We began 17 sentences that each person finished in their own words. Here’s what model and writer, Kimberly Miller, had to say about gymnastics, the importance of family and everything in between.
Age: 39
Title: Commercial & Fitness Talent, Writer, Stylist
Married/Single: married
Kids: 2 boys
Live: Scottsdale
I was born…
In Tucson, AZ, home of the U of A Wildcats. I graduated from NAU and worked for many years at ASU though so my loyalty is divided!
My favorite thing about Arizona…
is definitely the weather and the people. I think we are so fortunate that we are able to be outside so much of the year.
I’m listening to…
our hometown band of Jimmy Eat World. I think there music is outstanding and I love that they are such humble and down to earth guys!
My family…
inspires me everyday to be a better person. Being a mom is the most important job I have and it’s also the most challenging. I’ve learned so much about myself from children and always remember that at the end of the day, regardless of what happens, the most important thing I can give them is love.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be…
Gretchen Rubin, author of the best-selling book The Happiness Project. Rubin is a captivating author and I’m inspired by her candid recount of her journey, her willingness to take a risk in quiting her job to pursue a career as a writer and blogger and her pursuit of both understanding and being truly happy. I’m very drawn to realness and am a firm believer that attitude determines your destiny. Rubin is an amazing role-model in these respects.
One thing I cannot live without…
is fitness. Most of my work involves fitness on some level and I am a strong advocate for health and wellness. I am avid runner and would find it really hard to give up my daily runs. That, and Starbucks of course!
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
an elite gymnast. I was obsessed with Mary Lou Retton and can clearly remember her winning vault in the 1984 Olympics! I think a lot of my athletic interests were fostered when I was young and gymnastics was a very large part of that.
I’m inspired by…
people who take risks and are not afraid to go after their dreams. I think there are a lot of people, myself often included, that fear failure. We have dreams and goals and aspirations and somewhere along the way we learned to doubt ourselves. Attitude is contagious and I am inspired and drawn to people that have that “can do” attitude. One of my goals is to promote self-confidence in others and encourage each and every person to chase their dreams. I live by the motto “yes you can” and believe that’s what makes the difference.
The one person who motivates me is…
my husband. Having suffered a near heart attack at the age of 32, his positive attitude never once faltered. Everyday he would say, “we will get through this.” As he slowly healed, we both set-off on a path to healthy living. We’ve lived with that approach and attitude every day since.
If could change anything in the world, it would be…
that we strive for acceptance of others. I don’t think we should settle for tolerance. Acceptance of others recognizes that they have something valuable to share with the world. I believe every person we meet in life is there to teach us something and I think we would be a better place if we all approached life with this attitude.
The perfect day would be…
one that involves exercising, writing, relaxing and ends with some sort of an event where I have the chance to meet a lot of new people! My friends tease me that I am the only one that can run to the grocery store and end up gone for three hours. I love meeting new people and wherever I go I seem to do that!
My first job was…
working at Sears in the catalog department. I still remember a customer getting so upset when his swing set didn’t come in for Christmas that he punched a hole through the door. Other than that, it was a good job and it allowed me to save enough money to pay for my first year of college.
My favorite escape…
is heading to the beach. I love going anywhere it’s warm and there is water.
My life…
is exactly what it should be right now. It’s not always easy, it has it’s highs and lows, but overall every experience has taught me what I want out of it and I am grateful.
I’m currently working on…
continuing both my modeling and writing portfolios on a national level as well as booking public speaking engagements in an effort to pursue a spokesperson position for a company or organization whose mission reflects my core values and interests which include: wellness, health, fitness and empowerment. Some element of fashion thrown in there somewhere would be fabulous as well!
Always…
show up. Whatever it is, get there if you can. Whether it’s the gym, a job interview, or a volunteer opportunity. Be there. You never know who you might meet and what good might come of it.
Never…
let your ego get the best of you. Regardless of who you are or what you have done there is always an opportunity to learn and you should give 110% to everything you commit to. Be humble, be grateful, learn from those around you and appreciate opportunities that come your way.
Inspired by the article, and honored to know and work with Kim every day at Arizona Model and Actor Management agency.