Evolve or DECAY!

COMING SOON...
Indeed it’s been a long time coming.

First off, THANK YOU for tuning in – as I know your time is limited, precious and packed.  That said, I ALSO KNOW you like to be distracted (thus, www.jasonheadley.com, FB (still!), and 4,000,000 cat videos);  you’re curious and love to absorb info from this internet thing; and you enjoy seeing what characters like me are up to with our latest entrepreneurial ventures (at least that’s what you folks keep telling me)!

This is the first in a series of notes leading up to an official announcement.  No, I’m not running for President, not engaged, not pregnant, not moving, not joining the Duggar clan, and not launching an App to find a restaurant (or date). I know you’re thinking, “Geez Kimberlie, that pretty much cancels out everything I was thinking of.  Do tell!”

So this note is a bit of a teaser. And there will be more.

As a refresher or a totally new inside scoop for some folks, here’s a quick summary of my career path (minus the few years after college where I traveled around the country, made fabulous friends, took chances, and realized that there really wasn’t a JOB TITLE that suited me):

KD CAREER INFOGRAPHICUnlike many folks, I didn’t shift from one title to another- instead I added each new role to my plate and kept juggling the whole enchilada…which took a crapload of effort and energy!  Toss in a few years with mercury poisoning and it’s a wonder I didn’t book a room at Seton for a few months!

And then, a  LIGHTBULB went off in my noggin- and I know it was/is God telling me to go back to what is real, right and true. The s-ha reminded me to take a good look at my personal mission statement:

“Everything I do serves to motivate, entertain, and educate folks to live fulfilling lives with newfound perspective, unshakable optimism and dynamic purpose.”

Well, I realized I’d drifted and let up on the focus, enthusiasm and passion I used to have in upholding this promise to myself.  And I knew IT HAD TO CHANGE RIGHT NOW.

“Everything will change.  The only question is growing up or decaying.”     – Nikki Giovanni, poet

So, what does that all mean now?  Well, I am PUTTING MYSELF BACK ON TRACK by taking yet another leap in my career!  (Though, ironically, it is a leap that brings me 100% back to the beginnings of my life as an entrepreneur.  Hint, Hint, Wink, Wink, say no more!)

I’d love for you to stay tuned & keep your fingers crossed, of course.  KIMBERLIEDYKEMAN.com and PURESOAPBOX.com are being totally renovated- so please excuse the broken links, old material and wonky stuff that looks out of place.  What’s OLD will be NEW again!

So, cheers to the possibilities, folks.  And if I could hope for one take-away for you.  Right now.  Reading this.  I’d say:

NEVER STOP EVOLVING

~ KD

 

Kimberlie Dykeman to Host Interviews at Houston Restaurant Loss Prevention Event

TV Host and Expert Interviewer Kimberlie Dykeman has been engaged by EyeOnLP, a division of x-based LP Magazine, to host thought leader interviews at the Metro Houston Crime Conference produced by the Restaurant Loss Prevention & Security Association (RLPSA). Held in downtown Houston April 28th, the leaders of LP Online chose Kimberlie to help kick off this year’s event… and add her signature spice to conversations with top loss prevention technology vendors and industry editors who specialize in the restaurant space.  This month’s national conference will bring together influencers to bring awareness, open discussion and solutions, and to better prepare LP and Security teams, as well as law enforcement entities. Key stakeholders including Houston Mayor Pro-Tem, District Attorney and Sheriff of Harris County will discuss crime-fighting strategies with Loss Prevention and Security Professionals.

This is the first time Kimberlie will be working with LP Magazine, who has been a trusted authority for growth and innovation in Loss Prevention channel reporting. Fingers crossed, Kimberlie will continue to build a relationship with LP through its EyeOnLP division.

About LP Magazine:  The voice of loss prevention since 2001, features in-depth articles and columns in both print and online, with podcasts, videos, and social media sites.

About RLPSA:  An exclusive community of restaurant loss prevention professionals focused on helping its members minimize losses and reduce liabilities, to positively impact company profitability.

About KIMBERLIE DYKEMAN: For over a decade, Kimberlie has built a successful career on as a host, spokesperson, and communications & brand launch specialist working in Austin, L.A., NY, and internationally. She has appeared in and helped produce a collection of hundreds of TV and radio programs, infomercials, commercials, live events, product launches and web series videos for startups, startovers and household brands. She has interviewed hundreds of thought leaders, authors and personalities including execs from Hallmark Channel, Cisco and Microsoft, and celebs like Elton John, Guy Kawasaki, Andy Roddick & John Legend.

Re-emergence…

changelogoYup, it’s been EONS since I posted.  So many rare and odd things have happened in my life since November. My, my, my… the stories I could tell, and the things I’d rather not see again. Onward and upward, right?  And so I have wholeheartedly elected to don this year with the title of…wait for it…THE YEAR OF GREAT CHANGE.  Alas, not outrageous or creative in name, but it works for me.  Simple.  To the point.  And easy to chant during times of “I am close to wimping out on making a decision and taking a leap”.  In a nutshell its message reminds me, lovingly, of the phrase that a workout partner used to yell at me years ago when I was trying to eke out the last reps or try something completely out of my comfort zone (and yes, he was an Italian muscle-head in a torn tank top, but kicked my butt as needed!)

He’d shout: “LOSE THE SKIRT, DYKEMAN!”  And I loved it.  And I DID!  And the results paid off.

So, in my Year of Great Change, I have begun with a few curve balls for my old patterns:

  1. The trademarked pixie haircut is G-O-N_E, my friends. Yup, I finally suffered through the kimberlie final jpeg copy small-head2torment of letting the layers grown out…beyond my little ears…down my neck…and en route to my shoulders.  Holy S&!T I look like a different person. For now, you’ll have to believe me and find me in a crowd, as I am still trying to figure out how the heck to style this mop of blonde!  I am open to suggestions, after all, it’s been about 15 years since I’ve been able to make a ponytail.
  2. I changed my whole place around- painted the kitchen cupboards, sold furniture and cookware, bought new pieces and rearranged the whole scene…and I love it.  Walking downstairs in the morning to see the warm, French yellow kitchen, new decorations and art, and new coffee mugs makes me smile.
  3. arctic fossil crossI started to really LISTEN to and APPLY what I am learning in the church sermons delivered at Grace Covenant Church by the fabulous, flawed, humble and honest Matt Cassidy.  Finding FREEDOM in timely, time-endured messages has taken a burden off my shoulders.  I’ve also realized that it’s much easier to step away from relationships with folks who really don’t match up to my own moral code and chosen path in life.  Simply put, judging others, bowing down to money, making entitled assumptions and slamming Christians doesn’t make up for having the same appreciation of Ferris Bueller, boxing or Rush (the OLD Rush, that is).  Heck, I can take a seat at any bar and wait about 2 minutes to grab a drink with a complete stranger and chat about these silly things that don’t really matter.  Nope.  Not for me. I want to surround myself with folks who have a much greater thing in common (yes, we’re talking about being a Christian) and with whom I don’t need to defend my faith… like it’s a controversial band or political event.  Knowing that I’m connected to people who thank God when things are fabulous and lean on Him when things are crappy… and pray for me when I ask for cheerleading and support… well, that feeling can’t be emulated or replaced.

Well, that’s enough sharing (soapboxing) for now… but there are more shifts on the horizon, and I cannot wait to see just how they unfold.  After all-

“Only those who risk going too far, can possible find out how far they can go.”  ~ T.S. Eliot

Until next time…  Be fearless. Be provocative. Be HUMAN.

~KD

 

 

Kimberlie Dykeman ART: the perfect, original holiday gift

“ The world doesn’t make sense, so why should I paint pictures that do.”   ~ Pablo Picassopage-0

ART REFLECTS LIFE- BUY SOME!!! I know so many folks who, like me, attend art shows and market events and rarely pick up a piece for their own homes or as gifts. Over the years I have added to my own collection with prints, etchings, ceramics, glasswork-you name it. I have also GIVEN art (and not just my works!)- and the reaction from friends and family is priceless every time. ART REFLECTS LIFE- and touches people’s hearts like nothing else.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Gift cards are crap. Anyone can give an Amazon card or sweater or restaurant certificate. BE MEMORABLE! Invest in some art! I’ll help you! Here’s a coupon to my current listed completed works… I’ll even apply it to a commissioned piece you may elect to have me create.

HOLIDAYGIFTSALE2014 15% off $100 or more.  Peruse and get creative!   http://www.etsy.com/shop/kimberliedykeman

Happy Holidays!

etsy

Kimberlie Dykeman Reveals Latest Signature Art at Holiday Event

IMG_2846What a joy-filled day! The Riverbend Church Annual Jingle Bells Market event was a blast and a success! All the labor-of-love work to create my art over the past 8 months; the challenge of designing an engaging set; and the painstaking set-up and break-down over yesterday and today (thank you MJ!) …was worth it. Yes, I sold oodles of crosses and hearts and cards and books. I earned several commissioned projects. I may have even booked a speaking engagement for a huge corporation. Amazing what can happen in a few hours.

But I didn’t sign up for this event to sell stuff.

I decidedly joined a host of wonderful folks who came together in unity, in a church, to share their passion for using their gifts to create beautiful things.

I helped support an event and organization that gives back to charities, our community and, perhaps, society as a whole.

And. Well. I gave myself a platform in front hundreds of people to be an artist for the day. Just an artist. I got to set aside business, bills, computers, doctor visits, workouts and worries… and be… an artist. That might not sound like a big deal, but think about it. When was the last time you actually shed your weekday, workaholic skin and just let yourself be in the moment…or be completely creative… or share your emotions with zero expectations? And let fear take a backseat to focusing just who is in front of you?

Well, today I crammed that all together into a day I won’t soon forget. The authentic, heart-felt conversations about faith, love, life, family and fears that confettied just a few hours revealed that indeed God is involved in the littlest details of our days. I had folks pray for me and with me; well up in tears about the moms they miss and their sisters who are fighting cancer; tell me childhood stories of joy and new homes and new jobs and awesome grandkids. Complete strangers became beautiful connections in a blink. And that is powerful.

Anyone who thinks we’re just a bunch of humans on this big planet, slated only to eat, sleep, work and repeat, and not part of a bigger picture… is a fool. I definitely don’t agree subscribe to that view… but I sure as heck will keep praying that you have your aha moment sooner than later!

And I’ll keep creating days like this for myself…to step outside myself, wear my heart on my sleeve, and be the person God created me to really be.     ~ KD

Kimberlie Dykeman to Host Interviews at Leading Tech Conference

xchangeTV Host, Marketing Entrepreneur and Media Consultant  Kimberlie Dykeman has been engaged by XChange Events, a division of Boston-based The Channel Company, to host thought leader interviews at the XChange 2014 Conference.  Held in San Antonio August 17-19, 2014, the leaders of XChange chose Kimberlie to help kick off this year’s huge event… and add her signature spice to broadcast conversations with top technology vendors and industry editors.  This month’s XChange national conference will bring together 250 solution provider decision makers from across the US and Canada to focus on the latest and greatest opportunities in the solution provider community.  Speakers hail from VMware, Oracle, Symantec, IBM, Dell, Microsoft and many other industry stand-outs.  Kimberlie will be interviewing execs from global companies like Intel, Verizon, Belkin and Microsoft who will speak to the following topics:

• dynamic IT trends
• adapting business models
• developing actionable strategies

This is the first time Kimberlie will be working with The Channel Company, who has been a trusted authority for growth and innovation in IT channel reporting, providing Communication, Recruitment, Engagement, Enablement, Demand Generation and Intelligence services to drive technology partnerships. Fingers crossed, Kimberlie will continue to build a relationship with The Channel Company through its multiple established brands – CRN, XChange Events, IPED, and SharedVue.

About XChange : a powerful community of technology builders, sellers and buyers who gather to network, access market intelligence, and discover exciting new technologies and opportunities. Premier venues for face-to-face interaction between IT professionals for practically every market. Registration still open.  Event hash tag #xch14

About KIMBERLIE DYKEMAN: For over a decade, Kimberlie has built a successful career on as a host, spokesperson, interviewer and producer, working in Austin, L.A., NY and internationally. She has appeared in and helped produce a collection of hundreds of TV and radio programs, infomercials, commercials, live events, red carpets, product launches and web series videos. She has interviewed hundreds of thought leaders, authors and personalities including execs from Hallmark Channel, Cisco and Microsoft, and celebs like Elton John, Guy Kawasaki, Andy Roddick & John Legend.

Stop being a bully- stand up to yourself and shine

intimidationdemotivator“The weeds keep multiplying in our garden, which is our mind ruled by fear. Rip them out and call them by name.”     ~ Sylvia Browne, author and psychic

I recently met with a gent who is involved in the art community in Austin to review my work and talk about my vision, goals, etc. Not sure if I “qualified” for a gallery or show wherein my works might be spotlighted, I figured I’d tap some folks with more info of the scene and get to work on the presumed list of things to do to get one’s foot in the door…someday down the road, if ever.   The surprising depth of his questions not only forced me to honestly look at what I’ve been creating over the years, but his  frank feedback compelled me to acknowledge that I am, actually …an artist.  Mind you, when referring to my work I have always deferred to my self-deprecating humor and offered that I am just “making a mess in my studio”.  But to hear someone actually don me with the admirable designation of Artist stirred my perception in a way that I had not expected.

He went on to ask me about my other creative pursuits and I spoke of my other love…writing.   And I saw a pattern emerging.  Just the same of my art, with my writing I had never claimed any esteem, or stamp, or accepted any real praise until I actually had my own published book in hand…even though I had written for years.

And then he dug further (apparently having done some research on yours truly), asking about my experiences doing stand-up comedy years ago (practically eons).  And again, I down-played my work and success surrounding that craft, because I didn’t feel that I had deserved to call myself a comic.  Even with the scars and stripes from wild, sometimes harsh, often drunk, and definitely diverse audiences in clubs in NY, Florida, TX and holes-in-the-wall in downtown Detroit… I’ve always just offered, “Well, I used to be kinda funny.”

“Comedy is defiance. It’s a snort of contempt in the face of fear and anxiety. And it’s the laughter that allows hope to creep back on the inhale.”     ~  Will Durst, political satirist, radio host and writer

Again, though I had leapt into a yet another realm where one’s innermost feelings and thoughts and imagination are exposed and purposefully presented for the world to see, digest, judge, embrace and dismiss- I backed down from wearing a label that would have shone a light on my work and asked for attention to my triumphs.  Hmmm.

Why the hell have I been letting a WORD intimidate me?  After all, I’ve already jumped off the high dive multiple times, why was I trying not to make a splash?

It got me thinking about how I’ve perceived myself all these years, allowing myself to hide from or dodge each brilliant new monikers … even when they all indeed deserved to be laminated and hung on my neck for folks to see.  As an entrepreneur, I’ve never sported a TITLE… it’s always just been about wearing umpteen hats, juggling tasks, herding cats and doing the work that makes your heart sing (hopefully).  Labels never had a place in the mix.  So, I suppose, I have brainwashed myself into thinking that identifiers aren’t perhaps that important, or that they must have a stockpile of goods, evidence and testimonials to support them.

“Don’t be afraid to go out on a limb. That’s where the fruit is.”     ~  H. Jackson Browne, Jr., author

That brief conversation with a man who barely knows me opened my eyes to a layer of self-imposed judgment that I’ve clearly allowed to dilute my own God-given gifts and fulfilled endeavors.  And fifty bucks says, this speaks volumes to many folks- who either see it or live it as well.  And so, perhaps it’s time to change.  Time to not let intimidation of our own minds dictate how big our spirits can rise. Time to drop the bowlines and unbind our vision of the past, present and future as we colored it.  Time to tell ourselves that we are worthy.     ~ KD 

Copyright by Kimberlie Dykeman

About Kimberlie Dykeman: Kimberlie Dykeman is an on-camera personality, marketing buzzsaw, producer, media coach… and entrepreneur for OPTIMISM.  Oh, and a writer, artist and quite the comedienne!

Kimberlie Dykeman Enterprises- alive and kicking!

I am having a good-ole-time getting back to business… and it doesn’t hurt that I have a pulled in a fabulously sharp, driven and insightful marketing mind to support my efforts.

Chris Sommella is one helluva great asset to Kimberlie Dykeman Enterprises (hint, hint: look for more developments between our two businesses!).  Take a peek at his background as a media creation specialist as well as fellow producer and marketing buzzsaw.   www.linkedin.com/in/chrissommella

***

One client on the docket now that KDE and Sommella have been collaborating on is an up-and-coming restaurant named Fork & Vine, an Austin Kitchen & Wine Bar launching this Fall.  KDE is managing and directing market research, marketing plan design, website consulting, content creation, media coaching and all social media, PR, and community event initiatives.

In a nutshell, F&V will be a totally refreshing addition to the Shoal Creek scene, and promises to shake up bygone traditions by pairing Austin-inspired (meaning eclectic!), multi-layered cuisine with an incredible selection of off-the-grid wine, crisp sake and craft beer in a down-to-earth, feel-good atmosphere.

Running the kitchen is part-owner Chef Camden Stuerzenberger, described by Austin Style Magazine as an “architect of culinary innovations at newer Austin icons.  He is the former Executive Chef and COO of Bess Bistro and Walton’s Fancy & Staple, and former Executive Chef of South Congress Cafe and Hickory Street.  Chris Howell is the on-site Sommelier who represents today’s modern wine expert. He’s an adventurous and sophisticated connoisseur with an accessible, laid back street trailer foodie persona. (FYI: he is the man behind Fat Cactus.  Yumm!)  Running the front-of-the-house is Christopher Diehl (lovingly referred to as the “&” in Fork & Vine) who strives for excellence from doorway to dishwasher, first sip to last bite.   He is a former Manager of Austin’s Perry’s Steakhouse and 15-year industry veteran.

All the details you want are here:   @forkvine   www.facebook.com/forkvine  Plus the first press releases are out!  http://forkandvineaustin.blogspot.com

 ***

Another client is one dude you would never forget meeting!  The man is a whirlwind of optimism, ideas, activity and curiosity… which is of course why I just adore him and working with him!  Paul Hekimian and I met years ago when I lived in L.A. – a friend in Texas said look this guy up, and it turned out that Paul lived literally right down the street from me in Santa Monica!  But it wasn’t until I moved back to Austin that he had an “aha” to ask me to coach him in developing a platform for his public speaking dreams.  I had an absolute blast helping develop everything from his brand to pitch to presentation and marketing initiatives for about a year.  Come full circle in 2014, Paul reached out again for my expertise in relaunching his brand to encompass his growing breadth of business pursuits and continuation of his speaking platform, now in niche market.

Besides overall business coaching, KDE is assisting and directing market research, marketing plan design, website consulting, content creation and media coaching, plus social media, PR, and community event initiatives. Again I engaged Chris Sommella to  collaborate on the development of a fresh brand and killer website that encompasses all Paul can deliver!  Additionally, we had to figure out how to include Paul’s speaking offerings and tie in additional companies and nonprofits with which he is deeply integrated.  And so… World, meet the new Paul Hekimian…with his new umbrella company Pacific Street Inc., a consulting firm that empowers law firms and legal entities with cutting-edge technologies for business development, logistics, shipping, and court reporting.    And so much more!   Check him out here too:  @paulsitive   https://www.facebook.com/paul.hekimian

Copyright by Kimberlie Dykeman

About Kimberlie Dykeman: Kimberlie Dykeman is an on-camera personality, marketing buzzsaw, producer, media coach… and entrepreneur for OPTIMISM.

Getting back to business: on the road to recovery

In a recent post I chose to spill the beans about my battle with mercury poisoning, wherein toxic levels of mercury from fish (and God knows what else) have taken have taken their toll on my physical health and mental capabilities.  The journey to reclaiming my total wellbeing is still an uphill challenge but I am happy to feel so much more engaged with LIFE!  And that includes my CAREER!  (After all, KD ain’t a trust-fund-baby nor lottery winner… plus I love being an entrepreneur!)

Reevaluating the important things in life and what I want to accomplish next though my business as a whole was a recurring effort last year that had me spinning in circles much of the time.  It wasn’t until just a few months ago that I felt a new awakening and slow-growing clarity around what I really want NOW and how do things a little differently.  Admittedly, this is still on-going, and I’m sure you can dig why… there’s a boatload of mossed-over stuff to sift out when you step back!  All this said, I am committed to being an active, connected and (hopefully) inspiring citizen again and look forward to sharing the results both in the virtual and real world.  (There are a few surprises just around the corner!)  Thanks to everyone who was there for me and who continue to support me!  Here’s a little reminder to those who are also going through rough times…

“If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you.”     ~ Gospel of Thomas, the Bible

 Our entire lives, we’re consumed with acquiring “the right gear” to survive “the game of life.”  We prepare for rough terrain, erratic weather, restless natives, and, of course, limited supplies!  Then we create safe havens in which to hide and hoard our gear.  It’s always all about “the stuff’ you can “stuff” around you.  Yet, when it comes down to brass tacks, the toys and tools aren’t your saving grace.  What is…is the “stuff” within you.  Gut instincts, a sense of humor, personal faith, the drive to succeed, integrity and the ability to love.  Trust that it’s exactly what you need to navigate safely, and your abundant stash will never run out.   ~ KD

Copyright by Kimberlie Dykeman

About Kimberlie Dykeman: Kimberlie Dykeman is an on-camera personality, marketing buzzsaw, producer, media coach… and entrepreneur for OPTIMISM.

Dykeman is back in the art studio- making a fabulous mess with…doors?

So, when I first started created my 3D art (ala my crosses), it was an extension of the oil and acrylic canvass painting I have done on and off since college.  Plus an expression of my faith and love for nature.  When I found the courage to call on galleries and show them my larger pieces…they were a little worried (meaning off-put) about a collection with the bulk of pieces being crosses.  Of course…I get it, because gas masks on animal sculptures and profanity in images is what society is more comfortable with!   THAT SAID… I have realized that I love being creative regardless of the damn shape of the finished product!  And so the challenge to find unique foundations to my technique began.  My last few were 1930s frames from a home… and I loved creating them!

The shots below are my largest works thus far- this is the first of a set of old doors that I just dig, if I do say so myself!  Here is a play-by-play of the whole creation process.

FYI:  You can peruse my latest creations and past works (many are sold) here: Facebook Albums

And invest in pieces for your home, office, large space or as a gift:  www.etsy.com/shop/kimberliedykeman

Including hearts, crosses, large composites, frames plus prints and cards of the works are also available… they are close-up shots that reveal the brilliance from paint seeping through the crevasses of the plaster!

Each piece is truly one of a kind and goes through several stages of creation.  Solid woods are rough sanded then a layering and drying process is repeated with 2-4 different types of plasters and other compounds.  When painted with layers of colorful of oils and acrylics, the result is a gorgeous, weathered neoclassical, abstract or Renaissance look.  Varnish seals the work with a stunning high gloss and adds long lasting protection. All are ready for display and hanging and are signed, titled and dated.   Included with each piece of art is a note from yours truly and one of my signature, published motivational vignettes that personally delivers perspective, optimism and purpose!

As for what’s in the studio under construction now…. OOOOHHH just you wait!

Copyright by Kimberlie Dykeman

About Kimberlie Dykeman: Kimberlie Dykeman is an on-camera personality, marketing buzzsaw, producer, media coach… and entrepreneur for OPTIMISM.

If it ain’t Freddie, mercury just ain’t cool.

     Sooooo… it’s been a while since I was a blip on the social media scene and writing things of purpose, possibility or influence.  (I know folks take short virtual unpluggings all the time- after all, FB and TW can get annoying, political, all-consuming, and downright pathetic sometimes.)  Needless to say, it’s been a while since I was truly involved in the online social space, and after months of hearing folks call or write or say “Kimberlie, where have you been hiding?” or “I miss your updates and motivational stuff!” or “Geez, I thought you left Austin!” or even  “Are you avoiding me??”…I thought it was high time I spilled the beans. Because OFFLINE it had been a while since I was truly involved in my LIFE, career, the community, charity activities and even my friendships.  Here’s why.

In September 2013, I was lucky to have been diagnosed with MERCURY POISONING– or high mercury toxicity.  Now let me be the first to say, if it ain’t Freddie, mercury just ain’t cool.  But I say lucky because I found a bright, curious and determined doctor who helped deduce what was making me so ill…and perhaps saved my life from future devastating disease.  And I’m writing today in hopes that my story might plant the seed for others to review their own health situations and investigate to find answers and solutions to what they thought were just things that they’d have to live with.

Here’s my backstory:  Fifty bucks says you’ve experienced a day in the past year wherein you felt like…how do I say?… absolute shit.  Like you got run over by an 18-wheeler on I35.  Body and brain = mush.  Now there’s a chance you know the WHY behind said situation –and even “earned” it.  Regardless, it ain’t fun.  Well, that’s a succinct yet spot-on summary of how I felt throughout the entirety of 2013;  wherein I spent most of my days staring at the ceiling of my loft- that is, when I wasn’t fast asleep.  I couldn’t stay awake for more than a few hours, let alone even focus on a task or have clear thoughts.  I was constantly exhausted, thirsty, cold, fidgety, in pain; had numbness, ringing in my ears, anxiety, weakness in my muscles, no sex drive (what!), and loss of balance…did I mention tired?!  I’d forget names and places; forget where I was going or driving; couldn’t make a clear decision on anything, and felt underwater and overwhelmed.  In a nutshell I felt like hell -inside and out- like I’d been run over by a Mack Truck and was recovering from emotional and mental drain every single day.  From the outside you couldn’t really tell that there was anything wrong; but what went unseen was attacking my body and mind from the inside-out.  And not knowing WHY was killing me too!  www.epa.gov/mercury/effects.htm  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_poisoning 

The roller coaster of health crap, beginning back in 2008 when I was first diagnosed with thyroid issues.  Meds were not the answer but I should have paid attention and dug deeper!  Hindsight, folks, hindsight.  The years following led me through low white and red blood cell count, a flat line of progesterone/estrogen/testosterone (meaning no cycle for TWO YEARS!), a thyroid under attack of antibodies (Hashimoto’s), heart palpitations, and adrenal failure (flatlined cortisol levels).  Yup, I was the life of the party.

The culprit of all of this was one f*#ing simple word:  FISH.  Since my days of old as a personal trainer through the past few years (where I excluded meat, dairy, poultry and eggs) … my diet has revolved around fish for protein.  And, long story short, after a slew of docs, research, and my own experimentation, in late 2013 I was blessed to finally have found one physician who was insightful enough to ask a very simple question: what does your diet look like?  A question most MDs NEVER care to ask, let alone investigate.  Revealing my eating habits pointed straight to my fish intake, and then the connecting-of-the-dots revealed a very clear picture.  Expensive tests further showed highly toxic levels of mercury in my body that had built up over the years and was nesting in my brain, central nervous system, organs (incl female organs), and thyroid.  And so the long, painstaking process of getting that evil stuff out began…

 “Your body is the only thing you are guaranteed to keep for a lifetime; if you have your health, anything is possible.”   – Dan Millman, author

 Today, I am still chelating the mercury out of my body, taking a crapload of supplements and concoctions, drinking purified water, avoiding fish (still), caffeine, alcohol, candy (and a bunch of other delightful things that make life more yummy at times)… but I feel LIKE A MILLION BUCKS compared to where I had been!!  My body and brain are beginning to function at a higher level and I find peace in knowing that I may have staved off some devastating issues in the future.  Once I knew what was wrong, I knew I could find out how to make things right… if I invested the time and resources.  And I did. 

So, beware, my friends!  I’m getting back in the swing of things and will be firing it up online soon: launching a new site, creating more art and readying for a gallery showing, self-publishing a few new books, and hitting the town again!  I hope to see you out there, hear from you and be able to help you… now that I have the energy to give again and be play a role in the game of LIFE again!

 Cheers to your health and all the possibilities that life has!     ~  Kimberlie

*** P.S.   If any of my story prompts questions or thoughts you’d like to share, don’t hesitate to ping me.  I’m not one to pimp doctors or solutions but wanted to at least share some basic ideas that might get you thinking about MERCURY POISONING and perhaps being proactive in addressing those lingering questions in the back of your mind: why don’t I feel good? What’s wrong with my body? Where do I begin?

SUGGESTIONS:

Write down what you eat (and I mean everything, including what kind of water) for at least a week.  Be specific about the fish and protein powders and any foods with additives/preservatives/artificial colors and stuff.  Write down all of your vitamins and medications.  Think through how you have been feeling over the past 6-12 months and what has changed negatively…then journal notes to share with your doc. Apps can be a great help here!

  • GET THEE TO A SPECIALIST!  I am happy to tell you about my doc (Dr. Sellma Vllasi @ www.wisemanfamilypractice.com) and also share the research I found to point you to other/alternative practitioners.
  • Have extensive blood work done to check WBC, RBC, thyroid, female hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone), metal levels (mercury, arsenic, lead), cholesterol, vitamin D, iron, vitamin B-12, folic Acid, C-reactive protein.
  • Take a saliva cortisol test to assess your cortisol rhythm and levels throughout the day. Cost ~$125 which your doc or www.peoplesrx.com can provide.
  • Get a tissue mineral analysis (a.k.a. hair analysis test) to more thoroughly examine all levels of nutritional elements and toxic elements in your body.  Invaluable information includes: explanation of toxic elements and their sources; ratios of good elements to bad elements in your body; how your metabolism type comes into play; complications from toxic metals; possible sources of toxic metals in your diet and suggestions of what to eliminate immediately; dietary suggestions and supplementation.  Cost ~$125. The gent my doc referred me to is Anthony Passeur, CCH @ www.harmonyhealthaustin.com.
  • Check your dental history.  Get new x-rays to see if there is leaking and talk to your dentist about removing and replacing those metals fillings with something nontoxic.  I am happy to tell you about my dude, Matthew Steinberg, DDS @ www.designerdentist.com.

Copyright by Kimberlie Dykeman

About Kimberlie Dykeman: Kimberlie Dykeman is an oncamera personality, marketing buzzsaw, producer, media coach… and entrepreneur for OPTIMISM.

A Toast to Rainforest Partnership – remembering Wendell Berry

Last evening, I attended a wonderful, eye-opening event in Austin about the rainforests. Yes, I said RAINFORESTS! Rainforest Partnership held its 5th Annual Celebration Dinner Birds in Paradise: From Austin to the Amazon. An evening of South American inspired dinner and drinks, music and presentations for a completely packed space at Barr Mansion, Austin! Founded by Executive Director Niyanta Spelman, the organization’s mission is to partner with people who live in and around tropical rainforests to develop environmentally sustainable economies to protect and regenerate their forests. As merely the MC for the event, I was privileged to see how a team of devoted, humble, giving volunteers can assemble hundreds of folks in Austin to unite for a common goal and the greater good. OPEN YOUR MIND: learn how you can donate your time, talent or dollars www.rainforestpartnership.org I leave you with one of my favorite SOAPBOX® mini-motivations, which I tapped to toast the festive evening:

SOAPBOX® mini-motivation: Go green or be gone

“To cherish what remains of the Earth and to foster its renewal is our only legitimate hope of survival.”

~ Wendell Berry, philosopher, novelist and social activist

It’s about time we stopped snickering at Al Gore, the forewarning NPR folks and tree-hugging, hybrid hippies…because they might be onto something! It’s about time we stopped being so selfish and purposefully merged as Humankind for the simple Darwinian hopes of perpetuating our existence by strengthening our collective homebase – we call Earth! For, not seeing is believing. When a species of animal disappears, we must rescue braver. When a strain of plant disappears, we must think greener. When snowcaps are melting, swallowing up islands and life, we must conserve stricter. Amidst the chatter of economics, religion and war, don’t miss the underconversation of environment, culture and interdependent community. My fellow EARTH-lings, we must research cleaner, protect fiercer, commit firmer, explore broader, spend wiser, educate brighter. May we all look back after long, fulfilling lives to proclaim that we are survivors and all did our part. It’s our time to think globally…and act globally. ~ KD

Copyright by Kimberlie Dykeman

About Kimberlie Dykeman: Kimberlie Dykeman is a TV Host, International Spokesperson, Producer, Published Author, Entrepreneur for OPTIMISM!

  VideoPortfolio     PureSoapbox Site    Personal Blog