Tag Archive for: kimberly dykeman

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.

Austin Pays Calif Recruiter to Hire Chief Innovation Officer…This is INNOVATIVE?!

(referencing LinkedIn poll “What are the BIGGEST CHALLENGES facing Austin? Your opinions and ideas matter!”)

First off, folks, thank you for taking the time to show that you truly care about our city and its future.  In preparation to a hopeful interview for the City of Austin Chief Innovation Officer position, I set out to investigate what fellow residents are concerned about; but more importantly, I wanted to gather your ideas for innovative solutions to share in my presentation.  I’ve lived in Austin two separate times, started several businesses, offered employment, devoted time to local charities, voted, recycled and oriented myself with the movers-and-shakers who are tirelessly helping to create positive economic, technological, cultural and social change in this growing city. With my capabilities, connections, street-smarts, and innate understanding of how to connect a message with an audience, I figured I could earn an interview.

Deciding to GO BIG or GO HOME, I reached out to local thought leaders who earnestly gave me their endorsements; I even had meetings with three City of Austin department leaders to learn more, ask questions, present ideas and show my passion for this role.  In a few short weeks, I designed a whole new platform for our city government’s Innovation Office to inform, inspire and innovate Austin into action.  Well, suffice it to say, I never got the interview.  Nope.  Last Friday at 5:09pm, I received a generic email and regurgitated note from the (presumable overpaid and completely out-of-touch-with-Austin) out-of-state recruiting firm (CPS HR Consulting http://www.cpshr.us) who said I’ve been passed over, as I was not the most qualified. 

The irony here, folks, is two-fold:   First, in my talks with the actual City department leaders, they mentioned that this new position is still a bit vague in description, responsibilities, and direction, as is the entire Innovation Office only recently established. Second, where’s the INNOVATION in hiring a Sacramento recruiter to find the golden nugget needed to really spearhead this totally new office and leadership role?  Really, how can someone in a cube 1000 miles away get the gist of the most unique applicants by simply scanning a resume?  Argh.  (Many of you out there still looking for work fully understand the pain and assbackwardness that technology can cause when trying to match human beings to a growing entity with a unique culture, mission, vision, pulse, etc.)  Alas, I can understand that there is a system to vetting out candidates, and I am not a sore loser…just wanted a chance to express my thoughts and get a shot at a chat.

I’d like to remind the anyone interested, that the truest, simplest definition of the word INNOVATION is “significant, positive change”.  Period.

Net-net:  I believe the Chief Innovation Officer for the City of Austin needs to be an entrepreneur, visionary,  spokesperson, liaison, researcher, interviewer, connector, marketeer, producer, project manager, coach, creative director, motivator, and passionate, active citizen who gives a damn about people.  Frankly, yet humbly speaking, I believe that describes me, and so do a whole bunch of wonderful, brilliant folks who have supported me for over a decade.  And I believe the City decision-makers may have let one of the most qualified candidates slip away.

 All that said, the results from the poll I offered up garnered almost 50 responses and focused on these major issue, listed in order of most “votes”.  I will have a write-up summary of people’s ideas for solutions posted soon.

Traffic/Transportation:  Cap Metro, cabs, bike lanes, lack of carpools, money wasted on toll roads, and too many more to list…

City Government: City Manager led vs. Mayor led, Unguided system, Debt, Permit overload, Out-of-touch & overpaid City Council

Housing:  Affordability, Property taxes

Water:  Drought, Waste

Infrastructure:  Over-marketing on popularity lists, Population explosion, Quality job availability

Culture:  Dilution of “weirdness”… turning into another Dallas, Inter-generational, inter-racial, inter-faith community, Over-focus on technology

Homelessness:  Lack of resources & housing, Need for education, job integration system

Education:  Healthcare, Schools

Crime

Thank you again so very much for showing your spirit and sharing your thoughts.  If you have any interest in helping me simply get a darn interview with the City of Austin for the Chief Innovation Officer position, please share a note, post or tweet #AustinNeedsKimberlieDykeman

 

Cheers to the possibilities!

Kimberlie Dykeman

kd@kimberliedykeman.com

http://www.puresoapbox.com

https://www.facebook.com/kimberlie.dykeman

https://www.twitter.com/puresoapbox

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlie.dykeman

https://www.youtube.com/kimberlie.dykeman

Kimberlie Dykeman Books Infomercial with Renowned German Co.- Genius

 Just completed a long-form infomercial in Springfield, Missouri with multi-talented host Mary Chris Wall for Genius GmbH – a German company with global presence for their spot-on inventions.  The fabulous, technologically-advanced personal care product line will be broadcast throughout 60+ countries.  Brilliantly produced by the supercool team at Opfer Communications, led by Scott Opfer.  I had an absolute blast with both the client and the crew and cannot wait to keep this relationship going!

About KIMBERLIE DYKEMAN: For the past 10 years, Kimberlie has built a successful career on as a host, spokesperson, interviewer and producer…working in Austin, L.A., N.Y., 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…working with companies like FOX, ABC, NBC, Triage Ent., Emmis, Compass Learning, Jordan Direct, Creative Nations, AMS Pictures. She has interviewed hundreds of folks including celebs like Elton John, Guy Kawasaki, Andy Roddick & John Legend.

www.youtube.com/kimberliedykeman www.puresoapbox.com

Kimberlie Dykeman Helps Launch Groundbreaking Pain Product

The leaders of Painmaster Products, Inc. have signed on Kimberlie Dykeman to serve as Creative Director and Marketing Consultant for the DRTV launch of a groundbreaking FDA-cleared pain relief product called the PainMaster® Patch. Dykeman heads to NYC to work with Avalanche Creative to produce the first commercial spot and initiate the full marketing campaign set to be tested by mid February 2013.

About Kimberlie Dykeman: TV Host, International Spokesperson, Producer, Marketing Maven
YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/kimberliedykeman
Main Site: http://www.puresoapbox.com   http://www.kimberliedykeman.com/blog

Kimberlie Dykeman Books Commercials with Top U.S. Auto Dealer

Kimberlie Dykeman was booked by Casting Director Brenda Ambrize for upcoming commercials  for the renowned GUNN Automotive Group, based in San Antonio, Texas.  Dykeman represents both Nissan and Honda, two of the dealer’s seven vehicle brands, in a campaign produced by powerhouse production company Geomedia. 

 

 

About GUNN:  The Gunn Automotive Group was founded by C.C. “Pop” Gunn and started with one Oldsmobile dealership in 1955. Incorporated as Curtis C. Gunn, Inc. in 1957, it is known today as Gunn GP, LLC, and is one of the Top 100 automotive dealer groups in the United States. Identified annually for the last five years as one of the fastest growing companies in San Antonio, Gunn also has the distinction of being one of the city’s largest privately-held companies.

About Kimberlie Dykeman: TV Host, International Spokesperson, Producer, Marketing Maven, Author  www.puresoapbox.com

Kimberlie Dykeman Focuses on Our Next Generation of Leaders!

2011 began with a bang, as Kimberlie Dykeman achieved her goal of attaining a literary agency to represent her future SOAPBOX® publications.  A latest update from her agent Chip MacGregor, founder of Oregon-based MacGregor Literary, has close to a dozen leading New York publishing houses reading and considering her manuscripts for her next books.  On top of it, next month the MacGregor team is heading to the world-renowned annual Book Expo America (BEA) held in NYC with strong faith in securing a book deal for the SOAPBOX® Queen! 

Kimberlie will follow her freshman book, “PURE SOAPBOX”, with the SOAPBOX® mini-series of motivation… a small-book series that speaks to and delivers realistic optimism to folks based on their phase of life.  With manuscripts completed for both stressed-out entrepreneurs and burned-out 9-to-5ers, she is hard at work penning her signature SOAPBOX® vignettes specifically for wet-behind-the-ears graduates!  This year Kimberlie re-crafted her speaking platform to address the educational and emotional needs of college students and has witnessed a warm-welcome to her seize-the-day bite-sized gems of forward-thinking, optimistic life lessons…making this a viable category of readers for her next book.

“We all started off as frazzled freshmen at one time, leaving the safe hub of home for campus life, and ended up college grads facing the reality-check of a lifetime!”  says Kimberlie.  “This generation’s experience of entering “today’s real working world” is a downright grueling transition without the right support, attitude, and tools.  I feel a string calling to be catalytic in the lives of our next generation of leaders, teaching students to think, work, learn and live with more purpose, less anxiety and unshakable optimism for their futures.”

As Kimberlie’s scope and capabilities continue to grow, Kimberlie Dykeman Enterprises has sought to establish key relationships, mentors and inside help.  A solid new addition to the  team is Texas-born Jessica Cain, whose background is as diverse as her boss’s, including experience in the realms of real estate, video production and marketing.  Jessica serves the key role of executive assistant, with a keen focus on building relationships with Texas colleges and universities and mid-to-large-sized companies to secure Kimberlie as their go-to resource to create an ongoing culture of optimism!  

 

More about Kimberlie Dykeman: kimberliedykeman.com / puresoapbox.com  

Kimberlie Dykeman Invited to Speak at Texas Women in Business (TWIB) Luncheon

 

Texas Women in Business has invited Kimberlie Dykeman to speak at one of their famously-filled Friday luncheons in March!  Kimberlie will present “SOAPBOX® Motivation . . . for the Overwhelmed, Do-It-All Woman!   Sparks of optimism and enlightenment to brave the roller-coaster of life”

About SOAPBOX® presentation:  FINALLY! Down-to-earth motivation without the recycled cheerleading or CANDY-COATING! Kimberlie delivers real meat-n-potatoes optimism by leveraging the wisdom of thought leaders from Andrew Carnegie to Lily Tomlin. SOAPBOX® Motivation is the true catalyst to help you face challenges, change your perspective, embrace the kid in you, eliminate obstacles, and seize the day! A swift kick of perspective, OPTIMISM, and purpose!

About TWIB: Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things and Changing the World. Founded 2010.  www.texaswomeninbusiness.org 

Register and read more event details on Facebook!

Kimberlie Dykeman to Kick-off Cedar Park Regional’s “Healthy Woman 2011” Event

Cedar Park Regional  Medical Center is kicking off 2011 with an incredible “New Year, New You!” event to excite the community about its new Healthy Woman Program…and asked Kimberlie Dykeman to join in!  Tapping her signature SOAPBOX® motivation, Dykeman crafted a special presentation for the audience the entitled: SOAPBOX® Motivation …for the Overwhelmed, Do-It-All Woman. 

Take-away TOOLS include:

  • HONEST assessment of your current reality
  • Realistic and optimistic GAMEPLAN to work smarter, think clearer, feel healthier, and live happier… TODAY
  • FRESH PERSPECTIVE of the power within you and the resources around you to create long-lasting change

Event also includes informational activities with physicians, fitness experts, and style advisors; refreshments and giveaways

Details for the FREE event:   Sunday, January 16, 2011  3-5pm at the Cedar Park Regional Medical Center Cafe.   http://www.cedarparkregional.com/HealthyWoman

Kimberlie Dykeman Earns Interview and Dedicated Month on PI Window on Business

Host Jon Hansen of the internationally acclaimed “PI Window on Business” show on BlogTalkRadio has not only asked Kimberlie Dykeman back for another interview, he’s dedicated the entire month of August as ” SOAPBOX® Month“.  Each week Hansen will spotlight a special SOAPBOX® vignette on the radio show, in addition to showcasing a SOAPBOX® video vignette on the “PI Window on Business” business site and on the “PI Inquisitive Eye TV” on USTREAM and YouTube.

Listen to internet radio with Jon Hansen on Blog Talk Radio

The first week of August ends with an interview with Dykeman speaking about her entrepreneurial ventures and the growing message of the SOAPBOX® motivational brand . 2011 will bring another SOAPBOX® book to the shelves, launching what will be the first in the SOAPBOX® Mini-series of Motivation, and focusing specifically on the stressed-out entrepreneur!  With Hansen’s help, the author, TV Host, and Motivational Speaker will be revealing a special contest that allows listeners get involved in the writing, have their own entrepreneurial stories spotlighted, and win copy of both “PURE SOAPBOX” and the upcoming book.

Kimberlie’s show date August 6, 2010 11:30am CST. Check your time zone for correct listening time.

Website: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jon-hansen
CALL LINE: (347) 326-9234

jHansen

About “PI Window on Business”: Reaching an estimated 1 million syndicated subscribers worldwide every month, “PI Window on Business” discusses provocative subjects from the world of supply chain practice and the global business community in general. The regularly scheduled hour show, as well as our 90-minute Specials, feature thought provoking and entertaining guests, including notable executives and best-selling authors from the world of business.

Team of Executive Producers Engage Kimberlie Dykeman as Host for Pilot Episode of Reality Series

KDykemanGarageA select few of entertainment’s well-respected creators and producers have called upon Kimberlie Dykeman to be the host for the pilot episode of a rather touching reality series about couples and families staying together and truly “connected” for the long-haul.  After an exhausting audition process in search for a Florida-based host, Executive Producer Warren Rogan got on the phone to Dykeman and offered her the part, with first choice seating as the show’s established host when the series gets placed on a network. Creative team also includes creator David L. Berman and Kelly F. Rummler.

 

Stay tuned for more details..