Written by: Maria Koropecky, 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. “What about you would you least want to see splashed across the side of a bus?” was a question a coach asked me recently in a workshop. It’s a challenging question, and why would I want to reveal my answer to everyone in the room? Because as Joe Vitale puts it, “Your wealth is hiding under the very thing you are afraid to do.” So, determined to discover my own gold and get to the heart of what has been holding me back from putting myself out there FULLY as a creative writing coach and novelist, I dug deep. A memory from more than 30 years ago of failing an English literature exam in university came up to the surface. There, I said it. I failed an English exam. I was afraid to admit this to myself, let alone to say it out loud. How could I possibly call myself a writer who coaches other writers if there’s a big F on my transcript next to Romantic Literature? What do I know about writing? I didn’t realize I was still silently carrying these doubts around in my energy field even though that event happened decades ago, and I eventually graduated. I wasn’t thinking about it day-to-day. That failure, which was really about not trusting myself and feeling like I didn’t belong or deserve opportunities, had been hindering and even sabotaging my career, my relationships, and even my living arrangements at every turn. No wonder the road was so bumpy! “When do you want to let it go?” the coach asked. “Now,” I said. “I’m done.” “What action steps are you going to take next?” “First, I’m going to thank myself for keeping going even though it’s been hard – I’m still here after all – and next, I’m going to reframe this story.” It took an hour, but I got my insight! The light bulb clicked on! I actually started to see my failure as a blessing! The failure wasn’t meant to stop me. It showed up to build my own character, to help me test my resolve, and to ultimately learn to trust myself. If the road was easy, I would not have appreciated it so much. Failing a course early on my journey shows where I started and how far I’ve come! Not only that, but this life experience has made me a better writer and has allowed me to add richness and depth to my characters. In the world of storytelling, nobody likes to read about a perfectly flawless character. It’s boring. There’s nothing for them to do, nowhere for them to go, and no need for transformation. What would be the point? On top of that, feeling the pangs of failure allows me to relate better to my coaching clients and their struggles! From a place of compassion and understanding, I can help them see things from a different perspective. The reframe is, I can use this experience in my writing and coaching to help others! It’s because of my failure that I have what it takes, not in spite of it! Now that I’ve finally connected the dots and see the “failure” in a new light, I can share the experience on the side of a bus. Even though the events are still the same, the story has changed! That’s the beauty of writing and coaching. Green lights all the way! Follow me on Facebook, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Maria! Maria Koropecky, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Maria Koropecky is many things: a Creative Writing Coach, Author, Writer, Storyteller, and Crystal Mapper. She is well aware that 81% of all people want to write a book someday and, as a result, has set out to build a creative writing coaching business that is geared towards helping writers, artists, and introverts discover their own gold, breakthrough writer's blocks, and write the book they've always dreamed of writing so that they can leave a legacy. Maria's own forthcoming novel, Who is Donna Tiva, the first book in a trilogy, was inspired during her solo backpacking trip across Spain at 50. It follows the journey of a single woman as she searches for love, her life being lit up and guided by the colorful characters she meets along the way. Maria feels confident she can help other people in the world, who have also gone on an adventure of a lifetime, to write and share their stories with others. Maria also has a wealth of qualifications that inform what she does, ranging from an Honours BA in English Literature to certifications in Life Coaching & Mentoring, to Spa Therapy as well as Crystal Reading. Her mission is to encourage new voices to enter the arena.

Written by: Natalia Nicholson, 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. Twenty-five years ago, I heard the song Wannabe on the radio. It was released by an upcoming girl group called The Spice Girls. I remember thinking great song, the pants name! The Spice Girls sounded like a group of chefs, not a pop band! Wannabe was a great song and quickly propelled this group of five young women into the spotlight and set them up for their future, can I say it, stardom. Mel B, Emma, Geri, and Victoria, otherwise known as Scary, Baby, Ginger, Posh, and Sporty. Together they made ‘girl power’ a focus for the next generation of girls who were inspired by their out-spoken attitudes. These were girls that have since become business owners and leaders of huge companies. I was a huge fan of the Spice Girls right from the very first moment I saw them dancing around on their music video for Wannabe. They looked like they were really having fun and didn’t take themselves too seriously. I was also very happy to have a trendy girl group that included young black women that I could look up to. I really related to Mel B, better known as Scary Spice! She was never afraid to be seen and speak up. She said what she thought without apologies, and I am grateful that I grew up when the Spice Girls were starting their rise to fame. Recently Rolling Stone even voted ‘Girl Power’ as the second most important movement for the Millennial generation. Although undoubtedly the world has changed a great deal, the rise of ‘Girl Power’ has not significantly increased the percentage of female CEO’s in the UK or in the USA. Back in 1995, a Hansard Society Commission report (McRae, 1995) reported only 6% of 120 firms in The Times “Top 200” companies in the UK had female executive main board directors. Sadly the FTSE 100 recorded only 6% of females are CEO’s in 2021 in the UK. In the USA, the S&P 500 reports the same figure, just 6% of CEO’s are women. Even more astounding than the first female CEO of an FTSE 100 company in the UK was, Marjorie Scardino who was appointed CEO of Pearson. in 1997. Currently, the six companies in the FTSE100 in the UK with a female CEO are Whitbread (although they have a man on their adverts), ITV, Seven Trent plc, NatWest Group, Imperial Brands, and GlaxoSmithKline. The abysmal percentage of female CEOs in the FTSE100 is not acceptable and I strongly believe is a great disadvantage to the UK economy as a whole. It has been indicated that if the same proportion of women as men started and grew their own business, then as much as £250 billion of new value could be added to the UK economy. One thing I know for sure is that women lack neither the ability, determination, ambition, or work ethics that are needed to start and expand a business. Neither is a lack of funding an issue. In fact, the UK attracts a higher level of venture capital than any other European country. The issue is that only 1% of all venture funding goes to female business owners. This has to change and it is up to us women to make sure it does. No one can do it for us, and we must join together to form supportive networks and mentor each other. Fight to be noticed and receive funding and prove that women are just as, if not more capable than men, at starting and running profitable companies. My belief is that as the percentage of women who are able to access funding increases, more companies will see the value of having women CEO’s. In turn, as the number of female CEOs rises, the opportunities for women in higher-level positions will consequently increase. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world of business had changed dramatically. With remote working now becoming a staple part of roles at numerous companies and flexible working no longer the exception, now is the time to seize this chance and run with it. Women have fought for their rights since the suffragette days and won! I am determined that we can achieve so much more in the world of business if, like the Spice Girls, we are not afraid to be outspoken and embrace our inner ‘Girl Power .’ Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and Twitter ! Read more from Natalia! Natalia Nicholson, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Natalia Nicholson is a Serial Entrepreneur, Business and Digital Marketing Coach, and Professional Public Speaker. Natalia has over 20 years of experience working as a digital serial entrepreneur and has had plenty of her own failures as well as success stories. This has perfectly placed her to be able to offer insight and advice to other women aspiring to become digital entrepreneurs, together with those who have already launched their own businesses. Through her mastermind group, Women in Digital Business, Natalia teaches them the best way to leverage the potential of digital marketing and helps them to learn the best ways of overcoming the challenges that they are facing when it comes to becoming successful online businesswomen. Her passion for online business coaching and digital marketing has inspired her to bring inspiration to women from largely overlooked underrepresented groups. References: https://www.businessleader.co.uk/ https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/

Written by: David Kegley, 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. Personal Crisis If you have experienced a crisis or tragedy, you will most likely recall the date, time of day, who was with you, and many details about the situation, much like those of us on the 11th of September 2001, where the U.S. World Trade Towers were leveled or other moments of a national or international tragedy. Crises take many forms; most we encounter are on a smaller scale. Many of us find that once a personal crisis occurs, the life we now have is different from our previous life. Things change in a big way. This is what happens from the moment of one’s major health diagnosis and beyond. Much like the national or international tragedy, we can remember the doctor’s office, who was with us, the time of day, the date, and many details about that day when we received the diagnosis. Whether it's cancer or Multiple Sclerosis, or a major chronic disease, it is what most of us deny will ever happen to us until it actually does. That’s where Cancer Journey Coaching comes in. Cancer Journey Coaching When a major diagnosis is delivered, many people get referrals to group therapy or individual therapy so that they can receive “the talking cure” from a trained psychotherapist qualified to intervene in cases of a health crisis. In many cases, that may be necessary, and in the appropriate cases, I make referrals so that people can deal with their past and with psychological illnesses. However, people in most countries, including the U.S., are less familiar with coaching as a preferred intervention. A small cadre of coaches find it one of their niches to accompany clients on their journey through such health crises. I’m one of them. I find it one of the most hopeful, delightful, and uplifting opportunities of my lifetime! Major diagnoses are rarely the death knell they used to be. Cancer and other health crises are now most often survivable thanks to contemporary medicine. Attitudes and perspectives on life take center stage for what’s important going forward, and that’s where coaches shine. How will we cope with the life we have left? How will we adjust, given new limitations? How can I shift my perspective on my career? Then there are the surprises! “…but cancer has been the best thing that ever happened to me!” One survivor of breast cancer captured these surprises best when she summarized them to me like this: “I wouldn’t wish breast cancer on my worst enemy, but cancer has been the best thing that ever happened to me!” There is something almost unbelievable that occurs to people when put through the deepest challenge of their lives. Indeed, a life-threatening challenge, one you could never manufacture, that halts life in its tracks and causes a person to re-evaluate everything all over again. New possibilities emerge, and new strength comes from unknown personal depths. New paths are forged while some acquaintances and careers get pruned. These are the surprises of cancer or post-health-crisis journey. I was 56 when diagnosed with cancer. I didn’t come to Cancer Journey Coaching without experiencing cancer myself. In 2015, when I was 56 years old, I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. I underwent treatment in early 2016. The surprise for me occurred after my radical prostatectomy surgery. I took a 30-day medical leave to recover from the surgery. During that time, I began to sort out the end of my 25-year career as a pastor and the beginning of my coaching career. It was a transition during which I took the time, emotional space, and a sense of urgency to come to terms with letting go of a former career and embracing a new one. It was an enormous transition. I was not expecting or prepared to make such a change in my life until that medical leave. The surprises that cancer gave me played a role in the decision-making and pushed me toward realizing that it was time to make a change. There is always hope. One of my colleagues had a client who stayed in his executive position throughout his treatment and recovery because, as he put it, “ the work gave me the necessary distraction from pain and discomfort.” He kept his job and stayed the course of his career, a remarkable and rare feat. More often than not, people get stopped in their tracks due to a major health diagnosis and need multiple types of support, including a coach. I mention this executive to note that there are as many different journeys through a health crisis as there are people. No matter how things get reconfigured, attitude becomes a key ally in the path forward. I strive to help clients gain perspective on their life, create a sense of calm, understand their power of decision, and become more present in the life they have at this moment. Given those tools (and many others), there is always hope! Want David to help you work through your cancer or health-crisis journey? You can reach him at: drkegley.com or LinkedIn. Read more from David! David Kegley, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Dr. Kegley specializes in coaching well-educated, progressive leaders and executives who have been stopped in their tracks due to health setbacks. His doctorate is in theology and preaching. His first 25-year career was in the Presbyterian Church U.S.A., where he was a Pastor and Head of Staff. But, after getting nearly burned out, getting diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, and going through cancer treatment, he emerged as a credentialed coach. Now he Coaches in the areas where he experienced his own humility and growth: Health and Wellness, The Cancer Journey, Burnout Recovery, and Leadership and Executive.

Robert’s mantra is ‘think differently,’ and he certainly walks that talk in everything he does. Certainly not one for taking the easy path, he thrives on a challenge, and the words ‘the most tenacious person we know’ are a major understatement. He is a recognized leader in the field of leadership and team coaching. And is the Director and driving force behind Glenbarr Coaching, which offers a very different coaching experience. For over 30 years, he has worked globally with a diverse range of high-profile clients from Governments to NGO’s, Private Sector Corporates to Public Sector Agencies. Celebrities and Senior Executives have all benefitted from his sought-after talents. Such a wide portfolio and body of work has provided him with very unique insights and approaches to training and coaching strategies that work and are sustainable. The central theme to Robert’s career has been people development and growth. Specializing in mindset, behaviors, and team dynamics to effect positive outcomes and increased performance. Equally, at home in the boardroom or challenging field environments getting his hands dirty, Robert’s real magic brings the best out of individuals or teams to achieve their goals. If you are looking for a truly transformational experience that is remembered and relived long after any official training or coaching session, then Robert is the guy to talk to! Coaching Director, Robert McAlister Who is Robert? Good question. I am a nice bunch of people! As part of my work, I can be quite outgoing to generate energy and impact, but I really like my own space and time to reenergize – classic introvert stuff, I suppose. Far more planned and organized than I may appear, but I guess that is what projects that perception. I am very relaxed as I have done the prep well. I was born in Scotland, but now live in London and have done for many years. However, I have spent most of my life pursuing challenges, many of which have kept me away from home, but in the company of fascinating people, interesting places, and quite unusual work. As an example of that personal challenge mindset, I mentioned early – last year, during winter and the enforced pandemic lockdowns, I set myself an extreme solo walking charity challenge. Over the eight training weeks covered well over 600km. Raising some decent money for people with physical and mental disabilities. Oh, and I set the actual event day on my birthday. It went down well with the family! What is it that you do for your clients? I think my main contribution for any client is listening to what they want and then making it happen in the best way possible. I have been incredibly fortunate to work with many great people and organizations who have kept me around year on year. But I suppose that it takes effort from my side to add that special value each year too. For others, I help them get out of their own way! By that, I mean support them to overcome those self-imposed barriers we all build in our minds. This is around developing a growth mindset, grit, and personal resilience. Organizations can suffer from this, too being perhaps too risk-averse or less ambitious than they could or should be. Who should hire/work with you? Everyone obviously! Joking aside, I think clients who are feeling a little stale, at a crossroads, or perhaps looking to raise their energy and impact out there in the world (work or personal) would benefit from my style of working and experience. It's difficult to stereotype my work or clients; they are so diverse, but that has also been my goal: keep reinventing and merging what I do. It keeps me fresh, interested and raises my own game, again a constant challenge for me. I think that is what people see and feel when they work with me, that energy and passion in what I am doing with them. What is your big goal? Where do you see yourself 10 years from now? The pandemic for me (as with many others) has certainly consolidated a change in my perspective and direction that began 3 years ago for me. I realized that most of my career has involved coaching in some shape or form, consciously or subconsciously. It's something I am naturally drawn towards in whatever work I am doing and feel I do very well. For me seeing people or organizations develop and grow, learn about themselves, and see improvements is the buzz. These are the things that really excite me about my future work, and I feel it is relevant and right on its message given the last 2 years and its impact, good and bad, on people’s confidence, mindset, and outlook. So, my goal for the next 5 years at least is to become the best coach out there, and as you now know, I do like a challenge, so it's game on! Follow Robert on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, or visit his website for more info! Read more from Robert!

Written by: Joanne Angel Barry Colon, 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. Did you know that the Leo Season is known for the Lion’s Gate Activation? The Sun moves into Leo energy on July 22nd/23rd through August 22, 2021, and during Leo season, collectively, we may all feel more creative, love, drama, expressive, and have more fun. With Venus and Mars in Virgo, we can expect loving, sensual, earthy, and charismatic. With the help of five planets in Retrograde, many will experience a reboot in energy and a shift in their frequency and vibration. All zodiac signs feel the effects of Retrogrades. However, the zodiac signs that the planets are in will feel the effects more so, including the opposition's signs. The following planets are in Retrograde: Pluto (endings/new beginnings) – Capricorn (opposition sign Cancer) April 27 – October 6, 2021 Saturn (structure/determination) – Aquarius (opposition sign Leo) May 23 – October 10, 2021 Neptune (illusion/spirituality) – Pisces (opposition sign Virgo) June 25 – December 1, 2021 Jupiter (expansion/gifts) – Pisces (opposition sign Virgo) June 20 – July 28, 20201 Jupiter (expansion/gifts) – Aquarius (opposition sign Leo) July 28 – October 18, 2021 Chiron (wounded healer) – Aries (opposition sign Libra) July 15 – December 19, 2021 On August 8, 2021, everyone will experience the energy of the Lion’s Gate Activation, which is a” Portal Activation” to help everyone prepare for our physical, mental, emotional, and etheric bodies for a significant shift in consciousness, whether you’re conscious of it or not. In Numerology, the number 8 holds the frequency and vibration of abundance, achievements, awards, harmony, balance, infinity, and karmic lessons. According to Numerology, August 2021, is a 4 Universal month 8+2+0+2+1 = 13 and 1+3 = 4. The number 4 holds a vibration and frequency of building a new foundation, balance, stability, support, calmness, working hard to get what you want, and patience. In Numerology, each calendar year is reduced to a single-digit number, which carries a unique vibration, and it’s called Universal Year. Everyone feels the unique vibration throughout the entire year, whether you’re conscious of it or not. To get to the current year number, just calculate all the numbers until you get to a single-digit number. The only number that does not get added up to a single-digit number is 11, which is a Master Number. To get the Universal Year Number, add up all the numbers of the current year 2021 (2+0+2+1 = 5). 2021 adds up to be a 5 Universal Year. What Does The 5 Universal Year Mean? The 5 Universal Year holds the frequency and vibration of change, freedom, adventure, fun, courage, and unpredictability. Now, let’s bring it all together: During the month of August with the Lion’s Gate Activation, everyone will experience (conscious of it or not) the desire to build a new foundation, create harmony and balance as they achieve karmic lessons while exploring freedom, having fun and being open for some unpredictability. The attached image is of 12 Cards associated with the Sun, Moon, and Rising Zodiac Signs. Each card contains a color associated with the Chakra System, an affirmation to help raise your vibration and-or adds to the story, and a number that provides a hidden message. Below is a Cosmic Energy Forecast for each zodiac sign; you may have up to three cards and 3 forecasts to read, which when you bring them together, you will have a magnificent forecast to help you navigate through the Lion’s Gate Activation Portal. Do you have the same zodiac sign for the Sun, Moon, and/or Rising sign? If so, please note that forecast is extremely important to pay attention to. Aries – With the help of the Lion’s Gate Activation, the Universal 4 month energy, and Chiron’s Retrograde in your zodiac sign, you may begin to feel worthy of self–love. It’s important to connect with nature to get grounded. I recommend sitting in the grass, walking barefoot in the grass, and or hugging a tree. This will help to create a new foundation and experience a spiritual awakening. The color associated with this card is red and is associated with the root chakra. The number associated with this card is 73 = 7+3 = 10 New Beginning. Taurus – With the help of the Lion’s Gate Activation and the Universal 4 month energy, you may experience a new relationship with yourself and/ or others. It’s important to connect with nature to get grounded; I recommend sitting in the grass, walking barefoot in the grass, and or hugging a tree and also focus on achieving harmony and balance in all relationships. The color associated with this card is red, associated with the root chakra. The number associated with this card is 28 = 2+8 = 10 New Beginning. Gemini - With the help of the Lion’s Gate Activation and the Universal 4 month energy, you may take on a leadership role such as a manager, boss, team leader; it’s important to be grounded and focused so you can make fast decisions, many changes will come from this position, leading into many new opportunities. It’s important to connect with nature to help you get grounded. I recommend sitting in the grass, walking barefoot in the grass, and/or hugging a tree. The color associated with this card is red and is associated with the root chakra. The number associated with this card is 55 = 5+5= 10 New Beginning. Cancer - With the help of the Lion’s Gate Activation, the Universal 4 month energy, and Pluto’s Retrograde in Capricorn, your opposition sign, you may be required to have more patience as you heal and build a new foundation in your home (body/shelter) and with family. Balance and stability are a big part of your healing process. The color associated with this card is green, and it’s connected to the heart chakra. The number associated with this card is 4 New Foundation. Leo – Happy Birthday, The Sun is in your zodiac sign; this is your month to be reborn and also an empowering month. With the help of the Lion’s Gate Activation, the Universal 4 month energy, and Saturn’s Retrograde in Aquarius, your opposition sign, you may experience many new opportunities and new partnerships. While getting acquainted with new partnerships, be mindful of expressing yourself with kindness and compassion. You may feel resistant and challenging at first, but as time goes on, things will get easier, and your heart will feel calmer. The color associated with this card is pink, and it’s associated with the heart chakra. The card is also in reverse, which means you may have resistance to this message, or something about this period of time is very important for you to pay attention to. The number associated with this card is 12 1+2 = 3 Communication. Virgo – You’re in your 12th house energy, it’s time to tie up loose ends, finish a chapter and prepare for your rebirth, and with the help of the Lion’s Gate Activation, the Universal 4 month energy, and Jupiter’s and Neptune’s Retrograde in Pisces, your opposition sign, you may find yourself tying up loose ends and letting things go while healing partnerships and transforming into a higher version of yourself. You may also experience a greater awareness of your five senses and psychic abilities. The color associated with this card is purple and is associated with the crown chakra. The number associated with this card is 11, which is a Master Number and does not get added up to a single-digit number. 11 = Master Healer of Partnerships. Libra – With the help of the Lion’s Gate Activation, the Universal 4 month energy, and Chiron’s Retrograde in Aries, your opposition sign, you may transition a friendship into a loving partnership, or you may start to have conversations about taking your relationship to the next level. This partnership is a part of the karmic lessons. The color associated with this card is turquoise, and it’s associated with the throat chakra. The number associated with this card is 63, 6+3 = 9 Transformation. Scorpio – With the help of the Lion’s Gate Activation and the Universal 4 month energy, you may feel more confident and fearless. This helps you heal and experience a spiritual awakening while going within and activating your feminine and masculine energy and also abundance. The color associated with this card is orange and is associated with the sacral chakra. The number associated with this card is 78, 7+8= 15/ 6 Healing/Healer. Sagittarius – With the help of the Lion’s Gate Activation and the Universal 4 month energy, you may have a desire to heal matters of the heart and surrender; as you do, you may embrace a karmic lesson that leads to change, harmony, success, and an overall healing experience. The color associated with this card is green and is associated with the heart chakra. The number associated with this card is 68, 6+8 = 14/5 Change. Capricorn – With the help of the Lion’s Gate Activation, the Universal 4 month energy, and Pluto’s Retrograde in your Zodiac sign, you may be inspired to create a meditation practice to help you communicate with spirit and spend as much time reflecting, reviewing, and recalibrating your new foundation, this may require patience and being open to spiritual guidance, listen more than speaking. The color associated with this card is green and is associated with the heart chakra. The number associated with this card is 34, 3+4 = 7 Spiritual Awakening. Aquarius – With the help of the Lion’s Gate Activation, the Universal 4 month energy, and Saturn’s Retrograde in your zodiac sign, you may be inspired to organize your space, which will help you shift your energy and the energy around you while clearing karmic cycles with family and friends and be open to receiving and giving forgiveness. This card is also in reverse, which means you may have resistance to this message, or something about this period of time is very important for you to pay attention to. The color associated with this card is pink and is associated with the heart chakra. The number associated with this card is 6 Healing/Healer. Pisces – With the help of the Lion’s Gate Activation, the Universal 4 month energy, and Jupiter’s and Neptune’s Retrograde, you may be inspired to move out of your ego and forgive yourself and others. You may also resist the process of letting go of the past, but once you do, you will evolve and transform into the best version of yourself and see everyone as the best version of themselves. You will also help others to achieve their karmic lessons and transition. The color associated with this card is purple and is associated with the crown chakra. The number associated with this card is 99, 9+9 = 18/9 Transformation. Are you at a crossroad in your life and are searching for answers to the following: Who am I? Why am I here on earth? What is my purpose? What legacy will I leave behind? How do I live my best life? To receive guidance on the above questions and more, I invite you to book a Cosmic Energy Soul Reading, mention this article, and receive a special rate on a 12 Card Cosmic Energy Soul Reading. For additional services, visit www.wholisticfitnessny.com, and for questions, email healingwithin76@gmail.com. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and visit my website for more info! Read more from Joanne! Joanne Angel Barry Colon, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Joanne Angel Barry Colon has 30+ years in the health, fitness, and wellness industry. She is the owner of Wholistic Fitness located in NY Queens, certified holistic personal trainer, intuitive healer, cosmic energy reader, student of Astrology, Master of Numerology, and Creator of Chakra Balance Numerology Cosmic Energy Forecast Deck. She is the Host of Joanne's Healing Within T.V Show and Joanne's Cosmic Energy Radio Show and Author/Self-Publisher. Joanne's mission: To help women (men by referral) release issues from their tissues as they release emotional weight and fall in love with themselves while witnessing their transformation of being the best version of themselves.

Written by: Mona AlHebsi, 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 have dreams, aspirations, or, call them, goals which we look forward to and work towards to live a good life. Often, once we know what we want to achieve in life and set intentions, we write those goals, and then we embark on an exciting, sometimes difficult learning path to execute our goals and turn them into reality. We start any new endeavor filled with loads of energy and a lot of excitement, and we give our very best efforts to reach those goals. We continue with this energy and mindset until we hit a wall, fall into a trap, or get abandoned by circumstances or people, which are all, by the way, different forms of “failing” that is an integral part of any worthwhile thing we do in life. The problem starts when we interpret these “temporary hurdles” or “lessons learned” as a permanent failure and then want to give up. Instead, we should consider failure as success in progress and understand that every time we fail for any reason, we actually get one step closer to achieving our dreams or goals. I discussed the importance of “Celebrating Your Mistakes” in chapter 4 of my book Beat The Odds, where I highlighted the many benefits of failing fast and utilizing your failures as mediums to refuel your energy and keep going on but this time with more experience and maturity because failure is not an opposite success, it’s a natural part of success. To succeed, you need to fail first and there is nothing embarrassing or discouraging about it. All humans fail at some point in their journey and failure is inevitable especially when you do new things for the first time. Another way of looking at this is being aware of a universal law called: “The Law of Wasted Efforts” , which means that many times during a pursuit of a goal, we go through a series of mistakes, wrong judgments, and lapses that lead to failure in reaching the set goal, and henceforth we get discouraged and feel that we have wasted time, efforts, and resources in the meaningless endeavor. Well, not quite. Nothing is really wasted. All the efforts, time, and resources you think you wasted actually get accumulated into a reservoir called “experience” that will, with time. It still becomes the most valuable asset you possess that you can cash later on in life. Scientists actually found that all other creatures like animals, trees, and other forces of nature are more aware and receptive to this “Law of Wasted Efforts” compared to humans. For example, lions only succeed in a quarter of their hunting attempts-which means they fail 75%- but they still go on not because of fear of hunger, but rather because this law is built in their instinct. In the same way, half of the fish are eaten, most of the world’s rainfall is in oceans, and most of the seeds of trees are eaten by birds, still, all these creatures continue their efforts and cycles in nature without getting disappointed losing hope. Only human beings think facing failures and not being able to succeed in the first few attempts qualify them to be annoyed and give up. The moral of the story is that real failure really is to stop trying time and time again until one day, we achieve the desired success. Your perseverance to get up and carry on regardless of the current circumstances and outcomes testify how determined you are toward your goals and how responsible you are towards your life. Still, there are occasions in life when you feel you are tired, you did everything possible, but you don’t see results yet, you wonder why you are not rewarded for your dedication and good work, for being committed and very nice to others and they seem to lose hope and become desperate. Then you start hearing things like “it’s not the right time” or “there is a divine timing for everything” or “your time hasn’t come yet, baby” , all trying to tell you about the same thing in different ways. I chose the title “Fill Time Until The Right Time” for a reason. “Filling Time” here means to stick around and anticipate the rewards of your hard work, patience, and dedication with great faith after you have exerted your best efforts. You need to believe in the concept that justice is working in the background, and everyone will get the rewards or punishments for their deeds. In other words, as you sow shall you reap. There is always a “right” or “divine” timing for everything, whether you like it or not. Just know that we are not floating in a haphazard universe; on the contrary, everything is very well structured and planned to the smallest details that we sometimes are unaware of or take for granted. Especially the “give and take” component, wherein everyone gets paid accurately for their deeds. Deeds here are not only the physical efforts we do, but our deeds also include everything like our thoughts, emotions, judgments, intentions, in addition to our physical actions. That’s why I said earlier everything is counted in the smallest bits. What I mean, when things are not manifesting or actualizing in your life regardless of your great efforts, please do take a pause and reflect on why this might be the case. There could be many reasons that determine the “right timing” element such as great actions taken towards the goal but inside, you have feelings or thoughts of fear or unworthiness that are creating the obstacles for you. Or it could be that you have all that it takes to get a certain job or promotion, but your intentions are not right, clear or contradicting, etc. In other words, the “inside” doesn’t match the “outside”, that’s why you don’t see the fruit of your work in reality. You need to synchronize your inner world i.e., thoughts, emotions, intentions, faith , with your outer world i.e., physical efforts and actions towards the goal to avoid sending mixed messages to the universe and thus improve the chances of your dreams and goals to manifest and become a physical reality. I’m quite certain there were many such occasions in your life where you have prayed for certain things desperately and worked towards them but never got them at all or perhaps got them later in your life. You will only realize this and understand the wisdom of not always getting what you wished and worked for the most in your prescribed timing later in your life when you are wiser and can see your life in a big scheme of things. To conclude, success, in a nutshell, is all about exerting your best efforts while maintaining the faith that you will reach your desired destination one fine day. When you have faith in God, you don’t have to worry about the future. You just know it’s all in his hands. You just go and do your best. Failure is nothing but a messenger that invites us to start again, this time more vigorously and intelligently. For more personal effectiveness and career success tips, visit my website . Connect with me on LinkedIn and follow me on Instagram , Twitter & Faceb ook ! You can also subscribe to my channel on YouTube . Read more from Mona! Mona AlHebsi, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Mona AlHebsi, is an Award-Winning Hotelier, HR Practitioner, Success Coach, Renowned Author, and Speaker. She has recently been named “Most Influential Woman in Hospitality Human Capital” and "Inspirational Female Leader" due to her eminent contributions to the hospitality industry and Human Resources profession. Through her book “Beat The Odds,” Mona aims to provide a roadmap to all hoteliers and working professionals on how to make their work a vehicle to delivering excellence and achieving astounding success. She instinctively knows how to ignite the courage in others to stay true to their values and capitalize on their strengths, which will ultimately steer them towards success and fulfillment. Mona's life mantra is "The more odds you beat, the greater will be your feat!"

Written by: Dr. Christine Manukyan, 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. There are lots of different definitions of the word "resilient”, but the one that most encompasses what we're talking about today is this: " the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress . " Resilience is a learned skill. It's something that you practice and continue to work on over the course of a lifetime. Most resilience is built through going through life CRAP, the stuff that no one really wants to go through. Developing resilience is hard, but entirely possible. And when you increase your resilience, you can actually see the positive outcome from a negative situation… eventually. According to research done by the American Psychological Association: “Like building a muscle, increasing your resilience takes time and intentionality. Focusing on four core components—connection, wellness, healthy thinking, and meaning—can empower you to withstand and learn from difficult and traumatic experiences.” Intention has everything to do with developing resilience. Here are 7 skills that can help you begin to intentionally develop resilience: Connect Stay connected with sources of support and lean into your people. Whether you need to get on the phone with a trusted friend, sit silently with your spouse, or find someone to connect with on social media, find some way to authentically connect with another person. Be intentional about connecting with another person. Talk Talk about what you're going through and avoid shutting down. Sharing our stories and experiences can help us to remember that we are not alone. Our struggles may look different, but pain is pain. You would be surprised by how many people there are who want to help and encourage you. And in case you need to hear this, it's okay to cry around other people. Be intentional about opening up and SPEAKING your truth - the good and the bad. Believe Believe in yourself! Cultivating a BELIEF in your own ability to cope is one of the most integral parts of healing and developing resilience. Confidence is good, just make sure you also maintain humility. We are all human, and believing in yourself and others is a sure-fire way to increase your Resilience. Beliefs are a choice, CHOOSE to set your intention on believing that you can conquer whatever trial life throws your way. YOU CAN DO IT! Help Find a way to help someone else. Serving others causes us to look outward and that brings a perspective shift. When we look outside ourselves, we have to face the reality of the world around us. This can be difficult and scary, which is exactly the reason many people choose to put their blinders on. It takes intentionality to find ways to help, and this may be exactly what you need to help grow your resilience muscle. Laugh Laughing causes our mind and body to experience a positive reaction. When you activate a positive emotion, it becomes an antidote to despair. Sometimes you may find it hard to laugh and finding something funny may seem like an impossible task, especially during seasons of grief and loss. Intentionally finding ways to cultivate laughter is important though! Try watching a stand-up comedy show on Netflix, calling your most hilarious friend, or looking up funny videos on YouTube! It’s impossible NOT to laugh while watching a video of a “Little Girl [who] Is Pretty Darn Sure She Has a Boyfriend.” Survive Last, but certainly not least, cultivate an attitude of survivorship. Use tools like affirmations and visualization to remember what you already have conquered and drawn from that strength. YOU ARE A WARRIOR! Don’t forget that. YOU ARE RESILIENT. For more information, follow me on Facebo ok , Instagram , LinkedIn and visit my webs ite ! Read more from Christi ne ! Dr. Christine Manukyan, Executive Contributor, Brainz Magazine Dr. Christine Manukyan is a residency-trained Clinical Pharmacist, Functional Medicine Practitioner, Business Coach, Author, Speaker, Top-Rated STORRIE™ Podcast host, and mother of two. Before becoming an entrepreneur, she spent 13 years in Corporate America as a Clinical Pharmacist with various leadership roles. After experiencing her own health transformation with Functional Medicine, losing 100+ lbs, and becoming a natural bodybuilding athlete and marathon runner, she found her true calling empowering others to reach their health goals without pharmaceuticals. Dr. Christine has helped more than 250 clients transform their health. She is a frequent speaker on holistic lifestyle choices, creating a virtual business, founder and entrepreneur mindset, and creating multiple income streams. She's spoken in front of audiences numbering 15,000+ and has been recognized globally for her entrepreneurial achievement and dedication. Her magazine features include PharmaSis Magazine for female pharmacist entrepreneurs, health and wellness publications, and she is a BRAINZ Magazine Executive Contributor, including BRAINZ 500 Global recognition. In 2021, she's bringing a revolutionary product to market as a startup partnered with the UC Berkeley SkyDeck accelerator and incubator. Dr. Christine is passionate about helping burnout medical professionals build and scale a profitable virtual practice to have more quality time with their loved ones doing what fulfills their life. She believes everyone deserves a second chance to rewrite their story and become the best version of themselves. Sources: American Psychological Association and America’s Funniest Home Videos

Written by: Dale Darley, 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. Over the last weeks, I have been dealing with pain that has put me in a place of daily discomfort. As a result, I've found myself not wanting to do much. Add to that the heat of the summer, and yeah, just let me lie on the sofa. Although I am a great self-care fan, the sofa is not where I will find the answer. Luckily, I have discovered the root, and I am dealing with it. This story around the pain is part of the memoir that I'm currently writing. I find writing immensely healing. Whether that is in my journal, blog, or book, I believe that stories are the backbone of humanity. It's where and how we connect. Many brave people (men and women) have stories that could help another person know hope. Okay, not all of them will want to write. Not all of them will feel like they want to inspire anyone as they battle with pain, confusion, and overwhelm. But some will want to share their stories, knowledge, and wisdom so that those receiving diagnoses have a source of wisdom and a reference point. The case for writing books will never end. As humans, we make meaning from words. We connect emotionally with stories. You never know where your book will end up and whose heart it will touch. Yeah, okay, it takes a lot of work and to write the right book. That's because it is such a valuable asset. Not just for you, but for the library that we are creating. Humanity needs words. We need help to find meaning. When I work with my clients, I often hear, 'wow, this book is not how I thought writing a book would be. It has gone deeper than I could have ever imagined.' That's because writing reaches into the depths of your soul and a place of inner wisdom you have because of your life's journey and work. Why 'should' you write when you are disillusioned about life? You have experiences that need to be shared. The wisdom that could help someone else's life, sanity, and healing. It seems to me that no matter who we are, we have many amazing experiences to share. When life touches us in places we didn't expect, we wake to who we are. When I meet and work with women like me, I am often deeply moved by what they have lived through and how they have come to be. Their stories are incredible. They are about change, transformation, and growth. There is a lot to learn from people who have been through some not-so-pleasant experiences. Why now? So much is changing around us. I hardly recognize the world anymore. But… We are waking up. Taking ownership of our hearts, minds, bodies, and soul. Eating better food and finding ways to nourish ourselves with essential nutrients to undertake our life's work. Simply, other people need to be inspired by our stories. What are the nine powerful reasons you 'should' write a book? 1 – Writing a book will change you. Are you prepared for the change that writing a book will bring you? You may think that you will be writing out your experiences and offering advice and observations. I'd ask you to think again. Nothing can prepare you for the profound shift you will go through, so pull up your big girl pants and get ready for the ride. You may think you know your story and the wisdom you have come to share. However, planning and then putting pen to paper will change you as you allow all of you to rise. You won't be living in the past and going back to your dark place and reliving it. Instead, you will be writing from the inside out but from another perspective. You will be in it yet not in it. As you do the inside work, you can then stand on the outside and see yourself with more clarity and a better perspective. I warn you, writing a book is going to test you in ways you will have never considered. Then, just when you thought it was time to slow down, more opportunities for personal growth appear. Never doubt that you are good enough to write a book or think that no one wants to hear your story. Have faith and trust. They will. 2 – Others see you differently. We can never truly know what goes on in another's life. We read comments in Facebook groups and share them on personal pages. Nothing will prepare others for the story you share. These daily snippets do not tell the whole story – they are moments in time. Others cannot be in your body to know what life is like for you when you are in the midst of your worst times. When you bare your heart and soul, you will feel vulnerable. This is exposing to others the bones of who you are. They will love it, and if they don't, then they are not your people. When my spine fractured, I was angry, not raging, more of a fed-up angry. I stared at the sky and asked why? And then, I could see that no matter what my outcome is, others would want to see what is possible for them. From experience, I know that others will see you in a new light when stories are shared—the light of understanding. This is a perfect time to dare to be, to heal, be vulnerable, dig out your courage and dare to inspire. 3 – Writing creates a connection between the dots of values, vision, and core message. Do you have a core message? Do you live your life by your values? What is your vision? Before embarking on writing a book, you need to know your values, passion, purpose, vision, and core message for your book. Sometimes we lose sight of these or become disconnected from them. When you consider why you want to write a book, become reacquainted with them and join the dots. You will write a better book. When you are writing, actually putting pen to paper or fingers on the keyboard, you will need to know what the core message of your book is. You do this at the planning stage, so you can tap into that when you write each chapter. Then when you are ready to market your book, you can build your marketing messages from these words and concepts. You will do this based on your values, and this will make that vital connection to the heartbeat of another. 4 – It's no longer just about knowledge and skills. It's about knowing, wisdom, and shared experiences. Data is good. Information is incredible. Knowledge is powerful. Wisdom is a force you cannot reckon with. Experiences carry a stronger vibration than just facts. When you share your experiences, others connect emotionally and make meaning. You are now a person of influence, which brings great responsibility. You can now create a lasting impact on others' lives and conscious choices. As you write, you develop a more profound sense of knowing and a depth of wisdom about who you are, your identity and your place in the planet's history waking up. 5 – Writing a book will enable you to understand and examine who you are. We talked about values, now ask what do you stand for? Are you a champion or a leader for something? Do you want to change the world or at least some part of it? Do you want to empower others? What? You do not have to paint your face, make up a placard, and march for your rights, but you might want to. I have. I used to march against animal cruelty. Writing your book will awaken a calling. When I work with my clients, I am often amazed at what else comes out of the book planning and writing process. These people are incredible humans who will make a difference. This process wakes them up to what is possible for them to create. The process may tear you apart (not in a horrible way) and ask you to examine who you are. What I do is create a space for you through writing to be heard. Really listened to. Listening to your heart and soul and letting you know that I hear you. I hear you, and my desire is that the other ears that are meant to hear your inspirational message hear you. Just imagine if someone reading your book gets as much out of it as you do writing it. When you share your story, you will connect emotionally and spiritually with your readers in a way that goes beyond traditional marketing. When you pour the pure beauty of you into a book, you will examine what you stand for, and you will do something to inspire others. Will you write a book and share your story? It is quite a big step, this writing about yourself stuff which you may not find easy. You will be baring your soul and maybe opening yourself up to judgment. Well, I say sod what others think of you. What they think is none of your business. Your job is to stand tall and tell your truth. And there is a way to tell your truth that keeps you inside the law, so don't worry about that. Please take your life's experiences, stories, inner wisdom, knowledge, and skills that have supported your life changes and use them to inspire others. All stories have their place. Don't waste your life lessons. Don't hide behind your disillusionment. We came to Earth to learn and to use those lessons to change the world. If this means that you feel vulnerable, so be it – you have a valuable and inspirational message to share. We are here to live, laugh and love, be love, and to do that, we need the courage and confidence to stand up loud and proud of who we are. I have your back, so does the Universe and your God. Your mission… Is to write a book, are you up for it? If writing a healing book is on your mind, call me for an informal chat. Let's see how we can bring your ideas and wisdom to life. For more information, please visit my website. Read more from Dale! Dale Darley, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Dale works with her clients to help them to discover the magic in their stories through the power of writing, journaling, and energy work. Dale is an expert at getting your story out, finding the essence of who you are, what you want to become, and supporting you to get what you want through coaching and programs. She believes that writing heals, and her vision and mission is to create a community of people who find clarity, purpose, and meaning through their writing. That these people go on to inspire others to know what is possible in the world. Dale holds an MBA from The University of Glamorgan and an ILM Level 7 Executive Coaching certificate. She served in senior marketing management roles in the IT and manufacturing sectors before working for herself.

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. The most common question I get is “How do I know if it’s my hormones?” How do I know if... my weight gain my acne my headaches my GI issues my insomnia my moodiness my energy loss my [insert your symptom] ...are all from my hormones? The simple answer is this: it is! It is your hormones because hormone imbalances are always at the root cause of health problems. You see, there are over 200 hormone or hormone-like substances in the human body, and those medical researchers keep discovering more! So it makes sense that hormones would be involved in any health issue. As a women’s hormone coach, I focus on the hormones most likely to impact women between 35 and 55 and doing so allows me to help clients heal and live their lives symptom-free. Although I independently assess each and every client, and every woman’s hormonal landscape is different, there are two “upstream” hormones that I always help clients balance: cortisol and insulin. I want to spend a little time talking about the first one. When it’s working right, cortisol keeps your body’s inflammation down. But if cortisol is high when it should be low and low when it should be high (the most common hormone imbalance I see), then you end up with symptoms like: Sleep issues Cravings (especially for sweets) No energy when you need it and too much when you don’t STRESS Feeling like you’re on an emotional roller coaster Brain fog Weight gain, especially in the hips and butt Skin issues High blood pressure Rapid heart beat Indigestion or GERD Irregular bleeds Infertility And more! So how do you get that cortisol working right? I’ve got three things for you to focus on: Food Movement Lifestyle (aka stress relief strategies) What you eat, how you exercise, and how you manage stress all impact your cortisol. Depending on the signals your body is getting from your environment, you will either increase or decrease your cortisol... which will increase or decrease your inflammation… which leads to things like storing or burning fat, sleeping or lying awake, having boundless energy or none. Now, you might be thinking that what you used to do in your 20’s and early 30’s to manage things like weight gain and stress will work again now, the old “I’ll exercise more and eat less!” approach. In reality, once you’re in perimenopause, this approach actually spikes cortisol, which causes your body to break down muscle and hold onto fat! To have difficulty falling asleep and no energy when you wake up! To retire your libido. To crave sweets and overlook veggies. To yell, cry, and feel anxious. So basically the opposite of what you want. You need a new approach to food, to movement, and to stress management for this time of your life. And we don’t learn this in high school PE classes, we don’t learn how to take care of a 40+ body in our Mommy and Me swim classes, we don’t learn how second puberty changes us in our book clubs, and, sadly, we don’t learn enough at our yearly physicals. I’m here to fill the gap. I’m here to tell you that your food, movement, and lifestyle choices can all mend that hormonal imbalance. I teach women how to understand their bodies and navigate their health journeys. I won’t tell you to take a certain supplement or do this particular exercise or eat these four foods. Hormone balance is not one size fits all. I want to teach you about how your body works and functions so you can know what to do for yourself going forward. So to review, your hormonal imbalance is absolutely impacting the way you feel. Your body is trying to communicate that you have a hormonal imbalance by these pesky symptoms- hot flashes, weight gain, low energy, insomnia, headaches, acne, constipation, tender breasts, painful periods, the list goes on! Connect with me here so we can start healing you from these symptoms, address the root cause of hormone imbalance, and improve your quality of life! 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: Alex Knysh, 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. How do you be happy, and how do you attain true happiness and contentment? I have always wondered why so many people fail to recognize that happiness is an inside job. People go through their lives relying on external circumstances or other people to make them feel happy and then wonder why they are so miserable and why their life does not go the way they want. People who are driven by acquiring material possessions or superficial relationships assume they will find happiness within those. How many people do you hear about who seemingly have all the riches in the world, the big mansion, the best technology, jewels, cars, designer fashion, and so on, but are desperately unhappy and stressed with their lives, their jobs, and their relationships? The thing is, your happiness is determined by you , and only you. You are the master and creator of your own universe, your own life, and I am suggesting to you that it is okay for you to take full responsibility for all of your decisions and your actions! Once you do take this responsibility and realize that your happiness all comes down to you – your thoughts, your emotions, your energy, and your behaviors – then I guarantee life will become so much easier for you. It does take a bit of work, though. Okay, well, maybe a lot of work! But the rewards are priceless. It is not just about feeling hopeful or optimistic that life will get better; happiness is about creating the life that you want. It is about looking deep within yourself to find the answers to who you really are and who you want to become and then taking massive action to get what you want. We all have our own perceptual filters which shape our own model of the world, and how you experience life is unique only to you. No one else sees things the way that you do, and to expect someone else to understand your wants and needs is quite unrealistic. Your wants and needs can only truly be met by you. In order to reach fulfillment, you need to provide for your own wants and needs. It is about giving yourself the time and energy to reflect on what you truly need for yourself; that is beneficial to creating feelings of happiness and a positive attitude towards yourself. Happiness from within takes practice. It is not that elusive; you just have to work at it each and every day. It takes work and consistent work at that. It is about setting certain goals that you want for yourself, for your own health and wellbeing. It is about practicing positive self-talk, believing in yourself, and knowing your values, and sticking to them. It is about self-love and self-care and knowing what truly nourishes you from the inside out, giving yourself the time and space to keep nourishing and keep nurturing yourself. Being happy is also about acknowledging your other emotions. We all have them. It is part of being human, part of our makeup. It is normal to feel emotions such as anger, jealousy, fear, joy, happiness, sadness, excitement, and every other emotion under the sun. It is how you respond to these emotions through which can help you lead a balanced life and for you to truly know who you are. Recognizing and responding to your emotions in a healthy , balanced way is part of being a happy and well-rounded person. Know yourself from the inside out , and you will achieve the kind of happiness that some people only dream about. Live your life for yourself and take steps to give to yourself first. When you give to yourself and take massive action on what you want, you will have far greater success in finding your own happiness within. Want more help finding happiness within? Get in touch via my website or on Facebook or Instagram . Alex Knysh, Executive Contributor, Brainz Magazine Alex Knysh is an Energy Leader & Self-Love Coach, supporting women to live their passion and purpose through the journey of connecting deep within and discovering self-love. Alex is passionate about helping people develop more confidence, clarity, and connection. With 6 years of experience coaching and leading groups, running workshops and events, Alex is also the founder of Better Life Solutions, a group inspiring people globally to be the best versions of themselves. When she is not helping clients discover their own inner brilliance, you will find her exploring nature and sitting on the shores of the beautiful beaches of her hometown of Sydney.

Written by: Andrea Raggambi , 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 thing I am quite certain we can all acknowledge is that COVID was a disruption. Like a giant, heavy, scratchy blanket quickly covering the entire world with its shadow, everyone navigated uncomfortably in the dark under scary conditions, trying to find pockets of light and forms of comfort just to put one foot in front of the other. As the weight and discomfort of this blanket start to lift, many are elated to creep out from the dark. Others feel woozy and leery as they grapple with what is still unknown. If you lead a team, this is the perfect time to hit the pause button and take note of how your team is responding to this change. Below are 5 questions you can ask your team members to learn how to maneuver forward together during this transition, feeling motivated, connected, productive, and perhaps, even more successful. ASK: What makes you most excited and most nervous as the world transitions out of lockdown mode? Tell me a few things you learned about yourself during the lockdown/pandemic months. What surprised you the most? What would an ideal workday look like for you moving forward? Identify one thing you think we as a team could start, stop and continue doing post-pandemic that will have a positive impact on the team and our outcomes? What one behavior or action can you personally commit to that will facilitate a team environment that inspires, motivates and lifts others up to be and do their best? LISTEN…and ACT: Listen openly, resisting the urge to make judgments or assumptions. Take notes and bring the team together to inspire a shared vision that represents their input to demonstrate how you see the team co-creating a successful future for your work together. Ask each team member to share their commitments. Then, meet regularly to have them share how they are taking ownership of their roles within the team. Lead the way: share your own personal experiences and feelings throughout the pandemic. Share your vision around opportunities to unite the team and come through this stronger together. Be prepared to have courageous conversations with your leaders if they are pressing down on you to get back to ‘business as usual. Meet regularly as a team and keep the team’s vision front and center as you discuss and execute on the tactical components that deliver on clear commitments. As the saying goes, “never let a good crisis go to waste.” This volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous time is an exceptional opportunity to practice empathy, build (or rebuild) trust and establish team norms and behaviors that the team deems valuable as you all look forward together. For more info, follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn and visit my website ! Andrea Raggambi, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Andrea is an ICF ACC coach and Chief Success Designer for mid to upper-level leaders who want to hit the pause button on busy-ness to take an exciting and courageous journey to design their personal and professional legacy and move forward with clarity, confidence, and renewed energetic purpose. Her purpose is to empower curiosity and creativity so that we choose to accept our differences, embrace change, and make choices that represent our best selves. Andrea applies a unique mashup of coaching and “success management” techniques utilizing a mix of change management, mindset, and habit-building practices to shift energy, thoughts, and behaviors in the direction of her client’s vision and goals. Since launching PerforMore in 2009, she has designed creative experiences, tools and products that have resulted in success for hundreds of high performing leaders in technology, medical, architecture, construction, and engineering industries.

Written by: Kim Wagner, 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. Setting healthy boundaries in both your personal and professional life is a really important aspect of stress reduction, self-care, and happiness. In fact, the ultimate form of self-love is to be true to yourself and make choices based on your own wants and needs. Most of us have an instilled desire to make others happy. It stems right back to when we are young children - even from birth. We observe what makes people happy and try to do more of that. As children, we are told what to do, and if we deviate from the plan, people get upset and there are consequences. A lot of this behavior and the need to comply is generational. Do the right thing, make sure you are not causing trouble and keep your head down. By the time we are young adults, this habit of doing things for others becomes an issue. The lines get blurred, and we are so busy doing things that make others happy that we forget about ourselves. When I’m working with clients, the biggest focus is self-love and self-worth. Once these areas are transformed, it changes everything. Clients then make decisions and choices based on what makes them happy and what fits in with their goals and dreams. Some key areas to work on in terms of boundaries are: Start saying no. We are programmed to say yes to people because we don’t want to upset anyone. How many times have you said yes and instantly regretted it? For many years I was doing things that I didn’t enjoy and regretted not making a better decision when asked. If it’s tricky to say no upfront, sometimes it’s easier to say something like ‘let me check and get back to you.’ Although we are worried about hurting others, we need to start putting ourselves first. If we decline politely, whilst people might be a little surprised the first time, they will grow to respect our decisions. Be selfish with your time. Guard it like it’s a limited resource - because it is. It’s so important to have time for yourself. Whether it’s to read a book, get out in nature or just relax, this time is important above all else. If I don’t get at least a couple of hours completely to myself every week I am unsettled and quick-tempered. It’s so important to meet our own needs and nurture ourselves without other people’s expectations and influence. Be wise with who you spend your time with. We all have those people who I call ‘energy vampires.’ The ones that suck the life out of you and are draining. These people are not good to spend time with. It might be tricky saying no at first, but over time the distance between you will grow, and life will be easier. This goes for friends and family. Just because you are related to someone, you don’t have to spend time with them if it’s not healthy for you. It’s important to take some time and find your tribe - the people who lift you up and make you feel amazing. I have a tiny family by blood but an amazing family by love that I’ve collected along the way. It can be locally or online - the world is changing, and our people don’t have to be physically near us. I have plenty of Zoom coffee dates that are so nurturing! In the home, start to delegate and don’t take on all of the work. There is absolutely no need to do everything yourself, and it’s time to share the chores with others. This can include things such as cleaning, doing the washing, and cooking meals. Many of us do the lion's share of work which is not only tiring but unfair. Old gender norms are behind us, and it’s time to start anew. Belief systems around what society considers normal have been ingrained for hundreds, if not thousands of years. They still exist in our subconscious minds due to generational transference. Thankfully this can easily be changed in a PSYCH-K® session, so we can now move on without those old damaging behavior patterns. Boundaries in the workplace are equally as important as personal boundaries. Keeping relationships professional is really important and will save any issues with office politics. Ensure your workload is manageable and say no if it’s too much. Delegate where you can and use any systems in place to lighten the workload. Be sure to take your breaks away from your desk and book in time off as it is available to you. It’s just a job, and chances are you’d be replaced in a day if something were to happen. By setting boundaries in both your personal and professional life, some of the benefits are: A feeling of freedom and happiness Less anger and resentment More time for yourself Stress and overwhelm will reduce A true feeling of calm Enjoying every area of your life Happiness in the workplace and less stress Pure joy of spending time with people who lift you up The experience of trying new things Living on your terms! Boundaries are a big part of self-love and self-worth. By working on these areas, we are able to be free to live a life of design on our terms. And that’s such an amazing feeling. For more info, follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , or visit my webs ite ! Read more from Kim! Kim Wagner, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Kim is a PSYCH-K® Facilitator, PER-K® Catalyst, Reiki Master, Intuitive Healer, Author, Speaker, and Educator. After losing her mother to cancer whilst pregnant with her second child, Kim started to research and train in the field of belief systems and trauma. The learnings and results have been astounding. Kim helps people to transform their lives. Her expertise is to heal trauma, replace negative and limiting belief systems and change the perception of stress. With a corporate background, Kim's unique ability to help clients allows her to transform lives across the globe. Kim is co-author of Upself Guidebook and an article contributor for multiple publications.