One of the well-known quotes about curiosity is how it killed a cat! Not exactly a trait you want to have if it leads you to death. However, being curious is not only about meddling in situations that may cause you trouble. Curiosity is a power you can leverage to take you a further step forward to a thriving well-being.
We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”
– Walt Disney
The beauty of being curious as Walt Disney pointed out is that it opens new doors to new experiences. With your well-being, it brings you to a place where you wonder what might happen when you try something new. Challenges may get in your way, yet you welcome them as you imagine the possibilities for learning and growth.
Challenge your Beliefs
Which path are you curious to take to improve your health and wellness? For Kathy, it was the path of taking on an activity she initially thought she hated! RUNNING!
Kathy refers to herself as a ‘late-bloom runner’ since she didn’t start until the age of 50. As her 50th approached, she noticed changes in her body specifically weight gain that coincided with changes in her life and routine . This made her think about running as a way for her to be more consistent. After all, as Kathy mentioned in our interview, it is ‘portable’, ‘simple’ and ‘can do it anywhere!’ She had to challenge her beliefs about running – “I told myself my entire life that I hated to run…!”
Her curiosity led her to participate in an online running group. The level of guidance and support that she received enabled her to shift her mindset about running. The gradual build-up of mileage with enough rests in between helped Kathy overcome the initial reservations she had with running long distance. After finishing her first half-marathon, her curiosity was elevated! “Wow I did that! Now what else can I do?!” Seven years later, she continues to be active with a local running group in Oregon.
Kathy Damas was my guest on the latest episode of Health Transformation Stories (HTS). HTS is a Facebook Live show featuring the amazing stories of women who made lifestyle changes to improve their health and well-being. This show was created with the hope it inspires other women to go on their own journey of transformation.
Watch my interview with Kathy:
About Kathy Damas:
Kathy partners with you to develop a tailored plan with concrete simple steps to get you where you want to be for good by taking a holistic view of your wellness goals (e.g., managing sleep or stress, preventing or addressing chronic disease, moving more, eating well). She does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe but is there to work in tandem with your healthcare team if needed.
An ever-curious late-blooming runner, Kathy founded Be Light Health Coaching after making mid-life health changes of her own. This experience makes her especially patient and passionate about supporting others on their unique wellness journeys. She encourages experimentation, small steps, and the 80/20 rule, which she defines as “doing our best while embracing being perfectly imperfect”.
Kathy is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), one of just 2,300+ in the world and the only coach with this credential in the region. Kathy’s training and experience is administered by the National Board of Medical Examiners and meets the highest possible standards for her profession. She’s a Master Certified Health Coach through the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute, a graduate of the University of Colorado-Boulder with a degree in biology, and is currently studying to become a certified Lifestyle Medicine Coach through the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.
Find out more about Kathy at BeLightHealth.com
