When you have the opportunity to ask some of the most interesting people in the world about their lives, sometimes the most fascinating answers come from the simplest questions. The Thrive Questionnaire is an ongoing series that gives an intimate look inside the lives of some of the world’s most successful people.
Thrive Global: What’s the first thing you do when you get out of bed?
Amy Kurtz: Resist the urge to look at my cell phone. Then, I meditate. I then end it with a gratitude practice where I say at least a few things I am thankful for in my life. It sets the tone nicely for my day. I am a firm believer that how you start your day is how your day will be. I broke a bad habit that wasn’t serving me of getting on my phone immediately upon opening my eyes…it sent me on a speeding train to nowhere good. I implemented this new plan and it sets the tone for how I want my day to be, rather than letting the day run me.
TG: What gives you energy?
AK: Being good to my house that holds me (my body) by nourishing myself wisely mentally, emotionally, and physically: a good night’s rest (which for me is 8 hours), my meditation practice, staying well hydrated, eating healthy fresh whole foods, movement, spending as much time in nature as possible, small personal rituals throughout my day, inspiration, and positivity.
TG: What’s your secret life hack?
AK: When we set aside time to show up for our internal world, we can better show up for our external world.
TG: Name a book that changed your life.
AK: I could never name just one.
TG: Tell us about your relationship with your phone. Does it sleep with you?
AK: “It’s complicated” would be the appropriate response. It used to. But now it stays out of the bedroom on airplane mode. It wasn’t a healthy dynamic so I created boundaries. 🙂
TG: How do you deal with email?
AK: It’s a love hate relationship. I try to check it several times a day for a contained amount of time.
TG: You unexpectedly find 15 minutes in your day, what do you do with it? AK: Spend time in nature or engage in something that brings me joy.
TG: When was the last time you felt burned out and why?
AK: It was earlier this year after the launch of my book Kicking Sick. Taking on too much is my weakness. I needed to take my own advice and unplug and recharge.
TG: When was the last time you felt you failed and how did you overcome it?
AK: I’m always failing at some things and, hopefully, also succeeding at others at the same time. Life tugs at us from many angles, it’s impossible to not feel like we are failing at something. I never necessarily overcome these challenges where I feel I am failing, but I try to cultivate a state of being to accept the present for what it is, try my best always, and practice self compassion on the daily.
TG: Share a quote that you love and that gives you strength or peace.
AK: “There is a voice that doesn’t use words. Listen.” — Rumi
Amy Kurtz is the Author of the book Kicking Sick: your GO-TO GUIDE for thriving with chronic health conditions, a Health and Wellness Coach, and Motivational Speaker. As a sought-after expert, she has has been featured on Good Morning America, Fox News, Yoga Journal, and more. To join her wellness revolution head on over to amykurtz.com, and follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for daily tips, inspiration, and motivation.