Over to you: How have you dealt with change?

Your Best Life

by suzie | Jun 3, 2016 | Articles, Health and Wellness

Do you know what that would look and feel like to have your best life? Have you ever stopped to think about what makes your heart sing?

Recently, someone forwarded me an email containing a provocative question that got me thinking in this realm. It asked: If today was the last day of your life, would you wish for more time to accomplish those things in life you put on hold?

Have you put your best life on hold?

Wow, talk about an eye-opener of a question. If today were the last day of my life, would I feel satisfied with what I did with it so far?

For the most part, yes. But there are some things…

Would I have any regrets?

I would have some, yes. There are so many things I would feel sad that I didn’t get to do, like take a trip to South America to visit family, indulge in more scuba diving with my better half, turn one of my books into a movie, drive cross-country in an RV with Bumblebee and stop at every national park, and of course there’s the big one – to gain a normal schedule where I can sleep past 2:30 am!

In all seriousness, we get this one life to live to the fullest. We should figure out what elements are most important and make a plan to get started on enjoying them. For instance, I may not be able to take off on those trips just yet, but I can keep them centered as a point of reference to keep me from spinning in a whirlwind of worry, of what-ifs, of straddling challenges, of dodging obstacles.

How to live your best life

How do we ensure we get to experience those things we’d regret not doing before it’s too late?

Ask any motivational speaker or life coach and surely they’d advise to take actions that will lead to life goals and ultimately to your best life.

Makes sense to me. I can wrap my brain around goals. I love setting them. I love knowing where I want to go. I also want to remain respectful of the great gift of time and the preciousness of the journey. I tend to get wrapped up in my goals, perhaps even too much at times. I’m like that runner at the end of a long race who just wants to sprint her way to the end, fading out the cheers from spectators, the blue skies, the smells of nature hanging in the air, and the feel of the wind on my face as I brush through it.

Goals really should be there to guide, but not block out what’s really important. That brings me to my next point in this discovery of how to live your best life: Be sure to know your priorities and align your goals with them.

#1 – Set Priorities

I keep my priority list very simple: (1) Family/friends (2) health (3) personal and professional development.

As long as my goals are in line with these, I’ll enjoy the journey.

For me, being alignment means I am with my loved ones having the time to enjoy the journey of spending my day doing the things I love most – being healthy, learning, and writing.

Take the time to determine what’s really important. What would you regret not doing?

#2 – Take Action Daily

I take action on those elements daily. I nurture my relationships, write daily, and live a well-balanced life that allows for growth. I can just imagine how much fun those eventual trips are going to be as a result of this focus.

What actions will point you in the direction towards what is most important to you? If you crave more family time and work that makes a difference, perhaps volunteering and reaching out to the community with family members would be something to consider.

If you’ve found yourself veering off the path at times, it’s okay. Just be aware of it. Awareness of this is key to staying on track so you can analyze what steps to take right now to get into the swing of living your best life.

The secret to enjoying a beautiful life would never lay in the strength of saving it, but solely in the magic of building it. – Sandcastles by Suzie Carr

We’ve all been reminded by events in our lives that life is short. It’s fragile. Don’t be afraid to shed those things that weigh you down. Lock sight on your ideals and run towards them as if your happiness depends on you reaching them. Because it truly does

Seek to build a world that is full of laughter and love. The heart wants to sing and dance and live in the bounty of nourishing change that allows for growth and expanse. Run towards the achievements you desire with gracious strides, never failing to take your eyes from the whispering landscape that will always be your trusted companion. Tears will surely be shed as you journey through your actions, tears that will leave you breathless with gratitude for the lessons and fun you enjoyed along the way. Life is a series of lessons in learning to let go of rigidity as we grant a willingness to show our vulnerability to the great unknowns. A step taken offers opportunity to engage on that perpetual path of abundance in friendship, love, and life. Decide on what’s important, execute a flexible plan to enjoy it, and let life take you on a ride that will set you spinning with exhilaration as you come across, time and time again, the opportunity to be pleasantly surprised by its little treats.

Over to you: What could you do differently today to make sure you are living your best life?

Relax with Deep Breathing

by suzie | Feb 25, 2016 | Articles, Health and Wellness

Back when I originally wrote this post, I needed to relax. I found that by deep breathing, I gained a sense of control over my emotions. When I learned this, the week had been a whirlwind! A good whirlwind, but still quite a wild ride. My head was spinning and I did feel a bit overwhelmed. The good thing is that I knew why. I was rushing. And, I hate rushing!

Take a Deep Breath

Slow down and take a breath was the subject of my self-talk this morning. I whispered it to myself as I stood in the center of my kitchen overcome with emotions.

I’ve had a lot going on this week, all good, but still lots! I just released The Dance and just received a glowing review of it in Curve Magazine.

Running my writing business is lots of fun work, but it does take a toll on my balance at times. I’ve had a challenging time finding a moment to breathe this week.

I had so many things I wanted to do this morning, so I found myself rushing around my kitchen like a complete maniac trying to do twenty million things in five minutes of time. I wanted to get the cooking over with so I could start on the book launch promos and other projects I had planned.

Illogically, I thought, the faster I get through this mundane task of cooking, the more time I will have to do what I really want to do.

Yeah, right.

Well, that didn’t work out as planned because I worked myself up into a manic frenzy trying to achieve an unrealistic and unhealthy goal. I had about one hour to accomplish what would truthfully take five.

Despite this, I rushed to get breakfast, lunch and snacks packed for the day while simultaneously trying to clean. And poor Bumblebee just sat there and stared at me with that worried look she gets when her momma thinks she’s superwoman and can take on the world. Yeah, as you can imagine, I was multi-tasking and accomplishing little. My mind acted like an out of control runaway train, trying to catch up with my physical body as I dashed around that kitchen getting nowhere fast.

I needed to take a breath

Here’s the truth, I don’t like rushing. In fact, I hate rushing. So, thankfully, I realized this as I stared at Bumblebee, holding a spatula in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. I was completely out of control.

Yes, everything I mentioned above needs attention, but not all at once. There’s a time for everything, just not all at once!

So, there I stood, in the middle of my kitchen, and drew a long, thoughtful breath. I tensed, holding that precious breath, then released it and relaxed my body. It felt amazing, so much so I did it for ten more times. I found a new attitude somewhere in those long thoughtful breaths.

The Result.

reclaim your life

I was calm. I was centered. I was focused. It took me all of three minutes to reclaim my life! I looked back at Bumblebee and she blinked her support, then went back to peeking out the window in search of squirrels.

Relaxed and ready to take on my mess, I glanced at a picture of a flower hanging on my wall.

It reminded me of how delicate time can be.

Nature rushes for no one. It operates at a pace that is undisturbed by distractions. A flower blooms on its own time, never rushing to open its petals in the hopes of being a flower in full bloom. It takes its sweet time, allowing the air to tickle its core as it awakens and stretches in slow, steady moves toward the promise of new light. Its thirst for transformation is quenched only by the journey of spreading its petals in one long, thoughtful move until it has kissed the day and left its nutritious gift onto those who slow down long enough to appreciate its presence.

I guess what I’m trying to say here is that no matter what our passion is in life, if we don’t slow down and remain mindful, we’re in danger of being trampled. When the world is spinning violently out of whack, slow down. Plant yourself in the moment and just breathe. Somewhere in that moment where you take a breath you’ll reclaim what’s most important – your peace!

Living in the Present Moment

by suzie | Jan 8, 2016 | Articles, Health and Wellness

“That’s the problem these days. We’re all too busy, aren’t we? We work ourselves to the bone and for what? To find out one day that we may have caused ourselves to get sick? So then we end up spending the rest of our days fighting for our lives instead of being able to savor the present moment.” – Dean from Sandcastles

The Here and Now

Do you ever find yourself reliving the past and planning for the future more than living in the moment? The here and now is such a precious lot of time, yet, many of us tend to ignore it. A while ago, I was fortunate enough to meet a person who was completely aware of the present. She had an aura of happiness around her that was unlike anything I’ve felt before. She radiated with a burst of energy that actually gave me energy back!

Before meeting her, I seriously fretted way too much in worrying about my future and all the what-ifs of a lifetime that wasn’t even guaranteed to me. Caught up in this cycle of looking back on the past and peeking ahead toward the future, I neglected to enjoy the moment in front of me, the only moment guaranteed.

I walked away from that conversation with hope. Her answer made me think, and through my thinking, I began to focus. In this determined state of mind, I delved into a whole new set of experiences that flirted with my senses. My world suddenly blossomed into sweeter scents, more delicious tastes, prettier views and a more definitive sense of awareness. I was savoring the present, making the best of my life as it was gifted to me.

Living in the Moment

As I write this blog, I am reminded that outside the giant, sweeping busyness of life exists a peaceful nook where rest breathes focus into our cluttered lives. In our quest to pursue dreams and achieve goals, we often rush through life, from one event to another, missing the treasures that offer solace, like a leaf dancing on the waves of a gentle breeze or the curiosity playing on a dog’s perked ears as she sniffs the green grass at her paws.

These moments, these small miracles of life, are happening in the here and now. If we get caught up in the craze of the past and the what-ifs of our future, we miss out on the delicacy of the present moment and all its delicious innuendos.

Life circulates its energy around us at all times. It doesn’t wait for us to stop and recognize its actions. It simply evolves and stirs its mystery about with an artist’s finesse. Beauty thrives, miracles whisper their unfolding, mysteries tap their cleverness in joyful beats, and all of these wonders happen with or without our attention. To witness such beauty would seem an awe-inspiring opportunity, one we would never pass up if we were thoughtful of its existence. And yet, its essence is always present, always within our reach. We only have to inhale its simple, yet poignant, energy to connect with it.

Vitality

This vitality multiplies when living in the moment. Thankfully, accessing it is free and easy. No magic pills, airplanes, long car rides are needed to enjoy it. We only need to mindfully observe, and it slides into our awareness as easily as dew slides along the silky surface of a fresh green leaf.

A jovial world exists within the present moment. When enveloped in the brightness of its majestic embrace, we can breathe in the serenity of the moment. In the peaceful folds of tranquility, we quiet our minds and provide a lush and fervent space for focus to take root. Grounded in the present, we are strengthened by the power protecting us from distraction. This is the moment to smile at the world around us with a rich clarity where we can see, feel, and taste its abundance.

A few times a day, we should gift ourselves with the present moment to rejuvenate our minds, stir our creativity, and manifest our dreams into reality. Engage the senses in the carnival of life happening right around us by pausing, observing, and allowing life to tickle us with its clever designs.

Interview with Shellie Blum

by suzie | Jan 5, 2016 | Articles, Health and Wellness

Shellie Blum Exemplifies Perserverance.

Shellie Blum is a woman who has overcome many obstacles to get to where she is today, a woman inspiring others to never give up in the face of adversity.

I first met Shellie through social media, and her daily posts on Instagram and Facebook always lifted the spirit. She seemed to have the right jolt of inspiration and encouragement just when I needed it! When I learned she wrote a memoir, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it because I just knew she’d have quite a story to tell. Gosh, did she ever. I read the first twenty pages and contacted her right away to ask if I could interview her. I knew visitors of this blog would also find encouragement from reading her book. So, I was thrilled when she accepted my request. Below is our candid chat on life, motivation, and the will to keep on keeping on.

Waterski Girl Wonder: A Journey of Perserverance by Shellie Blum

Ask any life coach what the secret to success is and they will likely agree it’s the ability to get back up, learn the lessons, embrace the epiphanies, and let go. In this telling memoir, Shellie Blum has showed us firsthand just how successful she is. Faced with more obstacles than seems humanly possible, Ms. Blum has proven that the sun certainly does shine even behind the clouds. Her touching story reminds us that anything is possible, and the human spirit is unbreakable in the presence of determination. Thank you for teaching us all to ‘keep on keeping on!’ – Suzie Carr

You mentioned early on in the book how you’d be in heaven if you could make a living doing something fun. So many are taught to focus on practicality over fun. What advice would you give someone who has had this drilled into their brain?

Money isn’t everything! It’s so cliché, but so true. I think people end up being much happier and fulfilled if they are doing something in life that they are passionate about. Passion trumps money every time, at least in my book.

Okay, you at 13 with your little hillbilly redneck mind (your words!) riding a mini-bike through the dark woods with a flashlight taped to the handlebars, cracked me up and made me nervous! You had no choice. You needed a way home. What did this teach you about perseverance?

I was young, but even at that young age I felt shame. I was embarrassed to always have to ask people for rides to and from work. My independent streak started very early for me. I was a little bit scared riding my dirt bike at night like that, but I also felt a sense of accomplishment when I made it home safe and sound (without the cops catching me!). If I could do something that dangerous, and be okay, then I’d be alright in the long run. I could repeat those efforts, and push on to the next challenge.

A lot of exciting opportunities came into your life in a big way once you got the attention you earned and deserved. Most people in this situation aren’t sure how to handle the sudden rush. How did you keep your ego in check and stay so humble?

I am glad you think so. Staying humble was/is very important to me. Throughout my life I have seen so many people (athletes in particular) find success and forget where they came from. Somehow, I’ve been able to understand that no matter how successful someone thinks she is, there is always someone that will come along and be better.

There is that little boy or girl in the backyard shooting hoops, hitting a ball, running faster, running harder, and putting in the time and effort to outperform the previous generation. And of course, this same attribute spills over into other aspects of our life experiences. The examples are everywhere, that business person willing to burn the midnight oil to get that report out, or that politician willing to connect with their constituency on every level, or that person doing unaccredited, unacknowledged research that ends up being the cure for cancer.

I believe in the dreamers of the world. You can’t be a dreamer, if you believe you’re the best. My thinking is our ego has to play second fiddle if we want strive for more in life.

You skied for 12 ½ hours straight one day to complete 312 miles for a Muscular Dystrophy fundraiser. 312 miles! Your drive came from a little boy who had sat in his wheelchair on the dock all day waving at skiers, shaking hands with each one as they arrived. You said, “If he can sit there in pain all day and smile and encourage us, then I can keep going.” That is quite a mantra. Do you have a mantra that keeps you going?

The conversation I have every day as the Twins are scurrying to get on their school bus is – Give me some B’s! “Be Good! Behave! Be your Best, and Be a Blum”. What’s our family motto? “WE NEVER GIVE UP!”

Your mother has witnessed more pain than any mother ever should, with the horrific accident your brother endured at 19, your skiing and diving accidents, and the death of your other brother. What did she teach you about trusting the process of life?

This one is very difficult to answer. I’m not sure “trusting the process of life” is exactly how I would phrase it. For me, it’s more of an “accepting the process of life”. Trusting implies a bit of security, and I think once we realize there are no guarantees, and that life throws EVERYONE curve balls, we MUST accept it and learn to live to move on.

Everyone has a story to tell. Another old tried and true cliché I believe is Time Heals! For most, it hurts more to see a loved one struggle with pain, be it physical or emotional, than to experience it ourselves. Examples of strength while enduring these pains come in many forms and fashions. My mom is my hero. Always has been, always will be.

Jealousy can be thick in the presence of competition, as was the case when you began to receive deserved attention for your water-skiing skills. Your fellow skiers, viewing you as a rookie still, gave you the cold shoulder in the wake of your success. Some, when faced with such opposition, shrink down to lessen the pain of the cold treatment. How did you overcome this social obstacle and what advice would you give others facing similar circumstances?

Humor! Don’t take yourself too seriously. Laugh and make jokes because humor is an awesome jealousy deterrent. You can’t win over everyone, but the like-minded people that will, in the end, help defend you, will always remember your humorous side. And uh, hopefully, I won’t get Taylor Swifted or sued for plagiarism, Cause… ♫ the players gonna play, play, play, play, play, And the haters gonna’ hate, hate, hate, hate, hate, Baby, I’m just gonna shake shake shake, shake, shake, I shake it off, I shake it off!♫

In the end, it’s hard to be jealous of that person who made you smile or laugh.

A big goal of yours was to be the first girl to challenge the men on the freestyle Pro Tour. What was your core drive to this goal? Why was it so important to you? Was it something deeper than competing?

WE ARE WOMEN. HEAR US ROAR!

When at Cypress Gardens, you were a serious performer, refusing to party and stay out late because you wanted to be at your best for the audience. You took a lot of pride in your work. What kept your head in the game? Any advice for those coming out of the gate and entering into their dream career when it comes to knowing and respecting this value?

In my earlier days of performance show waterskiing, there was nothing more important than pleasing the audience. Every once in a while, on days when I felt my worst, I had to be my best. I didn’t want to let down the audience. My advice, set your priorities, goals, and dreams. What’s important to you? Put them into order and act accordingly. But pay attention to your own needs, and moderate those needs as well. This advice is coming from an extremist. Paying attention and moderating needs is an extremely difficult balancing act, especially if you don’t know how to be moderate. For me, broken bones and age have helped me understand the value of this. But, it’s something I’m still working on!

The unraveling of so many things occurred after your accident, including one incident when you were on your way to your therapist and repo men stopped you. They allowed you to attend your therapy appointment and even drove you home before repossessing your car. This made me tear up because the ones we’d expect to treat you the worst, treated you with respect, while those we’d expect to treat you with respect and kindness, at times didn’t have the dignity. What are your feelings on this?

I’m glad it affected you in that manner. I thought so too. It is surprising where you will find empathy and sympathy when you’re down. Makes me think of that cool line from A Streetcar named Desire. “Whoever you are, I have always depended on the kindness of strangers…” In that moment with the repo men, an understanding took place. We were the same. I knew they had been that low too. I was honest with my frailty, and they respected that. Everyone has had their struggles in life. It’s best to try not to judge.

After the accident, you had a lot of anger towards a few key people involved in the tragic moment and Cypress Gardens, justifiably so. One of the pivotal moments in your life seems to be when you came face-to-face with the one who you relied on to cut the rope that ultimately broke your neck and ended your career. You forgave him. The anger left. And you were able to move forward, even with a new understanding that this man wanted you to succeed. Tell me about this epiphany and how it came to life in you?

I should have never been put in that horrible position to begin with. This fact is where most of my anger had stemmed from. It has taken years and years to get past that anger, but I have forgiven everyone involved, including myself. I have come to realize it was what was meant to happen. We can’t change our past. We can only look to our future. We must believe and dream for that brighter future.

My favorite line of this story is this: “If Cypress Gardens could morph beyond itself and turn into something brand new (Lego Land), then surely we skiers could also learn to move beyond Cypress Gardens.” So, I have to ask, what’s next for Shellie Blum?

Politics perhaps? Fight the good fights and let the others go. How to know the difference at times, I’m not sure. But I’m willing to try and find out. Lots of things would have to fall into place, and already I can feel resistance in my newest endeavors/arena, the book publishing world. I’m fighting in a new system. Things have changed, but I am feeling the “powers that be” still at work, still trying to thwart the dreamers. But they will not succeed because my success is up to me, and already I have been blessed by the positivity of like-minded peers, people such as yourself Suzie. They cannot stop the storytelling dreamers.

Thank you Shellie for sharing your inspiring story with all of us. Your words and actions are forever etched in my heart and, no doubt, the hearts of many.

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To learn more about Shellie Blum and her inspiring life, check out her website and grab a copy of her touching memoir.

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Stay Fit Even When Busy

I needed to find a way to stay fit