January 27, 2026 – Kingston, Jamaica  – Sterling Business Management announces the launch of Transform to Lead: The Sterling Edge, a high‑impact virtual leadership experience designed for Caribbean and diaspora professionals who are ready to elevate their clarity, confidence, and authentic influence in 2026. Hosted by Paulette J. Sterling, Founder of Sterling Business Management and global leadership consultant, this transformational event blends strategic leadership frameworks with emotional resonance, spiritual grounding, and practical tools that activate real, lasting growth. Transform to Lead takes place Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 7:00 PM Jamaica Time, live on Zoom. A leadership experience rooted in culture, clarity, and authentic growth Transform to Lead: The Sterling Edge is intentionally crafted for leaders who want to rise without losing themselves. It is designed for emerging leaders, managers, entrepreneurs, nonprofit professionals, and corporate teams across the Caribbean and diaspora who are seeking: Clear direction for 2026 Stronger communication and influence Resilience in a rapidly changing world Leadership grounded in identity, purpose, and integrity “This is not just another webinar – it’s a leadership awakening,” says Sterling. “The year ahead demands leaders who can navigate complexity with courage, communicate with clarity, and influence with integrity. Transform to Lead is the space where those leaders are shaped.” Featuring dynamic voices across law, HR, technology, leadership, and global strategy Transform to Lead brings together a powerful lineup of transformational voices who blend strategy, soul, and lived expertise: Judon Bowden Attorney‑at‑Law & Head of HR, Red Stripe Corporate: The Transformative Power of Authentic Leadership. Frederick Harper Digital Transformation Strategist, MF Elivate Group Leadership Tools in Action: Resilience & Digital Strategy. Dr. Taj‑Marie Hunter Leadership & Learning Professional, TMH Growth Solutions Coaching Spotlight: Unlocking Magnetic Influence. Strategic allies Honouring legacy builders and cross‑sector impact: Althea Bryan Farr, Esq.  – Nurse‑Attorney & Health Law Advocate Dr. Charlene Ashley  – CEO, The Consultancy Inc., Global Strategist These leaders don’t just teach – they activate, inspire, and elevate. A leadership bonus pack for early registrants Participants who register early receive instant access to the Leadership Bonus Pack, a trio of powerful tools designed to support growth before, during, and after the event: Leadership Clarity Worksheet 2026 Vision Mapping Template Post‑Event Reflection Guide (72‑hour, 7‑day, 30‑day integration) These tools help leaders step into 2026 with intention, structure, and momentum. Democratizing access to leadership development Sterling Business Management is committed to making high‑impact leadership development accessible, not exclusive. Transform to Lead is intentionally priced at US$25, ensuring leaders across Jamaica and the diaspora can participate without barriers – while still receiving world‑class insight, coaching, and tools. “It’s not less – it’s more,” Sterling explains. “More intentional. More inclusive. More transformational.” Who should attend Transform to Lead is ideal for: Emerging leaders seeking clarity Managers strengthening influence Entrepreneurs preparing for expansion Nonprofit and church leaders guiding teams Diaspora professionals navigating global spaces Anyone committed to leading with purpose, persuasion, and legacy If you’re ready to elevate your leadership in 2026, this experience is for you. Event details Event: Transform to Lead: The Sterling Edge Date: January 27, 2026 Time: 7:00 PM Jamaica Time Location: Virtual on ZoomInvestment: US$25 Register: Virtual Leadership Training 2026 About Paulette J. Sterling Paulette J. Sterling is a global leadership and organizational development consultant known for crafting spaces where strategy meets soul. As Founder of Sterling Business Management, she is committed to democratizing access to leadership development through experiences that are inclusive, empowering, and transformational. Transform to Lead: The Sterling Edge is her signature offering – built to elevate leaders and activate their next level. Media contact Paulette J. Sterling Founder | Sterling Business Management Email Website 1 (876) 580-1838

Written by Caren Carnegie, Founder of Transform Fitness Coaching | Intuitive Momentum Coach | Speaker & Writer Caren Carnegie is a coach, psychic channeler, and the creator of Transform, a space where fitness, healing, and intuition meet. She helps people return to themselves by honouring the body and awakening the coach within. For much of modern wellness culture, fitness has been defined by outcomes, how the body looks, performs, or ages. Yet beneath these visible markers lies something more fundamental and far less discussed, frequency. Fit-ness, in its truest sense, is not a method to master or a lifestyle to perfect. It is a state of coherence, when the body, perception, environment, and inner listening begin moving in the same direction. When coherence is present, life reorganizes naturally. When it isn’t, friction often appears long before the mind can explain why. This is where real transformation begins, not with control, but with awareness. Coherence before choice We are often taught to change behavior first and trust that clarity will follow. Adjust the diet. Add the routine. Optimize the system. But the body doesn’t operate in reverse order. Perception shifts before preference. Awareness reorganizes before understanding. As coherence deepens, what once felt natural may no longer resonate. What once required effort may soften. Food, movement, rest, and rhythm begin to change, not because they should, but because the body is communicating more clearly. We start moving with the wave, instead of letting the wave crash against us over and over. It becomes enjoyable. Sustainable. That’s momentum, not motivation. Why multiple perspectives matter In conversations around health, food, and movement, nuance is often lost in favor of certainty. Practices become identities. Outcomes become ideals. And someone else’s coherence is mistaken for a path to follow. I felt it was important to bring in another lived perspective, not to reinforce a point, but to expand the field. Fit-ness is not a singular path. It is a principle. And principles express themselves differently depending on one’s history, physiology, environment, and timing. Honoring this diversity protects us from absolutism and returns authority to where it belongs, within the individual. A lived reflection: Jay Stirling To explore how coherence can express itself uniquely, I invited my friend Jay Stirling, whose work centers on fasting and movement, to reflect on his own awakening, not through the lens of what he practices today, but through what changed before he had language, science, or systems to explain it. Jay’s early adulthood was marked by significant health challenges. Multiple medical interventions throughout his thirties, including major organ complications and a heart attack at 38, became the catalyst for a deeper inquiry. Not an ideology, but a question, "Was his lifestyle contributing to accelerated aging and disease, and was there another way to live?" Alongside necessary medical care, Jay noticed something important. While certain interventions were required, the cumulative side effects created a level of internal friction he could not ignore. This wasn’t rejection, it was listening. He began asking how nourishment, movement, hydration, minerals, and overall inputs affected not only physical health, but cognition, emotional patterns, and one’s sense of purpose. Over time, he observed a relationship many overlook, as internal coherence increased, clarity followed. “The more my nutrition improved, the more my movement improved. The more my thoughts, actions, and sense of purpose began to shift, beyond the materialistic, conventional world.” Over the last decade, Jay’s personal coherence led him toward intermittent fasting and a wide spectrum of movement practices, from strength training and martial arts to yoga and Qigong. This path made sense for his body, shaped by his upbringing, physiology, and lived experience. And that distinction matters. The why beneath the practice What stands out in Jay’s reflection is not the practices themselves, but the why beneath them. His choices were not driven by optimization or control, but by a desire to age with mobility, presence, and purpose, to remain actively engaged with life in a body that felt supportive rather than restrictive. In this way, coherence became less about prevention and more about participation. When the why is absent, practices become performative. When the why is present, coherence becomes personal. Why one path is never the path Jay’s experience is not an invitation to imitate. It is a reminder that coherence is deeply individual. For some, awareness may lead toward simplicity. For others, toward nourishment. Some bodies thrive on structure. Others on fluidity. Some are drawn toward fasting. Others toward grounding and consistency. None is more evolved than another. When coherence deepens, the body communicates more clearly, and each body speaks its own language. Authority, embodiment, and expression For those curious to explore Jay’s work further, I encourage you to do so, not as a template to follow, but as an example of what it looks like when someone lives in a deep relationship with their body, craft, and inner knowing. Beyond his work with fasting and movement, Jay is also an accomplished tattoo artist, an extension of the same principle at work. Whether expressed internally through the body’s rhythms or externally through art, his work reflects coherence between perception, intention, and form. This is a kind of authority that cannot be taught, only embodied. And it is one we all have access to, in our own way. Closing reflection If your relationship with food hasn’t changed, nothing is wrong. If it’s shifting, you don’t need to rush it. You don’t need to name it. Coherence unfolds at the pace of readiness. The body is not something to overcome or transcend. It is what anchors us to this earthly experience, the interface through which we live, choose, respond, and lead the life we came here to experience. Long before the mind has answers, the body is already guiding us, quietly, consistently, faithfully. Fit-ness is not about extending life at all costs. It is about inhabiting life more fully while we are here, listening closely enough to respond rather than react. Fit-ness is not a destination. It is the quiet remembering of how to live in harmony with yourself. And when we move with the body, rather than against it, momentum replaces motivation. Coherence leads. And choice follows, naturally. To connect with Jay Stirling, visit here. Visit my website for more info! Read more from Caren Carnegie Caren Carnegie, Founder of Transform Fitness Coaching | Intuitive Momentum Coach | Speaker & Writer Caren Carnegie is an Intuitive Momentum Coach, Certified Personal Trainer, and Speaker. She is the founder of Transform Fitness Coaching and creator of Transform HQ in Sebringville, Ontario, a holistic training space redefining strength for the New Human. Caren is an Executive Contributor for Brainz Magazine and an emerging voice in embodied leadership and soul-aligned well-being.

Frank Elsner’s path to leadership did not begin in a boardroom. It began in a small Canadian town, with a young immigrant learning new languages, new landscapes, and the value of showing up for others. His story is one of steady growth, difficult jobs, hard lessons, and a clear belief that leadership is earned over time. Today, Elsner serves as Chief of Safety and Security for the Natural Factors Group of Companies. But his journey to the private sector spans decades of executive command, community service, and continuous education. His career offers a look at how discipline, empathy, and adaptability can shape a leader across industries. Early years: Foundations of discipline and drive Frank Elsner  was born in Germany and moved to Canada in 1965. His early years were split between Vancouver and the small town of Oliver, BC. Those contrasting environments helped shape his sense of independence and community. He excelled in sports – rugby, soccer, and especially wrestling. “I was ranked number two in the province,” he recalls. “It taught me that success doesn’t come easy. You have to work for every inch.” By age 17, he was also a certified expert diver. That skill would later open the door to specialized policing units. Even then, he showed a mix of curiosity and calm under pressure – traits that would define his future work. Elsner also stepped into leadership early, serving as student council president. Looking back, he says, “It wasn’t about titles. It was about being part of something and trying to make things better.” Policing career: Rising through the ranks Elsner entered policing in 1983 as a Special Constable with the RCMP. Two years later, he joined the Ontario Provincial Police as a Provincial Constable. In 1987, he moved to the Thunder Bay Police Service, where he spent 13 years working in highly specialized roles. His resume from those years reads like a catalog of frontline policing: undercover work, detective assignments, intelligence operations, tactical (SWAT) response, and dive team leadership. “Undercover work teaches you to read people fast,” he says. “Tactical work teaches you to rely on your team. Both shape how you lead later.” By the time he left Thunder Bay in 2000, he had risen to Inspector. He then stepped into executive roles: Deputy Chief of Owen Sound Police Service (2000-2007) Deputy Chief and later Chief of Greater Sudbury Police Service (2007-2015) As Chief, Elsner oversaw complex operations, community issues, and organizational change. He also served as Vice President of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and Chair of the Criminal Intelligence Service of Ontario. Leadership, he says, is not about being the loudest voice. “It’s about staying calm when everyone else is looking for answers,” he explains. “People don’t follow rank. They follow trust.” Education as a strategic tool Elsner’s return to school is a story many professionals relate to. He enrolled at Lakehead University at age 32, working full-time while completing a four-year political science degree in three years. “Going back to school as an adult felt like climbing a mountain,” he says. “But it changed how I think. It made me a better leader.” More than two decades later, he completed a Master of Public Administration from the University of Western Ontario (2024), again proving that growth doesn’t stop with a job title. Transition to the private sector After more than 30 years in policing, Elsner shifted into consulting and organizational strategy through Umbra Strategic Solutions, where he served as Owner and Senior Principal Consultant. This work introduced him to corporate leadership, risk management, and executive problem-solving. His current role as Chief of Safety and Security for Natural Factors Group of Companies brings all parts of his background together – operations, crisis management, intelligence, communication, and people leadership. “Safety is about more than procedures,” he says. “It’s about culture. When people feel supported, they make better decisions.” Service beyond the profession Community involvement has long been part of Elsner’s identity. His leadership roles include: President, Sudbury Food Bank Health Sciences North board member President, Canadian Institute of Police Studies Salvation Army board member Rotary member Supporter of Special Olympics and Make-a-Wish His service reflects a consistent theme: helping families, youth, and vulnerable populations. His 2020 TEDx talk – “Go Ahead, Make a Difference” – captured that message. He says, “You don’t need a big platform to make change. Little actions add up. Anyone can do it.” Life outside work: Riding, clubs, and community Motorcycles are a major part of Elsner’s life. He serves as Vice President of the Greater Vancouver Motorcycle Club and Secretary of the Indian Motorcycle Riders Group Chapter 2089. “Riding clears your mind,” he says. “It reminds you that balance matters.” His connection to riding communities reflects the same traits found in his career – discipline, mentorship, and camaraderie. A leadership style built over time Across policing, consulting, and corporate leadership, Elsner’s approach stays consistent: stay grounded, stay curious, and stay committed to people. He sums it up simply: “Leadership is about service. If you’re not serving others, you’re not leading.” Frank Elsner’s career shows how a life shaped by discipline, learning, and community can create a steady, trusted leader – one who continues to adapt while staying true to the values formed decades ago.

Big careers are rarely built in one moment. They are shaped over time. Through study. Through risk. Through learning what works and what does not. Sir Patrick Bijou’s career follows that path. It is a long, steady story of ideas tested in real markets and turned into lasting results. From early banking roles to global leadership in structured finance, his work shows how complex ideas can become practical systems that move capital, support institutions, and create stability. Early life and the start of a financial mindset Sir Patrick Bijou was born in Georgetown, Guyana. He moved to the UK at the age of five when his father earned a scholarship. That early move shaped how he saw the world. New places. New systems. New rules. “I learned early that opportunity often comes from change,” he has said. “You either adapt or fall behind.” His interest in how systems work led him to study Business Studies, Economics, and International Banking. Education was not a formality. It was preparation. It gave him a framework to understand money, risk, and structure. That foundation soon took him further. Learning the business on Wall Street Sir Patrick spent 14 years in New York. His career began at Wells Fargo on Wall Street. He started as a personal banker. Then he moved onto the trading floor. This shift mattered. “The trading floor teaches you speed and discipline,” he once noted. “You cannot hide from decisions there.” At Wells Fargo, he managed medium- and high-net-worth clients and later led a team of more than 20 staff. He referred over $30 million in assets and more than $1.5 billion in investments to the Wealth Management Group. His work earned repeated internal awards. But more important than recognition was experience. He learned how money moves. Where deals stall. Where systems fail. Those lessons would follow him. Building expertise across global banks After Wells Fargo, Sir Patrick’s career expanded across major financial institutions. He held senior roles at Deutsche Bank, Merrill Lynch, Credit Agricole CIB, Calyon, Lloyds Bank, and BlackRock, where he served as a Director. Each role added depth. At Calyon and Credit Agricole, he worked on interest rate derivatives and structured products. At Lloyds Bank, he helped establish the MTN and Private Placement Desk. That work had clear impact. Self-led deals increased from 4% to 32%. “That change came from structure,” he explained. “Not noise. Just better process and clearer thinking.” He also founded The Tiger Fund, adding fund management to his growing scope of experience. Over time, he became known for his understanding of debt capital markets, private placement, and off-balance-sheet solutions. Private placement as a practical tool Private Placement Programmes became a central focus of Sir Patrick’s work. Not as theory, but as practice. He saw how traditional funding routes often moved too slowly. Governments missed infrastructure deadlines. Companies lost strategic opportunities. “I’ve seen projects fail because the funding arrived late,” he said. “The idea was right. The timing was wrong.” His approach was simple. Build structures that fit real needs. Reduce friction. Keep accountability clear. This work led him to write best-selling books on private placement. Writing began as a side interest. It became a way to explain complex systems in plain language. “People avoid what they don’t understand,” he once said. “Clarity removes fear.” From banker to founder and chairman After decades inside major institutions, Sir Patrick moved into building his own platforms. In 2015, he founded Blackhorse International and Blackhorse Holding LLC. In 2024, he launched Westpac Trading FZE and Blackhorse Tech Acquisition Ltd. These companies operate across the UK, USA, UAE, and Singapore. His role shifted from execution to leadership. “Leadership is about holding things together when pressure builds,” he has said. “Anyone can lead when times are easy.” His focus remains on strategy, governance, and long-term planning. Not hype. Not shortcuts. Humanitarian work and broader impact Alongside finance, Sir Patrick has remained deeply involved in humanitarian work. His projects include irrigation systems in Sierra Leone, housing for children in India, and support for Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. He has also worked with international organisations focused on peace, rights, and global cooperation. “Success is not defined by wealth,” he has said. “It’s defined by contribution.” These efforts led to his knighthood for services to banking and charity. For him, recognition was never the goal. “The work matters more than the title,” he noted. A career built on making ideas work Sir Patrick Bijou’s career is not defined by one role or one deal. It is defined by a pattern. See a problem. Build a structure. Make it work in the real world. From Wall Street trading floors to global funding strategies, his work shows how big ideas become lasting systems when handled with discipline and care. “I’ve always believed that finance should solve problems,” he said. “Not create new ones.” That belief continues to guide his work today.

Written by Danielle Van de Velde, Meditation Teacher, Reiki Master, Psychic Medium, and Author Dani Van de Velde is a passionate advocate for living a spiritually aligned life in the modern world. She is a meditation teacher, Reiki Master, psychic medium, and author of Spirited. She is the founder of Spirited Living and Spirited Business online communities, a broadcaster on News for the Soul Radio, and host of The Modern Crone podcast. This Year of the Fire Horse is considered one of the most intense, catalytic, and destiny-shifting combinations in the Chinese zodiac cycle. It carries a reputation for bold change, acceleration, and truth-telling, for better and for worse. Here are some of the key themes to expect this year, along with my tips for a fabulous ride. What is Fire Horse energy? The key energetic signature for the year, woven from both traditional Chinese metaphysics and contemporary psychological interpretation, is fire in motion. In most animistic traditions, Horse energy represents movement, freedom, independence, charisma, and momentum. Fire energy represents passion, visibility, courage, volatility, and purification. Together, Fire Horse energy tends to amplify everything: success and failure, passion and conflict, courage and recklessness. For many years, at the end of each calendar year, I retreat to my little cottage in the Blue Mountains in Australia for Vision Quest. This is a simple yet deep process of introspection to bank the lessons learned in the year just gone, make offerings of gratitude for the challenges and blessings, and then enter a series of spiritual “journeys” to intuit the character and potentials of the incoming year. It is a beautiful process, well supported by the quiet wilderness that surrounds my cottage. In my annual visioning this year, I called the Spirit of 2026 to make itself known to me, and it came, not as a bold, fiery horse, but as a young and handsome stable master. Yep, I did not expect that either. Yet in each journey since the Solstice, the stable master has appeared in my visions, showing me what I will require personally and what to offer my communities: Containers to harness and direct the intense energies Clear tracks to follow at the gallop Competency and consistency in spiritual practice When will we feel it? According to Chinese astrology, the new year energy does not activate fully until the beginning of the Lunar New Year, which runs from February 17 to March 3. Furthermore, according to my own Celtic traditions and Earth calendar, we will not feel the full momentum of the Fire Horse until the Spring Equinox, and the beginning of the Western astrological solar year, on March 20. I do not doubt that 2026 will bolt from the gates. To be ready for the ride, it is good to have a sturdy saddle, strong reins, clear tracks, and a riding group, not only to ride the energies well, but to enjoy the ride too. The alternative is off-piste chaos. Four key themes for the energy of 2026 and my tips for enjoying the ride 1. Theme: Radical independence and sovereignty A defining theme of 2026 is the rejection of constraint. If you are misaligned with your job, relationships, or identity, you can expect strong feelings of cognitive and energetic dissonance. Your freedom and personal truth will be deal-breakers, and you may feel a surge in self-authorship to jump ship and think about it later. Collectively, we will see movements for autonomy, decentralisation, ground-up community advocacy for change, and much greater pushback on institutions that over-control or suppress. Tip: Now is an excellent time to audit the main arenas of your life and determine where you feel misaligned, constrained, or suppressed. Determine whether the situation can be improved or if it is time to seek an alternative. Meditation and grounding techniques are good to cultivate early in the year, as they support clarity when dissonance rises. 2. Theme: Fast change, sudden turns, and momentum shifts Fire Horse energy is not slow or subtle. Expect to encounter rapid pivots in career, leadership structures, markets, and social narratives and situations. Life events will force clarity and choice rather than gradual transition. This year favours decisive action. Tip: Clarity and lines of sight are critical this year. Impulsive action without awareness carries the risk of chaos and burnout. Get clear on where you want to be in life, career, relationships, and spiritual embodiment by year-end, and start researching approaches and experiences that are more aligned with those goals. With a clear line of sight to the horizon and knowledge of alternative tracks, you are better able to navigate rapid changes and redirects. 3. Theme: Passion, visibility, and charismatic leadership Fire Horse energy is highly visible. This is the year to express your passions and follow what turns you on the most. If you have a desire for leadership, at work or within your community, you will feel this passion rise more fully this year. Creativity and innovation will also factor. This may well be the year you find your authentic talent and voice, share your story, and determine the perfect channel for expression. Fire Horse energy amplifies and magnetises authenticity and exposes pretence. Tip: Use the first few months of the year to zero in on your core passions. What kinds of experiences light you up and generate excitement, nourishment, and positivity within you? What small actions can you take to make more room for these in your life? This is not a time for self-doubt or limiting your self-belief. If painting, writing, photography, or connecting people is your thing, for example, find a group of like-minded people, enrol in a course, buy a small journal, and start expressing. If you express your talents and passion through a career, set a meeting with your mentors and leaders to chart a clear course for progression. 4. Theme: Heightened emotion, desire, and nervous energy Fire Horse years can be exhilarating and exhausting. Your well-being this year will depend on how well you channel fire rather than letting it scatter. Those who ground and direct the energy will thrive. Those who fight it or allow restlessness, reactivity, or over-commitment to govern will become overwhelmed. Fire purifies. This is the year to burn away habits or influences that limit your vitality and sense of self-worth. Tip: Determine your spiritual practices at the outset and commit to daily practice. Breathwork, meditation, movement, creativity, ritual, and somatic practices are all proven to maintain a calmer baseline and support faster resets. Energy healing, such as Reiki, is also very effective, not only when things go awry, but as a regular energy maintenance strategy ( see my recent thought-leadership piece on LinkedIn ). Be clear about your boundaries around the company and content you allow into your mind and heart, and practise intentional pacing of activities. The Horse loves motion. Fire loves courageous ignition. Speed without direction is chaos, and direction without courage is stagnation. The winners of 2026 will be those who: Act boldly and wisely Align passion with purpose Choose truth over comfort This year is a fabulous opportunity to surge ahead in life, spiritual unfoldment, and realising dreams, if you remain steady and masterful. The Spirited Living Membership is welcoming new members to explore courses and practical content designed to guide you on your path to healing, self-discovery, and mindful living. You can also explore more about a spirited life in my book, Spirited: A Guide to Your Innate Spiritual Design to Transform Your Life, which is now available. See stockists here . If 2026 is the year you launch your own offering in service of others’ wellbeing, visit my Spirited Business container for more information. Follow me on  Instagram ,  LinkedIn , and visit my  website  for more info! Read more from Danielle Van de Velde Danielle Van de Velde, Meditation Teacher, Reiki Master, Psychic Medium, and Author Dani Van de Velde is a meditation teacher, Reiki Master, psychic medium, and author of Spirited. She is the founder of the Spirited Living and Spirited Business communities, supporting spiritually aligned growth and conscious leadership. Dani is a broadcaster on News for the Soul Radio and host of The Modern Crone podcast, exploring modern spirituality and embodied wisdom. Her work bridges intuition and everyday life, offering grounded, accessible pathways to self-trust and inner clarity. She is known for a warm, practical approach that honours both the mystical and the real.

Written by April Lancit, Couple Therapist April Lancit, LMFT, is well known for her transformative work with couples, helping them navigate conflict, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional intimacy. With a culturally attuned attachment and solution-focused approach. April empowers partners to break unhealthy patterns and create lasting, fulfilling relationships they want to have. Money is one of the most emotionally charged forces in a relationship. It shapes how partners give, receive, plan, dream, and even how they fight. While couples often break up "because of money," finances alone are rarely the main source of conflict. After years of being a marriage and family therapist, here is what I know. Financial conflict is almost always a symptom of a much deeper issue related to values, fears, histories, insecurities, and unspoken expectations. When two people come together with different money stories, the relationship can either become a place of understanding and growth or a bitter battlefield that creates heightened tension, and physical and emotional distance. The hidden money stories we carry Every person enters a relationship with a unique financial identity shaped long before they reach adulthood. Their early experiences become silent scripts that govern how partners behave with money today in their relationship. Childhood experiences Growing up with scarcity can create fear, hypervigilance, or compulsive saving. Growing up with abundance may foster comfort with spending or a lack of appreciation for the value of money. Witnessing financial conflict between caregivers over money often produces anxiety or avoidance around money conversations in romantic partnerships.No matter the direction, childhood money scripts shape how we trust, protect ourselves, and make decisions in adulthood. Historical patterns and emotional imprints Our relationships with money are emotional first and practical second. For many, money symbolizes a few key factors: Safety Power Autonomy Love Control Worthiness These emotional meanings can push couples into roles within the context of their relationship. For example, one can become "the saver," while the other becomes "the spender", one controls, while the other retreats, one fears, while the other avoids. Conflict grows not because of the money itself, but because of the emotional weight attached to it. Different money values create relationship stress Couples often underestimate how deeply personal and value-driven financial habits are. Common value differences include: Security vs. freedom: One partner seeks stability and savings, while the other seeks experiences, enjoyment, and spontaneity. Planning vs. living in the moment: One believes budgeting is a responsibility, while the other sees it as restricting or anxiety-provoking. Independence vs. shared responsibility: Some need financial autonomy, while others believe money should be fully merged. Value of things vs. value of experiences: One invests in access or comfort, while the other invests in memories, travel, or fun. When values clash without understanding, money becomes a place of blame rather than connection. Why relationships break down over money Most financial conflicts stem from: Avoidance of difficult conversations: Couples fear judgment, shame, or conflicts, so they avoid talking until problems explode. Hidden debts or secret spending: Financial infidelity is a growing issue and erodes trust quickly. Unequal contributions or expectations: Unspoken beliefs about who should pay or earn create resentment or guilt. Fear-based behaviors: If one partner is terrified of "not having enough," they may limit spending in ways that the other experiences as controlling. Lack of transparency: Without openness about income, goals, habits, and fears, couples end up working against each other rather than with each other. Relationships rarely end because of dollars, they end because couples never learned to talk about the meaning behind the dollars that represent the lifestyle they either wish for, chose, or want to live, or the pressures and stressors they add to the life they are living together. How couples can become more aligned with money Start with your money story. Each partner should explore: What did you learn about money growing up? What made me feel safe or unsafe? What scares me about money today? Understanding the “why” creates compassion where there used to be conflict. Practice financial transparency Share: income, debts, spending habits, financial fears, and short, and long-term goals. Transparency replaces fear with clarity. Create a shared vision Couples thrive when they plan together: What are we building? What lifestyle do we want? What does financial security mean to us? How do we want to invest, spend, save, and plan? A shared vision reduces power struggles in the relationship. Normalize regular money conversations Set weekly or monthly check-ins that feel calm, structured, and blame-free. Focus the conversation on goals, progress, adjustments, and emotional check-ins, not judgment. Reduce shame and increase curiosity Instead of saying, “Why did you spend this?” try instead, “Help me understand what you were feeling or hoping for when you made this choice.” Curiosity builds connection. Create agreements, not rules Agreements honor both partners' needs. For example, a couple’s spending limit, joint savings goals, joint investment goals, joint emergency planning, and personal “no-questions-asked” money. This creates partnerships rather than hierarchy. When couples understand each other’s money stories and values, something shifts in the relationship. The conflict can become less personal, less reactive, less shame-driven, and more collaborative and intentional, creating less tension and division. Financial alignment builds trust. Trust builds emotional intimacy, and emotional intimacy protects the safety, security, and foundation of the relationship. Money is not the enemy, but history creates silence, fear, and misalignment, which lead to relational breakdowns when misunderstood. Couples who learn to communicate about money, with trust, honesty, empathy, and shared purpose, can come out stronger, healthier, and survive financial challenges because they become strong together because of them. Visit my website for more info! Read more April Lancit April Lancit , Couple Therapist April Lancit, LMFT, is a highly regarded couple therapist known for helping partners strengthen their connection, improve communication, and rebuild trust. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in working with Black and Brown couples, providing culturally attuned and supportive space for growth. April blends evidence-based techniques with a compassionate, no-nonsense approach to help clients break unhealthy patterns and create lasting relationships. As the founder of a. thriving private practice, she is dedicated to making relationship wellness accessible and impactful. Passionate about love, resilience, and community, April continues to be a trusted guide and support for couples seeking to work on deeper, healthier connections.

Big ideas do not always arrive with noise. Sometimes they show up quietly, take shape over the years, and leave a lasting mark through consistency. That is the story of Howard Pauchnik. His career in education and athletics was built on simple systems, steady habits, and a clear belief in preparation. Over decades in classrooms and gyms, he brought those ideas to life in ways that shaped students, teams, and his own path forward. This is a look at how Howard Pauchnik built a meaningful career by doing the small things well, again and again. Early life and the roots of discipline Howard Pauchnik grew up in Weirton, West Virginia. He graduated from Brooke High School in 1976. Like many small towns, expectations were clear , and accountability mattered. “When you grow up in a place where everyone knows each other, you learn quickly that your actions matter,” he said. “That stays with you.” He carried that mindset to Fairmont State College. There, he earned a bachelor’s degree in education in 1981. He was also a hurdler on the track team. The sport required focus, rhythm, and trust in preparation. “Hurdling taught me how to deal with obstacles,” Howard said. “You don’t stop. You stay balanced and keep moving forward.” That lesson became a foundation for his future career. Starting a career in education and coaching After college, Howard began teaching history and coaching basketball at Steubenville Central High School. He quickly saw that teaching and coaching shared the same core challenge. Helping people grow. “History is about people making choices,” he said. “Coaching is the same thing. You’re guiding decision-making under pressure.” One of his early ideas was simple but effective. Treat practice and class time with the same structure every day. Clear plans. Clear expectations. No wasted time. “I believed kids feel more confident when they know what’s coming,” he said. “Structure reduces anxiety.” That approach helped students stay focused and built trust over time. Expanding his impact in Oklahoma City Howard later moved to Oklahoma City. He taught history and coached basketball and baseball at Mount St. Mary’s High School and Putnam West High School. Coaching multiple sports forced him to adapt and think differently. “You can’t coach basketball and baseball the same way,” he said. “But preparation matters in both.” One of his biggest ideas was preparation over motivation. Instead of emotional speeches, he focused on routines, repetition, and fundamentals. “I always told my players, ‘You don’t rise to the occasion. You rise to your level of preparation,” he said. That belief shaped his coaching style. Practices were organized. Expectations were clear. Players knew their roles. Over time, this created consistency and confidence. Leadership through everyday systems Howard never described himself as a visionary. But his career shows how small systems can create big results. Lesson plans written ahead of time. Practice schedules are built weeks in advance. Simple routines repeated daily. “I wasn’t trying to reinvent anything,” he said. “I just tried to do the basics well.” That mindset helped him manage long seasons, changing student needs, and multiple responsibilities. It also earned him respect from colleagues. “He was steady,” one former colleague once said. “You always knew what you were getting.” Howard believes this consistency allowed him to bring ideas to life without needing attention or praise. Golf as a lifelong practice Outside of school, Howard developed a deep passion for golf. He has been an avid golfer since college and competed in amateur tournaments across Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Florida. “Golf teaches patience better than anything else,” he said. “There’s no rushing it.” Golf became another place where his ideas showed up. Preparation. Focus. Personal responsibility. “In golf, you can’t hide,” he said. “Every shot is yours.” The game gave him balance during his working years and continues to be part of his routine in retirement. Lessons that carried into retirement Now retired, Howard remains reflective about his career. He believes the biggest contribution he made was not wins or grades, but habits passed on to students. “I wanted kids to leave knowing how to prepare,” he said. “That skill travels with you.” He also believes that consistency is undervalued. “People look for shortcuts,” he said. “There aren’t many that work.” Howard Pauchnik’s career shows how ideas do not need to be flashy to matter. When preparation becomes a habit, it shapes results over time. His life’s work stands as an example of how steady effort, applied daily, can build something meaningful.

Jared Rudnick didn’t build his career overnight. His path has been shaped by steady effort, long-term thinking, and a willingness to learn from setbacks. From his early years in Massachusetts to his leading a representative firm in Florida, his story reflects how consistency and focus can create lasting results in a competitive industry. Early life and competitive roots Jared grew up in Dover, Massachusetts, where sports were a big part of daily life. He played several varsity sports and eventually became captain of his high school basketball team. Those early experiences left a mark. “Being on a team teaches you accountability,” he says. “You learn quickly that effort shows up whether you want it to or not.” Sports also taught him how to handle pressure and failure. Wins didn’t last forever, and losses required quick adjustment. Those lessons would later shape how he approached his career in sales. College years and early direction After high school, Jared attended Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts. He played rugby while completing his studies, learning how to balance physical demands with long-term goals. “Rugby was different,” he says. “It wasn’t about flash. It was about doing your job, even when no one noticed.” That mindset followed him into the workforce. Soon after graduating, Jared entered the electronics manufacturing space, beginning what would become a long and evolving career. Starting at dynamic details Jared joined Dynamic Details in the early 2000s. He started as a direct employee and quickly learned that sales success depended on effort more than luck. “At first, I thought results would come faster,” he says. “Then I realized it was about how many calls you make and how often you show up.” Over time, his work began to stand out. He earned awards for the highest new customer growth and the highest top-dollar booked. One year, he narrowly missed a significant goal. Instead of making excuses, he changed his approach. “I knew I had to get on the road more,” he says. “I had to talk to more people. That was the difference.” That adjustment paid off. His results improved, and his confidence grew. Adapting through industry change After more than a decade at Dynamic Details, the company was acquired. Jared stayed on through the transition and continued working when the business became part of Viasystems. “Change is uncomfortable,” he says. “But it also forces you to learn what you’re really good at.” During that period, Jared began thinking about the future. He saw an opportunity to build something more independent and flexible, rooted in relationships he had developed over the years. Launching RMS sales In 2014, Jared co-founded RMS Sales. The decision marked a shift from employee to entrepreneur. “Starting your own business is a different level of responsibility,” he says. “Every decision matters more.” RMS Sales allowed Jared to represent major manufacturers while maintaining control over how the business operated. When TTM Technologies acquired Viasystems, Jared continued representing them through his own firm. Running RMS Sales required patience. Some years brought growth. Others brought challenges driven by market conditions. “You can’t control everything,” he says. “You focus on what you can control and keep going.” Leadership style and daily habits Jared’s approach to leadership is practical. He believes in listening, self-awareness, and knowing when to ask for help. “You have to understand your weaknesses,” he says. “Then you backfill them and focus on what you do well.” He also values simple habits. Writing goals down. Making follow-up calls and revisiting plans with his business partner using handwritten notes. “It sounds basic,” he says. “But basics work.” Life outside of work Today, Jared lives in South Florida with his two children. Outside of work, he enjoys weightlifting, basketball, football, and spending time with his kids. He remains a dedicated New England sports fan. Balance is something he continues to work on. “It’s not easy,” he says. “Things change fast. You just try to keep the important parts strong.” A long-term view of success Jared measures success by his own standards. Growth matters, but so does personal development and resilience. “Some years look great on paper,” he says. “Other years teach you more.” His career reflects a steady build rather than a single breakthrough. By staying disciplined, adjusting when needed, and focusing on long-term effort, Jared Rudnick has brought practical ideas to life that continue to shape his work and business today.

Written by Lisa Jones, Holistic Practitioner and Founder With years of experience in holistic healing and mind–body wellness, Lisa at Access Healing guides clients through gentle, transformative practices designed to restore balance, clarity, and deeper self-connection. Many women reach their thirties and beyond, believing that feeling overwhelmed is simply part of adulthood. Life may appear stable on the surface with a family, responsibilities, and a job. Yet inside, there is exhaustion, irritability, anxiety, and a sense of emotional depletion that never really lifts. For women who experience PMS, this overwhelm often becomes stronger at certain points in the month, leaving them questioning their emotional stability or wondering why they feel so unlike themselves. The answer is not about personal failure. It is about the way the nervous system and hormonal systems interact when stress becomes a constant part of life. The invisible load women carry Women over 30 often manage several roles at the same time, such as caregiving, emotional labour, household responsibilities, and paid work. These demands may be seen as normal, but the combined effect on the nervous system is significant. When emotional and mental load go unacknowledged, the nervous system stays in a near-constant state of alert. Over time, this reduces the body’s ability to regulate emotions, recover from stress, and maintain hormonal balance. This invisible load does not disappear when life “looks fine”. It simply goes unseen. How PMS amplifies emotional overwhelm PMS is not limited to physical symptoms. Emotional and psychological changes are common and often misunderstood. During the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, progesterone levels rise and then fall. Progesterone has a calming effect on the nervous system, supporting emotional regulation and sleep. When stress disrupts progesterone production, this calming influence becomes weaker. As a result, women may experience: Heightened anxiety or restlessness Irritability or sudden emotional reactivity Low mood or feelings of hopelessness Difficulty concentrating or making decisions Increased sensitivity to noise, demands, or conflict These symptoms are often mistaken for mood disorders or personality changes, when in reality they reflect a nervous system under strain. Why chronic stress makes PMS feel worse over time Chronic stress keeps cortisol levels elevated. Over time, this can suppress progesterone and disrupt the delicate balance between stress hormones and reproductive hormones. When this imbalance continues, PMS symptoms may: Begin earlier in the cycle Feel more intense or unpredictable Last longer than expected Affect emotional regulation more than physical comfort This explains why many women say they feel on edge or emotionally overwhelmed for much of the month rather than just a few days. The nervous system’s role in emotional safety The nervous system determines how safe the body feels. When it is regulated, it allows women to respond to stress with flexibility and resilience. When it becomes dysregulated, even small challenges can feel overwhelming. A dysregulated nervous system may result in: A constant sense of urgency or pressure Difficulty relaxing even during rest Emotional numbness or sudden emotional release Fatigue that does not improve with sleep These are not psychological flaws. They are physiological responses shaped by long-term stress and emotional overload. Why information alone is not enough Understanding what is happening can feel validating, but healing requires more than insight. The nervous system does not change through awareness alone. It changes through repeated experiences of regulation and safety. This is why many women find that knowing why they feel the way they do does not automatically make them feel better. The body needs support to relearn balance. A supportive path toward balance My work focuses on helping women move out of survival mode and into regulation through a structured nervous system-led approach. This includes education, guided meditations, self-healing practices, Spinal Flow-inspired regulation techniques, Reiki, and distance healing, along with personalised support. My four-month programme, From Burnout to Balance: A Nervous System Reset for Women, is designed for women over 30 who feel overwhelmed, emotionally depleted, and affected by PMS or chronic stress. The programme offers the time, consistency, and support needed for real change to take place. Feeling overwhelmed when life appears stable is not a contradiction. It is a signal. When women are supported to understand their nervous system and hormonal health together, overwhelm becomes an invitation to heal rather than something they must simply endure. For many women, this understanding marks the beginning of lasting balance. If you’ve been carrying these struggles quietly, know that you don’t have to keep doing it alone. There are simple steps you can take today to begin easing the weight. You can start by taking my short survey right here,  or, if you’d prefer a more personal connection, join my waiting list for the next free call, which you can do right here . Together, we’ll explore how to bring your body and mind back into a place of ease and balance. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , or visit my website for more info! Read more from Lisa Jones Lisa Jones, Holistic Practitioner and Founder Lisa Jones is a holistic practitioner devoted to helping clients reconnect with their innate ability to heal and thrive. Blending energy work, mindfulness, and nervous system regulation, she guides others toward greater balance, clarity, and emotional wellbeing. Through her company, Access Healing, Lisa creates transformative experiences, from hands-on sessions to meditation practices and educational content. Her work is grounded in compassion, intuition, and a calm, heart-led approach that empowers clients to feel safe, supported, and deeply seen. Lisa’s mission is simple, to help people return home to themselves.

Written by Tee McConnell, High-Performance Health Coach Tee McConnell is a high-performance health coach, registered nurse, and founder of NuLeaf Nutrition. She helps busy professionals unlock next-level energy, mental sharpness, and physical strength. The start of a new year often comes with pressure from new goals, higher expectations, and a renewed push for performance. For founders and executives, January rarely feels like a reset. It feels like acceleration. After years of working in high-pressure environments as a registered nurse, and now supporting leaders through stress, recovery, and performance, I’ve seen the same pattern repeat itself year after year, leaders attempt to optimize strategy without first stabilizing the system responsible for every decision they make. That system is not the calendar. It’s the human nervous system. According to the American Institute of Stress, workplace stress costs U.S. organizations an estimated $300 billion per year due to absenteeism, reduced productivity, turnover, and impaired decision-making.  Much of this cost is driven by leaders operating in a chronically stressed , reactive state where clarity, judgment, and focus are compromised. High performance doesn’t begin with doing more. It begins with recovering better so leaders can access clear thinking, emotional regulation, and sound judgment when it matters most. Here are three recovery rituals that take under three minutes and help leaders start the year grounded, focused, and positioned for sustainable performance, not just short-term output. 1. The physiological reset (60 seconds) At the beginning of a new year, many leaders operate in a heightened state of urgency before the first meeting even begins. The nervous system does not respond to resolutions or logic. It responds to physiology. Take six slow nasal breaths: Inhale for four seconds Exhale for six seconds This immediately shifts the body out of stress mode and restores access to executive function. Longer exhales signal safety to the nervous system, improving emotional regulation and decision quality in real time. When leaders regulate their physiology first, their decisions become clearer, steadier, and less reactive. 2. The visual distance reboot (60 seconds) January often means increased screen time, planning, forecasting, and reviewing performance. For one minute: Look at something at least 20 feet away Let your gaze soften rather than focus This simple shift moves the brain out of narrow, threat-based attention and into a broader perceptual state that supports strategic thinking and creativity. Clarity doesn’t come from staring harder at the problem. It comes from an expanded perspective. 3. Identity-based grounding (60 seconds) A new year invites ambition, but without grounding, ambition quickly turns into pressure. Ask yourself one question, “What would the calm, grounded version of me do next?” This interrupts urgency and restores intentional leadership. It shifts decision-making from reaction to choice, allowing leaders to respond with clarity rather than impulse. Leadership presence begins internally. Why this matters at the start of the year Burnout rarely begins with exhaustion. It begins when leaders skip recovery in the name of productivity, especially at the start of a new year. The most effective leaders don’t wait until they are depleted to reset. They build micro-recovery into the rhythm of their work. Three minutes may seem insignificant, but when practiced consistently, these rituals protect clarity, energy, and decision quality across the year ahead. The bottom line The new year doesn’t require more discipline. It requires better regulation. Leaders who start the year by stabilizing their nervous system don’t just perform better, they lead with presence, precision, and longevity. Three minutes. Three rituals. A smarter way to begin the year. Visit my website for more info! Read more from Tee McConnell Tee McConnell, High-Performance Health Coach Tee McConnell is a high-performance health coach, registered nurse, and founder of NuLeaf Nutrition. She helps busy professionals elevate their competitive edge by focusing on their health, improving energy, mental clarity, and resilience through science-backed strategies. As a U.S. military veteran, Tee brings a grounded, results-driven approach that blends practical tools with powerful mindset work. Her mission is to help leaders feel strong in their bodies and unshakable in their purpose, without burning out.

Written by Michael Donaldson, Nutrition Researcher & Health Coach Dr. Michael Donaldson is a nutrition researcher and health coach specializing in type 2 diabetes reversal. As founder of End Diabetes Now and Research Director at Hallelujah Diet, he empowers people to transform their health through evidence-based, plant-centered nutrition. Type 2 diabetes is a raging epidemic. It is sweeping up more victims each year. The CDC says  that about 19 percent of adults (or about 1 in 5) aged 45-64 in the USA have type 2 diabetes. And it increases to almost 1 in 3 (29%) among adults aged 65 or older. There are about 38 million people living with type 2 diabetes in the USA. To maintain true wealth in this great country, we need to overcome diabetes. But to overcome type 2 diabetes, we need to understand precisely what is causing it. There's a lot of confusion about its exact root cause. In this article, I will present seven theories on the causes of type 2 diabetes and scientific evidence to the contrary. Is type 2 diabetes caused by carbohydrates? One of the most popular theories is that high blood sugar results from excessive sugar and carbohydrate intake. The thinking goes that high blood sugar comes from carbohydrates in the diet. However, it's not quite that simple.  In 1958, Dr. Kempner reported on 100 cases of diabetes  treated with a rice and fruit diet. The rice diet was very restricted and inadequate in many ways. The caloric intake was 95% carbohydrate, 3-4% protein, and maybe 2% fat. Quite extreme. If diabetes were caused by carbohydrates, then this diet would not work at all.  Instead, they found that diabetes improved in many people using the rice diet under Dr. Kempner's care, and diabetic retinopathy improved as well, with published images of eye scans demonstrating this.  Of the 100 patients reported, 72 were taking insulin. Nine people had to increase their insulin, 21 had no change in their insulin, and 42 decreased their insulin requirement using Kempner’s rice diet, including 18 people who were able to discontinue insulin completely.  Clearly, type 2 diabetes is not caused by carbohydrates. That is all these people ate while reversing their disease. I will give you one more example. Anderson and Ward  worked in a metabolic ward in the 1970s, where they could track people's body weight and provide them with exactly the amount of calories needed to maintain it. They used a high-carbohydrate, high-fiber diet (HCF) in their work with diabetes. First, they gave people a controlled diet for seven days. Then people adopted the high-carbohydrate, high-fiber diet (HCF). The average insulin dose was reduced from 26 units per day on the control diet to 11 units on the HCF diet within a matter of days. Insulin therapy was discontinued in 9 patients who had previously received 15 to 20 units per day. Is type 2 diabetes caused by seed oils? Seed oils have been controversial online, with many influencers claiming they are the root cause of many of our health maladies. However, the scientific record on polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) proves otherwise. In a 2022 meta-analysis of 25 articles, including 54,000 patients, Hu and colleagues  found that total PUFA intake was not associated with type 2 diabetes. Linoleic acid, in particular, slightly decreased the risk of type 2 diabetes. Using the EPIC-Potsdam cohort, Schulze’s research team conducted a nested case-cohort study with 1,084 participants, 536 participants with type 2 diabetes matched with participants without type 2 diabetes. They also found that plasma linoleic acid was associated with a slightly lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Also, arachidonic acid, derived from the metabolism of linoleic acid, was not associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. A study of 16,000 adults in the USA, from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2020 , reported monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids and their association with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes risk. They found that those people with the highest tertile of PUFAs had a 49% and 68% lower risk of developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, respectively. Is type 2 diabetes caused by too many animal products? Another popular theory is that animal products cause type 2 diabetes. Neil Barnard and co-workers put this to the test in a 74-week randomized controlled clinical trial , comparing a low-fat vegan diet to a conventional diabetes diet. Both diets caused sustained reduction in weight and glycemic control, with slightly better results in the vegan group. In the short-term analysis of the trial , 43% of the vegan group (21 of 49) and 26% of the ADA control group reduced their diabetes medications. The results were better with the vegan diet, but no participant in either group reported remission of type 2 diabetes. So, if the cause of type 2 diabetes is animal products, this study would have had much better results after eliminating animal products for more than a year. The next citation below also proves this point and more. Is type 2 diabetes caused by ultra-processed foods? A strong case can be made for the contribution of ultra-processed foods to the cause of type 2 diabetes. They are linked with higher rates of cancer  and increased risk of all-cause mortality . Still, if a whole-foods plant-based diet doesn’t get the best results, then ultra-processed foods are not the root cause of type 2 diabetes. In a   24-week intervention study  in the Marshall Islands, a culturally adapted, whole-foods plant-based diet was compared to standard medical care in the intervention group. For those who started with an HbA1c less than 9%, 63% reduced their glucose-lowering medications, and 23% of them achieved remission of their type 2 diabetes. These are good results, but not the best. Another kind of proof would be a study where people reversed type 2 diabetes and still kept eating ultra-processed foods. This would suggest that the cause is not ultra-processed foods.  In the DiRECT study led by Roy Taylor , the intervention group used a liquid total diet replacement for 12 to 20 weeks to lose weight and reverse their diabetes. In the DiRECT study, 68 of 129 people (45%) achieved remission in the first year, and 53 achieved remission in the second year. This is about double the remission rate of the whole-foods, plant-based diet used in the Marshall Islands.  However, for those who lost more weight, the results were even better. 57% of the participants (16 of 28) who lost 10 to 15 kg achieved remission, and 86% of the participants (31 of 36) who lost more than 15 kg achieved remission in the first year of the study, all while using ultra-processed meal replacement shakes. Is type 2 diabetes caused by high fructose corn syrup? Can you reverse type 2 diabetes and still eat products that contain high fructose corn syrup (HFCS)? Possibly. And does eliminating high fructose corn syrup reverse type 2 diabetes? No, it does not. That thinking is too simplistic. For evidence, we can refer to the whole-foods plant-based diet intervention in the Marshall Islands mentioned above. They certainly eliminated high-fructose corn syrup and achieved good results, but not the best. It isn’t that HFCS is not a contributor to type 2 diabetes. Fructose has a unique ability to contribute to fat accumulation in the liver, giving rise to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.  In this 2022 study by Sigala and co-workers from UC Davis, the research group conducted a randomized controlled trial in which participants consumed three sugar-sweetened beverages per day containing 0%, 10%, 17.5%, or 25% of their daily energy requirements from high-fructose corn syrup. They measured liver fat with a very sensitive MRI scan. They found a very direct linear dose-response relationship between liver fat and consumption of high-fructose corn syrup in sugar-sweetened beverages. The conclusion is that there's a direct dose-response increase in hepatic lipid content and a dose-dependent decrease in insulin sensitivity in young men and women when they consumed 10, 17.5, or 25% of their energy each day for two weeks as high-fructose corn syrup sweetened. So, I would admit that high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a strong contributor to type 2 diabetes. But eliminating it alone will not have a dramatic effect without also losing body weight.  Is type 2 diabetes caused by eating too much fat? The low-fat diet concept has fallen out of favor at this point. But how do we know that type 2 diabetes is not caused by eating too much fat? For evidence, let’s consider dietary interventions using a ketogenic diet, which is low in carbohydrates, moderate in protein, and high in fats. In this   2022 study by Christopher Gardner and co-workers at Stanford University , two low-carbohydrate diets were compared. One of them was a well-formulated ketogenic diet that excluded added sugars and refined grains, legumes, fruits, and intact whole grains, but included non-starchy vegetables. The second diet, called the Mediterranean Plus diet, likewise avoided added sugars and refined grains, as did the ketogenic diet, but also included legumes, fruits, and intact whole grains. The 33 participants experienced similar weight loss using either diet. The point of citing this study is that a low-carbohydrate diet that includes substantial amounts of dietary fat can lead to weight loss and improved glycemic control simultaneously. So, type 2 diabetes is not caused by eating too much fat. Is type 2 diabetes caused by being obese? It is true that type 2 diabetes is strongly associated with obesity. And with increasing obesity, the probability of having diabetes increases greatly. Nevertheless, there are people in the normal range of body mass index (BMI) who also have type 2 diabetes. Also, most obese people do not have type 2 diabetes. In a 2007 analysis of national surveys conducted around 2000, Bays and colleagues  examined the distribution of BMI and the incidence of diabetes. In two different nationally representative samples, they found the prevalence of diabetes was 12% and 17% for people of normal BMI. Twenty years later, the CDC reports  that about 10% of people with type 2 diabetes are of normal BMI.   This 2007 analysis also pointed out that the prevalence of diabetes is only 25-30% among those who are obese, which means that 70-75% of obese people do not have type 2 diabetes. There is a relationship between obesity and type 2 diabetes, but it is not an absolute.  If not these, then what causes type 2 diabetes? We have now eliminated the usual suspects for the cause of type 2 diabetes. So what’s left? The cause of type 2 diabetes is that you are too fat for you.  The Personal Fat Threshold  is key to understanding what it means to be "too fat for you." It appears that each person has a threshold of fat content in their body, especially in their liver and pancreas, below which metabolic activity runs normally.  When fat accumulates excessively in the liver and pancreas, the liver does not function properly and does not respond to insulin signals from the pancreas. And the beta cells in the pancreas become ineffective in producing insulin. So, there is too much of you. You're too fat for your own body if you have type 2 diabetes. This is an unpleasant truth, perhaps, but one that also brings freedom. When you know the true cause of diabetes, you can focus your attention on exactly what you need to do to reverse your type 2 diabetes. And this is good news. You know that you do not have to be afraid of seed oils, carbohydrates, ultra-processed foods, high-fructose corn syrup, animal products, or any other demonized food group. Eliminating any single factor mentioned above will not reverse a person's diabetes.  Now you know that you have to become a smaller person. You need to lose weight. The work by Roy Taylor and colleagues  indicates that about 15 kilograms of weight loss is generally necessary to reverse type 2 diabetes. This allows the liver and pancreas to function correctly. And then all you have to do is maintain this body size, and you will keep diabetes away for good. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and visit my LinkedIn  for more info! Read more from Michael Donaldson Michael Donaldson, Nutrition Researcher & Health Coach Dr. Michael Donaldson, Ph.D., is a leading voice in plant-based nutrition and lifestyle transformation. With a doctorate from Cornell University and more than two decades of research at Hallelujah Diet, he has helped thousands understand how food can restore health and vitality. Through his coaching platform End Diabetes Now, he guides clients in reversing type 2 diabetes naturally and sustainably. A scientist, entrepreneur, and educator, Dr. Donaldson also founded True Wealth Health Products and formulated Ora-Shield, an organic oral-care blend. His work bridges science, faith, and practical wisdom to help people achieve lasting wellness and purpose.

Written by Fabio da Silva Fernandes, Resilience, Mindfulness, and Reiki Enthusiast Fabio da Silva Fernandes knows what it's like to stumble. In 2021, he left his long career in the fintech industry to start his own wellness practice focused on mindfulness and Reiki, and now he explores the complex topic of resilience on his inspiring podcast called The Stumbling Spirit. Courage is an innate human quality that we access when we least expect it, often when we appear to be at our weakest. In a sudden crisis, it can rush in out of nowhere in the form of risking our own lives for others. Courage is the source of strength and valour linked to fabled stories, legendary battles, forbidden love, and time-honoured heroes. One can argue that without courage, we would not be able to move forward as a species, let alone confront our own challenges and attain our personal goals. When I reflect on the many guests that I have interviewed on my podcast, courage is at the root of their inspirational stories, ranging from navigating illness to surviving trauma, building self-worth to personal transformation, speaking the truth to seeking justice, and more. In this article, I will unpack the meaning and historical significance of courage and explain why it is essential to resilience. What is courage? According to Merriam-Webster , courage is “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.” It is interesting to note that other definitions of courage talk about the idea of controlling fear, or the absence of fear, as the driver of courage. However, I would argue that fear is the fuel of courage, with the caveat that it depends on how we process it. If we approach fear from the standpoint of compassion, curiosity, and hope, then it can become a positive force for change rather than something to resist. There are also overlapping characteristics, like selflessness and sacrifice, that I believe are central to courage. As per Etlymonline , courage originates from the Old French corage, meaning “heart, innermost feelings, temper,” and “valour, quality of mind which enables one to meet danger and trouble without fear.” In Middle English, this word was linked to bravery and was used in various phrases, such as bold corage, meaning “brave heart.” Braveheart might bring to mind the historically inaccurate film starring Mel Gibson. The main character of this 1995 movie was, in fact, a combination of two courageous historical figures from medieval Scotland, William Wallace and Robert the Bruce . In the late 13th century, Wallace led rebellions against Edward I, then king of England. After his first successful revolt against the English, Wallace was knighted by the exiled Scottish king. However, a major defeat in a later battle forced him to flee to France. When Wallace returned in the early 14th century, he was tried and found guilty of treason and brutally executed as a warning against Scottish dissidents. Instead, Wallace became a martyr, galvanizing the Scottish people. Robert the Bruce was Wallace’s successor in leading the fight for Scottish independence, which occurred in 1314. Bruce was nicknamed Braveheart and crowned king of Scotland. Courage in legend and battle In Greek mythology, Hercules is the legendary demigod with superhuman strength who defeats menacing creatures from the underworld. Hercules draws upon his courage to face impossible challenges as part of his twelve labours, to atone for his sins and be redeemed. This ancient myth might have inspired the Greeks to fight against the Persians in 480 BCE. King Leonidas led 300 Spartans into battle against invading Persian forces who far outnumbered them. For three days, these brave Spartan warriors fought to the death to protect a narrow pass, buying time for Greek forces to regroup and plan their defence. Although these Spartan soldiers were ultimately defeated and killed, this legendary battle is an example of selfless courage against insurmountable odds. Today, all nations across the globe honour their fallen soldiers in one form or another. Marking the end of WWI, November 11th is set aside annually as Remembrance Day or Poppy Day in Commonwealth nations like the UK and Canada, Armistice Day in France and Belgium, and Veterans Day in the United States. This sombre occasion not only commemorates the sacrifices made by Allied Forces in the Great War, but also recognizes the bravery of all casualties and veterans of wars and conflicts since then. Courage in adversity Revered in the United States as a courageous abolitionist, Harriet Tubman is also known internationally as a symbol of freedom in the face of racial oppression. Born into slavery in the 19th century, Tubman risked her own life by escaping bondage and becoming a key figure in the coordination of the Underground Railroad, a term coined to represent the secret network established to help enslaved African Americans escape northward to Free States like Pennsylvania and Ohio, and also cross the border into Canada. As a Union Army nurse in the American Civil War, Tubman’s efforts also freed hundreds of slaves. Authoritarian governments have been known to target average citizens as enemies of the state, as in the case of Apartheid South Africa, where Nelson Mandela was held as a political prisoner for decades. Mandela advocated on behalf of his people against white supremacy and systemic oppression, which included racism, segregation, and injustice. His protest was one of peace for a united and equitable South Africa, but it cost him 27 years in jail before his release in 1990. Mandela’s freedom movement garnered international attention and support, and he eventually became the country’s first Black president under a liberated South Africa. Several South American countries experienced dictatorships in the 1970s, including Chile under Pinochet. Victor Jara  was a singer-songwriter, and political activist who was a key figure in the Nueva Canción Chilena, or New Chilean Song movement. Jara’s protest music and iconic status made him a symbol of courage and resistance. He was a supporter of Salvador Allende, a democratic socialist who was elected president of Chile in 1970. Unfortunately, the military coup of 1973 resulted in Jara’s capture, torture, and murder. This is an example of how artistic expression can threaten autocratic rule. Jara’s legacy lives on as one of the peaceful freedom fighters of the twentieth century. Malala Yousafzai ’s journey as an equal rights advocate for the education of girls began in her native Pakistan. Despite threats from the Taliban, she courageously continued her protest for equality. This led to a failed assassination attempt in 2012 that left her scarred for life. Despite her injuries and painful recovery, she took her activism to the world stage and became the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Some might view Tony Robbins as the king of self-help and personal development. However, his success story had humble beginnings. Robbins’s childhood was marred by family dysfunction and abuse. Despite being kicked out of his home at seventeen years old, he worked a low-wage janitorial job and slowly climbed his way out of poverty. He attributes his successful career and financial abundance to his courage, discipline, and positive mindset. Robbins has written many books and coached millions of people around the world to help them achieve similar outcomes. Related article: The Best Myth - Why Bestness is the Death of Excellence?   Courage in love Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is regarded as the Bard’s most famous play about courageous love and sacrifice. Although woefully misguided, the hapless protagonists are defiant against their disapproving families, yet cannot escape their tragic fate as star-crossed lovers. This timeless tale is similar to The Butterfly Lovers, a classic Chinese legend about an ill-fated romance, which also ends in death. In the final scene, the unfortunate couple transforms into a pair of butterflies, symbolizing their eternal love. Thankfully, love doesn’t always have to end tragically as in the true story of Seretse Khama  and Ruth Williams  of Bechuanaland Protectorate, now Botswana. Their interracial marriage was scandalous in the 1940s, when it was socially and politically dangerous in the formerly British-occupied African territory. This strong couple was labelled outcasts. However, their enduring love broke down racial barriers and contributed to Botswana’s independence, after which Seretse Khama became its first president. Courage in illness In general, fundraising for cancer research dates back to the early 20th century, but the explosion in public consciousness did not take hold until the 1980s. This is partly due to some high-profile cases like Terry Fox , a Canadian teen who, despite having lost a leg to osteogenic sarcoma, attempted to run across Canada in a courageous campaign to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. His “Marathon of Hope” captured the imagination of an entire nation that cheered for him every step of the way. Unfortunately, Fox’s run was cut short because of the return of his rare and fatal bone cancer. Terry Fox died in 1981, but his dream lives on. Since 1980, the Terry Fox Foundation has raised over 950 million dollars in an effort to find better treatments and cures for cancer. Terry Fox is not only a Canadian hero, but an international inspiration. There are millions of people around the world who are currently undergoing their own adversities through all kinds of illnesses and conditions, whose journeys are shared only with family and friends. With every milestone, setback, and breakthrough, they exemplify the meaning of courage in their efforts to restore themselves to optimal health and wellness. Related article: The Miracles That Power Resilience Stories of courage Below are fine examples of fascinating people from my podcast who embody courage in steering through the challenges in their lives. 1. Deeper than bottomline During the COVID pandemic, many businesses struggled due to mandatory restrictions and drastic shifts in consumer buying habits. Some retailers pivoted quickly to online sales, while others permanently shuttered their doors. Toronto shopkeeper Regina Sheung not only navigated her way through economic uncertainty, but also underwent her own transformation that inspired her to remodel her downtown boutique into a collaborative community wellness space. 2. Nest worth Merel van der Wouden is a negotiation and transformation coach who helps women advocate for better salaries and realize their dreams. Merel has coached hundreds of women and now, as a public speaker and author, has reached a wider audience. In our conversation, Merel talks about her own transformational journey and explains how she is helping to narrow the pay gap and improve the lives of women. 3. Crowning innocence Canadian author Debra Williams stands by the importance of representation in children’s literature. In her trailblazing and beautifully illustrated book, Church Hat, Debra bravely tackles the topics of identity, personal expression, and affection between a parent and child. She also opens up about the cultural relevance of Church Hat, which is now being developed into a short film. 4. Justice in light Donna Armstrong ’s first memory was seeing her mother taken away to a psychiatric hospital. This distressing scene contributed to Donna’s dysfunctional and lonely childhood, which included neglect, sexual abuse, and silence. Donna broke her silence with her gut-wrenching and courageous memoir, Getting Here from There: The First 10 Years. This raw account is an exploration of her trauma, heartache, and rise as a successful Crown attorney. Donna discusses her powerful book and explains what justice means to her. 5. The queer alchemist Based in Australia, Belinda Bannerman is a trauma recovery trainer and practitioner who works with queer survivors of Intimate Partner Violence. With 15 years of experience, Belinda talks about the realities faced by LGBTQIA+ people worldwide in accessing the services and support they need. Belinda opens up about their efforts to help queer people recover from domestic and sexual violence through somatic therapies. 6. Model men At fourteen, Anthony Patrick Manieri purchased his first camera. What started off as a hobby of taking pictures soon became a profession. With a successful career in media spanning more than three decades, Anthony’s sought after shots have graced the pages of the world’s most popular magazines. In recent years, Anthony focused his lens on a passion project to showcase the beauty and diversity of men’s bodies. Anthony opens up about his work and the importance of men’s body positivity. 7. Seeing colour again Born predisposed to cancer-causing genes, Andy Campbell saw his mother and all three of his aunts die of breast cancer before he was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer. A few years into his chemotherapy treatment, Andy’s youngest son tragically ended his life. Despite his heartbreak, Andy’s faith in God helped him persevere with his family by his side. Andy talks about the impact of suicide, his personal journey through cancer, and explains how to transform life’s challenges into opportunities. 8. Change with compassion As an empowerment coach, Sharleen Beaumont works with her clients to reframe limiting belief systems, reimagine their lives, and create action plans to become the best version of themselves. Sharleen helps her clients improve their emotional literacy and step into their personal power after divorce and career changes. In our conversation, she gives tips on letting go, dealing with our messiness, and cultivating a courageous path forward. 9. Breaking barriers Emily Gong  is the co-founder of Asian Arts and Culture Trust, a Toronto-based organization whose mission is to provide a platform for Asian immigrants to tell their newcomer stories through art. In our conversation, Emily explains how creative expression can bring people together and help break down systemic barriers. 10. Soul flow, brand power Mike Power is a brand strategist who helps companies around the world successfully launch new products, resolve planning challenges, and innovate. Mike opens up about his personal journey through addiction and cancer, offers tips on unlocking our ultimate potential and flow state, and gives a masterclass on the soul of a brand. The fire behind resilience As this year draws to a close, take some time to mindfully reflect on how you have courageously shown up for yourself in the different areas of your life over the last twelve months. Read over your list and acknowledge yourself for having successfully accomplished goals and tackled challenges in your life up to now. Since this is a self-reflection exercise, there is no requirement for you to share your thoughts on social media. Make a point of individually thanking the people who have supported you along the way. The practice of gratitude is so important in appreciating the goodwill of others, and recognizing that our personal progress, successes and triumphs are rarely achieved in isolation. Then jot down your intentions of how to better inhabit courage in the coming year. This is your opportunity to free write and put on paper whatever comes to mind, including your aspirations. Read over your list and put it away for safekeeping. There is no need to go back over it on a regular basis. Trust that you have already set your intentions in motion. Perhaps review your list a couple of times during the year to see if you are still aligned with your intentions, but avoid approaching it as a checklist. It is okay to change your mind and reset. This exercise is about embodiment more than anything else. It is a good way to cultivate courage and move yourself into uncharted territory. If this practice feels a little uncomfortable, then you are doing it right. Where would we be without courage? Courage is a vital component of resilience which uses both fear and compassion as its fuel source. The recipe of resilience is a lot more complex but courage is key to achieving new heights, brave feats and honourable deeds. To learn more, book me for a talk and consultation today . To listen to The Stumbling Spirit Podcast, click here, or find the show on your favourite podcast streaming platform. Follow me on Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Fabio da Silva Fernandes Fabio da Silva Fernandes, Resilience, Mindfulness, and Reiki Enthusiast For most of his professional career, Fabio da Silva Fernandes worked in the tech industry as a customer support leader. About a decade ago, Fabio began his mindfulness journey, incorporating the practice of presence into his life on a regular basis. In his pursuit of personal wellness, Fabio attained several mindfulness certifications and, in 2018, delved into the world of energy work and started his Reiki training. Fabio is now a certified Reiki Master and Reiki Master Teacher. In 2021, Fabio left his career in fintech to launch his own wellness business called Resting Bell Wellness Inc., which is now branded under the name of his resilience podcast, The Stumbling Spirit.