Meet Kate Hanley. Kate is a Ms. Mindbody. Kate is also love. Now that might sound a little odd, but it is what I believe to be true. She embodies and embraces the practice of love-for self first and therefore for others. I had the pleasure of meeting Kate at the Lady Project Summit last Spring, though really I just attended one of her seminars, I wouldn’t say I really met her as scribbled my name & number on a piece of paper to sign-up for a free phone session with Kate, but then I peaced out rather quickly. I listened to and heard what Kate was saying as she spoke about the challenge of, but the need to practice cultivating a mind body connection. In theory I understand the importance of it and for me, I know how much the health of one is related to the other, but it is something that I have always struggled with but something I aim to practice every day and Kate has been a huge supporter of that for me. I have had the pleasure of speaking with her on the phone a few times as I was making life-altering decisions, and then going through the processing of them, and I take her words and her love and I keep them with me, and man does it make a difference! I also receive Kate’s Ms. Mindbody emails (which you get by visiting her site and signing up-and please do!), which are beautiful reminders and ones that have reeled me into practice many a times. I could go on and on, but you don’t need to hear my life story, you just need to know that this woman is special and has helped me continue to build a life story that I am proud of. I can boldly state that I love myself and that I am proud of myself and the way I interact with the world, and while I have done a lot of work and keep doing it, I have Kate to thank for making a commitment to herself, to me and to spreading love. I’m so happy to have her in my life and know you will enjoy learning a little about this beautiful person here:
How do you know BigBellyBloch?
Jaclyn came to a workshop I presented at the PVD Lady Project Summit in Providence. We connected after the event and the rest is history. J
Do you have a nickname and if you are willing to, can you share its origin, please.
My high school nickname was Brillo, because I had short, curly hair. “Hey Brillo, been breakdancing in any pots lately?!” I heard that a lot. My Mom calls me Katy. My husband calls me Baby. My kids call me “Mom-MEEE-yuh!”
What do you do in life?
I help people slow down and hear what’s true for them, so they can do more of what they want to do (not what they think they should do). I do that in a few different ways—I work with people one-on-one as a coach; I write books, articles, and blog posts; and I teach workshops and retreats. Most importantly, though, I do it for myself.
What is your theme song?
Great question! I was actually driving in the car this morning and heard that song, “Safe and Sound” by Capital Cities and thought, hey, this really describes what I do! There was a long period of last year when my theme song was “Holiday” by Madonna.
What food or drink most closely represents you and why?
I’m thinking a glass of Prosecco—a little off the beaten path, fun, not too sweet and not too dry, makes the everyday a little more special.
Favorite herb or spice:
My friend’s Mom makes and sells this amazing blend—pink Himalayan sea salt, lavender, and rosemary. It’s called Salt of the Earth and it makes everything sing.
Build a sandwich that represents ultimate deliciousness and describe it here:
Fried egg, avocado, sea salt, and a schmear of pesto. And the bread MUST be toasted. And, in order to keep my innards happy, gluten-free (she said a little sadly, although I recently found a multigrain GF bread at Whole Foods that is pretty darned good).
What is the biggest challenge you face on a daily basis?
Spending too much time doing crap that doesn’t really matter. I love to putter—do the dishes, pay the bills, weed the lawn, attempt to re-organize the rummage drawer. I am really good at it.
How do you overcome it?
It’s all about finding ways to indulge that desire and use it as an opportunity to let my thoughts quiet down and hear what wisdom bubbles to the surface. When I get in to that quiet mental zone, I know that whatever I’m thinking of is something I need to pay attention to once I’m back in the productive zone.
3PM snack, go:
I’ve been ghostwriting a book for Dr. Mercola, so I am all about fermented foods, raw veggies, and high-quality fats at the moment. If I’m snacking at 3pm, it’s probably olives and a couple slices of cheese, or raw cauliflower dipped in a miso-tahini dressing, or a glass of kombucha (which I buy—ginger flavor, please!) or kefir (which I make and sweeten with a couple drops of stevia and a splash of vanilla)
What are four things you are grateful for?
This life, all forms of mind-body practice, my family (which totally includes friends), and the opportunity to be of service
What are you doing for dinner?
I’m thinking it’s going to be bratwursts, a big green salad, and if I get an early enough start, sweet potato fries (finally discovered that using the convection feature is the key to de-sogging them).
Thoughts on leftovers?
Love ‘em. Devoted to them, in fact. Life is so much better when there a couple of leftover options in the fridge.
Please feel free to share a favorite BigBellyBloch moment if you have one.
Well, I get the feeling that there a lot more BigBellyBloch moments in my future than there are in my past—we’ve been in the same room once, talked on the phone once, and emailed a few times. Honestly, browsing this site really warmed my heart and gave me a sense that you are a person I’d like to know more. It’s gracious, open, curious, funny—all my favorite things! Thanks for the opportunity to be a part of it, Jaclyn. 🙂
