This episode contains inspiration and proof of how we can all get to our fulfilled place. Believing we are not destined to live the script someone else wrote for us, is empowering.

A Special Quote for Cathy   

When the pressure is on and you are all alone take a little ride into the Danger Zone. When the moon is up and the skies are clear just show me a sign and we’ll be outta here. Take me up on a wing and a prayer if you need a friend you know I’ll be there. Your time has come, you can stand or you can run but don’t keep it all inside ‘cause you gotta understand that there ain’t no second chance. No one gets out of here alive only the strong survive. - “Only the Strong Survive” by Bryan Adams

Goodbye Old Life, I Am Going on an Adventure

Cathy Plotnick mistakenly got married instead of pursuing something she wanted to pursue. She always thought she would go to Japan to teach English but then she found herself married to the wrong guy. It turns out he had anger issues and Cathy was compelled to secretly open a private bank account, and then to make her escape.

She quit her sheltered government job and rented a storage unit for her belongings. She left very shortly after for Korea where, without intending to, she lived for four years and where she met her husband in an expat watering hole.

Jewelry, Candles and Tea

Although Cathy wanted to work, she couldn’t legally do so until after she received her US green card because she is a Canadian. It was only after a move to Minnesota that she started looking at direct selling opportunities. It started with a jewelry party invitation and then she found her next career experiment in selling candles and then finally she fell in love with selling tea - not just any tea, Steeped Tea. 

Surround Yourself with People who are Supportive

To move past the script her family had written for her when she was younger, she needed to bring positive people into her life. She joined the Polka Dot Powerhouse Community, an all-female business networking sisterhood. She enlisted a coach to help her recognize her inherent qualities and to push her beyond her pre-existing business knowledge. One important thing she uncovered was that it pays to pay attention to the numbers.

As Soon as I Learned I was #2, I Wanted to Become #1

When Cathy started achieving sales and accolades she thought “What can I accomplish if I were to work intentionally towards a goal?” She was doing so well that the Founder of Steeped Tea brought her on stage to announce that she was #2 in the US in sales and recruitment. Cathy immediately went after the #1 position, which she attained; and she has since become a Senior Group Leader in the organization. Cathy believes negativity is poison and having positive people in your life is the key to obtaining your dreams.

A Shout Out to Ken

Cathy’s father, Ken wore a giant belt buckle with his name on it and for that we salute him!

Work Directly with Me

If you would like to work directly with me visit my website, Annpeck.com or email me directly at [email protected]. If you would like to share your thoughts and ideas with me you can connect on twitter with #curvyworldpodcast and/or @iamannpeck. On Facebook, you can join the private Curvyworld group. If you would like a copy of my “I Am Habits” simply text Iamhabits (all one word) to 44222. Let me know how you found out about Straight Talk, I love collecting the stories.

Polka Dot What?

Check out Straight Talk for a Curvy World Episode #7 for an amazing conversation with Shannon Crotty the Founder of Polka Dot Powerhouse, a “women’s only” connection company.