How delightful to be interviewed today by the lovely Carly Flynn on Saturday Fresh, Saturday Fresh on Radio Live Saturday 10AM – 2PM
Saturday Fresh
Ideas for everyday living with Carly Flynn – a great place to go for useful and inspiring ideas to help make life just that little bit easier. Great recipes, tips on home life, time savers, travel advice, new home products, cosmetics and beauty advise, health and well being, mindfulness – Saturday Fresh has it all covered.
Here is a link to the interview today with myself and Sandra Kirby, CEO of Arthritis NZ
And seven of my tips for starting to manage your Arthritis for a positive and happy life!
Be Ok with asking for help and get a team around you including medical people, an Arthritis Educator fron Arthritis NZ, friends and family, and support person (especially for appointments).
Book in regular friends and family dates where you and loved ones agree not only focus on your illness
Focus on what your body does well – stop beating yourself up for what it doesn’t
Hang out by yourself doing things you like doing
Give yourself pat on the back for all you did well today
Drink more water; hydration is a great pain killer
Move more – start with a few minutes, build up to exercise snacks and focus on what you can do not what you can’t
Keep practicing on your positive mindset
I believe it is the best the way to cope
for there’s no arthritis cure… yet
but there’s a lot that can be done
many small steps lead to big possibilities
and if you positively embrace life with arthritis you can achieve all that you desire
Incredible! I woke up this morning and for the first time in 13 years (almost to the day) there was no prednisone, codeine or tramadol in my hand. My methotrexate hangover was mild and my inflammation and morning stiffness only lasting an hour! Incredible…. I can handle the new swollen finger and the new pain in my shoulder, this is my body recovering from my fall a month ago, and the bursitis on my knee will mean I will still take my crutches out today…. Yet there is hope and that hope is what keeps you going.
Let’s face it; rheumatoid arthritis is a pretty crap disease, any arthritis is really. It’s not popular, doesn’t get much media, and when it comes to funding it is a struggle. Living the life you desire is seriously compromised. The impact the disease and medication side-effects has on day-day functioning, relationships, energy and living well is like being on a rollercoaster ride at the speed of the european autobahn, and without notice the highs can be wiped out like a high speed crash without warning!
That’s why you have to celebrate the good days and do what you can, when you can. The toughest part of the disease for me is never knowing what the morning will bring, the unpredictability causing the most distress as you can never fully commit to functions or plan too far in the future as that day might be one of the bad days.
I don’t want to bang on and compare my illness with anyone elses, and I certainly don’t want to get into a debate about which disease is worse to have. I just want to put it out there that when you get RA young it is like a double edged sword, it’s a relief because it won’t kill you and you have plenty of years to learn how to manage it, but it is also tough some days because for you and your support crew, those closest to you there is also no end. The unpredictability effects everyone around you too. It is tough for everyone and just as you work out your new normal something changes. Symptoms come and go in waves, working out the impact for you is challenging enough, but we also have to ask for help, this is tough and receiving help is tougher. Your support crew are willing but communicating with them your needs, especially if the symptoms are new this can be heartbreaking for you all. We must remember our support crew have no end either, and this is more challenging as we begin to look well but our functioning is still limited.
The good news is we are in one of the best technological ages and a future with RA looks brighter. When my Nana was diagnosed she was prescribed asprin and bed rest – 50 years on and I have been prescribed infusions and exercise. Around the world there are superdrugs, super research teams, rheumatologists, surgeons who are moving ahead with management plans for the disease – The positive changes have been phenomenal in my 20 years with the disease. I believe there is always something just around the corner to slow the progression, and make sure that I am not painfully destroying myself from within, the crutches give me independence and the wheelchair is far off in the distance! Who knows what medicine, my tenacity and the support of my A team will be able to accomplish by the time the wheelchair is needed – if at all!
Until then I am am off for brunch, to enjoy some time with my sister and hubbie! Two of my team that have been with me in through the tough times – lets use this window of feeling better to good use! …. Cease the Day Carpe Diem!
Ps Thanks for reading! You are all incredible and my hope for you is today you get to do something that makes you smile too!
So it’s after midnight but this always happens after any treatment I get as I get a bit dose of IV steroids that lasts a day or so. The good news is I wanted to share a couple of very cool groups of super heroes, some I have never met but they have been rocks and supported me on more than one day this past six months. They are all heroes in my eyes read more on how they changed me life here..
Firstly the superheroes at the CDHB 🌟 and Surgical Day Unit 🌟 ! I counted 14 different people who came and advised me and made me feel comfortable at the odd anxious moment and completed the procedure quickly and smoothly. Three on the anaesthetic team, two consultants, one registrar, pre-op, surgical, recovery and post op nurses.. Not to mention the behind the scenes crew I never met! It was amazing and all of them are super heroes in my mind! Thank you.
So far (apart from the temporary insomnia ) I am feeling good . My Rheumatoid Arthritis flare means I qualify for another round of my magic treatment, it is pretty awesome that the NZ health system and treatments have come so far and are working for me to keep everything at bay physically so I feel we are leaping off to a great start of my 20 years of arthritis celebrations with another superhero Rheumatology and Immunology team at CDHB 🌟 .
The flip side of course is the emotional roller coaster still has its challenging days. So here is another group of super heroes I have never met but been rocks and supported me on more than one day this six months.
I feel blessed that following Jamie Oliver and his food revolution campaign in May 2015 that I discovered and became a part of an incredible community through the @YOU_APP. The amazing @YOU_team along with the ever inspirational @jamieoliver and all of the people involved make it such a positive, empowering and life changing experience. Those who already follow me know that 2016, has started out pretty challenging on the health front and I know that is largely because I give and give and forget to look after myself. After six years of hard work and dream chasing my hubbie (@tutumannz) and I opened our specialised wellness studio LeapHQ, empowering others with health conditions to leap2it! and discover their own life balance, and share their good news.
It’s been an amazing year and personally it had so much to do with this APP. During our NZ winter when usually I get sick I turned YOU actions to help keep my balanced. I became the wellest (doubt that’s even a word) energised and healthiest I had been in a decade thanks all the micro actions I did. One day my dream is to meet them and give them all a big thank you hug. They hopefully know how much they positively impacted on my life and how everything fits perfectly into my LEAP philosophies for loving life, enjoying exercise, appreciating all around YOU and participating positively. This year I am going to use the APP to record a one minute diary and most importantly I am no longer going to be selfish and keep this APP to myself! The world needs more of YOU to know about it and grow this community so we all live in a healthier, fitter. stronger, and happy place.
So for 2016 I highly recommend you download https://you-app.com, follow their blog and be apart of something great 🌟 and while you we are on the subject of super heroes you can not go past a look at Jamie Oliver’s new book Everyday Super Food 🌟 or his blog to learn more here http://www.jamieoliver.com/healthier-happier-you/
As 2015 comes to a close,it’s the perfect time to reflect on the last 12 months. This year was so busy it seemed to fly by and it’s hard to believe what we achieved in such a short time.
We worked alongside some amazing people this year, and as many doors closed some new ones opened and we were had great new opportunities, Setting up LeapHQ, closing out our EQC chapter, learning to live and enjoy our new home and keeping on top of my health definitely took up most of our time. There were plenty of “good golly what the @$&? have we done moments” and the “we are giving up moments” sometimes seemed the easy option..
However, as the year closes out we are so pleased we didn’t give up. Seeing LeapHQ come to life has been enormous challenge but a lifetime highlight. Creating a space that you, our LeapCrew, friends, family and Riwai and I love hanging out in has kept us focussed in those tough times. The icing has been having the studio and office at home allowed me to have a chance at a life goal of moving without crutches and our making our health more manageable – a gift money can not buy!
While on summer break I’ve been spending some time thinking about all of the lessons that I learned. Next year is 20 years since I was diagnosed with Arthritis, it is a Leap Year and we are also celebrating our 10th series involvement with the Catch Fitness 20 Week Challenge. (Where Leap and our incredible journey began in 2008!)
So much to share but with that said, here are five of the most important lessons we learned in 2015…
Stop Worrying. All our years of worrying and so far it has all turned out, and we have had some pretty big things to face! But we survived. 2015 was a turning point. Now anytime I feel myself in a worrying cycle, we stop and see if we can do something to change an outcome and DO it OR if it is out of our control STOP and BREATHE and remember just worrying won’t make a scrap of difference to the end result. Things don”t always go to plan but often it is the uncomfortable moments that we learn the most about ourselves and discover new opportunities.
Do what makes you happy! Life gets busy, chores and stuff gets in the way. But 2015 reminded us again that life is precious and for many people we know 2016 will not be the same. Some have had loved ones passed on or those near and dear to them facing new health challenges that stop them doing things they want in life. Don’t wait to Live! Live your life from now and create loads of memories that make you smile. There is so much research about positive psychology these days and 2015 reinforced that discovering what you enjoy doing and doing what makes you happy is a gift you must give yourself in 2016.
The greatest gift you can give is your time. We feel extremely fortunate to be surrounded by the people we have in our life. From family to friends, to our LeapCrew, and LeapTribe, we get to hang out with people that we love and trust. When you surround yourself with people who get you and let you be yourself, it makes all the difference. Making time to spend with those that fill your energy bucket is a priceless gift. We have the privilege to be surrounded by some of very talented and wonderful people. We encourage all of you to take stock in who really matters to you, who supports you no matter what, and who supports you being happy. Show those people how much they mean to you, and spend as much time with them as you can. Life is too short to settle for anything less. Ps Oh and while I am at it make sure you give yourself some of that time too! Spending time by yourself should be treasured and something I learnt I need to do regularly to have more to give others.
Giving Back is essential. We have been blessed to have good support throughout our lives, and for that Riwai and I are very grateful. We are also aware that there are many, many people who need support. And there’s nothing that makes us happier than being able to give back. Whether it’s working with our LeapTribe, creating with our LeapCrew, or neighbours we work with in our local community, the recipients of the TutuMan scholarships (for starting journeys off the couch), raising awareness of Endometriosis with the extraordinary team at Endometriosis NZ, being an positive voice for Arthritis NZ, cooking a meal at Ronald McdDonald House or taking a box of blankets for less fortunate furry four legged friends, lending a hand is a huge priority of ours. It truly brings us so much happiness reaching out and supporting others.
Celebrate your milestones, especially the small ones. There is no one like you in the world so embrace all that makes you unique and do the best you can do on the day. Keep smiling, relax and go at your own pace, If something feels overwhelming then break it down and focus on doing one thing really well, when you feel good about that one thing, move on to the next step! We did some pretty cool stuff this year. If we hadn’t recorded it or taken time to celebrate it would have all blended in and quickly been forgotten as we moved onto the next thing. By recording our milestones when the tough times hit I have been able to go back and refresh my memory bank with what we have already achieved! So the most important lesson for me this year was is when you achieve something that you are proud of stop for a moment, record it somehow and celebrate.
What are the most important lessons you’ve learned in 2015?
Now we would love to hear from you…
Much love, smiles and hugs Cate & Riwai
Ps Also, I just wanted to say thank you to each and every one of you who follows us, comes to leap2it.com and categrace.com and reads our blog posts. We feel blessed for the community and tribe we’ve built up over the years , and love being part of your journey to discovering and sharing your good news! You’re AWESOME!
In February 2010, I discovered a gap in the health and fitness market. With my curvy frame, crutches and a myriad of health conditions I knew exercise was important for overall wellness, however the traditional gym environment was not suitable for me.
Five years on despite 12000 earthquakes, a few snow storms, multiple hospital visits, losing loved ones and our Eqc dramas, we have managed to complete over 7000 sessions for nearly 300 LeapStars. We have worked from Stourbridge, Moorhouse, Lichfield, Ferry, Wilsons, Main South Road, Operation Suburbs from Rolleston to Halswell to Templeton to Swannanoa to Rangiora… And finally to Colombo for the last few years. It has been a mammoth ride but the gap and dream I had in 2009 has still not been realised.. But now we are finally ready! I feel like I am graduating from a five year degree. I have observed, learnt, trialled, adapted, adopted a range of skills and experience from all the professionals I have worked by and all the clients I have trained! I have my own unique style that works for me and I love what I do! .. I am ready to fly solo!
We have been working behind the scenes with over 50 tradies and helpers and in two weekends our very own private wellness studio will open.
It has been one hellava ride and there have been many tears, heated discussions, tantrums, last minute changes and high jinx! Would I change anything.. Absolutely not! I got this fab gem from a friend and I made it my mantra 🙂
I have my chin up because we are doing it! We have transformed a mechanics garage into my dream and before the doors open it has already been rewarding, satisfying, awe inspiring and AMAZING..
So wonderful followers, friends and LeapStars my apologies if for the next 30 days your get spammed with my update blogs.. I hope you hang in there with me and ride the waves. I want to document this epic month in our journey so that we can look back at Easter and sit with a champagne and go… WOW 🙂
Following my previous blog Out of My Comfort Zone tonight is the night I hit the stage in exquisite range of underwear. It’s three o’clock, and I am madly rushing across town so that I can showcase the new spring collection for The Fitting Room. We have a dress rehearsal and I am am on stage four times. Corporate, Bedoiour, Swim Wear and Finishing in the Prints Session. I am so pleased that the music collection includes one of my favourite songs and the lyrics are perfect to settle my nerves!
“Roar”
I used to bite my tongue and hold my breath
Scared to rock the boat and make a mess
So I sat quietly, agreed politely
I guess that I forgot I had a choice
I let you push me past the breaking point
I stood for nothing, so I fell for everything
You held me down, but I got up (HEY!)
Already brushing off the dust
You hear my voice, you hear that sound
Like thunder gonna shake the ground
You held me down, but I got up (HEY!)
Get ready ’cause I’ve had enough
I see it all, I see it now
[Chorus]
I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire
‘Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar
Louder, louder than a lion
‘Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You’re gonna hear me roar
Now I’m floating like a butterfly
Stinging like a bee I earned my stripes
I went from zero, to my own hero
You held me down, but I got up (HEY!)
Already brushing off the dust
You hear my voice, you hear that sound
Like thunder gonna shake the ground
You held me down, but I got up (HEY!)
Get ready ’cause I’ve had enough
I see it all, I see it now
[Chorus]
I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire
‘Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar
Louder, louder than a lion
‘Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You’re gonna hear me roar
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You’ll hear me roar
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You’re gonna hear me roar…
Ro-oar, ro-oar, ro-oar, ro-oar, ro-oar
I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire
‘Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar
Louder, louder than a lion
‘Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You’re gonna hear me roar
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You’ll hear me roar
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You’re gonna hear me roar…
One moment you are in the depths of despair worrying about upcoming rounds of infusion treatment. The next minute you receive a message that you have been named a finalist in the Business Entrepreneur Category of the Westpac Women Of Influence Awards for 2014. I pop on the jug, re read the email and grin as I remember I very nearly didn’t put my application in……
Applications closed a couple of weeks after I had been in hospital, we were out of our house for asbestos, arguing with EQR and couch surfing at my mums and dads waiting to go home. I had been advised I had been nominated and I had to submit and application. The easy answer was to say No but I felt so honoured to be nominated that it was one of the leap of faith moments. In the end I had a change of heart and decided if others had taken the time to write about me I should take the time to write about myself. I hit submit and hadn’t given it another thought.
The jug has boiled, the tea is made. I do a couple of fist pumps and a YEEESS! Yelp what an honor! I sit in my favorite chair and just smile, one of those warm all over body smiles like you have just been caught by the sun as it peaks out of the clouds and falls all over you.
I take it all in. The list of finalists is extraordinary and I am just blown away and so honored to be named. This honor is super special as my whole reason for my businesses is to empower women to discover and share their good news. There is a warm glow from inside as I think of all the women in my life who have inspired me. My mind wanders to my nan. When she was alive I would pop in to see her most days, and as the screen door rattled she would call out “hello love, come in and tell me all your stories”.
I never knew what an enormous impact those few words had on me and how 18 months later they have formed such a special part of my practice. I am blessed to ask my wonderful women the same question and the stories I hear keep me inspired and encouraged to keep going.
Honouring women who have explored their good news, discovered it and are now CELEBRATING. I am excited about going to Auckland and celebrating with them. Win or Lose it doesn’t matter because today I feel I have already won with the life I lead. I believe we’ll BE OK!
