New Years Resolutions

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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! 

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So here’s my first rant for 2015. I actually don’t like ranting but with New Years resolution posts still inundating my social media I got a little het up. Post after post, sponsored adverts all laying it on thick “encouraging” women in particular to feel guilty and sinful about what they have done over Xmas. Then I saw a post from a well respected but not registered industryite who ranted about someone stealing her ideas and then “stole” someone’s idea and posted as her own with branding. Then there are the hundreds of what’s bad and what’s good for you posts by all those just out to make more money off you…Grrr.

We are in a time of hyper technological globalisation where finding who you are and what works for you in an age of squillions of ideas is a massive challenge.

Everybody has a unique body so my advice to feeling amazing, full of energy and happy is start taking notice of your best asset – you! It also carries around the most important computer of all – your brain. Listen to the messages you are giving yourself everyday and act accordingly.

Oh and invest in qualified and registered professionals to guide you with this unique discovery process of understanding what makes you tick, instead of trawling the internet, google, Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook for quick brainwashing answers.

Professionals know what they are talking about. Oh and if it’s exercise your body is asking for then look for IREPS or REPS registered personal trainers for advice. There’s loads of awesomeness in them around the world and they are switched on and know what they are talking about. And they made it on the global top list of fitness trends for 2015.

Ps rant over ‪#‎dowhatmakesyouhappy‬ ‪#‎listentoyourbody‬
‪#‎findaprofessional‬
‪#‎keepitsimple‬
‪#‎leap2it‬!

Ps this is a great article with sensible advice

Stuff Hottest Trends for 2015 by Raewyn Ng

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May 2014 bring you peace and tranquility, my hope for you is you find a word to inspire you to find good news to share and discover your greatness.

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Two years ago I wrote this blog post….

res·o·lu·tion (r z-l sh n) n. 1. The state or quality of being resolute; firm determination. 2. A resolving to do something. 3. A course of action determined or decided on.

This year instead of a long list of resolutions why not pick a word that you love and make sure this year your lifestyle, exercise and alone time choices match your word and keep you smiling!

Whats your word for 2012?

Each year on New Years day I pick a word. 365 Days ago my word was resilient and my words and actions for 2013 reflect I took this word and ran with it!

It has been one of the hardest years I have ever remembered with the loss of someone near and dear, the stress exasperated my health and the effects of the earthquakes still creeping in and blindsiding me from unexpected angles. On the flip side it has also been one of the best years I have had, an amazing year of accolades working in an industry I love and where I can inspire others to find their good news and share it with the world. I watched many conquer their fears and achieve greatness. I met some most fantastic new people, reconnected with some old familiar faces and experienced a long list of amazing things. I was super blessed to end up travelling for my 40th with my soulmate. Unexpectedly winning the opportunity to go to London we then did a whirlwind of Paris, Algarve, Lisbon, Dubai and Bangkok. It was a fairy tale. And as I look back and reflect, not a day went by that there wasn’t a lesson to be learnt, something to appreciate and a chance to build my resilience. And I wouldn’t change a thing.

This year at a restaurant with friends we were asked what our word for 2014 is going to be.

My 2014 word is accessible. It is something I believe I practice already and in 2014 I want to have fun with it and enjoy the opportunities that being accessible brings me both professionally and personally! It is going to be a great year. I look forward to you sharing your word of 2014 with me 🙂

Smiles and Hugs for a magnificent 2014!

accessible
əkˈsɛsɪb(ə)l/
adjective
adjective: accessible
1.(of a place) able to be reached
synonyms: reachable, attainable, approachable, within reach, available, on hand, obtainable;
2.able to be easily obtained or used.
3. easily understood or appreciated.
synonyms: understandable, comprehensible, easy to understand, easy to appreciate, intelligible, penetrable, fathomable, graspable, approachable
4. able to be reached, entered, or used by people who have a disability.
5. (of a person), especially one in a position of authority – friendly and easy to talk to; approachable
synonyms: approachable, available, easy-going, informal, friendly, welcoming, hospitable, pleasant, agreeable, obliging, congenial, affable, cordial

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kind·ness 1.the state or quality of being kind of a good or benevolent nature or disposition: a kind and loving person. considerate, or helpful; humane behavior:
January 2012 is a month that I will never forget for the most wonderful reasons.   I discovered my Knights of Kindness.  As the clock ticked over to Midnight to January 2012, I shared a lovely moment with my family and decided that this year would be my best ever, just like my favourite movie it would be a year of Hakuna Matata – means no worries for the rest of our days.  But sadly in just a few days I could feel my body shutting down, severe pain was creeping back, like toothache through my entire body.   Those dark memories of sleepless nights, hot sweats, lack of strength and extreme fatigue, lack of appetite were back, those signs I wish I could ignore, so I pushed through denying the inevitable until the pain became more difficult to hide.    The rollercoaster had begun, the crutches were be dusted off, my frequent flyers memebership to the Outpatients waiting room renewed and my good old orange disability pass was ready in the car window once more!  Bugger!  RA Flare up – and just when this year was looking so good.
I have met over 25 health professionals this month.   As we medically get this disease under control it has become more important for me to learn about my self and build on my positive attitude I have developed through my wellness.    When we are given news we so often forget we are in control of our own Kingdom.  We can choose how we act.   Aesops fable is that no act of kindess no matter how big or small is ever wasted.   Aristotle’s philosophy on kindness was helpfulness towards some one in need, not in return for anything, nor for the advantage of the helper himself, but for that of the person helped.   Kindess is also one of the Knightly Virtues.    So I have armed myself with smiles, manners and hugs.    In order to rule My Kingdom of Me including my mind, body and spirit I need to lead the charge and show humility, friendliness and kindness to all I come into contact with.  As I take out my finest horse (well shiny red crutches) and lead the charge I have discovered the world is full of modern day Knights who just as in the High Middle Ages display a set of virtues to get me through.  I found a calvary of Kindness and amongst them one in Shining Armour – a perfect way to start Valentines Month and my knights birthday.    Thank you Mr Grace and all my modern knights secretly disguised as as LeapStars, family, medical professionals, strangers and supporters who will help me save my Kingdom and fight my latest battle with Kindness 🙂
 

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Whats your word for 2012?

res·o·lu·tion (r z-l sh n) n. 1. The state or quality of being resolute; firm determination. 2. A resolving to do something. 3. A course of action determined or decided on. This year instead of a long list of resolutions why not pick a word that you love and make sure this year your lifestyle, exercise and alone time choices match your word and keep you smiling!