“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.” – Brene Brown
What happens when you own everything you have been through? For many women, meeting their challenges and personal adversities is not easy, and this can often mean living an avoidant lifestyle.
According to Kate McKay, the youngest of 9, who was shipped off to private school and ‘humbled beyond measure’- being surrounded by high achievers – it is who you surround yourself with that makes all the difference in manifesting your success.
Today Kate is a High-Performance Coach, Business Strategist as CEO of Siena Strategy Group, and international best-selling Author, Transformational Speaker and Athlete who recently sat down with Rhonda Swan to share her story.
In 1987 Kate’s family experienced a tragedy that was fraught with challenge and adversity that called Kate into action. She became the glue and the strength that her family needed. Unbeknownst to her, that time also brought out her inner light.
“The light in me is the light that was in Will, knowing that he showed me the way, he was a portal – this is why I am so committed to the stories of others being heard and that helping others to own their own light is why I am here.”
Feeling empowered in your own journey will require small steps, self-compassion and the right support. Through implementing the following, Kate was able to own her story to begin walking with the light within:
1. Your Community Matters:
Many have heard the saying ‘you become the sum of the 5 people you spend the most time with’. Are you actively ensuring that the people within your space are committed to being there for you in the hard times, not just the good ones?
“I have less people around me that see the light in me, and it requires discernment. Discernment is a spiritual practice. The people I do have around me, support me.”
2. Devotion to Your Physical Vessel:
As a Personal Trainer and Athlete, Kate has found freedom in the devotion to her movement and eating routines. By meticulously taking care of herself, it has provided a grounded structure from which to free her mind and allow her body to release trapped emotions from the challenges of her past.
“When I get to the gym and work out, I come in, knowing that this gives me a sense of clarity. I know that I am where I’m supposed to be. For me, I love doing weights because it makes me feel strong and this keeps me going even when I’m at my limit! It takes strength to muster up the courage to live your authentic self.”
3. Bring the Joy:
This sounds simple enough, but as Kate points out, there are ways that we can consciously increase the energy that we bring to any given interaction:
“One of the number one ways that we can do that is to simply bring our presence, and ask ourselves, ‘are we fully present with this other person?’ The second thing is to really honor that person. I think that is just such a powerful statement, to really ‘honor’ that person, to light them up, to help them feel that they are seen, and that they matter.”
It shows that the ability to bring more joy to our lives and to the lives of others, really lies in being more mindful, and making it our mission to be more present in our day to day interactions with others.
The Rhonda Swan Show is ‘The Room’ for impactful, inspiring and educational conversations and interviews from those who have dared to follow their dreams, straight into the ears, minds and hearts of those with big ambition. That’s YOU!
Best Selling Author, International Speaker and World-Renowned Online Brand Strategist, Rhonda is the Founder of Unstoppable Branding Agency and is dedicated to helping people turn their passions and dreams into a tangible and sexy reality.