Francisca Ferreira received her certification in Health & Wellness from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in New York City. She completed a series of courses, focusing on how to coach people through stress management, career decisions, lifestyle changes, sleep issues, eating disorders, holistic healing, and most recently, Hormone Health. In June 2021, Francisca got her specialization in Hormone health, focusing on improved digestion, increase libido, relief from PMS symptoms, enhanced focus and clarity, stabilize blood sugar, weight management, infertility, and more. Francisca is dedicated to motivating and inspiring women to take better care of themselves, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Francisca has plans to open up her own Nutrition & Wellness Center soon to provide a safe place for those who want to be healed from the inside out using her holistic approach. As the founder of Bloom Holistic Wellness & Nutrition, She does not diagnose, nor does she treat. Francisca simply provides a safe space for people to explore the different ways they can improve all aspects of their health. So, before we jump into specific questions about the business and what you do, why don't you give us some details about you and your story. Born and raised in Brazil, I moved to the United States when I was 21 years old. Upon arrival, I lived in Washington DC for 7 years but ultimately, my goal was to move to New York City. However, I feared that moving to a new city without friends, family or a job might not be the best idea. I started thinking of ways that I could survive because the last thing I wanted was to become homeless. With that motivation, I opened up a small business and saved enough money to start my life in the city of my dreams. Don’t get me wrong, it took time and NYC was tough on me. There were many times I felt like giving up and moving back to Brazil. I was tired of being alone and away from my family. Like I said, it was tough. However, everything changed when I met my husband. A few years later, I was enjoying life with him and my two beautiful daughters who mean the absolute world to me. Yet, something was still missing. I longed for a career of my own but the problem was that I wanted to do something that would bring me joy and happiness rather than just a paycheck. A friend of mine suggested that I become a Health Coach based on the things I do and the lifestyle I live. She was right, and I signed up for classes that very same day! After I got my certificate, I decided that I wanted to focus my attention on women’s health and lifestyle change so I enrolled in additional classes and got certified in Hormone Health. What do you do for your clients and how can you help them? Using a holistic approach, I guide my clients through a complete lifestyle change. This involves diet modification, stress management, weight loss, exercises, sleeping patterns, and career choices as well as financial and relationship advice. Not to mention, my specialized work in hormone health which focuses on stabilizing blood sugar, endometriose, infertility and other issues related to hormone imbalances. My approach is simply, rather than putting you on a strict diet, I teach you how to eat healthy. These are important and realistic changes that can in turn, help you live a happier and healthier life. Who should work with you? Anyone who's struggling with weight gain, sleeplessness, stress, hormonal issues or anyone that is willing to change their lifestyle for the better. What are your goals and where do you see yourself in 10 years from now? My main goal is to inspire women like me to never give up. To always go for what they believe in. The ride won't be easy, but it’s not impossible, and don't give up when you hear the word NO. I have heard that word too many times but never gave up. I continued to work hard for everything I ever wanted, and 10 years from now I see myself doing exactly what I am doing now. Just on a bigger scale, reaching a bigger group of women. I hope to see myself speaking to hundreds of women in a room. That goal comes from my recent success in group-coaching. It gives me so much joy to get women together and talk about things that empower us. It's amazing to see them loving my meetups. It’s even more amazing to see their new vision on life, on empowerment, and putting big decisions in their own hands.. I hope to see all women succeed in every aspect of their lives. That is my goal. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received The importance of listening before talking. What do you do to manage stress and at the same time achieve work-life balance? Overthinking is not going to resolve anything unless you put it into practice. I think that if you’re going to be successful, you have to work beyond the balance, get out of your comfort zone, and most importantly, take care of the house you live in, meaning your body, mind and soul. Exercise is one of the best ways to manage stress so, before I officially start my day I drink a glass of water with an empty stomach and proceed to do a workout. Is that a lesson you never forgot? Yes, before you get to the top you are going to fall down several times. The key is never to give up. What is the last training or education you have received? My last educational experience was when I received my hormone health specialization certificate. That was my last formal training program. However, I have had a lot of life & industry experience lately. Specifically, I recently participated in three Global Webinars which focused on Traditional and Alternative Medicine. It was an honor to speak among doctors and professors from all over the world. What is your number one advice on lifestyle management? I believe that there is a lot of misinformation out there. My advice is that you have to feel comfortable when it comes to making changes. You must do it at the right time otherwise the chances of it working are not as high, especially when you are used to living a certain way. At the same time, you can't change your lifestyle overnight. Instead of doing a brutal life shift, try doing one thing at a time. A person who was only introduced to fast food in their life won't switch to whole foods like fruits, vegetables and unprocessed foods that easily. My recommendation is that you start eating less processed food and start to add some vegetables, grains, and good fats like avocados, nuts, olive oil and fish to your diet. Because again, if you try to switch all at once the chance of you giving up is much higher. You don't have to follow an exercise routine if you don't have time but keep your body moving. Go for walks, do longer walks when you take your dog out. Avoid taking the elevator and take the stairs instead. Try to walk to work once a week if possible… things like that. Creating a bedtime routine is essential too. With small steps, you get big results. For more info, follow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, or visit my website. Read more from Francisca!

Written by: Cynthia Omekam , 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 resilient doesn’t mean that you never face challenges. Instead it describes your ability to effectively & gracefully rise above life’s challenges. So as a resilient person I still experience moments of anxiety, distress & grief, however through my healing journey I have learned how to navigate through these moments in a healthy & productive manner. All while discovering the true power gained through overcoming challenges, as they always lead me to new levels of strength & transformation. So resilience is about mindset. One that helps us stand strong in the face of adversity. And ultimately plays a major role in our ability to not only survive but to thrive. And surrendering is a powerful way to cultivate this level of inner strength which reminds me of Alison Fiorini’s quote “Resilience is found when you overcome the ego and let go, surrendering to a greater plan.” So often, we believe that maintaining control is where the power lies, but true power is having the ability to surrender to something greater. The Art Of Surrendering Our natural tendency to run from vulnerability causes us to spend our lives dedicated to controlling every aspect of our journeys. All in high hopes of achieving a specific outcome that we desire such as having the perfect relationship or building the perfect career. However, this micromanaging mindset only guarantees one thing: mental, emotional & physical exhaustion. On top of that, our need for control often leads us to creating expectations. And we all know expectations are literally the kryptonite to peace & joy. And when we really take the time to analyze the concept of control it becomes very clear that “control” is an illusion. Because nothing is definite & things are changing every minute, every second. And although it’s a hard thing to accept, change is the only consistency in life. So no matter how well we plan or prepare, we can never really prevent all the factors that could interrupt our idealistic flow. This can be very stressful & anxiety provoking. But accepting this hard truth can also be very liberating & empowering. Because by surrendering & accepting life for what it is, we cultivate the resiliency needed to overcome the greatest of obstacles. And through the process of surrendering we're able to build the courage, character & endurance that leads us to new levels of knowledge, wisdom, insight & skill sets. Ultimately, creating space for limitless possibilities & abundant life. So in summary, surrendering is literally you stepping aside to allow the universe to do its job. With knowledge that your destiny of peace, love, joy & prosperity is already written in the stars. And that the universe is there as your guide, teaching you lessons & showing you signs along the way; while ensuring that no matter what route you take, all things are still working for your highest good & still leading you in the right direction. Allowing you to experience life on a higher frequency, where things begin to flow effortlessly & you are able to push forward free from the overwhelm that comes with the stress, anxiety & fear associated with resistance. 4 Ways To Begin Letting Go The concept of surrendering is simple but actually incorporating it into our daily lives can be challenging. So here are 4 simple yet effective ways to begin letting go & embracing the natural flow of your journey. 1. Embrace change & remain flexible. It’s so important to make peace with the presence of change because this allows room to cultivate an optimistic mindset & approach to life without any attachments to expectations anchored in ego or societal standards. Allowing you to accept & enjoy your journey as is, even if things don't play out according to your vision. 2. Keep an open heart & mind. Of course if you're trusting the universe to deliver you must also expect to receive, but the big piece of this is remembering to accept what is delivered without judgement. This will allow you to experience new levels of peace & fulfillment completely detached from those ego driven expectations that so often leave us feeling discouraged, defeated and/or dissatisfied. 3. Practice mindfulness. Intentionally increase awareness around your fears & limiting beliefs so that you can regain power in the moment. This will allow you to challenge them & shift your focus back into a positive & optimistic direction. Meditation, more specifically, guided meditation is also a great way to increase positive inner dialogue & cultivate a more positive outlook on life. Additionally, the use of affirmations & mantras during these moments of high stress/resistance is a very useful way to create space for positive change by helping you challenge & overcome those self-sabotaging & negative thoughts. A good example would be (one of my weekly peace mantras): 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 & 𝐝𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞. 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. 4. Stir up hope. Ride the waves, don’t let them sweep you under. Believe in yourself & your capabilities! Make use of spiritual connectivity, motivational resources & the practice of mindfulness to keep hope alive even when it may be challenging. This will help you cultivate a deep-rooted faith & confidence in the timing/flow of your journey. Ultimately, leading you to truly mastering the art of surrendering which will open the doors to a life that surpasses your wildest dreams. Getting into the habit of letting go & feeling comfortable doing so is a process just like any other transformation. However, with commitment & consistent practice, we are all capable of experiencing the unmatched freedom that derives from flowing with the universe. For peace is the opposite of resistance, so beloved I encourage you to set yourself free by getting out of your own way. Trust & surrender, knowing that all things are always naturally working together for your greater good. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and visit my website for more info! Cynthia Omekam, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Cynthia Omekam, the owner of Holistic Liberation LLC, is a Certified Holistic Life Coach & an Accredited Spiritual Healer with a BS & MA in Psychology. She is dedicated to supporting others as they break free from stress & anxiety and begin living more peaceful, balanced, and fulfilling lifestyles. She specializes in stress management, establishing inner peace, mindful living & spirituality. When she is not working Cynthia loves adrenaline-pumping adventures & anything that leads her closer to her higher self.

Written by: Kylie Feller , 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 hear of connecting to one’s true self but how does one actually do this? I feel like we know we are not our anxiety, worries, fears or shame yet for many people these parts play a major role in their life. I wondered; how do we heal these parts of us that seem so disconnected from who we really are? Often in our culture, we examine parts of us and determine which ones are “good” and which ones are “bad” then work to get rid of the bad ones. What if though no parts of you were bad? Instead, what if every part of you was actually trying to protect you? What if the parts of you that seem "bad" had to adopt survival strategies at certain points of your life to protect you that made sense then but do not now? What if instead of trying to get rid of parts of you, you instead became curious about why they do what they do with the understanding they are trying to help? And instead of trying to get rid of them, you helped them transform, so they can really help you in your present moment life. Would you be interested in inner transformation rather than internal war? When we try to disown or get rid of certain parts of us, they just get further pushed down into the basement of our psyche. From there they continue to impact our beliefs and behaviours which impact our life and well-being. I am sure you have experienced this yourself? How has it worked out when you have tried to disown or get rid of parts of yourself? It hasn’t really worked, has it? There is an approach known as Internal Family System that has created a way you can access your internal world to create inner understanding and transformation with your True Self. By connection to curiosity and compassion, you are connecting to your True Self. A healing power in you that can create inner transformation and harmony so you can develop Self-Leadership. What is Internal Family Systems? Internal Family System is a transformative evidenced-based model of psychotherapy. It was developed by Richard Schwartz in the 1990s although the ideas behind the model have been echoed throughout history. This model believes the mind is naturally multiple, consisting of sub-personalities. Our inner parts have valuable qualities along with our core Self, which is an internal healing force, which allows us to be integrated and whole. This new approach is empowering as it offers people a way to harmonize the mind and the belief that anything can be healed. That as human beings we can heal and create a compassionate inner and outer world. Therefore, this approach is non-pathologizing and sees many diagnostic labels as parts that are burdened with pain and in need of understanding and healing. In this model there are “no bad parts” of you, instead, there are just parts that have taken on different roles to protect you based on your life experiencing. What a relief eh? In this model, parts can have three main roles and then there is a central True Self that exists in everyone. Your Internal Family of Parts Exiles : These are parts of us that carry our pain or trauma that may have resulted in childhood. These can include Big T traumas that include more obvious traumatic experiences like abuse or major losses and also small t traumas such as having parents that struggle with their mental health, experiencing childhood illness, parents being busy or working away, being bullied, experiencing divorce etc. Children often have a way of internalizing what is going on growing up as being their fault or as if they have some ability to control it and when they cannot they believe they are bad. These feelings and beliefs are too much for a child to carry to parts of us known as exiles are banished to the basement of our consciousness and other parts like managers and firefighters are developed to protect us from these emotions reaching consciousness so proper coping and functioning can continue. Managers : These parts of us are responsible for maintaining our daily functioning. When they are protecting exiles, they work to help us avoid situations that might result in us feeling hurt or rejected. They can do this through a number of different ways such as controlling, striving, caretaking, evaluating, judging, working, evaluating, criticizing, etc. Firefighters : These parts are similar to managers in that they protect us from feeling the pain of the exiles, but they do this differently. These parts of us are more explosive at times and do not care what the consequences are they just want to extinguish and control the feeling of the exiles when they are activated. They can do this by using alcohol or drugs, through self-harm, binge eating, binge tv watching etc. True Self: The True Self is at the centre of everyone; it is the seat of consciousness. The Self is defined as having a number of positive qualities known as the 8Cs: Curious, Compassionate, Calm, Connection, Confidence, Clarity, Creativity, and Courage. This is the observing part of us that is wise, accepting and healing. As you seek to understand your parts, they will unblend and you will experience this aspect of your being. From this place you can heal exiles that are burdened with pain and trauma so they can reclaim their original roles in your system that support you in living your best life with the True Self leading. This approach is best experienced. I will outline some exercises you can do to help to build inner self-leadership in your system. There are also great guided meditations by Richard Schwartz on the app Insight timer that can help you gain access to your parts so you can begin healing them and leading from your True Self. 5 Steps to Begin Accessing Self-Leadership 1. Notice Your Parts As you read through this article which parts did you notice in your own system? Maybe you have a strong manager who organizes your life? Maybe a strong inner critic who motivates you with shame and guilt, maybe you have a part that keeps you really busy or a part that puts you in bed and takes away your motivation? Take a minute and notice your different parts and jot them down on paper. Throughout your day continue to notice the different parts of you that help you navigate your life. 2. Become Curious and Find the Part Inside Let's choose a part that you are curious about and would like to get to know better. Maybe it's your inner critic or a part that has low motivation? Take a couple of nice deep breaths and become curious about how this part shows up in your body or head? When you think about this part what do you notice shift in your body? Maybe you can visualize this part and see it as a cartoon or younger version of you. As you sense this part, can this part notice you are becoming aware of it, that you are noticing it? Can it sense it is not alone? 3. Notice How You Feel Towards Parts? As you notice this part of you ask yourself internally how you feel towards this part? This question might activate other parts of you that might be polarized to this part, they might not like it or are frustrated by it or scared of it etc. Just notice and as you do see if these parts would give you some space by stepping back so you can be with this part. If not find out their fears about what would happen if they did? Reassure them that by being with it you are not allowing it to just take over but rather are going there to help it. If you have some curiosity about the target part you started to work with, you can go to the next step and start a dialogue. If your polarized or aligned parts can’t step back then focus on them and be curious with them and start a dialogue with them until they can trust you. 4. Start A Dialogue When you have some curiosity about a part that is coming from your heart you can begin a dialogue. Ask the part if it can notice you being curious about it? If so what would it like to share with you about it? What would it like you to see or feel? When was this part of you formed? How old is it? How old does it see you as being now? If it is younger than you are now, show it you in the present moment. What is this part afraid will happen to you if it does not do what it does? Is it protecting a younger more vulnerable part of you? What does this part need from you? Spend time getting to know this part so it feels really understood by you. Resist making assumptions, when you do have one just check with the part to see if it is right and you are really understanding it. 5. Make It a Practice Taking time to go inside with your parts through meditation or journaling will help you develop Self-Leadership. This process takes times so developing this into a daily or weekly practice will help you gain more access to your True Self as you begin to understand and develop a connection to your parts. As you get to know parts you may also notice that they change, there is a lot more to them then what appears at first, stay curious and open to developing this deeper relationship with yourself. Doing this alone can be difficult as many people have a number of protectors that have worked your whole life to keep you away from your pain, so going inside can be scary to them. If you are struggling to go inside and would like some guidance, feel free to reach out . Once you have been guided inside a few times it becomes a lot easier to do on your own. Reach out if you are curious about how this approach might help you develop true Self-Leadership. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and visit my website for more info! Kylie Feller, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Kylie Feller, M.A., is a registered clinical counsellor and life coach. She specializes in helping people understand and heal trauma while connecting them to their own innate healing force, their True Self. She believes that there is nothing people cannot heal and that all individuals can thrive and flourish if given the right formula. She has also launched an online program to help individuals navigate dating in a way that promotes greater growth and healing called, Swipe Right into Loving Yourself. She is a trained Internal Family Systems therapist, Empowerment Coach, Akashic Record Coach, Reiki Healer, and Yoga Teacher. She works with individuals one-on-one online helping them to access inner transformation so they can truly succeed in all levels of life. References : https://ifs-institute.com/ http://kyliefeller.com/services/

Written by: Dr. Mary J. Huntley, 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. A winner never quits, and a quitter never wins. Winners rest, but they do not quit. In fact, winners do what others won’t do because they choose to win. Winning doesn’t happen by the process of osmosis, but rather by strategic and deliberate planning. Before we actually win, we must prepare our minds by adopting a winner’s mindset. Proper preparation prevents poor performance; therefore, planning is a very vital part of winning. So, begin by inhaling confidence and exhaling fear. That’s right, inhale confidence as you pace yourself to succeed while remaining single eye focus on your goal. And exhale all negativity including fear, that will definitively deter your focus. Let’s look at two very familiar acronyms of F.E.A.R. F = Forget F = Face E = Everything E = Everything A = And A = And R = Run R = Rise Since our focus is on the winner’s mindset, we will choose the appropriate acronym to help us win and achieve our goals. A winner’s mindset says that we face everything and rise to the occasion. Again, this takes strategic planning. We know that it is not always easy to face our challenges and fears. However, with a lot of practice, it is possible. We replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts and run toward the finish line to achieve our goals. We must not allow paralysis analysis and self-sabotaging thoughts to control our minds, dictate our thoughts, or steal our victories. Sometimes we can be our worst enemy. When we allow negative self-talk and self-sabotaging thoughts to control our minds, that is a plan for disaster. Therefore, it is vital to adopt a winner’s mindset to ensure that we reach our goals. You must ensure that you have a winner’s mentality or mindset. And remember that success begins in the mind, so check your thoughts. Watch Your Thoughts Watch your Thoughts, for they become Words! Watch your Words, for they become Actions! Watch your Actions, for they become Habits! Watch your Habits, for they become Character! Watch your CHARACTER, for It becomes your DESTINY. Now that we have cleared our minds from negativity and replaced the necessary thoughts, we are ready to believe in ourselves. We should be our biggest cheerleaders! No one should ever believe in us more than you believe in ourselves. Therefore, we should get up every morning and encourage ourselves by saying “I can, I must, and I shall do this. I refuse to give up.” It doesn’t matter how many naysayers try to dissuade you from your positive self-talk. Refuse to entertain the following dream killers that will always attempt to assassinate your goals and dreams. Fear It is not unusual to be afraid of the unknown or something new. However, we can also view fear as an opportunity to overcome an obstacle and reach our goals and dreams. Opposition and opportunity always travel in the same entourage. Low Self-Esteem Low self-esteem is a dream killer that nags many individuals. It whispers things like “you’re not good enough, “you will never accomplish that, and you’re not smart enough.” But remember that you do not need anyone else’s approval to accomplish your dreams/goals. So, keep pressing toward your goal! Naysayers Sometimes these individuals believe that you can’t do something because they could not do it. Refuse to allow them to keep you from achieving your dreams. Allow your actions to speak for you. Fear, low self-esteem, and the naysayers are just a few dream killers that will sabotage our goals and dreams. Instead of entertaining dream killers, include the following recipe for success as part of your everyday routine as you march toward the goal line. Recipe for Success Heat up an idea. Take action. Mix it with passion and belief. Then add a dash of persistence. Positivity is the key to maintaining a winner’s mindset that will help you achieve your goals. It is paramount that we believe in ourselves when others doubt. We should also surround ourselves with like-minded individuals to help maintain our positivity. Lastly, here are some salient points to help us run focused to win and achieve our dreams and goals. Winners looks adversity in the eye and says “let’s do this” Winners are action takers and not excuse-makers Winners see the gain without dwelling on the pain Winners see the possibilities amidst the problems Winners make it happen Winners maintain a positive attitude Winners are lifelong learners Winners are producers In the words of the Late President Nelson Mandela “A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.” Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and visit my website for more info! Dr. Mary J. Huntley, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Dr. Mary J. Huntley is a servant leader and Chief Executive/Encouragement Officer of Certified an exclusive consulting organization. She is also CEO of Trinity Global Empowerment Ministries, Inc., a 501 (c)(3) organization and Certified Academic Institution under the National Christian Counselors Association. She is an Amazon 5X international bestselling author and Amazon 10X bestselling author. She is a multi-award winner including the 2019 Indy Author Legacy Award Winner and 2 governor citations. She has earned Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Ministry Degrees. She is a Board-Certified Master Life Coach, certified women's motivational speaker, and licensed professional counselor with 6 advanced certifications. She serves as an international representative and clinical supervisor of various organizations. She is honored to be the wife of 47 years to Dr. Ronald Lee Huntley.

Written by: Leslie Parran, 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. Most of us are looking for one simple solution to prevent aging. Why? So that we can live a long and great quality of life. We all know of friends, family, or colleagues who suffer from early (premature) aging, and have symptoms of chronic inflammation, pain, and other health issues. And there is that other friend who just doesn’t seem to look their age, surprising us with their youthful appearance. We all want to be that person. The solution is following a roadmap to get back to basics. While it’s not one simple solution, there are basic ways to promote health and healthy aging. What are the signs and symptoms of premature aging? Many biochemical reactions can impact aging. Chemical reactions that result in oxidation and release of free radicals or AGE’s (Advanced Glycation End Products) are known to contribute to aging. While your body seeks to rebalance itself naturally, it can be overwhelmed by lack of appropriate nutrients, hormonal imbalances, chronic inflammation from exposure to toxins, gut pathogens, or even by not eating the right foods or foods cooked properly. This can lead to premature aging signs or symptoms, even in your 20’s or 30’s including: Loss of muscle and collagen. Your skin may feel droopy, or you may have more wrinkles or fine lines. Hyperpigmentation of the skin or age spots Early graying of hair or hair thinning or loss Fatigue and loss of energy. Chronic constipation Loss of libido (sex drive) Here’s your longevity roadmap based on principles of Functional Diagnostic Nutrition® and the D.R.E.S.S. for Health Success® Guidebook developed by Reed Davis: Diet – Eat the right diet for your type. This is not just some fad diet. Dieting is not the answer. Finding out how your body's metabolism works and the right foods to promote a healthy metabolism is key. Eat mindfully. Eat slowly and chew your food rather than swallowing large bites. Enjoy what you eat and don’t just eat while distracted watching tv or working at your desk. Pay attention to how you feel a couple of hours after you eat. Did what you ate kept your body feel satisfied, or are you hungry, bloated, or not feeling well? Metabolic Typing® is one way to find out the right percent of carbs, proteins, and fats your body needs and provides information based on an extensive survey of what foods your body processes best and what foods you may want to limit or avoid. What’s more, is you don’t need to count calories or measure food. Learn whether you may have food intolerances or sensitivities that may be causing inflammation and affecting your body’s digestion and metabolism. While food sensitivity testing is available, you can try an anti-inflammatory diet on your own to limit foods known to be inflammatory for a period and then slowly re-introduce them to see how you feel. Rest – Sleeping 7 to 8 hours a day minimum is key. Your brain detoxifies while you sleep. Good sleep hygiene, which includes healthy nighttime routines is critical to sleep. Try these tips and if you continue to have sleep issues, this may be a sign that you have gut pathogens or hormonal imbalances that need to be corrected through seeing a functional practitioner. Turn off Wifi and your electronic devices a couple of hours before going to bed. Don’t watch tv in your bedroom. Wear blue blocker glasses while using electronic devices to improve your sleep. Don’t eat carbs before bed. Some people may need a good quality high protein snack .prior to bedtime so that they don’t wake up hungry in the middle of the night. Limit/avoid alcohol use. Don’t’ drink coffee after 4 PM. Go to bed by 10 PM. Don’t become dependent on sleep medicines. Use non-habit-forming sleep aids such as: Epsom salt bath before bedtime Applying essential oils or using essential oil diffusers with lavender or valerian Short meditations before bed may promote sleep. Exercise – Daily exercise and movement are important. Too much exercise may cause hormonal imbalances which can increase stress hormones such as cortisol. Pay attention to how your body responds to stress. You can do this simply by monitoring your pulse, or by using monitoring devices and trackers. Stress Management – Stress is the number one cause of inflammation and premature aging. It may lead to a variety of chronic diseases of aging including, cancer, diabetes, autoimmune disease, and others. Stress includes mental or psychological stress, physical stress, and chemical stress. To manage stress Use breathing techniques such as the 4, 7, 8 breathing method (breath in through your nose for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, and breathe out through your mouth for 8 seconds) at least 3 times per day, and when feeling the onset of anxiety or stress. This can be a stress management gamechanger. Regular meditation for 20 minutes a day can promote a relaxed and positive mindset. There are many great apps out there. Other forms of practicing mindfulness to promote being in the present moment can be beneficial if you have trouble meditating. Try tapping, also known as the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) to work on issues to release stress. Get outdoors! Getting out in the sunshine for at least 15 minutes per day can help with maintaining adequate vitamin D levels in your body. Walking in the woods or going to peaceful places can make a huge difference in attitude. Use non-toxic skincare products and makeup. EWG.org is a great resource. Supplementation – You just cannot eat enough healthy foods to get the right amount of nutrients your body needs. While basic vitamin and mineral supplementation is usually important for most individuals, other individuals may need additional evaluation with lab testing and supplementation. This is another area where functional practitioners can help. So, the next time you think that there is one simple solution to healthy aging, remember that diet, rest, exercise, stress management, and supplementation work together to support your body’s balance. Following this roadmap to longevity using the D.R.E.S.S. for Success ® model can promote health while reducing the effects of aging for most people and there are many more specific strategies not covered in this article. If you have chronic health issues, a support of a functional practitioner, such as a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P) can provide access to functional lab testing, personalized holistic healing protocols, and health coaching to help your body rebalance to work the way it’s supposed to promote healthy aging. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and visit my website for more info! Leslie Parran, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Leslie Parran is a leader in natural holistic healing from inflammation and pain. As a nurse for 40 years with advanced nursing certifications, Leslie helped patients with chronic diseases and pain. Now as a Board-Certified Functional Wellness Coach and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner with several other holistic and functional practitioner certifications, she helps active and motivated people with chronic inflammation and pain move from pain to peace so that they feel better, move better, and live better. Leslie is the Owner and Champion Peacemaker of Peace x Piece Wellness coaching. As a functional practitioner, she uses in-home lab testing to uncover hidden metabolic healing opportunities such as food sensitivities, hormonal imbalances, gut pathogens, and toxins that can sometimes, unknowingly, lead to inflammation, pain, and chronic health conditions. As a health coach, she uses positive psychology and personalized holistic healing protocols including diet, rest, exercise, stress management, and supplementation to help her clients make their bodies work the way they are supposed to and achieve their wellness goals.

Written by: Chris Janssen, 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. Do you own a powerful story? Maybe you’ve started a new job. Perhaps you’re establishing a new relationship or reentering the worksite in person instead of online. Whatever your season, engage it with a powerful story. Your story is the narrative you tell yourself, either consciously or subconsciously. It’s your interpretation of past, current, or future events—along with your life circumstances. The story you tell yourself about something becomes your belief about that thing. You get to choose whether you tell a story that energizes you—or one that exhausts you. There are other choices under your control too: You can move toward what you want, get stuck where you are, slide backward, or quit altogether. These choices are based on the stories you tell yourself. Destructive stories spawn when what’s true and fabricated about an event mangle together over time to create an unsound belief. You can live for years believing a destructive story about a past event. That story may even feel comfortable and safe because you’ve formed an identity with or significance in that old story. Constructive stories develop when the truth about an event interweaves with your positive interpretation of that truth to create a sound belief. You cannot control all your circumstances, but you can control the meanings you choose to attach to them. To own a powerful story that serves you well, first identify and destroy destructive stories you’ve been telling yourself for days, weeks, months (or maybe years). How? As a coach, I specialize in walking my clients through identifying and terminating their exhausting stories. I’ll help you find your blind spots and strengths you may not know were there. If you want help creating your new story, visit my website to set up a call. You’re the only narrator of your story. Tell one that emboldens and invigorates you. Own your powerful story! © 2021 Chris Janssen. No part of this article may be reproduced online or in print without the author’s written permission. Want to learn more from Chris? Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin or visit her website. Read more from Chris! Chris Janssen, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Chris Janssen is a Board Certified Life Coach with an honest, strategic style who helps her clients master habits and skills to move toward and thrive in what they love. Chris excels in working with high performers and understands the character traits associated with driven achievers. As a trained Business Coach, Chris specializes in closing the gap between where a company or individual is and where they want to be. Chris partners with her clients to access their creativity and resourcefulness necessary to achieve the sustainable results they want. She cares deeply about her clients' careers, relationships, spirituality, wellness, health, patterns, and mindsets. Chris says her clients are experts at what they do and she is an expert at the psychology of what they do. Together they are unstoppable.

Written by: Sara Loureiro, 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. I’ve always wondered what makes some people so successful when others are just struggling to even make money in their industries. And after being in the online business space for over 6 years now, learning from high level mentors and growing my business to multiple 6 figures a year I’ve come to realize that successful entrepreneurs do 7 things very, very well. Here they are in a nutshell. 1. They Wake Up Early When we wake up earlier and have an intentional hour before we start our day it helps us to put in the most positive affirmations and visions to start out the day. One of my favourite quotes is what you focus on expands, so when we’re actively getting a head start on positive thoughts in the morning that helps us to expand into more positive thoughts, decisions and actions throughout our day. Successful entrepreneurs do this consistently each in their own unique way. 2. They Don’t Take Failure Personally Success isn’t about never failing and successful entrepreneurs know this. They actually fail more than someone who is struggling to even make ends meet. The trick is that they understand that any failure, any launch that doesn’t go their way is merely a lesson and extra important information they can use to make their next idea be a massive success. So the next time something doesn’t go your way in business, understand that it’s totally normal to feel rejected, or like nothing is working, from time to time. Instead of wanting to give up, ask yourself what you can learn from it. 3. They’re Eternal Optimists This is one of the things I love the most about successful entrepreneurs-- they see the glass half full and it makes all of the difference in their decision making processes. Where someone who isn’t an entrepreneur would see a business decision as a massive risk a successful entrepreneur sees the opportunity. 4. They Believe In a Higher Power This isn’t about following a specific religion or making sure that they do their morning rituals-- believing in a higher power is more about trusting in the fact that things will always work out in their favour. Most successful entrepreneurs believe that it’s not only up to them to produce the results they want to see in their businesses and this helps them to ultimately release control and prevents them from self sabotaging their success. 5. They Don’t Get Consumed by The Mainstream News Successful entrepreneurs are very careful with what they consume, and this includes what they decide to listen to each and every day. Every single successful entrepreneur I’ve met within the past 6 years of coaching online limits their exposure to mainstream news whether they block it out completely or listen to select media outlets to ensure they’re staying up to date with world news without being consumed with the fear and anxiety that comes with it. 6. They Consider Investments as Opportunities If a successful entrepreneur wants something, they do it with full trust and faith that it’s right for them. They also view investments as incredible opportunities for growth rather than lean into the fear of things not working out. 7. They Don’t Overwork Themselves Successful entrepreneurs know how to be productive while also making sure that they rest and recharge when necessary. They don’t work themselves to the ground because they understand that in order to maximize their productivity they must also leave room in their day for creative space, play and self care activities. They also understand that in order to hit the next level in their businesses, leaning on other people-- whether it be mentors, team members or outside agency work-- is essential for the overall growth of their vision and rarely go at it alone. The good news about all of these habits is that they are acquired and anyone can start implementing them to maximize their results in business. Remember that successful entrepreneurs are also innate leaders and thus intrinsically know that practicing these habits on a daily basis not only helps them and their overall vision but is also helpful to increase the wellbeing of the communities around them. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or visit my website for more info! Read more from Sara! Sara Loureiro, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Sara is a Soulful Business Coach who specializes in helping online service-based entrepreneurs sign on higher-paying clients and hit 6-7 figures through a combination of strategic marketing, neurolinguistic programming, and energetic work. After bringing her own business to 6 figures and quitting her 9-5 to move from Toronto to sunny and tropical Nicaragua, she isn't shy about walking the talk and living a freedom-based life. She is the CEO of sarajloureiro.com and has inspired thousands of women all over the world to quit their 9-5s, step into their leadership, and do purpose-driven work while getting paid abundantly for it through her numerous free training, extensive social media presence, and her work as the host of "The Uplevel Your Online Business Show" podcast. Her mission: to inspire women to take up space, make more money and step into their fullest potential.

Written by: Kathy Fritz, 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. If you’re a woman in your 40s, “perimenopause” might have been a word that was thrown around at your last physical. You may even have spent a little time Googling it, which likely created more confusion than solutions. Don’t worry, you’re in good company! Most of my clients are unaware of what’s happening to their bodies during perimenopause, so I put together the top 5 questions my clients ask and my answers to them. 1. What is perimenopause? Perimenopause is the 10+ years where your ovaries slowly become less active in your endocrine system. What that actually means: your body doesn’t ovulate every month. Without ovulation, your progesterone won’t spike like it used to, and in the meantime, your estrogen fluctuates wildly from month to month. At this point, you may be imagining a bucking bronco named Hormone Havoc taking you for a ride that lasts years. Unfortunately, this is true for many women, but it doesn’t have to be for you! 2. How do I know if I’m in perimenopause? First, you should know that perimenopause can begin as early as 35. Symptoms predate period changes, so you’ll experience some new and different symptoms before anything happens to your menstrual cycle. In other words, most of my clients feel a little off, but they assume it’s not hormonal because their periods are still regular. If you’re not feeling like yourself and you’re over 35, don’t overlook your hormones! It might just be perimenopause! 3. When my period does start to change, what will happen? Most women find that first, the time between cycles shortens, usually by only 2-3 days. However, some women start getting their periods every 2-3 weeks! (Thanks, I’ll pass.) As you continue on the perimenopause road, you may skip a period, then have an especially heavy one. You might skip for several months and then return to regular periods. It’s kind of like playing the The Big Wheel Game on The Price is Right, but instead of numbers, your wheel has different amounts of flow for each period. Heavy, light, spotting, and my favorite...twice in a month! 4. Wait, symptoms come before the period changes?! What symptoms? Cue the Space Jam theme song- “Y’all ready for this?” Any of these can indicate that you’re in perimenopause: You feel stressed or anxious and can’t shake it. You feel sad or alone. You can’t concentrate. You’ve gained weight, especially in the hips. You can’t sleep. You have no energy. You are bloated. Your PMS is awful. And there are other symptoms! These are just the most common. 5. What can I do to help myself with perimenopause? This is my favorite question and the most important one, because you can honestly do a lot! When I work with a client, we start with looking at her food and we figure out which foods are supporting her hormones and which are hijacking them. Then we look at her movement habits, how much she’s exercising and just as important, how she’s exercising. Lastly, we look at lifestyle habits and consider her sleep, play, stress management, sun exposure, and other factors. I can hear you though- That’s great, Kathy, but can you give me a few pointers now? Absolutely! Pointer No.1: Eat more veggies and high-quality protein. Leafy vegetables and cruciferous veggies are particularly good for you if you’re in perimenopause. better quality your protein, the easier your body can use it, so opt for grass-fed and finished meats, wild-caught fish, and pasture-raised eggs. Pointer No.2: More interval training, less running for miles and miles (or sitting for hours and hours). Interval training engages our fight or flight response, but in a positive, fat-burning way that optimizes our hormones. Running for miles and miles can stress your body out so that it holds onto fat. Sitting for hours and hours, well, I’m sure you already know how that isn’t good for you! Pointer No.3: Create a self-care routine that you stick to. Stress is the number one hormone disruptor, so once you get your stress management figured out, you’re going to be much less symptomatic. Self-care looks different for everyone- the key is finding what works for you. Maybe it’s a 20 minute Epsom salt bath, but maybe it’s looking at photos from when you were in high school. What matters is you find a routine and you prioritize it. If you’re looking for a little more guidance on naturally balancing your hormones, download my Action Guide. Follow Kathy on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or visit her website! Read more from Kathy! Kathy Fritz, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Kathy Fritz helps women in perimenopause and menopause experience relief from hormonal symptoms like fatigue, hot flashes, moodiness, and sleeplessness through nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle choices. Her clients lose weight, rediscover their energy, feel sexy, and define themselves on their terms as they become wise women who trust their intuition. In addition to helping individuals, Kathy is also working to change the negative narrative surrounding middle age. She is part of a movement to reclaim and redefine this time of life as one of joy, intimacy, and ease.

Written by: Omu Obilor, 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 we all know in todays’ world of uncertain markets, global pandemics and social distancing, social media is more important than ever before. It now has a life of its’ own. We now make several decisions based on what we see on social media. We form our impressions about people, products and services based on what we see online. How then do we leverage on the very many platforms available to increase our net worth? This 3 C’s are guaranteed to help you get you desired result. Consistency You want to be consistent across all the various platforms you are part of. This not only builds your credibility but also positions you as an authority in you field or market. Make sure to provide great content. Remember “Content is king” Connection Your social media has become a channel for networking, make sure you connect with other users. Comment and participate in discussions. It’s a step towards building fruitful relationships. Don’t be an observer. Collaboration This is by far the easiest way to benefit financially from your social media platforms. Collaboration is key. There are tons of brands looking to collaborate or partner. When it comes to increasing your net worth through social media, there are endless possibilities. It’s time to think outside the box and stay ahead of the curve. Visit Omu's website to learn more! Read more from Omu! Omu Obilor, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Omu is an International Coach, Speaker, Trainer, and Thought Leader. Her mantra is “Living my best life," this she achieves by living Intentionally. Her mission in life is to empower others to live their best life, curating the life they want for themselves. As a founding member of the John Maxwell Team, she has mastered intentional living in personal and professional life. She performs the role of Executive Director and National Trainer in Business Network International (BNI), which empowered her to master training networking. Omu has, over the years, poured out her all into the lives of her clients. Walking them through the various transitions in life and mentoring them through the transformation. She is driven by her passion for helping individuals realize that it is possible to live the life they dream of. Extremely passionate about Transformation in people, she works tirelessly to see this through. Her approach is designed to increase awareness and accountability to increase morale and determine values. She runs a mentormind group for women looking to grow in their personal and professional lives. She also runs masterminds monthly, amongst others.

Brainz Magazine Exclusive Interview Leadership and Entrepreneurship run through my veins. I have started and sold many businesses across the globe for over 20+ years now, leading global organizations as a COO, in 26 countries, and on leadership boards of NGOs with a global footprint & impact! Working with thousands of Entrepreneurs, Coaches, and Consultants over the years, across the globe to help them get out of their way and create the business and lives that they crave! There is, and always has been, a passion that burns deep inside me to be a change agent, a thought leader, and to move the world forward. As a natural leader, I have always seemed to take charge, create an impact and support the growth of those around me. People and possibilities are at my core, the knowing, the creating, and everything in between. Even though taking control might have come easy to me, I didn’t always have the tools or at least understand and apply them. Rolling up my sleeves, bootstrapping businesses when needed, and making sh*t happen is how I got to where I am. I also understand the world differently, have empathy and an inner drive to create a culture and mindset shift, to get people out of their everyday complacency, or what the “norm” is, and step into a better version of themselves, in their life and business. You’re an American woman living a dream life in Thailand helping Entrepreneurs, coaches, and consultants navigate entrepreneurship and leadership success. How do you do that? Business-wise, it was not that much of a shift, my clients were used to having virtual interactions with me, even my Hawaii clients (where I was residing until I took off as a digital nomad). Before I “officially” became a digital nomad, in 2019, I was already traveling 70% of the year, visiting other clients speckled across the globe, speaking at international conferences, hosting live training, going on exciting adventures, and just living a life of purpose. This is one of my main UPS, I AM living the life I created, leading by example, I walk the walk & talk the talk. When the pandemic hit, I was already out of the country, working in Bali and heading to Thailand to visit some friends and recharge. I knew that if I continued my trip, I would most likely be in Thailand longer than 2 weeks, and sure enough, I got here 3 days before they shut the country down. I took the opportunity to stay, (I am always looking for the opportunities that our lives create for us), dug into the local network, and for now, call Thailand home. Back to the business side, I am disciplined, creative, efficient, and accountable. Even though I get to live in this amazing place, or even when I was trekking across the globe 4 countries in a 2-week span, I still worked AND made time to play. I live by my calendar, being structured, and always looking for ways that I can improve the flow. Plus I SHOW UP for my clients, keeping them engaged, accountable, and moving forward with what they are working on, as I do for myself. For all the training, that I would typically do in person, I have now moved to virtual until fluid travel is a thing again. How did your success journey start and what got you to this point? Has it a lot to do with your intuition and spiritual side? Absolutely, it has a lot to do with my intuition and spiritual side. I joke about how I have been “that person” that everyone would come to for advice, guidance, inspiration—like really, I can even remember as a young girl (5, 6 years old) adults would come to me and ask me things, and I would just know what to say. I could feel people’s emotions, hear the unsaid, and see opportunities or solutions for others. I am and always have been a manifesto, living by the law of attraction before I even knew what it was. I am a doer, roll up your sleeves, put in the work, and get it done! Coupled with my sheer grit, determination, leadership skills, and inner knowing of my purpose, (yes at that young age), it was my destiny to do the work I do. I knew my life’s purpose at such a young age, I was about 9 years old when I first “heard it” (it was a whole conversation). " An inner voice told me that I am not my circumstances and that I am here to leave each person, place, and thing better than I found, I am a muse, a change agent to the universe. " This was huge, as I was actually planning on running away from an abusive household because I knew there was something different, I knew there were others who had it worse than I did, and I knew that I was going to survive the circumstances to fulfill my purpose. Soon, you will be launching your coaching consult resource membership. Who is this for and why is this a ”go-to” service? Coaches and Consultants who are newer in the business, that need guidance, tools, and resources to create a business, create structure and have some accountability. Even old school coaches and consultants, who have been in the game a while, who want more inspiration, more community, are tired of being completely alone and want accountability. This is not a get-rich scheme, not a place where I will tell you how to make $25K a month in clients. Not a course to teach you a specific program or get you ICF certified. The Coaching Consulting Resource Center is a membership-based community. It is filled with training, resources, content, collateral, inspiration, accountability, community, and more. Some of the topics are entrepreneurship, working ON the business, tools to use, TWV (time worth value), SALES, leadership, and networking! Phase one of the membership is all this and more. Twenty plus years of Entrepreneurship, 10+ years of working with high-caliber coaches and consultants across the globe, all the certifications, training, experiences, and knowledge will be accessible in the resource center. As well as us resourcing the knowledge and resources from those in our community. And just like a fine wine, it will get better, richer, more full-bodied over time. This is for those that want to build a business and not just have an unpaid or underpaid side hustle, those wanting a community, and ready to roll up their sleeves and put in the right work for the right results. And it is uber affordable as a resource center! Sales and new trends are popular topics you’ve been working hard with to become successful within. What 3-5 tips can you share about sales and new trends? I am old-school when it comes to sales, having a long sales career, from telemarketing, to direct sales, MLM dabbling and door-to-door sales, I have seen it all. I am going to keep it to the basics, and not new trends, as I have met very few who even have the basics down. So hard to choose a couple, but a few of my go-to would be: Know your process and script (conversation). When I speak to people they often say, “oh I don’t sell, I get all my clients referred”. If you are speaking with them at all you are still having a sales conversation! Or they have no idea what a sales process is. Easy place to start, dissect what you have already done, look at the full prospect journey to you. Write it out in bullet points. Do the same with the “conversations” you are having, write them out. If you have no idea where to start with your script use these bullet points to get you started: Small talk/Check-in, set context of the call, Pain point discussion, What it would feel like to resolve pain point, solution, ask for the sale, and then be quiet! Use benefits versus features, and get good at this! Speaking in benefits helps your clients see themselves in the picture of your solution. Pictures sell, words tell. If you can get a potential client to visualize them in the story you are painting, with the solution you have, you are more likely to gain that client. Do the work and know your USPs, this is especially important in today’s climate, where sales cycles have lengthened and there are so many options at one’s fingertips! I will give you a hint, the best USPs are emotionally charged, WHY driven, transparent, and authentic. Get CLEAR on your offer! For example, there are 100’s of thousands of coaches out there (and dramatically increasing by the day), how will you stand out to your potential prospects? Another hint is you are NOT for everyone, know your target market as well! One last hint here, the audience can tend to look like you, or where you have been. Check your mindset. So many people say they do not like sales, they do not want to be the sleazy person, blah blah… And you won’t be if you choose not to be. Sales is a part of having a business, in some way, somehow. Don’t you want to control the narrative, versus allowing things to happen to you? With mindset, also know that a NO, is not a bad thing, it is a good thing, it helps us refine more, learn more about ourselves and get us to those right yeses!!! Practice and Calendar in your sales convos, try to do them back to back for minimal 2-hour chunks, this will help you get into the flow, refine and perfect your pitch! Did I mention ALWAYS ASK FOR THE SALE! And be silent after they ask, let them speak first! What are the results your clients are getting from working with you? A business that works for them versus them working for the business, as well as, better profit margins, more efficiency, a known leader in their space, and bigger impact. A mindset shift, where they get out of their own way, what’s holding them back, and move forward with more clarity, connection, and ease. And they create a life they crave, a life they are fulfilled with, a life of purpose, a life on their own terms. All that while building resilience, a more evolved sense of self and purpose, life and business in full color, with an impact that will leave each person, each place, each thing better than they found it. Lastly, I will add accountability, accountability to show up, be who you say you are, and do what you are destined to do! So, what’s the next big goal or project for Lynn Howard and how can someone get in contact with you? Living and expanding Legacy. The Coaching Consulting Resource Center and its phases are the next big thing, there are several phases planned out, to get us to a new way of doing business in this world. I am excited about the coming phases, as it is changing the way clients work and have access to coaches and consultants! All while systemizing and duplicating this process for others to create communities across the globe! Oh yeah, and I am currently co-authoring a book, which should be out early next year. For more info, follow Lynn on Facebook, LinkedIN, Instagram and visit her website!

Written by: Léa Agbo, 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. Everybody knows the movie Spiderman and the uncle’s very famous line, “With great power comes great responsibility” (Stan Lee). What if we were to start taking responsibility for making our great power appear? Indeed, when you take a closer look, you can see that Spiderman is the story of a young man who has to become responsible and who has to confront, and eventually overcome, his fears in order to become a hero. Of course, he has special powers. And not everyone is given the chance to be bitten by a spider, to draw incredible power from it, and to change their clothes in a matter of seconds before emerging in a superhero costume. I fully agree with you. However, the point of my example is that I want you to really look at yourself and to tell me whether you have truly never had to face a situation before in which you had to overcome your fear(s). Who is a hero? To answer this question, let me first ask you another one: What do all heroes have in common? In fact, apart from their supernatural powers, of course, a hero is simply a person, like you and I. What heroes have in common is that they have experienced suffering for a long time as a result of a situation and/or a personality trait. But one day, the pain, whether emotional or physical, became so loud and the situation so unequivocal that they simply had to change to stop it. And they did. They changed. The other question I would like to ask you is: What would you like to do to make yourself and your life a little better? Then, does it frighten you to think about how you would go about creating this change? A bit, I guess. Going through various (emotional) stages, changing things, habits, and being consistent in working toward what we want to achieve scares many of us. Nevertheless, a hero will go ahead because he/she knows that it is for their own benefit. What does a hero do? A hero perseveres. Committing to what we really like to do and become means that, at times, we must work, act and think differently. It may result in us considering things in a way that conflicts with the perspective held by a majority of people. Two keywords are essential in driving us: Clarity and perseverance. Why clarity? Because you have to be aware of your fear(s) to face them. Why perseverance? First, because we all have to keep following the right path by keeping our dream(s) alive and continuously forging ahead. Secondly, because perseverance is one of the most powerful ways not to lose sight of our goal(s). What do you fear? “What would happen if….? “At least once in our lives have we all asked ourselves this question. However, there is a better approach to be inspired and see things from a positive angle. “What is the worst thing that can happen if I decide to go MY way?” is, for sure, a much more optimistic way to question ourselves. As a matter of fact, once implemented, we quickly come to realize that this phrasing has the power to demystify what could/would happen. This leads to a massive increase in our self-confidence and impacts our emerging powers. How? Well, we will have to bring the best of us to the surface to act and make things happen the way we would like them to be. Why not you then? Alright! You now believe that it is certainly possible for you to become a hero. To actively start this transformation, you should start thinking about: Finding the costume that suits you… Who are you? Who is your authentic self? And who would you like to become? Obviously, here we are talking about reaching the best version of ourselves in order to feel that we are fully living the life we envision for ourselves. Training your brain… You should ward off your “lack of superpowers” thanks to intensive training. Why that? Because superpowers, like in the movies, don’t exist in real life. So, your job is to finally let go of your dreams of saving the planet and instead definitely make your own great powers come to light. Preparing yourself to be mentally ready to take on your (new) ambitions is critical. As you know, a hero is a champion training daily. So, train like a champion and you will become one. Discovering your own (super) powers… Pursuing your goals of feeling better and reaching your achievements also means choosing your field of action wisely. Don’t forget that being a hero is ultimately about being responsible. Consequently, you are responsible for confronting yourself. How? By increasing your force to make them your own powers. No need to completely reinvent yourself. Use what is already within you and reinforce it. Being able to surround yourself well… Once you have assumed your responsibilities and are on your way to a well-trained mind, you will attract people who are much more connected to what you do, what you want to do and who you are working towards to become. Living according to your own values and ambitions… A hero fights for a particular cause. As the hero of your life, think about what touches you personally. From there, only your values will guide you. Those values will inspire you daily and will preserve your will to keep your ambitions intact and accomplish your dreams. Be in charge of your life! Around the world, many people have decided to put on their own costumes to create their own paths. They first had to accept themselves for who they are … this includes getting to know your own vulnerabilities and the power that comes with being us. Taking control of their lives through realizing their own aspirations for a positive affirmation of themselves is how heroes triumph. This is what makes you feel confident, efficient and caring at the same time. This is also how you begin to impact others around you with great vibes. How to avoid to continuously run after perfection? Keep aiming for excellence because you are worth the best! But keep away from the idea that perfection is a synonym for excellence. Perfection comes from a balance between our particularities, what we master and the rest ☺. “The ideal of life is not the hope of becoming perfect. It is the will to always be better.” Ralph Waldo Emerson. Hence, accept that you already are the perfection that you might still be looking for at this time. Embody it as accurately as possible to open up a whole world of possible actions. Conclusion No need to mention that the idea is not to become a “real-life hero” with a home-made costume and you going to the streets to act as an avenger. The idea is to realize you can become the hero of your own movie, the hero of your own life. When becoming a hero impacts you, in a positive way of course, it also means that you begin to primarily focus on your main purposes such as justice and making people happy/ier. Therefore, let’s start with you being fair with yourself and authorizing yourself to go after what it is that you want most. You will promptly notice that, at the same time, you will make people around you happier thanks to the beautiful energy you exude in living your wonderful life. Follow me on LinkedIn and visit my website for more info! Read more from Léa! Léa Agbo, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Léa is an entrepreneur and infopreneur, a certified coach in positive psychology, and a specialist in cross-cultural business. With over 10 years of experience in personal development, her focus is for you to become a better version of yourself. A wide range of clients, including entrepreneurs, require her services to smoothly optimize their lives and/or business projects, have more confidence and energy to pursue their goals, and build real, constructive, and consistent self-esteem. She specifically coaches entrepreneurs on the cross-cultural aspects of their businesses and is the author of the ‘Globalisation Programme.’ Léa holds a master’s degree in Strategic Business Management and Entrepreneurship. She is also a Certified Operational Manager. Léa is the Founder of AGBO Business Consulting, a company aiming to challenge you to the next level.

Written by: Awaz Ahmed, 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. The Ego and Super-Ego play roles in all three levels of consciousness—the conscious, preconscious and unconscious. The Id is limited to the unconscious. Human behavior is primarily influenced by the unconscious mind—similar to an iceberg, the part of the mind that isn’t seen. Our emotions, motivations, and decisions are all influenced by our prior experiences, which are stored in the unconscious. Therefore, oftentimes in situations, different defense mechanisms are displayed that cause psychological distress such as: Suppression: Try to hide feelings. Repression: Avoid the topic. Regression: Immature behavior to vent out & deal with things. Displacement: Redirect your emotions. Negative emotions moved somewhere. Projection: When you accuse someone or a group of having your same thoughts. Denial: Rejecting thoughts or feelings. Rationalization: Coming up with different explanations. How to help understand unconscious drivers in a situation? Two Techniques: Free association- Express thoughts exactly as they come into mind, no matter how embarrassing. Note: Ego will attempt to censor this but freethinking allows unconscious to come through. Free writing- Write down your thoughts. Note: Once thoughts are written down, the mind makes more space. Follow me on Instagram, Linkedin and visit my website! Read more from Awaz! Awaz Ahmed, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Awaz Ahmed is a Business Psychologist and Coach, helping organizations and individuals in the workplace by encouraging and facilitating clients in a range of professional and personal areas. In addition, she has worked internationally and is the founder of aweology, a company platform of Business Psychologists and professional coaches. With an MSc in Business Psychology and coaching Awaz Ahmed, is also a certified emotional intelligence coach, NLP practitioner, certified 70+ hours of ICF coaching training, member of the British Psychology Society, American Psychology Association, Society for Industrial and organizational psychology and currently studying her Ph.D. in Business Psychology. Through her extensive experience and education in Business Psychology, she is highly skilled and passionate about research, psychometrics, assessments, training, development, recruitment, and coaching.