Meet Kristie Kennedy | Image Confidence Expert

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristie Kennedy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristie, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Recently, I read a quote that captures my position on work life balance by Jana Kingsford, “Balance is not something you find, it’s something you create.” If we unveil the pure definition of balance, it means an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and put something in a steady position so that it does not fall. The question then becomes, “Are there any commitments, thoughts or behaviors that make me feel as if I’m about to fall flat on my face?”

When I was younger my inability to say no to requests threw my home and energy out of balance. The living space became disorderly, and my physical body remained in a state of exhaustion. How can we create more internal balance? I believe it is imperative to start with the basics: A, B, & C. (Awareness, Behavior and Creation) It starts with a heightened awareness of how we are feeling and what activities are resulting in an emotional, physical, or emotional deficit. Once you are aware of what is exacerbating the internal dissonance, you can shift to identifying new behaviors to foster wholeness and, create a new identity you seek to embody. The difference that I see in my life today is that I now monitor and manage moments better by acknowledging what I need, when I need it and giving myself freedom to be a recipient of my own goodness.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think one of the top misconceptions about success is than you become an overnight phenomenon but the truth is those called to pioneer great works will sit on the sculptor’s wheel over life.

I remember preparing to leave for the airport for a new keynote engagement and I said to my husband, “Speaking is a painstaking sport.” Many individuals have expressed a desire to stand on the stage but few have what it takes to endure the behind the scenes commitment. Success requires mental agility, stamina, boundless energy, constant self-regulation and a willingness to go beyond the call of duty.

I often wonder do people really understand what they are asking for? The price is not cheap and there is no lay away plan. You pay upfront day and night, not when you think the time is right. The moment you say yes to success, you can kiss your bed of comfort goodbye. Feeling like you’ve bitten off more than you can chew is the norm.

The work that I am honored to do is both exhilarating and exhausting because I pour out 1000% of my life force to ensure anyone who leaves my presence is impacted significantly. I am reminded of Olympic Gold Medalist, Wilma Rudolph, who was born prematurely as the 20th of 22 children with health challenges that left her paralyzed in her left leg. Her mother told her that, “You can be anything in life she desired and all she would need was: faith, courage, persistence and an indomitable spirit.”

This is exactly how I overcome every single obstacle that dares to stand in front of me. At the heart of my passion is the love of my mother who first believed when all I could see was defeat and poverty.

The most profound lesson that I’ve learned is that, “If I fall, I will catch myself.” I refused to wait on anyone or anything to greenlight my greatness. Time is of the essence and I am determined to leave a mark on this world that cannot be erased. One day I decided to step out of the shadows onto the stage of life and shine. Now that I’ve found my voice, I refuse to shut up because being happy takes guts.

“I’d rather choke on greatness than nibble on mediocrity.” ~Unknown

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My vocation is beyond demanding and the first of two spots would either be an arcade that has go-karts or the beach to relax by the water.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Delores Glover, who is one of my longtime spiritual mentors. She is a woman of passion, purpose and pure love. As a leader, it is imperative to have voices of truth in your ear and I trust her guidance. Time and again in my best moments and the worst, I find endless joy knowing there is a safe space in her arms that I can run to and leave recharged.

Website: www.queenfidence.com

Instagram: @queenfidenceimageconsulting

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristieykennedy

Twitter: @kristieykennedy

Facebook: @queenfidenceimage