Written by Tetyana Didenko, Body Language Analyst | Executive Coach ICF Tetyana Didenko is a recognized expert in body language and nonverbal communication. As a body language analyst, executive coach, keynote speaker, and author of a book on nonverbal communication in business, she has spent the past decade helping professionals harness body language to excel in negotiations, sales, presentations, and leadership. Burnout is often explained by long working hours, constant pressure, or demanding workplaces. In my work with clients, I see something different. Burnout rarely begins with one dramatic moment or a single overwhelming project. Much more often, it grows quietly out of everyday habits that slowly drain energy. The way people sit during meetings, the speed at which they move through their day, and how often they try to do several things at once may look harmless, or even productive. In reality, these patterns place constant pressure on the body and the nervous system, gradually pushing people toward chronic stress and exhaustion. What many of my clients don’t realize at first is that these habits are not only internal experiences. They are also forms of nonverbal communication. Posture, pace, and divided attention send clear signals to others about a person’s state, availability, and sense of control. Over time, I see how these nonverbal signals begin to work against the individual as well. They reinforce internal stress, reduce mental clarity, and quietly accelerate the path toward burnout. The impact of poor posture Poor posture is one of the most underestimated energy drains in modern work life. Slouching at a desk, collapsing into the chair, or holding the head forward for hours forces the body to work harder just to stay upright. Muscles that should be relaxed remain constantly engaged, breathing becomes shallower, and circulation is less efficient. All of this leads to physical fatigue, even when no obvious physical effort is involved. A study titled “ Do Slumped and Upright Postures Affect Stress Responses? A Randomized Trial ,” published in Health Psychology, found that a slumped posture is associated with stronger stress responses than an upright one. In other words, the way we hold our bodies directly affects how the nervous system reacts to stress. An upright, balanced posture supports a calmer physiological state, while a collapsed posture amplifies stress reactions. From a nonverbal communication perspective, posture sends an immediate message. Slumped posture often signals low energy, insecurity, or disengagement. Even when someone is highly competent, their body may communicate the opposite. Internally, the brain reads these same signals. When the body repeatedly communicates “low energy” or “defeat,” mental stamina drops, focus weakens, and fatigue accumulates faster.   The cost of rushing through tasks Living in constant rush has become normalized. Tight schedules, back-to-back meetings, and the pressure to respond instantly create a sense that slowing down is a luxury. Yet the body does not interpret speed as efficiency. It interprets it as a threat. When we rush, movements become sharper, gestures smaller and tighter, and facial expressions more tense. Nonverbally, rushing communicates one clear message: “I don’t have enough time.” To others, this can come across as irritability, emotional distance, or lack of presence. To the nervous system, it feels like a permanent sense of urgency. This state is extremely energy-consuming. Stress hormones remain elevated, attention narrows, and mistakes increase. Ironically, rushing often reduces productivity rather than improving it. Slowing down even slightly allows the brain to process information more efficiently and conserve energy. From a burnout perspective, constant rush keeps the body in survival mode. There is no recovery, no reset, only forward motion. Over weeks and months, this leads to emotional exhaustion and reduced resilience.   Multitasking and energy drain Multitasking is often praised as a valuable skill, but cognitively, it is one of the fastest ways to burn through mental energy. What we call multitasking is usually rapid task-switching. Each switch requires the brain to reorient, refocus, and re-engage. This constant switching creates mental fatigue and lowers overall performance. Nonverbally, multitasking is visible. Eyes dart between screens, the body leans forward in tension, gestures become fragmented, and listening quality drops. To others, it can signal distraction or lack of respect. To the body, it signals overload. Multitasking also reinforces internal stress. The brain never fully completes a task, which creates a background sense of unfinished business. Over time, this contributes to chronic mental exhaustion and reduced work satisfaction, both key components of burnout.   Three practical exercises to build new daily habits Changing these habits does not require a full lifestyle overhaul. Small, consistent adjustments can already return energy and reduce stress.   1. Posture reset exercise (2 minutes, 3 times a day) Set a reminder three times a day. When it goes off, place both feet on the floor, lengthen the spine upward, gently roll the shoulders back and down, and lift the chest without tension. Stay in this position for two minutes while continuing your work. This trains the body to associate upright posture with normal functioning, not effort.   2. Pace awareness exercise (One task per hour) Choose one task every hour that you will complete deliberately slower than usual. Slow your movements slightly, reduce unnecessary gestures, and pause briefly before transitions. This recalibrates your nervous system and breaks the habit of constant urgency without affecting productivity.   3. Single-task focus exercise (Pomodoro Technique) This exercise is based on the Pomodoro Technique , a time-management method designed to reduce mental overload and improve sustained focus. Work in 25-minute blocks dedicated to a single task, followed by a 5-minute break. During each block, close unnecessary tabs, silence notifications, and keep your body physically oriented toward a single focal point. This structure reduces cognitive switching, preserves mental energy, and supports clearer, more grounded nonverbal presence. Over time, single-tasking trains both the brain and the body to operate without constant internal pressure, which directly lowers stress and burnout risk.   Why it is important Poor posture, constant rushing, and multitasking may look like minor habits, but together they form a powerful pattern of energy loss. They drain physical and mental resources, intensify stress responses, and silently communicate exhaustion, pressure, and lack of control. Becoming aware of these patterns and making small daily adjustments can already lead to noticeable improvements in energy, focus, and overall well-being. However, if burnout feels deeply ingrained or these habits are difficult to change on your own, deeper work is often needed. In such cases, working with a qualified coach  or a nonverbal communication expert  can help address these patterns at their root, retrain the body’s responses to stress, and build sustainable habits that support long-term resilience. Follow me on  Facebook  and  Instagram  for more info! Read more from Tetyana Didenko Tetyana Didenko, Body Language Analyst | Executive Coach ICF Tetyana Didenko is a globally recognized body language analyst and expert in nonverbal communication with over a decade of experience working with executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals worldwide. She is an executive coach, keynote speaker, and author of a book on nonverbal communication in the business world. With a background as a CEO and Director of Project Development, combined with advanced training in behavioral analysis, Tetyana helps clients strengthen their presence, persuasion, and leadership through the strategic use of body language. She is regularly invited as an expert, including appearances on podcasts and television.

Written by Stephanie Smit, Visionary Artist & Reincarnation Researcher Stephanie Smit, also known as Giek, is a visionary artist and reincarnation researcher. She bridges art, mysticism, and esoteric science to uncover past lives, guide spiritual awakenings, and help others align with their soul purpose. In recent years, more and more people have been experiencing what feels like past-life memory. Sometimes it comes through dreams, meditation, creative work, psychedelics, or sudden emotional recognition. A time period feels familiar, a name surfaces, or an identity clicks into place. But not every powerful inner experience is a literal past life. One of the most important, and often overlooked, skills in reincarnation work is discernment: understanding what kind of memory you are actually accessing. Is it a personal past life? An archetypal resonance? A collective or mythic field? Or a subconscious pattern looking for symbolic language? This article explores how to tell the difference and why clarity matters. Why so many people are remembering something right now We are living in a period of accelerated inner recall. Memory is resurfacing not as biography, but as emotional recognition, symbolic imagery, or bodily knowing. Several forces are contributing: psychedelics, plant medicine, and breathwork opening subconscious layers somatic and trauma-informed work bypassing rational filters meditation, shadow work, dreamwork, and self-healing becoming mainstream digital culture amplifying archetypes and mythic identity greater openness to non-linear consciousness models In earlier eras, unresolved material often remained unconscious in the Western world because practices for accessing it were restricted to esoteric or initiatory circles rather than the general population. Many indigenous and ancestral cultures maintained communal frameworks for such work. Only recently have these tools become widely accessible in the modern West, bringing the subconscious online at scale. There is also a pressure component. Collective upheaval, existential disruption, and crisis states tend to bypass the ego’s normal filters. When the present destabilizes, the psyche seeks continuity beyond the current biography. From an esoteric and astrological perspective, this aligns with the broader transition from the Piscean Age into the Aquarian Age – a shift from hierarchy and secrecy toward collective awareness and distributed identity. In many esoteric traditions, the end of an age involves the completion of unfinished karmic and historical material so it doesn’t carry unprocessed into the next epoch. Rather than centering individual ego narratives, this era invites collective remembering, allowing old patterns to surface for integration rather than repression. As more people access symbolic material, discernment becomes necessary. The subconscious does not store memory as an archive, it speaks through symbol, emotion, archetype, association, and myth. Without grounding, the psyche collapses different layers of recall together. People often mistake: archetypal resonance (symbolic identity) field or collective memory (universal scenes) psychological projection (inner content seen as external) mythic identification (role-based meaning) for literal past-life memory. The task of this era is not merely remembering, but learning how to interpret what is being remembered, and why it is resurfacing now. I explore how people access these layers in my article 9 Powerful Ways to Access Your Past   Life Memories (Beyond Tarot & Astrology). Three types of inner recall: Past life, archetype, and field memory Not all inner recall points to a literal past life. Broadly speaking, memory tends to surface in three forms: past-life memory (biographical), archetypal resonance (symbolic), and collective or field memory (universal or psychic). Distinguishing between these matters, especially in an era where subconscious material is resurfacing rapidly and people are trying to make sense of what they’re remembering. Past-life memory carries biographical continuity. It often includes emotional specificity, sensory or episodic fragments, somatic imprint, relational recognition, karmic consequences in the present, and a sense of unfinished business. Archetypal resonance occurs when someone identifies with a mythic pattern, such as artist, mystic, rebel, martyr, or healer, that exists in the collective psyche. It explains a theme, but it doesn’t mean you were that person, it means you’re tuning into the same symbolic frequency. Field memory refers to universal or collective scenes drawn from the collective psyche, the Akashic field, or what Jung called the collective unconscious. These are often instructional, such as war, persecution, famine, overdose, or loss, and are shown to illuminate a pattern rather than assign a biography. Field memories are meant to be witnessed. Archetypes are meant to be integrated. Past-life memories are meant to be resolved. Why people confuse them Several factors contribute to over-identification. Emotional intensity is often mistaken for personal history, psychedelic experiences lack structure, cultural myths act as psychic magnets, trauma seeks symbolic form, and social media amplifies identity over integration. The psyche also uses recognizable imagery, including famous figures, not because you were that person, but because the image efficiently communicates the emotional lesson. We tend to reach for the most culturally available container for a symbolic pattern. That doesn’t make the pattern untrue, it simply means the pattern isn’t automatically biographical. Some lives leave a large psychic footprint. Artists, mystics, leaders, and culture-makers continue to broadcast long after they die. Many people resonate with the same figure not because they were that individual in a past life, but because they’re accessing an emotional residue, a creative frequency, or an unresolved mythic pattern. I explore this phenomenon more deeply in my earlier Brainz article When More Than One   Person Remembers the Same Past Life , as well as through my ongoing research project around   Jim Morrison . The key question isn’t “Was I them?” but “What is this resonance activating in me?” Signs it’s likely a past life memory (not just archetype) While no single marker is definitive, biographical past-life memory tends to carry more continuity than archetype or field imagery. It often shows up as: recurring emotional patterns that don’t always match your current biography abilities that feel remembered rather than acquired sensory or episodic fragments that feel context-bound rather than aesthetic strong reactions to particular eras, locations, or artifacts relationship dynamics that feel ancient or unfinished somatic or nervous system activation during recall a sense of responsibility rather than fantasy clear karmic consequences in the present a pull toward resolution (not identity inflation) By contrast: Archetypal resonance tends to produce identification, creativity, and symbolic recognition, without the same karmic weight or urgency. Field or collective memory tends to produce vivid scenes or emotional atmospheres that are instructional or thematic, but not tied to your personal soul timeline. From discernment to integration Without discernment, past-life material can get misinterpreted. Emotional or symbolic content may be claimed as literal identity, which can lead to fixation on the past or avoidance of present-life responsibility. Some material isn’t biographical at all, it belongs to the archetypal or collective field. The psyche often shows universal or symbolic scenes for the sake of learning or integration, not because the events belonged to your personal soul timeline. True past-life work isn’t about collecting identities, it’s about liberating energy. When you understand what you’re remembering, you can heal the pattern behind it, reclaim capacity that was lost, and step more fully into your purpose in this lifetime. I explore how subconscious identification shapes behavior and how to reprogram it in my Brainz article Reprogramming the Subconscious: How Past Life Imprints Shape Your Mindset and Success. In my work, I identify past-life identities through intuitive access and then verify continuity using structural tools such as karmic astrology, symbolic analysis, and pattern recognition. Astrology doesn’t reveal who you were, it confirms whether a theme is karmic, archetypal, personal, or collective, and how it carries into the present. I mainly work with highly creative and talented individuals whose soul histories have stronger signatures. Their incarnations tend to be easier to trace because the karmic, artistic, or cultural imprint persists across lifetimes. If you’re unsure what you’re accessing or how it fits into your larger soul pattern, a reading can clarify whether the material is biographical, archetypal, or field-based. Discernment saves time, energy, and unnecessary identity confusion. Not everything you remember is meant to be claimed. Some memories act as invitations, others as mirrors, and a few are truly yours to resolve. The useful question isn’t “Who was I?” but “Why is this surfacing now, and what is it asking me to integrate?” Past-life work isn’t about escaping the present, it’s about arriving in it with more awareness, coherence, and freedom. To go deeper into this work If this article resonates and you’d like to explore how these themes apply to your own life: Book a session  to map your soul lineage and identify the subconscious patterns shaping your current experience Explore my ongoing reincarnation research at Reality Cult  and IWasJimMorrison.com Follow Reality Cult on social media  or subscribe to the newsletter  for updates on research, writing, the Past Life Podcast, retreats, live events, and new work Explore my artistic practice , where past-life integration becomes performance, sound, and creative ritual Read my other Brainz Magazine articles  for additional tools and perspectives on past-life work and soul development Follow me on  Facebook , Instagram , and visit my LinkedIn for more info! Read more fr om Stephanie Smit Stephanie Smit, Visionary Artist & Reincarnation Researcher Stephanie Smit (Giek) is a visionary, multidisciplinary artist and independent reincarnation researcher. Through her work, she bridges experimental art, esoteric science, and intuitive guidance to help others uncover past lives and activate soul remembrance. She has uncovered over 250 past lives for clients using a unique method combining astrology, tarot, and Akashic insight. Her projects have been showcased at major museums and festivals across Europe, including the Van Gogh Museum and Harvard Divinity School. She also develops sacred performances, poetic lectures, and zero-waste fashion inspired by her visions. Giek's mission is to awaken spiritual sovereignty and co-create a New World rooted in divine creativity and karmic truth. Further reading in this research series: If you’d like to explore this work in more depth, these related articles expand on different layers of past-life memory, subconscious patterning, and collective resonance: What If the Root of Your Struggles Began in a Past Life? 9 Powerful Ways to Access Your Past Life Memories (Beyond Tarot & Astrology) Reprogramming the Subconscious: How Past Life Imprints Shape Your Mindset and   Success When More Than One Person Remembers the Same Past Life – What Shared Soul   Memories Reveal About You New Project Explores Why So Many Believe They Were Jim Morrison in a Past Life

Written by Dennis Mark Interdonato, Realtor® | Real Estate Strategist Dennis Mark Interdonato is a Keller Williams Luxury Agent and New Jersey real estate strategist with expertise in luxury properties, valuation strategy, and high-stakes residential transactions across Monmouth and Ocean County. In a culture obsessed with urgency, speed is often mistaken for strength. We celebrate quick decisions, rapid growth, and instant results. The message is everywhere, move fast or get left behind. But in high-stakes environments, business, leadership, investing, and life itself, speed without discipline is rarely a virtue. More often, it is a liability. Strategic patience is not hesitation. It is not fear. It is not indecision. Strategic patience is the ability to delay action until conditions align, data is clear, and execution can be decisive. It is the discipline to wait when others rush, and the clarity to move decisively when the moment is right. High performers do not win because they move faster. They win because they move at the right time. Speed feels productive, patience feels uncomfortable Speed provides instant feedback. It feels like progress. Patience, on the other hand, feels like stagnation. It creates silence, space, and discomfort, which is why most people avoid it. The irony is that many of the most damaging decisions are made not because of poor judgment, but because of impatience. Impatience forces action before clarity. It pushes leaders to react instead of respond. It turns pressure into panic and urgency into error. In contrast, patience allows patterns to emerge, risks to reveal themselves, and opportunities to mature. In high-pressure environments, whether military operations, complex negotiations, or business decisions involving significant capital, acting too early can be just as dangerous as acting too late. The long game is where real power lives Strategic patience is a long-game mindset. It prioritizes sustainability over adrenaline. It recognizes that short-term wins often come at the expense of long-term positioning. The most effective leaders understand that timing is a form of leverage. Waiting does not mean doing nothing. It means observing, preparing, stress-testing assumptions, and quietly positioning yourself so that when action is taken, it is overwhelming in its effectiveness. This approach separates professionals from amateurs. Amateurs chase momentum. Professionals build inevitability. Data over emotion, discipline over ego Impatience is usually emotional. It is driven by fear of missing out, fear of being outpaced, or fear of appearing inactive. Strategic patience requires emotional regulation. It demands the ability to sit with uncertainty without rushing to resolve it artificially. Data-driven decision-making thrives under patience. When leaders slow down, they gather better information, identify second- and third-order consequences, and reduce the influence of ego. They stop reacting to noise and start responding to signals. The discipline to wait is often harder than the courage to act. Yet it is that discipline that preserves capital, protects reputation, and strengthens long-term outcomes. Knowing when to wait and when to move Strategic patience does not mean perpetual delay. The danger is not patience itself, but failing to recognize when waiting has served its purpose. The shift from patience to action requires clarity. When the variables align, when the risk is understood, when preparation meets opportunity, action must be decisive and unapologetic. The same leaders who wait longer than most are often the ones who move faster than anyone else when the time comes. This is the paradox of patience. It creates explosive execution. Why most people get this wrong Many professionals confuse activity with progress. They fear stillness because it exposes gaps in strategy. They rush decisions to avoid accountability. Speed becomes a shield against reflection. Strategic patience requires confidence. Confidence in your process, confidence in your preparation, and confidence that the right opportunities cannot be forced, only earned. Those who master patience stop chasing outcomes. They build systems, refine judgment, and let timing work in their favor. Final thought Speed impresses in the short term. Timing wins in the long term. In leadership, business, and life, the ability to wait is often the difference between reacting and leading, between surviving and dominating. Strategic patience is not passive. It is deliberate, disciplined, and powerful. Those who learn to master timing do not just move forward, they move forward with precision. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Dennis Mark Interdonato Dennis Mark Interdonato, Realtor® | Real Estate Strategist Dennis Mark Interdonato is a Keller Williams Luxury Agent and New Jersey real estate strategist serving Monmouth County, Ocean County, and surrounding markets. With a professional background as a former home builder and remodeler, Dennis Mark brings construction-level understanding of property value, pricing strategy, and long-term investment considerations. He is a multi-time Circle of Excellence award recipient, a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE®), and a former US Army Drill Sergeant, bringing discipline and structure into every client relationship. His work is grounded in local expertise, modern strategy and a commitement to serving the community. Local Insight. Local Living.

Agnes Chvojka is a Rapid Transformational Therapy® Hypnotherapist, Mindset and Confidence Coach who specializes in deep subconscious healing, emotional release, and hypnosis. Based in Ireland and working with clients worldwide, Agnes helps women break free from emotional blocks, heal past traumas, and reclaim their confidence, self-love, and inner peace. Agnes Chvojka, Rapid Transformational Therapy® Hypnotherapist, Mindset and Confidence Coach Who is Agnes Chvojka beyond the titles, and how did your own journey lead you into hypnotherapy and subconscious healing? I’m a woman in my early forties who has always lived life with courage – sometimes consciously, and sometimes simply because my heart wouldn’t let me do it any other way. I’m a mum to my own little superhero, who continues to teach me about curiosity, honesty, and unconditional love. I never really felt different, but I always knew there was more in me – a hunger for learning, deep curiosity, and a real craving to understand life and connect with people on a deeper level. Like many, I followed the traditional academic path. I went to a good high school, studied at a prestigious business college and later at university in Hungary. I became an economist and marketing specialist. I got the diploma, just like everyone else in the family, because I felt it would give me the validation I was looking for. From the outside, everything looked successful and stable. But somewhere in my early thirties, I realised that while my life choices made sense externally, they no longer felt aligned on the inside. The work I was doing was creative and flexible, but it didn’t truly resonate with me. I felt confused and unfulfilled. I started questioning why certain blocks kept holding me back and where that inner conflict was coming from. That’s when I came across Rapid Transformational Therapy®. I had an introductory session online with the amazing Marisa Peer that gave me a real epiphany around a block I had been trying to let go of for years. Happy Minds Hypnotherapy was born from my own journey. As I began healing parts of myself that I hadn’t even realised I was carrying, I experienced firsthand how powerful subconscious healing can be. It opened a completely new door for me. I knew I wanted to work with people, helping them open their minds so that when they open their eyes, a whole new world is waiting for them – one where old conditioning no longer controls them, and where they learn to regulate and trust themselves internally, just as I had to learn. In my therapy work, I don’t separate who I am from what I do. Every step, long detour, and challenge has shaped the work I now feel deeply honoured to offer. How do you explain Rapid Transformational Therapy® and how does your approach differ from traditional therapy? Rapid Transformational Therapy® blends several powerful approaches – hypnosis, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, and talk therapy – but what makes it different is how and where the work happens. RTT® uses hypnosis, an altered state of the mind often referred to as the theta or trance state. In this state, the mind is naturally more relaxed, receptive, and open. When the eyes are closed and the client is guided into hypnosis, they’re able to look inward and truly connect the mind and the body. This is where deep psychosomatic healing becomes possible. RTT® isn’t about fixing someone – because people aren’t broken. It’s about finding the root cause of an issue so it can be understood, processed, and released. Once that happens, we replace old patterns and limiting beliefs with new, supportive ones. And because we’re working at the root, the changes don’t stay limited to just one area of life, they affect all layers of it. That’s why many of my clients come to work on one thing – for example, anger management – and a month later they notice other changes too. Their eating habits shift, they start losing weight naturally, or their communication with loved ones improves. When the subconscious changes, it creates a ripple effect across the whole system. What are the most common misconceptions people have about hypnotherapy? One of the biggest misconceptions is that hypnotherapy means losing control or being “put to sleep.” People often imagine stage hypnosis, where someone barks like a dog on stage or does things against their will – and that couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, you’re fully aware and always in control the entire time. Hypnosis is simply a deeply relaxed, focused state – similar to daydreaming. You can hear everything, you can speak, and you can stop at any time. Another misconception is that hypnotherapy is about being fixed by someone else. It’s not. The hypnotherapist doesn’t have power over you – the work comes from within you. Hypnotherapy simply creates the right state for your subconscious mind to access past memories, understand how certain experiences have shaped your current challenges, and release what’s been holding you back. And finally, many people think hypnotherapy is only about relaxation or positive thinking. While relaxation is part of the process, real hypnotherapy goes much deeper. It’s a form of deep psychosomatic healing that begins with releasing familiar negative emotional patterns and gently replacing them with new, supportive ones. This creates new neural pathways in the brain. RTT® works at the subconscious level, helping you understand the root of an issue and create lasting change – not just temporary relief. What are the most common emotional blocks you see clients struggling with when they come to you? The most common problem is anxiety. Behind that, there’s usually overthinking, self-doubt, worry, and fear. Many people feel stuck in their own heads – constantly analysing, worrying, and questioning themselves – and over time that can leave them feeling overwhelmed or disconnected from their body. Low confidence, lack of self-esteem are common issues also. Emotional eating comes up a lot too – not because of a lack of willpower, but because food has become a way to soothe, regulate, or distract from emotions that feel too uncomfortable to face. One of the most common beliefs I see is ‘I’m not good enough.’ It usually forms early in life, often as a response to unmet emotional needs, neglect, or experiences of not feeling seen, safe, or valued. As adults, that early interpretation quietly shapes how people think, feel, and react. Behind many of these challenges, there’s often a childhood experience or emotional wound. Can you share a success story that illustrates the kind of transformation your clients experience? One client came to me facing a complex situation, with more than twelve interconnected issues affecting her life. When she reached out, she said she knew something had to change because she simply couldn’t take it anymore. She committed to my three-month transformational programme, which combines hypnotherapy to explore and interrupt past patterns, hypno-coaching with practical strategies and mindfulness tools, and Kundalini Energy work to release energetic blocks. Our focus wasn’t on fixing symptoms, but on understanding the root and purpose of her challenges at a subconscious level. Within around four weeks after our hypnosis session, the changes became noticeable. Her anxiety eased, anger and stress softened, and she began sleeping better. She felt more present in daily life and less stuck on autopilot. One of the most meaningful shifts was in her relationship with herself – stronger self-esteem, kinder self-talk, and healthier boundaries without guilt. There was also a clear ripple effect. Her energy levels shifted, her emotional eating reduced, and she became more aware of her triggers. She felt more grounded and in control of her emotions, returned to the gym, and began losing weight – even though that was never the main focus of our work. Perhaps most importantly, she felt clear and grounded enough to rebuild her relationship and reconnect with her partner after having called off their engagement before the therapy. Why is addressing the subconscious mind so important for lasting change? Think of your mind as a computer. Your conscious mind is the hardware – the thinking mind that rationalises, analyses, and makes everyday decisions. Your subconscious mind is the feeling mind – the background software built from past experiences, trauma, conditioning, and learned patterns. Most of the time, we try to change things at the surface level, while the real issue sits much deeper in the system. Lasting healing begins when we work with both the conscious and subconscious mind and bring the body into alignment as well. When the nervous system is no longer in constant alert mode, the subconscious can release old conditioning and begin rewiring new, healthier pathways in the brain. RTT® allows you to close your eyes, go beneath hundreds of layers of that background software, find where the error first started, and gently reboot the whole system. When the system resets, change becomes natural – not forced – and that’s why root-cause therapy is so effective. Once that deeper layer shifts, behaviour, emotions, and reactions begin to change on their own. You’re no longer fighting yourself or forcing change – your system starts working with you. And that’s when change becomes sustainable, not something you have to constantly manage. How do you help clients build high confidence? Confidence and self-esteem work on two different levels. Confidence is shaped by how we think others see us, while self-esteem comes from how we see ourselves on the inside. The two are strongly connected – and that’s why surface-level confidence work and affirmation practices rarely last. When someone comes to me with confidence issues, I don’t start by trying to tell them why they should be “more confident.” We first with the low self-esteem and look at what’s beneath the surface. Most of the time, it leads back to unmet needs in childhood – not feeling safe, loved, seen, or praised in the way a child needs. We go underneath the layers and revisit those early experiences through inner child work. What needs to be released is released, and in hypnosis the client is guided to face their old self with compassion. One of the most powerful moments is when they realise, “That’s not me anymore.” The challenges a dependent child once had to carry are no longer theirs to hold. They learn how to give themselves the needs they never received. That realisation alone creates a huge internal shift. You can often see it immediately – the way they smile, how they hold themselves, how their energy changes when they open their eyes after the session. And in the weeks that follow, clients begin to notice something even bigger: their confidence isn’t the old version anymore. That’s how confidence lasts – not by changing who you are, but by reconnecting with your authentic self once unmet needs are finally met. When is hypnotherapy a better option than conventional therapy methods? One of the clearest signs is when the same problems, emotions, or thoughts keep looping back – even after months or years of counselling or talk therapy. Many people understand their issues very well on a logical level, but they still feel stuck. Another sign is when someone struggles to build trust or feel fully safe and open with a therapist in traditional talk-based therapy. Hypnotherapy can feel very different in that sense. When you close your eyes and turn inward, there’s often less self-consciousness, less fear of being judged, and people tend to feel more open and able to be vulnerable. One of the biggest benefits of hypnosis is that you’re not just talking about the problem – you’re working directly with the subconscious mind, where these patterns actually live. You’re guided gently inward, and the work happens on a deeper, mind-body (psychosomatic) level rather than just through talking. For many people, hypnotherapy isn’t a replacement for traditional therapy – it’s the missing piece. Especially when they’re ready to move beyond knowing and go into understanding. For someone reading this who feels stuck or curious, what’s one small mindset shift or first step you’d encourage them to take? What if you stopped asking, “Why do I feel this way?” and instead closed your eyes and gently asked, “What happened to me that led me to feel this way?” Then allow a moment of silence for the answer to come. That simple shift alone can create compassion instead of self-blame and open the door to real understanding. If something in this conversation resonated with you, it may be a sign that you’re ready to look beneath the surface. True transformation often begins when we listen more closely to what our mind and body are communicating. For those curious about hypnosis and subconscious healing, Agnes’s work offers a safe and supportive space to begin that journey. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Agnes Chvojka

Written by Aaron Eschenburg, Ayahuascero and Astrotheologer Aaron Eschenburg is an Ayahuascero and Astrotheologer. He is the Founder and creator of Ancestral Herbs, a natural plant medicine company, and MiTranscendance Entheo Religious Society. If we observe two clocks that have pendulums on two different walls, they will each tick-tock at their own one-second intervals. If we put both clocks on the same wall next to one another, their pendulums will start to synchronize as they begin to swing together and tick-tock in unison. The dominant frequency takes over the less dominant frequency as they become harmoniously intertwined. “I was once asked why I don't participate in anti-war demonstrations. I said that I will never do that, but as soon as you have a pro-peace rally, I'll be there.” ― Mother Teresa  This is a phenomenon known as entrainment, where the stronger, more consistent rhythmic oscillation or “frequency” influences its cadence on the more variable frequency as they begin to resonate and physically move together. Reiki masters and sound healers are very privy to this science and exercise it with singing bowls, droning didgeridoos, gongs, shrudi boxes, vocal toning, tuning forks, and other healing tools. A body in dis-ease is a body out of harmony within itself and the cosmos, creating disease within itself. We can “tune” our mind and body through resonant tools and medicines to bring us back into vibrational ease and harmony within ourselves. The Tacoma Narrows Bridge of 1940 has an extremely important role in civil engineering, physics, and understanding our vibrational world. The very capable designers and engineers who built this iconic bridge in Tacoma, Washington, had no idea that the vertical support cables that held the bridge together were tuned to a harmonic resonance of one another. Just months after its completion, high gusts of wind began to buffet the support cables, as if strumming a guitar. The cables began to vibrate and amplify the cable next to it, which resonated the cable next to it, and so on, synchronizing together and creating an audible hum. Like an echo chamber feeding back into itself, the bridge began to move and sway in a seemingly unnatural way. The bridge was made of 20,665,000 lbs of structural steel, 3,654,000 lbs of reinforced steel, 8,500,000 lbs of cable wire and fittings, with 103,129 cubic yards of concrete. Though the bridge itself was made of the sturdiest materials available, it wasn’t long at all before the entire solid steel and concrete structure began to sway and bend like rubber twisting back and forth. With each passing second, the twists and bends became dramatically larger. Contorting over 10 thousand tons of steel in 28 ft tall waves until this 6 million dollar solid structure of the most durable stable materials known to humanity became so unstable it collapsed into the river beneath it. As if the wind was the grand conductor and the cables of the bridge were the string section of an orchestra, and the grand crescendo to this opus of the bridge was its structural demise. This concept of entrainment, where the dominant vibration influences and manipulates the less dominant vibration, can be found in many aspects of nature and human life. Often, we can see this with women syncing their menstrual cycle to their closest friends or even with the Moon cycle and eclipses. Like passing a yawn from one to another, there is a vibrational element to our living beings that either resonates with others or repels them. Imagine a car with a subwoofer in the trunk driving by your house, and it rattles the windows of your home. The vibrations are audible and transmit changing air pressure that can be heard and felt from a great distance. These vibrations began in the trunk of the vehicle but aren’t limited to the structure itself. The same goes for our thoughts and feelings. They are subtle vibrations that don’t just stay in our cranium but send a ripple throughout our aura field. This vibration is either in harmony with others or creates dissonance. Like when the windows of your vehicle are rolled down at just the right height to create that strange warble sound, we have to adjust the height of the windows until the sound of the air flow becomes harmonious.   The Maharishi International University has published several studies supporting group meditation and reduced crime rates. When we collectively set our minds, hearts, and intentions to hold a vibration of peace, there is tangible scientific evidence that backs up the theory that our intentions have a real world effect on our physical reality. This process has been studied, contemplated, doubted, and duplicated multiple times throughout history to continue to prove its significance. In the 1970’s and 80’s, studies suggested a 16% reduction in crime rates in cities where only 1% of the population practiced a particular style of Transcendental Meditation, TM. In 1993, four thousand TM practitioners gathered in Washington, D.C. for two months, which showed a 23.3% reduction in violent crimes. 2007-2010, there was a large group practicing this meditation technique in Iowa, which led to a decrease in homicide by 21.1%, and violent crimes lowered by 18.5%. Physically, we are singular individuals, collectively, we are a singular consciousness. Our individual vibration and field of consciousness are linked to the collective, just as the vibration held by the meditation practitioner is unified and linked to the entire population. The peace meditating practitioners mindfully resonate in a consistent vibratory state that ripples throughout society. Similar to the sub-woofer emanating from the trunk of the car that sends sound waves through its surrounding environment. Those waves can be felt and measured just the same as the influence of the TM practitioners can be felt and measured. These studies have been doubted, duplicated, measured, and proven time and time again with legitimate scientific data to back them up. There’s great truth to this childhood fairy tale of Peter Pan, think happy thoughts, and you can fly. Allowing ourselves to focus on that of which we love, want, and desire wires the neuron-net of our brain, which triggers and amplifies the vibratory rate of our body. Our thoughts shape our reality, while life outside of self just “is” and things just “are”. It’s the human experience and our personal observation that determine what “is” and how we “feel” about it. There will always be things beyond our control happening all around us. Sustaining a mindset of prosperity and focusing on our contributions to the garden of the human experience raises our personal vibration and attracts others within a harmonious vibration. What you resist persists. The act of resisting a feeling, an emotion, a situation, or a problem often gives it more power and keeps it present and relevant in our lives. When we resist something, we focus our mind, intentions, and energy on that which we do not want, which makes the problem seem larger and more relevant. This vibrational loop creates internal conflict, often with something we have no control over, which is an unproductive use of brain power and energy. Resisting reality is a lack of acceptance, which leads to anger, resentment, separation, substance use, escaping reality, and falling into unhealthy coping mechanisms. To accept something doesn’t mean we approve of it. There’s a healthy amount of acknowledgment and understanding of acceptance that must happen to shift from a mindset of resistance and an internal argument with oneself that is “against” something, in order to shift our awareness to be “for” something. Only from this place of acceptance can we find internal peace and determine a strategy to move forward while focusing on that which we truly do love, want, and desire. When we focus on anything, whether we want it or not, we send a ripple through the universe that says, “Yes! Give me more”, even if it’s the opposite of what we desire. This happens because we hold in our hearts and minds the vibration of what we are against. The universe doesn’t understand the difference and the grand genie at large says, “Your wish is my command”. Like running a race in your mind, the same fast-twitch muscle fibers fire just as if you were actually running the race. The brain doesn’t know the difference. We can actually gain muscle mass by exercising in our minds through mental imagery. That’s how powerful and strong our minds are!  “I was once asked why I don't participate in anti-war demonstrations. I said that I will never do that, but as soon as you have a pro-peace rally, I'll be there.” ― Mother Teresa  The difference between an anti-war rally and a pro-peace rally is the vibrational intent of “Anti – Against” to the vibration of “Pro – For” which determines what we are truly trying to manifest, what we allow our minds to focus on, and the proposed outcome. An attitude of gratitude might be challenging when faced with a scenario we don’t favor, but the acceptance of what is, is necessary to move forward gracefully with a healthy mind and heart. So what do all these things have in common, and how do they tie together? The clocks with the pendulums are symbolic of how we humans synchronize together. How the individual with a strong personality or more consistent vibration of love, peace, ambition, prosperity, hate, anger, or rage can influence and manipulate others to “swing” to their cadence and match their energy.  The wind bellowing through the bridge represents an uncontrollable force. The support beams of the bridge represent the people feeding off of one another and amplifying the signal, while the bridge represents the structure and total collapse. The bridge is also how we cross from one side to the other, how we move from a place of resistance to acceptance. If we keep resonating at a vibration of resistance, we will sacrifice the entire structure, leading to destruction. Destruction is never the goal, crossing the bridge is always the goal. The group meditation is directly related to what happens when large groups of people gather together with intent. The mental and emotional vibrational waves create ripples through our society at large, and the real life effects of that energy carry throughout our collective consciousness. This is not to be taken lightly. If we are collectively focused on peace, we see a decrease in crime with evidence. When we gather to collectively focus on what we don’t want and are against, we see more anger, hate, and all the things we do not want. Why would Mother Teresa choose to go to a pro-peace rally but never an anti-war rally? Because she understood the mentality, the vibrational resonance, and intent behind the “anti” rallies, and she didn’t resonate with them. She understood that it was a lack of acceptance and a lack of clear motivation for what our hearts truly want and desire. The results are exactly the opposite of what we are actually gathering for.  There’s a point where we have to take a stand, no question, but we have to stand for something we believe in, not something we hate or are against. Be “for” someone, some cause, not against someone and against some cause. There is always an equal and opposite to everything, and it’s up to us to make the right decisions on what we are putting our time and energy into. If we see something that we don’t like, violence, injustice, or whatever, we have to learn to flip it and stand for the opposite in a positive way, and gather appropriately.  Stand for love, stand for peace, stand for equality, stand for clean food and water, protecting lakes, forests, jungles, lands, nature, animals, people, rights, science, truth, whatever you desire. Rally for something you love. Let love lead the way and remain in an attitude of gratitude and prosperity regardless of the outside world. Focus on the peace and be the sub-woofer emitting and vibrating your love to the world around you. The world needs more of that authenticity than anything else. Follow me on Instagram , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Aaron Eschenburg Aaron Eschenburg, Ayahuascero, Astrotheologer Aaron Eschenburg is an Ayahuasca Shaman and creator of the natural plant medicine company Ancestral Herbs. Being hit by a drunk driver at 21 spiraled him into a journey of exploring alternative medicines to get away from the side effects of pharmaceuticals. Astrotheology and plant medicines then came into his life at the same time, creating a better understanding of humanities relationship with our living planet solar system, and Universe. He now dedicates his life to helping others explore the options of natural healing, entheogenic practices, and embracing the Aquarian Age.

Written by Kelsey Irving, Licensed Clinical Therapist Kelsey Irving is a licensed therapist and recognized specialist in OCD and anxiety disorders. She is the founder of Steadfast Psychology Group and author of the children’s book Jacob and the Cloud. If you’ve spent any time researching Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP), you’ve probably come across a common warning: this is hard work. ERP asks a lot of you. With the guidance of a trained therapist, you intentionally face the thoughts, images, objects, or situations that trigger anxiety and obsessions, without doing the rituals that usually bring relief. Fun? Not exactly. So why do people willingly sign up for something that sounds so uncomfortable, and often pay good money for it? The short answer: because it works. ERP has the strongest evidence base for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, especially when combined with certain medications like serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs). For many, it becomes a turning point. The reluctance to let go Even when people know ERP is effective, committing to it can feel daunting. A major reason is the fear of giving up compulsions. After all, compulsions often masquerade as strengths. They can make you feel responsible, prepared, detail-oriented, or vigilant. They may even feel protective. But if you’re reading about treatment, especially if you’re searching late at night, hoping for something different, there’s likely a part of you that’s tired. A part that wants change. So what’s driving that feeling? What’s pulling you toward change? Maybe the constant mental noise makes it hard to focus. Maybe anxiety is straining your relationships or draining your energy. Maybe you’re stuck in endless “what if” loops that spiral into panic. Or maybe you’re simply exhausted from the daily vigilance your anxiety demands. Take a moment to consider what made you think, “This might be a problem.” Then ask yourself another question: What would my life look like if this felt more manageable? More freedom? More presence? More ease? Why take the risk? At its core, ERP is about learning to live according to your values, not your fears. Through a series of carefully planned, challenging-but-approachable exercises, people begin to build trust in themselves. They learn they can tolerate discomfort, and that anxiety doesn’t get to call the shots. Along the way, ERP teaches practical coping skills to prevent anxiety from escalating into panic. Over time, fear loses its authority. One former client summed up the decision this way: “I realized I had two options: be controlled by my OCD in a state of fear and stress, or grow and learn in a state of fear and stress. I decided I’d rather suffer in the right direction.” What it can feel like on the other side Many people who complete ERP describe it as empowering. One client shared that after years of feeling helpless, ERP gave them tools they could actually use. Another described starting with “baby steps” to face fears, like simply driving to a grocery store alone, until those once-impossible tasks became manageable, even routine. The common thread? Confidence grows when you prove to yourself that you can do hard things. Still unsure? If you’re on the fence, a simple cost-benefit analysis can help. List the pros and cons of continuing compulsions versus letting them go. A helpful rule of thumb: if a behavior feels urgent, like something must be done right now or things won’t be okay, it’s likely a compulsion. And if you do decide to try ERP, one thing matters above all else: work with a therapist trained specifically in ERP. The right guidance makes all the difference. ERP isn’t easy. But for many, it’s the first step toward a life that feels bigger, freer, and no longer ruled by fear. If you’re curious about whether ERP could be right for you, working with a therapist trained specifically in this approach matters. Kelsey Irving is a licensed therapist who specializes in ERP and anxiety treatment. You can learn more about her work, or reach out to take the next step, at steadfastpsychology.com . Sometimes, choosing help is the bravest exposure of all. Follow me on Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Kelsey Irving Kelsey Irving, Licensed Clinical Therapist Kelsey Irving is a licensed therapist specializing in the treatment of adults with OCD and anxiety disorders. Inspired by a close family member’s diagnosis and the widespread misunderstanding of OCD, she became deeply committed to providing informed, compassionate, and effective care. Kelsey serves individuals through her private practice, Steadfast Psychology Group, and extends her impact through her children’s book, Jacob and the Cloud.

Written by Gaelle K.O, Certified Life and Career Coach Gaelle is a Certified Life Coach and the founder of Successful Landing Inc., a coaching platform dedicated to empowering international professionals as they navigate life and career transitions and pursue meaningful goals. We’ve all been there, the early-morning alarm shatters a deep, peaceful sleep, and before we know it, we’re hitting the snooze button again and again, hoping to steal a few more minutes of rest. But what if you didn’t hit the snooze button again? What if you pressed it once, acknowledged it was time to wake up, and simply started your day? For working professionals, stepping out of our comfort zone and moving into something new can feel much the same, uncomfortable, unfamiliar, and tempting to postpone. Yet, just like getting out of bed, it’s that first decisive step toward a career transition that creates momentum, brings clarity, and opens the door to growth. Since change does not come naturally for most of us, the three considerations below are designed to give you the nudge you need to stop hitting snooze and start your career transition journey. Letting go of the map in a career transition Transitioning from one professional identity to another can be deeply challenging at times, it can even feel impossible. From a young age, we are taught to follow a linear path: go to school, graduate, get a job, start a family, and move steadily forward. We often apply this same logic to our careers, starting at the bottom and climbing upward as experience accumulates. As a result, when we consider a career change, we naturally try to replicate this familiar pattern, expecting a clear sequence of steps that will lead us directly from where we are to where we want to be. But how can we know for sure that the new career we are aiming for is truly the right one for us? Without taking the time to explore, ask questions, experiment, and even fail, and without accepting that this process may not come with a clearly defined trajectory, we risk ending up in a place of frustration. We may find ourselves repeatedly “hitting the snooze button,” postponing action, and ultimately abandoning the idea of stepping out of our comfort zone altogether. Navigating a career transition requires patience and a willingness to move forward without having all the answers. It means being open to trying, failing, reflecting, and trying again. As Roy T. Bennett reminds us, “Until you step into the unknown, you don't know what you're made of.” Taking the time to experiment and reflect allows new possibilities to emerge and creates space for a career path that is not only different but also more aligned with who you are becoming.   Embrace the discomfort Change rarely comes without discomfort. A career transition often brings uncertainty, self-doubt, and a temporary sense of instability. There may be moments when you question your decision, compare yourself to others who seem “further ahead,” or feel discouraged by the learning curve of something new. This is normal. Rather than seeing these challenges as signs that you are on the wrong path, consider them evidence that you are stretching beyond what is familiar. Growth happens precisely in these moments of friction. Just as your body needs time to adjust to a new routine, your professional identity needs time to adapt to a new reality. Embracing the discomfort means shifting your mindset from “This is hard, maybe I should stop” to “This is hard, and that means I’m learning.” When you stop resisting discomfort and instead view it as part of the process, you move from avoidance to agency. You stop hitting snooze and start engaging fully with the transition you’ve chosen. Learning to trust your gut In career transitions, logic and planning are important, but they are not enough on their own. Many professionals remain stuck because they wait for absolute certainty before taking action. The truth is that certainty rarely comes first. More often, it is your intuition, your gut feeling, that quietly signals when something no longer fits, or when a new direction feels worth exploring. Trusting your gut does not mean acting impulsively or ignoring practical considerations. It means paying attention to what energizes you, what drains you, and what keeps resurfacing despite your attempts to dismiss it. That inner voice is often the first indicator that change is needed. When you learn to listen to yourself and honor those signals, you begin to move with intention rather than fear. You give yourself permission to take informed risks and to course-correct along the way if needed. Trusting your gut is what allows you to move forward, even when the path ahead is not fully visible. Final thoughts: Wake up to what’s possible Career transitions are not about having everything figured out before you begin. They are about choosing to wake up to your dissatisfaction, your curiosity, and your potential—and taking one small step at a time. Hitting the snooze button may feel comfortable in the moment, but it keeps you stuck in a cycle of hesitation and self-doubt. When you decide to get up, embrace the uncertainty, and trust yourself enough to begin, momentum follows. You don’t need a perfect plan. You just need the courage to start. If you’re ready to stop hitting snooze on your career but aren’t sure where to start, let’s talk. Book a call  with me and take the first intentional step toward a career that fits who you are today, not who you were expected to be. Visit my website for more info! Read more from Gaelle K.O Gaelle K.O, Certified Life and Career Coach Gaelle is a travel enthusiast, HR professional, and Associate Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation. After living and working across borders, she personally faced the doubts and setbacks many international professionals experience when looking for work in a new country. Instead of giving up, Gaelle transformed that experience into her mission. Today, as the founder of Successful Landing , she empowers international professionals—especially women—to rise with confidence, land meaningful careers in their new environment, and be fully recognized and compensated for their worth.

Written by Anna Hirsch-Nowak, Health & Wellness Coach, Certified Nutritionist Anna Hirsch-Nowak is a certified holistic nutritionist and holistic wellness coach. She helps clients return to balance and psychophysical well-being. She shows how to live more in tune with yourself. She is the author of the eBook “Menopause – Your Inner Power.” The elimination diet is a structured, short-term nutritional intervention widely used in functional and integrative medicine to identify food-related triggers of chronic symptoms and to support gastrointestinal and immune system regulation. It is particularly valuable for individuals experiencing persistent, nonspecific health concerns, such as digestive disturbances, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, or dermatological conditions that do not respond adequately to conventional therapeutic approaches. Unlike long-term restrictive diets, the elimination diet is designed as a temporary diagnostic and therapeutic strategy. Its primary objectives are to reduce inflammatory burden, restore intestinal function, and enable a gradual return to a diverse, nutrient-dense dietary pattern tailored to individual tolerance. Rationale and mechanisms of action Adverse food reactions encompass a broad spectrum of responses, including food sensitivities and intolerances, which often present with delayed and variable symptom onset. These reactions may occur hours or days after consumption, making identification challenging. In contrast to IgE-mediated food allergies, which typically provoke immediate and recognizable symptoms, delayed reactions are frequently overlooked and may manifest as chronic or systemic complaints. Repeated exposure to poorly tolerated foods may contribute to ongoing low-grade inflammation, impaired digestive and absorptive capacity, and increased intestinal permeability. Disruption of the gut barrier facilitates the translocation of food antigens and microbial byproducts into systemic circulation, activating immune pathways and perpetuating inflammatory responses. The elimination diet addresses these mechanisms by temporarily removing common dietary triggers, allowing for physiological recovery. Structure of the elimination diet From a functional medicine perspective, the elimination diet consists of two essential phases: elimination and reintroduction. The elimination phase typically lasts a minimum of three weeks (21 days), though the duration may be extended based on individual clinical presentation and response. This period allows time for inflammatory processes to subside and for intestinal epithelial cells, characterized by rapid turnover, to regenerate. During this phase, some individuals may experience transient withdrawal symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, or digestive changes, particularly if previously consumed foods were eliminated. The reintroduction phase involves the systematic, sequential reintroduction of individual foods while closely monitoring physiological responses. This structured approach enables the identification of specific dietary triggers and supports the development of a personalized long-term nutritional strategy.   Gut health, microbiome, and immune modulation The gastrointestinal tract plays a central role in immune regulation, housing a substantial proportion of immune cells and maintaining continuous interaction with dietary antigens and the gut microbiota. A balanced and diverse intestinal microbiome is critical for immune tolerance, metabolic health, and inflammatory control. The elimination diet supports microbiome restoration by emphasizing whole, minimally processed foods rich in fiber, phytonutrients, and bioactive compounds. These dietary components act as prebiotics, promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms, while high-quality protein and healthy fats provide essential substrates for tissue repair and metabolic function. By reducing exposure to inflammatory triggers, the diet facilitates normalization of gut-immune axis signaling. Commonly eliminated foods Foods most frequently excluded during the elimination phase include dairy products, gluten-containing grains, soy, corn, eggs, nuts, shellfish, alcohol, caffeine, refined sugars, and ultra-processed foods. Dairy products may provoke adverse reactions due to lactose intolerance or immune responses to milk proteins such as casein. Gluten-containing grains are eliminated because of their association with digestive dysfunction, immune activation, and increased intestinal permeability in susceptible individuals. During the elimination phase, dietary intake focuses on vegetables, fruits, gluten-free whole grains, plant-based dairy alternatives (excluding soy), healthy fats, and protein sources derived from high-quality, sustainably raised animals or plant-based options. Clinical applications and target populations The elimination diet has demonstrated clinical utility in individuals with chronic gastrointestinal disorders, inflammatory skin conditions, musculoskeletal pain, autoimmune diseases, and elevated inflammatory markers. It may also benefit patients experiencing unexplained fatigue, cognitive symptoms, or recurrent infections, where dietary triggers are suspected to play a contributing role. Reintroduction and long-term personalization Careful food reintroduction is essential for translating short-term dietary intervention into long-term nutritional balance. Foods that elicit consistent adverse reactions are typically excluded for an additional three to six months before reassessment. Over time, improved gut integrity and immune regulation may allow for increased tolerance of previously problematic foods. In some cases, however, long-term avoidance of specific triggers may be warranted. Conclusion The elimination diet is a clinically relevant and evidence-informed therapeutic tool that extends beyond symptom management to address underlying mechanisms of chronic inflammation and gut dysfunction. When implemented under professional supervision, it supports individualized care, enhances patient awareness of diet–symptom relationships, and facilitates sustainable improvements in health. In holistic and functional medicine, the elimination diet serves not only as a nutritional intervention but also as a means of empowering individuals to better understand and respond to the physiological signals of their own bodies. As a certified nutritionist, holistic wellness coach, and functional medicine coaching specialist, I provide attentive, individualized support throughout the entire elimination diet process. If you are experiencing nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms, skin-related concerns, or a chronically weakened immune system, or if you suspect food intolerances or sensitivities, I encourage you to consider undertaking an elimination diet. Follow me on Instagram and LinkedIn for more info! Read more from Anna Hirsch-Nowak Anna Hirsch-Nowak, Health & Wellness Coach, Certified Nutritionist Anna Hirsch-Nowak is a certified holistic nutritionist, holistic wellness coach, and menopause coach. She helps clients return to balance and psychophysical well-being. She is a guide and partner for her clients. She helps them identify their needs and accompanies them on their journey toward improving their lifestyle and wellness. She is the author of the eBook “Menopause – Your Inner Power.” She is currently a student at the FMCA Academy. Her mission is to help people draw health from the connection of body, spirit, and mind.

Written by Kelly Kearley, Psychotherapist and Rare Disease Advocate Kelly is a Psychotherapist, Charity Manager at PTENUKI, and co-author of Positively Rare. She shapes the conversation on the psychological impact of rare diseases, autism, SEN, and caregiving, bridging lived experience with clinical expertise to raise awareness and inspire change. The start of a New Year is often framed as a time of hope, fresh beginnings, and looking ahead. For many people living with rare disease, and for the parents and carers who support them, January can feel far more complex. The future may not feel open or expansive, but uncertain, fragile, and emotionally demanding. This article is the fifth in a series exploring the psychological impact of rare disease. It focuses on a form of grief that is rarely named yet widely experienced: chronic grief, the ongoing emotional response to living with uncertainty, repeated loss, and anticipatory change. Understanding chronic grief Chronic grief, sometimes referred to as anticipatory grief or ongoing loss, occurs when there is no clear ending point to what has been lost or what may still be lost. It often emerges when a condition is progressive or unpredictable, the future feels unstable, hopes and expectations must be repeatedly revised, and there is no moment of closure or resolution. Unlike bereavement, chronic grief does not follow a neat timeline, it lingers quietly in the background, resurfacing at milestones, medical appointments, school transitions, birthdays, and the start of a New Year. Grieving on multiple levels This type of grief often operates simultaneously on several emotional levels. People may grieve the life they expected, the version of themselves they once were, or the future they imagined for their child or family. There may also be grief for lost certainty, safety, or control. Because these losses are largely invisible, they are rarely acknowledged by others, yet their emotional impact is ongoing and profound. Why uncertainty is so draining Human nervous systems are not designed to live in prolonged uncertainty. When the future feels unpredictable, the body can remain in a heightened state of alert, constantly scanning for change or threat. Over time, this can lead to chronic anxiety, sleep disruption, emotional numbness or overwhelm, and difficulty imagining or planning ahead. The exhaustion comes not only from what is happening, but from the relentless effort of living without clear answers. The emotional weight of a new year January can intensify chronic grief. While others focus on resolutions and future plans, many rare disease families are quietly managing fears, recalibrating expectations, and preparing for another year of unknowns. This contrast can heighten feelings of isolation and loss, making the start of the year an emotionally vulnerable time. Holding hope and grief together One of the most persistent myths about grief is that hope cannot coexist with it. In reality, many people live with both at the same time. It is possible to hope for stability while grieving uncertainty, to feel gratitude alongside sadness, and to experience moments of joy without negating loss. Learning to hold hope and grief together, rather than forcing one to replace the other, is often essential for emotional survival. Why chronic grief is often misunderstood Because chronic grief does not fit traditional models of loss, it is frequently minimised. Well-intended phrases such as “try to stay positive” or “you don’t know what will happen” can unintentionally invalidate very real emotions. What people living with chronic grief often need most is not reassurance or solutions, but recognition and an acknowledgement that their experience is complex, ongoing, and legitimate. Coping with ongoing loss Coping with chronic grief does not mean resolving it. It means learning how to live alongside it without being consumed. This may involve naming the grief, allowing it to surface in waves, grounding in the present moment, and seeking psychological support that understands ongoing loss rather than trying to move past it. Flexible hopes rooted in values, rather than fixed outcomes, can also help people remain connected to meaning while living with uncertainty. Closing reflection Living with chronic grief and uncertainty requires a quiet, sustained courage. It asks people to keep moving forward without clear answers, to adapt repeatedly to changing realities, and to hold both hope and loss in the same emotional space. This article, and the wider impact series, exists to name the psychological impact that so often remains unseen: the emotional labour of rare disease, caregiving, and living with uncertainty. As this new year begins, coping does not mean forcing optimism or achieving closure. It means allowing space for complexity, honouring what has been lost alongside what still matters, and recognising that emotional survival itself is a profound achievement. Follow me on Facebook , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Kelly Kearley Kelly Kearley, Psychotherapist and Rare Disease Advocate Kelly is a psychotherapist, author, and charity leader shaping the global conversation on the psychological impact of living with a rare disease, autism, SEN, and caregiving. Co-author of Positively Rare and Charity Manager of PTENUKI, she bridges lived experience with clinical expertise to bring overlooked mental health challenges to light. Her work explores resilience, advocacy, and the hidden toll of caregiving in extraordinary circumstances. Kelly's mission reaches beyond the rare disease community, she seeks to help the wider world understand the profound emotional impact these journeys carry. By fostering awareness and empathy, she inspires change across healthcare, education, and society.

Written by Latasha Nicole Phillips, Life Purpose Coach SoulFlwr LLC is a sacred service-oriented business with a focus on assisting those who come in contact with personal development progression with a focus on the self. Imagine being drawn to listening to a motivational speaker in a social media video, podcast, or audiobook. You fell in love with them because they inspire you with their positive insight surrounding things like love, compassion, unity, and the empowerment of community. They are also a passionate leader who speaks out about issues within humanity regarding equality, mental health, spirituality, and global affairs. Their persona screams leader on the rise! They promote integrity, transparency, and authenticity with confidence and conviction. They also have a consistent reputation here, they fearlessly face conflict, competition, and are masters of debate. Sounds great, right? This is the type of leadership that we all would ideally aspire to support or become. However, do not be deceived. Some of these very same dynamics lie in individuals who use our natural inclinations against us. We at SoulFlwr call them Leading Edge Deviants. And in this article, we'll show you how to easily identify them. What is a leading-edge deviant? Our example above is a basic description of the masks that leading-edge deviants carry. A leading-edge deviant is a leader or authority figure who uses their gifts and talents for personal gain. They do not seek to add value to the world. They may use things that are beneficial to you or your community for personal gain, but again, be aware. Everything that they do is out of service to self. A great number of them are rebels of society, concealing significantly questionable character. This makes them great winners at all costs and sore yet petty losers. They can, however, be fun, charming, confident, and many even have the gift of gab. Due to their genius, they are multifaceted. And we must give them their flowers for their faith in self. That is their main attraction factor for their success. They pride themselves on being able to hold their weight against anyone. And because of their devoted self-belief, they become masters of getting what they want. This is a gift if used in a way that inspires us and others to be better in some way. It is not. You will only benefit if you assist them in benefiting themselves. Otherwise, you will be taken advantage of, taken for granted, or experience some form of suffering as a result of your affiliation with them. You may think they are difficult to identify since they blend so well with our leading-edge divergents. But be aware that for deviants, their interactions with you have a very different intention. Because of their magnetic personality, they can be either the life of the party or hidden in plain sight in social settings. Their mask depends on what agenda they have at play. No need to worry though. They may wear a mask, but energy never lies.   In my experience, I have encountered leading-edge deviants in most settings in my life. They were all leaders in some capacity too. Many of these encounters were lessons about myself and what I allowed. Again, a leading-edge deviant is usually magnetic. They attract others with ease because they are masters of charm, seduction, and disguise with a noteworthy faith in self. The unfortunate thing is that their energy and their lives usually reveal their lack of character by some shadowy behavior that undermines everything that they build for themselves. This leaves a trail of chaos, confusion, and trauma in the wake of those connected to them. So it is important to raise awareness regarding this type of personality. Because (especially in the spotlight), these individuals have a strong tendency to appear to be something that they are not. Let's look at some positions where you may encounter a leading-edge deviant.   Law enforcement The exposure of leading-edge deviants within this institution has been especially prevalent in the past 12 years or so. There is a stark reality of authority abuse for personal gain. These are the officers who violate the rights of citizens. They falsely accuse, plant evidence (and steal evidence), lie under oath, and force confessions out of innocent people, even minors. These individuals mar the image of officers who believe in serving and protecting their communities with integrity and justice in fairness.   Creatives Creatives cover a wide range of areas! We have art, music, poetry, writing, public speaking, acting, dance, and even sports. Creative people inspire us in boundless ways. They play a sacred role in our society because they influence our culture and the changes that we make in them. Here’s the problem. Leading-edge deviants seek self-service. Attention for their gifts and talents tends to feed this self-service into a full-blown arrogance. Many of them are blind to it. After all, they do deserve the recognition that they receive. People look up to them and validate them as an inspiration for their art/work. The sun of success is shining too brightly for them to see an error in their ways. Therefore, a leading-edge deviant who is creative has the potential to perpetuate many forms of debilitating trauma and abuse without proper accountability. Today, we are seeing many of these creatives brought to Justice after years of perpetuating abuse on many people. Victims fear coming forward due to the reputation and contributions that these deviants make in society.   In my experience with creative deviants, they developed an inflated ego that excluded personal responsibility for the suffering of others. They, too, were eventually exposed for their arrogance, lack of character, and shadowy behaviors that led to the abuse of numerous victims. Their demise was public and even tragically fatal.   Management Many of us know what it is like to have a bad boss, so this is an example of a leading-edge deviant for management. One of the worst ones for me is the micromanager. For me, this is a flat-out work bully. Years ago, I worked at a plant in western Tennessee. The place was full of good people, but the management was the worst in my career. I am the type of person who can work well in teams but work best alone. Either way, I don’t need anyone breathing down my neck. Micromanagers apparently don’t believe that people like me exist. So in my time there, I got into a "lot" of disagreements with them. My reputation as a leader with integrity and fairness among my peers was evident. As a result, management became intimidated. I even had one tell me I had to do what they said because I was the "property" of the company! Needless to say, this manager did "not" get my love and light side as a response. Eventually, my unwillingness to betray my own principles led to my being sabotaged out of promotion on three different occasions. I was informed about them by my peers and some of the management. Eventually, I resigned due to a lack of opportunities for promotion. Leading-edge deviants are very smart and use their resources and connections well. They are masters of disguise and can cover their tracks exceptionally well in some cases. In this company, much of the management was leading-edge deviants. They loved the corporate game. Every career move is for personal gain, and many were known to secretly sabotage people more qualified. It was there that I learned well that there is no honor amongst thieves. Religious, personal development, & spiritual leaders Here is where we really need to be aware. These leading-edge deviants are creatives, but they need their own spotlight because they have maximum impact on the lives of those that they encounter. Here is where a lot of narcissists and narcissistic couples reside.   Leading-edge deviants are dangerous in these positions because our vulnerabilities are exposed to them for guidance. These types of leaders build empires by using manipulation and exploitation through fear and guilt to control others. They have a tendency (in many cases) to be into self-glorification as well. One of the biggest red flags of a leading-edge deviant in leadership is hypocrisy. Their actions often contradict the moral and ethical teachings they claim to uphold. In my experience, it was nine out of ten cases. This is why it's essential to discern the difference between a genuine leader of whatever institution they represent from a corrupt one. This is especially true for these types of leaders. In this case, the sooner you detect the telltale signs of hypocrisy, the better. They, too, have a reputation for long-term trauma and abuse.   Politicians Corrupt politicians are leading-edge deviants who are masters of disguise. They are mesmerizing!! Meanwhile, they are abusing public office for personal gain, polarizing, disregarding ethical standards, and making (and breaking) laws without transparency and accountability. They are excellent performers, and many are great public speakers. A good sign of one is those who have cult-like followings. These individuals have an even greater impact on our societies. This is one of the positions where a unified front of the people and high scrutiny are a must.   Entrepreneurs Leading-edge deviants in this category use mostly manipulation tactics, in my experience. They will do whatever it takes to make a dollar or a sale. Examples of these individuals can be CEOs, car salesmen, and large franchise owners. You would be surprised at how much they invest in manipulation tactics to persuade you into buying their product and/or service.   Social media content creators Thanks to the advancement of technology, leading-edge deviants can now take their agendas to another level. Since technology is pretty much an aspect of all of our lives now, the potential influence of leading-edge deviants is exponential. Scammers and many hackers are definitely leading-edge deviants. I wouldn't be afraid to bet many of them are far from getting caught doing their shenanigans somewhere on the dark web.   Additionally, they now have AI to use. This expands their possibilities even more. Misinformation can be packaged and sent to you in seconds. If you don’t know how to fact-check, you are vulnerable. What a world we live in!   They are everywhere In conclusion, all gifts are given without repentance. A leading-edge deviant can literally be anyone. Therefore, being able to recognize their characteristics is crucial for all generations. Leading-edge deviants are catalysts for unhealthy patterns and their cycles, from the individual to the global scale. Be encouraged that there are great leaders out there who add value to our lives. However, being aware that there are people who plot to take advantage of you and others is just as great. We forfeit repeating patterns of suffering for ourselves and others by recognizing who is for us and who is just for themselves. This protects us from potential harm and helps us make informed decisions about who we support, accept guidance from, and allow into our lives. If you think that you are connected to a leading-edge deviant in some way, it may be time to seek support on how to move forward. Remember, who you allow into your life affects who you become in the future. Reach out to us at SoulFlwr for guidance and support if you need any help. We have resources that can help you. If you desire to learn more about this type of individual, we will be discussing this in our SoulGarden podcast on YouTube. Please like, share, and subscribe to our SoulFlwr444 channel. You can also go to our website . Thank you for allowing us to serve you. Follow me on Facebook and LinkedIn for more info! Read more from Latasha Nicole Phillips Latasha Nicole Phillips, Life Purpose Coach Latasha Phillips & Shawn Cross are African American female leaders in mastery learning and meditation fields who assist others in personal development and self-improvement endeavours. They have two decades of experience with various tools and resources that they currently use to live lives of inner peace and fulfillment. They created Soulflwr LLC as a sacred service to all who are ready to heal their past and themselves.

Written by Kewaine Smith, Civil Engineer, Investor, and Entrepreneur Kewaine Smith is a civil engineer, entrepreneur, and active-duty U.S. Air Force professional with experience in aerospace medicine. His work explores disciplined thinking, systems-level problem solving, and long-term approaches to building durable success. Most people believe success is driven by motivation. That belief is comforting, but it is wrong. Motivation is emotional. It rises and falls. Discipline, on the other hand, is a structural concept. It does not depend on how you feel. It depends on what you have decided. The individuals who build lasting success financially, professionally, and personally rarely do so because they feel inspired every day. They succeed because they created systems that function even when inspiration disappears. Motivation gets attention, discipline gets results Motivation is loud. It shows up in speeches, social media captions, and viral clips. Discipline is quiet. It operates in the background, often unnoticed, until its results become impossible to ignore. This is why two people can start with the same talent, the same resources, and even the same ambition, yet end up in entirely separate places. One relies on bursts of motivation. The other relies on habits, structure, and follow-through. Over time, discipline compounds. Motivation does not. Discipline is a form of self-respect There is a misconception that discipline is restrictive. It is the opposite. Discipline is the decision to honor commitments you made when you are clear-minded, even when you are tired, distracted, or uncomfortable. It is self-respect in action. People who lack discipline often confuse freedom with flexibility. But true freedom comes from consistency: consistent effort, consistent standards, and consistent execution. Without that foundation, flexibility turns into drift. Systems always outperform willpower Willpower is finite. Systems are scalable. When someone says they are waiting to “feel ready,” what they are really saying is that they have not built a system that removes decision-fatigue. The most effective people design their environments, so progress becomes the default, not a daily battle. This applies to everything: Career growth Financial stability Physical health Personal development The common thread is not intensity, it is repeatability. Why discipline creates long-term leverage Short-term wins can be driven by motivation. Long-term leverage cannot. Leverage is built through trust, reputation, skill accumulation, and consistency over time. None of those responds to emotional heights. They react to disciplined execution. This is why disciplined individuals tend to appear “lucky” later in life. By the time others notice their results, the work has already been done quietly. The shift that changes everything The turning point comes when someone stops asking: “How do I stay motivated?” And starts asking: “How do I make this unavoidable?” That shift from emotional reliance to structural design is what separates people who talk about potential from those who convert it into outcomes. Discipline does not need to be dramatic. It needs to be dependable, and in the long game of success, dependability always wins.   Follow me on LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Kewaine Smith Kewaine Smith, Civil Engineer, Investor, and Entrepreneur Kewaine Smith is a civil engineer and entrepreneur with a background spanning engineering, military service, and healthcare operations. As an active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force working in aerospace medicine, he brings a disciplined, systems-driven perspective to problem-solving and leadership. His writing focuses on strategic thinking, real-world execution, and building long-term value through structure and consistency. Kewaine is committed to applying technical rigor and intentional decision-making across business and life.

Written by Elizabeth Huang, Life Coach & Death Doula Elizabeth Huang is a certified life coach, grief educator, and death doula. Her work emphasizes enhancing emotional literacy, fostering social and emotional learning, and supporting affective development in a world that is becoming increasingly reliant on technology. Ever feel like you’re spinning your wheels no matter how hard you try? It might sound surprising, but adding just the right amount of stress can break the cycle and push you forward. This article explores how controlled challenges can ignite growth, boost motivation, and help you regain momentum. How “good stress” (eustress) can reignite your motivation and momentum without burning you out. The misunderstood role of stress We’re constantly told to avoid stress – to reduce it, manage it, escape it. And for good reason: chronic, unregulated stress can wreak havoc on our bodies, minds, and relationships. But what if avoiding all stress is actually keeping you stuck?   Years ago, I was working 120+ hours a week at a high-stress job. Eventually, the overload caught up with me, and in response, I spent years doing everything I could to avoid stress entirely. The irony? That total avoidance created a different kind of stress: feeling stagnant, uninspired, and disconnected from my sense of purpose. Here’s what I’ve learned since: Not all stress is harmful. In fact, some stress, specifically eustress, can be exactly what we need to get out of autopilot and move forward to reconnect with life. What is eustress (and why you need it) Most of us associate stress with suffering, the kind that leads to anxiety, burnout, or shutdown. That’s distress. But eustress is different. Eustress is the kind of stress that energizes and activates us. It’s what we feel when we take on a challenge that’s just outside our comfort zone, hard enough to stretch us, but not so hard that it paralyzes us. Think of it like this: You’re playing a game. If it’s too easy, you get bored. If it’s impossibly hard, you give up. But if it’s just challenging enough to engage you, you become focused, alert, and in the zone. That’s eustress. Without any stress, we risk falling into apathy, avoidance, or emotional stagnation. We stop growing because we stop engaging. Why you might be feeling stuck If you’re feeling stuck right now, it could be for two reasons:   You’re in a state of chronic distress, constantly overwhelmed or burnt out Or, you’ve landed in the comfort zone trap, where life feels flat, repetitive, or unmotivating In the second scenario, it’s not that you’re doing “too much,” you might not be doing enough of what challenges you in a meaningful way.   Signs you may have too little stimulation Low energy or fatigue Lack of purpose or direction Difficulty making decisions Avoiding risks or change Feeling emotionally numb or unmotivated How to intentionally introduce motivating stress Eustress isn’t something you wait for; it’s something you can intentionally invite into your life.   a. Set a stretch goal Pick a goal that’s slightly out of reach, but still realistic.   Set a deadline Share it with someone for accountability Make a small public commitment to raise the stakes   b. Lean into new experiences Try something unfamiliar, even a small shift in routine, can activate new energy.   Take a new class Attend an event solo Experiment with a new creative outlet   c. Use time pressure wisely Time constraints can create healthy urgency, but only if used with intention.   Try short work sprints Use timers or time-blocking to reduce procrastination Avoid perfectionism by giving yourself clear finish lines   d. Change your environment Disrupt your environment to disrupt your patterns.   Rearrange your workspace Work from a new location Take a trip, walk, or digital break to reset your system How to stay regulated, not overwhelmed The goal isn’t to stress yourself out; it’s to find your activation point without tipping into distress. Here’s how to stay grounded as you stretch: Know your signs: Learn the difference between energized challenge and anxious overload Regulate daily: Use breathwork, movement, and rest proactively – not just when you crash Set boundaries: Protect your energy while still allowing room for stretch and growth Recalibrate often: Check in with yourself regularly to adjust as needed   The magic of eustress is in its balance – just enough pressure to move, not so much that you break. Final thoughts You don’t need to eliminate stress. You need to revisit your relationship with it. The right kind of stress can be the spark that pulls you out of stagnation and into a state of clarity, action, and purpose. If you’re feeling stuck emotionally, creatively, or directionally, don’t just seek comfort. Seek challenge, with care. Ready to get unstuck? I help people move through transitions, grief, and emotional blocks by reconnecting with their nervous systems, creativity, and sense of direction. If you're ready to re-engage with life (without burning out), let's talk. Book a free clarity call . Learn more about my coaching services . Follow me on Instagram , LinkedIn ,  and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Elizabeth Huang Elizabeth Huang, Life Coach & Death Doula Elizabeth Huang is a certified life coach, grief educator, and death doula dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s transitions with greater emotional awareness and resilience. Born and raised in California, she was deeply influenced by the American culture’s discomfort with grief and avoidance of death. This inspired her to explore a more intentional and holistic approach to life, loss, and the emotions that shape our experiences. Through her work, Elizabeth guides individuals in processing grief - whether it stems from death, identity shifts, career changes, or other major life transitions.