We were lucky to catch up with Cindy Appanaitis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Cindy , appreciate you joining us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?

I had been a high school P.E. & Child Development teacher for 8 years. Due to a family relocation, I interviewed for a middle school P.E. job. I did well in my interview and had to teach a sample lesson. I remember being so distracted with what I thought the committee wanted to see & hear in my lessons. This lesson was to last for a whole 40 minute class period. I remember getting about 10 minutes in and thinking this lesson was going very poorly. I also remember thinking to myself “well, I’m not going to get the job, but I’m stuck out here for 20 more minutes. I’m going to quit doing what I “think” they want and am juts going to have fun with these kids so at least it’s an enjoyable experience, being out here.” The lesson ended up going very well. I began connecting with kids naturally, learning their names, students were laughing, helping, and the lesson flowed smoothly. When I finished, I was sure I didn’t get the job, but because I wasn’t “performing” I fell Into my authentic ways- thank kids for their help, asking them their names and learning a bit about them.
Later that day, I got a call telling me they were blown away and it was the best sample lesson they had seen. That day I learned that showing up as “me” rather than who/how I thought they wanted me to be, serves me and those involved greatest.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I was introduced to Personal Development & coaching work in 2017. I immediately fell in love with the work and connected to its mission. What I first noticed was the significant impact it had on all areas of my life; it made me a better teacher, a better mother, a better wife, a better friend, a better daughter! I knew then that I wanted to learn this work in a capacity to teach it. What I love most about the courses and workshops are the communities that build and continue their connection outside of the course-room. The common language of empowerment and love sets the foundation for the work and extends out to supporting and encouraging each other through continual growth.

I have been a high school teacher since, 2007. I teach Physical Education and Health with an emphasis in studio courses focused around empowerment, confidence, relationship with self, and class community. What I love most about working with my students is the community of trust and acceptance for self and others that builds over the duration of the class. It invites opportunities to take risks in discovering ways of joyful expression and the opportunity of supporting one another through this.

Being born into a family of 8 children, I thrive in community and find great joy in connecting others with theirs. I strive to build communities that empower people to have the confidence to shine just as they are and develop relationships that evoke trust, love, and acceptance.

Be Empowered incorporated all these passions into workshops, movement/fitness communities and more. Be Empowered is a Whole Wellness LLC. Whole wellness is the nurturing of all the parts of you that work together toward experiencing fulfillment in your life. Be Empowered provides opportunities and insights to connect more deeply with yourself, developing balance in your emotional, mental, spiritual & physical wellbeing. Methods & tools will be utilized to support you as you strengthen your relationship with yourself and uncover what may be getting in the way of experiencing your personal brilliance.

I am certified as a coach with Your Infinite Life Coaching & Training Company. The certification is a six-month intensive program with facilitated courses, independent work, supplemental reading and study, and one-on-one coaching, and ongoing training with the company CEO, Pam Dunn.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Recently I have decided to take a leave from teaching. This was not an easy decision, but I was clear about it as I continually tuned into my body. When I am facilitating a workshop or leading a movement/fitness community with Be Empowered, everything in my body right and on purpose, all the way down to a cellular level. This is how I ultimately knew this was the decision to explore.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Many books, podcasts and videos have influenced my business. Braving the Wilderness, by Brene Brown had such a significant impact on my early journey. Learning what it means to belong to myself and the power of community, empathy, and vulnerability.

Contact Info:

• Website: BeEmpoweredWellness.com
• Instagram: BeEmpoweredWholeWellness