Every Friday I am going to feature a woman that I adore. They exude all the qualities of an Alpha Female and I want to dig into their lives to get some nuggets of knowledge to help us all live happier, healthier lives balancing life & work.
Definition of an Alpha Female
An Alpha Female is a powerful and assertive woman. Her confidence is due to being an intelligent and intellectual problem-solver. Being an Alpha Female is a State of Mind based on choosing ambition and being proud of it. She strives for a happy and healthy work/life harmony.
Type A Alpha Females often come across as strong willed and selfish. When we stay true to our authentic selves and stay true to our mission we shine. A true Alpha Female puts the needs of herself first without sacrificing her principles or dignity. She fills up her cup or gas tank first so that she has enough energy for her friends, family, and coworkers. A true Alpha Female strives for synergy with the world around her. She wants a perfect work/life balance but knows that it requires being true to your priorities and what makes you happy. She is never complacent about striving for better and nurtures relationships with the people in her life.
Meet Debbie Rodrigues!
Debbie Rodrigues is a Certified Holistic Life Coach, Personal Trainer, and a Reiki Practitioner. After going through a brain tumor surgery, her life took a different direction. She left the corporate world and now she works busy women; female bloggers and entrepreneurs. Debbie helps them develop a healthy and balanced lifestyle so they can live up to their potential without added stress. She does this through coaching, online courses and her blog debbieinshape.com. Her motto is: “Be Healthy. Live Fully.”
How are you an Alpha Female?
I’m an Alpha Female because I believe I’m meant for more. Throughout my life, I always faced adversities with my head up high because I knew I had the strength to overcome them. That was my attitude also when I learned about my brain tumor. Thanks to my experiences that’s exactly why I’m able to share now with other women so that they can also win their battles. Whether their dream is a physical improvement or a total lifestyle change, I’m here to show they can do it! Why? Because I did it myself!
Does work/life balance exist?
I believe it exists, but it has to be claimed. People are not willing to just give it away. You have to decide for yourself what matters the most to you and work towards this goal. As an Alpha Female, we want it all and sometimes we can overlook some basic needs. It’s not because some of us work from home that we automatically have balance. Many times, it’s the other way around! That’s why it’s important to set priorities and have a purpose. This way, we can direct our efforts without wasting time and energy on things that don’t matter. If you set your eyes on your objective and get rid of the nuisances, I believe you can reach balance along with your goals.
What are you most passionate about?
I’m passionate about helping people. Interactions with others are precious to me. It can be something as simple as listening to a person in need. But if I can make a difference, it fulfills me.
Life itself is also something I care for very much. Every day is an opportunity to improve and plant the seeds to a better life, and I grasp it with both hands.
What are you daily health habits that keep your immune system boosted?
Hydration is the first thing for me. Water offers countless benefits to our health and should never be neglected. I also take supplements to cover any deficit from my diet. This supplementation consists mainly of probiotics, magnesium and Omega 3. Sleeping between 7 and 8 hours is a habit I force myself into. I tested my limits enough to know better. I also practice mindfulness and Reiki for inner balance, and I recently added yoga to my practice.
What is your weekly fitness routine like?
My routine at the moment is slow compared to what I used to do. I’m a CrossFit athlete, and I am counting down the days to go back to the box. For now, after months of inactivity because of the brain tumor surgery, I do yoga on a daily basis. In addition, I jog and go for long walks outside.
How do you challenge yourself fitness wise?
I set challenging goals that keep me motivated to work harder. Just saying that I want something is not enough. For example, I want to run a 5k by January, so my workouts are all related to this goal. Sometimes it means walking a faster mile or adding a couple of meters to my run. At the end of the day, whatever I do has to take me one step closer to my objective.
What are your daily habits for winding down at night and reducing stress?
Before, I used to take my planning to bed. Reviewing all the missed to-dos of the day that passed and trying to fit them in my calendar. Now I take the time to relax and clear my mind. I meditate on a daily basis. Mindfulness meditation helps keep the rush in check throughout the day. Along with Reiki, I’m able to be more focused and centered by the time I go to bed.
I also implemented the habit of turning off the computer at 10 PM. The light of screens delay our sleep. The same goes for caffeine intake late in the afternoon.
What are you daily/weekly nutrition habits that keep you well nourished?
Balanced meals throughout the day are crucial. My dishes are varied, and I have a holistic approach to my intake. I don’t weigh my food anymore, and I’m flexible with what I eat. There’s no room for guilt or any other negative feelings. I’m transitioning to a vegan diet, so I have been experimenting a lot with meat alternatives, vegetables, and seasoning. Eating whole foods and avoiding animal products is a choice and I don’t suffer from cravings because of that. My body gets all the nutrients it needs without any addicting additives.
What are pain points that Alpha Females are constantly problem solving for?
Alpha Females show that yes, it is possible to become a better version of oneself. Independent from our backgrounds, we show people, mainly other women, that there’s a way to achieve more in life. One of my main goals as a Holistic Life Coach is to guide my clients to live up to their potential: no more hiding behind imaginary barriers and enemies. We, Alpha Females, open doors and show the way to those don’t know it yet. We have the responsibility of carrying the torch for our “sisters” spread across the globe.
What is your definition of happiness?
Happiness to me is the fulfillment of one’s life mission. Each person has unique skills and abilities. This is what brings us closer to who we are as Essence. This proximity to our potential is what makes us happy in all the roles we play in life: mother, child, sister, friend, partner, professional, etc.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to participate in your Alpha Female Friday, Robyn.
Have a fabulous day!