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Meet Paula! She works for NEUMovement and loves any outdoor activity on the water during our Okanagan summers!
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Richmond, but grew up in Salmon Arm. I moved around a few times, and moved to Kelowna to work at NEU 8 years ago.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Oh gosh, just one?! I have so many favourite people...I have to say, no one makes me laugh as hard or warms my heart quite like my nieces and nephews. Although I couldn't make "Aunty Awesome" stick, they're still all my favourite.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I've definitely got a few...
- Farm Bound: because they are always so encouraging and showing me new ways to make changes and take more steps to become zero-waste.
- Lost Together: my new favourite consignment clothing store. They always have great finds and great prices!
- Frankie We Salute You: because any restaurant that is vegetarian, great food, AND great atmosphere has always got my vote.
- NEUmovement: because no where else can help me rehab injuries, kick my butt in a workout, and feel like Home all in one space.
Describe yourself in one word.
I decided to ask my sisters for help on this one. Which, anyone who has sisters knows this risky move, as they're sure to tell you what you maybe don't want to hear... But their answers were beyond sweet. To them, I am caring, passionate, and loyal.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
At this very moment? Well, considering it is currently snowing quite a bit in Kelowna, I would love to be in Croatia. I have never been, but have always wanted to travel there.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
It depends on the season. Although I am not a Winter-lover, I try and embrace all four seasons. I have an absolute passion and love for hiking, and Kelowna has some incredible views! But in the summer, I love kayaking, paddle boarding, or anything on the water.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
For the most part, I really try and shy away from feelings of embarrassment and try my best to laugh things off. That being said... I know I have a select few people closest to me reading this right now laughing because they know my absolute most embarrassing moment(s). But I think I'll keep those to myself...
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
It's not a singular event, nor did I understand how inspirational it would be to me until becoming an adult. My mom lost her husband (our Father) suddenly and tragically, very shortly after moving to a new city leaving her with a 3yr old, 4yr old, and 6yr old. Every day she chose to be strong for us and show us a life very full of love and adventure, in spite of her own grief. She has truly been my biggest inspiration my entire life.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
When I was 3 years old, we started doing weekly Sunday Night Dinners with our neighbours (who have 4 boys the same age as us 3 girls). This continued long after all 7 of us had grown up and moved out. Although not a single memory, those Sunday night dinners were instrumental in my childhood and some of my favourite memories were made.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
A few years ago I started a charity to help supply food and necessary items to the homeless every December. By our fourth year, we were handing out over 100 bags! I know this one might not stay directly within the community, but donating blood is something that is so important to me. I personally know a few people who may not have been here today if not for blood donations. I understand not everyone is able to, but if you can, donate! Plus, free cookies! As a team, NEUmovement also volunteers annually at the Hungry Hungry Half marathon put on to raise money for the Food Bank. This is such a fun event to be a part of and such a great cause!
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I know this may sound cheesy and predictable, but I would make everyone just a little more compassionate, thoughtful, and accepting of others' opinions and beliefs.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Just a few minutes from my house in Glenmore there are some surprisingly very private hiking trails that I rarely run into people on. If I'm needing some alone time, I'll be there. But- my dog Winston will most definitely always be with me.
Where would you like to see a positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would love to see better systems in place to bridge the gap between excess and insufficiency in the form of both food and clothing. I've worked in many restaurants where at the end of the night, so much food that is perfectly good is thrown out, but yet we have people going hungry. Our thrift stores can't keep up with the amount of clothing they receive so it ends up in the landfill, but yet we have people in our community going cold. I know there are some incredible organizations already in place, but I just would love to see more giving and kindness within the community.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Besides the incredible lake, mountains, and endless wineries?! Kelowna does a phenomenal job at inclusivity! There is always something going on no matter what your interests. There truly is something for everyone here.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) I would like to challenge myself at some point and take a 200 hour Yoga teacher training. I have zero desire to ever teach yoga, but I would love to challenge myself and grow. This could also help expand my home practice.
2) Spend at least one month in a third world country and help create something much bigger than myself. I've always seen myself helping to build a church in Africa- One day!
3) Go on a multi-day hike solo.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
At the root, I am actually a very big introvert. I have a very interactive job and I am very talkative, so people assume I'm outgoing- but most days it really takes a lot out of me and I crave quiet, alone time. Oh, and I'm irrationally terrified of whales...
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
I have private Facebook and Instagram accounts, but I'm doing my best to really limit both.
Professionally though, my work email is: paula@neumovement.com
What is the name of your business/organization?
I work for a company called NEUmovement Pilates and Physiotherapy.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I actually started as a client at the original studio in Salmon Arm in 2006. I was dancing competitively and was experiencing back pain at 16yrs old. Pilates allowed me to continue dancing for a few years before I decided to become an instructor in 2009.
What is the goal of your business?
To empower people to know their own strength within their body and encourage them and help guide them to making life-long changes.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Last summer I got a concussion, which left me with residual episodes of anxiety and anger for months that I couldn't control. I am not an anxious person, and have never suffered from anxiety so it was very overwhelming to not be able to manage my own response and emotions to things like sound. It has definitely opened my eyes and made me much more compassionate for brain injuries and mental health. I don't think I would be feeling as good as I do today without the incredible health care professionals I saw as well.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Absolutely the same. Every lesson, mistake, hard goodbye, and every growing pain has allowed me to become a little more patient, compassionate, and loving. I truly believe I'm exactly where I need to be, and every up and down has led me here.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Totally! And pretty much any Will Ferrel quote...
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Seek joy, laugh often, and forgive quickly. We're only here once.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Will Smith! I feel like I would learn so much, be so inspired, and also laugh so hard.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
When you shop locally, you’re investing your money and supporting your neighbour, or a friend-of-a-friend, or a family member- real people within our community. A lot of our local shops also volunteer or give back within our community to things like sports teams, or non-profits organizations.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Last summer my sister and I hiked the West Coast Trail. Since this was my first ever multi-day hike, there was a lot of learning and growing (and crying) to be done. Not only was getting to the beach in Pachena Bay the proudest moment I've ever had, but also one that I will never forget. And to do it with my sister by my side was just magical.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My sister, Lisa. She has been building her own business (Sweet Lullaby Sleep Consulting) for a few years now, and to watch someone living their passion is so inspiring. Plus, she is an incredible mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend, and all-around great person!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Paula Woodward.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
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