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6 Ways to Help You Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

September 21, 2016 By Lindsay Gee Leave a Comment

Change doesn’t happen unless you do. How many times have you heard that?

Or, change happens outside your comfort zone. How about that one? You’ve heard that one, right?

And, as much as we know it, acknowledge it and “like” all the quotes and memes on Facebook about it, change and being outside your comfort zone is hard. It’s really hard. But, there will be a time in your life when you’ll have to accept that something’s gotta give and you’re going to need to step out of your bubble and go way past your comfort zone.

The power of letting go and moving yourself toward your goals is yours. It’s yours if you choose to dig in, step out and expose your vulnerabilities. You need to respect your limitations but push your boundaries and your comfort zone.

Think of your comfort zone like a balloon. You can expand it by putting more into it and you can shrink it by giving up and letting go. You can also pop it if you push too far. The further you try to push yourself out of your comfort zone, the harder it is. But it’s okay. You’re supposed to push. You’re supposed to constantly expand. Trust me. [Read more…] about 6 Ways to Help You Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

The Selfish Acts of Giving and Gratitude

September 17, 2016 By Lindsay Gee Leave a Comment

I like to think that I’m a giver. I give and give and give and I try to not take and take and take. But, I’m a selfish giver. I give to get something for myself. And, the more I give and get for myself, the more gratitude towards others I feel. However, I believe we all give to get, it’s just human nature.

We recently hosted a contest at Hot Mama where we gave away some pretty skookum prizes. The goal was to encourage Mamas to remain active over the summer and if they did, they’d win a great prize! Today we announced the winners and it unraveled this overwhelming desire for me to give and to inspire others to give. It’s the best feeling in the world to surprise someone with a gift. The gratitude is palpable. The energy is amazing.

That’s why I give. I LOVE surprising someone with a gift. I love to see their face light up, tears fill their eyes and I love to feel their gratitude as I’m enveloped in a hug. It’s the best. I’m an energy gal and your energy affects me like nothing else. The energy I feel when I give? It fills me with warmth and pure joy. I give and I give and I give because I need that energy in my life. It soothes my soul. I work tirelessly for Hot Mama and Lindsay Gee and I love it. But oh…the energy from giving that I receive? It’s beyond what words can explain.

I’ve read a lot of business books and a lot of gratitude books and there’s some science behind the act of giving. The hormones that are released, the more you give the more you get and blah, blah, blah…but I like to think of it in the most simple of terms: Do good for others and that good will bounce back to you. Energy out = energy in. I firmly believe that if you’re kind and generous to those around you, if you exude gratitude and positivity…it’ll come right back to you.

I see it over and over in our Hot Mama community. These incredible Mamas give to one another through ways I’m sure they don’t even realize. It’s the smiles, the high fives, the laughter and the sharing of tears. For every person you light up, you’re giving a piece of yourself. I get to do that every day…and that’s amazing.

What I don’t get to do every day is give a prize or a gift you can use or touch. Today I got to do that. And I am buzzing. It was time for me to be selfish and let the feeling of giving run through my body. I’m a gooey puddle of joy today and it’s because I gave something away to deserving people and I know they’ll use it. I (and our beautiful, strong and amazing Hot Mama franchise owners) gave away something that matters to someone. And that…oh baby. That’s an awesome feeling.

If you’re feeling crummy today, I encourage you to go be selfish. Go give of yourself. It doesn’t have to be an expensive give…it may even just be your time and some positive energy…but you’re going to change someone’s day today. Of this I am certain. Be a positive light to someone who needs it today and let their energy flow into your body. Give of yourself and be selfish. Take the energy and swim in it all day.

Go on…give selfishly. I approve.

Elsa – My New Entrepreneurial Mentor

September 10, 2016 By Lindsay Gee Leave a Comment

No one ever told me that being an entrepreneur would be easy. But…they also didn’t tell me how freakin’ hard and lonely it could be, either. You win some, you lose some I guess. AND, I never thought I could relate entrepreneurship to a Disney character, but…Disney seems to always make magic happen.

I was watching Frozen (for the 1,496, 577th time) the other day with my little cherub and I kept thinking, hmmmmm, that Elsa she’s got it right. She’s on to something. She is powerful. She’s smart. Strong. Protective. She sang an entire song about letting go, for goodness sake.

Bear with me as I wheel around to my point…here are some lyrics from her super famous Let It Go song (and yes, I realize a person is behind the voice of Elsa, don’t be so picky…work with me here).

The snow glows white on the mountain tonight
Not a footprint to be seen
A kingdom of isolation,
And it looks like I’m the queen.

The wind is howling like this swirling storm inside
Couldn’t keep it in, heaven knows I tried!

Don’t let them in, don’t let them see
Be the good girl you always have to be
Conceal, don’t feel, don’t let them know
Well, now they know!

Let it go, let it go
Can’t hold it back anymore
Let it go, let it go
Turn away and slam the door!

I don’t care
What they’re going to say
Let the storm rage on,
The cold never bothered me anyway!

I’m with her until the cold part. I dislike the cold a lot.

Anywho, let’s break it down. “A Kingdom of isolation, and it looks like I’m the Queen“. Okay. yes. Entrepreneurship is very similar to having a kingdom and it can be an extremely lonely kingdom. And, being the Queen, aka the Founder, can be pretty isolating, no matter how many super cool women surround you. Go Elsa. I don’t have a tiara though, mental note: work on getting a Hot Mama tiara.

Moving on: Wind howling, swirling inside, can’t keep it in? You got that right, sister! Entrepreneurs are inundated with thoughts, ideas, plans, strategies all day and all night long. And the crazy part? It’s all in our own brains. We create the madness. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve woken up at 3am with my brain zinging and howling at me to release my idea(s) to the world (or at least into the notebook on my bed-side table). It’s exhausting. But…incredible things happen by releasing them, so good job Elsa…lead on.

Next verse: Conceal, don’t feel (you’re losing me here a bit, Elsa). Don’t let them know. Okay. We’re back. You and me, girlfriend, we’re like ducks on a pond. Hoping to look calm and serene to the people watching (both believers and naysayers) but paddling and treading water like mad underneath. Working, pushing, driving the magic we believe in and know we possess with effort and force we hope looks calm and serene…magical. Okay, Ice Queen, still with you.

Let it go. Let it go. Can’t hold it back anymore. Oh Elsa! You dream-maker! It’s true! In order for us to grow we need to let it go. Let. It. Go. Everything we have inside of us, all the dreams and the ambitions, the goals and vision…THE FEAR…let it go. Release it to the world. Show them. Show them what you’re capable of! Oh yes! Okay! Go Elsa! Go Entrepreneurs.

It’s time to stop being afraid of who we are and what we want to do. It’s time to stop hiding in the darkness of self doubt, worry and confusion and just…let it go. Try. It could be beautiful. It could be magic. I have the ability to create magice…I AM creating magic. A kingdom of joy and wonder, of laughter and cheering. Of silliness and beauty. Oh yes, Elsa! We can do this!

You and me,

Or you could end up locked in a dungeon…but, let’s not go there.

You Don’t Know This About Me – And Neither Did I

September 8, 2016 By Lindsay Gee 6 Comments

I’m doing a 30-Day writing challenge and today we were asked to write about something that not many people know about us. I started thinking, well, I’m pretty much an open book. My words are from my heart and I share a lot of my life and my heart and soul through the words I write.

But…there is this one thing you don’t know. And, as I reflected on this thing, I began to wonder why I hadn’t shared it previously. And the simple fact is, I didn’t realize the degree to which this thing had formed me into the person I am today and the values I hold strong. As I began to really think about this thing, I realized my sense of community, of friendship, of supporting one another…it doesn’t come from being a woman, a sister, a daughter, a Mom (although they all play a part, of course). My complete and all-encompassing desire to build community comes from my experience growing up as a…

…member of a marching band.

BAM! Fierce.

The Edmonton Crusaders, to be exact.

I began my time in the marching band when I was 11. Both of my brothers were in the band (one was in percussion, one played the trumpet) and I wasn’t allowed to join because I was only 11. However, another girl had to quit the band and it left a spot open, last minute, in the colorguard. Because my brothers were in and my parents were involved, I was asked to step in, learn the routines and fill the spot. Oh yeah, party people, I flung that flag and marched around that field like nobody’s business.

That summer we traveled all over Europe on tour. The concept of community (though I didn’t know it at the time) was introduced to me that summer and I’ve been living and breathing it ever since.

What did being in a marching band really teach me? Well, aside from reading and playing music (I eventually left the colorguard and learned to play the alto saxophone and the flute…you didn’t know that either, did you?!), I learned teamwork. I learned how to be a good friend and how to not be a good friend. I learned how to win gracefully and lose with dignity. I learned the importance of timing. I learned what it felt like to have pride. I learned what it felt like to work hard at something and achieve. I learned that it was okay to be silly and quirky, that there’s a place for everyone in this world.

Most importantly, I learned about community. While I was in the marching band (I believe I was in for about 6 years) we traveled throughout Canada and internationally. We went to Europe, to California, to Chicago and across the Canadian prairies. And, when you travel with 70 other people, you become friends, family…community. You learn how important communication is and that to get over homesickness or fights with your friend you need to love and support one another. You rely heavily on one another. The marching band community taught me that you need to have fun every single day you’re together because there were rough days and hard days on tour and the community…well…they pulled you through.

Community was strong with the Edmonton Crusaders. We relied on one another. Both on and off the field. If someone didn’t hit their mark during drill, it screwed us all up. It was funny, yes, and we all giggled out there (much to our instructor’s dismay), but I learned the importance of relying on others on those fields. And when we traveled and toured I learned to lean on my friends, on my community. I learned that the people that surround you in your community will have hard days and they are going to need you to lift them up. If you do that for them, they’ll do that for you. That, my friends, is exactly what community is.

I learned the value of communication with the band. You don’t communicate, you get left behind (literally and figuratively). To get over sadness and nerves, you need the love and support of your friends, of your community. You rely heavily and lean fully on one another. I also learned that in order to have a strong community, FUN, must be a major player. You must have fun every single day if you want your community to be strong. Me…I love having fun.

As I reflect back on my days in the marching band, I do have to say they are some of my most favorite memories. My entire family was involved for years and I basically grew up marching around that field swinging flags, dancing or playing music. But, most importantly, and truly, the core of who I am, my complete and utter belief in community…it comes from band. I am who I am and Hot Mama is Hot Mama because of the years I spent with all those crazy band fools marching, doing drill, making music and practice, practice, practicing.

So, I am grateful for this challenge. I am so pleased to finally reflect and discover where this desire to build a safe place for women to go to be themselves and not be judged comes from. I am thrilled to finally know that my desire to build community comes from a place of insight and knowledge, that it’s not because I’m trying to fill a hole in my life; it’s from a place of trying to introduce you all to what community can feel like. I know what it’s like to be a part of an amazing and supportive community. It is from being a band geek. 100%. Go Crusaders!

Go Crusaders!

Purpose, Pride and Hot Mama – I’m Finally There

July 12, 2016 By Lindsay Gee Leave a Comment

When I first started Hot Mama I had no intention of franchising. I simply wanted to do something I loved to do…teach fitness. But, life has a sneaky way of getting you to where you’re supposed to be and showing you the path you’re meant to be on.

Start something from love and it’ll grow. I believe that. I live that. That’s Hot Mama for me.

I have a friend who constantly posts inspirational quotes and videos on my Facebook timeline. They’re always about pushing through the tough times and living the life you’re meant to live. About overcoming the depths of hard work and no progress and believing in your purpose 100%. They’re about living your purpose and believing that you’re meant to do great things, so work hard and…well, do the great things.

Click HERE to see an example of something she posted on my FB wall. Take the five minutes to watch it…it’s good. With this post she wrote “To verify what your soul already knows. Watch this with your eyes wide open”.

Every time I see something posted by her on my page, I look forward to seeing what it is she wants to share with me. I look forward to finding out what she thinks will inspire me to continue. And more often than not, she’s right. I’m always in awe that I have a friend who sees this power in me when I so often do not. I am so grateful for these posts.

It’s not always the video or the meme or the graphic that gets me jazzed, it’s the fact that she was inspired by something and thought “Lindsay needs to see this”. Sometimes they’re super funny quotes that I need to see that day because she knows I need a laugh. Sometimes it’s about wine and peanut butter cups. But, a lot of times she posts about finding your purpose and living that life.

I love that when she thinks of hard work, determination, following your purpose, she thinks of me. I always end up crying during the videos she sends because it’s nice when a friend “gets it”. It’s nice that a friend looks at you and thinks “oh shit…she’s struggling…she should be reminded of her purpose” and a lot of days…she reminds me of my greatness.

Yeah. I said it. I have greatness. I inspire people. I’m finally getting to a place in my life where I get to accept and appreciate that. No more bashfulness about it. No more slouching my shoulders and saying “it’s nothing”. No. No…it’s something. I do good work. Hot Mama is a force to be reckoned with and I started it. I now have a small team, but I still permit myself to be proud of the fact that I started and built this Hot Mama business.

I was recently at a one-year anniversary party for one of our Main Mamas (that’s what we call our franchise owners for Hot Mama) and I love everything about these parties. I love celebrating milestones like getting through the first year of business, which is always difficult, franchise or not. But, what I love even more at these parties is hearing how Hot Mama changed every single person’s life in that room. It is one of the most incredible feelings. We make a different. We help. We move. We focus on support and love and laughter…we’re a safe place to go for fitness, motherhood and all things in between.

We make a difference. We help. We move. We focus on support and love and laughter…we’re a safe place to go for fitness, motherhood and all things in between.

The party I was recently at was the first that when I left, I actually thought to myself “Self, you created that” and I felt the warmth of pride deep in my soul. No, I’m not the owner. And no, I didn’t build that remarkable community. But I (we) did find the right owner, I (we) did find someone who believes in my (our) ideas and has the same passion I (we) have about fitness, family and community. I did create the programs she uses. I (we) did the work behind the logo, the website, the merchandise, the foundation of her business. I’m (we’re) a freakin’ force.

I’m finding the balance between being humble and having humility and standing tall and proud because, well, I have created something that changes lives. No, I’m not doing it alone any longer (thank the good Lord for that!) and I need to start changing my words from “I” to “we” when I talk about Hot Mama, but for now, after the few weeks I have had with my Main Mamas…I’m taking a moment to bask in the warmth and shimmer that you get when you do follow your purpose. I’m meant to change the world and help people. I’m meant to create a movement. I’m meant to dig, push, drive, cry, cheer, sob and #dancedammit. And I will.

I will read the quotes from my friend. I will watch the videos she posts on my wall. I will be grateful that I am one of the lucky ones who truly gets to follow her purpose and I will not take it for granted.

I finally accept what I can be and the difference I can make. I will push my team harder because, without them, I am just an idea. With them, we’re a freakin’ force.

I am grit. I am determination. I am the Original Hot Mama.

And finally, finally, I say that with nothing but pride. I hope that you are able to find and follow your purpose in your life. It is a remarkable thing. It’ll make you question everything you do and you’ll need to work harder than you ever imagined you’d EVER have to work. But, it’s worth it.

It’s going to be so worth it.

Good luck out there, Mamas. Find what you love to do and do that. With all you are and all you have. Do that.

*Oh, and hey, if you see a quote or a video that you think will help motivate your friend…post it, tag them, let them know…it could help more than you’ll ever know.