We had the good fortune of connecting with Kathleen Day and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kathleen, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Fate loves the fearless.

I learned this quote in college. It’s by the American Poet James Lowell, and it still lives on in my mind.

Accepting the responsibility of risk takes a lot of courage. No great thing has ever happened without any risk attached to it. Risk means change, and change can be scary. There is so much unknown that goes with change . However, I have learned when I’ve taken risks, I’ve consistently been rewarded.

High Risk = High Reward. Low Risk = Low Reward.

That’s not to say that at times I’ve been dragged into change kicking and screaming, there are plenty of times that I perhaps, could acted sooner than I did, on projects, conversations, etc. but once I’ve made up my mind to start a new project, a new chapter, or a new journey I’ve never been disappointed.

Change happens all at once, and it’s the moments leading up to change that feel the most like you’re floating in space. Becoming comfortable with that in-between is challenging, and at the same time inspiring.

Healthy risk taking is like a muscle. One must strengthen it and get comfortable with detaching what comes on the other side.

Becoming self-employed is risky! At the end of the day, you are your own safety net, and there is also tremendous empowerment and freedom in making that choice. I encourage it for some.

Taking risks has gifted me with the most beautiful things in life. Moving across the country on my own in my early twenties was a risk that blessed me with an even bigger life that I never could have dreamed. I get to have a great relationship. I got to travel the world, and my next big risk harnessing my favorite talents into a new career – food blogging.

The fear we feel before taking risks is a gift. It means it matters to you. It can be your North Star.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The thing that I am most capital-E Excited about is the launch of my healthy cooking blog this spring. It’s been a long time coming, and I can’t wait to set it in motion.

In my twenties, I had mega “where the wind blows me” syndrome. From the age of 21 to 24, I’d lived in three different states, cocktail waitressed in New York City, moved across the country, and backpacked Europe for a month. I had and still have natural joie de vivre. Coupled with both a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Communication Studies, I’ve landed into some really awesome jobs, opportunities, and experiences.

Before I even settled into health and wellness, I’d gathered a ton of tools for my metaphorical toolbox, I worked as a group facilitator teaching team building, communication, and leadership. I jumped in and out of advertising/public relations and writing copy, and I spent time as a Public Speaking Instructor at both San Diego State University and The nuSchool of Architecture and Design.

Within the fitness realm, I’ve competed in Bodybuilding, ran a half marathon and ended my long-standing relationship with disordered eating and exercise.

Perhaps the most unusual thing about my trajectory is that I started my career exclusively working with soccer players teaching skills, and strength and conditioning to improve performance and help mitigate the effects of existing injuries. I see health, fitness and exercise through diverse and global lenses.

All of my learnings about the world and refining my ability to connect with people in a variety of different formats and contexts has become my most valuable asset. Nevermind how good or not good of a trainer I actually am – the piece of me that I know I do best is my ability to educate, encourage and deliver through my lived experiences and education.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1

Let’s say they get in on Thursday late afternoon. We’re going to hang out in neck of the woods and make it a low key evening. We’ll get some veal meatballs at The Red Door on Washington Street, and then cruise up the street to Mr. Trustee for some of the best ice cream flavor combos in the city!

Day 2

Part 1 – It’s Friday, and I’m playing hookie. My friend and I are headed out early-ish to Mission Beach to have ourselves a day. Ms. B’s Coconut Club for brunch? Um, yeah. Our next stop is Belmont Park to ride the Roller Coaster and play some carnival games.

Part 2 – Beach cruisers from Mission Beach to Pacific Beach to lay out on the sand, and if the water isn’t too cold, maybe a little body surfing. And while we’re there, we’ve GOT to get a late lunch/early dinner Oscar’s Fish Tacos off of Emerald Street. They’re delicious, they’re healthy, they’re fresh. A MUST in San Diego.

Part 3 – Make our way to Little Italy and stop in Ironside for my favorite cocktail in this city – The Pisco Sour. It’s not on the menu so just ask for it. Then, Music Box for some live tunes and boogie the night away!

Day 3

Road Trip to Anza Borrego.

Day 4

Sunday is for rest, so something low key like sticking our toes in the sand in Ocean Beach, and hang around to catch sunset over the cliffs.

Day 5

Kayaking in La Jolla Cove Shores followed by Strawberry Cupcakes at Sugar and Scribe in La Jolla.

Day 6

Something chill like strolling around Balboa Park.

Day 7

Start out the day going to LIV Juice Bar in Hillcrest to get 2 “Eye Openers.” Next, yoga at Yoga Deck in Bankers Hill. Conveniently locate right next door is the The Knot Stop. It’s the BEST place in San Diego for skincare and massage and they offer other restorative services like Reiki which is extra relaxing.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My first bosses in a sports and fitness roll, Alicia Piz and Matt Couch. They hired one horrendously underqualified applicant, their taking a shot on me launched my career in motion.

To my boyfriend, Joseph Blaes for being totally awesome and for having a never-ending belief in and support of me.

Lastly, to my Mom and Dad…for lots of reasons.

Website: http://www.everydayeatsblog.com

Instagram: kay_dayallday

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-day-3b04a418

Youtube: @everydayeatsblog

Other: other instagram: @everydayeatsblog substack: SUBSTACK.COM/@EVERYDAYEATS

Image Credits
Suzy DiMinno Talia Lopez Manny Lauria Hippies Use Side Door Marketing

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