Written by DDL Smith, Author DDL Smith is a British novelist known for ‘Detective Dion’ and the eco-horror novel ‘Decay’. His independently published novels have attained global reach with his ‘think like a publisher’ mentality. Welcome to Luleå! Currently a comfortable -13 °C with clear skies, and the sun playing peekaboo with the horizon. When booking flights a week ago, Luleå saw an Arctic blast with temperatures plummeting to -28 °C, far lower than the seasonal average. I packed accordingly. I arrived with bags stuffed for an Arctic desert: ski gloves, thermals, and more sweaters than I’ll wear on this trip. Amidst rushing around to buy warmer clothes, it’s easy to forget we’re in the middle of a climate catastrophe. Yet the words “global warming” feel laughable here. But here lies the disconnect: my personal journey expecting sub-Arctic temperatures, only to find milder weather. The immediate climate I experience frames my perception, and similarly, public messaging should aim to bridge the gap between personal experiences and broader climate patterns. It can be hard to imagine a warming crisis when the sub-zero temperatures you’re experiencing are freezing your morning coffee. Growing up, I recall seeing the term “global warming” everywhere. Now we use the more appropriate term, climate change. As an author with a background in copywriting, I find the way we use words, and how specific phrases stick, fascinating. Where did the phrase global warming come from? It’s logically correct, yet it feels wrong. The branding problem I remember growing up reading headlines about global warming and being taught about its effects in school. The sudden change in the media to climate change felt to me, like it felt to most, like a rebrand to gain attention to the crisis. Yet research shows that was never the case. Both terms have been used in the scientific community for a long time. The first known use of the term global warming is a 1975 scientific article by Wallace Broecker of Columbia University titled “Climate Change: Are We on the Brink of a Pronounced Global Warming?” The term became commonplace in 1988 when NASA scientist James E. Hansen used it in the US Congress to testify about the climate. The press has since used the terms interchangeably, as if they have the same meaning. The mid-2000s saw a rise in the popularity of the wrong phrase, just as I remembered. As an example, TIME magazine’s April 9, 2007 issue featured the headline “The Global Warming Survival Guide.” While the terms “climate change” and “global warming” were used interchangeably, the press preferred the latter. A “change” feels insignificant; our lives are constantly changing. A global warming event depicts death by fire and brimstone, far more dramatic. ‘Warming’ misleads us Global warming is technically correct; the average temperature globally is warming. Yet, unless you live in an already sweltering desert, a generalised term doesn’t match what people feel in their immediate environment. In cold countries, statements such as “the earth is warming up” feel absurd. Somebody might even welcome the thought of the earth warming up a bit while you’re shovelling snow from your driveway. However, the dangerous effects of a changing climate aren’t conveyed when we simply say “warming.” No one in Luleå is expecting to put on suncream to walk to the shops any time soon. The 20-degree difference within a couple of weeks speaks volumes about the rapid change in the climate. Weather doesn’t necessarily equal climate, and recognising this difference is crucial for effective communication. Public perception won’t always separate them if we link them together in the words we write. How framing shaped a generation For many, the phrase global warming was all we heard growing up. It was the entire story to us. On our school worksheets. Headlines of newspapers. Images of penguins on melting ice caps. Greenhouse gases are turning everywhere into scorched earth before we hit retirement. This incorrect hook shaped our early understanding of what was really going on in the climate. How could the world be warming when weather snaps from the Arctic bring more snow in the winter? How could the Earth be warming if we’re seeing more flash floods, not just heatwaves? What we witnessed didn’t match the narrative we were taught. If we didn’t feel hotter, the crisis felt distant. When the story centres on warming alone, it quietly implies a straight path toward disaster. A steady climb toward an uninhabitable end state, like Venus at a sweltering 450 °C. The issue with pushing narratives about “warming” into mainstream media is that it sets a generation up with the wrong expectations. People don’t like being told their lived experience is wrong. It’s human nature. So when messaging oversimplifies a complex issue, the public feels talked down to. That resentment can spill outward. We’ve seen this with protests that block roads and disrupt commuters. The intention may be noble, but in practice, thousands of idling engines and angry drivers only deepen the divide. The crisis becomes background noise; the annoyance becomes the headline. The gap between confusion and irritation gives misinformation a space to thrive. Words matter The return to “climate change” didn’t happen abruptly within the scientific community; it was always present. Yet it felt abrupt within public perception. It’s a reminder that language is essential when we’re describing or relaying important information. The right words make complex ideas understandable. In the subject of climate change, it’s important to remember the bigger picture. Sudden thaws in northern countries and wildfires in Australia aren’t contradictions. They’re symptoms of the same system behaving unpredictably. Climate change, not simply global warming. This is why words matter. The shift in perspective, although in the right direction, wasn’t about rebranding a crisis. It became a communication correction. We’re now communicating more honestly, which builds trust and underscores the importance of finally working on ways to mitigate disasters. A better story So, as I’m sitting here in Luleå, watching my coffee ice over with a suitcase of thermals I thought would be more useful, I’m reminded that there’s always a better way to communicate the crisis we face. We should strive to avoid sensationalism and misleading terms. Stay away from fuelling scepticism with exaggerations. We can choose the language we use and inform people correctly, not confuse them. By being deliberate in word selection, we can engage and educate more effectively. When the framing of a situation improves, whether the importance is saving the world or selling some new socks, the conversation around us changes too. As writers, leaders, and communicators, our influence sits in clarity, in helping people make sense of a changing world. I often think about how other planets tell their stories of their climate changing. Earth’s story currently is one of instability. Venus tells a different story, one in which feedback loops outran corrections. The lesson from other planets is perspective. Climates don’t fail suddenly. By examining these planetary narratives, we see the importance of communicating the challenges that lie ahead. Our words guide how people perceive that drift. If we get our words right, we help people take the correct steps forward. That’s a far more hopeful story to tell. Follow me on Instagram , and visit my website for more info! Read more from DDL Smith DDL Smith, Author DDL Smith is a London-based novelist whose cross-genre, contemporary fiction reflects issues and fears in modern society. His creative roots started from a young age with theatre and scriptwriting for online content. When transitioning to novels, his goal was to use marketing techniques to ‘think like a publisher’ while staying independent. A tactic that has his books available in book chains across the globe.

Written by Dee-bo-rah Moffatt, Podcast Host Deborah Moffatt is the creator of The Healing Version Podcast, using storytelling, psychology, and lived experience to help individuals heal emotional wounds, break generational patterns, and build healthier lives. Every January, we’re encouraged to make resolutions. Be better. Do more. Fix everything. And yet, year after year, many of us find ourselves standing in the same place, just with a new calendar on the wall. As we step into 2026, it’s time to tell the truth: resolutions don’t fail because we lack discipline. They fail because they’re built on pressure instead of clarity. This year isn’t about promises. It’s about real solutions. Why resolutions rarely work Resolutions focus on outcomes without addressing the foundation underneath them. We set goals for our bodies, finances, relationships, and mental health, but ignore the habits, beliefs, and emotional patterns that created our current reality. You don’t need more motivation. You need better systems. Real change begins when we stop asking, “What do I want to fix?” and start asking, “What needs to change so growth becomes sustainable?” From survival to strategy Many people entered last year in survival mode, navigating grief, burnout, instability, emotional exhaustion, or financial stress. Survival was necessary. It kept us going. But survival is not the goal. 2026 is an invitation to move from survival to strategy. That shift begins with honesty: What patterns did I repeat last year? What did I tolerate that drained me? Where did I avoid hard conversations? What systems in my life are no longer working? Clarity creates power. Awareness creates options. What real solutions actually look like Real solutions aren’t loud or dramatic. They’re consistent. Intentional. Grounded. They look like: Setting boundaries instead of setting unrealistic goals. Creating routines that support your mental and emotional health. Choosing healing over hustle. Asking for help instead of self-abandoning. Making decisions that align with who you’re becoming, not who you’ve been. Progress isn’t about perfection. It’s about alignment. Designing a better 2026 A better year doesn’t happen by accident. It happens by design. Instead of asking, “What do I want this year?”Ask, “What do I need to change to support the life I want to live?” A better 2026 means: Fewer reactive decisions. Healthier relationships. Clearer communication. Emotional and financial responsibility. A commitment to growth, even when it’s uncomfortable. You don’t need a new identity. You need a new level of self-support. The shift that changes everything Resolutions are about proving something. Solutions are about becoming something. When you choose solutions, you stop chasing motivation and start building momentum. You stop waiting for the “right time” and start creating structure. You stop repeating cycles and start breaking them. That is how real change happens. The invitation Let 2026 be the year you stop making promises you can’t sustain and start building solutions you can live with. No more surface-level goals. No more performing healing. No more postponing your well-being. This is the year of clarity. The year of accountability. The year of alignment. Not because it’s a new year. But because you’re ready for a better one. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Dee-bo-rah Moffatt Dee-bo-rah Moffatt, Podcast Host Deborah Moffatt is a mental health advocate, psychology student, and the creator of The Healing Version Podcast, a platform dedicated to helping others explore their healing journeys through storytelling, education, and real conversations. With a passion for emotional wellness and trauma recovery, Deborah blends personal experience with academic insight to create safe, empowering spaces for growth. Her work encourages individuals to confront generational patterns, build healthier relationships, and rediscover self-worth. Through speaking, writing, and podcasting, Deborah’s mission is to help people transform pain into purpose and step confidently into their next version.

Written by Steve Radford, Mindset Coach Steven Radford is an Internationally Accredited Mindset & performance coach and the founder of SuccessWave Coaching. He helps professionals and leaders overcome burnout, rebuild self-belief, and take aligned action toward clarity, confidence, and meaningful success in work and life. At senior levels, speed is often mistaken for competence. Early in a career, decisiveness is rewarded. Respond quickly. Move things forward. Be seen as someone who “gets things done.” Momentum builds credibility, and action earns trust. Over time, this becomes instinctive. But something subtle and significant changes as responsibility increases. Decisions become harder to reverse. Consequences extend beyond immediate teams. Visibility grows. The margin for error narrows, not because leaders are less capable, but because the environment is more complex and less forgiving. Many senior professionals respond to rising complexity by moving faster, as they always have. Meetings multiply. Provisional decisions harden prematurely. Leaders push forward in the face of uncertainty, hoping clarity will emerge once they are in motion. Sometimes it does. More often, it doesn’t. The moment leaders most need clarity is often the moment they feel least able to pause. This is not a failure of confidence or competence. It is a misunderstanding of where clarity actually comes from, and why action, when taken too early, can quietly amplify pressure rather than resolve it. The misunderstanding about clarity One of the most persistent myths in leadership is that clarity results from action. Do something, and the picture will sharpen. Decide, and doubt will recede. Push forward, and the right path will reveal itself. At senior levels, this logic begins to fail. Action without clarity multiplies, not simplifies, reality. Each decision introduces new variables, expectations, and consequences. Progress can quickly become noise. This is not an argument for indecision. Nor is it a case for endless analysis. It is an argument for orientation. Clarity does not emerge from motion. Motion without orientation increases risk and complexity. The leaders who perform best under pressure are rarely the most driven. They are the most oriented. They slow down just enough to understand what actually matters before they act. Clarity precedes sustainable performance. Key takeaway: Invest time in gaining clarity before moving to action. Why does this become harder the more senior you are Senior leadership is not simply a scaled-up version of earlier roles. It is a different discipline altogether. At this level: Decisions are more visible and more scrutinised. Outcomes are harder to undo. Choices carry reputational, cultural, and organisational weight. Others look to you for certainty, even when certainty does not yet exist. Combine this with a career built on decisiveness, and it is easy to see why leaders default to speed. Action feels responsible. Pausing feels risky. But the pressure senior professionals experience is rarely emotional in the way it is often described. It is cognitive. It comes from holding multiple, competing priorities at once. From recognising that every meaningful decision closes off other options. From knowing that the choice in front of you may quietly define the next chapter of your leadership, or your career. Under these conditions, pressure does not remove intelligence. It distorts orientation. Attention narrows. Time horizons compress. Leaders feel compelled to do something, not because it is right, but because it relieves the discomfort of uncertainty. This is why experienced, capable leaders can still make decisions that later feel misaligned. Not because they lack judgement, but because the conditions under which judgement is exercised have changed. Pressure, judgement, and premature certainty Decision-making under pressure produces stress and reduces cognitive bandwidth. Attention becomes selective. Leaders seek closure earlier, often before the problem has been fully framed. This is not a flaw. It is a human response to complexity. When pressure rises, the mind prioritises resolution over accuracy. Decisions feel decisive, but they are not yet fully understood. For senior professionals, this often leads to premature certainty. Action creates the appearance of control, while underlying misalignment remains untouched. The result is a familiar pattern: corrective decisions later, repeated explanations, and quiet erosion of confidence, both personal and organisational. Clarity prevents unnecessary action, not action itself. When action isn’t the problem A senior leader I worked with came to me during what they described as a “decision crunch.” They were experienced, respected, and outwardly successful. Yet internally, they felt under constant pressure to act. Several options were on the table, a role change, a structural shift, a strategic redirection, and each felt equally urgent. They told me they wanted confidence. What they were actually seeking was relief. As we slowed the conversation down, a more fundamental issue emerged. They were not struggling to choose between options. They were unclear about what decision they were actually making. Was this about career direction? Organisational alignment? Capacity? Reputation? Legacy? Until that question was named, every option carried weight. Once the decision was properly framed, the pressure reduced almost immediately. Not because the answer became obvious, but because the leader could now see the situation accurately. The eventual choice was not dramatic. It was deliberate and, importantly, it was one they could stand behind calmly. The issue was never a lack of action or confidence. It was action without orientation. Key takeaway: Orient yourself before moving forward. Learning this the hard way Earlier in my own leadership journey, I made the same mistake. I equated movement with progress. When things felt unclear, I pushed harder. Took on more. Moved faster. From the outside, it looked productive. Internally, it felt reassuring. But over time, something became impossible to ignore. Despite all the activity, clarity never arrived. I was busy, but not oriented. Decisions were being made, but not fully owned. I learned that speed can avoid real decisions. Pushing forward creates an illusion of control when direction is missing. The most important shift was not emotional. It was cognitive. I learned to pause long enough to ask: What actually matters here? Not eventually. Not ideally. Now. That pause did not slow progress. It changed its quality. Key takeaway: Pause and orient for better outcomes, not less progress. Orientation before action Clarity does not require endless reflection. It requires better framing. Before acting under pressure, a small number of orienting questions can restore judgement: What decision am I actually facing? What am I trying to relieve, and what am I trying to resolve? What matters now, not eventually? What would a calm version of this decision look like? These questions are not about delay. They are about alignment. I help people think, not feel, their way forward. When orientation returns, action becomes simpler. Not easier, but cleaner.Key takeaway: Orientation streamlines and strengthens decision-making. Rethinking high performance at senior levels Many leadership narratives still celebrate endurance. Availability. The ability to keep going regardless of cost. But sustainable performance looks different. It is marked by judgement under pressure, the ability to pause without freezing, and decisions aligned with values rather than demands. I am less interested in how hard someone is working and more interested in whether they are working on the right thing. Clarity conserves energy. It reduces friction. It allows leaders to act with authority rather than urgency. Key takeaway: Clarity is not just insight. It powers sustainable leadership. Calm is not complacency The most consequential decisions are rarely urgent. They are important. They deserve orientation before execution. Clarity does not delay progress. It safeguards it. Key takeaway: Prioritising clarity is direct protection for effective action. Senior professionals do not need better answers under pressure. They need to see their situation clearly enough to make a decision. A closing reflection If a decision feels heavier than it should, it is often because it has not yet been properly framed. Clarity begins not with action, but with orientation. From there, progress becomes something you can stand behind calmly and confidently. Key takeaway: Start with orientation for clearer, more confident decisions. If you are navigating a decision that feels heavier than it should, it may be useful to talk it through with someone whose role is simply to help you see the situation clearly before you act. You can learn more about my work, or connect with me directly, at my website . Follow me on Instagram and LinkedIn for more info! Read more from Steve Radford Steve Radford, Mindset Coach Steven Radford is an Internationally Accredited Mindset & Performance coach and the founder of SuccessWave Coaching. With a background in leadership, project management, change management, and personal development, Steven supports professionals and purpose-driven leaders to overcome burnout, unlock confidence, and create sustainable success. Through his coaching programs, writing, and speaking, he helps clients shift their mindset, reframe limiting beliefs, and take powerful, aligned action.

Calon y Ddraig has just announced its upcoming year-long virtual group, “Stirring the Bones,” an incubator offering soul-based wisdom, as well as right- and left-brain exploration, and support in bringing longer-term creative goals and projects into being. The group will meet bi-weekly via Zoom on Tuesdays from 11 am to 1 pm CST, beginning March 24, 2026, and welcomes creatives, sensitives, and depth creatures who seek support and mentoring rooted in the wisdom of the old stories and the retrieval and integration of lost parts of the Soul seeking to return home. In her seminal work, “Women Who Run With the Wolves,” Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Éstes reminds us that “Stories are medicine... story is far older than the art and science of psychology, and will always be the elder in the equation no matter how much time passes… Stories set the inner life into motion, and this is particularly important where the inner life is frightened, wedged, or cornered.” With the power of the old stories as its foundation, this year-long exploration will allow participants to: Experience consistent support and gentle accountability in moving steadily towards their self-identified creative goal(s); Gain an embodied understanding of the Feminine & Masculine Growth Lines as they pertain to creative process; Develop an appreciation for the archetype of the Weaver and learn how to lean into her shifting and non-linear flows with greater trust; Deepen trust in their own intuitive knowing; Recognize places of “injured instinct” within themselves and support these places in beginning to come back into alignment; Strengthening the protection and hardiness of their own energy fields; Broadening their range of choices in how to respond to what life and creative process offer on a day-to-day basis; and Develop access to deeper relationships with animal, plant, and elemental energies as well as with well-resourced and supportive ancestors. All group sessions will be facilitated by shamanic practitioner, storyteller, and artist, Eamon Willow Davies, MSSW, and will include an embodied arrival exercise, check-in circle, focused guidance and/or skill-development, and a sharing of one of the old stories as fits and aligns with the material being evoked through the group process and progression. As Eamon Willow is currently immersed in a year-long Celtic storytelling apprenticeship with Daniel Allison’s “Myth Singers,” the majority of the stories will come from the old Celtic tales and myths, with stories from other parts of the world weaving in as befits the needs and energy of each session. Registration is now open for this select group opportunity, and those interested can check out the Calon y Ddraig website for more information and to schedule an exploratory conversation towards possible participation in this year-long adventure. About Eamon Willow Davies & Calon y Ddraig Eamon Willow Davies is a shamanic practitioner, storyteller, and artist with over 20 years of experience weaving together the fields of mental health, spirituality, and the creative arts. They offer integrative soul work from a shamanic perspective through Calon y Ddraig, their private practice based in Austin, TX. Media contact Eamon Willow Davies Shamanic Practitioner, Storyteller & Artist (512) 560-7294 Email

You probably know someone who swears by their fleet dashboard. Maybe a small contractor who stopped losing time on late jobs. Or a logistics manager who stopped guessing which truck needs new brakes. Telematics is the quiet backbone for all that. It is not flashy. But it changes decisions, daily. Market snapshot: who is buying and why The U.S. fleet telematics market has been accelerating fast. Recent market research  places the U.S. market in the low billions today, with analysts forecasting steep growth as carriers push for efficiency and digital-first operations. Investment is coming from every corner: owner-operators, municipal fleets, and national carriers are all upgrading hardware and software to squeeze out savings and reduce downtime. How telematics actually works At its core, fleet and asset tracking  is simple. A small device talks to a vehicle, reads engine signals, GPS, and sometimes camera feeds. That device sends data over cellular networks into a cloud system. The cloud runs analytics and delivers interfaces - maps, alerts, maintenance reminders - to managers and drivers. The detail level differs by vendor. Some offer raw engine trouble codes. Some offer processed risk scores. Pick what you need, not what dazzles you. The real business wins You want numbers. Telematics commonly improves route planning and reduces wasted idling. That leads to fuel savings. It also surfaces poor driving behavior early. Fix those habits and you cut accident risk. Preventive maintenance is another big win. When systems flag a rising coolant temp or abnormal vibrations, shops get ahead of failures. Fleets that use these signals can avoid long, expensive breakdowns and unplanned rental trucks. Provider pages and industry analyses show these are consistent, measurable returns when systems are used properly.  The ELD rule and data transfer If you run commercial trucks in the U.S., the FMCSA’s ELD rule  is non negotiable for most carriers. Electronic logging devices must be compliant and many ELDs support telematics-based data transfer so law enforcement can access hours of service records remotely. That requirement makes telematics not just a nice-to-have but part of legal compliance for many operations. When shopping, confirm a provider’s ELD handling is audited and listed on FMCSA resources.  Privacy and controlled access Data is valuable. It is also sensitive. Telematics systems record locations, timestamps, and driver behavior. That can help safety, but it can also create friction with drivers if not handled transparently. Good practice is role-based access, retention policies, and clear communication with drivers about what gets recorded and why. Also check vendor policies on data ownership. If a vendor claims to own telematics data, walk away. Picking a provider: what really matters Big names dominate, but the market is crowded. Each brings strengths. Some are strong on scale and compliance. Others win on integrations with third-party maintenance or fuel card systems. Match the vendor to your needs: small fleet? keep it simple and proof the core use case. Large fleet? prioritize uptime, enterprise integrations, and long term support. Analyst comparisons and vendor reports are useful starting points.  A quick real world nudge: predictive maintenance is real This is one place tech is changing the job. Large operators are combining telematics streams with AI to forecast part failures before they happen. Some companies are using telematics and AI to spot maintenance windows earlier and reduce downtime across hundreds of thousands of vehicles. If you are thinking long term, push vendors on their predictive maintenance roadmaps and whether they can integrate your shop data.  What’s next: EVs and asset-level tracking Expect two big shifts. First, electrification. EV fleets change the telemetry story: battery health, charging cycles, and energy forecasting become central. Second, asset-level tracking. Not every asset has an engine. Pallets, trailers, high-value tools - all need location and condition monitoring. Modern telematics platforms are adjusting to cover both vehicle and asset telemetry. Conclusion If you run a fleet, do one practical thing this week. Pick one frustration - late arrivals, surprise maintenance, or fuel overspend - and test telematics against that single problem. Start small and measure results. Scale when you see real gains. There is no magic vendor, only better questions and steady data.

Anthony D’Anna did not begin his career chasing big titles or fast wins. His story started in a small Italian deli, where the work was physical, the hours were long, and the lessons were immediate. “When you run a small business, there’s no hiding,” he says. “If something breaks, you fix it. If customers aren’t happy, you hear about it right away.” That early environment shaped how Anthony thinks about leadership, responsibility, and growth. It also laid the groundwork for the ideas he would later bring to life. From the beginning, Anthony D’Anna  learned that success comes from understanding how things actually work. That belief has followed him through every stage of his career. Learning Business From the Ground Up Running a deli may seem far removed from finance or strategy, but for Anthony, it was the perfect classroom. He managed staff, handled supply issues, dealt with customers, and made daily decisions that had real consequences. “You learn fast that every choice affects someone else,” he explains. “That teaches discipline.” Those years taught him how systems connect. Inventory affects cash flow. Staff morale affects service. Small problems grow when ignored. Anthony began to see business as a series of moving parts that must stay aligned. That way of thinking would later become central to how he evaluates ideas and builds projects. Rather than rushing into expansion, he focused on learning. “I didn’t want to grow just to grow,” he says. “I wanted to understand why things worked before changing them.” Bringing Strategy Into Focus As Anthony’s experience grew, so did his curiosity about finance and markets. He began studying trends, patterns, and decision-making models. What drew him in was not speed, but structure. “The markets reward preparation,” he says. “They don’t reward guessing.” He applied the same discipline he learned in operations to financial analysis. He blocked time for focus. He reviewed results. He adjusted when things didn’t go as planned. Over time, this structured approach helped him bring larger ideas to life while managing risk. Anthony believes that many people fail not because of bad ideas, but because they skip the groundwork. “Big ideas are exciting,” he says. “But without systems, they don’t last.” How Hands-On Experience Shapes Leadership Anthony’s leadership style is rooted in presence and consistency. He prefers clear conversations over long meetings and direct feedback over assumptions. “Leadership isn’t about control,” he says. “It’s about making sure people know what matters.” This mindset comes directly from his early business experience. When you manage a small team, there is no room for confusion. Everyone must understand their role. Anthony carried this approach into every new venture, focusing on clarity and repeatable processes. One of his strongest beliefs is that multitasking hurts progress. “Doing one thing well beats doing five things halfway,” he explains. That belief shows up in how he structures his day and how he approaches growth. Innovation Through Precision and Patience Outside of work, Anthony is deeply connected to the automotive world. Cars and motorcycles are more than interests. They shape how he thinks. “A high-performance engine only works when everything is tuned,” he says. “Business is the same.” This perspective has influenced how he brings ideas to life. He tests before scaling. He measures before changing. He avoids rushing decisions that affect long-term performance. “Innovation without discipline just creates noise,” he says. Anthony sees innovation as improvement, not disruption for its own sake. Small changes, made consistently, produce better results than big swings without direction. That belief has helped him avoid costly mistakes and focus on sustainable progress. Learning From Failure Without Drama One of the defining moments in Anthony’s career came early, when he tried to expand a business too quickly. The idea made sense on paper, but the structure wasn’t ready. “I confused movement with progress,” he says. The experience forced him to step back and rebuild. He learned that growth must follow stability, not the other way around. “That failure taught me patience,” he explains. “It showed me that strong foundations matter more than speed.” Rather than viewing failure as a setback, Anthony treats it as data. Review what happened. Fix what broke. Move forward with better information. Why Big Ideas Start Small Today, Anthony continues to work at the intersection of management, finance, and innovation. His focus remains the same as it was in the deli years: understand the system, improve the process, and stay accountable. He believes the most effective ideas are often simple. Map out how things work. Identify weak points. Adjust with intention. “You don’t need to reinvent everything,” he says. “You just need to make it work better.” Anthony’s career shows how practical thinking can lead to meaningful impact. By respecting fundamentals and staying disciplined, he has brought ideas to life that support long-term success, not just short-term wins. “Progress isn’t loud,” he says. “It’s steady. And if you stay focused, it adds up.” That steady mindset continues to guide how Anthony D’Anna builds, leads, and grows—one well-tuned system at a time.

Peter Peyman Farzinpour has never followed a single path. Instead, he has built a career by connecting worlds that are often kept apart. Classical and contemporary. Music and multimedia. Education and entrepreneurship. “I’ve always been curious about what happens when you remove boundaries,” Farzinpour says. “That’s where the most interesting work lives.” Today, he is known as a conductor, composer, multimedia producer, professor, and arts entrepreneur. But his story starts much earlier, with a deep interest in music, language, and creative thinking. Early life and education: A broad foundation Farzinpour’s early education reflected his wide interests. He attended the Windward School for high school, where both the arts and academics played a strong role. That balance continued into higher education. He pursued a dual graduate path at Johns Hopkins University and the Peabody Conservatory of Music, studying English Literature alongside guitar and composition. This mix of words and sound would later shape how he thinks about music as storytelling. “Studying literature taught me structure and meaning,” he explains. “Music isn’t just sound. It’s narrative.” He went on to earn a master’s degree in music composition and conducting from UC Davis. Later, he completed a doctorate in orchestral conducting at the Civica Scuola di Musica Claudio Abbado in Milan, Italy. Living and studying in Europe expanded his artistic outlook and professional reach. Early career: Learning from major institutions Farzinpour began his professional career with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. It was an important proving ground. “You learn very quickly what excellence looks like at that level,” he says. “It sets a standard you carry with you.” That experience led to a key role as Director of New Music at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). There, he was responsible for designing bold concert programs that challenged traditional expectations. The results were noticed. His work at LACMA earned first place from ASCAP and Chamber Music America for Adventurous Programming of Contemporary Music. “The goal was never to shock,” Farzinpour notes. “It was to invite people into new experiences in a thoughtful way.” Building ensembles and bringing ideas to life One of Farzinpour’s defining contributions has been his work in building and leading ensembles. He served as Music Director and Conductor of Erato Philharmonia in Los Angeles, an orchestra dedicated to blending standard repertoire with contemporary music, dance, and live painting. Later, he led the Rivers Symphony Orchestra and the Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra in Massachusetts. Each role allowed him to refine his leadership style. “You’re not just conducting music,” he says. “You’re shaping a culture.” That idea reached its fullest expression with ENSEMBLE / PARALLAX, where Farzinpour serves as Executive and Artistic Director. The group became the first ensemble to commission every composition alongside a newly created multimedia work. “For me, multimedia isn’t decoration,” he explains. “It’s part of the composition.” He also leads Sinfonietta Notturna and directs Farzinpour Creative Music & Multimedia Ventures, expanding his work across performance, production, and creative strategy. Opera, international work, and recognition Farzinpour’s career has taken him across the United States, Canada, and Europe. He has conducted in France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Czechia, and Bulgaria, and worked with leading new music ensembles in Italy, including Divertimento Ensemble and MDI Ensemble of Milan. A major milestone came with Opera Cabal, where he served as Conductor-in-Residence. He led the world staged premiere of Georg Friedrich Haas’s opera ATTHIS  at The Kitchen in New York City. The production sold out. The New York Times called it “mesmerizing.” “That project reminded me how powerful risk can be,” Farzinpour says. “When people trust the work, they show up.” Teaching and mentorship: Passing it forward Alongside his performance career, Peyman Farzinpour has remained deeply committed to education. He has held faculty positions at the Berklee College of Music and UMass Dartmouth. At Berklee, he taught conducting, composition, music theory, music history, and courses like The Art of Rock & Roll. “Teaching keeps you honest,” he says. “Students ask the questions you can’t ignore.” His approach to teaching mirrors his career: interdisciplinary, practical, and rooted in curiosity. Composition, awards, and ongoing work Farzinpour’s compositions have been performed across North America and Europe by ensembles such as MDI, Cygnus, Janus, and Nouvel Ensemble Moderne. His music has appeared at major festivals and institutions, including the Tufts University Festival of Contemporary Music and the Conservatoire Maurice Ravel in Paris. He has received numerous honors, including the Berklee Faculty Fellowship, multiple grants from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, the Foundation for Contemporary Arts, and the American Composers Forum. He was also a Composer-in-Residence at the Banff Centre for the Arts in Canada. Looking back, Farzinpour sees a clear throughline. “I’ve always tried to build things that didn’t exist yet,” he says. “That’s what keeps the work alive.” His career shows what can happen when big ideas are met with discipline, collaboration, and a willingness to take thoughtful risks.

Linh Niller’s career didn’t come together all at once. It unfolded slowly, shaped by curiosity, trial and error, and a strong instinct to follow what felt right. Today, she’s a New York – based content creator, model, and stylist. But more than the titles, her story is about learning how to turn ideas into real things – without burning out or losing herself along the way. This isn’t a story about chasing trends or overnight success. It’s about alignment, patience, and trusting your own pace. Growing up creative, without knowing it yet Linh grew up in Boston. As a kid, she played volleyball and studied violin for eight years. At the time, she didn’t think of these things as career prep. Looking back, she sees how much they shaped her. “Doing something for years teaches you discipline,” she’s said. “You learn how to keep showing up, even when it’s not exciting.” That mix of structure and creativity followed her into school. She was part of the National Honor Society in high school, then moved to New York to attend Parsons School of Design. She studied Strategic Design and Management and graduated in 2016. Parsons helped her connect creativity with strategy. It wasn’t just about making things look good. It was about understanding how ideas actually work in the real world. Starting out in fashion and marketing After graduation, Linh entered the field of fashion marketing. At the same time, she freelanced as a stylist and creative. She liked having one foot in a structured role and another in hands-on creative work. “I’ve always cared about how ideas come to life,” she explained. “Not just the final result, but the process behind it.” Those early years were busy. She worked with fashion and beauty brands, learned how teams operate, and figured out what kind of work energized her. Freelancing gave her room to experiment and build confidence in her point of view. Finding her voice through content As social platforms evolved, Linh started sharing more of her own work. Styling, modeling, photography, and creative direction slowly became part of her everyday life. Over time, content creation became less of a side project and more of a focus. Her style stood out because it felt calm and intentional. Clean silhouettes. Simple color palettes. Nothing felt overdone. “I approach design with a ‘less is more’ mindset,” she’s said. “But I never want it to feel cold or empty.” People connected with that balance. Her content felt relatable but still aspirational. It didn’t try too hard. It just felt honest. Taking on bigger projects in design Linh’s creative interests didn’t stop at fashion. She also took on full interior and exterior renovations of her own vacation homes. These were major projects, not quick makeovers. She handled everything from planning to execution. Eventually, she turned those homes into short-term rentals. It was a big leap and not always smooth. “There was a time when something I cared deeply about didn’t work out,” she shared. “At first it felt like failure.” With some distance, she reframed it. Instead of seeing setbacks as signs to stop, she used them as feedback. “I took what didn’t work as information, not a verdict,” she said. Those experiences strengthened her confidence and sharpened her boundaries. They also reinforced her belief that design should support real life, not just look good in photos. Redefining what success means As her career grew, Linh became more thoughtful about how she defines success. She stopped measuring it by constant output or external validation. “I define success as living in alignment with myself,” she said. “Doing work I’m proud of without sacrificing my well-being.” That mindset guides how she chooses projects and how much she takes on. She values consistency over speed and clarity over noise. In content creation, she believes longevity comes from knowing yourself. “Trends change constantly,” she explained. “Knowing your voice is what gives your work staying power.” Handling doubt without spiraling Like anyone building a creative career, Linh still experiences doubt. Her response now looks different than it used to. “When self-doubt shows up, I slow things down instead of pushing harder,” she said. “Doubt usually means I care.” She focuses on what’s in front of her. One small step. One decision at a time. She also makes space for rest and reflection. “I don’t let success become my identity,” she said. “It’s a moment, not a destination.” Where she is now Today, Linh Niller  works across styling, modeling, and content production. She continues to explore design through different mediums, always with the same steady approach. Nothing rushed. Nothing forced. She measures progress by how her life feels, not just what it looks like from the outside. “Success looks like alignment,” she said. “Growing without burning out. Building things that feel sustainable.” Linh Niller’s career shows that you don’t have to be loud to build something meaningful. Sometimes the most impactful work happens quietly, guided by trust, patience, and a clear sense of self.

In many careers, success comes from big titles or bold claims. Terra Ziolkowski’s path looks different. Her work as a dental assistant in Miami shows how steady effort, clear thinking, and a commitment to people can turn everyday responsibilities into a meaningful career. Over time, Terra has brought practical ideas to life inside the dental office, shaping better systems, calmer patient experiences, and stronger teamwork. This spotlight examines how her career has developed, what guides her work, and why her approach continues to make a difference. Early career foundations in dental care Terra Ziolkowski did not enter dentistry by accident. Early in her career, she was drawn to hands-on work that combined technical skill with human connection. Dental assisting offered both. “I liked the idea that every day mattered,” Terra says. “Even small actions could change how someone felt about their health.” From the start, she focused on learning the full rhythm of a dental practice. She gained experience in patient preparation, sterilization, chair-side assistance, and record management. These tasks may seem routine, but Terra treated them as building blocks. She learned that smooth systems reduce stress for both patients and staff. That belief shaped how she approached her role going forward. Growing into a trusted dental assistant in Miami As Terra’s experience grew, so did her responsibilities. Working in Miami, a fast-paced and diverse city, pushed her to adapt quickly. Patients came from many backgrounds, each with different concerns and expectations. “You can’t take a one-size-fits-all approach,” Terra explains. “People need to feel seen and heard before they can feel comfortable.” She became known for her attention to detail during procedures and her calm presence in the chair. Whether assisting with complex dental work or handling scheduling and records, Terra focused on accuracy and communication. Over time, she also became a go-to resource for newer staff members. She shared practical tips and workflows that helped the office run more efficiently. These small improvements added up. Turning everyday ideas into better patient experiences One of Terra Ziolkowski’s strengths is her ability to turn simple ideas into real improvements. She noticed that many patients felt anxious because they did not fully understand what was happening. Instead of rushing through appointments, she slowed things down. “I realized that explaining one extra step could change the whole mood,” she says. “People relax when they know what to expect.” Terra began taking more time to explain procedures in clear language. She answered questions and offered oral hygiene tips patients could actually follow at home. This approach helped patients feel more in control of their care. Her focus on patient education was not about adding new programs or tools. It was about using existing time more thoughtfully. Staying current in a changing dental industry Dentistry continues to evolve, and Terra has made staying current a priority. She keeps up with new dental technologies and best practices, knowing that small upgrades can improve outcomes. “You don’t need to know everything,” she says. “You just need to stay curious.” That mindset has helped her adapt to new tools and workflows without losing sight of the human side of care. She balances technical learning with empathy, which keeps her work grounded. This balance has also helped the dental teams she works with. By understanding both systems and people, Terra supports smoother collaboration across roles. Life outside the office shapes the work inside Outside of work, Terra’s life in Miami reflects her values. She enjoys the city’s art exhibits and food scene, which help her recharge. Running along coastal paths and practicing yoga help her maintain focus and balance. These habits carry into her professional life. She approaches her work with steadiness, even during busy days. Terra Ziokowski  also volunteers with community health initiatives. She often works with children and underserved groups, sharing basic dental care knowledge. “Prevention starts with understanding,” she says. “If you teach early, you make a long-term impact.” These experiences reinforce her belief that education is central to health. A career built on consistency and care Terra Ziolkowski’s career shows that impact does not always come from sweeping changes. Often, it comes from consistency. By focusing on patient comfort, clear communication, and reliable systems, she has helped dental practices function better, and patients feel more confident. “I just try to do the work well every day,” Terra says. “If you do that long enough, it adds up.” Her story is a reminder that bringing ideas to life does not require hype. It requires follow-through. In dentistry, where trust matters, that approach continues to define her success.

Written by Kellie Warne, Diet and Lifestyle Advisor Kellie Warne is a certified Diet and Lifestyle Advisor, trained at the Institute of Optimum Nutrition, and a full member of the FHT. She supports busy individuals and families to improve energy, digestion, and resiliency through simple, sustainable food and lifestyle habits. Most people don’t struggle with knowing what to do to feel better, they struggle with doing it consistently. You start the week with the best intentions: a healthier breakfast, more water, an early night, maybe even a complete routine overhaul. But by Thursday, work deadlines, family life, and sheer exhaustion take over. Those plans don’t fail dramatically, they simply fade into the background. The issue isn’t motivation or discipline. It’s that big, willpower-heavy changes demand more time, energy, and mental bandwidth than most busy people realistically have. This is where micro-habits come in, the tiny, strategic actions that fit into real life and quietly shift how you feel. Why big overhauls don’t work (and small changes do) Traditional health advice often leans on dramatic change: strict plans, rigid rules, and “all-or-nothing” thinking. While these approaches can work for a short burst, they rarely survive the realities of everyday life. Micro-habits work because they reduce friction. They don’t require perfection, planning, or high motivation. They rely on consistency, the quiet power of doing something small, every day, even on low-energy days. One percent better doesn’t feel impressive in the moment, but over time, those tiny shifts compound. They become the pebble-sized habits that move mountains. What exactly are micro-habits? Micro-habits are tiny, low-effort actions that are easy to repeat and hard to fail. They’re designed to slip into your existing routine rather than disrupt it. Instead of asking, “How can I completely change my lifestyle?” Micro-habits ask, “What’s the smallest thing I can do today that supports my wellbeing?” When it comes to energy and focus, these small shifts often outperform the biggest, boldest plans. The science behind why micro-habits work Micro-habits support the body’s key physiological systems, the ones that determine how energised, focused, and resilient you feel. Blood sugar stability: Balanced blood sugar can help support more consistent energy throughout the day. Research in healthy adults shows that fluctuations in post-meal blood glucose and dietary quality are linked to changes in alertness and energy levels , and may also influence mood. This reinforces the value of balanced meals that include protein, fibre, and healthy fats. Nervous system regulation: Chronic stress keeps the body stuck in “fight or flight,” raising cortisol and inflammatory signalling. Small daily practices such as breathing pauses, gentle movement, natural light, and consistent sleep help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, supporting recovery and mental clarity. Learn more about how the parasympathetic nervous system supports stress recovery here . Inflammation and lifestyle: Disrupted sleep, prolonged stress, and irregular eating patterns are associated with low-grade chronic inflammation, a state linked to reduced energy, impaired concentration, and poorer metabolic health. Learn more about how sleep, stress physiology, and diet interact to influence chronic inflammation here . Digestion and nutrient absorption: Consistent routines support digestion and allow the body to access key nutrients such as omega-3 fats, antioxidants, magnesium, and B vitamins, all essential for brain function and energy production. Emerging research also highlights how lifestyle patterns influence nutrient uptake and metabolic health, as shown in this peer-reviewed study on diet, digestion, and systemic inflammation . Micro-habits don’t rely on willpower. They work by reducing physiological stress and supporting the systems that keep you energised and focused. Five micro-habits that boost energy and focus Start the day with protein: A protein-first breakfast can help stabilise blood sugar, reducing mid-morning crashes, cravings, and brain fog. Keep it simple: eggs, Greek yoghurt with berries, overnight oats with seeds, or a smoothie with added protein. The two-minute mid-morning reset: Most people push straight through the morning without pausing. A short reset, standing up, stretching, taking a slow breath, sipping water, or getting a moment of natural light, helps regulate stress hormones and sustain energy. The 3 pm energy reboot: That afternoon slump isn’t a personal failing, it’s physiology. Your biology is designed to dip. Instead of reaching for caffeine or sugar, try a simple reset: hydrate, move for 60 seconds, and if you’re hungry, choose a protein-rich snack. The difference can be immediate. One-minute transitions between tasks: Constant task-switching drains mental energy. Taking just one minute between meetings or tasks to pause, breathe, and reset your posture reduces cognitive overload and sharpens focus. Design your environment for success: What’s visible is what gets eaten. Keeping nourishing food within easy reach, fruit on the counter or protein snacks in your desk drawer, removes friction and makes healthy choices feel automatic. Lasting energy doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from supporting your body with small, consistent habits that work with your physiology, not against it. Common mistakes that stop habits from sticking Even the best intentions can fall apart when these familiar patterns creep in: Trying to change everything at once Expecting instant results Believing it has to be perfect to “count” These habits create friction, and friction is the enemy of consistency. When a habit feels demanding, time-consuming, or tied to ideal conditions, it becomes the first thing to drop on a busy or stressful day. Micro-habits thrive because they’re flexible. They work on your best days and your busiest days. If a habit takes more than a couple of minutes, requires special equipment, or depends on the “right mood,” it’s no longer sustainable. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s repeatability. And when you build your day around these tiny, repeatable actions, something powerful happens. Your energy becomes steadier, your focus sharper, and your routine easier to maintain. Here’s what that can look like in real life. A simple day built around micro-habits A day shaped by micro-habits doesn’t look dramatic, it looks calm, steady, and doable. It’s a rhythm that supports you quietly in the background: Morning: A protein-first breakfast that sets a stable foundation for clear thinking Mid-morning: A two-minute reset that softens tension and brings you back into your body Lunch: A glass of water before eating to support hydration and digestion Afternoon: A 3 pm reboot ritual that smooths the natural energy dip without relying on caffeine Evening: A one-minute reflection. What fuelled me today? What drained me? To close the day with awareness None of these moments requires perfection, planning, or extra time. But together, they create a day that feels more intentional, more grounded, and more energised. Small choices, repeated often, quietly reshape your wellbeing. Final thoughts: Success is built in the margins The habits that change your life aren’t dramatic. They’re the small, repeated actions that quietly support your energy, focus, and resilience day after day. You don’t need more willpower, you need habits that fit your life and work with your physiology, not against it. If you’re ready to feel more energised, more grounded, and more in control of your wellbeing, start with one micro-habit today. And if you’d like support turning these small shifts into lasting change, you don’t have to do it alone. This is the work I help clients with every day, building sustainable routines, reducing overwhelm, and creating energy that lasts. If you’d like personalised support building habits that truly fit your life, you’re welcome to book a free discovery call . Small changes can move mountains, especially when you’re supported. Follow me on  Facebook , Instagram , and visit my LinkedIn for more info! Read more from Kellie Warne Kellie Warne, Diet and Lifestyle Advisor Kellie Warne is a certified Diet and Lifestyle Advisor (ION) and FHT member who helps busy people and families feel calmer, more energised, and confident in themselves. She believes sustainable health begins with self-compassion, not restriction. Through practical nutrition advice and supportive lifestyle coaching, Kellie empowers clients to build habits that nourish both body and mind. Her mission is to help people thrive, not by chasing perfection, but by creating balance.

Written by Maxine Smith, Life Coach Maxine Smith is a renowned career coach and mentor, best known for her impactful work within the corporate world. As the founder of Spirit Soul Solutions, an online coaching platform, she offers a wide range of life coaching services aimed at personal and professional development. Reprogram your mind for a healthier you. The festive season has drifted away with all its easy, carefree energy, and it seems to have left a few extra pounds behind, tucked in places we would rather not notice. Energy feels low, motivation is hiding, and even the mirror has become something we avoid. 1. Analyse and unpack your health Most of us feel a wave of resistance at the idea of hitting the gym, especially when it is not the way we imagine getting fit. Half the time, we do not even know where to begin. Do we try a spinning class, pick up some dumbbells, or just drift around in the pool? With endless machines, endless classes, and endless choices, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. That confusion leaves us stuck, frustrated, and not feeling great about ourselves, so we delay it altogether. How to define what exercise looks like for you and your lifestyle We often treat exercise like one more obligation squeezed into an already overflowing schedule. Another routine to reshuffle, another box to tick. No wonder it feels draining instead of energising. And trust me, you are not the only one. There is an entire tribe, honestly, a whole village of villages, trying to figure out the “right” workout, the best time slot, the most affordable option, and the quickest results. But before you get lost in the noise, pause for a moment. What are you actually looking for? What does your body, your lifestyle, your season of life need, beyond what social media insists you should be chasing? Let’s explore fitness and how it fits into your life’s journey I truly believe every transformation begins in the mind long before it shows up in the body. So pause for a moment and ask yourself, "What does fitness look like and feel like for you personally?" Mind fitness: Get clear about your fitness intentions, what you want to achieve, and which types of movement genuinely suit you. Spiritual fitness: Nurture a belief practice that keeps you centred, grounded, and mentally clear. Physical fitness: Schedule a full check-up with your GP and consider a comprehensive body assessment at a reputable fitness centre. Together, these three pillars give you the insight and facts you need to choose an exercise or workout plan that truly fits your body, your lifestyle, and your season of life, helping you stay balanced and rooted along the way. 2. Mind fitness: Clear mental clutter Sit in stillness, listen to soothing music, and form a visual in your mind of pure calm and tranquillity until you feel it in your body. Breathing exercise There are countless guided breathing exercises available online on YouTube, Spotify, and other digital platforms that you can easily download and add to your favourite playlist. Regularly using these practices helps calm your nervous system , improve circulation, and ease stress. Stretching exercise Do a few gentle stretches for your neck, arms, legs, and back to warm up your body. This helps loosen tight muscles and reduces the risk of straining yourself or feeling lightheaded once you start moving. 3. Spiritual fitness Many of us are familiar with spiritual practices, but what does spiritual fitness mean for you? Have you prayed, recited a mantra from scripture, or developed a healthy foundation in faith to keep you grounded? “If you don't believe in something, you will fall for anything.” This was a quote in my Afrikaans teacher's classroom that stuck with me forever. Prayer and praise Say your favourite Bible verse that resonates and carries deep meaning for you, praise and worship. Have a gentle conversation with God to strengthen you, keep you grounded, and faithful in your commitment to your fitness journey. Spiritual practice contributes to your overall wellbeing. It extends beyond what the world presents in fitness, if at all, and feeds and produces results that mankind cannot prove nor explain. 4. Physical fitness When last did you take a proper look at your body’s needs? Have you ever done a full health and fitness assessment to understand what types of exercise truly support your body? Before choosing a routine, consider the factors that shape your overall wellbeing: Age Body type Past injuries Bone density Current illness Fitness and health assessment All the factors listed above influence our decisions when we consider exercise plans or select the desired gym programme. Most importantly, what suits your body is not the same as a recommendation from a colleague, friend, or family member. Yes, they all mean well and are looking out for you, but they are not equipped with your full medical history to determine what you need. Many people I know have either seen little to no results or, even worse, injured themselves and were unable to progress on any level. Research fitness programmes I recently decided to start my own fitness journey, not the “new year, new me” kind, but the “what actually works for my mind, spirit, and body at forty-something” kind. A friend suggested I try Electro Muscular Stimulation, EMS. At first, I had no clue what that even meant. Naturally, I did what any responsible adult does. I Googled it. In my head, EMS looked like those hospital shock pads they slap on your chest in medical dramas. So yes, I called it “the electric plug workout.” But because I know my own medical history, especially my old back injury, I figured this low-impact, muscle-activating method might actually be a good fit. So I gave it a go. To my surprise, it was fun, interactive, and slightly hilarious. The trainer controlled the intensity from her tablet like she was DJ’ing my muscles. She explained the dos and don’ts, kept everything safe, and never pushed us beyond what our bodies could manage. After a few dramatic “oh!” and “ah!” moments, I walked out feeling energised, lighter, and with a back that felt surprisingly supported. I could move more freely and with more confidence. One thing I loved about Body20 is the small session size, just two people. You can even train privately, which is perfect if you prefer working out without feeling like the entire gym is silently judging your squats. For me, it was exactly the environment I needed, supportive, comfortable, and aligned with the season of life I am in. Read more on Body20 . 5. Wellbeing conversations Start paying attention to your body’s signals, the dull aches you keep brushing off, the “quick painkiller” discomforts, and the areas that feel heavier, tighter, or more sensitive than usual. These are not inconveniences, they are information. When you listen closely, your body tells you what it needs. Use those clues to choose the kind of movement or care that truly supports you and makes you feel safe, confident, and aligned with your health. Paid memberships and discounts We pour money into so many things, such as education, cars, homes, sneakers, bags, and entertainment, and we rarely question it. But when it comes to our health, we hesitate. The truth is, investing in your wellbeing is not another expense or another chore squeezed into your calendar. It is an investment that pays you back for the rest of your life. Many fitness centres even make the first step easier with free trial sessions, demo classes, or discounted rates through certain medical aid partners . The support is there, you just have to take the first step. This is your body, your health, your future. Choose to invest in it now, while you still have the power to shape it. Seek mentorship and coaching Partner with me for coaching that is tailored to your journey. I offer personalised plans designed to empower your growth, illuminate your path, and equip you with actionable insights drawn from years of expertise. Whether you are navigating transition or building momentum, you will gain focused support and meaningful guidance, every step aligned to your unique goals. Book a free 30-minute discovery call today. Let’s work together. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram ,   LinkedIn , and YouTube for more info! Read more from Maxine Smith Maxine Smith, Life Coach Maxine Smith is the inspiring leader of Spirit Soul Solutions, an online coaching platform. Her own career challenges and the search for a place where she could thrive and grow led her to this path. Maxine's work is deeply rooted in transforming limiting beliefs and changing patterns that no longer serve her in all areas of life. She believes in continuous self-improvement and views herself as a work in progress, constantly evolving to help others do the same.

Written by James Andrews, Marketplace Chaplain and Author Dr. J.R. Andrews, Marketplace Chaplain & Soul-Centered Success Strategist, leads InnerShift360 and shows high-achievers how to trade toxic grind for grace, purpose, and peace in work and relationships. You’re staring at your phone. Three dots appear. Then vanish. Then reappear. Your heart does that small, anxious flutter, like a hummingbird trapped in a digital cage. You’re waiting for the message. Is it a “Hey,” a “What’s up,” or the dreaded, soul-shrinking “K”? Congratulations. You’re experiencing a feeling as old as time itself, just with a dramatically updated user interface. This moment sits at the heart of what I call The Love Text Book, the quiet truth that while our technology has evolved at lightning speed, our emotional lives are still running on ancient software. We live in an age of unprecedented connectivity. We can slide into DMs, post thirst traps, soft launch relationships, and disappear from someone’s life with the tap of a screen. And yet, for all our digital dexterity, when it comes to the messy, delicate dance of human connection, we’re still guessing. Still misreading. Still hoping. Here’s the good news. It’s not because you’re bad at love. It’s because everyone always has been. It’s not you, it’s history Imagine scrolling through your messages and suddenly realizing that your great great great great grandparents were dealing with the same emotional confusion, just with more parchment and fewer emojis. That’s the revelation behind The Love Text Book. The medium has changed, but the human heart hasn’t. The original “left on read”, the great silence Historically speaking, before instant messaging, there were letters. Carefully written. Folded. Sealed. Sent across long distances. And sometimes, those letters simply never arrived. Lost at sea. Delayed by the weather. Intercepted by a disapproving family member. Or ignored altogether. Weeks would pass. Months. Sometimes years. The sender was left asking the same questions we ask today. Did they receive it? Did they read it and not care? Did I say too much? Today’s version is more efficient, but no less brutal. Two blue checkmarks. “Delivered.” No reply. Different technology. Same pit in the stomach. The Renaissance thirst trap: The subtle smirk Historically speaking, attraction wasn’t announced, it was implied. A painted portrait with a slightly parted lip. A strategically placed hand. A particular flower signaling desire, wealth, or availability. These images weren’t just art. They were communication, coded expressions of interest shaped by the constraints of their time. Today’s version? The “casual” selfie with perfect lighting. The vacation photo that quietly says, “I’m thriving, and you could be here too.” The gym pic that just happens to look effortless. Same impulse. New tools. Why this matters (beyond a good laugh) Understanding that our ancestors navigated the same emotional terrain does something powerful. It relieves us of unnecessary shame. We aren’t uniquely broken because of smartphones. We aren’t uniquely bad at relationships. We’re just human. We’ve always wrestled with longing. We’ve always misread signals. We’ve always wanted clarity while fearing vulnerability. The Love Text Book isn’t a cheat code for love, because there isn’t one. It’s a reframing. A timeless addition: Why this shapes the soul How we handle uncertainty in love does more than affect our dating lives. It forms our inner world. When we never learn to wait without spiraling, we carry that impatience into friendships, work, faith, and family. But when we learn to remain grounded in ambiguity, we don’t just become better partners. We become wiser humans. Hope, in that sense, is not a feeling. It’s a practiced posture. And every era has had to learn it the hard way. How the wise have always responded History reminds us that uncertainty in love was never meant to be eliminated. It was meant to be endured wisely. In a world where messages traveled by horse or ship, patience wasn’t a virtue. It was survival. Science confirms this ancient wisdom. Research on anxiety and attachment shows that the human nervous system struggles more with uncertainty than with rejection. Silence triggers threat responses. The brain fills the gap with imagined conclusions. That spiral doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re human. Scripture tells the truth without shaming us. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick” (Proverbs 13:12) doesn’t scold longing. It names it. Even Jesus pauses. He waits. He refuses to rush clarity. Wisdom practice When clarity is delayed, don’t chase certainty. Build capacity. Capacity to wait without spiraling. Capacity to regulate emotion before interrogating worth. Capacity to remember that read receipts are not verdicts. The solution isn’t learning how to read every signal correctly. It’s becoming the kind of person who remains whole, even when the signal is unclear. That’s not modern advice. That’s ancient wisdom finally catching up to our screens. And yes, somewhere in history, even powerful figures misread signals. Status has never guaranteed emotional clarity. Follow me on Instagram , and visit my website for more info! Read more from James Andrews James Andrews, Marketplace Chaplain and Author Dr. J.R. Andrews is a Marketplace Chaplain & Soul-Centered Success Strategist who helps high-achieving leaders and lovers succeed without losing their souls. As founder of InnerShift360 and a chaplain, he sits at the intersection of faith, performance, and emotional health. He works with organizations and individuals to move from toxic grind to grounded grace in their work, money, and relationships. Dr. Andrews is the author of InnerShift: Spiritual Care in the Age of Distraction and Just Sayin’: A Faithful Brother’s Guide to Dating with Purpose, Pace & Peace. When he’s not teaching or speaking, you can usually find him laughing loudly, thinking deeply, and reminding people that peace is not a luxury, it's a strategy.