Finding resiliency through hard times with Kate Schmitt.
Don't give up. Be the one who fights for yourself as hard as you fight for others.
- Kate Schmitt
Life is funny. Sometimes the omnipotent luck is in our favour and we find $5 on the ground! Or the kind employee at Wendys gives us a free drink with our meal (true story, it made my day).
And other times, without any warning, it winds up and punches us in the face.
I’ve had my fair share of these moments in my life. Deaths in the family. A 4-month rollercoaster ride of terror when I had my wisdom teeth removed. And let’s be honest, 2020. This year has been complete a catastrophic failure of a year in so many ways, it almost makes you laugh. Really, what could be next?
Just take a look at the wikipedia page for 2020 to remind yourself of what a year this has been so far.
Some notables
Hong Kong protests
Wildfires in Australia
Flight 752 tragedy
COVID 19 Global Pandemic
Massive Stock Market Crash
The murder of George Floyd and the black lives matter response (support if you can)
and more…
These are undoubtedly hard times. We can’t predict when these major events will happen and so we have to learn how to find the right head space to make it through each challenge.
When I think of people who have handled adversity like a boss, I think of my friend Kate Schmitt. Kate is a local Edmonton Barber (shout out to Barber Ha) and Energy Worker. She’s an artist who shares positive vibes while creating in the form of hair design, and human energy design.
In 2009 her life was rocked by the discovery of a brain tumor and the possibility that her life could be over. It’s a major life event that would cut to the core of any of us. I’m happy to say that Kate is doing well and thriving now, and her story of adversity is one that we can all learn from. But hearing her story and how she faced this adversity gives us a glimpse into the mind of a resilient person, and that’s valuable information that we can use in our own lives as we navigate the challenges of 2020 and beyond.
Heads up with the first question if you’re squeamish as Kate discussed her medical journey with the Brain Tumor as context.
Explain for us the story around how you had your brain tumour and how it affected your life.
The brain tumor and strokes were a pivotal part of my life. It all started back in 2008 when I started to feel pretty awful. I went to the doctors but at the time they told me that everything was okay. I had to persist as my own advocate with the medical world that something wasn’t right. Eventually, finally, in 2009 they booked me for an MRI to dig deeper. Suddenly it was flurry of activity as the MRI discovered a large mass in the center of my brain covered with a cyst, and nesting against my brain stem. A brain tumor.
They gave me an angioplasty to block off the blood going to the mass so I didn't bleed out and die on the table basically.
Two days after the embolization (preventing blood flow to the tumor) via angioplasty, I had a 12 hour surgery where I was cut open from nape to mid scull as two very amazing surgeons worked on me. Coming out of it, I felt like I had a really long nap, yet I couldn't see out my right side, I couldn't make sense of many things, and damn was my head was heavy. You don't realize it normally but you really need those muscles in your neck to hold that bowling ball up!
I was released a few weeks later and discovered that during the angioplasty I had experienced 6 TIAs (transient ischemic attack, aka mini-strokes). I wasn’t told about this until months after. And the TIA’s had cause me delayed speech, memory loss, loss of some major motor skills, confusion, anxiety and much more.
This was going to be my new normal, they said this was my new reality.
Disability for the rest of my life at age 29.
But as all of these things happened to me, they were also a way to give myself a chance to fight for something. I took on each challenge and decided to try and prove them wrong. I fought through the odds of being a vegetable, and I fought the odds of death. But to be honest, part of me died then. And so many things were new, life as I knew it was new, my will, my determination, and my family were reasons for me never to give up.
Looking back on this challenging time, what takeaways stood out with you the most?
Honestly, what stood out the most was having to relearn life. Some functions were business as usual but it was like a toddler for many other things. Including forgetting how to walk and swing my arms and legs opposite to one another. Memories I have lost completely, and the after math of having to rediscover myself all over.
How did this period help to shape your mindset and cultivate resiliency?
My mindset has always been complex simplicity. Taking all the massive things in your life and try to see them as stripped down to as simple as you can make it. I'm a very empathetic person, and to be honest it gave me the perspective to just be a loving human being. And I learned how be comfortable sharing that with people. So here I am breathing, thinking to myself, “wow man!” I was given a new lease on life. And there is a resiliency that comes with that perspective. You know, when you go through something so massive, you want there to be a lesson behind it, and I have to say that this was certainly it for me. Be a good human, and learn to love and appreciate your life, wherever you are. Fight for it. It will motivate you!
What is the importance of mindset in our lives?
Mindset is hugely important. If we think that we can't, then we are pre-emptively manifesting that reality. Even if we are "joking". That’s one of the most insidious ways we can look down on ourselves instead of supporting our ourselves. I believe our spirit hears these things, so why not change that? Why not give yourself a chance to succeed and live with happiness rather than fear? It takes some bravery but you will build habits over time, and the world will open up for you.
Don't give up. Be the one who fights for yourself as hard as you fight for others.
Having been through a major life challenge before, what advice can you give to people who might be struggling with the world right now?
Oh man I've said this to so many people right now but here goes again... these big scary things which we aren't sure how to face are the catalyst that is required for change. Our world is spiraling out of control and that’s frightening. But an event this huge also shakes us out of our perspectives and it presents us a chance to change. It awakens your human spirit. You can’t control these circumstances, but you can put energy into what you actually can control. Focus on that. Trust that it will be ok. I can promise you it will be ok and that there is a lesson behind this too. Be open to the change, be understanding with yourself and be kind!
We all have bad days here and there. What tips do you have for getting back on track when these off days strike?
Kate’s signature shoes she wears for grounding
My dear friend is an Alchemist, he has helped me in many a journey. He advised me to stop and look at what it is that is making us anxious or stressed. Take the moment to write it down, and look at it.
Why is it triggering you?
How can you help yourself manage this?
Give yourself a moment to be gracious to yourself and to others. Simplify your world and just slow down to enjoy some deep breaths. Get that oxygen deep into your person! Anxiety happens to us all. It's how we manage it that matters, so it doesn't become a vortex in creating a false reality. The number one thing for me is connecting with myself and being present because it’s so grounding and hugely powerful. I recommend you try it too.
Summary:
Focus on what you can control, instead of what is out of your control. And use it as fuel to fight for what you care about.
Complex Simplicity - Simplify massive things in life to their core meanings
Positive mindsets help you grow. Negative mindsets pull you down.
Anxiety happens. Try to understand the root of it, and be gracious to yourself. Find a way to ground yourself.
Hopefully Kate’s story has given you some fuel on how to navigate the big challenges of life. Big thanks to Kate for sharing her story and helping us all see the world in a better light.
If you’d like to keep hanging out with us, check out Kate’s Instagram accounts. We would love to hear and inspirations or thoughts from you in the comments or on social. Both Kate and I would be happy to send you some positive vibes ;)
Kate’s Instagrams - @thebarberkate and @the1111connection
Now go get that bread! 🍞
