Written by: Taaureane Rasheediah Paquette, 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. 3:53 am. I’m sitting here with my phone firmly in my hands, typing my latest article, before I forget what I wanted to write. It’s the internal pressure that keeps that kindling going before writer’s block sets in. It’s been a little since I’ve been able to actually sit and write without feeling as though I’m missing a pending deadline. It’s now a ritual for me, sticky notes on my computer desk, notes jotted down in my journal, ideas are always flowing from this mind. In reality, I’m not by any means, besides the ones I put in front of myself, my blog, and for Brainz. That’s more so a factor, so I don’t fall behind or get too comfortable and try to just “coast” by. I want to put all of my energy into each of the projects I have on the table. Each of them embodies what I do as a person, whether it’s my voice you are hearing or my words that you can read. I’m not a professional in any way. That’s my disclaimer. What I am, is someone who speaks from her own experiences, for you to gain some clarity in your own life. With Taaury37, I’ve discovered who I was as a person, not just an echo anymore but an actual beacon of knowledge. Learning more as I go on so that my message resonates with so many more people. While I’m not out here making a million dollars, the difference that I do make is not something I can’t completely put into words. I decided to take more active on other social media recently, including Tik Tok. Tik Tok, which is known mostly for the dancing, makeup, or workout tutorials, can also be used to educate. Speaking on there, while a little nervous and yes, it takes me about 12-15 tries to make the “perfect” video, the responses have been rewarding. Not everyone is going to just come out and say, “Hey, I suffer from a mental health disorder. Can you help me?” While most will publicly comment on my content, privately, they are also there, and I am always open to helping those who just an ear to listen or lean on. I’ve been there, those dark moments of crying endlessly, wondering when it gets better. For some, it doesn’t; it’s hard to completely uproot the life you live, you know and make the changes necessary to move on. At my lowest point in my depression, I can remember having panic attacks that would absolutely paralyze me, that I thought I was dying. To not have full control over my emotions and body is not something I would like to discuss, but it’s so necessary. As the EMTs said to me, fear is the leading cause of why this happens, especially if you are asleep and unaware. Their calm demeanors, as well as reassurance that it wasn’t my fault, brought me back to reality. What I’m talking about was a recent event, and during a time where I can’t have anyone with me, it’s a terrifying feeling. Sitting in the dark of the room, vials of blood being drawn, test being run and hearing the medical lingo for what is next. During the few times I’ve been on a monitor, it’s either unnerving or calming, depending on your mindset. Knowing the most important person to me in this world is always available to me, even if it’s just his voice, that’s my solace. That’s right, when the experts sometimes burn out occasionally. I sometimes have to stop and realize, practice what you preach to others. Sometimes I run completely on E, and still let the fumes keep me going. Nothing is gained in that aspect, and can be viewed as self-sabotage from the outside. Take care of YOU, so that you can serve the ones who need you most. I can’t tell you how good it felt to not set the alarm this morning, to actually sleep despite my body’s aches and pains from being sick. Gastrointestinal issues aren’t a joke, it’s a very painful way of life, but ironically it happened right before my success. The Universe often brings us struggles before we hit the promised land. If I hadn’t gotten sick recently, I wouldn’t have met some of the most amazing people who are so selfless in patient care. This and finally receiving the correct diagnosis, after months of struggling for answers, thank you Dr. Longo! Working in healthcare right now, we are tired and pushing ourselves to the absolute brink to make sure that your loved ones are cared for. It’s never easy for the worker to be a patient, but lately, it’s happening more and more. That’s is why I do what I do by text, or talking to me in passing, I the nonjudgmental source of comfort and in your corner. As a recovering people pleaser, I know what it means to be an outsider now. You know what, it doesn’t matter to me, I’ve outgrown many in my life, and that’s never been more apparent as now. Writing will always be my way of expressing myself and my truths. It’s better than a word vomit conversation, although if you know me, I can hold my own. As I continue this wild ride of a journey, I say thank you to those who have stuck by me since the beginning. This would include Ace, without you I have no idea where I would be right, truly the man who would move Heaven and Earth for me, I love you more than words can ever say. My best friends, Lisa, Melissa and Mikki, for seeing the potential I had when I first shared this crazy idea of Taaury37. I love you guys for the unwavering support. Dovalina and Jean, for reading from the start what I was becoming and being my biggest cheerleaders and mentors, your guidance has been everything to me. My Dad and Mumzy, for always believing in me and my dreams. Last but not least, my SC family, you have shared, read and listened, and given the most amazing feedback always. I would have never taken this chance if not for you. I’m an introverted person who has always been behind the scenes. No longer does that person exists, Taaureane is ready to share herself and all that she has to offer the world. In the back of my mind, I will always hear “don’t you stop going, your star is on the rise” and “always be free with your mind Taaury”. This is just the beginning, I can’t wait to see where destiny and life’s stage leads me next. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and visit my website for more info! Read more from Taaureane! Taaureane Rasheediah Paquette, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Taaureane Rasheediah Paquette, is a blogger and podcast host who specializes in mental health. As a child, she was the victim of abuse, which has helped her elevate her cause to the forefront. She is the creator of Taaury37, a brand that represents female empowerment and relationships with each other. Due to the pandemic, this was a lightbulb moment, that turned into a movement. In addition to the blog and podcast, she has created a proposal for female empowerment at her workplace. She is the host of Taaury37, which streams on Apple, Google, Spotify and more. Also has been featured as guest blogger on Dear Malaak, The Mighty and several independent magazines. Her mission: That victims of traumatic events to have a voice, and end the stigma of mental health.

Written by: Haseena Shaheed-Jackson, 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. In 2021, we must be courageous, focus on building communities and being united. Let us briefly examine each of these values. Courageous We must have courage in the pursuit of our purpose. God provides us with the talents that we need; however, we must be brave to use our talents to in our purpose. In the Bible, Timothy struggled with fear. The reason for his timidity is not known. Apostle Paul wrote to him in 2 Timothy encouraging him to continue to run his race. Giving up was not an option. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment. – 2 Timothy 1:7. Apostle Paul was a role model for Timothy. Frankly, he is a role model for us all. Apostle Paul underwent much adversity and never once through in the towel. Apostle Paul chose to fight, winning his battles. As with Apostle Paul, we must choose to fight. We cannot give up on the pursuit of our purpose when faced with uncertainty and adversity. We must choose to continue running our race, the race for which we have predestined. For 2021, my word is courage. I must have the courage to pursue what I can be and not focus on that which is. I will encounter obstacles, but I must not give up on living in my purpose. The resilience and perseverance to continue pressing forward. I must live my life facing the adversity. I will add value to people who will, in turn, will add value to others, being intentional in growing, resulting in transformation and changing our world. I challenge everyone to live in their purpose. Never giving up. I recall in the movie of Martin Luther King, Jr. He became discouraged and tired. His friend Ralph Abernathy said to him, “But we are not those who draw back and are destroyed, but those who have faith and are saved.” – Hebrews 10:39. This scripture will forever resonate within me. Know who you are and whose you are. Be courageous. Community One is too small a number to achieve greatness and make a difference. It requires a Community. Community brings people together, with the result being impactful and significant. Community enables us to collaborate, connect and serve one another. Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up. – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10. It is best to have someone walking with you. There is power in numbers, thus community. Recall the story of Nehemiah in the Bible. The Jews were in distress after having been exiled from Israel. Nehemiah began a movement that built a community among God’s people. The people collaborated in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and creating solidarity. Another example, Jesus used community to spread the gospel. Jesus initially picked twelve disciples to help in the spreading of the gospel. The twelve expanded into many others resulting in the birth of the Church. Without all of these people coming together, the gospel would not have been spread as Jesus had directed in the Great Commission. I reflect back on community as a child. Neighborhoods were a community. Everyone in the neighborhood banded together to help and watch over one another. Today, we have gone astray from this concept and thus need to return. It takes a community to make a difference and to achieve greatness. One person is too small a number to achieve great results. It takes a community to spread and foster change. Let us return to building and creating communities. This world needs everyone collaborating and working together to effect change. This world needs every person working collectively and collaborating. Unification In John 17, Jesus was praying for himself and his disciples prior to his death. He said to the Father, “May they all be one as you Father, are in me and I am in you.” – John 17:21 Jesus desired for us to be united and be one with the Father. In this world, we have team sports, i.e., football, hockey, basketball, etc. The ultimate purpose of the team is to score and be the winner. No matter the type of sport, the team is united. They stand together in pursuit of their purpose. Take this same analogy and apply it to mankind. The people of this world are diverse, but we have similarities and an underlying purpose. Our underlying purpose is to make this world better, adding value and valuing every person. The effectiveness of fulfilling this purpose is being united. We must unite. We are called to serve in unity. We have a cause that is greater than one person. Unification is similar to community. It will take everyone working together-collaborating, connecting, and partnering. With the current state of our world, the pandemic, and these times of uncertainty, we can overcome it together. History shows that there is power in being unified. In the 1950s and 1960s, the U.S. made strides to become “the land of the free and the home of the brave.” The fight began to combat discrimination against blacks, which was launched with President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. The Montgomery Bus Boycott ended Jim Crow laws and segregation. Legislation was passed to correct and address women's inequality, i.e., the Equal Pay Act and Executive Order 11375. History shows that when people unite, change and transformation can occur. Let us stand together and make this world a better place. Join me this 2021 in embracing being courageous, building communities, and fostering unification. Follow me on Facebook, LinkedIn and visit my website for more info! Haseena Shaheed-Jackson, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Mrs. Haseena Shaheed-Jackson is a Certified Coach, Speaker and Trainer under the John Maxwell Team. She is the author of Reflections Within and Messages from the Spirit. Her mission is to add value to people so that they will add value to others by intentionally growing resulting in transformation and changing their world. Growth is a continual process that never ceases. It is a lifetime commitment that must become a habit. Ms. Jackson is the Owner of Faith, Hope and Spirit, LLC which offers training, coaching and speaking in the areas of growth, development, leadership and influence. For over 30 years, she has held positions in leadership and management for a variety of companies and organizations where her responsibilities included mentoring, coaching, development and training. She hosts a monthly networking group, Connecting and Collaborating to Thrive (CC2T). CC2T focuses on developing relationships and establishing a community. She actively seeks to form partnerships with others to make a difference and be impactful.

Written by: Aimee Teesdale, 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 recently came across a photo of myself taken in August 2016, on my last day working for a company before following my dream to be my own boss and focus full time on my coaching business. What I didn't realize at the time, though, was that I wasn't just following my heart; I was also running away from shame. You see, I had no idea what I was supposed to be doing in that job. I spent most of my days staring at my screen, afraid I'd be found out for the fact that I was only pretending to be busy, and I received very little praise or feedback from my boss for the work I did do. I felt like I didn't have any value to offer, or rather that I myself wasn't valuable. I then spent the next few years unconsciously trying to prove my value through my business instead, always feeling on the verge of success but never quite getting there. When a potential client said yes, I was on top of the moon. When they said no, (which happened far more often), I felt like I'd been punched in the stomach, and the setback would take days to recover from. As humans, one of our deepest desires is to know that we have value, that we matter, that we make a difference. And yet, so many of us struggle to believe that we do. We are conditioned into thinking that our value comes from what we do, the grades we get, the money we make, or the size of the impact we have. This is why we always lose, because there's always someone who scores more highly, and thus our own perceived value appears worthless by comparison. I've since come to realize that my value is NOT determined by what I achieve. My value is my consciousness itself. A consciousness that is so intelligent, so creative, so capable, and so loving that I even exist in the first place and can be aware of that fact. The more I let go of the limiting beliefs I've held about myself, the more I let this infinitely valuable consciousness flow through me, unrestricted, and thus, be of value to others. The greatest value we have is our own consciousness. Which lives in you, too, by the way! And it wants to express itself through you, in its unique way that you call your 'passion' or your 'purpose' - and I'm sure you already know what that is. You have to stop getting in the way of it. You have to stop believing that you don't have value. You have to stop playing small. You have to stop holding yourself back and procrastinating. You have to stop thinking that other people have more to offer than you do. You have to stop shying away from talking about what you do. You have to stop defining yourself by your grades, your university, your bank balance, your age, your years of experience, and so on. You have to stop doing the things you think you need to do and do the things you'd love to do. You have to stop getting in your own way of the unlimited value and success that is truly available to you but blocked by your belief that it's not. But how? How does one overcome the belief that they don’t have value or worth? The answer is simple: by recognizing that the belief isn’t and never was true. It was simply a mistaken interpretation, a false belief. I looked at that photo of myself and saw my innocence - a young woman, trying to find her way through life and her place in the world. A young woman who had grown up hearing her mother struggle with her own lack of self-worth and thus unknowingly inherited her mother’s beliefs. A young woman who assumed that because she didn’t know what she was doing in a job, she wasn’t really passionate about, that she lacked value. And I let that belief go, choosing instead to believe that my value comes from my ability to love myself unconditionally. Because by doing so, the more I can love others. And there’s really nothing more valuable than that. You are warmly invited to: Fall In Love With You™: a very special, free live masterclass on Mon 15 February 2021 in which I reveal my transformational 5D Method™ to getting out of your own way of success, becoming the person you would love to be and creating the life and business of your dreams. Click the link for more info & to register. Connect with Aimee through her website or Instagram! Read more from Aimee! Aimee Teesdale, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Aimee Teesdale is a highly sought-after success coach, speaker, author and champion for love. Using her transformational 5D Method™, she enables purpose-driven business owners to get out of their own way of success, become the person they want to be, and create the life & business of their dreams. Her ability to create rapid transformational results with her clients is due to her personal experience overcoming 20 years of struggle, fear and severely limiting beliefs, and discovering what the secret to success really is: less fear, more love.

Written by: Viviana Di Leo, 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. Have you ever repeated the same situations over and over again? Same situations, different people, or even places. So many people think that to start fresh, they need to leave the place where they are. And I relate to these people because I was there too. When actually, what is needed is to close that cycle before starting fresh. When talking about cycles, we talk about the life processes with a beginning, middle, and end. You learn to close cycles when a process is over, you feel peaceful, and it helps you move forward and avoid getting stuck. You might be asking yourself, how do I know I am repeating cycles? Trust me, you will know you keep repeating the same situations with different people, and you feel exhausted from hearing the same things from yourself over and over again. If you want to start giving closure, you have to know the difference between closing cycles and losing something. Closing chapters in your life might bring feelings of sadness and loss, but you decide to close it. It is not sudden or extremely painful like a true loss is. This means closing a cycle always means loss, but loss does not always mean having to close a cycle. When you do not close the door, it becomes awkward and uncomfortable with time. And with time you will be presented with same situation different people or places. Closing a cycle impacts your future. You become aware of the cycle, and you choose to stop it, which helps you progress. And this works even if you want to “lose weight” and start a new cycle of being healthy. So, trust me that it is huge to take this step. One of the reasons why it ends up being so difficult to lose weight you end up not wanting to close this cycle (maybe it subconscious, but it is there protecting you from the next step) So how do I know I closed a cycle in my life? 1. You feel peace of mind. 2. If the same situation is presented, you are not hurting or suffering. You are aware and can shift the way you face it. 3. You no longer repeat this same cycle. 4. You live a more conscious and aware life feeling more fulfilled. 5. You stop wanting to find a reason for something that did not work. Did you lose your job? Has a loving relationship come to an end? Did you leave your parents’ house? Gone to live abroad? Has a long-lasting friendship ended all of a sudden? Did you gain a ton of weight and cannot lose it? You can spend a long time wondering why this has happened. You can spend a long time blaming yourself or the other person, situation. Or you can choose different, choose your peace of mind. Choose to release those patterns and deciding how you want to live from now on. It is super rewarding to see my clients close those subconscious patterns and finally feel free, peaceful, and enjoy life. "Every day you have the opportunity to write a new chapter starting fresh." We had a particular year, 2020, and many people see the need to close cycles. Before a new chapter is begun, the old one must be finished: tell yourself that what has passed will not come back. Remember that there was a time when you could live without that thing or that person – nothing is irreplaceable. This may sound so obvious, and it can be seen as difficult. Still, it is especially important. "Closing cycles. Not because of anger or being fed up, but simply because it no longer fits your life." Shut the door, shake it off, burn the book, clean your mind and heart. Stop being who you were and begin to be who you are. For more information, follow me on Facebook , Instagram and visit my website ! Read more from Viviana ! Viviana Di Leo, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Viviana Di Leo is a Certified Peacefulness & Fulfilment Coach. She helps women on their self-healing journey to live a more peaceful and fulfilled life. She's an Expert in Biodecoding & Emotions.

Written by: Maria Jansson, 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 all know it and do it more or less. We set goals. We have the best intentions. We really want to make a change. And then we don’t. We stop. We go back into our comfort zone. We sabotage our progress. And then we are back where we started, but now we feel bad, blame ourselves, feeling like a failure. Does this sound familiar? What is self-sabotage ? Self-sabotage refers to conscious or unconscious thought patterns or actions we take against ourselves that hold us back and therefore prevent us from achieving our goals. Even when we try to make changes or to disrupt these patterns, somehow we end up in the same place, again and again. What can self-sabotage look like? Let’s look at what these behaviors we don’t always recognize might look like: Reaching a certain level (clients, money, closeness, weight) then stagnates/deteriorates. Procrastination Perfectionism Perpetually running late Poor planning Perfectionism Constantly criticizing yourself Distracting yourself Putting everyone's need before yours Picking fights Addictive behaviors coming into play when things you want might happen Talking yourself out of something you want, accompanied by statements of low self-worth. The first step towards change is to recognize these behaviors. A good way to go further with it is to stop blaming yourself. It’s just not helpful and only prolongs the painful cycle of sabotage. Instead, get curious: What is the hidden gain when you sabotage yourself? What is actually behind self-sabotage? Self-sabotage is just another way to seek CONTROL. Even though it produces the opposite of what we want, it gives us a sense that we can control an outcome of a situation that is out of our comfort zone. No , I hear you say. Bear with me a bit longer. That might sound so counterintuitive because it is actually a part of us that seeks control. It does so in an attempt to keep us SAFE. A part or aspect of us stops what we consciously want with a loving intention to PROTECT us! If this part thinks it is safer where we are, it will do everything to protect us, keeping us stuck (is how it feels to us). We perceive what we are trying to achieve as a danger because it is different from what we learned to believe about ourselves in our childhood. We are not aware of these beliefs because they are stored in our subconscious mind. Here are two examples: If someone is afraid of being loved for who they are, they might leave the person they are dating. If their subconscious beliefs say that they have to earn love or they are not worthy of love, this happens even though they want a relationship. In childhood, the only way to get positive attention might have been to fulfill certain needs of a parent. Or there was abuse or neglect in the space, which created the belief ‘I am not worthy of love.’ An entrepreneur is afraid of being rejected, so they don’t show up with Social Media offers because there is a subconscious belief at play running this behavior in the background. That belief might be: I am not lovable. This happens even though the entrepreneur wants to be successful. In childhood, they might have experienced situations that created this belief of not being lovable. To not have to face that painful feeling associated with this belief, rejection has to be avoided. The entrepreneur fears being rejected when they offer services, thinking about what others might say about them. So, what looks like self-sabotage or a lack of will power might actually be a part of us that wants to keep us safe with what is familiar . This part is still stuck in those old situations and doesn’t realize that we have grown up. Rather than blaming yourself for your “inability,” I invite you to get curious about what is scary for this aspect, to be curious why this is difficult, what does it remind you of? Going into an inner dialogue with yourself is helpful. It helps change your perception from “what’s wrong with me” to “what am I scared of.” Do you feel the difference, and how much more loving this sounds? So, self-sabotage can be: Fear of failure Fear of success Fear of being seen Fear of being hurt Fear of being rejected Fear of uncomfortable feelings Fear of being vulnerable Sign of low self-worth And so much more, humans are complex beings…. 6 steps that can help with self-sabotage Step 1: Create a journaling habit You will see how helpful it can be when you read the following suggestions. Writing down your thoughts is a key that can help you unveil your mind’s thought processes. When you write your ideas, thoughts, feelings, and discoveries down, you get a higher perspective of your reasoning. Journaling over time helps you keep track of your thoughts and behaviors and how much progress you have made. Step 2: Identify your self-sabotaging behaviors The first step that you will need to take towards stopping your self-sabotaging behaviors is identifying them. Be honest and think to yourself. What things are keeping you behind? Think about the things you frequently feel you “fail” at, and for no apparent reason. What are the things about yourself that you do not like? Journaling about it is helpful. Step 3: Identify the trigger that leads to this behavior When does it happen, and what happens before that? What is your thought process before it happens? What are your feelings before it happens? Again, journaling helps to sort your thoughts and feelings while exploring them. Step 4: Stop shaming yourself; there is nothing wrong with you . Remember, self-sabotage is a way to protect yourself. A part of you thinks it is safer to stay where you are. Try to find compassion for yourself and this aspect of yourself. Thank the part that uses self-sabotage as protection. There is always a reason for everything. And while this doesn’t mean to stay in a victim mode, it does mean that only when you accept this aspect of yourself first (it doesn’t mean you have to like it), you can truly change. Love is what heals. Step 5: Get curious about the fear that is behind this behavior . Be lovingly curious about the fear that is behind the self-sabotage. Can you find the part of you that is trying to protect you? Journaling with it (as something separate from you that you can communicate with) can reveal so much about the fear behind it. If you can feel the fear coming up, allow yourself to feel it. That’s sometimes all that is needed. Step 6: Find the underlying beliefs . Sometimes you can then notice the belief you formed about yourself. These beliefs are often in our subconscious mind; we don’t even realize what they are or how much they inform our decisions. Negative beliefs are the main driver behind self-sabotaging behavior. For example, if you think, “I am not worthy of love,” even if you deeply long to be loved, you will sabotage finding love. Taking the time to identify your core beliefs empowers you to choose new beliefs that lead you towards what you truly want. I am the best example of a recovered self-saboteur. Again and again, I would sabotage my attempts to market myself even after years of conscious healing work around that. Only when I worked on my subconscious beliefs, I got to the bottom of it. It was a fear of being seen because the belief was that it is not safe. I am glad that this is long in the past now. Everything is possible if you change your beliefs at the root. My journey to becoming a published author would not have been possible without this deep inner subconscious work. I just published my first book, “Spiritpreneur Success Stories for the Soul,” which I co-authored with 12 other soulful women worldwide. In this book, we share our vulnerable stories about how we rose from rock bottom to shine in our lives and businesses, how each of us overcame adversity and embraced spirituality to become new, empowered versions of ourselves. We intend to inspire others that you can find happiness, peace, and freedom when you heal your past, no matter what struggle or life challenge you face. Click here to order your book: US , UK , AU , CA , and NL . Follow me on Facebook , Instagram and visit my website for more info! Maria Jansson, Executive Contributor, Brainz Magazine Maria Jansson is a global Therapist and Empowerment Coach (RTT, CHT, M.Ed.). She helps ambitious and purpose-driven women all over the world heal from difficult past experiences, reclaim their self-worth, and find more self-love so they can conquer their inner success blocks and stop self-sabotage to unlock their full potential and live a confident life of love, success and inner freedom, without years of therapy. Maria works with the conscious and subconscious mind and uses a unique mix of rapid subconscious healing, conscious mindset work, inner child healing/inner parts work, and energy work to help her clients transform permanently. By accessing the subconscious mind to directly get to the root cause of what is holding her clients back, she is able to get results very quickly, often in just one month. Maria is very passionate about her work and feels deeply honored to be able to offer her clients real transformation and freedom.

Written by: Brooklynn Bradley-LaFleur, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. As a Mom*Prenuer who made her start from behind the chair as a salon owner, I know a thing or two about needing your hair done and not having time to sit in someone’s chair for 5 hours at a time. We get many business professionals and moms ready for a hair transformation to get them feeling revived, refreshed, and ready to hit their business goals but don’t have hours of free time to spend in our chairs. I usually don’t write this type of article, but I have been sending out information on this topic to tons of people lately, so I thought I would continue to spread this message. In this article, I will share an easy, affordable, and damage-free way to start stripping your color at home, spend less time at the salon, and cut the service cost down. Schedule your hair transformation and consult with your color specialist to ensure the need to strip your color. Then follow these steps at home before coming in for your appointment. I wanted to switch from navy blue to a violet red-pink color. Because my hair is naturally black, we needed to bleach my whole head. Surprisingly it lifted well. I loved it and kept it for about seven months before getting bored and wanting something new. I wanted to try for silver with a black root melt. There are two downsides to this. Trying to get a good color without damage and finding the time to actually make this transition while working and being a mother. The journey from red/pink to silver meant several hours in the chair. After a week of researching the best damage-free ways to strip hair, days of trial and error, making a huge mess in my kitchen, and 3 bottles of Vitamin C tabs later, I have an effective recipe for stripping hair. Step 1: Put several Vitamin C tablets in a Ziploc. This may vary. You will have to estimate however many you think will be enough for the thickness and length of your hair. Step 2: Make sure Ziplock is sealed shut. Crush Vitamin C with a hammer until you have a really good powder. Step 3: Pour the powder into an appropriate size bowl. Step 4: Mix with head and shoulders shampoo until you have created a paste. Step 5: Coat your hair evenly throughout. Dividing it into sections will help ensure it is evenly coated. It will not strip natural pigment, only deposited color. Step 6: Leave on for 45 minutes and rinse. You can do this as many times as you want, but your hair will be very dry. Make sure you condition it. A moisture mask will be very beneficial for your hair at this point if you do not have one, no worries! Sleep in conditioner or keep it in your hair for several hours. This will help put moisture back into your hair. For more info, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube-Channel, and visit my website! Read more from Brooklynn! Brooklynn Bradley-LaFleur, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Bradley-LaFleur is the CEO & Founder of Brooklynn Three. Brooklynn Three is the parent company of Salon Rouge Spa, LaFleur Couture Wellness Boutique, and This Beautiful Tripp Blog. Our mission is to help people transform their lives from the inside out by offering a variety of holistic based and safe products from makeup, vitamins, and cleaning supplies all the way to a wide variety of spa services. We host a web series every Monday morning to help answer questions and connect people everywhere with the products and services that best serve them and their families. On Friday mornings, we provide store shopping lives to conveniently shop everything in our store from the comfort of your own home. We ship and are happy to provide in-house or phone consultations to find the best plan for you!

Written by: Lauralee Schmidt, 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 revel in the chilly blustery winds of old man winter, I want to remind everyone that caring for your car is incredibly important in all seasons, but in winter, it’s especially important to not only look over the mechanics of your car but to pack some extra survival gear just in case the unforeseen occurs. I am a needy traveler by nature, and I have a daughter to think about, so I compiled a little something I like to call “How to Pack,” the Woman’s Guide to Winter Driving. It’s thorough and excessive. Much like me: 1. Pack blankets. But not just regular old raggedy blankets. Pack yourself a luxurious Sherpa blanket, or two, that can cuddle you and your sweet baby up for hours and hours, so you never feel a chill. Do pack one raggedy blanket in case you must get out of the car and must sit on the ground for some reason. I have a water-resistant folding blanket that I keep in the car emergency pack all year long. You never know when there will be snow or rain on the ground. 2. Gloves, oversized scarves, and woolen hats. I advise keeping 2 sets in the car. You may have a friend with you who needs some fuzzy gloves to keep their fingers warm, or maybe yours get wet because you are forced to go fiddle with the car, and you need that fresh pair to keep from losing your fingertips to frostbite. You will also want to make sure your kid has a nice warm set. Kid fingers get cold too. 3. If you have a kid, I recommend an extra set, or 2, of clothes. I like to keep a long underwear set all winter long in the car for my kid. This probably sounds like basic stuff, but it’s not a bad idea to stash a pair of long underwear for mommy or daddy in the car too. If you get stuck, must get out to look over the car in the cold, or are stuck waiting for a tow in the car long, you will thank me. I like Cuddl Duds. No, they don’t pay me to recommend them. I think they have cute patterns and are super warm. If you must be stuck, why not be warm and look cute at the same time? 4. Some healthy snacks, water, and more snacks. You’re already carrying the grocery store around in your bag if you have a toddler like me. In case you have an unfortunate vehicle mishap, snacks are good to have on hand no matter what age groups are in the car. If you have my luck, you will most certainly be stuck in the middle of nowhere or in a ridiculously long traffic jam that is nowhere close to an exit when your car decides to fall apart. A snack can be a nice distraction for a fussy kid or basic subsistence at a time in need. Snacks, always pack snacks. 5. First Aid Kit. It’s self-explanatory why you should have one of these in the car, but I think it’s necessary to mention those who may not have one. They are a good idea if a more serious situation arises, and really something you should have all year long in the car. So far, I’ve only needed ours for my daughter’s imaginary boo-boo. But that polka dot band-aid kept her from whining for a whole car ride, and that is valuable for saving mommy’s sanity. So, you see, first aid is important for many reasons. 6. Get a few nicer flashlights. It’s just a good idea to have several in your house and your car. I recommend having 2. Do you see the trend of my excess yet? Keep a smaller one in the door by you or the glove box and a lantern-style light in your trunk. My lantern turns into a warning light as well, so it is quite useful. It’s smart to have something extra in terms of lighting in case you lose your car battery and it starts to get dark. 7. When I was dating my husband, being the true romantic that he is, he bought me a charging kit for Christmas. Many women would scoff at that gift, but he knows what a utilitarian I am, which made me very happy. It comes with every type of charger you can imagine, and I can charge from my cell to jump a car battery with it. It’s incredibly handy. Pro Tip: Ensure the charging kit is charged prior to use, or no good will come from it. **Even if you don’t have a whole charging kit like the one mentioned, a set of jumper cables should be in your car. This is another great thing to keep all year long. You never know when you, or someone around you, could use a jump. They aren’t expensive, and I promise at some point you will need them. 8. Get yourself an ice scraper that is big and plush!! I don’t know why people keep playing with the dinky little ice scrapers I see in cars. Get the long one with the nice furry glove handle. You will save yourself a lot of effort and keep your hands warm if you just spend a little extra cash and get a good scraper. Treat yourself! 9. Parents, this one is specifically for you. If you have a potty-training toddler, put a potty chair in the car with you. This is a perfect way to keep the training process going in the event of getting stuck somewhere. You know, if you get stuck, that’s the moment your child is going to need to go potty, so be prepared. I kept one in my car the whole time I was training my daughter, and it was a savior more than once. Get a potty. You’re welcome. 10. The Extra Stash; de-ice, a lighter or two, trash bag/trash can, wipes, 1 or 2 towels, umbrella, small pillow, extra shoes, activity book/toys, cash, the list could continue on and on pending how OCD you are. But, I will stop here. With the seasons being so unpredictable year to year, the Schmidt Auto Care team wants to make sure you are not stuck at all in your car. Along with being prepared on the inside of your car for the winter, make sure you look for the common failures auto shops see most during this season. Take the time to have your battery checked, your tires checked/rotated, get a new set of wipers if needed, and have your fluids looked at to ensure they are good to go. These are super simple things that could save you as we move deeper into the winter months. If you haven’t made a winterizing appointment for your vehicle, we are happy to accommodate you at our new location. 285a Hiawatha Trail Springboro, OH 45066 For more information, follow Schmidt Auto Care on Facebook, Instagram and visit their website. You can also follow her beauty pages here! Read more from Lauralee! Lauralee Schmidt, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Lauralee is a cosmetic guru turned auto care goddess. Her years inside a cosmetic education role with a Fortune 500 company armed her with knowledge and skills that paired perfectly with her passion for branding a business and educating a client base. Her goal is to educate women in car care, change the stigma surrounding the auto industry, and be a guiding post for branding and business development. From international beauty campaigns to underneath a car, she has successfully navigated the world of business and branding.

Written by: Moira Hutchison , 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 or can you trust yourself? How many times have you promised yourself you would save money, lose weight, or clear out the junk drawer in the kitchen? You have most likely made several promises to yourself and broken many of them. You do this every day. It can be as simple as saying, “ I’m going to get started on my new workout routine tomorrow ,” yet the next morning, the alarm goes off and you hit the snooze button, and you make a new deal with yourself. This has consequences. You are teaching yourself that you do not have to take yourself seriously. You are implicitly teaching yourself that it is okay to let yourself down. Trusting and believing in yourself is crucial. After all, if you cannot trust yourself, whom can you trust? Here are some ideas and techniques to keep your promises to yourself and add integrity to every part of your life: 1. Use your past as a reference. If you have promised yourself that you would lose 50 pounds but came up short, it might be better to set a more reasonable goal. Losing 10 pounds five times is the same as losing 50 pounds all at once. Make reasonable promises to yourself. 2. Put your promises on paper. Thoughts are a funny thing. They sort of feel real, but they sort of do not. Writing them down is more tangible. Keep your written promises, where you can see them regularly. Review them a couple of times each day. 3. Ask yourself if you mean it and listen to the answer. Down deep, you know if you are serious and committed about your promises. After you make a promise to yourself, ask yourself if you really mean it. Listen to the answer you receive and respect it. If you are not going to honor the promise you made to yourself, make another one. 4. Change your beliefs about promises to yourself. Many of us are much better at keeping promises we make to others than we are at keeping promises we make to ourselves. ● Some part of you believes that it is okay to let yourself down. If you believe that you matter as much as everyone else, this attitude will not be acceptable. 5. Accept the discomfort that comes from following through with your promises. Why do you not keep a promise? It is often only because doing so is more uncomfortable than not doing it. So, it stands to reason that if you were better at dealing with discomfort, you would keep more of your promises. When you are feeling uncomfortable, be determined to work through it. ● Avoiding discomfort or facing it is a habit. Build the habit that will serve you the best. Dealing with discomfort is among the most valuable skills you can build. 6. What would you think of someone who made promises to you and broke them regularly? Would you date that person or call them your friend for long? You think less of yourself when you break a promise to yourself. ● You can see this by considering how you would think about someone else doing the same to you. You would not think much of them. That is what you are doing to your opinion of yourself. Nothing good comes of this. You may not notice it if it is often happening. Keeping promises to yourself is generally more important than keeping promises to others, yet we tend to approach life from the opposite perspective. The damage you do to your relationship with yourself affects every part of your life. Treat yourself like you matter and respect the promises you make to yourself. The integrity you build with yourself will make you better at keeping all the promises you make. It will expand into everything you do!! For more info, follow Moira on Facebook , Instagram , or LinkedIn , join her Facebook Community , or visit her website ! Read more from Moira ! Moira Hutchison, Executive Contributor, Brainz Magazine As an Intuition Cultivator and Mindset Mentor, Moira Hutchison guides her clients to access the inherent power they have available when they ignite their personal trinity of trust, inner awareness, and self-confidence. Moira works with professionals who feel that there is something better in life for them, but they have no idea how to access it. However, they have a yearning to be guided by their intuition and align with their unique calling. What makes her distinctive and different in this work is that she has developed the ability to take complex energetic and spiritual ideas and interpret them in ways that people find easy to understand, integrate and implement.

Written by: Bernadette Bruckner, 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 know who you actually are and the many gifts you have that you can also use for your business? Perhaps you sense that something is slumbering in you that others should finally see for sure, but primarily by you? More than ever, we have the opportunity – because of, or even despite, the current crisis - to be able to do everything and nothing. What if the doors for all your dreams were open to you and you could have everything you wished for? And you were 100% aware of your gifts and abilities? Does that sound spooky to you, or does your heart open up when you read that? I was fascinated by the film ‘ Lucy ’ by Luc Besson and posed this question after seeing it, "What does it mean to use 100% of your brain capacity?" In a group of "fearless" people, we play to see who has blind spots, where, and how we can access our subconscious wisdom. According to the Johari window, there are areas that only we know about that others see in us, but we don't; areas that everyone knows and the famous blind spots. Many people are afraid of their innate gifts and abilities—afraid of harming others using their abilities and gifts, but this may be an illusion that lies deep in the subconscious. Your gifts are valuable, and they matter! One day, I was interviewed for a podcast called ”your gifts matter” with Aaron Solly, and I loved it. Click here to watch. The further I explore myself, letting go of old beliefs I learned and was conditioned in since childhood, I began to do things I didn’t know: I could, I was allowed to do, or was able to. And yet, be LIE fs from others can destroy our gifts and our awareness that we are more than others tell us we are. What did others tell you? That you are dull, incapable, or not gifted enough? Write it down on a piece of paper. AND then… Just try, fail, and try again out of the pure joy and pleasure of trying what others told you that you couldn’t do. It’s important – for you and others! Here are some examples: Many times in my youth, other people—especially my teachers—told me that I was not good enough at languages. It was truly tough for me to learn English and French back then. Intuitively, I knew that I had to go abroad to learn languages properly. I spent one year in America and six months in France, and I learned the languages. Today, one of my passions is learning languages! Am I perfect? No. Do I want or need to be perfect? No! “In the imperfection lies the joy of trying, doing, and learning!” — Bernadette Another “false belief” concerned being creative and good at design, believing I could not. Now, after designing more than 30 dresses, bags, pieces of jewelry, houses, and booths, I know by heart that this has become a passion of mine! Never underestimate yourself — or other people, for certain feelings like “being loved, cared for,” for peers, for… For no one! Not even for yourself! Instead, explore every single day you and your subconscious knowledge. Ask yourself, when you desire to try something new, “Would I love to try it? Do I feel it will be fun for me?” If yes, do it, and savor the experience – in all directions! Just be you… Doing things out of pure pleasure! I love being challenged. Many years ago, in a workshop, the speaker on the stage said, “No one can be better than me!” I was shocked, confused, surprised; I smiled and said silently to him, “Watch me!” “Who are you without your filters of reality and the beLIEfs you were conditioned with since childhood?” — Bernadette What can be hidden in me? What do I feel that loves being seen, heard, and nurtured? For a couple of years, I wrote articles for magazines. I was never good at grammar or writing fluidly, yet my PhD topic is in the field of… **drumroll**… Communication Sciences! The more I write, the better I get. So, master your skills, especially the hidden ones, and make it as fun as possible without needing perfection. If you believe you aren’t good at it, BUT you still love it, try it. Go on, have fun and nurture yourself, AND master this skill! No matter what. And DARE to share with others how much fun you are having while expressing your inner wisdom and subconscious desires. The gift of being seen is, more than ever, a reason to explore more inside|out of yourself. Don’t chase other people from one workshop to another. I know by heart and through empowering my clients that all of your gifts and knowledge lie within you. Crack your subconsciousness, explore yourself every moment with the unique, beautiful gifts you are actually carrying already if you only knew! Nothing else matters in my world other than exploring myself with my multifaceted layers of beauty inside|out! And share your gifts with others. You never know who you are supporting and nurturing with your story and your courage to be seen with your gifts! Be a lighthouse for others! Be simply you. No matter what. Nothing else matters. For more information, follow me on Facebook , Instagram and visit my website ! Read more from Bernadette! Bernadette Bruckner, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine The creative allrounder worked successfully in different working fields in Austria and abroad. By her interest in corporate communications, marketing, human resources, and many other business areas, she has appropriated an enormous amount of knowledge over more than 30 years. Numerous educations at international top-trainers like Richard Bandler, Robert Dilts, Roy Martina, and Clinton Swaine. Internationally active as holistic trainer in health, nutrition, and mental health with exceptional holistic resilience methods. Founder of „iMM – intuitive mentoring method and 1-min-coaching-to-go“, a further development of NLP, as well as „ORINITION® - n(fl)ourish soul.mind.body.“ – an innovative nutrition work of (re-) membering our own body intelligence. Successfully Master’s degree in health management with a focus on public health. International Ph.D. & research in health communication with a focus on psycholinguistics combined with neuroplasticity and health economics. International bestselling publisher and author of numerous books in different languages. Global Author Award 2018 / Nominatee NLP Award in Research 2019 in London. 2021 opening my own research center for intuitive science in Austria.

Written by: Lynn MacDonald, 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’s only one mental illness, chronic mental stress. Never broken, nothing lacking." — Dr. Bill Pettit. I’ve come to see we human beings are built for mental health or well-being. Actually, it’s innate; we always have it. It’s never lost, stolen, or broken. I can’t help but wonder why this isn’t clogging up the digital world. Living in an oversubscribed world where there is no shortage of people believing that they are experiencing the following “problems” (just a small sampling): Lacking confidence I am not good enough. Low self-esteem Poor body confidence Worrying and trying to control life Lacking confidence to public speak Lacking motivation leading to low productivity Anxiety Depression Overthinking Overanalyzing Overwhelm The list goes on and on. It’s common to believe these problems are real when you look out at the world from the lenses of misperception, innocently, of course. A misunderstanding of how reality already works and the way we believe it works. When we think our experience and reality of life is created from the outside-in, problems appear real. Remember Mary, my client I wrote about last month? We need to talk about Mary. She’s a game-changer. Click here to meet Mary. She lived life from the outside-in, which resulted in her 22+ years of struggle with anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. What do I mean by the outside-In? Mary mistakenly believed her feelings were coming from her mother, her past, her ex-partner, the cold, dull days of winter, too many tasks around the house, etc. In doing so, she felt hopeless. She didn’t see any possibility of living in her innate mental health. Why is this a problem? When we either don’t realize where our feelings come from or believe they come from someone or something outside of us, we tend to blame our outside circumstances innocently. We think we have to do something to break free from anxiety/depression and accept we have to cope and manage it for the rest of our life. There’s a host of tools and creative strategies out there that look like good ideas until you see life from a lens of how reality really works. We look for reasons why we are not happy and wait for something in our outside world to change so we can be happy. We make happiness contingent upon something. We look for reasons why we are not confident. Then we attempt to look for a tool or the latest blog that promises 5 simple steps to confidence. We look for reasons why we have low self-esteem and trace it back to that 5th-grade teacher who said, “we wouldn’t amount to much in life.” We look for reasons why we lack motivation and tie it to low productivity. So, we search for those magic tools and science-driven techniques on how to be more motivated. I hear those famous words all the time: “I’m trying.” “I’m getting there.” “I’m a work in progress.” When Mary began to understand, she created her experience of anxiety, panic attacks, and depression by innocently misusing the Power of Thought by creating insecure thinking. She saw those feelings in a new light. She saw them as nothing to be afraid of. The monster under the bed no longer appeared scary. Mary hit a pot of gold when she saw the truth. She saw anxiety and depression as passing and temporary thoughts and feelings that gave her no information about herself, the past, what she could or couldn’t do, her personality, etc. She realized those feelings were only telling her the mental thought whether she was in at any given moment. “Simplicity,” she said on many occasions, “why didn’t anyone tell me this?” She saw that those feelings as a gift, a barometer to guide her back into her innate well-being, which is innate mental health, always there, unshakeable. No one can take away our innate mental health. Every human being has mental health within them now. When we have a thought storm of insecure thinking (which is what those above “problems” arise from), we live in the feeling of our thinking. When we wake up to the reality that we live in a thought-created world, the mind will do what it does best, settle down. The mind clears, that is what it does and innate well-being is up for grabs. Take what you’d like, happiness, joy, peace of mind, contentment, creativity, motivation, confidence, courage, truth, wisdom, resilience, etc. A world beyond the intellect. Since we can’t control, change or manage our thinking, how do we live more from our innate well-being? When you don’t like how you are feeling, stay away from poking the bear. Simply notice it, and you will eventually be automatically directed back into a better flow of thinking, a higher mood. No tools necessary. The magic happens by noticing, and spiritual intelligence takes care of that for you. The same energy that breaths your heart and takes care of your digestion system, and heal cuts will direct you back to your innate well-being. What seemed like an impossible dream for Mary to live life without coping and managing anxiety and depression in the forefront became a reality. A reality that keeps on giving back as she spends more time living in the present moment, where all the action of life is. Your thinking has nothing to do with you, and it’s impersonal. When you understand this, your mind self-corrects and guides you home to your innate mental health, wisdom, and resilience. It’s from that place we always know what to do. When we live more from what’s right will fix what’s wrong. Anxiety, depression, habits, or any of those above “problems” do not live and prosper in innate well-being, mental health; it’s impossible. You don’t have to believe me. I’d rather you didn’t. Find your own insights and revelations that will help you live more from a good feeling and subscribe to hope, possibilities, and endless creativity in living the life you were born to live! What party bag take-a-ways resonated with you? With Gratitude, Lynn Follow me on Facebook for more information! Read more from Lynn! Lynn MacDonald, Executive Contributor, Brainz Magazine I’ve been a corporate trainer for a Fortune 500 company. I’ve been a yoga teacher with consistently sold-out classes and a professional hypnotherapist, successfully curing some of the biggest fears and phobias people have. All of this, plus studying with some of the highest level teachers on the planet, has led me to understand human nature that I use to help strengthen professional women, shed their old beliefs, and become the potent, prosperous leaders they’re here to be.

Written by: Jane Christine, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. Everyone wants a quick fix! Some people spend so much time researching on how to reach their end goals quicker that they could have used that time to truly invest in themselves. Most don’t want to do the hard work to get to their goals. Most want others to do it for them. It’s been engraved into our entitled and accelerated culture. We believe we deserve everything and are owned by society. I agree that yes, we do deserve everything but not by some quick-fix scheme – the hard work is where the true transformation happens. There is a reason why the self-improvement industry is estimated to grow into a $13.2 billion industry by 2022. So why is the industry so lucrative? Why are bookstores now filled with self-help books? It’s because most people don’t want to put in the effort to truly transform. But it’s not their fault; it’s simply the culture they’ve been raised in. We don’t know any better when we haven’t been challenged on our values and beliefs. We have so many beliefs that were absorbed in our childhood years that we have taken on as our own set of values. But have you really looked to see if these values align with the person you are today or the person you want to be tomorrow? “People have the right intentions by wanting to improve and grow – it’s the way they are trying to do it where it all comes undone.” Sometimes when people are so desperate for help, they turn to self-help books, but then they are left feeling worse than before they picked up the book. Why is that? It has to do with the way they are consuming. Let’s take food, for example; we all need it to survive. But how we consume, it can alter our mood, mindset, health and body. If we are eating healthy, nutritious food, we will feel satisfied, energized, and usually feel stability in our emotions. However, when we go on a binge and eat sugar-loaded food, we will almost always feel terrible, lack energy, feel sad or unhappy, and not only because of the food itself but how we consumed it – what was the reason and intention behind it? The way you consume anything will have a direct effect on the outcome. Before you get sucked into the self-help industry, assess where you are currently at, what your motivation is for wanting to improve. If the motivation is external, for example, you want to lose weight, so others accept you, the change might not have longevity as your motivation is dependent on others. Whereas if you shifted your mindset and reframed your motivation into something that was only dependent on yourself, say I want to lose weight to feel good when I walk into a room. Your transformation is about you – not from an external force. “Learnings will only lead to transformation when it’s put into practice.” I am an advocate of true transformation; my career is based on helping others transform into the best version of themselves. However, this takes place in a safe space, in a non-judgemental zone, filled with positive intentions, compassion and a deep understanding of why they do what they do and how to change their actions to best serve their wants and needs. Creating this same environment for yourself can be easy when you have an awareness of your current state of mind, be kind and gentle towards yourself, and leave your self-criticism at the door. Of course, this is easier said than done, however as with anything, you need time to learn. But don’t stop there – this is where the difference comes into the play – learnings will only lead to transformation when it’s put into practice. Reach for those self-help books when you are ready to practice what you learn. “Consistency creates habits and habits turn into default behaviours.” Your true transformation takes place when you are by yourself - alone with your thoughts and feelings, and in your everyday life where consistency creates habits and habits turn into default behaviors. It will happen over time, gradually. Remember, it has taken years to learn these habits and behaviors, it’s going to take some time to alter and retrain your mind. You won’t see the change overnight, but there will be a point in time when you will be thrown a challenge and you will notice that you didn’t go down the path you used to. This is the moment you will know that all your hard work, dedication and consistency have led you to this point – your default mode has been reprogrammed and you now do something different than you would have before. You will know you’ve truly transformed when others you haven’t seen in a while will need to get to know you again, as the person you are today. You’ll know when your patterns have changed instinctually, and you no longer need to make a conscious decision for healthy habits. You’ll know you’ve truly transformed when you’ve reached those milestones you set for yourself so long ago. Follow me on Instagram, connect with me on LinkedIn and visit my website for more info! Read more from Jane! Jane Christine, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Jane Christine is a certified Life Coach, NLP Master Practitioner and author. Originally from Australia working in the corporate world, until she questioned her life's purpose. Jane believed there had to be more to life, so she sold everything she owned and set off for a nomadic lifestyle traveling around the world searching for answers and a place to call home, which she finally found in Spain. Her search and transformation took her to over 37 countries. Life experiences and her own personal growth guided her to become a certified Life Coach, her travels inspired her quest to learn about the world around us and why we do what we do. Since 2012, Jane Christine has been studying how our pasts shape us, the effects of societal standards, and the impact of values. With the techniques of Neuro-Linguistics Programming and through the power of transformation learn how to; bridge the gap, define self-worth, set tangible goals, find comfort through change, and how 1% micro-changes can alter lives. Jane Christine is the author of "How You Know Already: Questions to ask yourself to find the answers within" as she believes we are all unique and so are each of our paths to follow. She is dedicated to her clients and supporting their growth and journey. Her motto: Design your life, don't just live it!

Written by: Claire Muller, 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 started this year with hope, even knowing that we still have some restrictions. Many of my clients are working from home and continuously online. The last year 2020, taught us the value of life, family, relationships, freedom, resilience, and gratitude. We found ourselves needing to adjust to the ‘new norm’ and make the best of our situations. Self-help resources and dealing with the global lockdown helped us find balance and share what we learned with everyone. We are spending more time online for work and being social on all social media platforms. How do we differentiate between work and social when online? I have heard so many people say they started the new year refreshed, hopeful, and ready to go; but are now into the second month of 2021 and are digitally fatigued. It seems like many have forgotten the lessons from last year. To those struggling to find balance, here is a reminder and five ways to deal with digital fatigue: 1. Set Boundaries. Your home is your sanctuary, and you can reclaim it by only working in 1 area if you do not have a home office set-up. Keep your work-space separate from your bedroom and, if possible, your lounge or couch. 2. Switch off. There should be a differentiation between work and leisure time. We are spending loads of our time staring at screens, including social media. Give yourself a time out. 3. Manage your priorities! Do what is essential and urgent. Design a schedule to work on tasks that are important and not particularly urgent. Delegate tasks that do not need your attention. Drop the tasks that fill your ‘To Do’ lists. These items give us a false sense of productivity with so much busyness, which leads to feeling overwhelmed and fatigued. 4. Self-care. Down-time from social media and a much-needed break is necessary to taking care of your well-being. Schedule time for a mental spa and time away from all screens. 5. Release Schedule. Some time for a daily activity that helps release energy and be revitalizing. It could be vigorous exercise, a calm walk, or a mindful activity like yoga. Get moving! We may be tired of hearing the term new norm, but it is a reality we either need to accept or change how we dealt with it! We still have choices and can exercise those within our control. Follow me on Facebook, LinkedIn and visit my website for more info! Claire Muller, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Claire Muller is a business and executive coach. She has transitioned from 23 years of working in the Travel Industry to fulfill her purpose and positively impact the world, by empowering women in business. Claire is a qualified Trainer, Assessor and Coach. She is also a Neuro-Linguistic Program Practitioner that challenges limiting beliefs and thinking patterns, reframing those thoughts with positivity. Her toolbox includes Life, Business, Executive, Abundance, Creativity, and Enneagram Coaching.