Pursuit 365 Day 163: Kimberly Dolan

Kimberly Dolan is a multi-passionate entrepreneur and life-long learner. She is a certified music therapist and wellness advocate who thrives on seeing and helping people live their best lives.

Have you ever felt like you were called to do more? Like there just has to be something more to life than what you’re experiencing? That there are so many incredible things to experience in this world and you want to be a part of them?

I have always been a woman of many passions. Growing up I participated in most extracurriculars: figure skating, horseback riding, ice hockey, piano lessons and all things musical, Brownies (the group & the snack), summer camps, community groups, the list goes on and on. Like most, as I grew up, several of these passions were solidified for me, but I often struggle to choose between so many things that I love.

I have always maintained a busy schedule and feel most fulfilled when it is kept full; of course, there is always a limit. After two years of maintaining a rigorous work habit, I found myself exhausted, deflated, unmotivated, and drained of creativity. Completely burnt out. I began living checkpoint to checkpoint waiting for “the next vacation,” or when things would finally “calm down” in ________ (insert ever-changing time frame here). No matter how much work I put in, the to-do list kept growing. No matter how much effort I took to self-care, I never felt fully rejuvenated.

Then the world stopped, and I was forced to breathe. I finally felt I had the permission to rest, recover, and reflect. It was in this breath that I realized I was not living a life that aligned fully with my wellness needs. I realized that I had been putting in more energy than I was receiving, and this needed to change.

Suddenly something magical happened, I began living life with myself in mind.

In the past year, I have tapped into my ideal lifestyle. What it is that I need to create a fulfilled and energizing life that I am proud of. To be able to accomplish the wild dreams and goals that I hold for myself, while also maintaining presence and connection to the world around me.

I am still a woman of many passions, arguably more so than before. I am a certified music therapist and neurologic music therapist, singer-songwriter, performer, aspiring actor, theatre administrator, businesswoman, dog mom & dog lover, and dreamer. In fact, out of this journey, I have added to the list and gained an overwhelming passion for holistic wellness. I believe wholeheartedly that life is a journey meant to be explored and enjoyed. We aren’t meant to live with the “just hang on” mentality. We are meant to learn and grow and connect with the world around us. And as far as I’m concerned, you can do any number or combination of things you want, the balance is yours to find.

I am immensely grateful for this shift in perspective. It has allowed me to live a freer life in which I am better equipped to handle stress and “busy” periods. To return to my optimistic, energized, and fulfilled self and to have inspiration and confidence in what I want to contribute to our world. I am excited to share two of the many projects I have been working on in 2021;

Synergy Music Therapy & Wellness Services

Founded in June 2021, Synergy Music Therapy & Wellness Services provides quality music therapy services, wellness resources, and professional development opportunities for music therapists, interdisciplinary professionals, and community members. Inclusive of group & individual music therapy, wellness coaching, creative power hours and so much more, we are here with you along your wellness journey. Wellness that’s better together!

Porcelain Doll

In January 2021, after many years of creating and expressing, I finally released my debut album Porcelain Doll in collaboration with Basement World Records. This project has been the ultimate return to my own voice, and I am thrilled to share my musical experiences with you all. Porcelain Doll can be found on most streaming platforms or purchased at www.basementworldstudio.com/store.

Wellness isn’t about perfection, it’s about harmony. It’s about knowing yourself well enough to give yourself grace when you need a break and to also call yourself in when you’re ‘slacking off’ on doing the work. It’s about filling your days with the things that bring you passion and energy and using those to propel you through the inevitably challenging moments.

You deserve to do the things that light you up

You deserve to feel fulfilled in every element of your life

You deserve to thrive and live your healthiest life

You are worthy

Happy Global Wellness Day!

If you resonate with my story or want to explore ways to enhance your overall wellness, let’s connect and embark on your wellness journey together.