Meet Maggie (bannigan) Von Handorf

We were lucky to catch up with Maggie (bannigan) Von Handorf recently and have shared our conversation below.

Maggie, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I found my purpose in discovering the true joy I felt from helping and connecting with others. I am a huge empath, and have always felt for those who are often less understood or have a more difficult time showing their true colors. I feel I have a unique talent in helping others see their purpose, and feel confident in who they are in their own skin.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am an occupational therapist and the owner of All Abilities Bootcamp. All Abilities Bootcamp is a fitness program that includes individuals of all abilities, specifically the inclusion of those with different abilities or needs. I have been involved in a sport or some type of fitness activity my whole life, and have developed many interpersonal skills from that including self-discipline, a strong work ethic, social skills, and teamwork. Sport and fitness also allowed me to gain self-confidence, and feel empowered completing or competing in something new or challenging. As I started my career as an occupational therapist working primarily in pediatrics, I found that opportunities for sport/fitness were limited in the special needs community. Knowing how much I gained from fitness and sport, I wanted to offer this community with something similar to the opportunities I had which is how All Abilities Bootcamp came to be! Aside from owning the business, I am also the primary All Abilities coach, and currently host weekly classes to my local community in Louisville, KY. It is beyond an honor to guide my athletes athletically, but also watch them develop confidence, strength, and an overall better understanding of what it means to be well. I have also watched my athletes become teammates and friends, when outside of bootcamp, I know they are faced with a lot of isolation and misunderstanding. It truly is a special experience to see these athletes shine and smile each week.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Three qualities or skills that have been most impactful in my journey with AAB (All Abilities Bootcamp) are patience, empathy, and some clinical background of anatomy and physiology which I acquired through a Master’s in Occupational Therapy. I often find that if we slow down, and really LISTEN to people (verbal and non-verbal cues) we can gain a lot of perspective from each person we meet. My advice is to always try and see the good in people, and always give people an opportunity to communicate in their own way. For example, a non-verbal communicator may express their wants and needs differently than someone who communicates verbally, but their needs are just as important! Try and listen and give opportunities to those who may not have it as easy as you or I.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

Feeling overwhelmed is a part of life that unfortunately, I feel we cannot avoid. I think that’s where we need to start in how to decrease feelings of overwhelm and anxiety, just by acknowledging it and sitting with it. When we are able to acknowledge that, we are gaining better understanding of ourselves and therefore can begin to take action in remediating negative thoughts or feelings. My favorite way to decrease feelings of overwhelm is to get outside! For a walk, or even just sitting and listening to nature sounds. I also find practicing gratitude to be very helpful, as well as speaking with a loved one. We need to know it is okay to not be okay all of the time, and to lean on those who love us when we need it most!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://allabilitiesbootcamp.wordpress.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allabilitiesbootcamp?igsh=MWloOGJsZ3AzeTFnMg==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allabilitieswelcome/

Image Credits

Thesilveredit.photo