What is success?
In a perfect world, we all want to be great successes in life. One of the bitter disappointments in my life was not that I was not voted "Most Likely To Succeed," but that I missed receiving that title by 2 votes (thanks Mr. Dillon for telling me--like I really needed to know that). Or that I was only voted First Runner-Up for Miss Teen New York because I had chosen an out-of-state college. Had I gone with my second choice, NYU, I would have been granted that title.
But I digress...
I have always thought that I was successful, at least by my standards. I finished college and had my masters degree by the age of 24. I got my doctorate when I was 30. I have been married for over 10 years, and have the two best kids in the world. I have a low paying job that gets little respect, but makes a world of difference for a lot of people who don't have a lot. I have a few people that I consider close friends who would probably go out on a limb to help me. I would go out on a limb to help a lot of people in my life.
From time to time, my husband and I talk about me starting my own business. While, in theory, it would be great and hopefully profitable, it's a lot more work than I'm willing to put in. I know realistically, I will not be able to do my job as a pediatric physical therapist for 30 more years before I retire. It would behoove me to look into something else. I would like to work as a Committee on Special Education chair or sub-chair, but that would take an administration degree, and I'm not sure I want to go back to school for yet another degree.
So, I have come to realize that success is, much like beauty, in the eye of the beholder. I feel that I am successful. I may never own a business. I may never publish a novel. I may never become a Clinical Specialist. But, I can be a help to those I know who will accomplish these things.
Through the great world of social media, I am once again in contact with many former schoolmates of mine who are launching their own businesses. I first became aware of this while shopping in Target when Jake was a few years old. I stopped at the music section by the cards (you know with the little buttons to hear the sample music), and saw a Parents Magazine DVD about baby yoga. As I was reading the blurb on the back, I realized that the woman on the front was a girl that I had gone to PT school with. I believe I said, "Holy Shit" out loud before I could help myself.
Anyway, I have a number of peers that are in business for themselves. While this blog is certainly not the most popular out there (hey, but closing in on 1,000 hits!), I'd like to use the forum to help out my former classmates expand their clientele. I just want to see people I know succeed, so here are some links. Go ahead, visit them. If they are a service/product you can use, use them! Recommend them onto friends. I'm putting them on here because they are people I know. I don't specifically have anything to do with their services, so buyer beware.
Personal Trainer in the Boston (Newton) area: Charles Inniss
www.trainingwithcharles.com
If you need to get into shape, especially if you have had prior injuries, Charles is your man!
Pediatric Therapy in San Francisco: Starfish Therapies
www.starfishtherapies.com
Stacy Menz, PT, DPT, PCS is the owner and a great, great therapist. Follow on FB for great articles and references, so check it out if you are not near San Fran. It is a great resource!
Training for Ice Skaters: Sk8Stong
www.sk8strong.com
Lauren Downes, MSPT has a series of training DVD's and programs for off-ice personal training for all levels of ice skaters. The programs are designed to prevent injuries through proper strengthening, as well as to improve technique. I was blown away watching the sample videos on YouTube!
These are the three that I can think of right now. If I come across other people doing good things, I will make sure to share. It makes me feel like a success as a person to help others!
But I digress...
I have always thought that I was successful, at least by my standards. I finished college and had my masters degree by the age of 24. I got my doctorate when I was 30. I have been married for over 10 years, and have the two best kids in the world. I have a low paying job that gets little respect, but makes a world of difference for a lot of people who don't have a lot. I have a few people that I consider close friends who would probably go out on a limb to help me. I would go out on a limb to help a lot of people in my life.
From time to time, my husband and I talk about me starting my own business. While, in theory, it would be great and hopefully profitable, it's a lot more work than I'm willing to put in. I know realistically, I will not be able to do my job as a pediatric physical therapist for 30 more years before I retire. It would behoove me to look into something else. I would like to work as a Committee on Special Education chair or sub-chair, but that would take an administration degree, and I'm not sure I want to go back to school for yet another degree.
So, I have come to realize that success is, much like beauty, in the eye of the beholder. I feel that I am successful. I may never own a business. I may never publish a novel. I may never become a Clinical Specialist. But, I can be a help to those I know who will accomplish these things.
Through the great world of social media, I am once again in contact with many former schoolmates of mine who are launching their own businesses. I first became aware of this while shopping in Target when Jake was a few years old. I stopped at the music section by the cards (you know with the little buttons to hear the sample music), and saw a Parents Magazine DVD about baby yoga. As I was reading the blurb on the back, I realized that the woman on the front was a girl that I had gone to PT school with. I believe I said, "Holy Shit" out loud before I could help myself.
Anyway, I have a number of peers that are in business for themselves. While this blog is certainly not the most popular out there (hey, but closing in on 1,000 hits!), I'd like to use the forum to help out my former classmates expand their clientele. I just want to see people I know succeed, so here are some links. Go ahead, visit them. If they are a service/product you can use, use them! Recommend them onto friends. I'm putting them on here because they are people I know. I don't specifically have anything to do with their services, so buyer beware.
Personal Trainer in the Boston (Newton) area: Charles Inniss
www.trainingwithcharles.com
If you need to get into shape, especially if you have had prior injuries, Charles is your man!
Pediatric Therapy in San Francisco: Starfish Therapies
www.starfishtherapies.com
Stacy Menz, PT, DPT, PCS is the owner and a great, great therapist. Follow on FB for great articles and references, so check it out if you are not near San Fran. It is a great resource!
Training for Ice Skaters: Sk8Stong
www.sk8strong.com
Lauren Downes, MSPT has a series of training DVD's and programs for off-ice personal training for all levels of ice skaters. The programs are designed to prevent injuries through proper strengthening, as well as to improve technique. I was blown away watching the sample videos on YouTube!
These are the three that I can think of right now. If I come across other people doing good things, I will make sure to share. It makes me feel like a success as a person to help others!
Thanks so much Kate! Sk8Strong is now present in over 40 countries worldwide, and we have over 2000 DVDs in circulation! It's so much fun helping people develop programs all over the world while still having time with my kids :)
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