Written by: Amy Deards, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. You are determined that this year is going to be your year. You’ve set your goals and you’ve even created a clear plan on how you are going to achieve them but somehow it’s not quite working as you planned. No matter what you do or try, your motivation has vanished and you’re slowly ending up back exactly where you started. It’s almost as though it’s happened without you even knowing why or how. It’s frustrating, demotivating and leads to an incredible amount of negative self-talk that you wonder if it will ever be your time to shine. So, why does it happen? “All of our actions can signify self-love or self-sabotage.” ‒ Sharon Salzberg In a nutshell, we sabotage ourselves, and for a whole host of reasons. Fear of success, fear of failure, feeling unworthy of the result, feeling shame or guilt for wanting something better for ourselves, all contribute to us sabotaging our own success. The problem is though most of us aren’t even aware of these fears. So desperate for the end result, on a conscious level we think we are doing everything right. It’s the subconscious that drives our behaviour though, which is why we end up back in bad habits and doing the things we know keep us exactly where we don’t want to be. The question is, how can we stop self-sabotaging when we aren’t even aware we are doing it? Well, there are three key behaviours to look out for. 1. Listening to your own excuses. It’s cold, it’s dark, there’s snow on the ground and you had planned to go for a run this evening. So, you promise yourself you’ll do it tomorrow, except you may have to work late so that won’t work either…and so it begins. The list of excuses that you seem to find as to why you can’t do the things that you promised yourself that you would do. It happens so quickly that you aren’t even aware until it’s too late that you’ve sabotaged yourself. Start to become aware of where you are finding reasons as to why you can’t do something that you said you would do. Of course, there will genuinely be things that crop up that are beyond your control, however that latest Netflix series will still be there when you get back from that run. Really question your thoughts and reasons; are they real or are you finding a way to get yourself out of it? Think how much more belief you will have in yourself if you stick to those promises you make. You wouldn’t let a friend down like that, so don’t do it to yourself either. 2. Finding fault where there is none. So used to having everything go wrong, that when it actually starts to go right, you may find yourself picking fault. Maybe you pick a fight with your partner, maybe you get snappy with the kids, maybe you find fault with the house, or your clothes, or your job because that’s how it’s always been. Thoughts such as “nothing good ever happens for me” will be lurking around and if you believe that, you will make it happen, because that’s how your subconscious works. It wants to drag you back to where it knows you’re safe, even if you don’t like it. Get really clear on your thoughts. Is there actually anything wrong with your new job, or is it just a bit uncomfortable for now? Is your partner really driving you mad or are they being supportive, and you just don’t know how to accept that? Are the kids any worse than they were before, or are you just trying to find an excuse? Instead of focusing on what could go wrong, focus on what’s going well. 3. Endless jobs lists You know what you have to do, but somehow there is always a never-ending jobs list preventing you from doing it. You need to launch that new program or apply for that promotion, but you can’t possibly do that until the floors been washed, the laundry is all done, the food shopping is ordered, and the weeds have been removed from the garden. Really? This is quite possibly self-sabotage at its best. Procrastination. The fear of being judged, or no-one joining your program, or you not getting that job means you will do anything and everything to put it off. Time to get honest with yourself. Are any of those tasks more important than you doing the thing that will help you to live your dreams? Or are you just a bit scared because you have no idea what will happen? It’s okay to feel scared but nothing will change unless you do them. What have you got to lose by trying? Nothing but maybe a whole lot to gain. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Amy! Amy Deards, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Amy Deards is an inspiration to many and in particular to the hundreds of women she supports with their mindset. As a recovering addict, she understands the work and dedication it takes to overcome fear in the face of adversity. The techniques and strategies she uses are leading the way for women to Become their most authentic and confident selves so they too can fulfill their dreams. Her mission is to show that no matter where you come from or what has happened, life can work for you and anything is possible.

McKing Lee is a conversational hypnotist, NLP Practitioner, and a student of life. After nearly dying in his sleep when his lung burst for no reason, McKing develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and fell into depression. He subsequently sought his own recovery through learning NLP and hypnosis. Having a unique understanding of how the mind works, he has helped many people with mental and psychological issues, relationship and emotional issues, and interestingly enough, sometimes physical ailments too. McKing was recognized and won APAC SEA Business Awards Hypnotist of the Year 2020, and has been featured in local and overseas media over the years. He aims to help people as effectively as possible, through sharing of knowledge and with the right application of skills. Lee McKing, The Hypnotist Introduce yourself! Please tell us about you and your life, so we can get to know you better. My name is Lee McKing and I am a hypnotist, and no I didn’t become a hypnotist because of interest or anything like that. I sort of rolled into it! When I was born, my dad idolized an actor called Steve McQueen and decided to name me after him. But because I’m male and as a Chinese, we need to have our family name first, so my name is Lee McKing. My dad even stressed to me that I do not respond if anyone were to call me McKing Lee! Because we are also Catholics and they will switch the placement of my name around. I love thinking. So yes, I’m an overthinker, and when I was a kid, I did have some anxiety issues, add the overthinking trait and you might imagine some of the potential issues I had growing up. I was also an introvert and didn’t have a lot of friends. So I also got bullied quite a bit. One of my hobbies growing up was reading, and the other was playing chess. I loved reading all sorts of stories and novels. I will rather read than play the computer! Although I was introduced to International Chess, I soon got to learn about Chinese Chess and fell in love with the game. Coupled with my overthinking and analysis skill, my skills grew substantially. When I was in Junior College, my dad suddenly passed away. I suffered from grief and guilt at the same time, thinking I was the cause. It was only after 2 years, while I was serving in the army, did I realize that I can suddenly feel happiness again. It struck me then that I was in a state of depression and numbness for 2 years without knowing it. Thankfully, and perhaps ironically, my time in the army got me out of depression for the first time. However, another tragedy struck just 2 months shy of my 21st birthday. My right lung had burst in my sleep and collapsed to the size of a chicken egg. I woke up without knowing about it at first, just noting that I was breathless and I still went to school because I had a presentation to deliver. I screwed it up since I can’t speak properly. Only upon reaching the hospital, A&E did an X-ray reveal the state of my collapsed lung. “You will die in the next few days from suffocation or the next few minutes when the air crushes your heart, unless you do the procedure now. Why are you on the ground crying?” – said the doctor I had collapsed to the ground, bawling my eyes out as my life flashed before my eyes. However, I soon realized that all my life regrets were that I didn’t study for my exams, for my PSLE, my O Levels, and my A Levels (Yes you might think that’s so typical Asian, but I really had such regrets flashing at that time!!). It made me realize there and then, that I didn’t really live. Also, I knew that God wouldn’t say that I didn’t pass my Mandarin so I should be in hell. My regrets become more towards stuff like, I didn’t tell my family I love them, or I didn’t confess to the girl I like, heck I wasn’t even 21 yet! As luck will have it, what happened was purely accidental, however my unconscious mind imprinted that as a form of trauma, and link this “near-death experience” with the presentation in school. I’ll share more on that after I finish this hospital incident. Initially the doctors had thought that it was just a small hole and it will close up by itself. However, I had a vision of my lung with a few large holes in a concentrated area and I told my mom to prepare for me going through a surgery. I believe that was God signalling to me. The doctors were rather perplexed because physically, I do not fit the demographics of a normal person with this condition called spontaneous pneumothorax. It normally occurs in tall and thin young men during a period of activity like sports. But I’m short, and it happened when I was sleeping. I also didn’t smoke, or do anything that might hurt my lungs. Anyway, a week in and they finally did the surgery, and true enough they found a few large holes at the top of my lung. So, they removed that portion of it and stapled it up. However, whether it was the entire ordeal, the concoction of medicines and painkillers, or whatever, I ended up losing a part of my memories when I woke up. I didn’t know I lost them until I was discharged after a 2 week stay in the hospital. When I reached home, I saw 2 men and didn’t recognize them. My mom was in shocked when she said that those 2 men are my younger brothers. I realized there was a memory gap but it differs from person to person, from place to time. And because I won’t know what I don’t know now, it isn’t easy to find it. Whereas if you knew exactly what was lost, it is easier to find it. Upon returning back to school, at first all seems well. I was just tired and in pain due to the chest surgery, so I had to reduce the amount of school stuff I was carrying. However, the then unknown trauma appeared after a presentation. For the next 2 and a half years, after any presentation, I will have to run to the toilet and have a mental, physical and emotional breakdown. Filled with intense fear, I collapsed onto the sink, unable to move my body, while mucus, tears and saliva will flow out uncontrollably. I had absolutely no idea what was happening! I thought it was severe stage fright. And it made me wonder why did God put me through a near-death in my sleep, and now giving me this strange stage fright? I didn’t know then that what I had was a post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD for short. The trauma got linked to the presentation in a weird way. However, because of this, I fell into depression a second time. After graduation, I ended up learning a few other things. Being a Catholic, my family was initially against the idea of metaphysics such as numerology, fengshui, fortune telling etc. In fact, we even thought hypnosis was black devil magic! However, one thing led to another and I realize that such metaphysics wasn’t anything bad per sec. I realized it was the ancients’ way of science and psychology for them, in an attempt to make sense of the world. So I learned numerology, got exposed to fengshui and face reading, and finally got to know about Neuro Linguistic Programming or NLP. Health was super important for me at this time, and this NLP course talks about holistic health techniques, so why not right? It was during this course that made me realize what exactly I was suffering from, that it was PTSD and depression and not stage fright. And it was during the Master NLP course that I realize hypnosis is more psychological than anything, it wasn’t black devil magic! It’s just that if we don’t understand something, and back then there wasn’t any proper way to test certain concepts (growing but not up to par), then it is easier to jump to conclusions and say it’s a form of magic or it came from the devil or whatever. Even now when I do a bit of research, I found that Pope Pius XII saw the potential medical benefits of hypnosis along the lines of science and medicine, and approved it for use of reducing pain for childbirth. Anyway, I took my hypnosis course from another school, and deepen my understanding of how the mind works. Perhaps due to my overthinking and analytical nature, I was beginning to interpret and comprehend certain concepts when it came to the mind and body, which allowed me eventually to create my own hypnosis techniques. After learning both NLP and hypnosis, I first applied my newfound skills and knowledge on myself! I still had the baggage of trauma, anxiety and depression, among other things. While I could have sought help from my fellow course-mates, I didn’t want the risk of them screwing up my mind since we are all amateurs! I say this as a joke of course 😉 Also, considering that I already invested time and money into learning these skillsets, it also didn’t make sense to me to seek an expert for help. Unless of course, after working on myself and I still cannot recover, then that will be a consideration. I took my time to experiment working on myself. I know that sounds funny but my trauma was linked to life and death, so I didn’t want to rush and mess up right? Eventually, I managed to resolve most if not all of my issues and that was it! After which I helped a few friends for about a year, like if you buy me lunch or dinner, I will do 1 technique to help with 1 issue. We did the hypnosis in cafes, restaurants and coffee shops and yet, it worked beautifully well. Some of them resolve issues like fear of public speaking, to anxiety, or even procrastination. It wasn’t until I did some hypnosis for my mom that opened my eyes further. Long story short, she injured her wrist and there was a ‘snap’ sound. Her entire right arm from wrist to elbow swell up terribly, and she was in pain. She also lost most of her strength. But she didn’t want to see a doctor. On the 4th day, my mom and I were on a bus and I noticed she was rubbing her wrist, her arm still swollen up. I said that we will get off the bus in 5 minutes and in those 5 minutes, I can reduce her pain and potentially heal her arm. She finally relented and said ok. After a quick hypnosis, and the bus reached its destination, we got off and met my brother for lunch. Yet, before we ate, I took a look at her arm and presto! Her arm was back to normal. I told my brother that her arm was now healed, and my mom was looking at both her arms, checking to make sure and in total disbelief that her arms are now the same size! Her strength was back and the pain was gone too. That got me thinking… I used to be someone who didn’t know or understand what I was suffering from, what I was going through. There are other people who are currently in a state where I was once. Can I help these people? What are the chances of such isolated events leading me up to this point? All sorts of thoughts and questions went through my mind. I spent another couple of months to figure things out and to be clear before I decide to start this professionally. And here we are! 😊 What differentiates you from others in your industry? Well when it comes to hypnosis, there are hypnotherapists (who use hypnosis for therapy) as well as street and stage hypnotists (who use hypnosis for entertainment or education purposes) and although I use hypnosis for therapy, I call myself a hypnotist because the word therapy seems to suggest my clients are sick I don’t have the view that my clients are sick, rather they have issues or baggage or stuff, and the main thing is that they can be resolved. In short, that’s why I refer to myself as a hypnotist. However, both hypnotist and hypnotherapist can be used interchangeably. Now one of the biggest differences between me and others in the hypnosis field is that most of them (in Singapore) use the traditional hypnotherapy methods. This is what is more commonly known by people everywhere, especially when we watch shows and movies, where the guy being hypnotized is sleeping. I use a modern style of hypnosis called Conversational Hypnosis. Although some of my clients said I use brand my own version of hypnosis because the way I do it is uniquely mine. Hahaha but for now no. While in the traditional style of hypnosis the subject or client seems to be in a deep trance like state of relaxation or even deep sleep, the modern style recognizes that trance is happening all the time, and even in light trances, where the subject or client is awake and conscious, the therapy can still be done. In addition, this raises the effectiveness because you are consciously working with your unconscious mind when we use the modern style of hypnosis. On top of that, if you do come across an issue that you do not want to resolve, you know of it. Compared to the traditional style where you might not be awake or conscious enough to know, then you might end up puzzled why a particular issue hasn’t been resolved. Currently, when a client is ready to resolve their issues with me, 90% can resolve in 1 session of hypnosis, regardless whether its online or face-to-face. Yes, this includes depression, anxiety and even PTSD! To be fair, the remaining 10% might take more than 1 session to resolve due to them being unable to forgive someone who has hurt them before, or perhaps they aren’t ready to resolve a particular issue, or perhaps their main issue is complex and require more untangling to resolve fully. Naturally, it is also safer. Safer from the client’s perspective where perhaps someone might be fearful of being molested while in such a deep state of relaxation like in the traditional hypnosis. Although I wish I can say that we won’t do that, there are potentially bad apples in any and every industry so I cannot deny the possibility of that happening. Also there are cases where another occupation uses traditional hypnosis to put their clients to deep sleep and molest them. One such case was a lawyer in US who hypnotized his female clients and molested them. He said they were very stressed over the divorce so needed to calm down through meditation which put them into a deep hypnotic state where he can carry out his bad intentions. Now because I use the modern style which you are still conscious and awake, it means we can safely do it online as well. In the event the internet gets cut, the computer ran out of battery or whatever, you won’t be able to hear my voice. You can easily call out to me to verify if its just a lag or we got cut off somehow, and then promptly open your eyes to fix the computer and we can get back on track! The last difference is that because I have a unique understanding of the mind and body, I do get cases with unique and interesting requests for help. For example, I once had a lady who was involved in a car accident, and suffered brain trauma. She asked me to use hypnosis to recover and heal her brain damage. The weird thing is that she had faith I can heal her, and after the hypnosis, she was healed! All the previous side effects of her injury such as memory loss, blurred vision, muscle weakness, even her lazy eye, have all recovered in that single session! Another lady came to see me for stage fright because she was a singer, and after her competition, she called me to thank me and share her positive experiences of singing without stage fright. However, she started to have some hypnotic visuals and with her permission, we continued her trance on the phone call. The next morning, she thanked me for curing her acid reflux which she was suffering from for years with no cure. She woke up that morning without it for the first time! Although to be fair, I told her I didn’t do much for this, it was her unconscious mind’s doing. All these factors make my job super interesting because I have no idea what unique requests I will encounter next! Who inspires you to be the best that you can be? First and foremost, my parents, they have been instrumental in my development of my character, and how I live my life. Both my parents have taught me skills of independence, problem-solving, and kindness to all. In their own way, both have also contributed to the start of my profession. I am also inspired by scientists like Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison, because of their attitudes towards inventing solutions to solve problems for humanity, although mine is just to help each client that come to me. And who can forget the Father of Modern Hypnosis, Milton Erickson, in his often unconventional and yet simple hypnotic ways to help people get better. Lastly, both Jesus Christ and Buddha have greatly inspired me spiritually as well. Treating everyone with love and compassion, giving advice when needed to nudge each client on their own path of life. If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why? Most if not all traditional forms of hypnosis should change to the modern style! Mainly because it is much more effective in my opinion. This change of mindset from the traditional deep relaxation to the modern understanding of trance will greatly increase the effectiveness of the hypnosis, as well as shorten the number of sessions required for each client and their issues. My view is that we are in this line to help people, and if we can help people more effectively through an upgrade of our skills and knowledge, then why not? Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Mcking!

Written by: Vanita Lee-Tatum, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. You’ve stepped into the new year 2023 with overflowing zeal with a business idea that you are ready to launch! Your entrepreneurial instinct is all set to build an impact-based side hustle because entrepreneurship is rooted in your passion and desire to make a difference in the world around you. To support your business idea, I’ve developed this guide to start your business on the right foot. Read on! 1 Identify the Problem you are Passionate about Solving Problems are part of life, and we humans constantly look for solutions. We need better, faster, and more imaginative ways to do our tasks. All super-successful brands have addressed the mass market’s requirements to simplify their day-to-day life. And that is why they are big brands. So, what is the problem you are passionate about solving? What is that one painful problem you want to solve for the masses? What solution can you create to resolve an issue that has traditionally affected your community? Ask these questions of yourself first. As a famous saying goes ‒ “The people closest to the problem are closest to the solution,” you can pick a problem that you’ve experienced or observed closely and how you will be helping people with the solution. 2 Determine what will be the Most Viable Solution Once you decide on a pain point, it’s time to look for the most viable solution. The more innovative your problem-solving tool is, the more significant the impact of your business will be. How many companies in the market are already addressing the problem you identified? How effectively will your solution solve the problem? These are two significant questions that can help you create an impact-based business. 3 Create a Value Proposition that Separates You from the Competition A value proposition is a simple statement describing the product or service you promise to deliver to your consumers. It’s the solution statement to the problem you’re addressing. Your value proposition should be clear and compelling, which separates you from the competition. The business world already has many solutions to the problems in human lives. Still, there’s always an opportunity to come up with creative solutions. Writing a compelling value proposition is one of the essential works to do in business planning. 4 Outline and Specify your Competitive Advantage Your USP (Unique Selling Proposition) determines your competitive advantage. There are three fundamental aspects to building a competitive advantage ‒ Cost Leadership, Differentiation, and Focus. Cost Leadership means you have the lowest cost operation in the industry in your niche. Differentiation means your goods or services are the most unique and are significantly different from your competitors. Focus is your approach to address the needs of the market. 5 Define Your Target Audience Your business strategy should be specific about customer demographics and ideals. In any business, identifying a target market is one of the most important strategic plans because understanding the needs of your consumers is as important as identifying them. 6 Establish Channels that are Most Effective for Reaching Your Customers Online and offline marketing are two channels to reach your target customers. You will have to decide which platforms will work best for you based on your business needs and strategy. SEO marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, etc., are the most preferred online marketing channels, where spreading the word through local public events, radio, magazines, etc., are offline channels to reach out to your target customers. 7 Focus on Key Metrics/Activities that Lead to Desired Outcomes Business key metrics are essential to track your operational performance thoroughly, which helps you devise future strategies. The primary metrics to evaluate your business performance are sales revenue, customer acquisition cost, profit margin, gross margin, and advertising spending. 8 Develop a Feasible Cost Structure Last but not least, developing a feasible cost structure is one of the vital aspects of your business operation. Your cost structure planning can be either cost-driven or value driven. Ultimately, you’ll need to minimize operating costs and maximize the value delivered to your clients. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Vanita! Vanita Lee-Tatum, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Vanita Lee-Tatum is a world-class business developer and strategy consultant, specializing in helping organizations and individuals grow their business potential. Drawing on her own experience as an entrepreneur and her financial skills honed as VP of Banking, Vanita inspires and ignites business owners to create financial growth by teaching them the business development skills needed to flourish. Dedicated to making an impact by sharing her knowledge and expertise to encourage business owners and entrepreneurs of all types, Vanita is a positive force of nature who clients and partners enjoy collaborating with.

Written by: Anne-Sophie Reinhardt, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. As a female leader, it's important to know how to set healthy boundaries. After all, you can't pour from an empty cup! Whether you're dealing with clients, and colleagues, or simply managing your own time, these tips will help you stay sane and productive. So let's get started! As a woman, you face unique challenges when it comes to setting boundaries Let's face it: being a woman you are often fighting an uphill battle when it comes to setting boundaries. It's quite easy to be labeled as bossy when you show confidence and are decisive, something that your male counterparts don't have to deal with. Let's change this narrative though. Ultimately, you have the power to take control of the business environment around you and ensure that everyone feels comfortable and respected in the workplace and if they label you bossy or call you the other b-word, allow them to sit in their own discomfort. After all, it's their issue, not yours. Do you know your expectations and boundaries? The first step in setting boundaries as a female leader is to know your expectations and boundaries. This means taking the time to think about what you need from yourself, your team, and other stakeholders. It's important to understand where you draw the line when it comes to workloads, communication styles, respect for others' opinions and ideas, and more. Only when you have a clear picture of what you expect from yourself and those around you, can begin to create an effective workplace. Once you're clear about what your expectations are, communicate them It's always a juggling act when you're trying to get a team to work in perfect harmony. After all, it takes more than just putting the right group of people together; your expectations must be communicated so that everyone can be on the same page. Don't leave anything open for interpretation. Communicate, communicate and communicate again. You cannot state your boundaries often enough. Trust me, someone will always be glad you did. Don't be afraid to say no Regardless of who you are, it can be hard to say no ‒ especially when the person asking is someone you want to keep on good terms with. And for us women, that includes everyone, doesn't it... But don't let your fear of saying no hold you back: it's OK to protect yourself and ensure that your time and energy are spent wisely. You're not obligated to help others; so don't forget to take care of your own needs first! Create a supportive community of female leaders Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals will help you find the confidence and support you need to take charge and stand up for yourself. By creating these spaces for honest conversations about the challenges of being a female leader, you can seek advice when you feel like a certain situation is getting to you more than it should. Learn to embrace criticism While it can be tough to hear feedback that doesn't feel positive, try to look at criticism as an opportunity for growth and development. Remember that the goal is not to be universally liked, but rather to lead effectively and with integrity. Listen to those who come to you with genuine ideas and feedback. Be gentle with yourself but also allow yourself to integrate what they have to say. Remember that you have a right to set boundaries, and don't let anyone make you feel guilty for doing so Setting boundaries isn't something to be ashamed of; in fact, it shows strength and confidence. You don't need anyone's permission to do it ‒ after all, you know yourself and your needs best. Respect yourself enough to stand up for yourself when someone crosses a line. Sure, there may be some guilt-trippers who try to make you feel bad for keeping them from getting what they want ‒ but don't let that stop you from managing the relationships in your life on your own terms. Be assertive about standing up for what feels right for you ‒ without apology or guilt. With time, practice, and patience, you'll find that your boundaries are being respected. Follow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Anne! Anne-Sophie Reinhardt, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Anne-Sophie Reinhardt works with women who crave a deep sense of belonging – to themselves, their bodies and this life. Having worked as a Body-Mind and Life Coach since 2021, she has developed unique tools, insights and intuition (one of her superpowers) that allow her to quickly get to the root of her clients’ struggles, so they can clear their neurology, reconnect with their true essence and live their boldly magnificent life. An expert in her field, she has been quoted extensively on popular media and is a regular speaker drawing from her lived experience from no sense of self to deep self-love and the highest commitment to living her truth. Se is shining her light, so that others can do the same.

Myrto Mangrioti believes life is a learning playground that shouldn't be taken too seriously. Struggling with her "good girl" attitude all her life, she found peace by embracing it. That’s when she founded Loving Living to pursue her passion for helping people awaken to their true selves, enjoying their lives to the fullest by living in the present moment. Myrto is a certified Deep Coach, a Canfield Success Principles & Methodology Certified Trainer, and a No.1 International Best-Selling Amazon Author. Early morning, you can find her at the beach. She's vegan and loves nature. Meditation, yoga, music and cooking inspire and ground her. She lives by one word: EMBRACE… yourself, your life, the present moment. Myrto Mangrioti, Transformational Coach, Author, Speaker Introduce yourself! Please tell us about you and your life, so we can get to know you better. "I believe we're here to learn but, most importantly, have fun doing it. But it took me some time to realise it! I started my career as a computer programmer and soon quit as I discovered this was not the life I wanted for myself. I've done many jobs since then, from selling fresh fish to being the CEO of our family business for a few years. For twenty years, I worked as a production assistant for a very famous greek singer travelling all over the world, helping to organise her concerts. Most of the time, I was too busy or not at all. Never living a balanced life. I was always struggling with my "good girl" attitude. Trapped at my "must do's", tryin' to please everybody (and failing miserably). Craving to feel liked and worthy. I know what it feels like to be desperate, unhappy and lonely. As you can guess, I've been there, done that... living an unconscious life for almost half a century! Until it got unbearable, and I finally made the decision to change. And I did, by following a plan I created from the skills I learned while I trained to be a coach. I'm now a Canfield Success Principles & Methodology Certified Trainer and a certified Deep Coach, Oola Life & Green Gap Coach. I'm also an International Best-Selling Amazon Author… needless to say, writing is one of my passions! As a lifelong learner, I always enjoy acquiring more knowledge. I'm currently enrolled to become A Teacher of Presence in Eckhart Tolle's School of Awakening. I love sharing and teaching my way to look at and live a "perfect" life. "Perfect" in quotes because there is no such thing as a perfect, ideal or best life as a destination. Life has ups and downs, and our attention should be in the present, making the most of what is. Not postponing happiness by focusing on a big dream in the future that may never come. Finding joy in the small, maybe seemingly insignificant, everyday things. And that's what makes life perfect or ideal, now! I'm from Greece, a country on so many people's bucket lists! I feel blessed, and I'm constantly inspired by the abundance of this place: the culture, the history, the weather, the Mediterranean temperament and food, the sea and the countryside. I'm vegan, have three cats, and love nature. Going to the beach and swimming all year round is how I recharge and find peace in this hectic, fascinating world. Music and dancing have a special place in my heart. I enjoy very long lunches, that sometimes turn into dinners, with friends. Meditation, yoga and cooking inspire and ground me. Every day, I try to live by my five core spiritual values: authenticity, love, gratitude, acceptance and playfulness. Embracing the present moment, accepting what is, learning and having fun in my life." What is your business name and how do you help your clients? When I rediscovered myself, I decided to drop everything and founded Loving Living to pursue my passion for spiritual awakening. I love helping people going through the process of transforming and awakening. I create a safe space for them to uncover their essence identity and live a more present, harmonious, fun and fulfilling life, by aligning with who they truly are. By balancing the being and the doing. We work together creatively, productively and playfully to find exactly what they need to move forward. Depending on the client's needs, I have an extensive set of tools I can use to help them. What kind of audience do you target your business towards? Never forgetting the "good-girl" in me, I, first of all, want to help women who suffer from their "good-girl" attitude, like I was. So, I've created "The Yes-Girl Toolkit", an online self-paced course, to help other "good girls" discover their voice, stand up for themselves, and confidently ask for what they want. Think of it as a First Aid Kit! Using the same tools I used, I can help them create a new, powerful mindset so they playfully achieve and enjoy their ideal life. What methods do you use to help clients reach their goals? As a Certified Canfield Trainer, my favourite method is using The Success Principles. It's a set of strategies that can help anyone get from where they are today to where they want to go. The Success Principles are a way of living, that, when followed, can completely transform your life. I can testify to this because they’ve changed mine, as well as the lives of thousands of other people who use them. Through my experience, I've developed my own goal-setting method called ROADMAPS. In a nutshell, it's an acronym for what a goal should be: Reasonable, Orderly, Accountable, have a Deadline, Measurable, Actionable, Personal and Specific. You can read more about ROADMAPS in my article "Goal R.O.A.D.M.A.P.S. ‒ 8 Bulletproof Tips To Turn Your Dreams Into Achievable Goals". Goal-setting can be powerful if done right. It can help you achieve anything you set your mind on accomplishing. Goal-setting creates the ROADMAPS you have to use to get to where you want to go. They’re your helping guide to get there. But what I always want to remind a client is to enjoy the trip. The most important thing is the present moment. Not waiting to be happy when you arrive at the destination, but live in the now and enjoy your life today. Find fulfilment and joy in the process. How do you help clients stay motivated and accountable? The best program I can offer is Oola Transform. It's specifically targeted to the person who needs guidance and accountability. Someone who has trouble staying focused and motivated or someone with procrastination issues. This is a fast-track 10-week program to help anyone looking to create a happier, more balanced life in every area of their life. Oola Transform is terrific because it combines two things. A weekly, structured process to keep you motivated with a live coaching session with me, for accountability and support. I can answer any question that may come up every week and help you find solutions to any problem you're facing. This is a program to get someone kick-started. After the 10 weeks, if a client wants further support, we find a plan that works for them together. It can be a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly private coaching session that will provide the help, stability and accountability they need to continue working on their goals. What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful life coach? This may sound strange as an answer, but the most important quality is having no agenda when you go into a coaching session. It's something I learned in my training as a Deep Coach, and it essentially means: don't make it about you and how effective you are as a coach by striving to solve problems during the session. When you're getting paid, it's natural to feel you need to produce results fast. Believe in the process, focus on the client and their needs, deeply listen, leave your personal opinions behind and create a safe environment of spaciousness, acceptance and caring. This will enable them to dig deeper and connect with their inner self and true essence. Trust that the right answers will intuitively come from within. And that's when the magic happens. True transformation. Getting your Ego, personal goals, ideas – or insecurities – out of the way is what builds a long, trusting relationship which will be truly beneficial and effective for your client. Always remembering it's not about you but about them. What would you like to achieve for yourself and your business in the future? My passion is living an awakened life! I believe humanity, now, more than ever, needs more people with an awakened consciousness to help end suffering at all levels worldwide. And by suffering, I not only mean the hate, cruelty, injustice, division, poverty or anything bad that people inflict upon each other, but also what happens on a personal level. People suffer because of what they think about themselves, by living in the past and expecting a better future that never comes, always wanting something more than what they have. I could go on and on about this… My vision is to contribute to the awakening of the personal and collective consciousness through my awakening journey and development. As a certified Deep Coach and a soon-to-be Teacher of Presence, I can provide space, guidance and support to any person going through an awakening transformation. The process is challenging, and it's not a straight line! It can also feel very lonely because people around you may not understand what you're going through. During this ongoing transformation, having someone who gets you and is there for you can be very encouraging and beneficial. Let me be that person for you. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or visit my website for more info! Read more from Myrto!

Electric car manufacturer, Tesla, has cut prices worldwide with some vehicles coming down in price as much as 20 percent. The price cuts come after CEO Elon Musk admitted that prices had been “embarrassingly high”. It also follows warnings from Musk that the world is facing the prospect of a lengthy recession; and after Tesla announced earlier this month that quarterly deliveries fell short of market estimates. “The discounts may make EV cars affordable to people who were previously priced out of the market. US and French buyers could take advantage of both the discounts and federal tax credits available in both countries for certain electric vehicle purchases”, reports Reuters. Last year was a tough one for the manufacturer with a vehicle recall in September; logistics’ issues; Musk’s protracted, and ultimately costly, bid to buy Twitter as well as slow growth in China.

Written by: Katie Scott, business reporter Brandalism - a Swiss environmental activist organisation - has taken control of 400 advertising billboards and bus stops in Belgium, France, Germany and England. The group is targeting the automotive industry for greenwashing as the European Motor Show opens in Brussels. “The ads were designed by artists including Lindsay Grime, Michelle Tylicki, Merny Wernz, Fokawolf, Matt Bonner and Darren Cullen and feature images of Toyota and BMW vehicles, such as the Toyota Land Cruiser and the BMW X5 and X7 SUVs,” writes The Drum. The campaign centres upon the message that advertising for the highest polluting vehicles should be banned. This is supported by other environmental action groups including Greenpeace International. Tona Merrimen, a spokesperson for Brandalism, told the press: “Toyota and BMW use slick marketing campaigns to promote oversized SUV models that clog up urban neighbourhoods. Electric SUVs are no solution – they’re too big for most parking spaces and their tall bumper size and excessive weight present an increased risk to pedestrians, especially children, involved in road collisions.” The activist group has launched campaigns against the banking and aviation sectors in the past.

Abuse and neglect in nursing homes occur at alarming rates. Death is one of the major outcomes of poor medical treatment in nursing homes. You may take precautions against nursing home abuse to safeguard your loved ones and keep them safe. However, there have been several complaints of nursing home abuse, so not all patients in these facilities get the care they need. Older adults may not be aware that they are being mistreated or ignored, or they may not feel comfortable sharing their bad experiences with family members. Learn what to do if you believe a care facility is being abused. The care and attention these institutions offer to older people and their families can cost a lot of money. Signs That Point To A Serious Issue Patients in nursing homes could report mistreatment and warning signs to their loved ones and relatives. However, other patients might not disclose their level of abuse or specific instances of it. Aggression or agitation, physical constraints, seclusion from friends and family, abrupt weight loss or malnutrition, unhygienic living conditions, and other symptoms are all signs of nursing home abuse. 1. Inconsistency In Emotional And Behavioral State When a nursing home resident's emotional or behavioral state changes suddenly, it is important to notify the proper authorities. This can be done by calling local emergency services or contacting the nursing home administrator or staff. In some instances, a behavior change may indicate a more serious problem than an oversight by the staff. In other cases, a sudden behavior change may be caused by medical issues that require immediate attention. If you notice any of the following signs or symptoms, contact your local police department or fire department immediately: Changes in personality or behavior. Loss of appetite or not eating at all. Not sleeping well due to disturbed sleep patterns (nightmares). Difficulty moving around and/or difficulty getting out of bed. Bruises and cuts on the body that have not been listed as an injury by the nursing home staff. Changes in urine color 2. Sudden Weight Loss Or Malnutrition Malnutrition or weight loss are frequent indicators of nursing home mistreatment. When a person loses weight abruptly and there is no apparent cause, it might very well signify and be a clear sign that they were mistreated in the nursing home environment. It could also be a sign of a health issue brought on by abuse or neglect in a nursing home. Due to inadequate nourishment the institution provides, weight loss among nursing home patients is common. They could also be malnourished due to a poor diet and careless handling. Lack of appetite, dry lips and skin, sunken eyes and nails, thinning hair, and fewer bowel movements are other indicators of malnutrition. 3. Physical Abuse Always take care to ensure residents may walk about and exercise their bodily liberty without worrying about being confined or having things used against them, advises carers. It is simple to hold onto and confine the resident at the wrists, ankles, and upper arms. Therefore pay particular attention to the physical and nutritional areas. Additionally, residents should be allowed to express themselves without worrying about negative physical or psychological repercussions. A nursing home resident may frequently have grievances regarding the establishment they are residing. A minor issue, such as poor staff reaction times, might become deadly if a staff member's carelessness leads your loved one to get out of bed unsupervised and suffer an injury. Therefore, always give staff, employees and management a chance to hear your issues. 4. Infections Your loved one is being mistreated if you spot any new illnesses, sores or infections. These wounds are uncomfortable; they may be risky for the individual to recover from. It is crucial to act and speak out against any maltreatment. Bed sores may result in swelling in your loved one's feet or legs. When pressure is applied to the skin, open sores develop. Staff members of nursing homes should be on the lookout for any bedsores since they can lead to major problems if improperly handled. How to Deal With Nursing Home Abuse Abuse is a serious problem in nursing homes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that every year, close to one-third of all nursing home residents are victims of abuse or neglect. By comprehending the many forms of abuse, patients may contribute to the fight against nursing home abuse. Residents and their families should be aware of the policies of a nursing home before deciding to live there. Your loved one at a nursing home will have a safe and secure place to live in, both physically and psychologically, with the right measures.

Written by: Bruno Vanherberghen , Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. You have tried to quit on our own. Maybe that has worked to some degree. But somehow procrastination kicks in, something throws us off and we find ourselves right back where we started. An addiction recovery coach provides you with support, encouragement, and accountability as you work to overcome your addiction and build a sober life. What does the science say? Many people look for an accountability partners to help keep them on track. Maybe that is somebody that is going through the same struggle as themselves, a family member, a friend, an intimate partner, or somebody else. So, how effective is that? Turns out, not so effective at all according to this study , especially compared to using a professional coach. People using a professional coach were more engaged, had the greater commitment, made more progress, and showed greater well-being compared to those using a peer such as a friend or family member. An additional study found individual coaching significantly more effective in attaining goals and reducing procrastination compared to doing it on your own (self-coaching) or group coaching. Overall, addiction recovery coaching is linked to increased success, motivation, and self-esteem. What are 9 ways that an addiction recovery coach can help you? Setting goals and working towards them – We set realistic and achievable goals to build up your own belief and self-confidence. We continually track and evaluate your progress. Setting deadlines – This helps to stay focused and motivated to complete tasks. Strategies to deal with triggers and urges – How to manage urges is one of the biggest keys to successfully overcome any addiction. Provide support – Provide the encouragement and belief to help you overcome challenges and maintain motivation. Lifestyle planning – Quitting a bad habit frees up a significant amount of time in many cases. How can we spend that time? What feelings do we want to experience more of ? New hobbies, interest, and healthier, enjoyable activities. Provide emotional support – Addiction recovery can be a difficult and emotional process and a recovery coach can provide a safe and supportive space. They will also help you navigate personal and professional relationships in your recovery. Provide accountability – We keep you accountable to the goals we set together through regular check-ins. Encourage self-care – Recovery is about more than just abstaining from a certain habit. We need to learn to build new, healthier systems and ways of managing, coping, and spending our time. Receiving feedback – Feedback helps us to identify additional areas for improvement and fine tune the recovery approach. The best time to make that change you have been thinking about is now . Don’t delay. Surround yourself with the right people to help you achieve your goals and live that life you want. Give yourself that freedom, it is an even bigger gift than you can imagine. Follow me on Facebook, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Bruno! Bruno Vanherberghen, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Bruno is a life coach, specialized in helping people overcome their addictions and compulsive patterns. He knows how to step out of old patterns and emerge on the other side with a newfound freedom and drive for life. The ability to delay instant gratification to pursue longer term goals, follow and realize dreams and aspiration. We need to do things differently and Bruno is an expert at helping to manage personal change. He suffered from heavy depression during his 20's at which point many of his compulsive behaviors spiraled out of control. Alcohol, drugs, porn, caffeine, sugar, gaming, food issues were some of his personal struggles. He can proudly say that the compulsion is a thing of the past. He has coached over 700 individuals, has over 120 customer verified testimonials, an approval rating of 95% and more than 98% improve. He has a deep personal understanding of addiction and is empathic, encouraging, caring with an occasional gentle firmness to help people realize the goals they set for themselves. His mission: to support people to realize their full potential.

Written by: Jennifer Byrne, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. To be, or not to be. That is the question. This is arguably one of the most famous lines from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Although written in the 17th century, this phrase of Hamlet’s soliloquy translates to our existing world. How you may ask? It directly correlates to a growth mindset. As we begin our journey into 2023, it provides us the opportunity to reflect and reevaluate our own capabilities and potential. It is giving ourselves permission to stop living through a lens from how others see or define us to how we see through our own. If we all lived by how we see our own potential and abilities, what might change for us? What opportunities may we explore? How might this transform the idea of success leading to happiness to happiness leading to success? These are all questions to ponder as we rethink how we approach work, life, and relationships. Igniting the flame of our true potential will lead to unexpected outcomes. We often ask ourselves “What if I fail?” As we shift our mindset to one that points out the potential to fail to one that has the potential to learn from our mistakes, it makes us more mentally agile and gives us the gift to learn from our mistakes. If we consistently avoid failure, we remain status quo. Status quo, although in and of itself is not negative, it may inhibit innovation, limit potential, and impede progress. “To be or not to be, that is the question?” Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, or visit my website for more info! Read more from Jennifer! Jennifer Byrne, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Jennifer Byrne is a certified life and career coach. She helps her clients overcome the fears that are holding them back, increase confidence levels, discover their life’s purpose, and achieve greater levels of energy to reach their full potential. Jennifer’s message to her clients is “Follow Your Inner Compass.” With more than a decade of experience in organizational development, coaching, and mentoring in both corporate and non-profit environments, Jennifer brings a wealth of practical knowledge to her coaching work. Jennifer earned her B.S. from Monmouth University and pursued advanced degrees, including her MBA and M.Ed. She is certified as an Energy Leadership Master Practitioner (ELI-MP) from the Institute of Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC) and holds an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential from the International Coaching Federation. Despite the demands of her career, Jennifer makes time to be involved with community and professional organizations. She is a member of ICF Global and local ICF NYC chapter in which she actively participates on the Member Engagement and Social Outreach committees. Jennifer lives in Ocean County, NJ, with her husband of 14 years and two dogs. When not working, she loves to explore the outdoors.

Written by: Shreesha Khare, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. "It's a new year; I'll be a completely different person." I'm sure you've been reading all over the place. But I'm curious if it's just an ego boost or if you're truly in the "N You" zone. Please don’t mind; I have one more question for you: Was the 1st of January 2023 completely new to you? Is tomorrow different from today? Is today really a new day? Our paradigm has been created in such a deep way that whenever the new year comes, we need to make resolutions, make a new year checklist, and start something or other new. Nevertheless, I want to ask: What is the truth in that? What kind of newness are you trying to achieve out of all this? You will wake up on that same bed, wearing the same pyjamas, and your mornings will not be different from seeing the same people around you. Maybe you celebrated the New Year with the same kind of ritual of going on vacation with the same people. Perhaps your destination this time was Europe rather than America. I am sure you must have gone before as well. If not, then you might get drunk at home and celebrate with the same people, which you have done many times. It will be the same ritual in your house to wish everyone a "happy new year"; you will receive the same old forwarded New Year's wishes. You will be seeing the same old neighbours and their dog walking at 7:00 a.m. in the park. You will be crossing the road from that same path, where the signpost will be tilted. There will be daytime and nighttime chaos in the house. You will again go through those posts on social media and articles in the newspaper that talk about New Year's resolutions, how you can make 2023 your best year, and other comparisons with all other years. What was new in your life? What has occurred in your life that has never occurred before? Clearing the slate: evolve rather than stay the same. You grow new plants in your garden when you completely wipe out all the dead ones. You evolve new things in your garden as per the natural rhythm of that soil and moisture, not on the basis of other gardens. You've been on a voice loop of heartbreak, negative thinking, and mindset for ten years, carrying the same self-image. Don’t you think you need a "clean slate" structure at the foundational level? It is time that you turn all your days into something you have never done before. Okay, I know you're going to say it's not easy! I got it. Nevertheless, everything is in your hands to either do something you have never done or listen to the same voice recordings that have impacted your life for 10 years. I'm sure you want another ten years of your life to be at the next level. The year 2023 will serve as a starting point for you to take a step back and look at your life objectively. It will give you space to think about things and decisions you made ten years ago and how they are affecting you today. It is showing that old traditions will fall and nature will play its own course in its own way. You have time to rework the things you avoided and allow divine timing to play its natural tune. If you are stubborn, then you will be stuck in the vicious cycle of "Why is this happening to me?" Why is my life not changing? Why am I going through these mental disturbances? You will be stuck in the shallowness of this world; despite being educated, there is a conditioning of mediocrity. It is up to you how long you want to keep falling into the false time cycle created by society for their own needs. Listen to your body's rhythm. Your body is the vessel that transports the action output following your feeding, whether through deep conditioning or negative thoughts on a daily basis. This time, clean the vessel from the inside out. Hold no shame or guilt; simply listen to your natural biorhythms. Look at yourself. There's a feeling of anxiety, depression, voidness, and fullness of questions on your face, leaving you restless day and night. Repeat, rest, rethink, re-evaluate, and then evolve yourself quantumly. It is entirely up to you whether you begin the new year on January 1 or another date. In your own body, you are made up of a collective consciousness that holds the power to walk on its own natural guidance. For example, if my body calls for rest for 2 months and I reflect on my life, what patterns and behaviours will I exhibit over the next ten years? There is no need to make or break resolutions because there is nothing like that. Traditions or rituals are like mango trees: until they are juicy, people feel good. When it becomes sour, it is bitter. It also rots over time, making those who consume it sick. It becomes of no use to people. There is no harm in adhering to traditions, but if it leaves you forced, burned out, or under pressure, it is not worth it. I don’t think so, but is somewhere making you fulfilled and excited? You're following the resolutions or any other tradition because you believe you "should" not feel left behind. Start your next 10 years with more authenticity, with more listening to your "own" consciousness of heart and head. If you feel like being in hibernation mode, just be it. Follow the natural life cycle. Take a break if your body says so; don’t push it. Divert your extra energy into sports, creativity, or any kind of exercise. Evolve in your own river of truth, not in the river of truth that other people make resolutions to push you towards, which you are not. The sun's new path with each soloistic, bringing a completely new slate in the cosmic world, means that old traditions and thought processes no longer exist. The cosmos is full of repetition, rest, and re-evaluation before accelerating higher with something never done before. Then what stops you?... Namaste! Follow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Shreesha! Shreesha Khare, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Shreesha Khare is an author and an inspirational thought leader, aka a leading luminary. She is walking on the path of "Self-Illumination" to be more of her true self, share more of her personal experiences, and change the lives of others through her own journey of personal transformation. There is a deep internal desire in her to take all of what she has learned and help others along their path. She believes that suffering is the key to unlocking our greatest gifts. She is the Founder and Chief humanitarian Being at S&S Co-Space for Humanity, a boutique where you will be served with coaching and guidance of self-love and self-actualization, is like taking a journey into the inner cosmic world.

Written by: Laura J. Wellington, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. It might not be as exciting a topic as the Twitter Files or the classified document fiasco the sitting President is now embroiled in. And maybe it isn’t as sexy a conversation as the next pandemic or the concerns raised at Davos. But loneliness and its sister epidemic “social isolation” are plaguing our nation and doing so silently, stealthily and irregardless of age. The United States is drowning in it and the cost of this reality to our society can be equated with the increased consumption of Fentanyl, food and fantasy. If we aren’t drugging ourselves to cope, we are eating and drinking our feelings away, hence, the soaring obesity and suicide rates presently. Or we are trading them for the illusion offered by social media and large corporations honed in the creation of all types of products and entertainment designed to provide escapism. This is where we are at, folks, and it is quite sad. At the heart of this issue, in my opinion, is people’s innate “loss of social significance.” In the elderly that means “no longer playing productive roles in society.” In the middle-aged that means “coping with life transitions that no one could ever truly prepare you for.” In our youth it means “suddenly realizing that you aren’t that important after all. You are just one of the many and will become your parents.” We all think we won’t but we do. Feeling significant plays a key part in one’s overriding happiness, health, and welfare. It occupies that same part on a larger scale too as we see just by looking around us. The state of our nation speaks to insignificance masking itself as mental illness, pervasive anger, and chronic discourse. People feel insignificant so it is showing up significantly. The results of this have become our daily news but the root? That’s something you hear nothing about as it’s not show-stopping enough to highlight. And yet, the need for in-person, human contact is undeniable and imperative to the health and welfare of human beings. Try as some in society might to convince us otherwise, in-person communing is irreplaceable. We know (and feel) the difference no matter how close technology gets to creating a “likeness” or alternate way of gathering. The total experience of “in-person” connecting can’t be duplicated. The “self” knows the distinction and won’t be fooled or satiated by anything less because it is made of God and, just like dirt, is undiscoverable by man in manner, process, and function. It is a primary reason why we continue to feel the need to come together in churches; walk in parks among others; and sit in lobbies or coffee shops while Zooming with co-workers. In-person, human contact is special and has the power to add years to people’s lives, providing needed social significance no matter how brief. Simple in construct, it just needs “to be,” taking first place to the complementary “virtual-relating” technology offers and not the other way around. This “no touch, electively isolating, selectively easy but unhealthy” way of living that’s going on right now is against human nature and is making us all sick, depressed, lonely and steps closer to dying early deaths. We are a species fascinated by advancement yet trapped within it too, the implications compromising our basic health and wellness, including that of our youngest. Is it any wonder that they are showing such enormous signs of chaos, confusion and stress, well beyond earlier generations? “I was surprised at the degree of loneliness among young people,” said Richard Weissbourd, a psychologist and senior lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE). “If you look at studies on the elderly, their rates of loneliness are high, but they don’t seem to be as high as they are for young people.” With one-third of adults 45 and older feeling lonely, one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older considered socially isolated, and youth who are suffering equally so, viable solutions to both silent epidemics need to be found. And not of the “bandaid” kind but those that create social connections in the way people truly benefit from and require. The WHO knows it. The CDC confirms it and the NIH agrees and in this, none of these three institutions can be argued. It is a phenomenon being recognized globally. Ask me why I care? The intense loneliness and social isolation that I felt following the tragic death of my husband when I was only thirty-five years-old, well…that was the beginning of my caring. It gut me. It also woke me up to the pain of others who were undoubtedly experiencing the same thing, specifically the elderly but not limited to this group. Plenty of marginalized groups suffer this plight too. Loneliness and social isolation do not discriminate, especially in a nation whose DNA celebrates “independence, separateness, and leaving” at its core. With each new stage of life that has passed for me since as well as everything this nation has been through over the last few years, I’ve grown to care even more. Division and fear are the food in which loneliness and social isolation feed upon and it's feeding alright...big time. Frankly we need to get ahead of this harsh reality before there is no doing so. The cost in dollars is big but the price in moral virtue and unnecessary suffering, even bigger. As I said, hardly as sexy and colorful a topic as so many of the others occupying the current media stage, but none more important amid the quietness it rides in on. Suffice it to say, the other more seductive topics will come and go. They will drive up ratings for sure. But this one? This will leak into every societal crack and crevice it finds, and root itself there. It already is and that IS is coming to a town near you. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Laura! Laura J. Wellington, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Laura J. Wellington is the Founder of Celebrity-Lifestyle blog THREAD MB. A Media-Tech Entrepreneur, Wellington is also an Award-Winning Children's Entertainment creator and Author. Critics have called her most recent book "Be Careful What You Wish For" a 'magnum opus. A TEDx Speaker, Wellington's newest venture is called ZNEEX, an app that combines fitness and socializing for users and their dogs in a fun, new way that has partners saying "it's the best idea that they've heard in a very long time" (coming to you May 2022). A mother of five, Wellington was widowed at thirty-five years old. She has won The Forbes Enterprise Award, Multiple Telly Awards, The Buzz Award, and many more.