Written by T an Chrissis, Speaker and Mindset Coach Tan Chrissis is a Speaker and Mindset coach, serving as the CEO of CognitiveVerse, a platform dedicated to personal growth and cognitive wellness. Most people don’t fail because they’re not talented enough or smart enough. They fail because they repeatedly postpone the actions that matter. Procrastination isn’t just a bad habit, it’s a silent dream killer. The longer you wait to act, the bigger the gap grows between the life you want and the life you’re actually living. The good news? You’re not stuck. Once you understand how procrastination works and why it has such a grip on you, you can break free and build a life fueled by momentum instead of avoidance. Understanding the procrastination problem What procrastination really is (and isn’t) Procrastination isn’t laziness, it’s avoidance. Laziness is not wanting to do something at all. Procrastination is wanting to do it, knowing it matters, and still delaying it. We procrastinate on things we care about the most, dreams, careers, relationships, passions. Nobody procrastinates on scrolling social media or watching Netflix, those are effortless. We delay the meaningful work because it triggers discomfort. The emotional loop behind delayed action At its core, procrastination is emotional regulation. When a task feels overwhelming, uncertain, or high-risk, your brain opts for the safer path, avoid now, feel relief immediately. But that relief is temporary. Soon, guilt and pressure creep in, making the task feel even heavier. And thus, the loop continues. Why procrastination is so dangerous Lost time means lost opportunity Time is the only resource you can’t replenish. Every time you say, “I’ll do it tomorrow,” you trade today’s potential for future regret. Dreams die slowly, not with dramatic failure, but with years of postponement. Confidence and identity erosion Every time you delay something important, you send yourself a message, “I can’t handle this.” And your brain believes you. Over time, procrastination doesn’t just delay your goals, it reshapes your identity into someone who doesn’t follow through. Confidence isn’t built by success, it’s built by keeping promises to yourself. The psychology of procrastination The brain’s reward system and short-term comfort Your brain loves dopamine, the feel-good chemical. Social media, snacks, and entertainment offer instant dopamine, while meaningful tasks often delay reward. So your brain swaps long-term fulfillment for short-term comfort. Fear, perfectionism, and avoidance Many procrastinators aren’t unmotivated, they’re afraid: Afraid of failing Afraid of criticism Afraid of not being good enough Perfectionism makes you believe that if you can’t do it flawlessly, you shouldn’t start. But here’s the twist, perfectionism produces procrastination, and procrastination produces mediocrity. Decision fatigue and overwhelm When you have too many choices or tasks, your brain freezes. That “I’ll figure it out later” feeling is just mental overload in disguise. Different types of procrastinators Not everyone procrastinates for the same reason. Here are the most common types: The perfectionist: Avoids tasks to avoid imperfections. Believes there's always a “right” moment to start. The dreamer: Has big visions but struggles turning ideas into concrete action steps. The worrier: Avoids change and risk, clinging to comfort and predictability. The crisis maker: Believes they work best under pressure and waits until the last second to feel urgency. The key is identifying your type so you can outsmart it. How procrastination kills dreams in silence The compounding effect of tiny delays: Every delay seems harmless, but procrastination compounds like interest, in reverse. It slowly eliminates opportunities, weakens skills, and erodes ambition. The person you could become fades a little every time you push things off. The gap between potential and reality: Everyone has potential. The world is full of talented people who never acted. Potential without execution becomes regret. Success isn’t about being extraordinary, it’s about doing the ordinary tasks consistently. Proven strategies to beat procrastination for good Now let’s get practical. These are methods backed by behavioral psychology and real-world effectiveness. Strategy 1: The 2-minute kickstart method Commit to working on something for only 2 minutes. That’s it. Why it works: action creates momentum. Once you start, your brain hates stopping mid-task. Strategy 2: Break tasks into micro-commitments “Write a book” is overwhelming. “write one paragraph” is doable. Big goals paralyze. Tiny tasks mobilize. Strategy 3: Use implementation intentions This formula works wonders: “When x happens, I will do y.” Example: “when I finish breakfast, I will write for 10 minutes.” This eliminates ambiguity and creates automatic action pathways. Strategy 4: Rewire your environment for action Your environment shapes your behavior. If you want to practice guitar, leave it in the middle of the room, not in a closet. If your workspace triggers focus, productivity becomes easier. Strategy 5: build accountability systems Humans perform better with social pressure. Try: Productivity partners Coaches or mentors Public commitments Apps that track progress Accountability converts intention into execution. Building habits that support consistent action The power of daily routines: Routines reduce decision fatigue. The less you debate whether to start, the more you get done. Success isn’t exciting, it’s repeated daily. Tracking and celebrating small wins: Progress psychology shows that the brain thrives on visible progress. Track your wins. Celebrate your consistency. It fuels motivation. Learning to rest without quitting: Burnout leads to avoidance. Sustainable progress means resting strategically, not disappearing for weeks. How to reprogram your mindset around productivity Progress over perf ec tion: Perfection is the enemy of done. Success belongs to those who start messy and improve on the way. Discipline over motivation: Motivation is emotional. Discipline is structural. Motivation fluctuates, discipline compounds. Identity-based habit formation: Instead of saying: “I want to exercise.” Say: “I am someone who doesn’t miss workouts.” Identity drives behavior. Final Thoughts: Your dreams need you to act Your dream will never walk toward you, you must walk toward it. Procrastination steals your future one delayed day at a time. But action, even tiny action, builds momentum, confidence, and fulfillment. If you want to change your life, you don’t need more passion. You need more follow-through. Start today. Start messy. Start small. But start. Follow me on Instagram  and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Tan Chrissis T an Chrissis, Speaker and Mindset Coach Tan Chrissis is a visionary leader in cognitive wellness and personal growth. As the founder and CEO of CognitiveVerse, he has developed innovative tools to enhance mental performance and unlock human potential. Tan’s expertise spans cognitive strategies, digital innovation, and lifelong learning, empowering individuals and organizations to thrive in a fast-evolving world. Through his work, he aims to inspire others to achieve clarity, creativity, and growth.

Written by Lindsey Leavitt, Transformational Coach Lindsey Leavitt is a transformational coach. Her expertise stems from her lived experience of abuse, mental illness, and chronic pain. Lindsey's transformation has inspired her to utilize her knowledge and abilities as an artist/musician to advocate, empower, and lift others. Uncovering the hidden dangers of high-control religious systems, this article explores the psychological impact of grooming, obedience, and institutional blindness. Lindsey Leavitt reflects on her own journey of healing, revealing how authority, secrecy, and silence contribute to prolonged suffering. Learn why religious institutions must be held accountable to protect children and support survivors, and how transparency and reform are crucial for ending cycles of harm. Framing abuse as a game I did not know I was abused. I did not remember until I was 41, when flashbacks began to surface, sudden, visceral, and physical. For decades, I believed nothing harmful had occurred. That belief was not denial, it was the predictable outcome of grooming within a high-control religious system, where obedience is moralized, authority is sanctified, and questioning is discouraged. He told me it was a game. The word shaped my reality. As a child, my inner dialogue was simple but rigid, This is allowed. This is safe. If something feels wrong, it must be me. My body often disagreed, confusion, fear, panic, but the story I was told overrode instinct. By framing the experience as play, the coercion went unrecognized, and memory encoded participation instead of violation. The child’s inner lens A useful lens to understand this comes from The Lion King. When Scar instructs Simba to enter the gorge, the danger is real, but Simba’s inner dialogue interprets it as trust: He believes in me. I’m choosing this. Authority shapes perception. Danger exists, but is cognitively inaccessible. My inner dialogue mirrored this: I didn’t say no. If it were wrong, someone would have stopped it. The long shadow of authority For decades, I carried anxiety, fear, depression, suicidal thoughts, and six years of chronic pain, believing these were reflections of my own failing. Meanwhile, my father maintained a public image of moral integrity and authority. Within the religious system, that image was reinforced, appearances were sacred, obedience was expected, and questioning was dangerous. The tension between his perceived virtue and my lived experience made me internalize responsibility for harm that was not mine. It was only later that I began to understand the dynamics at play, the pain I carried had been shaped by patterns of projection within the household and amplified by institutional structures that reinforced obedience, secrecy, and authority over individual safety. High-control religious environments can unintentionally channel unresolved conflicts, shame, and expectations onto children, creating profound internalized suffering. Projection and the internalized narrative The inner exile mirrors Simba’s. After Mufasa’s death, Scar rewrites the narrative, This is your fault. The child internalizes responsibility for events beyond their control. In high-control religious systems, institutions enforce a similar pattern, compliance is rewarded, questioning is discouraged, and abuse can occur in plain sight while remaining unrecognized by the survivor. When my memories resurfaced at 41, they came as fragmented flashbacks, bodily sensations, emotional surges, and intrusive imagery. Recognition was gradual because the system had trained me not to recognize abuse. Trauma had been encoded in the nervous system long before my conscious mind had the language to process it. I did not fail to recognize abuse. I was structurally prevented from recognizing it. Power shaped language. Language shaped meaning. Meaning shaped memory. And institutional silence ensured that the cost of maintaining authority fell entirely on the child. Religious accountability and reform This is the core danger of high-control religion. Abuse does not require overt violence to persist, it thrives through authority, obedience, and secrecy. Institutions must be held accountable, rules, doctrines, and cultural norms that prioritize appearances over safety create environments where harm can be normalized, minimized, and concealed. Reform is not optional. Transparency, independent oversight, and cultural accountability are essential to protect children and survivors. The most enduring damage is not only the abuse itself, but the years spent carrying responsibility for someone else’s unresolved conflicts. Understanding this truth is not simply liberating, it is a call to action. Until religious institutions confront the ways authority, secrecy, and doctrine can enable harm, children will continue to suffer, and survivors will continue to inherit burdens that were never theirs. Follow me on  Facebook and   Instagram  for more info! Read more from Lindsey Leavitt Lindsey Leavitt, Transformational Coach Lindsey Leavitt is a transformational coach. She is certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). The model focuses on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness. Lindsey battled with anxiety and depression throughout her life. She implemented various therapeutic modalities, but none were effective. Finally, Lindsey implemented the DBT approach, which changed her life forever. Now she is helping others take back their power, regain control of their lives, and start living an abundant life.

Sarah is one of two managing partners at Vane Percy & Roberts, with 25+ years in global comms, strategy, public affairs, and stakeholder relations. Known for her clear thinking, sharp wit, and approachable style, she delivers tailored solutions that drive impactful change. Her mission is to lead with authenticity, foster collaboration, and ensure every team member feels heard and valued. Recognised for her bold, inventive approach, Sarah is a gifted networker and convenor of creative talent, always ready to make strategic choices that drive success. Sarah Roberts, Global Strategy and Communications Leader Who is Sarah Roberts? I work as a strategic advisor to boards, senior leaders, and businesses, supporting organisations and brands as they navigate complexity, scrutiny, and change, across communications, external relations, and public affairs. At the heart of my work is a belief that leadership is as much about humanity as it is about authority. I sit in the space where governance, reputation, and people intersect, helping leaders make confident, sometimes difficult decisions, while staying grounded in empathy, ethics, and long-term impact. I’m particularly interested in reframing communications not as words or messaging, but as a leadership philosophy, one that shapes behaviour, judgement, and how organisations show up internally and externally when it matters most. Alongside my professional work, I am studying for a counselling qualification, volunteer with Age UK, and have coached children through sport. I’m increasingly interested in the role of intuition, mental wellbeing, and self-care in leadership and how the quieter, internal work shapes how we show up in positions of responsibility. I’m also in the process of writing a book that reflects on a personal journey through challenge and growth, and what that has taught me about resilience, perspective, and finding your voice. What inspired you to start Vane Percy & Roberts and focus on communications strategy? I joined an agency while I was still at university because I wanted to learn the craft properly - not just the tactics, but how communications really influences leadership, behaviour, and outcomes. Over time, working alongside my business partner, we began to see a gap in how many agencies operate. The model is often pyramidal, senior leaders sell the work, and then disappear into the background. Or there’s a tendency to tell executives what they want to hear rather than what their organisation actually needs. We also noticed how often communications was treated as a kind of dark art, hidden behind layers of creative language or cleverness, when in reality, the most effective work is far more human. It’s about clarity, empathy, and helping people recognise themselves in what’s being said. We wanted to build something different. Vane Percy & Roberts was created as an executive-led consultancy. One that stays close to decision-makers, understands the business and governance context, and isn’t afraid to challenge when something doesn’t feel right for the organisation, its people, or its stakeholders. How would you describe your core approach to strategic communications in one sentence? I see communications as a leadership discipline, not a set of tactics, where trust, behaviour, and impact matter more than visibility. What makes your consultancy different from others in the communications and outreach space? We don’t do communications for communications’ sake. We take a holistic view of reputation, culture, governance, and stakeholder trust and then shape an approach that fits the reality of the situation, rather than forcing a predetermined solution. A core part of our work is helping leaders surface the ethical, emotional, and human dimensions of the decisions they’re making, not to soften them, but to strengthen them. Communications isn’t just about what an organisation says, it’s about what it stands for, what it’s prepared to defend, and what it’s willing to be accountable for. One of our non-negotiables is alignment between what an organisation says and how it behaves. If those two things don’t match, no amount of storytelling will fix it. There have been moments where that’s meant walking away. In one healthcare engagement, a non-medical doctor was positioned as the public face of a dermatology product in a way that could easily have been misinterpreted by consumers as medical endorsement. When the client chose not to change course, I chose not to stay. Ultimately, it’s about helping leaders see the bigger picture, communications isn’t just the right words. It’s an organisation’s voice, personality, and intent and it needs to be embodied consistently across leadership behaviour, culture, and every point of contact with the world. Trust, both with the public and with ourselves, matters more than any contract. What are the most common challenges you help clients overcome? One of the biggest is a narrow view of what communications is actually for. In some organisations, communications becomes a supporting function, something that’s brought in to “do social” or “get coverage”, rather than a leadership capability that shapes how the organisation is experienced. A pattern I see often is organisations focusing on what they want to say, rather than what people actually need to understand. Explaining the issue first, the context, the stakes, the human impact, and then positioning your product, service, or decision as a response to that is almost always more powerful than leading with a commercial message. At its core, the challenge is helping leaders move from persuasion to clarity. When people understand the situation they’re in, and why it matters, trust follows more naturally, and decisions are far more likely to land with credibility. Can you share an example of a client success story where your strategy made a measurable impact? Some of the most meaningful work for me isn’t about headlines but about outcomes. I’ve worked with sceptical clients who initially resisted a more patient, stakeholder-led approach, particularly in policy and healthcare spaces. In more than one case, that shift in strategy contributed to real-world change including policy decisions that improved access to care. Those moments matter to me because they reinforce something I believe deeply, if communications doesn’t create impact, it’s just noise. The “why” always has to come before the “what.” Why is effective stakeholder engagement essential for organisations today? Because trust has become one of the most valuable, and fragile, assets an organisation holds. Stakeholders today aren’t passive audiences. They’re informed, connected, and often influential in shaping perception, policy, and reputation. Too often, organisations approach stakeholder engagement the same way they approach communications, by focusing on what they want to say, rather than what others actually need to hear. Real engagement is a two-way relationship. It’s not just about sharing information or positioning expertise. It’s about listening, understanding different perspectives, and asking more meaningful questions, what matters to this group? What do they need from us? And what can we genuinely build together? When stakeholders are treated as partners rather than an afterthought, relationships tend to be more resilient, more honest, and better able to withstand moments of change or challenge. Over time, that consistency is what turns engagement into trust, not as a message, but as a lived experience. How do you help leaders and organisations build and protect their reputation? By helping them understand that reputation is built internally first. What leaders tolerate, reward, or ignore inside their organisation will eventually show up on the outside. Culture always travels. I work closely with senior teams to develop a clear leadership voice and presence. One that feels authentic, considered, and consistent across different contexts, boardrooms, employees, regulators, media, and the public. In moments of pressure, that voice shouldn’t be improvised. It should feel familiar because it’s been practised. You’ve described communications as a leadership discipline rather than a tactical function. In moments of pressure or scrutiny, what do you believe separates strong leadership judgement from reactive decision-making? Strong leadership judgement is rooted in clarity, not speed. Reactive decisions are often driven by fear, fear of scrutiny, loss of control, or being seen to hesitate. Good judgement comes from understanding what truly matters in the moment, who will be affected, and what the long-term consequences might be. Leaders who can pause, even briefly, tend to make decisions that hold up over time, rather than ones they later have to explain away. What role does thought leadership play in your clients’ growth and visibility? At its best, thought leadership isn’t about being seen as clever. It’s about being seen as useful. The strongest leaders I work with use it to clarify what they stand for, how they think, and what kind of contribution they want to make to their industry or society. When it’s done well, visibility becomes a byproduct of credibility, not the other way around. How has your decades of senior experience shaped the way you advise clients? It’s taught me that most challenges aren’t really about communications. They’re about judgement. Experience gives you pattern recognition. The ability to sense when something is going to escalate, land badly, or quietly undermine trust long before it becomes obvious. It’s also taught me the value of stillness. Not every situation needs an immediate response. Sometimes the most strategic move is to pause, understand what’s really happening, and then act with intent rather than urgency. What is one piece of advice you would give to businesses struggling to communicate their value? Start by explaining the problem you exist to solve. If people don’t recognise themselves in the issue, they won’t care about the solution, no matter how good it is. Clarity builds connection. Connection builds trust. And trust is what ultimately creates value. What should potential clients expect when they work with you and your team? They should expect challenge as well as support. We work best with leaders who want a thinking partner, not a “yes” team. People who are willing to share information, invite perspective, and sit with uncomfortable questions if that’s what the situation requires. What they gain is not just an external advisor, but an extension of their leadership team. We become deeply invested in what our clients are building, because our role is to help shape how it is understood, experienced, and trusted, internally and externally. We also connect communications directly to business objectives, whether that’s driving growth, supporting a sale or exit, influencing policy, or strengthening long-term reputation. If your website speaks a different language to your onboarding, something is misaligned. If your media and social presence doesn’t reflect how your people actually experience the company, it won’t land. Our role is to help bring those pieces into coherence. So what an organisation says, does, and believes feels like part of the same story. Your work increasingly explores the quieter, internal side of leadership. Why do you think this inner work is still undervalued in senior leadership conversations, and what does it change when leaders take it seriously? Because it’s invisible, and it doesn’t come with a neat framework or metric. But leadership is always felt before it’s measured. When leaders invest in their internal work, understanding their triggers, values, and blind spots, they lead with greater consistency and humanity. It changes how they listen, how they make decisions, and how safe others feel bringing the truth into the room. It also shapes who they invite in around them. Leaders who trust their own judgement are more open to challenge, more willing to seek support, and more likely to value perspectives that strengthen, rather than simply affirm, their own. Final question: What guides your work, personally? Intuition is a compass if we allow ourselves to be still enough to listen. In leadership, in communication, and in life, the quiet signals often tell you more than the loud ones. The work is learning to trust them. Follow me on LinkedIn for more info! Read more from Sarah Roberts

Written by Dr. Donya Ball, Leadership Expert, Keynote Speaker, Best Selling Author Dr. Donya Ball is a renowned leadership expert, keynote speaker, author, executive coach, and professor specializing in organizational development. She captivates audiences and readers around the world with her thought leadership, including her TEDx Talk, "We are facing a leadership crisis. Here's the cure." This is not a status update. It is a warning sign. A “things are fine” approach typically emerges when friction underneath the surface is strong, when teams are doing what they need to but they aren’t purposeful.  Evidence shows alignment isn’t merely a sense of warmth. It has been shown to be a measurable accelerant for engagement, performance and long-term success.[1]  When alignment is ambiguous, people stop pressing the hard questions. This is not because all is right, but because they don’t see exactly what the organization’s impact may be.  The difference between fine and aligned You can have an organizational functioning but not be aligned. People show up. Tasks get done. Metrics look okay. But function by itself does not build strategic momentum.  Actually, research indicates that strategic alignment in which objectives and actions are closely interrelated across levels in the organization is positively associated with performance outcomes.  In the absence of alignment, teams tend to do stuff but don’t realize how their work aligns with the company’s bigger goal, which diminishes their motivation to engage.[2] Fine is compliance. Alignment is commitment.  Fine keeps people showing up. Alignment moves things forward. When “fine” becomes the ceiling When leaders accept “fine” as their answer, they cease to ask deeper questions. To align, you need clarity, strategic conversation, and decision making on purpose.  Strategic alignment research suggests that clear alignment across organization goals can drive engagement and strengthen the ability of teams to contribute to strategy implementation.[2] Misalignment, by contrast, correlates with “low-performance” and a disparity between goal statements and real performance.[3] Organization alignment, in particular by coordinating organizational structure, goals and leadership behaviors, has also been identified as one of the major influences on sustainable performance in current research.[4] Why purpose is the bridge to alignment Purpose is a filter, it links meaning and action. Research has found that alignment of individual and team goals with organizational purpose leads to greater clarity, a greater sense of belonging and increased strategic action.[5] In the absence of this connection, people may accomplish tasks in the technical sense but ultimately still feel disconnected from the organization’s purpose.  Focusing on the goal does not always happen automatically, it is a deliberate action through communicative and shared understanding and, in line with the value system of the organization.[6] How leaders go from fine to aligned Name the gap openly. “Fine” is not failure, but it certainly is not success. Leaders have to be ready to say, “We are not in alignment,” without pointing blame. Communicate purpose clearly. Before approving initiatives, establish alignment on purpose. This means that the team can see the direct relationship between what’s happening and how this leads to impact. Invite real dialogue. Alignment is maintained through conversation, not necessarily consensus. Encourage disagreement, questioning, and uncomfortable conversations without penalty. Model alignment publicly. Leaders can’t ask teams to be linked to purpose they themselves, under stress, also miss. Consistency inspires trust even more quickly than mission statements. Measure what matters. Companies and organizations that track only quantifiable outputs overlook alignment gaps. Alignment has to be measured on clarity, engagement and morale, and what links between goals and results.  The leadership reality Fine is easy. Alignment is intentional. Fine avoids conflict. Alignment requires courage. Alignment is not a buzzword. It is a measurable leadership discipline, one associated with higher engagement, higher performance, and better organizational health.[7] So the question is no longer whether everyone is okay. The real question is this, are you willing to do what it takes to shift from fine to fully aligned? Because leadership is not just about stability. It’s about making sure that what is stable is also meaningful. And that is where real impact starts.  Follow me on Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Dr. Donya Ball Dr. Donya Ball, Leadership Expert, Keynote Speaker, Best Selling Author Dr. Donya Ball is a renowned keynote speaker, transformative superintendent, and passionate author. With over two decades of experience, she also serves as a professor and executive coach, mentoring and guiding aspiring and seasoned leaders. She has authored two impactful books, Adjusting the Sails (2022) and Against the Wind (2023), which address real-world leadership challenges. Her expertise has garnered national attention from media outlets like USA Today and MSN. Dr. Ball’s TEDxTalk, "We are facing a leadership crisis. Here’s the cure," further highlights her thought leadership. References: [1]  (Gede & Huluka, 2023) [2] (Gede, 2025) [3] (Tessitore, Corsini, & Iraldo, 2023) [4] (Stanikzai & Mittal, 2025) [5] (Armstrong, 2025) [6] (Nayak, 2025) [7] (Lasa, Pedroni, Komm & Lavallee, 2024)

Written by Sarah Hurst, Coach and Creator of the Mind Medicine Movement™ Drawing on her own healing journey through cancer, Sarah Hurst is a coach and creator of the Mind Medicine Movement™, helping people calm the nervous system, reconnect to themselves, and take back their power to heal body, mind, and soul. Most people don’t realize they’re living in survival mode. They don’t wake up thinking about their nervous system or whether their body feels safe. Instead, they simply feel tired, tense, overwhelmed, or unable to truly rest, and healing feels hard without quite knowing why. Often, this isn’t because someone is doing healing “wrong.” It’s because their body hasn’t felt safe in a long time. When the nervous system is stuck in protection mode, even the best intentions and tools can struggle to land. Living in survival mode without knowing it Survival mode doesn’t always look dramatic or obvious. Sometimes it shows up as shallow breathing, tight shoulders, racing thoughts, or a constant feeling of coping rather than living. For others, it can feel like being disconnected from their body, emotionally flat, or always on edge. For people navigating illness, trauma, burnout, or prolonged stress, this state can quietly become normal. The nervous system adapts to keep them functioning, staying alert and prioritizing protection over rest. This is not weakness; it’s intelligence. The body is responding exactly as it was designed to in the face of threat or uncertainty. Why the body can’t heal when it doesn’t feel safe From a biological perspective, the nervous system is always asking one fundamental question: Am I safe right now? When the answer is no, the body shifts into survival. Stress hormones increase, muscles stay braced, breathing becomes shallow, and systems related to repair, digestion, immunity, and emotional processing are placed on hold. This doesn’t happen because the body is failing. It happens because the body is protecting. When fear or stress remains high for long periods, healing can feel out of reach, even when someone is doing everything “right.” Calm is not something the body waits for after healing. Calm is the signal that allows healing to begin. Calm is an active healing state Calm is often misunderstood as switching off, doing nothing, or being passive. In reality, calm is a very active and vital biological state. It is the state in which the body finally feels safe enough to soften and repair. You might notice calm as a deeper breath, a slight drop in your shoulders, or a moment where your jaw unclenches. Thoughts may slow, and there may be a sense of space or ease, even briefly. These moments are not insignificant. When the nervous system settles, the body shifts into rest-and-repair, supporting digestion, immune function, emotional processing, and overall balance. Regulation happens through experience, not willpower One of the most important things to understand about the nervous system is that it does not respond to logic alone. You cannot talk yourself into calm, shame yourself into relaxing, or think your way out of survival mode. The nervous system responds to experience. It responds to touch that feels safe, sound that soothes, breath that slows naturally, and moments of stillness that invite presence. It responds to being met with compassion rather than pressure. This is why embodied practices are so powerful. They communicate safety through sensation and rhythm, not through effort or explanation. You don’t need to fix yourself Many people carry the belief that something is wrong with them, that their body is broken or failing. But symptoms are not a sign of weakness. They are signals from a system that has been working hard to protect. Healing is not about fixing yourself. It is about listening to what the body has been trying to communicate. When we slow down and meet ourselves with curiosity rather than judgment, the relationship with the body softens. From that place, regulation becomes possible, and calm grows not from control, but from compassion. A gentle invitation If healing feels difficult right now, it may not be because you are doing something wrong. It may simply be that your body is asking for safety first. You do not need to change everything, push harder, or hold yourself to impossible standards. You might begin with one small moment. Place your feet on the floor, take a slow breath, and notice one sensation that feels neutral or okay. Allow that to be enough for now. Calm is not a luxury. It is essential, and it is available in small, gentle moments. Follow me on Facebook , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Sarah Hurst Sarah Hurst, Coach and Creator of the Mind Medicine Movement™ After walking her own path through cancer, Sarah Hurst discovered that true healing isn’t just physical, it’s emotional, spiritual, and deeply personal. She went on to create the Mind Medicine Movement™, helping others calm their nervous systems, rediscover purpose, and reconnect with themselves through her SIPS™ framework: Slow Down, Identity, Purpose, Self-Love. Today, Sarah supports people living with or beyond cancer and anyone seeking calm, clarity, and wellness through her coaching, meditation, and touch therapy practice in Hove, East Sussex. She also offers an online coaching service.

Written by Katrina Fox, Founder & CEO Katrina Fox is a 28-year-old founder and owner of RFRM. Studios, the inclusive Reformer Pilates brand she launched in 2023. From her roots in the Midlands, she’s now expanded to Covent Garden, creating welcoming spaces where 'every' body belongs, challenging the exclusive vibe of Reformer and making it more welcoming than ever. Launching RFRM. Studios in September 2023 was the most exhilarating, terrifying, life-altering thing I’ve ever done. What no one prepared me for was the fallout. By December 2024, my long-term relationship of almost five years was finished. Friendships had quietly disappeared. My life looked wildly different and far lonelier than I ever imagined. Business was thriving. My brand was expanding. Opportunities were multiplying. And yet, I was grieving the life I used to have. That kind of loneliness carries a weight all of its own. That’s the part of entrepreneurship no one glamorises. I didn’t lose myself, I refocused Let’s clear something up quickly: I didn’t lose myself to ambition. I’m still selfless, thoughtful, kind, and caring; the same KK, just with better shoes and a weekly bouncy blow. And yes, I will absolutely die on that hill. Launching a business doesn’t require becoming ruthless, cold, or unrecognisable. You can grow, expand, and succeed without becoming someone you don’t recognise. That’s the line I’ve worked relentlessly to hold. When love can’t survive the level-up Launching a business isn’t just a career move; it’s a complete lifestyle upheaval. My relationship didn’t fail because of a lack of love. We grew into different versions of ourselves at the same time, moving at different speeds, with different priorities. I poured everything I had into building RFRM. I had to. This meant there wasn’t space to nurture the relationship in the way I once did. While I didn’t change who I was, where my energy went absolutely changed. It takes a very specific kind of partnership to survive that level of intensity. One built on mutual support, shared ambition, and the ability to grow together rather than apart. As painful as it was, letting go was the right decision. Yes, I’ve grieved what we had. But staying true to your goals doesn’t make you selfish; it makes you an honest human. Friendships in the age of success Entrepreneurship exposes relationships. Friendships shift. Some fade quietly. Others fracture loudly. Jealousy, misunderstanding, and misalignment creep in, often unspoken. For a long time, I blamed myself. Eventually, I realised this: I am not responsible for carrying the discomfort of people who can’t adapt to my growth. Some new connections feel surface-level; others feel deeply aligned. But the friendships that remain, or arrive, are richer, more meaningful, and rooted in genuine support. I’d rather have a small circle that gets it than a large one that resents it. No one truly understands a founder’s brain Being a founder means your brain is permanently switched on. Every day is a blur of micro-decisions, pressure, problem-solving, and responsibility that no one else fully sees.“ Just turn your laptop off, it’s 6pm” simply doesn’t apply to founder life. Yes, balance is the goal. But until you’ve carried payroll, risk, reputation, and vision all at once, it’s hard to understand the mental load. And if you’ve ever met a founder who’s mastered it flawlessly, please send them my way, ASAP Rocky. It takes a particular kind of partner and friend to accept that this is who I am. Owning a business isn’t just work, it’s responsibility. It’s personal. It has to be. The risk is far too high to show up half-heartedly, and that is one risk I am absolutely not willing to take. The lonely reality of London London is phenomenal for growth. I moved here solo in 2024 to expand the business, and the opportunities are endless. The pace is fast, momentum builds quickly if you’re relentless, and anything feels possible. But it’s also one of the loneliest cities in the world, especially for a solo female founder. Dating is rough (the wild wild west minus the sexy cowboys), kindness feels scarce, and people shove past you on the Tube without a second thought. Social media paints a glossy picture: designer bags, cosmos at Scarfes Bar, a fancy apartment. What it doesn’t show is the stress of juggling a thousand plates, the constant pressure to keep up, and the quiet fear of falling behind in a hyper-competitive market. When life feels like it’s falling apart Then there’s Nigel’s infamous line from The Devil Wears Prada: “Let me know when your whole life falls apart, it means you’re due a promotion.” For founders, that line hits uncomfortably close to home. The chaos, the heartbreak, the stress, it’s often the precursor to growth. Sometimes your life does feel like it’s falling apart, but really, you’re shedding everything that can’t come with you to the next level. Cue nervous system overload, identity shifts, and a crash course in regulation. Breathwork. Reiki. Cloudy Bay. Whatever keeps you sane and regulated. IYKYK. Success comes with sacrifice. The highs are intoxicating, but the lows can feel crushingly isolating. The sacrifices no one sees From the outside, the “nice life” looks carefree. What people don’t see are the sleepless nights, the anxiety about falling behind, or the quiet guilt over relationships that don’t survive the journey. The missed birthdays, family events, holidays, and dinners you wanted to attend but couldn’t. Living away from home amplifies that weight. The difference? My family understands. They don’t guilt me. They know I’m building something meaningful that I truly care about, and they know I show up when it truly matters. This is the messy, uncomfortable side of entrepreneurship that rarely gets discussed, but it’s real. The sacrifices are worth it when you know your “why,” even if they hurt deeply in the moment. Anyone meant to stay in your life will respect the sacrifices required to build the future you want. Anyone who doesn’t was never meant to walk this path with you. Conclusion: The best decision I’ve ever made Despite the heartbreak and sacrifices, launching RFRM. Studios remains the best decision I’ve ever made. Entrepreneurship is messy. Lonely. Uncomfortable. And wildly romanticised. There is strength in telling the truth about this journey. If founders spoke more openly about the reality, we’d build stronger businesses and stronger humans. I truly believe the community would rise higher together. We’re all in the same frickin’ boat, after all. And while the journey can be scary, it’s also deeply freeing, profoundly fulfilling, and the only way to build a life that genuinely reflects who you are. Yes, I lost people along the way. But I gained clarity, self-trust, and a future that feels fully mine. There was a fire in my soul for a reason. I’m proud I trusted it. And honestly? I wouldn’t change a single thing. Follow me on Instagram for more info! Read more from Katrina Fox Katrina Fox, Founder & CEO Katrina Fox has transformed RFRM. Studios into more than just a Pilates brand, she's built a vibrant community where movement meets mental well-being. By dismantling the cliquey barriers often associated with Reformer Pilates, Katrina has created a space where everyone feels welcome and supported. Her studios aren't just places to take a class. They are sanctuaries for building confidence, fostering connections, and embracing personal growth. Through her unwavering commitment, Katrina has cultivated a culture of inclusivity and empowerment, proving that when we support each other, the sky's the limit.

Written by Sauce Brady, Podcast Host | Motivational Speaker Sauce Brady is a mastermind in his field. He is the founder of The Sauce Brady Experience, an online movement that consists of: The Role Up Podcast, The Sauce Factory, The Spot, The Sauce Brady Experience, and is the author of "Here's The Truth: You Are One Decision Away From Changing Your Life", "You Deserve Better", and "The Power of Belief". As the cliché saying goes, “If you keep doing what you’ve been doing, you’re going to keep getting what you’ve been getting.” We’ve done what was necessary to survive adversity. Now, it’s time to embrace an entirely new thought process in order to manifest a fresh chapter in our lives. These next steps may take some time to get used to, but if you practice them consistently, success will find you sooner rather than later. 1. Let that hurt go The one thing we all have in common is that we’ve all come from somewhere. We may come from single-parent homes, two-parent homes, families of addiction, adoption, or have been raised by grandparents—or something of that nature. We may also be the first in our families to graduate college or be in a position to create generational wealth. Regardless of how your story started, you are not defined by your past. You are defined by the choices you make now. The first step in ensuring you receive the blessings intended for you is to lighten the load you carry. You can’t catch blessings with your hands full We’ve carried the burdens of the past with us long enough. It’s time to put them down and leave them where they are. The story you’ve been telling yourself to keep yourself “safe” is now hindering your growth. That version of yourself that’s showing up and feeding into other people’s insecurities is preventing you from evolving into your highest self. To move forward in 2026, it’s time to stop recycling those negative stories and create space for the restoration process that is about to take place. Don’t let your brain get there before your body Recently, Alex Honnold took to Netflix to complete a feat that only he was brave enough to attempt. As he free-solo climbed to the top of the Taipei 101 skyscraper, Elle Duncan asked his wife how he managed to stay calm during his ascents. She said, “He doesn’t let his brain get there before his body.” In other words, he stays in the present moment—not in the next 100 feet, not the previous 100 feet. Wherever his body is, that’s where he is. Learning to be present is more important now than it ever has been in history. Being present doesn’t mean being oblivious to what’s going on around you, it’s more about being intentional with your actions. If you desire to see more change in the world, be intentional with your actions. If you want to see more love being spread, be more intentional with the love you show yourself. It’s time to be the change we seek. 2. Gratitude is the attitude that determines your altitude The most intentional act we can do for ourselves and our mental health is to operate from a space of gratitude. It’s easier said than done, but if we prioritize gratitude, we will end up on a high frequency. This high frequency will put us on a direct path to our desires and ideas we want to see materialize. Comparison is the thief of joy My brother, Jaymz Keller, once told me that “comparison is the thief of joy,” and at the time, I didn’t understand it, but I do now. There will always be someone who has more than you, but it’s important not to get caught in that cycle of comparison. I’ve been down that road, and trust me, it’s harder to break that cycle and do any of the things we’ve mentioned thus far. Patience is power When it comes to success, many people burn out because they are too focused on the quantity of their product rather than the quality. For years, we’ve been told to work hard and we will be successful. What we weren’t told is that working hard toward something you don’t want will lead to a life of missed opportunities and untapped potential. We’re past those days, and if we truly want to heal and provide a different life for the generations after us, it’s time to get in alignment with what we really want out of life. A change of perspective If you see your journey from the low perspective of doubt, you will psych yourself out because of the time it takes to accomplish the mission. If you look at it from eye level, you will see every obstacle in your path, which will stop you from even trying. But if you look at it from an elevated perspective, you will see that after all the obstacles and life lessons, the end goal is always there. 3. Separation equals elevation equals growth Growth is never easy, especially when you've been conditioned to only think one way, and every other way is an abomination of self. You may not be chasing material wealth, you may want a healthier relationship with yourself. You may want to heal from past traumas and be able to enjoy your life again. This shift comes from separation. Holding on to the past serves you no benefit, it only robs you of the current moment. The only thing that ever exists is this moment. Separating yourself from what's already happened is lightening the load you carry, which will lead to your elevation. Inside job As much as I wish I could convince you that this is what you need to do to break free, the only person that can truly make that decision is you. Changing the way you view the world is an inside job. If your life isn’t the way you want it, the only person who can change that is you. When you get in alignment with the things you want, the doors that you thought were closed will open up. If it was supposed to be another way Most people get their feelings hurt one time, and they choose to stay in that bag. In order to walk into this new season of your life, old baggage is not allowed. Just like the seed that got buried in the soil, you need rain just as much as you need sunshine to grow. It’s time to walk away from the past. If it was meant to be another way, it would be, but since it's not, there’s no need to hold on to the way it was “supposed to be.” You’re stronger than you think You’re stronger than you think, and it’s time to lock in on the mission. The more time you spend thinking about what’s come and gone, the more time is wasted in creating what you want. You can’t be in two places at once. You’re either in or out. This next level of our lives requires us to be not only committed to success but obsessed with the process. Create your future by stepping into your purpose. 4. Don’t fall for the illusion Many moons ago, TeamFlatRadio was on the rise. Networking, meeting my favorite artists, etc., I felt I was one connection away from taking TFR into the outer reach of the cosmos. What I didn't see coming was the campaign losing momentum. I was pulling in thousands of views a month, started to get some credibility, and like a wind blowing a candle, it was over. For years, I fell for the illusion until I had the conversation that we are having today with myself. I was reminded of who I was through finding something I was passionate about (a story for another day) and getting really good at it. You’re allowed to be happy Digging yourself out of the hole you put yourself in is never an easy task, but if you keep your happiness, your goals, and your plan at the forefront of your mind, it will give you the motivation you need to keep pushing forward. Despite the negative voices from those around you or in your head, “you are allowed to be happy without the fear of something going wrong.” You can’t change the past, only focus on right now. Practice being mindful by enjoying every waking moment. You are the key to breaking free You are the key to overcoming all the things that you feel are holding you back. The quicker you realize this, the quicker you’re able to move past these limitations. The quicker you realize that the light at the end of the tunnel isn't an illusion, the sooner you will do the proper internal work to become the light at the end of the tunnel. Don't fall for the illusion of tailoring your life to fit someone else's version of you. Create your own mold and pursue that version of yourself relentlessly. How to get in alignment with your imagination When it comes to the creative process, it's difficult to do what needs to be done when you're out of alignment or out of focus. Here are two ways to get back into alignment, by practicing gratitude and practicing visualization. By expressing gratitude for your creativity, you are giving yourself permission to pull from the creative area in your mind. When you are in alignment with your imagination, you are able to take a blank canvas and turn it into a masterpiece. Similar to imagination, when you visualize something, you’re not seeing it in the physical sense, you’re creating it in your mind. Visualization is also the master key to manifestation. In order to succeed on any level, you must see the mission as completed. When the two become one Three things happen when you get dialed in with gratitude and visualization. You initiate the Laws of Attraction, you have a shift in frequency, and consistency becomes a new habit. When you initiate the Laws of Attraction, you are amplifying your magnetic ability and beginning to attract what you need to get to where you're going. After initiating the Laws of Attraction, you are shifting your internal frequency to get on the same channel as the thing you’re manifesting. This is extremely important because sometimes we could be asking for something but going in the direct opposite direction. This is why getting in tune with what you want is important. Once you experience the shift in frequency, consistency becomes a habit. Through consistency, every day you will contribute to the cause. When you’re in harmony with your desires, you will be more inclined to do the work. 5. You choose who you want to be At the end of the day, when it’s all said and done, you will either have lived a life of purpose and impact, or you will die full of regrets and missed opportunities. Your life experiences are reflected in the choices you make. If you don’t like what you’re experiencing, make better choices. Whether you reach your goals or don’t reach your goals is up to you. Adversity helps you grow and teaches you valuable life lessons. We live in the multiverse, and at any time, we can choose a different route. In whatever you choose, learn to validate, love, and appreciate yourself. How to choose you Reflect on life up to this point. Be grateful for life and all of the challenges and opportunities that have brought you to this point. Show yourself some love by appreciating yourself. Acknowledge that where you are isn’t where you want to be. Take accountability for being where you are. Most importantly, decide where you want to be and take action. Once you’ve decided who you want to be, say no to everything that isn’t that. Become obsessed with what you’re trying to do and bring a consistent level of intensity every day. Life is too short Life is too short not to choose you. Life is too beautiful to be miserable, but it’s your job to create the life you want. The last thing you should want to do is put your life into someone else's hands, because if things don't work out, you're going to pin the blame on them. You can't go through life blaming people for the outcome of YOUR life. That's YOUR decision. It's time to reclaim your power When a plant isn’t growing, you don’t throw away the plant, you change its environment. Environments aren’t always physical places, they are mental places, too. By changing your physical and mental environment, you are exposing yourself to the possibilities of what could be, if you stayed the course. Success isn’t limited to age, tax bracket, etc. It’s unlimited to those who believe they can. It's time to take your power back. You've been blaming everybody for your misfortunes, but it's time to understand your role in getting to where you are so you can make better choices to get to where you want to be. 3 ways to take control of your life in 2026 When you take charge of your life, you are empowering yourself. By doing this, you are affirming that you are the captain of your fate. By being proactive in your decision-making, you will have the clarity to choose things that are in alignment with your desired destination. Ultimately, when you take control of your life, you will experience a life worth living. Choosing who you want to be leads to maximum fulfillment. Think of it like this, the image of dry, hardened mud represents your current situation. You may be dealing with financial problems, personal issues, or what have you. The magic happens when you use the three steps to take control of your life. You will remove all blockages that are stopping abundance from flowing into your life. When you learn to remove those self-limiting beliefs and accept the abundance from the universe, the floods will come. But you will notice the flood was exactly what you needed after a drought. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Sauce Brady Sauce Brady, Podcast Host | Motivational Speaker Sauce Brady is an expert in podcasting, writing, and public speaking. After overcoming mountains of adversity, homelessness, and creating his own platform to motivate his community through inspirational messages, SB is one of the rising podcast talents of this generation. Since launching The Role Up Podcast in 2020, SB has become a beacon of inspiration to those on their journey to self-improvement. He is the founder of The Sauce Brady Experience, which is home to 3 self-published books, 2 merch stores, and a YouTube Channel. His motto is to get lifted & stay inspired.

Written by Berta Kaguako, Health and Social Care Consultant Berta Kaguako is the Co-Founder and Managing Director for EthVida, a patient educational platform that promotes plant medicine and a holistic healthcare approach. As a patient herself, Berta has made a remarkable transformation, using cannabis based medical products to manage 7 diagnoses and 50+ symptoms. And now advocates for plant medicine. Discover the transformative power of botanical plant medicine through a personal journey of healing and resilience. Berta Kaguako shares her story of reclaiming her life from chronic conditions, revealing how botanicals like ginger, garlic, and lion’s mane supported her recovery. Explore the benefits of this ancient medicine and its ability to restore balance in body, mind, and spirit. Learn how plant medicine can be a powerful ally in modern healthcare. My patient story I didn’t find botanicals in a wellness aisle or a social media trend. I found them because I wanted my life back, and I was willing to build it one plant, one nervous system win, one small victory at a time. And that’s exactly what I did! My medical file is thick. By twenty-two, after being diagnosed with Morton’s neuroma, I had already stepped onto a path that would include arthritis, fibromyalgia, a spinal syrinx at C6/C7, hemianesthesia with episodic paralysis, PCOS, asthma, POTS, bilateral sciatica, traumatic brain injury, PTSD, AuDHD, and Long COVID, with 50+ symptoms. Each diagnosis arrived with its own symptoms & rulebook, but none explained how it felt to live inside a body that could short-circuit without warning. There were seasons where I found my footing. A holistic approach, nutrition, nervous-system support, movement adapted rather than forced, brought me into remission more than once. Then COVID arrived and hit the reset button in the worst possible way. Everything came roaring back at once, progressing all my conditions to the next stage. I went from managing my life, and living my best life, to pleading with the universe hour by hour. At my lowest point, I was bedbound 4/5 days a week. Getting to the bathroom meant engineering a route across the floor with blankets and pillows and dragging myself forward with one functioning arm, due to the paralysis on the left. It wasn’t dramatic. It was logistical. And it was not living. I was existing! The turning point didn’t arrive as a miracle, it arrived as permission. Medical cannabis was the first thing that reduced my pain and symptoms enough to let me participate in my own recovery. From there, botanicals became collaborators, ginger and garlic to cool inflammation, lion’s mane to support cognition, evening primrose and selenium for hormonal and neurological balance, beetroot and chlorophyll for cardiovascular resilience (enough, eventually, to earn my discharge from cardiology). Combined with physiotherapy, electro-acupuncture, dietary changes, and an aggressively patient pace, my body began to respond. Not all at once. But unmistakably! Looking back now, in January 2022, I collapsed unconscious on the platform at Oxford Tube Station because simply leaving the house overwhelmed my system. In August 2025, I celebrated my 38th birthday by hiking for four hours on a treacherous trail in the Jungles of Puerto Rico. That transformation did not come from ignoring science, it came from expanding it. From recognising that plant compounds can meaningfully support complex, multi-system illness when integrated thoughtfully and consistently. My journey isn’t finished. I still live with chronic conditions. I still respect my limits. But for the first time in years, the trajectory is forward, and that changes everything! Botanicals didn’t just help me manage symptoms, they helped me re-enter my life, I am no longer existing, for once, I am living! Exploring the benefits of botanicals with Ruby Gumbi-Edwards For millennia, roots, leaves, and blooms have been whispered to hold wisdom from the heart of Traditional African healing systems, through the elemental science of Ayurveda, to the flowing meridians of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Today, botanical plant medicines are gently rising like sap in spring, welcomed as complementary allies within modern healthcare. Unlike many single-target pharmaceuticals, well-crafted botanical regimens seek not just to silence a symptom, but to restore harmony across the entire ecosystem of the self. They address the physical while nurturing the mental and emotional soil from which wellbeing grows. Let’s explore their benefits, tread carefully around essential cautions, and identify trustworthy sources to guide your journey. Definitions & framework Botanical medicines: Plant-derived preparations, think of teas steeped in stillness, potent extracts, tinctures holding a plant’s essence, powders, and topical oils, all used with therapeutic intention. Holistic traditions referenced: (a) Traditional African Herbs, (b) Ayurveda, (c) Traditional Chinese Medicine. Each, in its own language, speaks of balance (homeostasis), honors the individual’s unique terrain, and weaves healing into the broader context of lifestyle and diet. How does it work? One of the reasons botanical medicines can be effective is that the human body does not operate like a collection of independent parts. It functions as an interconnected network, immune, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, endocannabinoid, and digestive systems constantly exchanging information. When one system is overwhelmed, others compensate, often at a cost. Unlike many pharmaceuticals that are designed to target a single pathway, botanicals tend to work systemically. A single plant can contain hundreds of active compounds, alkaloids, terpenes, flavonoids, polyphenols, each interacting with different receptors, enzymes, and signalling pathways in the body. This multi-target approach is especially relevant in chronic, multi-system conditions, where dysfunction rarely exists in isolation. Rather than forcing the body in one direction, botanicals often support regulation, helping systems communicate more effectively and return toward balance. Botanicals interact with this network through multiple entry points. Some modulate inflammation by influencing cytokine signalling. Others affect neurotransmitter availability, nerve growth factors, or autonomic tone. Certain compounds support mitochondrial function, improving cellular energy production, while others influence hormone metabolism or vascular elasticity. This network-level support can be particularly impactful for people whose conditions involve dysregulation rather than structural damage alone, where the issue is not that the body is broken, but that it is stuck in survival mode. A key difference between botanical and conventional approaches lies in adaptation versus suppression. Many plant compounds act as adaptogens or modulators, meaning their effects shift depending on what the body needs. Rather than overriding symptoms, they help the body recalibrate stress responses, pain signalling, immune reactivity, and energy use. This is why progress with botanicals is often gradual but durable. Instead of a dramatic short-term effect followed by diminishing returns, changes tend to accumulate, sleep improves, recovery speeds up, flares become shorter or less intense. The body begins to relearn flexibility. In this way, botanical medicine aligns less with crisis management and more with long-term resilience building, contributing towards longevity. Mind-body-spirit integration – The symphony of wholeness Here lies the core beauty of botanicals, they are seldom solo performers, but rather an orchestra. A whole‑plant extract contains dozens of constituents that can gently resonate with multiple physiological pathways at once, supporting digestion, soothing inflammation, steadying mood, and nurturing energy, often in concert. These ancient systems listen to the whole person, your constitution, the seasons of your life, your emotional weather, offering a regimen as unique as your fingerprint. It’s medicine that remembers you have a spirit. The growing evidence, Modern Phytomedicine Research is now mapping these intuitive truths. Studies reveal multi-modal actions, anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, neuroprotective, for herbs like Ashwagandha, Turmeric, and Milky Oat. For curated scientific reviews, explore the monographs from the “American Botanical Council” and the clinical summaries at the “National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).” Sustainability and connection – Re‑rooting in nature To engage with plant medicine is to begin a conversation with the earth. Whether you’re tending a windowsill pot of Sage, mindfully foraging with respect, or supporting community herbalism, you cultivate a relationship. This connection naturally fosters “ecological awareness” and encourages sustainable, reciprocal practices, taking only what is needed, giving back where possible. Ethical sourcing and community-based cultivation can help protect biodiversity, support local economies, and honor the keepers of traditional knowledge. On a personal level, this hands-on engagement often blossoms into a deeper commitment to preventive health, nurturing your body as you would a garden. Important safety context – “Natural” does not mean “neutral” A forest can be both sanctuary and a place of potent, wild power. Plants are profound chemists, their bioactive compounds are strong medicine. Some have narrow therapeutic windows, and many interact significantly with pharmaceuticals. A prime example, “St. John’s Wort”, a brilliant light for some forms of low mood, is a powerful inducer of liver enzymes. It can accelerate the metabolism of numerous prescription drugs, including many antidepressants, oral contraceptives, and blood thinners, potentially rendering them ineffective. Respect for this power is non-negotiable. Practical key points & precautions Consult a qualified guide: Always speak with a registered herbalist, integrative doctor, or informed clinician before beginning, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, managing a chronic condition, or taking prescription medications. Mind the interactions: Herbs and pharmaceuticals share pathways in the body. Key interactions exist (e.G., ginkgo biloba with blood thinners like warfarin, kava with sedatives). A pharmacist or clinician can help you navigate these. Source with discernment: Quality is paramount. Seek reputable suppliers who provide “third‑party testing”, adhere to “good manufacturing practice (gmp)”, and transparently list the botanical name, part used, and harvest date. This guards against adulteration and contamination. Compliment, don’t always replace: Think of botanicals as essential threads in a larger tapestry of health. For acute, severe, or life-threatening conditions, conventional medicine is vital. Herbs excel in prevention, support, and restoring foundational balance. Let’s talk about gut health Your gut is a personal garden, its output tells a story. Use this simplified guide as a gentle screen, always discuss persistent changes with your practitioner. Healthy stool checklist: Frequency: Regular for “you” (typically 1-3 times/day to 3 times/week). Consistency is key. Form: Soft, formed, and passed easily. Colour: Generally brown (shifts with diet). Odour: Not persistently foul. No persistent blood, mucus, or unexplained shape changes. Type 1-2 (Hard lumps/Sausage with cracks): Suggests slow transit. Consider gentle hydrating herbs (like Triphala in Ayurveda), more fibre, and water. Type 3-4 (Sausage-shaped, smooth to soft): The ideal. Nurture this balance. Type 5-7 (Soft blobs to watery): Suggests fast transit or irritation. Investigate triggers, soothing botanicals like Slippery Elm may help, but professional guidance is crucial for persistent issues. Please note! There is no exact one‑to‑one traditional equivalent for eastern North American slippery elm (Ulmus rubra, synonym Ulmus fulva) in either Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or pan‑African herbal systems, but there are several herbs with similar demulcent (mucilage‑soothing) or “moistening” actions used in those traditions. Tips & tricks Functional Equivalents (by action) TCM (herbs with moistening, demulcent or stomach/lung‑soothing actions) Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon japonicus), moistens the lungs and nourishes Yin, often used to soothe dry, irritated mucosa. Sha Shen (Adenophora/ Glehnia species), nourishes Yin, moistens lung and stomach, used for dry coughs and throat/stomach irritation. Bai He (Lilium spp.), moistening, calming, sometimes used for dry throat and coughs. Note! TCM herbs are used according to pattern diagnosis (e.g., Yin deficiency, heat, dryness) rather than as direct botanical “replacements.” African / pan‑African traditional options (mucilaginous or soothing herbs used regionally) Aloe (Aloe ferox / Aloe vera), used across Africa for soothing GI (glycaemic index) irritation and topical mucosal care (internally and externally in some traditions). Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) widely used in Europe and parts of Africa for its mucilage, similar demulcent effect to slippery elm. Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) and other mucilaginous foods/plants are used traditionally to soothe digestion. Note! African herbal traditions are highly diverse, regional plants with mucilage may be used rather than a single standardised species. Practical points and caveats Function over taxonomy: when looking for an “equivalent,” match the desired therapeutic action (demulcent, mucilage, lubricating, moistening) and pattern/symptom rather than expecting the same species. Quality & safety: herbs differ in constituents and possible interactions, always confirm herb identity, dose and safety with a qualified herbalist or integrative clinician, especially if you take other medications. For women: Honor your cycles. Hormonal tides across your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or perimenopause can naturally alter your digestive landscape. Significant new changes will guarantee a conversation with your clinician. Exploring more! If you feel the call to explore, proceed not with haste, but with mindful curiosity: Map your terrain: List your current health conditions and all medications/supplements. Seek your guide: Consult a qualified practitioner for a personalised plan. Choose quality: Invest in transparent, tested products from ethical sources. Observe and adjust: Notice how your body responds. True healing is a dialogue. When approached with respect, knowledge, and an eye on the evidence, botanical medicines can be profound allies, helping you cultivate resilience from the root up. Conclusion: At the root of healing Botanical medicine is not an alternative to science, but an expansion of it, a return to viewing the body as intelligent, adaptive, and capable of recalibration when properly supported. Plants offer more than symptom relief, they offer regulation, resilience, and the possibility of forward motion. When used with respect, evidence, and professional guidance, botanical medicines can become powerful collaborators within integrative care, especially for complex or chronic conditions where single-target approaches fall short. My story is not one of cure, but of reclamation. Botanicals helped me move from survival back into participation, and from participation into living. They reconnected me not only to my body, but to nature as a partner in health rather than a backdrop to illness. If there is an invitation here, it is simple, approach healing with curiosity, responsibility, and openness. Look to nature not for miracles, but for partnership and trust that meaningful change often begins at the root. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Berta Kaguako Berta Kaguako, Health and Social Care Consultant Berta Kaguako is a Health and Social Care Consultant, with an Undergraduate in Psychotherapy and a Master's in Psychoanalysis. Berta’s background is in Mental Health, Substance Misuse and Children & Families, in both a therapeutic and senior management capacity, having won 3x Blooming Strong Awards (Recognition from UN for contribution to violence against Women). Berta is also the Co-Founder and Managing Director for EthVida, and independently runs the wellbeing service/educational platform. References: American Botanical Council: Authoritative monographs, “HerbalGram” journal, and sustainability resources. “National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH):” Evidence-based fact sheets and safety information. PubMed: Portal to peer‑reviewed clinical studies. Search: “herb name + clinical trial”. Major Medical Centres (e.g., Mayo Clinic): Trustworthy overviews for drug-herb interactions. World Health Organization (WHO) – Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants Authoritative global reference detailing traditional use, pharmacology, clinical evidence, dosage, and safety of medicinal plants. Widely cited in policy and clinical contexts. European Medicines Agency (EMA) – Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) Provides rigorous scientific assessments of herbal medicines, including safety profiles, contraindications, and evidence-based indications used across Europe. ESCOP (European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy) Monographs Clinical and pharmacological monographs focused on evidence-based herbal medicine, frequently used by physicians and pharmacists practicing phytotherapy. British Herbal Pharmacopoeia (BHP) A gold-standard reference for herbal identification, quality control, dosing, and therapeutic indications, bridging traditional use with modern pharmacology. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews – Herbal & Complementary Medicine Section Independent, high-quality systematic reviews evaluating efficacy and safety of herbal interventions across a wide range of conditions.

Written by Abi Hill, Entrepreneur, Mentor & Coach Abi Hill is a UK entrepreneur, mentor & coach, and the founder of Just Starting Out. Widely recognised for championing underserved communities and cost-of-living resilience, she’s on a mission to cut first-year failure rates. “If you want to make waves, pack a swimsuit!” Much of the startup advice available today isn’t wrong, but it is written for a very specific type of founder. One with savings, spare time, access to capital, and the ability to absorb mistakes without immediate consequences. Yet that founder is no longer the norm. Across the UK, more people are starting businesses alongside jobs, caring responsibilities, rising living costs, and shrinking financial margins. According to the Office for National Statistics, over 70% of self-employed people now earn less than £30,000 a year, and a growing proportion report starting their business out of necessity rather than opportunity. When advice quietly assumes resources that many founders don’t have, it doesn’t just become unhelpful. It becomes risky. What assumptions are hidden inside most startup advice? Startup advice often comes packaged as universal truth, but it carries invisible assumptions. “Test your idea with paid ads” assumes disposable income.“ Hire early to move faster” assumes cash flow or external funding.“ Give yourself six to twelve months to validate” assumes financial runway. For founders without savings, these aren’t neutral suggestions. They are pressure points. UK Finance reports that nearly 40% of adults have less than £1,000 in savings, while the Joseph Rowntree Foundation estimates that one in five people live in households with little or no financial resilience. Advice that ignores this reality creates a gap between what founders are told to do and what they can safely afford to do. When following advice actually increases risk One of the most damaging outcomes of misaligned advice is that founders begin to believe they are failing, not because their idea is weak, but because they cannot follow the “correct” playbook. I see people spending money they don’t have on branding, websites, software, and consultants because they believe legitimacy must be bought upfront. In reality, premature spending is one of the leading causes of early-stage failure. Research from CB Insights consistently shows that running out of cash is the number one reason startups fail. For founders without financial buffers, the biggest risk is rarely moving too slowly. It is running out of money before learning enough to adapt. Entrepreneurship is increasingly driven by necessity, not dreams The narrative around entrepreneurship hasn’t caught up with economic reality. More people are starting businesses because wages no longer stretch, flexibility is essential, or traditional employment feels increasingly insecure. The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor reports that necessity-driven entrepreneurship has risen steadily in developed economies during periods of economic pressure. These founders are not chasing lifestyle freedom or rapid scale. They are chasing stability. Advice designed for founders with capital, time, and tolerance for loss simply does not translate to those building something because they have to. What accessible startup advice actually looks like Accessible startup advice looks very different. It prioritises validation over visibility. It favours existing networks before paid acquisition. It values credibility over polish. It focuses on progress that does not jeopardise personal finances. This kind of advice helps founders learn cheaply, test realistically, and stay in the game long enough to make informed decisions. It acknowledges constraints instead of pretending they don’t exist. Advice should meet founders where they are Founders do not need more motivation. They need advice that reflects reality. As entrepreneurship becomes more widespread and more necessity-driven, the guidance we offer must evolve. Building slowly, affordably, and intentionally is not a weakness. It is often the smartest strategy available. When advice meets founders where they are, rather than where we assume they should be, we create businesses that are not just ambitious, but sustainable. 10 practical tips for entrepreneurs building with limited funds Start with a problem, not a product: Before spending anything, make sure the problem you’re solving actually exists and that people are willing to pay to fix it. Delay spending for as long as possible: Most early costs feel urgent but aren’t. Waiting often reveals cheaper or better alternatives. Use what you already have: Your existing skills, contacts, experience, and networks are your most valuable assets, and they’re free. Validate before you polish: A rough solution that works is more valuable than a polished one no one wants. Borrow credibility before you buy it: Testimonials, partnerships, and word of mouth build trust faster and cheaper than branding or advertising. Be cautious of “must-have” tools: If a tool doesn’t directly help you get customers or learn something essential, it can probably wait. Protect your personal finances first: A business that survives at the cost of your financial stability is not sustainable in the long run. Focus on progress, not appearance: Looking successful is expensive. Becoming sustainable is not. Ask for help earlier than feels comfortable: Advice, feedback, and small introductions often unlock more value than paid services ever could. Measure success by learning, not speed: The goal early on is to learn cheaply and adapt, not to move fast at any cost. Transform insight into action If you are building something without a safety net, you are not behind. You are navigating a different starting line. Sustainable progress begins with advice that respects your reality, not ignores it. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Abi Hill Abi Hill, Entrepreneur, Mentor & Coach Drawing from a Senior Management background and 20+ years working alongside minority and underserved communities, Abi is best known for advocating within the start-up community, her mission being to reduce the 20% of small businesses that don’t make it through year one by giving them the tools, training, and trust they deserve. Because why should starting out mean forking out?

Written by An-Marie Ferdinand, Licensed Massage Therapist An-Marie Ferdinand is a wellness expert and founder of Body By An-Marie, LLC. She blends massage, reflexology, and energy work to help clients relieve pain, reduce stress, and restore balance. Her client-centered approach creates a safe, supported space for healing, renewal, and personal transformation. What if your body remembers what your mind has long forgotten? The tightness in your shoulders, the flare of sudden anger, the ache in your back, these aren’t random. They are whispers of a story your body has been carrying for years, sometimes decades, and sometimes even before you were born. This is the story of your blueprint , your body’s memory of every emotion, every fear, every moment of love and loss. Could your body be holding memories you can’t recall? Your body remembers things your mind may have long forgotten: a childhood fall, a harsh word spoken years ago, a moment of fear or anger you thought you’d let go. Even experiences from before you were born can leave a subtle imprint. These memories don’t live in your thoughts, they live in your muscles, joints, and nervous system. They show up as tension you can’t explain, an unexpected flare of anger, or a pain that returns without warning. This is your blueprint, a map of every experience and emotion your body has stored, quietly shaping how you move, feel, and respond to the world. Healing unfolds in layers. Often, physical sensations appear first, calling attention to what the body has been carrying. As the body begins to release, emotional layers emerge, revealing patterns, memories, and feelings that were once buried. Understanding this changes everything. It’s not that your body is working against you. It’s working for you, holding onto what it needed to survive, until it can finally let go. Can old injuries or trauma still affect your body today? Many clients are surprised to learn how physical trauma from years, even decades, ago can continue to affect their bodies. An old injury, a frightening experience, or a moment of intense emotion may seem resolved, yet the body continues to protect itself. These protective patterns show up as tension, restricted movement, sudden emotional responses, or habits that feel automatic. Even experiences you think are behind you, and sometimes the echoes of your parents’ or ancestors’ experiences, can resurface unexpectedly, guiding the body’s responses in ways you may not understand at first. Recognizing that the past is still present is the first step in working with your body rather than against it. When we see these patterns as intelligence rather than limitation, we can create the space for the body to release, remember safely, and eventually rewrite its blueprint. How do buried memories surface during bodywork? In my experience working with clients, memories of past trauma don’t always surface immediately. When I ask about a specific experience, many clients may not recall it at the moment. But often, something begins to spark after they leave. Out of nowhere, or while doing something ordinary and not consciously thinking about it, a distant memory can arise. Slowly, they begin to remember bits and pieces of the trauma. It’s almost like a massive oak tree. The body carries long memories of the past and present, deeply rooted and intertwined. With each bodywork session, a new memory may open, revealing another layer of the story. The body doesn’t always release what it isn’t ready to, and that’s okay. It unfolds gradually, at its own pace, guiding the process with intelligence and care. It takes time, patience, and attention to dig beneath the surface and allow these stories to emerge. Memories unfold gradually, and the body shows what it is ready to release and when. Why do bodywork sessions feel so different each time? Depending on the session, clients can experience a wide range of sensations and emotions. Some don’t know what to feel when they get up. Some don’t have words to describe their experience, and that’s okay. Some sessions are designed to help you get out of your head and into flow, allowing whatever needs to come through to come through. Some clients describe it as feeling like the “Twilight Zone.” Often, memories resurface later, on the drive home or once the body is relaxed. For example, a client came to me because of a physical trauma. Over several sessions, each one revealed something different. One session opened the door to a deeper trauma that had caused anxiety: a fire accident he had been involved in. During the session, he recalled sitting at a campfire. He remembered the peace of the moment, how happy and relaxed he felt, and even details like the sweater his wife had been wearing. As he stayed with the memory, he could smell the campfire. The body wasn’t just remembering, it was sensing. As the story unfolded, his body softened, his breathing slowed, and he shared how calm he felt and how much he had always loved the fire. These experiences show that healing is gradual, unique, and deeply personal, and that the body knows how to guide the process when we allow it to. What happens when your body releases stored trauma? During my work with clients, I don’t just feel muscles or joints, I feel hesitation, holding, protection, old habits, tension patterns, and the emotions the body has carried for decades. Often, clients don’t remember the source: a childhood fall, a forgotten injury, or words spoken before they could understand them. But as the body softens and releases, memories and feelings begin to surface. For example, I was working on a client’s cranium, and the entire session, I could feel her anger, tense organs, and tightness in her jaw and neck. It was as if she couldn’t let go. After the session, we spoke, and I shared what I had felt, that there was anger and emotions she had been holding. She broke down and told me her childhood story, explaining why she was still carrying that anger and who it was directed toward. That moment, when the body reveals what the mind has long forgotten, is where real healing begins. Over multiple sessions, the story deepened. We first established the “who” and “why” of the anger. In the second session, a softer layer opened: she realized she was missing someone important in her life, and beneath that longing was the anger she had been carrying. This time, we explored what part of this emotion she could own, was the anger truly hers, or was it ancestral, passed down and absorbed while growing up? By the third session, another door opened. With a big sigh of relief, she realized that much of the anger wasn’t hers at all, it was ancestral emotion bleeding through, inherited patterns she had been carrying unknowingly. She now understood that her healing had to start with herself, choosing not to allow the past, her parents’, ancestors’, or her own old pain, to take control. Can listening to your body help heal? Healing doesn’t come from forcing the body forward or trying to “move on.” It begins when the body is allowed to complete what it couldn’t at the time. We cannot expect results to happen in one session, one day, or even one week. Everyone is different, and honoring our own uniqueness, our timing, our pace, our capacity, is part of the healing itself. Healing takes time, unfolding layer by layer, often starting with the physical, then moving into the emotional, sometimes revealing patterns that have been held for years. When the body feels safe enough, stored tension, pain, and suppressed emotions begin to release naturally. Nothing is rushed. Nothing is forced. The body reveals what it is ready to let go of when the timing is right. With attention, care, and patience, the body begins to rewrite old patterns. Memories surface gradually, emotions soften, and long-held habits loosen their grip. This process isn’t easy. It can be challenging, uncomfortable, and even painful to face old stories and emotions. But the only way through is to go through it, fully, gently, and with patience. When we allow healing to unfold rather than demand it, true change becomes possible. Your body has been speaking all along, are you listening? True healing looks different for everyone. Once the door is open, you have to step through it, telling the story, feeling it, and allowing it to surface. With each retelling, another layer may appear, another memory waiting to be acknowledged. This process repeats until the story no longer holds power over you, until it no longer sparks a reaction or emotion. Eventually, you can watch your own story like a movie, fully aware but without flinching, without being pulled back into old fear, anger, or sadness. Your reality begins to shift. Life expands. Patterns loosen. The body and mind move forward freely, and the story that once controlled you becomes a source of wisdom rather than limitation. This is where the magic happens, body and mind, together, working in harmony. How can you honor your body’s story? One of the first steps in truly understanding yourself is accepting imperfection, recognizing that you don’t need to be fixed, only listened to. Healing begins with the willingness to open, to receive support, and to allow yourself to be seen, even in the places that feel unfinished or uncomfortable. Your body has been carrying your story long before your mind could remember it. Notice the tension, the old habits, the protective patterns, and the emotions tucked away, each is an invitation to understand, release, and heal. For example, the holding patterns in your jaw and TMJ are often tension you’ve carried for years. That tension quietly signals your neck and nervous system to stay in a constant state of protection, a subtle fight mode, even when there is no immediate danger. These signals are not weaknesses; they are the body’s language, shaped by experience, survival, and care. You don’t have to do it alone. Whether through mindful movement, bodywork, talking to someone, or simply giving yourself the space to feel, every step you take honors your journey. Healing is not about rushing forward, it’s about meeting yourself where you are and allowing the process to unfold in its own time. Your body has been speaking all along. Now it’s time to listen, honor its story, and allow yourself the healing you deserve. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and visit my website for more info! Read more from An-Marie Ferdinand An-Marie Ferdinand , Licensed Massage Therapist An-Marie Ferdinand is a wellness expert specializing in massage therapy, nutrition, fitness, and holistic healing. She's the founder of Body By An-Marie, LLC, where she helps clients reconnect with their bodies and reclaim their well-being. Her work blends science and intuition, integrating bodywork, reflexology, and energy healing. An-Marie is passionate about supporting others through stress, pain, and emotional fatigue with personalized client-centered care. Her unique approach empowers people to align with their natural healing potential. She creates a safe, nurturing space for transformation and renewal. Whether you're seeking relief, balance, or a deeper connection, An-Marie is here to support your wellness journey.

Written by William Davis, Leadership Blueprint Consultant William Davis is a leadership expert, speaker, and mentor dedicated to helping executives, managers, and aspiring leaders develop the skills to lead confidently and successfully. After being grounded for six years, I recently ventured back into the world of air travel, and let me tell you, it is not the same friendly skies I remember. Flying these days feels less like a service and more like a, well, you know. Remember when you could just buy a ticket, hop on a plane, check your bags, or carry them on, and arrive at your destination without a second thought? Now, it is like navigating a minefield of fees: checked bags, carry-ons, seat assignments, early boarding, and sometimes, believe it or not, even the privilege of sitting next to your own family. The advertised fare, especially on those “discount” sites, might seem like a steal, but by the time you hit that “confirm” button, the final price can be a real shocker. It is not just the cost that is getting under people’s skin, it is how that cost is exposed, slowly, selectively, and often when it is too late to easily back out. Industry reports show that U.S. airlines have raked in billions in recent years just from baggage and seat selection fees, turning what used to be standard perks into major money-makers. But in the process, something important has been lost: trust. When fees took over from airline fares Airlines try to spin these charges as “unbundling” or “consumer choice,” arguing that you only pay for what you use. Sounds good in theory, right? But in reality, it has created a system that relies on sneaky fine print, pressure tactics, and confusing pricing to boost their bottom line. So, what is behind this shift? Well, travelers tend to sort flights by the lowest price they see upfront. Airlines keep that initial number artificially low and then tack on extra costs later. These additional fees, which used to be complimentary, are now essential to their profits. Just five major U.S. airlines made over $12 billion from seat selection fees alone between 2018 and 2023 . Over time, exceptions became the norm, and then the norm became another fee. The bottom line is that airlines are increasingly making less money from actually flying people and more from charging them for everything around the flight. Paying more for less? Baggage fees are a prime example. Remember when checking your bags was just part of flying? Now, it is a major source of revenue, with U.S. airlines collecting around $7 billion in baggage fees in a recent year. For families, this can be a budget-buster. A round trip with checked bags can easily add hundreds of dollars, sometimes more than the cost of an entire ticket. And gate agents are getting stricter about carry-on rules, forcing travelers to pay hefty fees for bags that used to be free. A U.S. Senate subcommittee even found that some airlines are paying bonuses to employees for spotting bag violations, turning enforcement into a commission-based activity. And the rules themselves seem to be constantly changing. Recently, there has been tighter enforcement around bag size, weight, and even smart-luggage batteries, leading to more surprise inspections, confiscations, and last-minute purchases at inflated airport prices. To many travelers, it feels less about safety and efficiency and more like a money-grabbing scheme. Paying just to sit like a normal human being Seat selection has gone down a similar path. Getting assigned a seat used to be part of the deal. Now, it is another pricing game. Parents are reporting that they have to pay extra just to sit next to their young children. Even standard aisle or window seats often come with added costs if you want to choose them in advance. And the timing is key. Seat maps usually pop up late in the booking process, after you have already spent time and energy finding a specific flight. Faced with starting all over again, or paying more, many people just give in and pay the fee. It is not like the fee provides a new service, it just restores a basic level of predictability that used to be standard. And me? Being 6'4", I have to pay extra every single flight just to get a “little leg room.” The rise of “junk fees” What all these practices have in common is not just the revenue they generate, but how they are perceived. A Senate subcommittee has actually called many airline baggage and seat charges “junk fees,” arguing that they are confusing, excessive, and unfair. Trust goes out the window when the full costs are hidden until late in the game, when enforcement feels random, and when fees keep piling up until a “deal” turns into a total ordeal. I have spent years watching how people react when systems feel unfair, and I can tell you, once that trust is gone, it is really hard to get it back. And this is not just happening in the U.S. In Europe and other parts of the world, airlines have jumped on the bandwagon, leaving travelers with fewer and fewer real choices. By now, frequent flyers are increasingly saying that their relationship with certain airlines feels less like a service and more like a purely transactional, and sometimes exploitative, arrangement. Is there any pushback? What’s next? Thankfully, regulators are starting to pay attention. Recently, lawmakers have been taking a closer look at airline fees, and the U.S. Department of Transportation is working on faster, more automatic refunds for significant delays and cancellations. New rules have been put in place to tighten disclosure and refund requirements, with potential penalties for airlines that do not comply. Advocates are pushing for limits on charging families to sit together, clearer upfront pricing, and oversight of fees that seem way out of line with the value they provide. But whether these efforts will actually change things, or just lead to more careful wording from the airlines, remains to be seen. This is about leadership, not just travel Ultimately, this is not just an airline problem, it is a leadership problem. True leadership is not about what organizations are allowed to do, but what they choose to do when they have the upper hand. Trust is built on clarity, consistency, and respect, especially when customers do not have many other options. Sure, squeezing out short-term revenue through confusion and pressure might boost profits, but it damages the relationship with customers. And leadership that sees transparency as optional will eventually pay the price in disengagement, skepticism, and damage to their reputation, as if they needed any more help with that. Airlines still have a choice. They can keep focusing on fees, or they can step up and bring honesty and predictability back to the customer experience. Because leadership, in any industry, is not about how much you can charge, it is about how you choose to treat people when you do not have to.   Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn for more info! Read more from William Davis William Davis, Leadership Blueprint Consultant William Davis is an expert in the leadership arena with an impressive 38-year career in senior positions within corporate America. Throughout the decades, William has honed a multifaceted understanding of leadership dynamics, management, and organizational development. Bridging various industries, his tenure is marked by a consistent track record of loyalty, support, guidance, and empathy for his teams. This style allowed him and his teams to successfully deliver numerous large-scale projects that delivered significant stakeholder value. He advocates for ethical leadership practices and treatment of teammates, believing that these elements are pivotal to nurturing future leaders and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

Written by Haifa Hamdi, Scientist, Nutritionist, and Author Dr. Haifa Hamdi is a research scientist, holistic nutritionist, and author whose work focuses on cancer, autoimmune, and digestive health. She is passionate about helping families embrace healthier lifestyles and inspiring a world where health is joyful and empowering. Chronic illness, ADHD, and autism place families under sustained stress that modern systems were never designed to support. Why parental exhaustion is not a personal failure, but a predictable outcome of unshared emotional and structural load. Let’s take a pause Emotional exhaustion in parents is often mistaken for weakness, lack of resilience, or poor coping. In reality, it is the predictable outcome of carrying responsibilities that were never meant to be carried alone inside systems that extract more than they support. For parents of children with chronic conditions, this exhaustion is not incidental. It is structural. Parents are exhausted in ways that effort cannot fix.   Exhaustion is a signal, not a personal shortcoming Parental exhaustion rarely comes from doing too little. More often, it emerges from sustained emotional labor without adequate support. Parents are expected to regulate their children’s emotions while managing uncertainty, constant decision-making, and long-term vigilance. For many families, this unfolds alongside fragmented healthcare systems, incomplete information, and time-restricted interactions that leave little space for understanding or emotional processing. What appears as resilience from the outside is often prolonged overload on the inside.   When systems fail, parents become the shock absorbers Modern systems are built for efficiency, not complexity. When care is fragmented, parents become the integration point emotionally, cognitively, and biologically. They translate clinical language into daily life, connect information across specialists, and anticipate crises without full context. When systems fail to provide depth, parents absorb the impact. What is often labeled parental anxiety or difficulty coping is a predictable response to sustained vigilance, incomplete information, and unshared emotional load. Exhaustion becomes the body’s final signal when endurance has replaced support. This is not a lack of resilience. It is a warning sign. For parents raising children with chronic conditions, this pressure compounds. Vigilance does not switch off. The nervous system remains in survival mode. Emotional processing is postponed in favor of function. Collapse, when it happens, is rarely sudden. It is deferred. Chronic and neurodevelopmental conditions share the same emotional load This same dynamic is present in families raising children with ADHD or autism. While the diagnostic labels differ, the emotional landscape is strikingly similar. These parents navigate constant monitoring, advocacy, interpretation, and adaptation often across healthcare, education, and social systems that are not designed for neurological diversity. The child’s needs are continuous. Expectations are high. Meaningful guidance for parents is often fragmented or superficial. The result is the same: sustained emotional labor without adequate scaffolding.   When a child’s condition becomes a family turning point When a child requires ongoing medical or neurodevelopmental support, the family system must change. Yet many parents are never told this. They are taught to focus on treatment plans, behavioral strategies, or accommodations, while the emotional infrastructure of the family is left unattended. Over time, two distinct family patterns often emerge.   Families that fracture under the weight of unshared responsibility In the first family, all energy is directed toward managing the condition. Appointments are scheduled meticulously. Interventions are followed precisely. The focus remains technical and task-driven. Emotionally, however, something critical is missing. One parent begins carrying the full burden of coordinating care, absorbing fear, holding responsibility, while the other gradually steps back, overwhelmed or emotionally disengaged. The system offers no guidance on relational strain, no support for shared emotional processing, and no acknowledgment that caregiving is a collective task. Over time, resentment replaces partnership. Exhaustion hardens into distance. The relationship fractures not because of a lack of love, but because responsibility was never meant to be carried by one person alone. Many of these families separate, having done everything right according to external expectations while losing the emotional infrastructure required to survive long-term stress together.   Families that adapt and grow together In the second family, the diagnosis or condition is understood not only as something the child carries, but as a signal that the family system itself must evolve. These parents recognize that excellent care alone is not enough. They understand that chronic stress reshapes relationships, nervous systems, and emotional capacity and that without mutual support, the cost will surface elsewhere. They support each other without judgment. They acknowledge exhaustion before it turns into collapse. They resist assigning blame. Instead of asking who is doing more, they ask what needs to be carried differently together. This shift does not make the journey easy. But it makes it survivable.   Stress reveals patterns, it does not create them Chronic stress acts as a powerful trigger within families. While psychologist John Gottman did not study chronic illness specifically, decades of his research show that high-stress conditions do not create relational breakdown, they expose it, making patterns of emotional disengagement, imbalance, or repair visible under pressure. At the family-system level, psychiatrist John Rolland has shown that chronic illness reorganizes the entire family structure over time, reshaping parental roles and quietly altering sibling experiences as attention, energy, and emotional resources shift. These changes often go unaddressed, not because families are inattentive, but because systems rarely help parents recognize how stress redistributes emotional load across relationships. Chronic conditions do not invent these dynamics. They reveal and amplify what support structures fail to hold. Why crisis moments feel so overwhelming Under pressure, families do not rise to their ideals. They return to their patterns. Illness, uncertainty, and responsibility amplify what remains unresolved emotionally and generationally. Parents may notice themselves becoming more reactive, rigid, or depleted during crisis moments. This is not failure. It is physiology. Unprocessed emotional experiences surface under stress not as memories, but as exhaustion, guilt, control, or emotional withdrawal. Trauma accumulates quietly when responsibility outpaces repair. Unresolved emotional patterns shape how families respond to stress Parents do not respond to stress in isolation from their own developmental histories. Under sustained pressure, unresolved emotional patterns often surface not as memories, but as reactivity, withdrawal, guilt, or emotional exhaustion. This is especially pronounced in families managing chronic or neurodevelopmental conditions, where stress is continuous rather than episodic. Parents who have previously navigated serious illness within the family and felt emotionally supported through that experience often show greater adaptive capacity, not because they are unaffected by stress, but because earlier challenges were processed rather than endured. Recognizing this is not about revisiting the past for its own sake, but about understanding how long-standing emotional responses shape present-day family dynamics.   Healing requires context, not just coping Healing does not happen in isolation. It requires context, an understanding of where emotional patterns originate and why they intensify under stress. For many parents, insight emerges through intentional connection with the previous generation, when this is safe and aligned. Not to assign blame, but to understand inheritance. Listening to family stories reveals what was normalized, silence, endurance, emotional containment. Many older generations survived conditions that left little room for emotional processing. Strength was measured by continuation, not repair. Understanding this allows parents to interrupt patterns rather than repeat them.   Family time as repair, not performance In a culture that treats families as units of output, family time is often reduced to something to manage or perfect. But healing family time is not performative. It is relational. It is a time when emotions are allowed without correction, stories are shared without defensiveness, and forgiveness moves upward and downward. Presence replaces problem-solving. For exhausted parents, this kind of time does not add another responsibility. It removes weight.   The quiet truth Parents do not collapse because they lack love, commitment, or strength. They collapse when responsibility accumulates without support, context, or repair. If we want healthier families, we must stop asking parents to endure more and start helping them understand what they are carrying, where it comes from, and what no longer belongs to them. Parents of children with chronic conditions, ADHD, or autism are not failing. They are carrying too much, and awareness is where relief begins. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Haifa Hamdi Haifa Hamdi, Scientist, Nutritionist, and Author Dr. Haifa Hamdi is a research scientist, holistic nutritionist, and author dedicated to advancing health and wellness. After earning her Ph.D. in Immunology, she built an international career across Europe and North America, contributing to the development of cell therapy protocols to treat cancer and autoimmune disease patients. Her research includes more than 15 peer-reviewed scientific publications, with expertise in lung cancer therapies, immune tolerance, and innovative approaches to inflammatory and infectious diseases. She is also collaborating on new strategies for managing and treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Her mission: to inspire a world where health is seen not as a burden, but as a joyful and empowering journey.