Internationally acclaimed barrister marries .... an actor

Why is this worthy of a blog?  Well firstly, said barrister is Amal Alamuddin, advocate for human rights and international refugee law extraordinaire, which is inspiring enough for a blog. Oh hang on you say, Amal Alamuddin, wait isn't she marrying? Yes, George Clooney.  Ok, so is the blog about him, because  he is certainly blog worthy!

But no, the blog isn't about him, but it is because of him and the way in which his marriage is being reported.  The gorgeous bride, Amal, is one of the most inspiring women in the legal profession (along with Jen Robinson who was also in attendance) and this is the first article which isn't pitched that she is marrying him.  This fairytale is really about the Prince who scored with marrying a Queen.  Amal has intellect, style and power.  George should be so lucky!  I'm glad this article was written, well at least it's title (the article inspired this blog if that was not already clear!).

There are so many tangents I could take this blog, one is where I query the correlation of Amal's power and success with her age of marriage (36), which I must admit makes me feel so much better as I reach the under 4 week countdown to my 30th birthday.  But it's not necessary to take away from the main message this article title shows - gone are the days when a woman is "lucky" to be getting married, she is "lucky" she is being saved and "lucky" that someone wants her, because be getting married the man is doing her a favour.  

Women like Amal are continuing to make their mark on the world.  We don't need men to survive (yes, we enjoy having you around - I am NOT a man hater), and we aren't "lucky"to have you. You are lucky to have us. Trail blazers, game changers, leading women, career girls, power women.  Call them what you want, but the most important life decision we will make is that of who WE choose to have procreational sex with, ie who we marry.  If we choose you, YOU should be so lucky. 

My new best workout buddy is Zova!

Anyone who knows me, knows that when I love something, I freaking LOVE it!  Fitness is one thing I enjoy and it helps keep me sane in what is otherwise a busy and exciting life.  I also love tweeting.  I tweet a lot!  I was therefore really excited when I was approached on Twitter about testing out this new fitness app.

I get a few requests to try things out, but a lot of the time I really cannot commit to it.  Partly because I am not keen on the product and partly because of time.  Also, I cannot stand those people on Twitter and Instagram who refer to products that you know they do not actually care about, but are just looking for something in return.

Anyway, wrong tangent!  A few months ago I was hitting a bit of a plateau with my training and since I no longer had BB to motivate me during our weekend workouts, I needed a new workout buddy!  Then along came the request to try out Zova.  I was skeptical at first because I thought that workouts would cater moreso to the beginner level and be boring (reveal: I do not do classes because I have the world's shortest attention span and I get sooooo bored!!).  I was still keen to try it out and given it was founded in Brisbane, I thought why not try and support the local guys.  Plus the benefit of testing out an app is that you get to provide your opinion.  Hey, I am a lawyer opinions is what I do best and here is my verdict:

Zova is freaking INCREDIBLE!!!

(and no, I am not getting paid to say that)

I prefer short and intense workouts and many other professional women would be in the same boat. When I saw that Zova had workouts that ranged from 2 minutes to 20 minutes, I thought this could be the beginning of a great new friendship. When I tried the "Plank It Out" workout, even though it said "hard", I was like please I plank all the time. Yeh, no, the next few days it hurt my core to even breathe. Same with the "Full Body Fitness" workout. It is only 8 minutes, but my gosh I found some new muscles.

 

Successful women are often so busy concentrating on everyone and everything else, that they sometimes neglect themselves. I challenge you all to start finding 10 minutes a day where you do a quick workout for YOU! There is no betting feeling than sweating it out and clearing your mind.

Here are some of the workouts I recommend for us busy #careergirls:

• Killer Legs & Butt
• Toned Arms & Abs
• Weekend Circuit Workout
• Ad-Break Abs
• 5 minute Push-up Pyramid (ok I kind of did this workout in my office yesterday lunch time)
• 7 minute Full Body

I am going to shamelessly plug Zova away (it is getting released shortly - keep a look out!), because I am now fully team #zovagirl. I like to be challenged daily and the endless workouts available on the app, I can be. With my 30th birthday only 6 weeks away, I also need a bit of motivation to make sure I am looking my best.

We have to take our work life so seriously, so working out should be fun!  In the words of Elle Woods 'exercise gives your endorphins, endorphins make you happy'.

Cas

Yes, I am a girl. Yes, I like sports!

I get emails and messages from young professionals around the world about different work situations and asking me now they should best deal with it.  One topic I get constantly is invitations to sporting events. 

The ladies I hear from are either invited to a sporting event as the "token" female or not invited as it is assumed they don't like sport.  Both cases are ignorant and outdated and I have been in both.  Admittingly, the best of the bad situations would be the token female invitation and then being able to hold a conversation about what is happening in said game (just don't be that overly excited female throwing beers at the poor bloke in front of you because he barracks for the other side).

But what do you do if you are not invited because (shock) you're female, and what do you do when you are told the reason why is because they "didn't think you would enjoy the game"? 

The best way to deal with it is to directly address the issue. Say something. However, if you are anything like me, in times of potential confrontation the conversation never comes out as I actually planned it in my head! 

Thankfully talking about attendance at sporting events isn't confrontational (well I hope not). Simply acknowledge what was said, but reference the sport/match/game and how you would liked to come along next time.  Might sound bold, but it works. 

It is also good to make your sporting interests known in the office. I am not talking about pinning Qld Reds flags to your desk and substituting your suit jacket for a Broncos hoodie, I am talking about making conversation with your male colleagues about the games from the weekend. Trust me - it works!!  A lot of companies also have office sports teams which are all mixed.  Joining up for the touch footy or soccer team is another great way to show your interest.

I love my sports and I really enjoying entertaining (or being entertained) at sporting events!  Just because your female doesn't mean you are completely inept with any type of sporting prowess.  A few years ago, I was sent tickets to the Ashes from a male Managing Director because he ended up being wrong on a footy rule that we were debating the weekend before at a Broncos match.  Best thing is I now have a great working relationship with this MD and he even started hosting female only sporting events - organises and pays for a box at the union/afl/cricket, gift bags for everyone going, cabs to and from the stadium and full hospitality at the game.  We need more MDs like this!

My lasting comment to you - don't just sit there and take it, but don't go to the extreme.  Deal with the situation as it comes and take proactive steps to prevent it from happening again.  In an ideal world (which will never happen), there would be no issue with female workers being asked, or attending, company marketing events that are sports related.  Until we get such ideal world, don't throw a private tantrum - DO something about changing it.

Take some "me time" - avoid a burnout (and go to a day spa)

Anyone who has ever suffered a burnout, never wants to experience it again.  It is not a good feeling and once you have been there, trust me - you will be taking steps to make sure it does not happen again!

A burnout affects people differently and for me it usually results in a "meltdown" of some sorts. I'm not talking a tantrum or the like, I am more like a balloon that has reached maximum size and is just tethering on the stages of popping.  It just takes one little "prick", and I am popped (and it is usually in response to something so little and "un-pop worthy", but I am just that on edge, it has put me over). Thankfully, over the years I have realised what I need to do in order to avoid the burnout phase.  Even with the best intentions though, I can come close to a burnout.  I don't want that for me and I don't want that for you.  As they say - every time a rubber band is stretched, while it does "bounce back", it never bounces back to the same shape it was previously.   Don't let your burnouts take you to a place you can't come back from.

Finding what works for you 

The best mechanisms for avoiding a burnout will be different for every one. 

My best good girlfriend Jessica Turner has her own blog on health and lifestyle and kindly shared her views on the importance of looking after yourself. 

I've learnt to make nurturing myself a priority. I know if I take the time to do the things which give me a sense of wellbeing and create space in my life.. I'm better at work, in my relationships and I'm just plain happier!

When I forget or ignore what my mind and body needs, I'm not the best version of myself.

Its not about being indulgent or lazy, self care is giving yourself the love and respect you deserve and truly need to for a healthy body and mind. 

My favourite ways to nurture myself are yoga, meditation, getting a facial or massage, taking a long bath and taking myself out for a beautiful nourishing breakfast at my favourite cafe. These simple expressions of self love keep me smiling.

Luckily, Jessica and I have similar mechanisms in place for avoiding a burnout.  For me, it's not just about going for the gym and doing coffee, it's about scheduling time where I have no choice but to unplug.  I love getting a massage but have never been big on getting a facial (I thought they sounded pretentious).  However, as I edge towards 30 (under two months to go!), I have been looking at ways to kill two birds with one stone - preventing the ageing process and unplugging at the same time. 

My increased work with WLAQ has decreased my available "me time", but if I want to offer myself fully to advancing women in the legal profession and also in my work, I need to be on my A-Game.  I realised recently that I needed to schedule in "me time" to unplug (and avoid a burnout) and decided to do something different (Jess' influence) and put a call out on Twitter for some day spa recommendations.  Noel and his team at Aquarius Health & MediSpa replied and organised for me to come in for a facial and use their day spa facilities.  When I walked in I thought of Louis Litt and his mud spa scene with Mike where he stands up (naked) and says "I cannot mix work with mudding", so iPhone was switched off the moment I walked in!

I had the best time at Aquarius!  I didn't realise there were so many things you can get done at the day spa (Aquarius also has Cosmetic Image Clinics for those who want to take a different route for relaxation).  I told the beauty therapist that I was not really big on facials, and her response reinforced a message I remember reading in one of Dr Lois Frankel's books - your appearance is your brand and you are judged on your appearance before you even have a chance to speak and show your worth.  I realised that if I felt like crap, all tired and sluggy, I probably looked that way too! 

While I wish I could say I spent a few hours using these facilities, I must admit to feeling a little guilty for not "doing anything", and only spent about 45mins taking advantage of the quiet (and no iPhone!).  I honestly felt so good after I walked out. My only mistake was not arranging a massage (ok ok, I have booked in for another treatment in a few weeks time and I actually don't feel guilty about it!)

Life is a marathon 

Burnouts are not a pretty thing.  As Kelly Cutrone said, young girls need to realise life is a marathon not a sprint.  No one can fully prepare you for the transition from University to a full time career, but we can give you tips and guide you.  Learn from those who have been-there-done-that.  I want all you young professional women to realise is that you need to make a habit to schedule "me time" where you can 100% unplug.  Take time to pamper yourself.  Relax, unplug and go and get a treatment - look after your health!  

Find what works for you - but do not feel guilty for spending time on yourself.  Mental wellbeing is just as important as your physical.  

Go and check your diary and schedule some "me time". 

 

Cas 

Thank you to Aquarius Health & MediSpa for giving me the royal treatment.  The staff did not know that Noel had organised the day for me, or that I would be writing this blog, which is what really impressed me about their service!  To them, I was just another customer.  I can't wait to go again.