By Kayce Hughlett

(Note from Tonya:  I just love this woman.  She is a true model of Slim, Chic and Savvy, breaking the rules to find her true spirit and style.  And is she not the chic-est woman on a bike track that you’ve ever seen?  I hope you enjoy today’s post as much as I did!)

Recently I had the privilege of touring a 14-year-old relative around Seattle.  Born here and raised in Bozeman, Montana, Seamus arrived with list in hand and the enthusiasm and energy of a boy primed for adventure.  He was ready to see it all and I was to be his guide for five days.  It would be a test of my own stamina and creativity.  Little did I know, it would also be ground for exploration into my SCS self, and ultimately deepen my own desire and ability to be a playful, engaged and delightful woman.

Being a tourist in your own town is not unlike exploring your own inner world.  It means letting go of preconceived notions of what’s corny (or undignified), and visiting places (topics) normally avoided at all costs.  It requires using your street smarts to navigate pathways, but also surrendering and entering into the dreaded crowds (thoughts) while on the lookout for life-giving experiences.  Being a tourist in your own town allows freedom of movement and new insight into what it means to play on your own turf (And as Tonya says, What it means to rule your own little world).

The first test of my spontaneity came less than two hours into our visit.  While waiting to ride the whacky duck tour (a choice from my list), Seamus spied a laser tag booth and said, “Let’s go.”  Before I knew it, he had paid the fare for two and I was being strapped into a leaded vest and handed a laser gun.  A thought went through my mind, Do SCS girls play laser tag?  Short answer – This one does!!  So, for the next 12 minutes I stealthily moved through infrared mazes and aimed my laser at laughing, sweaty little boys.  The shock value of seeing someone their mother’s (or grandmother’s) age usually froze them long enough for me to hit my target.  It was a blast!!  As I exited the maze, a mother sat quietly reading her book. I excitedly said, “You should try it!”  Her response let me know, it might not be anytime soon.  I wonder if she knows what she’s missing.

Throughout our time together, Seamus and I had opportunity to learn from each other.  He was a trooper and attended my morning yoga class with me; and later I followed him through the Pacific Science Center.  It was there that another memorable learning moment occurred.  There is a bicycle on a rail set high above the Center.  It moves in a circle and is weighted for balance with a trampoline-sized net below for extra measure.  Seamus decided we were going to ride it.  I stepped to the side and took photographs as he carefully rounded the bend.

When it was my turn, I noticed a crowd of younger adults had pushed in front of me.  This seemed like good opportunity to back down the stairs and move onto the next event.  My young charge, however, was quite insistent that I press on.  It was in this moment I took a little tour inside my inner world.  Why was I resisting, since part of me really wanted to do it?  Fear of heights?  No.  Fear of falling?  Not really.  Fear of looking foolish?  Oh, yes…that was the biggy.  My inner critic said things like “You’re too old to do this. What will other people think?”, while my playful inner child pleaded, “Let’s do it.  Please.  Go for it!”  Since being a Slim, Chic and Savvy girl is all about ruling your own little world, I reclaimed my place in line, strapped myself onto the seat and toured this confident woman around the high-wire for one of the greatest delights of the day.  I can’t imagine having missed that feeling of exhilaration and accomplishment – one I would have bypassed had my inner critic won!!

Our 5-day extravaganza could fill a small book with stories of laughter, courage and learning to be present.  In closing, however, I thought I’d share a few things I learned while being a tourist in my own town (world)…

• An SCS girl can do anything she sets her mind to do.

• Trust your playful inner child.  It’s never too late to have a great time!

• Society sets rules for what is age appropriate.  We can choose not to follow them.

• Play laser tag if you want.  Fold yourself into a circus box if you can.  Ride the high wire if you dare.

(Kayce Stevens Hughlett is a soulful woman learning to be her own amazing self while helping others do the same. As a therapist, spiritual companion & coach, writer and creative muse, Kayce practices what she teaches and enjoys discovering new ways to experience authentic living.  She joined the Slim, Chic, Savvy program to deepen her own awareness around food and body image, as well as learn new ways to relate to others struggling with their own issues.  She describes the SCS experience as the icing on the cake in her sweet (and savory) journey of personal transformation. Learn more about Kayce here.)

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