We recently connected with Kimberleigh Cleary and have shared our conversation below.
Kimberleigh, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Developing confidence and self esteem is not a one-and-done thing. It is a continual practice, an ebb and flow, like climbing a mountain over and over again. I’ve found that being vulnerable and authentic are pathways to deepening those levels.
Doing things that are new, challenging, and even a little scary feeds my soul. I like being on a journey that welcomes mistakes as part of growth, where taking any level of risk can result in huge achievements. There’s a quote “Comparison is the thief of joy”, which resonates with me.. I can feel great about something I accomplish, but if I compare that to what someone else does, it can diminish my own joy. Instead, I prefer to celebrate my wins, no matter how big or small they are comparatively. The more I achieve my goals, the more my confidence grows.
I try to have patience and grace with myself, which isn’t always easy because I tend to hold high standards. I acknowledge my strengths and I work on building areas of myself that need more attention. When I do something consistently, it becomes comfortable and natural, contributing to healthy self esteem. When I stay true to myself, I know where to put my energy, and can also honor when something isn’t for me, This helps me to feel more positive and secure in who I am, and sets me up for living in a more aligned way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I wear a few professional hats and delight in each of them!
I am a fire performer with my troupe Cirque de Fuego, which my husband & I established in 2014. We’re based in Vermont, but have performed in various states throughout the US, as well in Canada. One of my favorite experiences was being accepted to & performing in the official Burning Man Fire Conclave with my own troupe. Because fire performing carries inherent danger & risks, proper fire safety precautions are a huge part of the job. I was proud to earn an E-29 Fire Performer Certificate of Fitness from the FDNY, which is the most highly regarded fire performance credential in the US.
I am a yoga instructor, having completed my 200hr Yoga Teacher Training as an effort to deepen my own practice. I lead classes at local studios and in my backyard sculpture garden. I love coming home to myself through breath and movement.
As a woman coach in snowboarding, my passion lies in teaching & empowering female-identifying guests. I’ve worked in the Women’s Program at Smugglers’ Notch Resort for the past 9 years, and just wrapped up my second season as the coordinator of the program. I am certified through the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI) and am currently working towards further certifications.
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?
I would say curiosity, optimism, and gratitude are all things that have brought me to this point in my journey.
By being curious and open, we allow ourselves to learn or receive in ways that we might not expect, as long as the mind is willing. Optimism is basically trusting the process while maintaining hope; taking root in the belief that things work out as they should, even if it’s not evident in the moment. When I’m not sure what is coming next or how things will happen, I lean into that unknown space (which is usually uncomfortable). Keeping a positive perspective rooted in gratitude helps to ground me and stabilize any situation. There’s just so much to be thankful for in life and I make it a habit to express my gratitude every day.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
My coaches, mentors, peers and friend groups have all helped me in myriad ways.
In my fire profession, I learned to dance that fine line between calculated risk and performance art. My husband has been a big influence in that area, as he keeps a grounded, steady presence in our partner acts and with the overall operation of our troupe.
In yoga, my teachers and mentors during trainings have been so inspiring and supportive. They’ve offered perspective and advice on many levels, and remind me that there are many ways to do one thing.
Finally in snowboarding, my training coaches and peer group have been incredible. From talking through fears to breaking down movement patterns, I owe so much of my growth in that area to those teaching skills and those holding space for me as I work through it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cirquedefuego.com
- Instagram: @cirquedefuego
- Facebook: Cirque de Fuego
- Linkedin: Kim Cleary
Image Credits
Chawna Cota Joanne Delabruere Matt Duffy Ceili Seipke
