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The Sunday Series (148), with Mark Brodinsky

May 7, 2017 By markbrodinsky Leave a Comment

Sometimes you just feel it. The pure beauty, the overwhelming joy, the magic that is life. It’s there for the taking in any given moment, for every moment is a reason to change, to renew, to begin again. No matter what life hands you, it’s in your hands to grasp it, get through it and persevere. Faith and fortitude. Courage and hope. Inspiration and life’s greatest gift – the one each of us has in our possession on any given day – the gift of love.

All of these elements combine in some way to create our path, they are part of our story.

Everyone has a story.

I am Mark Brodinsky and this is The Sunday Series.


The Sunday Series (148): Thrive

Cubed. Boxed In. Stuck.

Sitting at her desk at a national loan company, Katie Sampayo was less than fulfilled, in fact she felt trapped and uninspired, restless and yearning for more. There had to be more than this life and more to the life she really wanted to live. Her mind was speaking to her, she just needed to listen and to speak up in order to make a change.

Katie could do it. Why not? She had done it before. Even when, as far back as Katie could remember, trying to speak had been shrouded in silence and fear.

 

“I used to cry when I got called on in school,” says Katie. “I was one of the shyest people alive.” I remember one day when I was a kid, I walked onto the wrong bus getting home from school.  I knew it and I just stood there and couldn’t talk, I just started crying. I felt I looked stupid. It was horrible. I never wanted to be noticed, I didn’t want people looking at me. Anytime the attention was on me I didn’t want it. In 5th grade I dressed like a boy, then like a punk rocker, all to be hidden behind some other persona.”

“In college I became a business major. In that concentration we had to give presentations all the time. I dreaded it. My senior year in college, the last semester at Towson University, one of my mentors volunteered me to be in the Associate Competition for business. The competition was a lot like The Apprentice on TV. My team won the first competition and I had to speak and explain what we did, except I froze, I blanked and no words came out of my mouth, nothing happened.”

For Katie that was the end. At any moment in life there is a chance to turn it all around, to make a change, to overcome fear and start again. Katie Sampayo decided that day would be the beginning of the rest of her life. It was time to speak up.

“For the next week I challenged myself,” says Katie. “I said I was going to be the leader of my team in this next round of the competition and speak in front of these people. When it came time the following week to speak for the team, I did it and it was the best. I did it, I didn’t stutter that much. I didn’t forget anything. Slowly but surely through this competition, week after week, I got much better. Eventually my team was eliminated, but I had people come up to me and say, ‘Katie you did amazing tonight, you spoke so well, you should not have been eliminated.”

Her silence broken, Katie was on her way. Though her ability to share the spoken word was just one of the battles she faced to get where she is today. She says her drive to thrive and be independent was also inspired by her experience during her senior year in high school. Katie says she had some major issues with a group of girls making fun of her, tormenting her, bullying her, all because she was friends with someone they didn’t like. She says it got really bad, but Katie also says it fueled her fire to move away from where she was living, to take up residence in the city (Baltimore) and to gain strength. “It’s why I am a strong woman now, I don’t let people push me around,” says Katie.

Once she entered the business world, sitting there in that cubicle at the loan company, the experiences of her life and that small inner voice were telling her, reminding her, that there was more. Katie says, “I always knew from the time I was little I wanted to run my own business and make a huge impact on the world. To run my own show and know that I did it, I made it happen. That’s why I took a harder look at what I loved to do. I had always been physically active. From the time I was four, I was playing sports, I love being active, I love the competition.”

  

During this time Katie also found yoga, got really excited about it and it led to her next step. “I knew this corporate job was not meant for me,” says Katie. “I wasn’t built to sit in a cube all day. I went to Merritt Athletic Club, started doing barre and found out they were hiring new instructors. One of the teachers encouraged me to try out. I did and I started teaching barre twice a week after work. I went to the CEO of the loan company and got a health and wellness plan going – the first ever at the company – and started teaching employees after work. I designed all the classes and did it for free. I absolutely loved it. People got so excited to go to classes after work and see their weight drop. It made me so fulfilled to be able to help people at this level and have them feel good about themselves.”

“I did it for six months and knew it was time to get out and do it full-time. I got my personal training certification and the minute I graduated I was out and started working at Merritt Athletic Club. I was so passionate about it and people could see it. I thought what else can I do – so I started a boot camp class. I teach every Saturday in Patterson Park.”

“I also started investing in personal development. It changed my life. I used to be a really angry person. I would get mad quickly. But once I got out on my own I started reading books, going to seminars and taking yoga. I found my purpose. I was no longer angry, I was at peace with myself and my past and in such a good place. So much changed for me from being a “negative nancy” to a positive person. I love making people happy.”

But even for someone making others happy, getting them in shape and helping to bring them “peace”, the pace can take its toll. There’s the mantra: work hard, play hard. But Katie was only living half that life. After only a year on her own and running her fitness business, the business of fitness got to be too much. “I was working myself to death,” she says. “I was doing the boot camp, teaching barre, and teaching another body sculpting class at the inner harbor one night a week as well. I loved all of this, but I was physically and mentally exhausted. It’s when I decided to write the book. I knew online is where I needed to be, to reach even more people and to make an impact.”

The question was fitness or nutrition? Katie loved both, but realized nutrition was the first thing she always talked about with clients. So she started writing a healthy snack guide, Snacking 101, 20 snack recipes which are healthy, gluten-free and meant to keep you full. That became her first e-book. But she wanted to do more, make more of an impact. Katie wanted to thrive.

Putting her passion in front, her past behind and her desire to change lives – Katie started writing another book, Eat to Thrive: The Anti-Diet Cookbook.  Then she left the states…to head to the other side of the world. She went to Bali, to earn her Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga certification and then to Thailand to celebrate her achievement and to experience life. She surfed, explored and even played with the elephants. Then she came back to the US earlier this year – promptly erased what she had written and started the book over. Her trip abroad had given her time to think deeper and make sure she was sharing the right message about food, mindset and fitness.

  

“The key to the book is that diets suck,” says Katie. “The key to success in life is living a healthy lifestyle. Learning to understand what is in the food you are eating. It’s all about knowledge and how the food affects the body. A diet doesn’t teach you anything. I’ve never done a diet in my entire life. You get off the diet and you don’t learn anything about food. You don’t have to diet to look good. This is a no BS guide to nutrition in my real and authentic voice – sassy and fun. There are 50 recipes in the book that are quick, easy and actually taste good that you can make in 30 minutes or less. Eat to Thrive gives you the knowledge about nutrition, to take control of your body and your life and not play the victim of the circumstances around you. Once you have the knowledge you have the power to decide how you want your life to be. Do you want to look bad or feel bad, or do you want to thrive and live the life you actually want to live?”

“It comes down to never ever settling for being just OK, or living a life of mediocrity, or not living a life that is truly fulfilling, or striving to reach your potential. It’s why the book is called Eat to Thrive. It’s not just about looking in the mirror, it’s about doing what you want, going for what you want, pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. What to you want out of life? Push yourself. I’m fully behind this. I help people to live a fulfilling life.”

A life where anyone can thrive.

 

(Get your copy of the hardcover edition of Eat to Thrive: The Anti-Diet Cookbook, beginning tomorrow, May 8th, on Amazon.com)

 

Until next time thanks for taking the time,

Mark Brodinsky

Write. Speak. Inspire.

Author: The Sunday Series. Real Stories of Courage, Hope & Inspiration, Volume I (https://www.amazon.com/Sunday-Mark-Brodinsky-Stories-Inspiration-ebook/dp/B0722MJL55/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1494160949&sr=8-2&keywords=the+sunday+series)

Author: The #1 Amazon Best Seller: It Takes 2. Surviving Breast Cancer: A Spouse’s Story
(http://www.amazon.com/Mark-Brodinsky/e/B00FI6R3U6)

For more info on using Mark to Write. Speak. Inspire. for your organization or business –
markbrodinsky@gmail.com/443-865-2795

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Inspiring Company Stories: (http://www.ushacareers.com/category/inspirational-stories/)

 

 

 

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Mark Brodinsky
Emmy Award Winner, 1996

Ever thought about writing a book? check this out!

Blog Reviews

Love seeing new blogs hit the ground running like this one (by a dad no less), but I also urge anyone vaguely interested in blogging to stay tuned, I am. Good luck on your journey – glad that I am along for the ride.

Rachel Blaufeld

Great blog Mark! I always appreciate reading what you have to say. You are very gifted and talented and hopefully someday you’ll not just blog, but write a book.

 Stephen Koncurat

I’m definitely along for the ride. We’ve all seen how much damage the written word can inflict. More positive writers are needed. And I love how you are using your personal experiences – those with your wife and children – and your gift of writing to open eyes and to inspire others.

Victoria Endicott

Absolutely beautifully written! The girls in your life must be very proud of you. Thanks for sharing Mark, I look forward to reading more!

Gina Glick Jolson

Very shortly this site will be famous amid all blogging and site-building users, due to it’s pleasant posts.

Leila Galloway

Absolutely beautiful! Are you at all thinking of penning a book? You’ve got a fan base out there that really thinks you should Mark. You write so eloquently. Glad that I got onto this site.

Marilyn Lefkowitz

Mark, You are truly a gifted writer and obviously, a special father and husband . Always a delight to read your words.

I’m speechless…beautiful words flow from your heart just like a gentle waterfall into a tranquil stream… thank you so much for the friend request I was blessed the day I clicked confirm.

Lynne Turner Dorsey

From your first writing in 4th grade entitled “People” which was published in the school newspaper, you have always been able to write. Never more so than when you started “Caringbridge” and now your blog, everyone who reads says what a wonderful writer you are. Our DREAM for you is to become an author and encourage people every day. You are by the far the best and we hope and pray you reach your dream.

Bonnie Brodinsky

I know you always thank us for reading but I would like to say thanks for writing.

Stuart Abell

Great piece. You are an inspiration!

Rob Commodari

Mark I just wanted to let you know that you are succeeding in your “ultimate goal”. I have gained so much from your blogs. I look forward to reading them for the special lift that they give me. Thank you.

Amy F.

I love waking up and starting my day with my coffee and your blog! It a great way to start my day with positive uplifting thoughts!! It puts me in a positive frame of mind throughout the day and allows me to reflect on my personal life, make changes, and grow !!!

Gayle Blank

You are quite talented Mark. Thanks for sharing!

Cynthia

I always look forward to your Blog Mark. Thanks for sharing and as you always do, make it a great / remarkable Day!

Chuck Connolly

Thanks for your Blog Mark. It is fun, encouraging and a nice break from a day full of ups and downs.

Jackie Hetrick

With my busy schedule, there is (sadly) little time for reading. But I have two must-reads every time I come across them, the sports section and your blogs. Keep inspiring and following your dream!

Ed Nemec

Mark, you are a truly remarkable individual. You do speak from your heart, I can’t wait to read your book. You are an incredible writer.

Debbie Press

Mark, I am glad I clicked on your post this morning, which lead me to your writing, your goal.
Would like to connect. This speaks to me.

Aileen Braverman

I can’t wait to read the book. I have followed all the blogs and feel so good that I know u guys. You make me cry but you make me laugh too. All the very best to you!

Beverlee Rendelman

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WOW!!! It Takes 2 is a must read for anyone who has known someone diagnosed with cancer or other life threatening disease. This is the real story of a family lead by an incredible woman, Debbie Brodinsky, who took radical steps to beat the breast cancer beast. The story is told by her husband, Mark Brodinsky, through journal entries he kept starting with diagnosis through one year cancer free. This author's unique ability to pour his heart out onto the page draws you in from the beginning and holds you until the very end.

Thanks to Mark and Debbie Brodinsky for this gift...I have a new perspective on what it means to be a breast cancer survivor. You are a hero, Debbie Brodinsky!

TeeBThree
September 25, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book gives a heartfelt, in depth description of what it is like to go through breast cancer with the one you love. It is beautifully written and I felt as though I was living it with them! I highly recommend this book!

Jgs17
September 24, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

In It Takes 2, Mark Brodinsky windows us into his world where his wife, the cancer patient, is not the only victim. Part journal, part roadmap, It Takes 2 goes to the real humanity of facing the mortality of one's better half. Mark's candid perspective, love, and fierce intention resonate with hope in a story which is about much more than cancer. Mark himself is perhaps the most heroic character for the way he appreciates this life and so many of us in it...as he says, "thanks for caring."

Réné Pallace
September 24, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

It Takes Two: A Spouse's Story by Mark Brodinsky should be read by every person who is experiencing serious illness or injury or by a loved one of someone who is experiencing either of those situations. The book is an eloquent testament to the power of love and the healing energy derived from the belief that things will get better. There is not one word of "poor me" from the author or his wife who suffered breast cancer and the radical surgery she elected to have to beat the cancer. Rather, the book is a celebration of the courage displayed by them both in seeing it through.

The book also encourages readers to speak and write down their true feelings and be validated in them. John Mackovic writing in the Palm Springs, CA Desert Sun on November 2, 2013 quoted author and artist Doe Zantamata who said, " To be happy, you don't have to do anything new. You just have to remember how to believe again...Believe everything good is possible. Believe in your dreams. Believe in people. Believe in love. But most of all...believe in yourself." The author, his wife, their family and extended family and friends never stopped believing in his wife's recovery, and I think, in themselves. Read this book and believe.

Paul A. Riecks
November 4, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book is a must read for anyone with a family member with breast cancer. It takes you through the spouse's perspective from diagnosis to recovery. Mark journaled his wife's journey and put all of his emotions out there. It is beautifully written and inspiring to anyone going through breast cancer. Thank you, Mark for sharing Debbie's story.

Jmu1109
October 23, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

A friend recommended this book. This was a great perspective of a man standing beside his partner and passing along to the reader fear, hope, useful information and a broader story than his own. I loved Vinnie the tattoo artist. This is a great book. Thanks for sharing, Mark and "thanks for caring"

Blahsan

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book is a must read. What sets this book apart from other books about surviving breast cancer is that it is told by the husband and his point of view, not from the survivor. At times sad, at times poignant but even through the worst of it you can always feel the love he has for his wife, her strength and the strength of their extended family and friends. The posts that are included from their friends and family lets you really into the heart and strength of the family. I would recommend this book to anyone who is currently going through this, whether you are the person or the caregiver. I also recommend this book to anyone who has a friend that has been or is currently going through their fight now. It was an eye opener for me.

L. Bogash
Seven Valleys, PA

ittakes2_reviews_2

There isn't a shortage of books about breast cancer, but most are written from the perspective of the person who has battled cancer or a physician or other expert. What an enlightening experience to read about breast cancer from a husband and caregiver's perspective! Not only does the author give us insight into his wife's experience and emotions, but he openly shares and reveals his love, compassion, support, and, yes, sometimes anger at the disease as he stands by his wife's side during their journey to beat the beast. Your story may not be the same, but I guarantee if you have a loved one battling cancer, you won't go wrong reading It Takes 2.

 PattiM
September 25, 2013

 

ittakes2_reviews_2

From the moment I opened this book I never stopped reading. Mark invites the reader to come along on this journey that his family went through. I cried, laughed and learned so much. This book will give comfort and knowledge to those going through similar situations. Most importantly, Mark and his family never give up. They get knocked down and get right back up. They fought cancer together and with their strength, determination and will to prevail... They do!

 Jenny Schloss 

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Magnificent Outcome: It’s Just About… Life.

The taxi ride is a long one. All the way from the 9/11 Memorial in New York to a restaurant called Bar Americain at 152 West 52nd Street near mid-town Manhattan. I tell the cab driver where we need to go and mention the name of the restaurant, it seems he has not heard of […]

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