This week I’d like to share the insights of blogger Kimi Hill, author of www.sunandmoon.me. I don’t know Kimi personally, but she approached me after hearing my interview on Up for a Chat and asked me to do an interview for her website.
I decided to return the interview favour and here we are. Kimi is a driven young lady with a beautifully sensitive and creative streak.
Meet Kimi …
Where did your open-minded adventure begin? Was there a significant event that shifted you into gear, or did your outlook on life simply shift over time?
My journey was a gradual one, with a number of significant events unfolding along the way which propelled me to the next chapter of my discoveries. I grew up training to be a professional ballerina – I did distance education for part of my high school while focusing on my dance. During this time, my parents separated and I was thrown into a whole new world of questioning. I chose to cease my dance training and went back to school to complete my senior years. This was the first time I took responsibility for my life and the direction I was heading. Dance was all I had ever known – it was quite difficult for me to go back to being a ‘normal’ teenager after being isolated for so long.
I’ve always been a people pleaser, particularly with my mum, so when it was time to choose a path of study after school, I chose to study dance at university. I was still holding onto a glimmer of hope that I might have been able to become a performer, yet with financial constraints, the only way of this happening would be to go through university. Though, as luck would have it, I was not offered a place in the performance-focused steam. Uncertain with what to do, and wanting to please others, I selected the dance education stream. I graduated in 2012 with two degrees and am qualified to teach in high schools, but it’s not where my passions lie.
During my university studies, I learned one of the greatest lessons of my life – that I don’t have to please other people. The only person I need to please is myself. It took me many years, and some fractured relationships to realise this, but this was the catalyst I needed to propel further questioning and growth of my inner self. I live my life for me, and do everything I can to live a soul-enriching life.
From this discovery, I began to question everything – food and nutrition (which I’ve always found greatly fascinating), exercise and movement, mind, spirit, and the greater workings of the universe.
What drives your enthusiasm for self-care and optimism?
Love. Love for myself, love for those close to me and those I do not know, love for the world around me. To keep the momentum going, I think of what I’m seeking, how I can improve, what I can learn to expand my understanding, and how I can give back to others. I’m inspired by so many things – art, music, nature, stories, the way my partner challenges me, other brilliant people (online and offline). I follow people who align with my philosophies and take motivation from them. I have a big list of blogs and websites I subscribe to and take great joy in reading their posts. It all comes back to love. Learning to love myself has been another big lesson. I’ve learned that we need to have love and respect for ourselves in order to experience life at its’ best.
What keeps you goofy and ‘down-to-earth’?
I never stay still. I’m always moving towards the next step. I take time to reflect and write journals about where I’m at and how much I’ve achieved – but also where I need to go next. I have a gratitude journal and take a moment every evening before bed to record what I am grateful for in my day. I talk to my partner and bounce my thoughts off him. I can get so carried away with my ideas and excitement, I’m grateful to have someone who can pull my head from the clouds and bring me back down to reality. We often go for walks and use this time to connect back to our authentic selves. This is a great time for me to reflect on my intent and stay true to who I am.
How do you keep exercise FUN?
For me, variety is key. I’m much more engaged and motivated if I mix things up! I currently have three different types of exercise I bounce between through my week.
My love and I rock climb together (mostly at an indoor climbing gym, but we’ve just begun to climb outdoors). I enjoy rock climbing for the mental challenge just as much as the physical challenge. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to spend time with my partner – we both work full time with different days off, so rock climbing has become a really precious time for us.
I run a couple of nights a week for cardio (I love how I feel after a run!).
Being an ex-dancer, I also make the time to do a ballet workout through ‘Ballet Beautiful’ (guided ballet-inspired classes). Ballet allows me to stay in touch with my much loved art form, while also toning and lengthening my muscles in a way that rock climbing and running aren’t able to provide me with.
When it comes to nutrition, what is your philosophy?
My journey with nutrition has been a rollercoaster. It has been empowering, yet at times, very confusing. There is a lot of conflicting information out there and it’s hard to know which one is ‘right’. What I know now is that we are not ‘cookie-cutter’ so to speak. What works for one person may not work for another. My partner and I are perfect examples of this. Foods that I thrive on, he does not, and visa versa.
My philosophy is that no matter what way you choose to nourish your body, it should do just that – nourish. I believe we need to be consuming foods that heal, provide sustainable energy, and good amounts of nutrients – to create a strong, energetic, vibrant, well-functioning body.
We should be focusing on an all-encompassing, holistic approach as we work towards being our most optimal in all facets of our lives. We nourish our bodies through food, but also through exercise and emotional-wellbeing. For me, I thrive when I have a diet devoid of sugar, gluten/grain and dairy. I eat a ton of vegetables, a small amount of fruit, animal protein and healthy fats.
How do you overcome limiting thoughts and rationalise negativity?
I’ve read books on this topic and listened to insight from podcasts. What I find works for me is if I can almost distance myself from the negativity. I take a step back, take a moment to process the situation, then respond. I used to react instantaneously (and it usually was a fired up, negative reaction), but I’ve learned to pause, take a deep breath, then respond. The same goes for limiting thoughts. I’ll often call myself names when I’ve made a mistake – I catch it as it happens now, then tell myself that it’s not true (the dialogue usually sounds like this: ‘I’m an idiot’ – ‘No, I’m not. I just wasn’t paying attention’). The language we use with ourselves is powerful! It all comes back to self-love.
Go ahead, inspire us!
Put yourself first. Take time to give yourself the attention you need. Give your body amazing, nutrient-dense foods. Move your body in some way, everyday. Take care of your emotional well-being through gratitude, meditation, positive social interactions, and retreat. When we give ourselves the love and attention we need, we might just inspire those around us to do the same.
Think fast, what are you grateful for right now?
Good food & nutrition – I’m grateful for the goodness and vitality my meals are providing me with. I feel the best I have in years.. possibly ever
Being in touch with amazing, inspirational people – people who see potential in my work, people who believe in the beauty of their dreams (I’m looking at you Rachel! 🙂 )
I recently attended Cyndi O’Meara’s live event in Brisbane. It was hugely inspiring to spend a full day with her, learning and broadening my understanding of nutrition and health!
The weather in South-East Queensland has been spectacular this week. I celebrated my birthday on Monday and we started the day with an outdoor rock climb. The fresh air and the warm sun on my skin was absolute bliss
I am grateful to be sharing my life with my love, Aaron.
Make me drool!
This is my absolute favourite at the moment 🙂
Recipe is by the incredible Sharny & Julius, who I’ve been working with to help guide my meals and eating habits.
Chocolate Smoothie
- 300ml water
- 200ml ice
- 2 large frozen bananas (chop them up before you freeze them!)
- 1 tablespoon cacao
- 1 tablespoon psyllium husk
Put all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Add some more water if wanting a thinner consistency.I love this smoothie – it tastes like I’m drinking a chocolate thick shake… only way better, because it’s doing good things for my insides too!