Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
Everyone is always longing for the sweet spot, the perfect balance between work and family. I have found bringing my family along for the rollercoaster ride of my own business has been the key.
Bonnie Hazel Simpson is the illustrator of my children’s book ‘Time Out Tai Chi – Welcoming Jing’ and Jamiesen Simpson is the composer of the music used by Fitness, Education and Health Professional all around Australia when they deliver their community classes. Yes, they are my daughters. My husband is always there as he says to lift heavy things and not know too much. We also have a concrete cutting business which has us reversing part of the roles: I do the paperwork and not know too much.
When I’m not practising Tai Chi, you’ll find me out fishing, 4wd driving, camping and out in the veggie garden living a life that I truly enjoy.
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
My challenges are no different from any other woman running her own business; we are constantly being worn down from the never-ending hat changes. Being a CEO, wife, mother, committee member, daughter, chronic pain manager (I don’t use sufferer), sister, business partner, personal trainer, fitness educator and now grandmother, some days the weight of these hats can get too much.
Over time through my study of Tai Chi I have learnt about identifying my intention, re-directing and being aware of the physical toll stress can take on our bodies and without doubt on our minds and soul. I use intention to break down my tasks, re-directing to ask for help, out-sourcing or letting it go through mindful exercise as part of my wellness plan.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
For me, our businesses are family businesses, we work and play together. Even now with the girls being grown up, we still talk and work through business and family issues. Technology has allowed us to be connected wherever we are.
Sometimes it is difficult to switch off as I love doing what I do. Being able to help people find their best lives is truly a very humbling and rewarding job. Every morning I start the day being grateful for the knowledge I have as a Wellness Coach and Time Out Tai Chi Leader.
Only the other day, I was chatting with a Wonder Woman client and she told me about how, when anxious, she was told to “just breathe” and this made her more anxious. Since working with me, she starts with the feet connecting to the ground, softens her knees, shoulders go gently back and down, expands the chest and relaxes the belly and allows her body to make the best use of itself to take in air. She feels calm.
Another client who is keen to embrace the strength and gentleness of the Incredible Hulk has been having a constant argument with his left side due to a stroke. We have worked on him changing his mindset and he is now seeing improvements and even co-ordination in his Tai Chi.
While it is hard work and it takes a lot of organisation and focus, I would never stop doing this business and I won’t need to, as Tai Chi is a lifelong skill.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
There is always a next adventure. Having worked and travelled around Australia twice, pre and with children, it will be soon time to head off again. This is where Balance Minder will come into its own. Bryce and I will be able to head off in our custom-made camper (hand built by hubby) and live the nomad dream. The business will be run virtually to reach more people and when opportunity comes about, we will hold workshops in rural and remote towns and communities.
This will be the first time my passion will be the leading family business. Every good coach/entertainer needs someone to back them, check the equipment, carry heavy things, and make the coffee. I look forward to shouting my husband a beer in a remote outback town to thank and congratulate him on being the best ever “Waterboy” and “Roadie”.
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