Written by: Agnes Chau, 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. My magical journey to discovering Divine Mercy happened on a flight to Washington D.C. a few years ago when I sat next to a nun, who encouraged me to visit the National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, MA. Throughout my Catholic upbringing, I had not learned of Divine Mercy. I had not been to a church in many years as I no longer felt the stories of fear, sin, and sacrifice resonated with me. However, I kept an open mind and decided to embark upon a journey that also led me to the Divine Mercy Shrine and Basilica in Krakow, Poland. Sister Faustina (the first saint of the new millennium) had received visions of Jesus in her dreams in the 1930s to have a portrait of him made with his heart pouring forth water and blood, symbolizing light and love. The portrait shows Jesus with one hand raised in blessing and the other hand touching his heart with red and white rays of light pouring forth. By his feet are the words “Jesus, I Trust in You”. Divine Mercy represents the compassion and love that God has for humanity. In both of these churches, the portrait of Jesus was featured prominently at the front of the Church, by the altar. This was surprising for me as I had only been to churches where the cross was the most prominent. This portrait of Jesus symbolizes the path forward. Even God and Jesus evolve. It’s not about fear, sin, and sacrifice anymore. The message is about love, hope, and peace. This is a symbol of God’s infinite mercy. This is a message that all sins are forgiven and that we are worthy of God’s love. The rays of the heart symbolize the forgiveness of sins and the promise of salvation for all who come to God with a contrite heart. Every day during the hour of mercy between 3-4 pm anywhere in the world, one can ask Divine Mercy for anything, and it shall be granted. There is a special way to pray the rosary and make it more powerful. One can cast problems to Divine Mercy within us and outside of us. One can ask Saint Faustina for her intercession (if you ask for her help she will give it to you). While some people have experienced physical miracles at these churches, leaving behind wheelchairs and crutches, many others have experienced miracles of faith, learning to forgive themselves. In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells his disciples that he has come to bring mercy and forgiveness to the world. He tells them that if they believe in him, they will receive eternal life. This is the basis for the belief that God is merciful and forgiving. The devotion of Divine Mercy is based on the idea that Jesus is the Divine Mercy of God and that he offers us the opportunity to receive his mercy and forgiveness. The devotion includes prayers and devotional practices such as the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, the Novena of Divine Mercy, and the veneration of the Divine Mercy image. The feast of Divine Mercy, also known as Mercy Sunday, is celebrated the Sunday after Easter and is open to people of all faiths who gather at the National Shrine of Divine Mercy. Each of these practices helps to deepen one's relationship with God and to experience his mercy. Divine Mercy is about how to forgive ourselves and others. It’s about how to love ourselves and others. It’s to know that we are worthy. It is to know that the light is within each of us and it burns brightly. While some of us may not believe that we are deserving of forgiveness and salvation, our inner child, that 7-year-old within us, is deserving. We are now at an age where we can be the parent to our inner child. Doesn’t that inner child deserve the compassion understanding, and love that you have to give? During this Christmas season, gift your inner child with compassion, understanding, peace, and love. Gift it freely, without condition. When you gift it to yourself, you can gift it to others too, so we can live in a more compassionate society. Fear can be replaced with love. Despair can be replaced with hope. The war within can be replaced with peace from within. Sin can be replaced with forgiveness. The violet flame that is protected by Holy Saint Germain can be invoked for forgiveness. The violet flame represents the highest frequency in the visible light spectrum and can transmute any negative energies into positive energies. The violet flame is the fire of the Holy Spirit. When we invoke forgiveness for ourselves or others by calling upon spiritual fire of the violet flame, we can experience a peace within our hearts. Even if Divine Mercy or the violet flame doesn’t resonate with you, then start with Ho’oponopono, the Hawaiian mantra for forgiveness. It starts with “I am sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you.” Ask your inner child for forgiveness for whatever comes to mind. Imagine giving your inner child, the 7-year-old you, a big hug. This is the start of a magical inner journey to self-discovery and self-compassion. In summary, one can experience the gift of forgiveness of oneself and of others through Divine Mercy, through the intercession of Saint Faustina, by invoking the violet flame, or through Ho’oponopono, or other methods. May this Christmas season be a time when we meditate, contemplate, and/or reflect upon God’s love and infinite mercy. By learning to forgive ourselves and others, we are receiving God’s gift of Divine Mercy. When we breathe into our Divine Hearts to tap into the Divine Intelligence within, we can connect with Divine Source (God, Divine Mercy, Divine Sophia, Dear Universe) within us and outside of us. May we all experience peace from within. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website to learn more. Read more from Agnes! Agnes Chau, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Agnes Chau is a Transformational Life Coach and Private Consultant. With her training in various life-transforming modalities and her prior experience as an Engineering Executive, Agnes helps clients succeed in all aspects of life. Agnes enjoys helping people tap into their Divine Intelligence to identify the most effective path forward for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. She specializes in PSYCH-K®, Tong Ren tapping, and other modalities for wellbeing. Agnes has received many awards, including, Connecticut Woman of Innovation for Large Business Innovation and Leadership, the Manufacturing Institute’s STEP Ahead award, the Society of Women Engineers’ Advocating Women in Engineering Award, and several patents. Agnes is also the President and Founder of The Empowered Heart, Inc. a 501(c)(3) nonprofit https://www.theempoweredheart.org. She volunteers her time as a certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Women Empowered Instructor.

Written by: Sasha and Daniel , 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. We believe so! But all hope is not lost. From our combined 14 years of personal development and coaching experience, we recognise both people contribute to marriage breakdowns and the problems experienced in an intimate relationship. Women are the forerunners of the personal development industry, and many men are left lagging. The effect on an intimate relationship can be devastating. What goes wrong? The couple knows deep down that something is wrong, evidenced by the lack of connection, intimacy, communication breakdown, and a whisper inside that won't quieten. The couple behaves more like housemates than a loving partnership. As the relationship erodes, the distance between them grows. Resentments build, blame and justification become a daily occurrence. More often, women seek personal development to find what's missing or why she feels the way she does. Conversely, men tend to shut down their emotions and keep pressing on with work or exercise, and some indulge in distractions like porn, gambling, or drinking to numb the pain. As the woman grows and develops through her personal development journey, this widens the gap in the relationship even more. We have seen this many times with our clients. According to an HBR study, women take the lion's share of the personal development market by purchasing over 70% of self-help books and programs, propping up the majority of this $11B industry. Men must face their demons For relationships to thrive, two people need to grow together. Men must reclaim their power and go on their personal development journey. There are many reasons why men might not choose to go down the personal development route: It is hard to face demons, especially when they haunt us daily. Men are taught to work it out on their own. Some won't even go to the doctor unless they have a broken leg. Work and busyness can be a welcome distraction from what's going on deep inside. Men's family, friends and coworkers can be very judgemental if they start to change. Avoiding issues can be easier than dealing with them, so they sweep them under the rug and soldier on. Too many men are not living the life they desire, languishing in a sea of doubt and unrealised potential. Men must rise However, the world needs confident men who know their place in the world. These men are mission-driven with a clear purpose, have intention and direction, and are decisive and confident. People feel his presence. He inspires those around him. Rawness, passion and creativity give him great depth. He is courageous, disciplined, and fierce and faces his fears and stands for what he believes in. A devoted man holds love in his heart and is open with his feelings, leading to deeper intimacy and connection. Women need strong men by their side, and men need their wise sage goddess to guide them. Why personal development? Personal development benefits us all, men, women and even children. Learning about yourself and healing the parts of you that have been keeping you stuck, and unfulfilled allow you to do things differently and better. In addition, it can help create awareness of why you feel the way you do. Through awareness, we can change anything, and while some may say they don't need to change - all humans need to grow to feel satisfied in their lives. Personal development offers this opportunity and can result in more profound and loving relationships for you to meet your needs and others' needs ‒ including your intimate partner. While it may feel scary at the start, we don't know anyone who didn't benefit positively from having someone in their corner to work through the things they can't or won't tell their friends. We all crave support at our core, and very few people receive it. The job and passion of coaches are to provide that. Together as ONE One of the reasons we created our program, Together as ONE, is that Daniel works with the men in the King program first and Sasha with the women in Goddess, so you go on your journey before we all focus on the relationship. This helps each individual take responsibility and ownership of their behaviours and heal wounds, triggers, past hurts and patterning from previous relationships or parents. Doing this work first creates a neutral ground and a new foundation from a more healed place for the next chapter of your relationship. For a relationship to be deep, loving and intimate, it takes two people committed to their own personal development and enriching the relationship. We return couples to being each other's number ONE. Download our 14 Guiding Principles for a deeper, more intimate connection with each other. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Sasha and Daniel! Sasha and Daniel, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Sasha and Daniel specialise in relationships, human behaviour and experiential healing. Their collective 14 years as coaches taught them that patterns from previous relationships and upbringing could adversely affect their connection, even knowing they were soul mates. So from day one, they consciously designed their relationship by creating 14 principles to guide their behaviours and focus. Sasha and Daniel aim to heal the world with their love by showing couples how to turn towards each other again for fulfilment, intimacy and connection. Sasha and Daniel offer exclusive 1:1 coaching and retreats for couples that are at 80% and want that extra 20%. They teach simple, actionable principles for partners who love each other but have lost their way.

Written by: Daniel Van der Pluym , 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. For many, the mention of anxiety brings to mind debilitating episodes that render them unable to leave the house or perform everyday tasks. However, there is another form of anxiety that is often overlooked ‒ high-functioning anxiety. This type of anxiety can be a driving force for success and productivity in some individuals, but it can also have negative consequences if not managed correctly. In this article, we will explore what high-functioning anxiety is, how it impacts people's lives and what strategies can be used to manage it. By implementing the strategies to manage high-functioning anxiety, you will learn how to thrive in your daily life. What is high-functioning anxiety? As it is not part of the diagnostic criteria, it is often called "hidden anxiety." High-functioning anxiety is, simply put, when someone has anxious thoughts but still appears to manage day-to-day life smoothly. As an umbrella term, high-functioning anxiety is often experienced by some individuals in highly demanding work roles. It is characterized by feelings of unease, restlessness, and heightened emotions that can cause an individual to become overly focused on their performance, or strive for perfectionism. High-functioning anxiety is usually part of an overactive stress response, due to highly demanding conditions in career and other life areas. High-functioning anxiety is not the same as stress associated with high performance, as it can be present in people who are not actively seeking to perform at a high level. The difference between severe anxiety and high-functioning anxiety High-functioning anxiety can be mistaken for generalized anxiety disorder because people who experience it often experience it over a prolonged period. However, generalized anxiety disorder is often present in non-threatening circumstances. The difference is, high functioning anxiety is based more on challenging circumstances. These circumstances require a high level of energy, which becomes nervous energy and translates into excessive anxiety over time. The difference between stress and anxiety High-functioning anxiety can be a difficult condition to distinguish from stress, but there are certain differences between the two. Stress is an integral part of our lives and can be beneficial if managed correctly. It helps us stay alert and focused while allowing us to cope with challenging situations. On the other hand, high-functioning anxiety is an excessive form of stress which becomes a default way of operating to manage essential tasks. The difference between high-functioning anxiety and an anxiety disorder? The official diagnosis of an anxiety disorder is based on the severity of anxiety symptoms and their duration. High-functioning anxiety can become an anxiety disorder if it interferes with normal day-to-day activities, such as sleeping, eating, or socializing, or when it continues for months or years without any improvement. Symptoms of high-functioning anxiety People who have "high-functioning anxiety" often appear to be successful and perfect. However, below the surface they are afraid and constantly critiquing themselves. Other common symptoms of high-functioning anxiety include: Difficulty sleeping or feeling restless; Feeling overwhelmed by tasks and always busy; Excessive worrying about the future; Avoidance of social situations. How does high-functioning anxiety impact individuals? According to research by the University of Adelaide, high-functioning anxiety can be both a benefit and a detriment to those who experience it. On one hand, it can give individuals an advantage by increasing performance through an enhanced sense of focus. This focus can help drive creativity, productivity, and ambition in the workplace or other areas of life. On the other hand, high-functioning anxiety can lead to negative consequences like physical and psychological health issues such as exhaustion, insomnia, irritability, depression, and anxiety. The physiological, mental and emotional impacts of high-functioning anxiety High-functioning anxiety has an impact on individuals' physiology, and their mental, and emotional state. The impact of stress on the nervous system has been broadly researched. Several studies have found that in the presence of prolonged, heightened stress the sympathetic nervous system becomes over-activated, leading to exhaustion and general fatigue. The mental impact of high-functioning anxiety can leave individuals feeling overwhelmed as they try to juggle multiple tasks at once or worry about the future. This can lead to feelings of overwhelm, fear, and anxiety that leave people feeling anxious and stuck in a cycle of negative thinking. Additionally, the emotional impact of this over-arousal results in feeling constantly on edge, and an inability to relax. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed, isolated and irritable in social situations. Over some time, this can lead to emotional fatigue, depression, or burnout. Causes of High-Function Anxiety There are many possible reasons why someone might experience anxiety, including genetics and environment. Some people may be more susceptible to high-functioning anxiety than others, for example, those who have been successful in a short amount of time may become quickly overwhelmed by increased responsibilities in workplace settings. The role of adverse early life experiences Much research has also identified the impact of adverse family experiences on performance and success. Many adverse and disadvantaged circumstances in early life, such as financial challenges, addiction, abuse, and neglect can be the cause of struggles with staying motivated and on track throughout later years. Children born into disadvantaged circumstances, often remain disadvantaged throughout life and may also not believe in their ability to perform and reach success. Or, if they are to reach success, it will come with much struggle and sacrifice. This struggle can often result in high-functioning anxiety, due to the underlying fear of failure which serves as motivation. Why are some people, high performers? Most people who are high performers reach their ability through hard work and dedication. Usually, people have learned to work hard through the work ethic instilled in their upbringing. Often, high achievers have been taught that they can achieve their goals through a combination of motivation, with the right systems and strategies. What is the difference between a high performer and a high potential? A high performer is someone who is already achieving success. They are often experts in their field and have achieved a high level of performance over an extended period. A high potential, on the other hand, is someone who has not yet achieved success but is likely to if given the right opportunity or situation. High potentials may be unfulfilled or unmotivated at some stages, but show signs of their potential at other times. High-performing employees are often those who can handle increased responsibilities, but also those that can healthily manage their high-functioning anxiety. High-performing employees manage their anxiety by allowing their stress to drive them towards a suitable action, while also maintaining their well-being. Get help for anxiety It is important to know how to get help for high-functioning anxiety, to prevent it from escalating into an anxiety disorder. There is a range of supports and helps that can be relied upon to address stress and anxiety. Some of the help available includes seeking therapy, stress management coaching, and self-help guidance. Sometimes, it may be necessary to see a doctor or psychiatrist who may provide medical support or anti-anxiety medications. Preventing mental illness and anxiety disorders To prevent high-functioning anxiety from becoming an anxiety disorder, and to manage mental health, there is a range of treatment options and interventions available. One of the most important factors to manage high-functioning anxiety is coping strategies and overall wellbeing. What is well-being? Wellbeing is a state of overall health, happiness, and success. It is the result of an individual's physical and mental health, as well as their emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Wellbeing does not necessarily mean the absence of stress, but the ability to implement a range of strategies to maintain healthy balance across different life areas. The 5 areas of wellbeing Wellbeing can be divided into five core areas: Physical wellbeing refers to maintaining good physical health and well-being by engaging in regular exercise and eating a balanced diet. Psychological wellbeing involves developing a sense of purpose, meaning, and skills to enable an individual to better cope in difficult situations. Social wellbeing involves the establishment of healthy relationships with friends, family, and colleagues. Financial wellbeing is the ability to make sound financial decisions and manage money wisely. Spiritual wellbeing focuses on connecting with a higher power or belief system, which can provide an individual with guidance and purpose in life and use holistic strategies that incorporate physical. Therapists and coaches can work with individuals to provide tools, strategies and support to establish and maintain wellbeing across the different life areas, and in turn addresses the difficult aspects of high-functioning anxiety. The role of a therapist in helping with high-performing anxiety A therapist helps to identify the underlying causes of anxiety and suggest ways to manage it. For high performers who are anxious, therapy can be really helpful to address the underlying causes of anxiety, such as fear of failure, or lack of motivation. A therapist can help to address those issues and provide strategies and tools for managing high-functioning anxiety. The role of coaching to manage high-performing anxiety Coaching is another effective tool to help manage high-functioning anxiety. A coach works with the individual to identify their triggers and create tailored strategies and routines to better manage stress levels. Coaches also provide accountability and guidance throughout a period during which the individual can address their anxiety issues. Routines for managing high-functioning anxiety High-performing anxiety can be managed in a variety of ways, through the implementation and maintenance of specific routines. Routines help to provide structure and order to life, which is especially helpful for those struggling with high levels of stress and anxiety. Creating a morning routine that centers around calming activities such as yoga or meditation can set the tone for the rest of the day, and support the individual's nervous system when taking on different challenges Therapeutic approaches to help: Schema Therapy can help with anxiety by helping an individual identify underlying patterns of thought and behavior. It involves the use of emotional, cognitive, and behavioral strategies to reprogram old patterns, into new ways of thinking and behaving. Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) can also help with anxiety as it teaches individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings, rather than trying to fight them. This can help high achievers to find balance and be able to approach their goals in a healthier way. Eye movement desensitization reprogramming (EMDR ) therapy can also help to reduce the impact of difficult memories and experiences that may create patterns of high anxiety. EMDR helps individuals process the impact of traumas and early life experiences in a new way. These approaches can be used to manage high-functioning anxiety and help high achievers to reach their goals in healthy and sustainable ways, without sacrificing their wellbeing. Summary If you’re a high performer struggling with anxiety, know that you’re not alone. Many people who achieve great things also deal with high-functioning anxiety. While it can be beneficial in some ways, it’s important to manage it so it doesn’t become damaging. One way to do this is to develop routines that focus on calming activities such as yoga or meditation. Therapists and coaches can provide tools, strategies and support to establish a level of wellbeing and safety to help reframe and stabilise anxious tendencies. This can allow anxious tendencies to be transformed into successful outcomes, in a more balanced way. Seek help to manage your high-functioning anxiety so you can make success more sustainable. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Daniel! Daniel Van der Pluym, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Daniel Van der Pluym is the founder of Deeper Potential Coaching and part founder of A DHD Ambition . He is a psychotherapist, certified Life Coach and mindfulness teacher. Through his work, he focuses on helping people overcome their life challenges to create a new story of meaning and fulfilment. His work as a psychotherapist coach and part developer of ADHD Ambition is geared towards helping people overcome uncertainty and rumination, so they can live with more clarity and fulfillment.

Written by: Morgan Williams, 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. 1. There is an invitation to evolve into my next level, in my pain and discomfort. It is an opportunity to lean into self-intimacy and vulnerability, and to deeply get to know and love myself. Avoidance of these feelings leads me farther from myself and my true essence. 2. Pain and discomfort have been a huge catalyst in my soul’s evolution and my bigger purpose in this world. I couldn’t work with women the way I do today, without all my personal and sometimes painful and uncomfortable experiences. 3. In the depths of my pain and discomfort l was able to acknowledge that no one was going to “save me”. I am fully and radically responsible for my life, the path forward, success or lack thereof, and actions. 4. We cannot avoid pain and discomfort, rather we can create a toolbox for how to navigate these feelings and care for ourselves when they show up because they will. 5. Emotions aren’t good or bad; they just are. Pain and discomfort show up to teach me something. I get to sit with these feelings and invite them in. When I do that, I get to know them, and I can fully enjoy and be present with the full range of human emotions. If you are interested in coming to a neutral place with your pain and creating what your desire with confidence and clarity in 2023, join me for my FREE workshop Manifest Your Desires in 2023! on January 11, 2023, at 7 PM est. Register here: Manifest Your Desires in 2023! Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Morgan! Morgan Williams, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Morgan Williams wear many hats and titles; however, it is the work with her own personal healing journey, which led her to the path of coaching and energy work. Morgan was a professional educator for 16 years, while running a small business for the last five. She is a single mom, to the BEST kid around, and she found herself totally burnt out. Something had to change, and it started with coming back to herself. She found yoga and coaching during this time. She remembers vividly, sitting there, paralyzed with a broken heart, and realizing that if her relationship with herself was better, no one person, could hurt her that deeply. It was her wake-up call and self-love, and true self-care was the first step and a total game-changer in her journey.

Written by: Griffin Smith, 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. Many people are unaware of what social workers actually do, and particularly what we know. The truth is that what we do represents some of the noblest pursuits in humanity; we broker essential supports that folks need to live and to thrive, we connect and reconnect loved ones, and we guide others through mental health journeys. My career in social work has been of a clinical nature. I work as a mental health therapist with a focus on helping others improve their interpersonal wellness. Through my education in a clinical social work program, work experience, and continuing education, I have learned invaluable tools to help others in this way. And, I have absorbed principles that I believe hold as much value to being human as our most venerated philosophical and dogmatic wisdom. Appraising all of my knowledge in this area, I feel the concept of ‘meeting a person where they are’ is the most important to our unimaginably diverse and nuanced world. Do We Actually Believe There is Natural Equality? On the surface, this phrase can sound simplistic and vague, which may be true. But, some of our greatest ideas do have a simplistic yet profound elegance about them. I believe that what makes the idea of meeting a person where they are so important is that it directs us to reflect on what it really means to know someone, what it means to know others… sure… but also ourselves. Most importantly, this expression leads us to either accept or reject the notion that there are indisputable differences between people due to their nature or environment ‒ it forces us to consider whether we all, in fact, stand on equal footing amidst the myriad and often untold challenges that life offers. We are compelled to decide not only whether there are real differences between us, but what it would require for us to live in a universally beneficial and unified way. What Exactly is Mentalizing? So, what does it mean to meet a person where they are, and how do we do this? First, it’s important to bear in mind that we all navigate our social lives with a built-in mechanism to help us do this. Think of this mechanism like a tuning fork. Just as tuning forks are tools to help us verify musical pitch, there is a mental mechanism we use to verify feelings and thoughts. We use it to infer mental processes that give rise to what is observable, our actions. We do this to make sense of not only other people’s actions but also our own. Several terms describe this process in one way or another, like empathy, self-awareness, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence. However, only one term, in my view, fully brings all of them together. That term is mentalization. There is a catch to this tuning fork analogy, however, which is that our mental tuning forks register pitch differently from person to person; for some, the pitch can be slightly or wildly off. Many forces impact the quality of our mentalizing. I hope you like metaphors because here is another one! Like a car, the systems within our minds can falter, which in turn throws the functionality of the whole system out of whack. At times, these systems can get so out of balance that we completely lose our ability to mentalize; in other words, empathy and self-awareness are lost entirely. It is like a car stalling out. Many of us may know what it looks like when a car stalls out, but what does it look like when we aren’t mentalizing? What makes our mentalizing stall? Just like a car, there are many different causes of our mentalizing stalling. One cause is our emotional systems taking complete control, which is perhaps the most familiar to us. This manifests as emotional outbursts, where our rational mental systems are woefully underperforming. You may already know these states to be very unstable and quite destructive. But, you may not be aware that in these moments strange things happen within our minds. When our emotions are kicked into overdrive, the force can be so powerful that what we feel becomes synonymous with what we believe to be true. A great example is paranoia. With paranoia, fear is the predominant emotion, and if this emotion becomes strong enough we can no longer appropriately distinguish between rational and irrational threats; our thinking systems are crippled. However, stalled-out mentalization can take other modes. One other such mode is when our thinking systems are overworked and our emotional systems are turned down. This creates pretend-like, fantastical experiences, those that can sound like we’re talking about something that holds meaning, but we aren’t really talking about anything at all. Rhetoric from politicians can often have this flavor ‒ you know, things that sound nice, but are obvious to those that are more aware that all of the dots aren’t connecting. Think about someone being performative, pandering, or virtue-signaling…often people doing this convey sentiments or ideas that sound nice but do not comport with reality and lack emotional awareness. A third mode is when we only attribute what is tangible (i.e. what we can see, feel, taste, smell, measure, etc.) to what we consider to be real. We know that human life means to live in the abstract, the intangible, and the cerebral, yet we can fool ourselves into believing that only what we can see is reliable and/or valid evidence of reality. Have you ever had a loved one accuse you of not loving them because you forgot to text or call or because you neglected to hug them the last time you saw each other? Have you ever felt this way toward someone else? Without a doubt, none of these things in and of themselves are proof that a person doesn’t love us, nonetheless, we can be convinced of it under the right circumstances. It may be helpful to think about characteristics that underpin all of these modes to make non-mentalizing more identifiable when you encounter it or experience it within yourself. Tell-tale signs of non-mentalizing include a disinterest in actual mental states (our own or others'), absolute certainty in our perspective or constantly changing our perspective, emotional flooding or emotional detachment, preoccupation only with actions, a disconnect between feeling and thinking states, and inauthenticity. Is it Possible to Live Without Resentment? You may have a specific person in mind that embodies these qualities. You may have struggled with this person time and time again until resentment reaches intolerable levels. Maybe you cut off communication with them or are considering it. This is a phenomenon I’m seeing more and more of these days. Before you go no contact or if you have already done so, I implore you to consider this: none of us are immune to poor mentalizing. It’s a hard thing for all of us to accept, but this is the nature of being human ‒ we are susceptible to emotional forces, and we can rationalize just about anything when framed in the right way. There is also a natural learning curve with any new challenge…just pick the subject ‒ riding a bike, playing an instrument, performing math, learning to walk or talk ‒ for any of us that can do these things, we had to undergo a rather slow and deliberate learning process, full stop. So why do we hold exceptions for social skills? Unquestionably, working with someone to help them better these skills is an immense challenge ‒ it will work you on every level. No one is obligated to undertake this responsibility, and it should only be accepted under circumstances of informed consent. This is especially important under circumstances where there is a risk of harm. One should always place their safety and the safety of others first. But, meeting someone where they are means accepting a person’s social qualities as the limit on what they can do at that moment. For some, there exists a likelihood that the quality of their social functioning will never move from where it is. However, I believe for the majority of folks, this setting is adjustable, and continued exposure to good mentalizing is the key to moving the needle forward. Good mentalizing necessitates meeting a person where they are, at first, and then helping them slowly develop or scaffold skills from there. How To Meet A Person Where They Are… So with that, let’s end with describing qualities of good mentalizing/‘meeting a person where they are’ to guide you in forming a mental image of what this looks like: Express validating curiosity ‒ Not-knowing isn’t the same thing as knowing nothing. We may have a lot of knowledge in many areas, but what none of us ever knows is exactly what is going on in the mind of someone else, even those we have known the longest. Lean into your curiosity by remaining open and interested in someone else’s mind. Let them know that you value what goes on in their mind; It’s OK to ask questions ‒ The mind is perhaps the most complex thing we know of. We can be befuddled and angry at people that harbor views that do not comport with our own, but for every belief, every view, there lies an internal logic for that person, which enabled them to arrive at that belief. Be inquisitive about this so you can understand for yourself; Be authentic ‒ Authenticity does not mean spouting off the first thoughts and feelings that occur to you. It means that if you hope for others to be more open and reflective, you should be striving for this yourself, with equal measure. Search yourself ‒ What are you really feeling? How did you arrive at the thoughts or beliefs you did? Strive to make these necessary internal connections for yourself and be transparent about them with others. Follow me on Facebook, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Griffin! Griffin Smith, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Griffin Smith is a licensed clinical social worker in private practice, specializing in treating interpersonal dysfunction amidst various mental disorders and environmental contexts. In addition to his clinical practice, he lectures, writes, consults, and supervises other clinicians, organizations, and the general public on improving relationships and engendering interpersonal wellness through mentalization-based interventions. Griffin founded Totus Intuor Counseling & Consulting with this relational vision in mind, not only for the benefit of people engaged in therapy but for the broader cultural contexts in which we all live.

Written by: Julia Felton, 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. Teamwork is paramount to the success of any business and leaders need to understand that without every team member pulling together in the same direction (aka with the same purpose) then success is likely to be curtailed, maybe not in the short term but definitely over the longer term. Whilst individuals play the game it is teams that win championships whether that is in the sports arena or on the business playing field. Teamwork remains the ultimate competitive advantage in business today, because it is so powerful and rare. “Not Finance. Not Strategy. Not Technology. It is teamwork that remains the ultimate competitive advantage, both because it is so powerful and so rare” ‒ Patrick Lencioni Benefits of being in a team: Teams involve more people and therefore comprise more resources – time, ideas and energy – available than one individual would have Teams allow the leaders to maximise their potential and minimise their weaknesses Teams provide multiple perspectives on how to reach the goal, as each individual will see the problem in a different light. This allows for a creative flow of ideas, and the stumbling blocks that no one person might see can easily be navigated Teams share the credit for victories and the blame for losses. This fosters genuine humility and authentic communication Teams help keep leaders accountable for the goals Teams can simply do more than the individual So why do business leaders fail to harness their teams for success and what are some of the myths we believe about teams. I believe there are five myths that keep many leaders stuck, not operating effectively. 5 myths that keep many leaders stuck Myth 1: Harmonious teams always compromise Good teams are made up of a diverse group of people with different perspectives and needs. When this diversity is recognised and embraced it becomes a real strength that can help the team overcome roadblocks that might derail a project. So with this in mind it is important that within the team we identify the range of talents of all the team members and help team members understand the impact and contribution they can give to the team. Only then will team members feel engaged and motivated and want to actively participate. Myth 2: Team conflict is unhealthy Conflict can be healthy and should be harnessed for the common good, rather than suppressed. Conflict is an energy source that when directed towards the team’s primary goal or mission can help create momentum and actually move a project forward. The challenge comes from the fact that many people dislike conflict and so suppress it. This creates frustration and a negative build-up of energy that ultimately can derail a project. Better the conflicting energy is surfaced and channelled in a positive way to come up with new ideas and approaches that help drive the project forward rather than derail it Myth 3: Most people like teamwork Whilst we often think that people enjoy working in teams, after all humans are social animals and we enjoy interaction with others, research by the Wright Consultancy discovered that only 33% of the working population enjoyed teamwork, 33% of the working population preferred working alone and solo, whilst the remaining 33% were pretty neutral as to their stance. The challenge then for leaders is to know the drivers of the people in their teams and their preferred working style and then create roles that best leverage that person's skills and method of working Myth 4: Teams are easy to influence and manage Leading and managing teams requires a different set of skills from that required for day-to-day management. This is because when you are leading teams you need to be able to inspire and motivate others. Also, you need to practice and understand the difference between delegation and empowerment, as teams work best when given direction and then allowed to decide how to reach that goal themselves. Micro-management hampers engagement and stops innovation as team members need to feel that the leader has their back and trusts them implicitly to do the job Myth 5: Senior Leaders encourage teamwork Most leaders are anxious about teamwork and the potential loss of power or control. A study of European managers in the 1990’s discovered that whilst senior leaders outwardly encouraged teamwork internally they were uncomfortable with the process and the potential for it exposing their own weaknesses and loss of control. This then often results in office politics with one team withholding resources from another in order to exert their authority. Much of this thinking is driven by fear because great leaders realise they always need to hire people better than themselves so that their weaknesses can be mitigated for the ongoing success of the business. When leaders realise that it is results that matter and not their ego, they become more collaborative and work together across various aspects of the business to achieve success. Nature understands the importance of teamwork and how everything is interdependent and synergistic. This is what drives unity and harmony in nature. So perhaps there is something we can learn from it and apply to our own efforts at improving teamwork, because as in the words of Simon Mainwaring “Creating a better world requires teamwork, partnerships and collaboration, as we need an entire army of companies to work together to build a better world within the next few decades. This means corporations must embrace the benefit of co-operating with one another” Follow me on LinkedIn, Facebook and visit my website for more on leadership and reinventing business. I also invite you to download my free eBook on Leading Teams Through Uncertainty and check out my latest book – Unbridled Business – on Amazon. Read more from Julia! Julia Felton, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Julia Felton (aka The Business Wrangler) is the founder of Business HorsePower, a leadership and team engagement company. She is passionate about disrupting the status quo and discovering new ways to run and lead businesses, so they are fit for purpose in the 21st century. She believes that a model on how to reinvent business exists in nature and herds of horses that embrace the principles of connection, collaboration, and community to work effectively together. By aligning purpose with actions, the team achieves exponential results because everyone starts pulling in the same direction and feels inspired to show up for work every day, knowing they are making a difference in the world. Julia is a leading authority on Unbridled Leadership. The author of two books, Unbridled Business: Unlocking Nature’s Wisdom To Reinvent Leadership & Unbridled Success: How The Secret Lives of Horses Can Impact Leadership, Teamwork & Communication. She is the host of IMPACTFUL: The Podcast and a C-Suite and CEO Mentor, consultant, trainer, and speaker.

Written by: Serena Martino, 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 leader, you are probably having a busy time finishing all pending tasks, checking on goals, and planning next year's strategy. The transition to a new year is often associated with an urge of closing a door and open a new one: this is a great time to reflect on what we want to leave behind and what we want to carry on with us. The reality is that in life and business, there is no clear cut, some of the hot topics of discussion of the previous year, will still be relevant and develop more in the coming months. Let’s look at some top Leadership trends that will carry on in 2023 that we need to watch out. Flexibility remains at the center of discussion, but it needs to switch direction It’s not surprising that remote work has been a trending topic since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, but in 2022 the big trend moved to hybrid work, with the focus switching to mandate days back to the office. Hybrid companies have tried to figure out how many days staff should return to the office: 69% mandate a minimum number of days each week, while the rest leave the decision to employee discretion. For most businesses, this decision is totally arbitrary. While this past year, the focus was on where people work in a Hybrid setting, the discussion needs to move on to what your company can do to operate successfully in a remote environment. If you need to build a company that can scale globally, you have to ensure that your teams can do their work wherever they are, having the same optimal performance in two different continents as if you are all squeezed together in the same room. To be able to achieve that, you need to have: Clarity on goals: shifting from task-based or time-based to output-based performance. Avoid information silos: goals, KPI metrics, and processes, need to be documented and accessible to everyone at every time. Push asynchronous work: people can operate most of their tasks without having to wait to have an in-person/virtual discussion. Ensure everyone knows where they can add value and put more trust in your team. Remember: Remote is not a place, but a way of working. You can be a remote-first company and have employees coming to an office, or the other way around. You'll be set for success independently from where people are sitting. Mental wellbeing is no longer a nice to have. A recent study from Deloitte shows that 82% of leaders report exhaustion, with nearly all (96%) saying their mental health has declined. As such, more than half said they were thinking about leaving their roles. When you think about the cost of the company of this trend, it is impossible to ignore it as it impacts 2 key metrics: Retention rate ‒ Excessive stress and burnout are often cited as reasons for people leaving; but also lack of motivation and failure to see how they can have an impact generate frustration, and can lead people to look elsewhere. Performance rate ‒ Better workforce experience delivers better results. When employees can operate in their optimal state without stress their ability to do work increases as well as their ability to collaborate successfully. When things change quickly as in today’s market, being able to react promptly is the only way to move forward. You need lucidity and focus to be able to operate in this environment: take time to listen to what is happening around you, reflect, and be ready to make changes quickly. Make sure that you bring well-being into your 2023 Leadership strategy. Keep both ears listening. Be there to understand how your team is doing, and be ready to listen. Keep a close eye on high-achievers that are always ready to take more than they can handle. Your team mainly needs someone that is there for them when they need support. Lead by example. You cannot advocate well-being if you do not make it a habit for yourself first. If your team sees you always working harder and harder, what does it say to them about what is needed to become a manager? Remember that your role is not about you fixing everything. Your role is to inspire them and remove any blockers they have doing their job. The future of work is right now There is so much discussion about AI and how this will replace much of the work done by humans, and leaders especially. But for every manual boring task that we will no longer need to do, there are more strategic jobs to be taken on. The future of work is not in the next decade: so many changes are happening at such high speed that we have to be constantly aware that what we are doing now might change next year, next month, or next week. Waiting too long to make a decision or pivot can be detrimental and set you up for failure. Your role as a leader is to ensure you harness your teams to navigate constant change and ever-increasing complexity. Make space for the unexpected. Have a clear direction, but understand that plans can change. Think about long-term vision and quick action that can make an immediate impact. Know your Numbers. You cannot control big economic factors, but you need to keep a close eye on your metrics and see what you need to do to adjust the course. Get your People ready. When things need to change quickly, you need everyone to be aligned and know how to act. Set a clear direction, give the right tools, and trust they’ll lead the way. Have clear (unperfect) Processes. You need to have easy systems in place so that everyone knows how to operate without always consulting you, but they need to be lean enough to be implemented quickly and changed if needed. In Summary You do not have to fully reset in 2023. Check what you did well last year, what you might have missed, and keep improving over the next months. For hybrid/remote work, just shift your mentality from where to how to ensure you can operate successfully. Consider well-being as a great tool to improve performance and results for you and your teams. And finally, look at AI, and the future of work as an opportunity to bring more ‘human’ work into your day; the keywords here are adaptability and agility. If you need a partner to help you future-proof your business you are welcome to reach out to me via LinkedIn or my website. Read more from Serena! Serena Martino, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Serena Martino is an Executive and Business Coach (ACC with ICF) with abundant Leadership experience both in Corporate and Startup environments, with a focus on Tech, eCommerce, and Travel. Having worked in 6 different countries and with teams around the World, she understands cultural diversity and the complex dynamics of scaling internationally. She works with leaders at all levels: her approach is allowing to find the best solution through self-reflection, combined with practical tools from her direct experience in the field. She coaches people through their businesses, empowering teams and individuals to grow with a clear direction. Her mission is to put people at the center of every company.

Written by: Helen Kagan, 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. We are at the end of 2022. Holiday Season. Running – driving – rushing – going nutz – looking for the right gifts for loved ones, beating traffic to get to the stores, spending hours & hours buying online, getting special foods for special Holiday dinners... Rushing to get everything in time. Do we really have time for Gratitude now? Are you crazy, one may ask? Well… As we find ourselves on the precipice of 2023, are we grateful that the disastrous yet transformational years of 2020 and 2021 are behind us? I, for instance, am very grateful for that. We experienced them as challenging years, maybe positive for some, but definitely negative for most… They were years of many losses, and many Lessons. Yet, can we still remind ourselves of the blessings that have been and still are present in our lives, even if they may look very small and insignificant compared to the losses and setbacks? "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." ‒ Ferris Bueller These last few years taught us that we CAN be grateful, at least for who we are, what we do, and what we have vs. the opposite. We had to learn, embrace, and share Gratitude despite all challenges and undesirable circumstances. Being grateful doesn’t necessarily undo the suffering we personally experience, the traumas we’ve lived through, or the pain of those around us. But practicing Gratitude, integrating it into our daily lives, may and will remind us that there are meaningful moments in Life, many important and wonder-full things to live for and look forward to as we enter a new, and hopefully better, year 2023. The previous years taught us how raw and merciless life can be, they made us more aware about truth, lies, love, life, death, and… gratitude. What will be our “Gratitude Lessons” of 2022? While preparing for my writing about Sanity, Holidays, and Gratitude - when I got stuck, of course I googled everything I could find about my topic… I’ve literally lost myself reading many wonderful stories, articles, even serious research materials, but I loved the most a cute little article “100 Ways to be grateful during Holidays” by Zuzu Perkal I found on wanderlust.com. I fell in love with her 100 simple ways that I very much related to, and then decided to write my own 7 Rituals to be grateful. I will elaborate on the three last ones (5, 6, and 7) as my favorite ones connecting them with my own insightful spiritual understanding as an artist, healer, and writer, of such phenomena as holidays, sanity, and gratitude ‒ our, possibly, “new normal”. Just a small exercise to break the proverbial ice (it’s December afterall…) Let’s think together please ‒ isn't there anything good in our lives? Despite the troubles of the previous years, despite the hardships ‒ isn't there anything we're thankful for? Can we just be thankful that we all (at least those who read this article) are alive; thankful for each other; for our families and friends; food on the table; thankful for long evenings of binge-watching TV; for continued health; for beautiful sunrises, full moon, for holding hands; crispy snow; kissing a baby; walking on the beach; your doggie; having your home sweet home… Yes, we can. And we should (even though I don’t like this word :) But honestly, how can we NOT be grateful for all these things, hah? My 7 Rituals to be Grateful (during Holidays and beyond :) 1. Make a list of things you are thankful for. It doesn’t have to be a long “never-ending” list which is even difficult to read. You can start from one – just one very simple thing you are grateful for – like for instance, your Life, your family, kids, friends, having a job, coffee, lunch, roof over your head, etc., etc. Notice the smallest things in your surroundings you can be grateful for. Just do it every day, add a few more to your list – and you’ll be surprised how fast it will be growing! Along with your gratitude. 2. Contact (call, email, text, write a letter to) your parents. If they are still alive, best of all – call and talk to them. They really need it, and they deserve it. They need to hear from you, they need to know you’re OK, they worry about you simply because they are your parents. Regardless of your current or long-standing relationship with them – just call and talk to them. If they’re not alive, still spend some time in that sacred space where you can connect with them mentally, telepathically, from your heart and soul. Thank them wholeheartedly for everything they’ve done for you. 3. Discover, recognize, and be grateful for blessings in your life. Then, if you can, become supportive and encourage people in your family, your friends, colleagues, people in your environment to find their inner strength & greatness to be grateful for. They will be forever grateful to you for doing that as it might be quite difficult for some to do it on their own…Then thank God, Universe, your lucky stars, your parents, friends, anyone you feel like thanking, for every one of the blessings you have in your life. 4. Believe in yourself and be grateful for everything you are. Let your gratitude be very authentic, and let it radiate out of you so strong that other people, even those who are living on and operating from very low-vibrational energies, or are just in a bad mood, or always see a glass half-empty, can feel your high-vibrational energy of Gratitude, and hopefully, will be able to embrace it. You are in charge of your own reality. You are the one who can make gratitude your “new normal”. You can also help others who are non-believers or are just too unhappy to be able to do it on their own. 5. Love yourself. Just the way you are. Start from feeling grateful that you ARE. Sounds a little strange? Well… Can you be grateful that you are “alive and kicking”? I can. And I AM immensely grateful, every day, that I wake up in the morning, can take a shower, have my coffee, breakfast, can create, paint, design unique clothes from my art, cook, write, go to meetings, show in the Galleries, develop websites, swim in the pool (spinal injury), do a lot of other little and big things every day… ‒ I am grateful for all of them. But, we can’t feel grateful, or even worthy of anything without first embracing a basic concept of “Self-Love”. You most likely heard that no one (including the Universe, God, Angels, and all possible Sources) can love you more than you love yourself. Moreover, you can only receive from any outside source exactly what you’re allowing to give to yourself from your inside Source ‒ i.e., receive from yourself. Many people get lost in this one, but it is really simple – you can’t expect to be given something from anywhere until you allow yourself to receive it – which is one of the main principles of Self-Love. But how does one know what Self-Love could be if they never experienced it? I can define Self-Love as an unconditional experience of love for yourself no matter who and what you are, do, or have; what is going on with you and/or around you or in the world. You love & accept yourself just the way you are, and that’s the whole meaning of it. You are loved, and you are grateful for that. It doesn’t depend on you being smart or not smart, pretty or not, talented or not, etc. It doesn’t depend on you being something or anything. It is about an unconditional acceptance of yourself. And, if it doesn’t sound too crazy (or even if it does), you can write a “thank you” note to yourself and read it every night before you go to bed or stick it to your bathroom mirror and read it every morning. It helps. And it also helps you to create your own “new reality”… 6. Create your morning rituals (and use them daily!) Rituals are very good tools for you and for practicing being grateful. No matter what your professional occupation or personal lifestyle is, it is very important to create your daily routines. “Morning routine” is an amazing healing tool that grounds you and sets the stage to maintain the high-vibrational frequencies for the day. Meditation, breathing exercises, singing loud (for instance in the shower - a perfect tool :), doing Yoga, Qi-Gong, journaling, writing, playing music, doing “morning pages” (as in Julia Cameron “Artist’s Way” wonderful bestseller), walking, jogging, just moving your body and thus your energy that needs to get unstuck — use whatever modality or a combination of them that works for you. For instance, I’ve written hundreds and hundreds of “morning pages” when I was in various groups to work with “Artist’s Way”. And then I choose other tools from my “healing toolbox” and combine them, just trusting my intuition following what feels right at the moment. No less important is your “evening routine”‒ pay attention to what you do before you go to sleep? Do you listen to relaxing music, meditations, do you read, pray, say your “gratitudes for today”? We are living in quite a stressful world, even beyond the Holiday Season! Especially considering a very stressful nature of our external environment, we need to pay very close attention, love and nurture our internal world. There are plenty of psychological and emotional difficulties in handling and dealing with the current reality, jobs, lack of them, health issues, pandemic – economic – lifestyle changes – and other related complications and limitations, inevitable eating, resting, and sleeping disturbances, and multiple factors affecting our normal “well-being” which, unfortunately, is becoming our “new normal”… Can we change that? We can start being grateful for little things (see above), we can begin practicing new routines and rituals conducive to creating “peace of mind”, we can create our own “new normal”! I believe it is in our power to change our “old patterns” that are not helpful and introduce new ones. Remember? “Change your pattern — change your Life”. 7. Do what you love. Find what makes you happy. Express yourself! (even if you have a million of other things to do…) We all heard it many times – do what you love, and money will follow. Right? But is it ALWAYS about money only? What about your happiness, joy, peace of mind? I believe it is very important to find, choose, or create what makes you happy. What is it for you? Is it playing music, writing poems, singing in the shower, dancing, journaling, hiking, painting, crocheting, singing, making cakes? Just get creative! It doesn’t matter what you will do, really, but it will help you to move your stuck energy & raise your vibration, which in turn will make you so grateful to every little thing you’ll discover you love having or creating very much… One of my passions for example, is dancing (of course it comes after creating art – which is my primary creative outlet, or at least I think so…). Thus for me, it would probably be the first choice when I need to move my energy, to get unstuck, to bring myself to a higher vibrational place where I feel Love, Light & Gratitude regardless any unwanted circumstances… I’ve been dancing every possible dance including Shamanic Trance Dance (one of my favorites), Chakra dance, Ballroom dances (not my favorite), and my super favorites ‒ East Coast Swing, Boogie-Woogie, Lindy Hop and other ones from that wonder-full era of Big Bands & Dixielands. So, even in those crazy times of isolation and quarantines, when we could’t even go anywhere, let alone — dance with somebody 8ft apart! – I’d just put my favorite music on (Big Band, Swing, Jazz), and just danced “like nobody’s watching”, to shift my energy, to get unstuck, to feel better. And you know what? I always feel immensely grateful that besides the fact that I love it so much, I CAN dance despite my injuries… I am so grateful I can cry. And this feeling of gratitude is similar to when I finish creating my next “masterpiece” and I am just standing there crying and being speechless because it was a Divine Intervention, a Divine Guidance assisting me all the way… And I am forever grateful for being able to create, or rather co-create, and for this sacred Connection with the Divine. Usually, I do some combo of a few “healing rituals” daily. I integrate some movement, meditation, breathing, chakra clearing, Yoga or Qi-Gong, music, etc. – it all depends on how much time I have today, and some other factors like: did I paint non-stop last night? am I going to spend 25H today on creating some important media campaign? do I have to be writing an article for Brainz Magazine or preparing for a new Art Show? is there a family emergency? and so on… Of course, there are always priorities. Yet… you can still get creative. Maybe just in a small way, just make a first step to allow yourself just that – be creative. Express yourSelf! And… make it a daily routine. Yes, even when you are crazy busy with your Holiday routines. Actually ‒ especially when you are crazy busy with your Holiday routines, because these are the ways to keep your sanity during and beyond the Holidays. You will be forever grateful to yourself for that, trust me! “When people in great numbers choose to practice, integrate and embody gratitude, the cumulative force that is generated can help create the kind of world we all hope for and desire for ourselves and for future generations.” ‒ Angeles Arrien. Living in Gratitude: A Journey That Will Change Your Life HelenKagan HealingArts™. One of my own very strong (positive!) beliefs is that art heals. And this is exactly why I continue creating, in many different ways, shapes, and forms! I believe that art is a catalyst for healing individuals, society, and environment. I believe that for many of us, creatives, art is a spiritual path, a transformational process, a way of being. I believe in the inter-connectedness of mind, body, and spirit. I believe that now, more than ever, our World needs the positive energy and spiritually-based intentions, beliefs, and values. As a statement of all my beliefs, my “HealingArts” is my unique way to synergistically bring together fine art, expressive arts, and art of healing to enhance wellbeing, make right choices, bring Love & Light, practice gratitude, embrace humanity. I’ve become a published author rather suddenly… continue to work on 2 exciting books “Artist of the Future. Embodying Light, Love & Gratitude” and “From M.E.S.S. to E.A.S.E. ‒ a Journey to YourSelf”; was published in a Bestseller Book “We’re All In This Together” ; and am currently co-authoring a Book on Authenticity with Jack Canfield. But my most attention and intention are and always will be dedicated to developing my new unique venue integrating Art, Fashion, Design, and Healing – WearableHealingArts™ – to make healing through art more accessible to anyone. Our big commercial platform WearableHealingArts.com is almost ready… Stay tuned! In the meantime, please visit www.HelenKagan.com to enjoy my healing colors, and perhaps even to meditate on the above concepts about Holidays, Sanity, and Gratitude, and what is our “new normal”… Next article in my Series “Choices & Us” on this new creative Journey of HealingArts™, will be published next month ‒ already in 2023! It will be about Success, Failure, and 7 Habits of highly successful people. Thanks for reading! Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin or visit my website. Read more from Helen! Helen Kagan, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Helen Kagan Ph.D., a scientist, psychologist, artist, a pioneer of creating art with the intention to heal, is a creator of unique HealingArts™ for 30 years. Helen believes art is a catalyst for healing individuals & society and engaging Healthcare & Hospitality to encourage healing through art. As a severe PTSD survivor who dedicated her life to helping others, she synergistically integrates Fine Art, Expressive Arts & Art of Healing. “HealingArts” shown in multiple International Galleries, States, Countries, and Catalogs, won awards, named "Collectible Artist". Her Mission now is to develop a new unique venue integrating fashion, design, art & healing ‒ WearableHealingArts™ ‒ to make healing through art accessible to everyone.

Written by: Pia King, 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. One of the most challenging and difficult aspects of living with a chronic illness like lupus is the lack of understanding about this multifaceted autoimmune disorder. I know from personal experience, as I’m a lupus warrior standing strong and proud in spite of the complexity of daily pain, fatigue, migraines and inflammation and a host of other “I’m so over it” complications. I’ve learned over the years that I don’t have to apologize for things that I need to do to stay healthy to prevent what we call “flares”. My body will always tell me I have over done it and need to rest, and that can be for a little while or even several weeks. I no longer try to figure out a good excuse why I can’t clean up, go grocery shopping, prepare daily meals or hang out with the girls. I stopped worrying about that long ago, because my body needs time to heal. So What is Lupus “What is Lupus?” It’s a fair question asked people who are unfamiliar with the disease and those getting diagnosed and hearing the word for the first time. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune and inflammatory disease. The easiest way to describe this disease is that in someone who has it, the immune system that should be protecting the body turns against itself. Over time, this causes widespread inflammation throughout the body, and chronic inflammation over time damages the body’s organs and tissues. Lupus can affect almost any part of the body, the organs most affected are the kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain. Lupus can also affect the joints, blood vessels and skin. No two cases of the disease are alike however, so while one person may have his or her skin and kidneys affected, another person may have heart and lung involvement. Your immune system protects you from germs and other foreign substances that could make you sick by making parts of your body heat up and swell. However, sometimes it goes too far. That’s when such inflammation becomes chronic as a response to stress, junk food, or other lifestyle triggers. This chronic inflammation is associated with many serious health issues, including autoimmune disorders (lupus), diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, arthritis, fatigue, and depression. One of the things that I needed to do to reduce my risk of chronic inflammation was to change my diet and other daily practices. If you are struggling with chronic inflammation and have an autoimmune diagnosis, start with these ideas for following an anti-inflammatory lifestyle. Eating to Reduce Inflammation: Focus on plants. Most vegetables and fruits are rich in protective compounds like antioxidants and polyphenols. Load up on spinach, kale, berries, and citrus fruit. Some vegetables like asparagus and sweet potatoes also serve as prebiotics that tightens your gut and lower inflammation. Limit refined carbohydrates. On the other hand, foods like white bread and snack cakes have been stripped of fiber and nutrients. They encourage chronic inflammation and weight gain. Steam and grill. Your cooking methods matter too. Instead of frying with oil, try steaming with water or grilling with dry heat. Drink coffee. Moderate amounts of coffee also provide beneficial polyphenols. Just steer clear of the flavored coffee creams that are full of artificial thickening agents and sweeteners. Maybe even lay off coffee for a while. Stay Hydrated: Drink between 8 glasses to a gallon of water a day. Add a tablespoon of turmeric and beet powder, black pepper and ginger to the water and drink up... Choose healthy fats. Not all fats are created equal. Monounsaturated and omega-3 fats help to decrease inflammation. Good sources include olive oil, nuts, and fatty fish. By contrast, saturated fats aggravate inflammation, so go easy on the red meat and whole-fat dairy products. Avoid trans fats. Other Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Inflammation: Lose weight. You can experience chronic inflammation even if you’re thin. Still, maintaining a healthy weight makes you less vulnerable. Exercise regularly. Exercise has an overall positive effect. While an intense workout may cause temporary inflammation, it enhances your health in the long run. Drink water. Staying hydrated is essential. Quench your thirst with green ginger tea instead of soda and juice. Brush and floss. Bacteria from your mouth and gums can travel to the rest of your body. Aim to brush and floss for at least 2 minutes twice each day. Use natural cleansers. Check the labels on your household cleaners and personal beauty products. You may be able to avoid potential toxins by buying organic brands or using plain vinegar and baking soda. Quit smoking and limit alcohol. Tobacco and alcohol aggravate inflammation. Many adults need more than one attempt to become tobacco-free, and combining nicotine therapy with counseling may lead to success this time. Check your medication. Some over-the-counter and prescription drugs have side effects that reduce inflammation. If your doctor recommends that you take aspirin daily or prescribe statins to lower your cholesterol, you can consider this a bonus. Sleep well. Most adults need about 8 hours of sleep to keep their minds and bodies strong. Go to bed and wake up on a consistent schedule and keep your bedroom dark and quiet. Relax and refresh. Managing stress plays a major role. Find a relaxation practice that works for you such as daily meditation or taking long walks. You can reduce chronic inflammation by watching what you eat and drink and making other positive lifestyle choices. Protect your well-being and support healthy aging by bringing chronic inflammation under control. Check out my favorite nutrition specialist @barrettnutrition. If you need me reach me @mswlifellc.setmore.com and getthebook.mswlifecoach.com. Follow me on LinkedIn, and visit Your Whole Life Financial Services or MSW Life for more info! Read more from Pia! Pia King, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine When human beings experience trauma or significant life stressors, it is not uncommon for their lives to begin to unravel. Her greatest passion is bringing healing to people who have been through traumatic/stressful experiences. She believes that the “Almighty can not reach us in a spirit of fear”. She works with her clients, who include youth, adults, and families, to find healthy coping skills and strengthen their self-esteem. As a Lupus Warrior, she knows that no single approach is the right one for every individual, and so she has been trained in a range of modalities including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Stress Management Therapy (SMT), Complementary Alternative Healing, such as, Energy Healing, Aromatherapy and Reiki. Her educational background includes a BA in Mass Communication and a Master of Social Work from Howard University. She is currently working on her Doctoral degree in Theocentric Psychology/Metaphysical Science at the University of Sedona. She is a licensed social worker with a concentration in health care services. As a case manager serving the Special Needs community, she realized that many of her clients were not only dealing with complex disabilities and behavioral health concerns, but many were struggling with social determinants, including inadequate housing/homeless, unemployment, food insecurities, anxiety and trauma. With this in the forefront of her mind, she is obsessed with helping people have more access to better mental, behavioral and spiritual health supports. As a result of her commitment to working with communities of color, Pia launched her private practice six years ago and currently sees clients diagnosed with Lupus and chronic pain. She is the Executive Producer and Host of Getting Better and Stronger Everyday Podcast and Living Life In Mid Life Radio, speaker, trainer, a published author of several books, including, Healing Grace: Through Light and Love- A Journey with Lupus and The Self-Esteem Journal, In Everything Pray- 30 Day Prayer Journal and Getting Started with Estate Planning. Her books can be found on Amazon, The Book Patch, and Payhip. You can find Pia here or helping individuals step into their passion.

Written by: Joel Buckner, 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 the new year approaches, many of us are feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. We may be looking forward to setting new goals and making positive changes in our lives, but we may also be overwhelmed by the prospect of trying to achieve those goals. If you're feeling a little overwhelmed as you kick off the new year, here are some tips to help you get into the right mindset for success: 1. Reflect on the past year Before you start thinking about the future, it can be helpful to take some time to reflect on the past year. What did you accomplish? What were your biggest challenges? What did you learn from those experiences? Understanding what you've already achieved and what you've learned can help you identify areas of strength and growth as you move forward. 2. Set specific and achievable goals When setting goals for the new year, be sure to make them specific and achievable. Instead of setting a broad goal like "lose weight," try setting a specific goal like "lose 10 pounds in the next three months by exercising three times a week and eating a healthy diet." This will give you a clear target to aim for and a plan of action to follow. 3. Break your goals down into smaller steps Once you've set your goals, it can be helpful to break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, if your goal is to start a business, you might break it down into steps like researching your market, creating a business plan, and finding financing. By breaking your goals down into smaller steps, you can focus on one task at a time and avoid feeling overwhelmed. 4. Seek support Achieving your goals is often easier when you have the support of others. Surround yourself with people who will encourage and motivate you, whether it's friends, family, or a professional coach or mentor. You may also want to consider joining a support group or community of like-minded individuals who are working towards similar goals. 5. Celebrate your successes As you work towards your goals, be sure to take time to celebrate your successes along the way. Whether it's a small victory or a major milestone, acknowledging your progress can help keep you motivated and on track. Overall, the key to success as you kick off the new year is to stay focused, stay motivated, and stay positive. With a little planning and perseverance, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Here's to a happy, healthy, and successful new year! Let’s work Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Joel! Joel Buckner, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Joel Buckner is a passionate Life and Performance Coach. Being one that daily understands the challenges of imposter syndrome and being paralyzed by fear he is dedicated to partnering with people to move from scarcity to an abundance mindset.

Written by: Marguerite Thibodeaux, 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. Everyone's on their own personal rollercoaster when it comes to big changes. Some people feel relief and excitement at the thought of the new opportunities and experiences that the change presents. Others feel a sense of hesitation because they're worried about what it means for them. It can take time to get accustomed to changes, especially major ones, and that transition won't be easy for everybody. As a leader, there are some things you can do to make the transition as smooth as possible for all of your teammates. And a smooth transition is a productive, engaged transition. 1. Set workplace requirements What are the major changes that your team has to go through? A lot of companies are worried about the economic condition in the world. Some are trying to stay afloat financially and inevitably would have to lay a portion of their workforce. This entails changes in the responsibilities of the remaining employees. This is a good example where the job expectations of your remaining teammates are going to need to be rescoped. Those job expectations should be based on the company's core priorities and should also be reasonable based on an individual’s capacity. 2. Communicate early As a leader, you would also want to communicate to your team the workplace and job expectation changes as early as possible. You want to give your teammates at least 30 to 60 days to allow for the transition. It’s going to take a little while for your team to hop on to their new roles, and you need to carve out time to help them make those shifts. 3. Communicate often Give your teammates as much information as you have and as often as possible. When people are going through change, they often need to talk about the same points several times to process it and truly understand it. You would want to do this individually and as a team to help people really understand what's expected. Hold space to answer questions along the way, such as: “Ask me anything” sessions to take questions. Team meetings to provide new information regularly as you get it. A Slack channel for questions as they come up and where people can have an ongoing dialogue. A regularly updated FAQ document as a single source of truth teammates can access whenever they need the most up-to-date information. 4. Help your team envision their new work life Help your teammates envision the future, so they can plan and take the steps necessary to take on their new responsibilities. Give them a clear understanding of what their new role means and set realistic expectations. Questions that you can use to help each of your teammates craft their own vision. What does their day look like with their new role? What are the new goals that they have to meet? How does this change affect how they go about their work? Do you need help crafting strategies to support your team get through a big change? Click HERE to snag a free, 30-minute session so we can discuss your challenges and create a plan for your team. Every leader deserves support Follow her on LinkedIn for leadership tips and discussions. Check out her website for free leadership resources like a Professional Development Roadmapping Worksheet and Attrition Risk Matrix. Want one-on-one adapting these strategies to your team? Book a complimentary call with Marguerite. Every leader deserves support. Follow me on LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Marguerite! Marguerite Thibodeaux, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Marguerite Thibodeaux, an leadership coach and talent management consultant, helps leaders and organizations bring the best out of people with courage, compassion, and clarity. After building development programs and leading a talent transformation at a Fortune 100, she became increasingly aware that not all leaders had access to a Fortune 100 Learning & Development team. To do something about that, she started Magnanimous Leadership, a leadership coaching and consulting firm that's on a mission to make resources and support available to every leader.

If you've decided to purchase a pre-engineered steel building to meet your space needs, you've made a great choice. Armstrong Steel says there are many reasons why these types of buildings are perfect for a wide variety of uses, from commercial, agricultural, industrial, and even residential. Embarking on a new steel building project can seem intimidating, but it doesn't have to be that way. There are some simple steps you can take to ensure the entire process runs smoothly and headache-free from start to finish. Below is a guide for easily planning and navigating your steel building project. Determine Your Needs The first step in any purchase of this kind is to determine what your needs are. This may seem obvious, but it's important to look at not just your current operation but where you might want to expand in the future. For instance, if you're purchasing a steel building as a garage at your home, you might only need one now to house two cars and have a small workshop area. But ask yourself, do you plan to purchase another car in the future? Are you considering starting an in-home business that might operate out of this garage? Are there other reasons why you need more space in the future? It's a good idea to have your potential future needs in mind when you approach a representative of Armstrong Steel Buildings, as they can help walk you through some ideas on how to meet those needs. This will include an analysis of the square footage you could select. Determine Your Budget Budget is an essential factor when determining what type of pre-engineered steel building you purchase, including how big it will be and the features it will have. So, you should have at least a general budget in mind before exploring your options. The good news is that these types of buildings provide substantial cost savings over traditional construction projects. In fact, Armstrong Steel systems can provide a cost savings of as much as 40% compared to conventional construction. This is important to keep in mind, as it may impact the design process and get you one step closer to your ideal structure, whatever your needs may be. Place Your Order The final step is to place an order for your new pre-engineered steel building. To do so, you'll spend time one-on-one with an experienced representative at Armstrong Steel, who will help you finalize all the details of your purchase. This consultation will ensure that you get a building that truly meets your needs, now and in the future. After placing a payment to initiate your order, you'll receive drawings of your building and can sign off on the final design. Then, your building materials will be delivered and erected right on site, saving loads of time and money that are normally dedicated to the arduous process of constructing a traditional building. From start to finish, the entire process of purchasing an Armstrong Steel building and being able to use it is simple and easy. About Armstrong Steel As a leading manufacturer of pre-engineered metal buildings, Armstrong Steel Buildings takes pride in delivering high-quality steel buildings across North America. Armstrong Steel Buildings has been delivering high-quality steel buildings for nearly twenty years and provides structures to residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, cannabis, government, and military agencies.