What does taking care of ourselves so that we can have a bigger impact actually look like in practice – and how do real change makers fit rest, replenishment and self care into their day to day work?
Today we’re talking to Kimberly Weiss.
Kimberly’s a body neutral, BS-free teacher, writer and speaker. She works with smart women who overthink, focus on perfection and are tired of feeling guilty for eating an extra cookie and “only” going to the gym one time this week. She helps women stop being an asshole to themselves in a way that doesn’t involve sugar cleanses or a daily vision board. She knows there is more to “wellness” than organic apples and kale and teaches people the power of movement for it’s mental benefits and not just a 6-pack. She can be found over at www.kimberlyweiss.com
Tell us about your change making work
My work centers on food and bodies. I coach people who are over the “live your best life!” bullshit, but honestly want to feel less shitty, not obsess/freak out around food, and who still want to be great at things but are tired of the exaustion and stress of perfection.
The women I work with are kind, committed and always want to do the right thing, but in that they also end up passing on BS beauty and body expectations to their daughters and sons. I help people break these cycles.
Where do you do your work?
In my home office, and sometimes a co-working space or coffee shop.
What does a typical day consist of?
Morning calls, coffee, exercise, reading the news/messing around on social media (how long depends on my procrastination), working on a project, planning, checking in on group programs I run, writing.
I’m always talking to someone, writing, planning or well – watching netflix!
Who inspires you?
Anyone that says no, stands up for themselves and shares their voice.
Who and what supports your work?
My desire for less girls to feel like something is wrong with their bodies when they are 8 years old and for women to learn the same.
What are the signs that tell you when it’s time to take a step back and recharge?
When I start getting angry at everyone and feel powerless. I get snappy or I’m trying to do too much and then know I need to step back.
How do you build breaks or chances to replenish into your day?
I like working out either early morning or late morning to take a break. I do mini walks as well – like a 10 minute break outside for fresh air. I’ll often grab lunch outside, just for the walk.
If you have a whole day off, how do you recharge?
Read outside, explore somewhere new where I live, go to brunch with friends. Maybe go to the movies, or just relax in bed at home.
What advice would you give to your younger self, when you first started out as a change maker?
You need to trust your intuition. It doesn’t matter how many experts tell your their way. Your way is the right way that will work for you. You can’t try to do or be anyone else except yourself.
Where do you see your work in ten years time?
I will have written a book for adults, but also would love to do a children’s book around body image and body conversations. I see myself hosting more in person workshops and at speaking events – connecting with people that engage with my work and allowing them to build relationships with each other. I want to build communities for connection and real conversations and in 10 years I hope to be doing that on a larger scale with my speaking, my writing and my group programs engaging people from all over the world.
Over to you…
Kimberly’s work is so important, and it’s great to see that she’s sustaining it in the long term with regular replenishment practices and time to rest.
If you’d like support around building up your own wellbeing practices to sustain the impact of your work long term, find out more about working with me as an individual or hiring me to work with your organisation here.
Spread the word!
We believe taking care of ourselves is the only way to create lasting change, avoid burnout, and have the impact we’re capable of. So sharing our practices and making replenishing ourselves a normal part of how we think about our work is vital! Feel free use the buttons below to share this post on social media, and raise our Change Making Voices together. Thank you!
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