Meet Sicily Bennett, a mother of three and the founder of Rockmore Wellness, which promotes balanced living. After Sicily and her husband spent a weekend at Roger Sherman Inn in New Canaan, they fell in love with the town and eventually moved their family here. Sicily, who grew up in New York City and spent most of her life there, loves the great schools, restaurants and nature preserves. Learn more about Sicily and what inspired her to help people “live a longer, healthier, life with less physical pain and mental stress.”
How many children do you have and what are their ages?
I have three children, a four-year-old and twins that just had their first birthday!
What brought you and your family to town?
After growing up and spending most of my life in NYC, I craved nature and space. My father lived in Pound Ridge for a while, so I was familiar with the area. After spending a weekend at the Roger Sherman Inn with my husband, I fell in love with New Canaan and could envision my family here. The great schools and proximity to the beach were a big draw. My husband and I love the restaurants and nature preserves as well.
What’s your favorite aspect about being part of the community?
That it is such a community. It’s unique that way as I think many towns don’t offer a sense of belonging and support to their families. Some examples of this are the welcome committee and Newcomers Club. Life became so much easier when we moved here. I love the newcomers club and Waveny pool.
What’s your favorite family activity to do in the area?
Bringing our children to Kiwanis Park is my favorite summer activity. The little beach and pond are so charming, and the playground is shaded and perfect.
Can you please tell us a bit about your path to nutrition and wellness? You’re accredited from Duke University’s Integrated health coaching program – did you always have an interest in wellness?
I always lived a relatively healthy life, but it wasn’t until my late 20’s that I became passionate about wellness. I remember working with a nutritionist one summer in Montauk, and he held up a cheerio and said, “this is not food.” I thought, wow, that’s interesting! He encouraged eating closest to nature, fruit, vegetables, and seafood. I’d never felt better than I did that summer. Wellness combines eating real food, movement, mindset, and relationships. Nurturing all these components leads to better well-being.
Tell us about Rockmore Wellness and how you decided to launch it?
Rockmore Wellness is about creating a life of balance, purpose, and fulfillment. It was born out of my passion for helping people live a longer, healthier, life with less physical pain and mental stress. So many diseases we get as we age can be avoided by eating well, exercising, and having a positive mindset. Yet, people have come to accept these diseases as part of aging. It doesn’t have to be that way. Pain caused by inflammation as we age directly correlates to what we put into our bodies, how we handle stress, and whether or not we exercise.
I know from experience that it can be challenging to make positive changes and instill healthy habits, so RW is here to support you along the way. I believe change requires inner work, goals, defining priorities, and setting boundaries. Change begins when you make yourself a priority. The work can be fun, challenging, and exhilarating and requires discipline and commitment. I believe that when you are happy and fulfilled from taking care of your needs, those around you are happy. Putting yourself first isn’t selfish; it’s a loving act that you and your loved ones deserve.
You offer remote services and work with people as far as London. What can clients who work with you expect during these in-person and/or virtual sessions?
It depends; my sessions are tailored to the client’s needs and goals. Clients can range from teenagers with anxiety to older folks living with aches and pains. Some are mothers looking for stress reduction techniques. Some come to me because a doctor has suggested a wellness coach for weight loss. My session with an anxious teen will be very different than with a stressed-out mother or an empty nester that’s feeling lost. Overall, clients are met with empathy and a tailored plan to get to their individual goals. I want clients to feel better and move on from me. This is achieved by meeting the clients where they are and establishing steps to succeed in their wellness goals.
What’s the best piece of advice you’d give parents struggling to introduce or maintain healthy and constructive habits into their routines?
Take a look at the big picture. What is causing you to struggle? Are you prioritizing yourself enough? Also, I would ask them to be kind to themselves. It takes time to establish healthy habits, and that’s ok. Let’s say you’ve decided you want to get out and move 20 minutes a day, but life gets in the way, and you miss it and then feel bad. Recognize that negative thought and say I hear you, but I am moving on and will shift things around to stay committed to my goal. Then let it go.
As a busy mama, is there something you do each day to support your own needs?
Yes! I wake up before the rest of my family and meditate for 20 minutes. Then I enjoy my morning coffee and a smoothie. I love to start my day from a calm and centered place. It helps my state of mind and productivity. I feel strongly that I am happier and a better mother and wife because I listen to and fulfill my needs. When things are hectic, I check in with myself throughout the day and say, “what do you need?” and then I do it.
What’s the best advice you’ve gotten from another mom?
Two pieces of advice stand out: When I found out I was having twins, I had some anxiety and wondered how I could safely grow two babies to full term. A friend who is also a doula said, “you don’t have to worry; your body knows what to do.” I trusted this, and it helped me profoundly. I know worrying serves no purpose, but at that moment, I needed to hear exactly that. The other fabulous advice was “spend your money on help, not clothes.” I loved this. My husband and I prioritize each other with date nights and vacations without the kids, and we couldn’t do this without help.
Do you have any advice for other working moms, or single moms, considering entrepreneurship?
My advice is you can do it! If you feel inspired by an idea or passion, go for it. Take a step towards it each day, they add up. If you are happy and fulfilled, those around you will be happier. Children and spouses want their mamas happy. Often, we have an idea, and life or fear gets in the way. Surround yourself with people who encourage you, add to your forward movement, and focus your thoughts on creating your business. Our brain has a sneaky way of sabotaging us with fear to stay “safe.” For example, you think “I have an idea, and I want to start a business,” and your brain responds with, “that’s a terrible idea; no one will go for it.” There are techniques that can stop this and train you to think positively. I talk about this with clients all the time.
How do you unwind when you need some “me time?”
As you can tell by now, I am a huge advocate for mothers having “me time.” My favorite ways are a hike in the nature preserve, lunch in town with a friend, a walk at Irwin Park, a swim at Bayley beach, and a yoga class. Also, as I said before, to make time each morning for myself. I feel strongly that I am happier and a better mother and wife because I listen to and fulfill my needs. When things are hectic, I check in with myself throughout the day and say, “what do you need?” and then I do it.
Do you have any upcoming events or workshops?
I host the following workshops:
Pea in the Pod – Pregnancy (nutrition and safe movement) workshop (45 Grove Street, New Canaan)
Mother Duck – For stressed-out mamas (45 Grove Street, New Canaan)
Corporate – virtual or on-site
I am in the process of creating a free wellness workbook, a wellness journal, and a digital course. Follow me @rockmorewellness for tips and updates!
Rockmorewellness.com
We love supporting local businesses. Favorite places in town or nearby to…
Have dinner with/without kids: Locali, Sole
Grab a drink with friends: Uncorked
Have a date night: Sole, Roger Sherman, Rowayton Seafood, Grey Barns
Spend time together as a family: Kiwanis, Waveny Park, Irwin Park, the nature preserves and the nature center
Spa/salon: Restore Massage, Lanphier for hair, Ciel for facials
Grab coffee: Dolce
ABOUT ROCKMORE WELLNESS
Rockmore Wellness was founded on the principle of helping people find a sense of balance, purpose, and fulfillment. Finding out what’s off, or missing, whether you’re stressed, you’d like to eat better and exercise more, or feeling unfulfilled in certain areas of your life, RW can help you get to a better place. To find out more, book a session, or join the free tech detox, follow RW @rockmorewellness or go to rockmorewellness.com you can also reach me at [email protected]