Today I am doing something new which I know will become a regular highlight of my week. This post will be the longest I’ve done yet. I’d like to welcome my gorgeous Friend, Kylie who is a Remedial Massage Therapist registered with Australian Association of Massage Therapists (AAMT). You can find her at www.karmtherapies.com.au or follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/KARM-Therapies/179616745410762

Kylie, what is your passion in life?
Holistic Wellness and Self Care. You can only be the best person you can be if you take care of yourself. Physical and Emotional Health go hand in hand. Educating and assisting others to be able to incorporate self care into their busy schedule and seeing them flourish is so rewarding.

What do you love most about your work?
The people most definitely. My clients are all treated exactly how I would like to be treated myself. Like attracts like.

How did you make your passion become your job?
I worked in Human Resources for about 7 years, struggling, missing out on quality time with my 3 young daughters. I asked myself “If I could do any job in the world, what would I do?” My angels sent me a very strong response MASSAGE THERAPIST!!!

After 2 years study on top of my work schedule I was able to complete my Cert IV in Massage as well as my Cert IV in Aromatherapy. KARM Therapies (Kylie’s Aroma Relaxation & Massage Therapies) was born – July 2009 and I have never looked back. 2 years ago I also qualified in Remedial Massage and oh what fun I have each and every day.

Most of us dream of working from home. How did you make it work for you?
I did some contracting which made me realise how much I wanted to do things my way. Finding the balance between keeping my business thriving and keeping house and spending quality time with my kids wasn’t easy I modified my work routine and my hours so now my ship is steady, powering along nicely.

I get to do my housework in between clients during the day. This means that I don’t usually stop all day, however the plus side is that once I finish work for the day, everything is done and I get to sit down and put my feet up – or better still soak my feet in a tub of warm water and a handful of Epsom salts.

What’s in store for the future?
In 12 months I would like to get myself to Bali for my first 5 day retreat – something I have never done before, I don’t have a current passport anymore.

In 2 years I would like to accompany my eldest daughter on a humanitarian volunteer trip to Asia and Pacific Islands.

In 6 years I plan to have finished my Bachelor Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. A New Life Path at the age of 50.

Tell us some fun facts about yourself?
Over time I’ve been a lot of places, backpacking Europe for 12 months. I’ve lived in most capital cities in Australia as well as 14 months in Cambodia, and also in London. We bought our home in Brighton almost 12 years ago and don’t ever see myself leaving, it is just the best place to be.

IKEA is my Disneyland, I love the place.  I once celebrated my birthday by spending an entire day there with a group of girlfriends, I had the best day.

I have 3 sisters, 3 sister in laws and 3 daughters.

Love Love Love Chocolate

My favourite TV characters are from Friends. I have the boxed set and still watch episodes every week (I and my kids can recite episodes). It still makes me laugh out loud all the time.

All-time favourite TV shows: West Wing and Newsroom (Aaron Sorkin). I love the politics side of things.

Favourite Music: Bernard Fanning, Hoodoo Gurus, Crash Test Dummies and Noiseworks. I am also heading along to my 3^rd Taylor Swift concert this December with my daughter, one her biggest fans, but I also quite enjoy her music.

Love to exercise and keep fit; mostly gym or Personal Training Sessions most of my adult life as a kids I played basketball.  Loved it – wasn’t great at it as I am just 158cm tall. This year I had QLD Firebirds  Season Pass for Netball and I am beginning to understand with the help of the kids.

Are you a reader?
Of late (the last 7 years or so) my reading has been educational and study materials – textbooks. I love to set myself up in a garden chair in the sun and catch up on my Prevention, Womens Health or Clean Eating Magazines. When we go camping a couple of times a year I will head to a second hand book store I love the adventure and the hunt. Usually Biographies. I will read mostly anything though.

I don’t read novels much anymore – It is an addiction. Once I start a book I have to keep reading and reading until its finished. Even if it is really really bad and I am not enjoying it I will finish it.

Life is too short Kylie! But I must admit I’m similar. What are some of your favourite books?
I hold dear a treasured item a signed copy of Wayne Bennetts book “The Man in the Mirror” (Brisbane Broncos Coach) which I got at an instore book signing. He is my hero and I was speechless and could not communicate when he spoke to me so the inscription reads just Best Wishes. I don’t care, I have his book with his signature.

Also Louise Hay – You Can Heal Your Life. I buy any second hand copies when I see them and then give them to friends/family or clients if they are interested in reading. Last count I have bought 26 copies in 10 years!

What’s next on your TBR (to be read) pile?
I recently bought some Deepak Chopra books, I got a little fire in my belly when watching him on TED TV and remembered how much I loved him so I dug out and found some of his books to re-read.

Who are your mentors/heroes in life?
I think I learn from each and every person who crosses my path, there is always something to be learnt from others. A lot of people I admire are everyday people, and they may not realise just how much they inspire and impact other people’s lives. I want everyone to know that in being the best possible version of yourself you will always inspire others to be better in themselves.

My books are about family and friends. What do you value most in your family and friends?
I love hanging out with my husband and daughters, we laugh a lot and be sill; watching TV; telling them stories about when they were little kids, remember when…

Being open and honest are 2 qualities which I consider most important. I love that I can say how I am really feeling and thinking and that there is no judgement. If I need to be kicked in the butt, they are the ones there to pull me back into line.

My husband is very good at reminding me about my priorities and he always supportive in everything I do and I love him very much for that!

Do you have a favourite saying/mantra/poem?
I can still recite the Lord’s Prayer and it warms my heart.

Thank you Kylie for being my first Friday Friend and for being you. I couldn’t do what I do without you, your magic hands and your gentle reminders to care for myself. Oh and just to clarify, this does NOT mean I’m only your friend on Fridays. But you know that.