Meet Marlene. She's from the lower mainland and has been in Kamloops for 11 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My children, they always brighten my day.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Red Beard Cafe. I worked there for two years and love the owners dearly, they are like family.
Describe yourself in one word.
Paradoxical.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Hawaii, it's paradise year round.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
This made me laugh, I love weight training and will look for best gyms in every city I visit.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I am not easily embarrassed and by nature, I look for ways to be uncomfortable to continue growing. Someone, please come embarrass me!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I aim to be inspired everyday moment to moment. Inspiration is available to us whenever we need it. I think it is something we can provide for ourselves when we need it. If we are vulnerable in our dealings and open to receive it from others, or inside ourselves, we can then transform to be inspired by the potential that is available to us in every moment.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I am fortunate enough to say this is hard! I grew up on the coast where food and culture were rich in abundance. I have fond memories of the Seawall, China Town, Little Italy on Commercial Drive, the Vancouver Art Gallery and obscure galleries with foreign films with my sister and father. An activity I still engage in since I was seven years old is rollerblading. You will catch me rollerblading around Kamloops in the spring and summer so I am happy the city has the initiative to develop bike lanes so I can rollerblade in them!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I was previously a volunteer with the YMCA for five and half years and was able to use my experience from volunteering to transform from my previous career as a business as a chef and event planner into now a coach and Somatic Educator. I am situated with F3FIT and am currently embarking on a three-year endeavour to be trained as a Clinical Somatic Educator. I am seeking to align myself with an organization where I can volunteer my time providing people experience from pain relief and freedom in their bodies. If anyone is curious to know more about CSE please connect with me as I need people for my practicum hours.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
That all people would be able to experience, live and know true freedom intellectually and psychically in their mind body and spirit. As a Somatic Educator and Coach, my deepest desire for people is to become embodied in their highest sense of self so that they may integrate their wisdom from past experiences to live a full life in their future. When we strengthen individuals, we strengthen our communities, when we strengthen our communities, we strengthen our country and who knows where that potential would bring us.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
The gym or library.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
I think if we are to point something out needing change we need to be actively involved in changing it. The drug use and homeless crisis come to mind, I would like to offer my training as CSE to help somehow though not sure how yet.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
The people for sure. We have a strong sense of community and also hospitality for newcomers here.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Support my children through their dreams and help them reach their full potential
2. Continue to be a part of things bigger than myself
3. Live to be 120 years old or older full in mind and body
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I love concerts! I recently attended the QOTSA in Vancouver, met the band and got a signed setlist!
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook.
What is the name of your business/organization?
F3FIT.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I believe in the vision Robert Petrie, owner and the head coach, has for the community.
What is the goal of your business?
My role is to continue to teach people in group classes, with one on one training and also to remove pain and tension from peoples bodies with Somatics.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Recovering from a divorce about five years ago. I 'lost' everything, however, I have regained everything and more in the process.
What do you always find yourself saying?
'Cheers!'
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Lower the weights you place on yourself, keep in your range of motion and try again.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Jordan Peterson. He is controversial, thought-provoking and has a love for humanity. I think everyone could strive for more of. I would be curious to pick his brain about sensory systems in the body, how they manifest as personalities, and how we interpret them this way.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
You meet new people and feel apart of something bigger than yourself.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Getting out of bed every morning. Mental health has been a sword I have had to master.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Mitchel Forgie from Red Beard. He loves Kamloops!
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kamloops.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great!
