Welcome to our monthly Sweetheart feature, this month we are featuring the lovely Christie Kennedy. Christie is addicted to travel and positivity, a mother to 2 beautiful girls, a partner to a Crossfit 'freak', a date night junkie, a social bee that is conscious about our environment and health & fitness, a loving daughter, a crazy sister and hopes a wonderful friend too many.
Christie is excited for her future and just loves life! She tries to find a positive in everything and strives to do her very best in all that she does. Christie always tells the ones she loves how much she loves them because sometimes life brings the unexpected and she does her best to smile from the inside out.
After reading your blog we are instantly motivated, how do you stay so positive?
My goodness, thanks very much! I do my best to enjoy each day and find good in all situations. In my mind, positivity is a choice, just as negativity is a choice. Understanding that we all experience our 'down' times or what I have coined F.O.F.R (my blog has a more detailed post explaining this acronym), but accept it and move forward. I truly believe we are not dealt anything we can not handle, there is a reason for the majority of experiences, and the people we surround ourselves with is key.
Are you spiritual in any way? Any philosophical life lessons you would like to share?
I definitely believe in a higher power, not sure exactly who or what, but open-minded to all that 'exist'. A couple of the key points I try to remind myself constantly of are The Four Agreements (always do your best, don't take anything personally, be impeccable to your word and don't make assumptions), along with The Five Love Languages, knowing which one I am personally and what the most important people in my life are, goes a long way.
I know you have a personal mantra to 'lead by example'. Tell us more about where that came from and how you use it in day to day life?
Good questions! 'Lead by Example' is a simple way to explain most areas of our life. Health, fitness, friendship, personal growth, etc. I admit I have yet to perfect this pursuit, but being raised to 'treat other's the way you'd like to be treated' was engrained in me at an early age. Understanding our days don't always go as planned, doing our best to eat and provide nutritious meals/snacks, being active everyday, following thru on our commitments, and taking pride in what you're doing, all take conscious effort. Life is worth living and doing so is a choice each and every day.
Who inspires you?
I wish I could have a specific response everyone would know or could relate to, but honestly when I consider who pushes me to be a better person, who moves me to tears, or creates that uber warm feeling inside, I would have to say anyone who is on a journey of improvement. Whether it be the 'Secret Santa's of society, the contestants or viewers of the Biggest Loser, the dudes from The Buried Life, my family and friends, or the parents at the park taking time to engage with their children. We are surrounded by everyday people, doing their best to make a difference and observing the little and the bigs inspires me tremendously.
Your husband seems to be quite the fitness expert. What has he taught you about fitness? Any tips you can share for us clueless people?
'Clueless people' - LOL! I am pretty sure everyone has some clue (wink), we just might be limited in our knowledge. Dai is very knowledgable, dedicated, sincere, and all around awesome! 'Always Keep Moving' has been a huge tip, no matter the level of fitness. We are both very passionate about helping others, and him on a health and fitness level especially. He introduced our entire family to Crossfit a few years back and since moving to the city, our daughters and I have been able to train regularly. It's something we all physically enjoy and the Crossfit community consists of a pretty solid group of people.
What do you do to stay fit?
I grew up involved in almost every sport imaginable, well not every, but a good majority. I am the eldest of 6, so fit was just a way of life for our family. Team sports were my specialty, but I am game for almost anything. I have always struggled engaging in the traditional gym workouts, though there was a stint where I only allowed myself to watch Sex in the City if I was on my elliptical...that machine didn't know what hit it when the box set was released! I am definitely a social fitness person. I enjoy people, I embrace being challenged, and appreciate being committed to a goal. So as of late, Crossfit is my main fitness choice, but I try to mix in a swim, walk, yoga or bike every so often. I am even known to do squats, push ups, and sit ups during late night TV or laundry days - no excuses, LOL.
What is Crossfit? Tell us about it?
A properly articulated definition of Crossfit is...'CrossFit is a strength and conditioning brand that combines weightlifting, sprinting, gymnastics, powerlifting, kettlebell training, plyometrics, rowing, and medicine ball training. CrossFit contends that a healthy, fit person requires proficiency in each of ten general physical skills: cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, agility, balance, coordination, and accuracy. It defines fitness as increased work capacity across all these domains and says its program achieves this by provoking neurologic and hormonal adaptations across all metabolic pathways.' To me Crossfit is one of the most successful forms of exercise where I have not only seen people's physical shape change, but their physical and mental strength, confidence, and self worth in a very short period of time. There's a solid community of athletes, moms, dads, grandparents and even kids. Crossfit is a great challenge and never boring, you achieve things you probably never considered until now. For example, pull ups were never on my radar, yet my 90 Day Challenge goal is to beat my 2 girls in a pull up contest. At the start they could do seven combined, I could do barely one...April 1st will be a day of greatness, mama refuses to be beat. LOL!
Tell us more about the 90 day challenge?
We promote a 90 day health challenge, where people gain back their life. With healthy successes, such as weight loss, muscle or strength gains, improved energy, confidence, comes a zest for living. It's amazing to be able to help all ages improve their health thru an easily implemented program that is fun, achievable, and affordable. If you know anyone who has access to the Body by Vi challenge, be sure to support them, your health will thank you. Otherwise feel free to contact me directly through twitter, facebook or my blog.
What role does fitness play in your family life?
It's just our way of life really. We recently moved downtown, so our options are endless for activities; seawall, swim pool, rock-climbing, playgrounds, walking ventures to accomplish errands, etc. And though Fitness Town is an equipment provider and the 90 Day Challenge is a home-based business, we are involved in a number of events that our entire family attends. Whether it be networking engagements, Crossfit competitions, training, fitness events or trade-shows, we bring our girls along. Don't get me wrong, we also enjoy our down time, I think watching movies would be near the top of our list. Being positive about taking ownership of our health and empowering our kids to make smart decision has created a fairly health and fitness focused lifestyle for our entire family, one we enjoy.
How has motherhood changed your outlook on life?
I think I was born a mother, or caregiver of some sort. Even as a young girl I found myself 'mothering' my siblings, I was my mom's second set of arms and eyes. I have always found joy in being there for others, taking charge, getting things done when odds are against you. Isn't that what us mama's do? Make the 'impossible' possible. I have been extremely fortunate to have a number of wonderful women in my life, each teaching me something different, allowing me to develop into me. My hope for our girls is they continue strengthening bonds with women of substance and value as they grow, so they personally learn what an incredible gift and responsibility mothering can be. I guess my outlook now just takes a few extra bodies into consideration, embraces a little more patience, but continues to find the positive in each stage of life.
What are the best things about being a mom?
No matter what you say, do, dont' say or don't do, they always love you.
What do you consider as lamesauce?
A bad attitude, being rude or inconsiderate, and pee on the toilet seat.
What is the favourite place you have traveled to? And why?
Oh tough one. I have thoroughly enjoyed each place I have visited so far and am super excited to embark on many more adventures. To keep it short, as I could chat for ages about each country I have had the pleasure of exploring so far, I will go with South East Asia. The beaches, people, mountains, and cities of Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore were a spectacular experience.
Why do you think Silver Icing is so insanely awesome?
You saw my facebook status - too funny! I love how they feel, and not only how awesome they physically fit, but also how it fits the budget. To find a quality fabric with really great designs for a good price, plus supporting a local business - insanely awesome!!!
What are your must-read fitness, style or general blogs?
Man, you just reminded me I have loads of blog catch up to do. There are so many worthy ones out there. A few off the top of my head are:
and of course
