Do you ever feel stuck? Not sure what to do next? Do you catch yourself thinking “so now what?”

Today’s #RealLifeWonderWoman is here to help you get unstuck!

Catherine Brennan is a beautiful blend of brains, bravery and benevolence. She’s CEO of Brennan Construction of MN, Inc. and Partner in Brennan Properties. In addition, she’s a speaker and author with a strong desire to help others find solutions–a way to get unstuck–from what is holding them back.

Meet Catherine Brennan, today’s #RealLifeWonderWoman…

KR: Hi Catherine! Would you please tell us about what brings you joy and fulfillment?

CB: So many things!

Being a Public Speaker – inspiring people to healthy living so they can become the best version of themselves, share their gifts with others, and live a fulfilling life.

Writing – I adore words. Inspirational sayings fill my house, my desk, and even my jewelry. Words delight. Words inspire. Words entertain. Words matter.

Work as a Business Owner – working as a team, strategizing for the future, problem solving, asking questions, and putting together a beautiful balance sheet!

Sport – I found my inner athlete just 8 year ago and love to run, swim, bike, and do yoga. Moving my body gives me great joy as I bend, stretch, sweat, and push. There is a community of athletes in our community who have become friends. Joy for me is spending hours being active.

Faith – Pursuing God has always been a passion. I’ve grown up a lot in my faith and still have a long way to go. Fortunately, my husband Mike & I are both nerds when it comes to discussing theological ideas and continuing to learn.

KR: We all have inner superpowers. What are some of yours?

CB: Determination. For 35 years I battled a monster called depression. Traditional methods did not work to alleviate the symptoms of this nasty disease, so I had to do it on my own. It was determination that saved me. Not even realizing the strength I gained from the struggle, I am extremely grateful today for this journey. I am passionate about demystifying depression both for those who have it and those who don’t.

KR: Can you tell us about an influential woman in your life and how she inspired you?

CB: The most influential woman in my life is my best friend Kari. She has inspired me in so many ways. She trained with me for my first half-marathon and was there in some of my darkest days. She has encouraged me and is loyal and supportive no matter how little she gets out of things. She is super fun to shop with and is brilliant in how well she connects people and remembers small details of their lives. Kari teaches me what it is to love and support others well. She is patient, loving, and inspires me to do the same.

KR: If you could have one super-human power, what would it be?

CB: I’d like to be funny!

KR: What do you do for fun? What are your hobbies? 

CB: See what brings me joy and fulfillment (ab0ve). I also enjoy reading books, listening to podcasts, going to plays and concerts, hiking and skiing, asking questions, and doing laundry (really). Never ever would I say cooking is a hobby. I only have a kitchen because it came with the house.

KR: Knowing what you know at this stage of your life, what words of wisdom would you give to your 20-year-old self?

CB: Absolutely, positively, without exception, be yourself. You are enough. You are beautiful. Everyone loses when you conform to something less than the wonderful person you were created to be. And love. Love yourself and love others. Each day is a gift to be enjoyed.

KR: You’ve just published your first book. Congratulations! I love the catchy title…So Now What? A Guide for People Who Feel Stuck. Can you tell us what inspired you to write this book? 

CB: Several years ago, I found a delightful story on my computer and didn’t remember where I had gotten it. When I discovered I had written it, I was surprised. Then a coach suggested I start a blog to document the lessons I learned (and am still learning). It was so much fun! Eventually, I wanted to put together a big idea I learned in my journey with depression. It’s not just for depression sufferers but anyone who gets stuck in their life and doesn’t know what to do next.

KR: Cathy is currently pre-selling her book So Now What? A Guide for People Who Feel Stuck. The first shipment will go out in mid-December 2019. After that, the book will also be available on Amazon, Kindle, Nook, and Itasca Books. Feeling stuck? Check it out!