Diary of an Epileptic is a digital social media brand that brings epilepsy awareness to individuals. Allany Muniz uses her brand to express frustrations of life, spreading awareness. After being diagnosed in high school, Allany's identity changed forever, but from her experiences, she is giving a voice to the unspoken through social media and beyond. Allany Muniz, Founder of Diary of an Epileptic Please introduce yourself, your hobbies, your favorites, you at home, and in business. Tell us something interesting about yourself. My name is Allany Muniz, and I’m a 29-year-old from Illinois. I am interested in history, criminal justice, improving myself, literature, and spending time with family and friends. I grew up near Chicago, Illinois, but I now reside closer to St. Louis. I have my hobbies like sewing, coloring, slowly baking, decorating (whether for parties or homes), and collecting T-shirts. Diary of an epileptic is a whole business that is used mainly through my cell phone. While having a chronic illness can be a toll, it doesn't get in the way of expressing epilepsy awareness, and often a break gives me time to review my next content.  What inspired you to start Diary of an Epileptic and share your journey online? The inspiration for Diary of an Epileptic began in 2019, when I would randomly have these vivid creations in my head, where I’m talking to the camera or having conversations, as if I'm in an interview. In 2020, these creations became a reality. As I was bedridden due to surgery, it didn’t give me any options as to activities to participate in. Another inspiration I took was when I was diagnosed at 14, and I didn’t really have a lot of resources for my mother and me to get a better understanding of Epilepsy and what Epilepsy is like. I didn’t even like a lot of things that I’ve learned now about Epilepsy because of my content-creating journey, I would still be clueless about various things about Epilepsy. Unfortunately, people in the epilepsy community have very little accurate information about epilepsy.  What is the mission behind your platform and the work you do today?  The mission is to bring Epilepsy awareness to those who did not get the proper resources or who are more afraid than curious once seeing the videos on other social media or on the Epilepsy Foundation website. Also, like it is also used for those who feel uncomfortable telling their story to Parker group because unfortunately Support groups can be more cliquish and if it’s not if it’s something that the admin isn’t approved of or it’s not something that like they put out there than they do, they do crucify the person who is trying to tell their story. What challenges did you face on your epilepsy journey, and how do these experiences shape the way you help others now?   The challenges I faced even to this day as neurologist they’re saying because at what I first was diagnosed they called my seizures complex is now they called them focal on a aware seizures and yeah, neurologist still say complex seizure so the terminology is not up-to-date as to what is being current versus versus old medical information as well as just realizing that seizures are more than just you know more than one way of having a seizure, which it was not to my acknowledge before my content creating journey and navigating life as a especially since I have a little more freedom than what is assumed people with Epilepsy have so it’s always the stigma of oh you’re not an epileptic because you don’t do this that in the third and just learning that my concerns of Epilepsy is just as valid as someone else’s.  How do you support and empower people living with epilepsy through your content and advocacy? I see that Epilepsy is not just one form or not just the common knowledge that is that is continually used not only through like Epilepsy foundation website is better like other contents and sometimes it’s just the same repetitive information and not like another way of expressing it, which has been a continuous problem in Epilepsy community and how you getting the message from our commute from the community into society of like what Epilepsy is, especially with the media stigma of epilepsy. Also, I'm bringing up and would also like to have anyone's experiences, or if there's something you want me to talk about with engagement through not only my video in my newsletter. What sets your approach apart from others in the epilepsy awareness and support space?  What makes me different from other content creators is that I'm a little more like showing them that you can drive. You can drink coffee and still do a bunch of things because there’s always a misconception that if someone can do something, that means everyone else can, but in reality, everyone’s experience is different. Another thing that sets me apart is that I talk about crime victims because a lot of people who have epilepsy, their stories don’t get told, or lack thereof, of national coverage. Also, my newsletters allows me to spread Epilepsy awareness from either the check me out or did you know  because unfortunately, there are a lot of things that were not told about Epilepsy and it’s and I want my and I don’t want and I want to be able to get someone the proper knowledge or more knowledge and they probably had from let’s say like a neurologist or like what they sometimes look up online or just looking from like TV shows and peers. Can you walk us through the key services, resources, or guidance you offer to individuals and families affected by epilepsy?  I share information from resources and websites like The Epilepsy Foundation, Epilepsy Action, and Epilepsy Alliance. Unlike other content creators, I share stories of the unknown or crime cases/epilepsy-related laws, which are not discussed commonly on the epilepsy circuit. Sometimes personal experiences help give hope to epileptics and their caregivers, letting them know that it will get worse, but there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. With the criminal justice aspect, I share medical advice, medical information relating to seizures and epilepsy, like a Supreme Court ruling or someone suing a neurologist for medical neglect. Another thing I post videos and inform others about is stories of known figures, advocates, and seizure-related death. Also, people can message me with any epilepsy-related experiences or any questions they have, which helps people express their concerns without judgment or relief that they have someone they can talk to about their experiences.  What common misconceptions about epilepsy do you aim to correct through your work? The misconception that all seizures occur when a person falls on the floor, or when flashing lights are present. These misconceptions are because of the media, especially from TV shows and movies, where people commonly see tonic-clonic seizures from flashing lights, or are assumed to be due to religious purposes. These portrayals increase the stigma around Epilepsy and make it harder for people to tell their story or ask questions.  Truth is, there are more than 30 types of seizures out there, and some are not even on medical and epilepsy-related websites. Some neglected seizures, including non-epileptic seizures like Functional Neurological Disorder. In truth, less than 5% of people have photosensitive epilepsy, and most cases are caused by brain injury, stroke, or an unknown cause.  I plan to use my platform to address the discrepancies and my voice to spread accurate epilepsy information to my audience. I will be doing so with content from my videos, the newsletter, and giving out resources for others to get the assistance and support they need.  What is one transformational story or moment that reminds you why your advocacy is important? Throughout my five years of content journey, I have had several discouraging moments, which can be draining, especially the continuous ones from the community I am trying to advocate for. Every time I had a discouraging moment, something incredible would come along, or something like a sweet comment from someone would give me the boost of confidence I needed to keep going. I’d say recently that I posted a video, and I explored showing vulnerability, which, if anyone knows me, I am not the most open person. Multiple people thanked me for sharing my experience, letting me know I am not alone in my experience. I shouldn’t make comments my motivator, but I’ve been going through grief too, so I’ve just been not sure about myself in my post in my content, so seeing comments that I am still making a difference, and the paranoia is all in my head. How can people reach out, connect with you, or get involved in your mission? People can reach me at my email here . You can also follow me on TikTok @diaryofanepileptic, and my YouTube channel, Diary of an Epileptic. Follow me on Instagram for more info! Read more from Allany Muniz

Written by Rosanna Shillolo, Yoga Instructor, Wellness Coach, Entrepreneur Rosanna Shillolo is a certified yoga instructor, personal trainer, and nutrition coach. She runs a lakeside hot yoga studio in Ontario, Canada, which also offers stand-up paddle board (SUP) yoga classes and guided tours and has produced a 3 part vinyasa yoga video series available online. Protein has been trending on the wellness front for good reason. Let’s uncover what all the hype is about, starting with a closer look at what it is and does. Protein is one of the 3 macronutrients your body needs to thrive, along with fats and carbohydrates. Proteins are organic molecules made up of amino acids, the building blocks of life. Since our bodies need proteins and amino acids to produce important molecules in our body, like enzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters, and antibodies, without an adequate protein intake, our bodies can’t function well at all. Protein helps replace worn-out cells, transports various substances throughout the body, and aids in growth and repair. After the age of 40, muscle mass begins to decline (a condition known as sarcopenia), but adequate protein intake helps preserve lean body mass and strength. It also counteracts the increases in fat deposition resulting from a decline in estrogen and supports bone mineral density, which is important for postmenopausal women who face a higher osteoporosis risk. In addition, protein supports collagen production as well as healthy hair, skin, and nails. To reap the rewards protein has to offer it is essential you meet your daily requirements based on your activity level. The basic RDA (recommended daily allowance) for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram or around 0.36 grams per pound of body mass in untrained, generally healthy adults. However, this recommendation is equivalent to only 10% of your daily calories and is too low. It’s enough for you to survive, but not enough for you to thrive. This amount would only prevent protein deficiency, which is not necessarily optimal, particularly for people such as athletes who train intensely and consistently. For those doing high-intensity training, protein needs might go up to about 1.4-2.0 g/kg or around 0.64-0.9 g/lb of body mass. A hypothetical 150 lb (68 kg) person would thus need about 95-135 g of protein per day, with the lower range suiting an inactive individual and the higher range suiting a more active person. If your goal is weight loss, aim for 1.6 to 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram or 0.73 to 1 gram per pound of your goal body weight. Adjustments within the recommended ranges depend on a person's goals and activity levels. For example, physique training or bodybuilding athletes generally aim for 1g of protein for every 1lb of body weight. Generally speaking, most people should aim for 0.7 grams of protein per pound of body weight as the minimum and 1 gram per pound as the maximum. Confused? Simplify by aiming for 5-6 palm-sized portions of protein throughout the day. Your hand can be your best portion guide, which is convenient since it’s always handy. Can you consume too much of a good thing? Yes, too much protein can cause negative effects. The body can't store protein, so once its needs are met, any extra protein is used for energy, and the excess calories will be stored as fat in the body. While the body prevents blood from becoming significantly acidic, a long-term, high-protein/low-fruit-and-vegetable diet can create an acidic environment in the body, which is associated with several chronic health risks. Ideally, we want our body to be in an alkaline state (lots of fruits and veggies will contribute to this) so that the body will not be as hospitable to disease. Excess protein intake can also lead to elevated blood lipids and heart disease since many high-protein foods are high in total and saturated fat. Because it can tax the kidneys, extra protein intake poses an additional risk to people predisposed to kidney disease. The aforementioned suggested intake ranges provide guidance to help avoid overconsumption but also to ensure you get what’s necessary for basic protein synthesis, the process cells use to create proteins. Protein synthesis is essential for building and repairing tissues and other functions, therefore, it is beneficial to monitor your intake. Is there a superior protein source? Try to consume complete proteins containing all 9 essential amino acids, such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy. Complete plant sources include: soy (tofu, edamame), quinoa, buckwheat, chia, and hemp seeds. Both plant and animal protein sources seem to work equally well in increasing muscle protein synthesis as a result of exercise. The amino acid leucine acts as a major stimulus for protein synthesis. Good sources of leucine include spirulina, soy protein, egg white, milk, fish, poultry, and meat. Incomplete proteins (missing one or more essential amino acids) can be paired to form a complete protein. Examples of pairings that combine to form a whole protein include beans and rice (a classic combo), peanut butter on whole wheat toast, hummus (chickpeas) and pita (wheat), or lentil soup with whole grain crackers. Proper protein intake supports healthy weight management and weight loss by quelling hunger hormones and keeping you feeling fuller longer to aid in reducing overall calorie intake. When you can achieve a calorie deficit, muscle mass is preserved, which keeps your metabolism active. Metabolic health is also boosted due to the thermic effect of ingesting protein. This means the amount of energy you require to digest, absorb, transport, and store protein burns more calories compared to digesting fats or carbs. To meet your ideal daily protein requirement, try keeping a serving of nuts, such as almonds, or a protein bar in your purse, car, or work station. That way, when hunger strikes, you’ll have something healthy on hand to provide satiety that holds you over until your next meal. Another tip is to cook proteins such as chicken, steak, or fish in bulk a couple of times a week to have ready-to-use sources in your fridge. This makes throwing together a wholesome salad, bowl, or wrap a quick and easy option. New research shows that the more protein you eat, the less age-related inflammation and oxidative stress you experience as you age. The study shows an inverse relationship between protein intake and inflammatory markers. Your 40s and beyond needn’t be a time to slow down, so be sure to get enough protein to stay strong, energetic, and resilient. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Rosanna Shillolo Rosanna Shillolo, Yoga Instructor, Wellness Coach. Entrepreneur Rosanna graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. She personally experienced the positive impact of exercise and good nutrition, both mentally and physically, and wanted to help others do the same. She first became certified as a CanFitPro Personal Trainer. Years later, due to injury, she sought out yoga to heal her body and discovered it also helped balance a busy family life raising three children. Living on the lake inspired Rosanna to take her yoga practice to the water and, naturally, to a Paddle Canada certification as a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) instructor to offer SUP yoga classes. Most recently, she was certified as a Precision Nutrition Coach so that she can offer a wide range of wellness services.

Written by Jonathan Dubrulle, Healer-Influencer Jonathan Dubrulle is a Healer-Influencer in Madrid who likes to help people create 'paso a paso' a better life. As a number 1 on Amazon in Psychiatry and Mental Health, and a schizophrenic, I wanted you to offer my insights regarding schizophrenia and plead for it to be classified only based on biological markers. Do you want to learn what the real deal schizophrenia is about? What is currently considered schizophrenia? In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), the latest version of the bible of psychiatry, to be considered schizophrenia, you need to have two or more of the following 5 core symptoms, for at least a month: Delusions Hallucinations Disorganized Speech Disorganized behavior Diminished emotional expression There are more criteria related to functioning, as people with the above symptoms will struggle to work, or do a full-time study or job. The biological process? Schizophrenia is a genius deal wherein people learn too fast in a way that results in a collapse. Based on my insights, schizophrenia is genetic. It starts in adulthood with people learning at a pace that makes grey matter explode above 2% of the total brain. However, that pace of learning becomes impossible to manage for the brain and will result in delusions. The solution is antipsychotics, as they reduce grey matter and the pace of learning to a more manageable level for the neocortex. Injections, like my Xeplion, are better than pills as the management is more stable over time, with a more stable dose of Invega in the bloodstream. Solution: An MRI diagnostic The incidence and prevalence will be lower than currently claimed, but in my opinion, 0.1% of people have the biological version, which should only be called schizophrenia. The psychological cases shouldn’t be. A brain scan will show increased grey matter before treatment, and a very low one after treatment. If antipsychotics don’t work in months, it is not schizophrenia, but for example bipolar, or one of the many other classifications in DSM. Managing schizophrenia is managing the pace of learning Schizophrenia has to be managed through medication. The pace of learning by the brain has to be managed by the neocortex, which is more developed in some people than others. Hence, schizophrenia presents itself differently in high-IQ people. A beautiful hippocampus can also help, as people, even with schizophrenia, will behave more beautifully, even with the too fast learning disorder. The solution is the reduction of grey matter, the learning cells in the brain, to manageable levels with antipsychotics. A historic case of an explosion of schizophrenia after a famine in the Netherlands is explained as people learned essential things for the brain so quickly that the too-fast evolution resulted in mental illness and functional issues. Lifelong management The brain pattern of learning too fast naturally is almost always lifelong, with a love for learning, and requires a manageable level of grey matter, so that the processing of information can be managed by the analytical part of the brain. Maintaining the analytical part of the brain is a good strategy to keep the processing flow of new information beautifully done by the critical elements of the neocortex. People often get angry or traumatized with schizophrenia, as they get things too well, and find it hard to accept the exceptionally bad behavior of others during childhood, arrest, and treatment. Softening in a psychiatric hospital can be vital for that process. That is why I am going back, when I have the opportunity, and a beautiful space has opened up. MENtal health: Take it like a man If you want to learn more about my life, you can always buy my book ‘MENtal Health: Take it like a man’ on Amazon. It includes my biographical chapter, rationally written. It was number 1 in new releases in the US in the categories ‘Sexual’ and ‘Psychiatry & Mental Health’, and top 20,000 book in the overall sales rank. Good luck with the read! And thank you, Sierra Melcher, of Red Thread Books, for bringing us all together and creating a beautiful cover. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Jonathan Dubrulle Jonathan Dubrulle, Healer-Influencer I’m Jonathan (38y) and a Spinal Flow Practitioner in Madrid. I started as a high-potential at Thomson Reuters when I was 21. After Brussels and Geneva, I started the healing journey in Singapore and fell in love with my Chiropractor. I discovered I was gay in a country where it was still illegal at the time. With a broken heart, I moved to New York City, where I worked in Corporate Strategy. At 24, a revolt of the soul would happen at the Times Square Headquarters, and I was admitted to Bellevue Hospital. Now I have a practice in the center of Madrid. I help clients heal and grow, develop good microhabits, and create strategies to impact the world. Beauty can rise out of ashes.

Written by Nadine Bell, Equine Assisted Professional Coach Nadine Bell is an equine-assisted professional coach and a pioneer in Argentina and across Latin America, fostering emotional growth and human potential through her two signature programs: Nadine Bell Coaching with Horses, designed for corporate environments, and Horses for Humanity, dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations. Emotional patterns shape how you lead, communicate, and relate, often outside conscious awareness. Direct, embodied experiences can reveal these patterns and bring insight more immediately. Coaching with horses is emerging as one of the most powerful methods for developing emotional intelligence and authentic leadership. This guide breaks down how it works and how it can help you create big, lasting change. Now that you have an overview, let’s turn to what coaching with horses actually means. Coaching with horses, also known as equine guided coaching, is an experiential method in which horses respond to human emotion, energy, and presence in real-time. Acting as highly attuned biofeedback systems, they mirror your internal state with complete honesty, offering insights that traditional talk-based methods often cannot access. They naturally reflect: emotional tension confidence, real versus performative clarity versus confusion nervous system regulation communication without words authenticity of intention Nonverbal feedback reveals emotional and behavioral patterns more quickly and accurately than conversation alone. Why coaching with horses creates such deep transformation Unlike traditional coaching, equine guided coaching engages the body and emotional system rather than relying on words. Horses provide immediate feedback on boundaries, energy, and intention, speeding meaningful change. Many experience breakthroughs in a single session, insights they had not been able to access for years. Who benefits from coaching with horses This work is ideal for: individuals seeking emotional clarity leaders wanting a stronger presence and communication people experiencing transition, burnout, or reinvention teams wanting deeper connection and trust anyone feeling disconnected from intuition or purpose underserved communities who benefit from experiential, accessible methods How coaching with horses improves emotional intelligence It reveals unconscious patterns immediately: Horses respond to your internal world, not your words. When they move toward or away from you, or shift their behavior, they provide immediate feedback about your emotional and energetic presence. It strengthens self-awareness: You learn to identify subtle cues from your own body, such as tension, breath, intention, and emotional triggers. These micro shifts affect how you lead and communicate. It builds emotional regulation: Working with horses requires presence and a calm nervous system state. Over time, this strengthens your capacity to remain grounded in challenging interactions. It aligns intention and action: Because horses reveal energetic incongruence instantly, leaders learn to align their inner state with their outward actions, cultivating authentic confidence, clarity, and presence. It enhances relational intelligence: By engaging through connection rather than control, horses foster more conscious, empathetic, and collaborative relationship skills. Common challenges coaching with horses helps solve repeating emotional patterns in relationships or leadership difficulty setting or maintaining boundaries feeling disconnected from purpose or intuition burnout and emotional overwhelm communication issues within teams or families The method fits naturally within trauma-informed leadership and wellbeing frameworks. What happens during a session While each practitioner may structure sessions differently, equine guided coaching generally follows a structured experiential process. Sessions begin by grounding the nervous system and clarifying an intention or focus. Participants then observe herd dynamics and their own internal responses, building somatic awareness as emotions and sensations arise. Through guided, ground-based interaction with the horses, individuals receive real time, nonverbal feedback that reflects their internal state. The session concludes with reflection and meaning making, translating insights into practical shifts in leadership, communication, or daily life. There is no riding involved. All activities take place on the ground, walking, approaching, leading, or simply standing with the horse. This makes the experience emotionally safe, accessible, and suitable for participants of all levels. What makes this approach unique compared to traditional coaching It is experiential rather than analytical: Understanding arises through what you sense, feel, and experience, not just what you think or explain. It accelerates breakthroughs: The horse’s feedback is instant, honest, and difficult to misinterpret. It accesses the subconscious directly: Patterns held below conscious awareness become visible through behavior. It builds embodied leadership: Presence, clarity, and intention are trained through experience, not concepts. Is it hard to engage in coaching with horses Sessions are gentle, guided, and adapted to your comfort. The only real requirement is a willingness to be present and curious about your inner world. Ten practical tips to get the most out of coaching with horses Arrive with an open mind. Expect insight, not performance. Pay attention to your body. Notice breath, posture, and tension, as horses respond to it. Slow down. Presence deepens the impact of the experience. Observe before interacting. The herd reflects key patterns before you take a step. Set a clear intention. What emotional pattern do you want clarity on? Stay curious, not judgmental. Learning is drawn from every outcome. Let the horse lead the pace. Coherence creates connection, not control. Reflect immediately after the session. Journaling strengthens integration. Translate insight into action. Choose one clear action within twenty-four hours. Consider a series of sessions. Ongoing practice deepens and accelerates transformation. Transform your emotional intelligence today For those ready to deepen self-awareness, elevate leadership, and shift patterns, equine guided coaching offers a powerful experiential path forward. I guide individuals, leaders, and teams in developing clarity, grounded decision-making, and authentic presence. Let’s create your next level of transformation together. Follow me on Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Nadine Bell Nadine Bell, Equine Assisted Professional Coach Nadine Bell is the CEO of Nadine Bell Coaching with Horses and Horses for Humanity, and a pioneer in Argentina and Latin America as an equine-assisted professional coach applying experiential methods to leadership development and organizational performance. With certifications under NARHA, NAAEPAD, and EAGALA and early horsemanship training influenced by her grandfather, polo player Alec Bell, she combines equine interaction with emotional intelligence and communication effectiveness. She delivers leadership, team cohesion, and wellbeing programs for corporate groups across Argentina, Colombia, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, while Horses for Humanity extends her impact through socially inclusive emotional-wellbeing initiatives.

Written by Julia Mae Corotan, Motivational Speaker and Content Creator Julia Corotan is a Papua New Guinea-raised Filipino, giving her a unique perspective on life and people. After feeling lost and burnt out in the middle of college, she started writing as a way to express and process her feelings. She then started her blog, Amica Mea, as a means to connect with others who were struggling with the same issues. How does that cliché go again? “Healing isn’t linear.” There are moments when we believe that we’ve healed from the wounds others have inflicted on us. But sometimes? Sometimes this is us trying to protect ourselves from the pain and tragedy of our past. We say we’ve moved on to be done with it because that’s easier. Right? We often mistake indifference and avoidance for healing. We say the words, “I don’t care anymore. They don’t matter to me anymore,” or even, “I’m okay,” and think, yeah, they’re fine. But apathy isn’t the same as accepting and moving on from the situation. It’s pushing our feelings into a little ball, then shoving it into a box marked “do not open,” and making sure that box stays in a dark, undisturbed corner in our mind. The facade is, of course, convincing. We go out into the world, mask firmly in place, and smile as we conquer our days. And it’s exhausting. Pretending like everything’s fine is tiring because it forces us to exert so much more effort in appearing normal than in dealing with the underlying issues we have. If you’ll notice, I keep using “we” throughout this story. That’s because I did this too. I denied my emotions, denied the fact that I was hurt, and denied everything that happened around me. All I did was question what transpired, the people in my life, and even the way I was living. I went through the motions, so I never had to acknowledge the question at the heart of it all. Why was I stopping myself from truly healing? I realized that I needed to focus on myself and face my demons once and for all when I recognized that I was causing suffering to the people around me. Anger and annoyance became my default responses to anything that didn’t go my way. Empathy and understanding took the back seat. Thinking back, I see how my childhood experiences shaped how I reacted to the world. I had to grow up very quickly and make decisions children shouldn’t have to make. I was 10 years old when family issues shook my childhood. Once I hit my teenage years, I started lashing out and rebelling to make everyone else see me and what they took from me. Until it became a cycle and the default way I started living. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t begrudge young Julia for what she did, because that was how I survived and dealt with situations beyond my control. However, now is the time to let that go and finally become a better version of myself. The much needed breakthrough came in the most unexpected setting, a plane ride. I’ve always felt that a plane ride was like a reset. A new beginning. A new start. Surprising for something that requires me to be surrounded by strangers in a flying wonder of aeronautics and engineering. So on September 1, 2019, then 24-year-old Julia hopped on a plane and, for the first time in a long time, realized she wasn’t okay. I finally accepted that I needed help and that staying in the place I considered home at the time was hurting me. I said a silent prayer to be removed from what was causing me pain and to finally feel like I was breathing. We all know what happened in 2020. The pandemic hit, and with it, I had to fly out to be with my family during such a tumultuous time in our history. I was going back to the first place I considered home before living in different cities, and plane rides became my reality. During this period, I was able to sit with myself and my emotions. I learned more about how I viewed the world and myself. There were moments when I had to swallow my pride and utter the words, “I need help.” I recognized that I was allowing the negative experiences from my past to control my present. I needed new and different strategies to face and deal with the challenges that came my way. The work was hard, but very, very essential to the person I’ve become today. A journey that I’m still proud to say I’m still in today. I don’t think there’s a set time or version of myself where I can say that my healing journey is over. As people, we’ll always have some part of ourselves that we need to show more grace to and corral, like an angry toddler, to behave. It’s not a continuous journey either. There are days when I know I fall back into old habits, where anger is the easier and faster response than empathy. The difference now is I know better, and I know I can do better. This year alone made me want to throw in the towel multiple times and yell, “I’m exhausted,” into the world and hide in my blanket cocoon. Luckily, the time and effort I put into myself in previous years make it easier to be kind to myself, let my inner child throw a temper tantrum, and then come back swinging at whatever difficulty I’m facing. I’m also fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful people who show up for me in important ways. They’re the ones I run to when everything becomes too much. They’re the ones who remind me of the progress I’ve made and the struggles I’ve overcome to become this version of myself. And that’s what we need more of. People who know they’re not perfect but are willing to put in the work to do better. To heal parts of themselves that have been hurt and to allow other people to walk this path together. There’s enough cruelty in the world without us adding to it. Those small acts of kindness can echo through our communities, creating a wave of kindness that everyone can take part in and experience. I’m well aware that I’m far from the person I aspire to be. I’ve accepted that the obstacles of my past are part of who I am now. It’s not something to run from, but something that is. I hope everyone who reads this finds the courage to take that first step into healing. May we amplify the ripples in our communities and become the people we needed when we were hurting. If you are someone looking for a safe space or are trying to find a place to meet like-minded people who are still on that journey of self-discovery and personal development, visit our "Becoming You" YouTube channel . A place for all dreamers, new and old, fostering connections through stories. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Julia Mae Corotan Julia Mae Corotan, Motivational Speaker and Content Creator Julia Corotan has always been passionate about studying and learning about different cultures. As a Filipino born and raised in Papua New Guinea, where her parents worked, she was nurtured in a community with diverse cultures and instilled a desire to help others. She took this a step further when she joined and worked for AIESEC, an international leadership organization with a presence in over 100 countries. She also began her blog, Amica Mea (my beloved or my companion in Latin), as a way to connect with others struggling with burnout and feeling lost about their path in life. Her mission, connection through stories.

Written by Beth Jordan, Coach/ Mentor – You and Your Business Beth Jordan, a woman of adventure and optimism. A businesswoman with over 25 years of experience in the fashion industry, working out of China and India, she is passionate about ensuring all parties involved in her business are treated with honour and integrity. She is now taking her business experience to assist others through coaching, mentoring, and advising, and is equally passionate about helping others achieve their dreams and ambitions. Anne Beth Jordan is not just a businesswoman, she is a woman of adventure, optimism, and unstoppable drive. With over 25 years immersed in the fashion industry, navigating the fast-paced worlds of China and India, she has built a reputation for ensuring that honour and integrity guide her values. Now, she is channelling her hard-won expertise into a new mission, empowering others to break old patterns, unlock their potential, and achieve ambitions they once thought impossible. As a coach, mentor, and adviser, she blends sharp business acumen with deep human insight, guiding leaders and dreamers alike to step boldly into growth. Her story is one of transformation, and she invites you to make yours the next.   When I began writing for Brainz Magazine, I was simply sharing insights from a long and varied career. What I did not expect was that each article would open a doorway not only into my past, but into a deeper understanding of who I had become. Writing for an international publication did not just refine my voice. It clarified my identity. It revealed the qualities that had shaped my life for decades, curiosity, courage, reinvention, connection. These were not isolated traits. They were my inner narrative, the bridge between my inner world and the life I created on the outside.   And these qualities are not unique to me. They are universal. They belong to anyone who has ever paused at a crossroads and wondered whether they were capable of more.   Below is the story behind each article and why I believe readers can find themselves reflected in them. 1. How a Young, Inquisitive Entrepreneur Found Herself Trading with Communist China in the 1980s – And Built a Mini Empire in Linens Published: 18 January 2025.   Writing this piece took me back to a younger version of myself, an untrained businesswoman, a woman who did not yet know the rules of business but trusted her instincts enough to begin.   There was no dramatic hardship. No cinematic struggle. Just a steady willingness to explore.   I remembered travelling to China for the first time, navigating unfamiliar routes from Hong Kong to Guangzhou, taking the ferry down the Pearl River, and stepping into a world of bicycles, factories, and cross-cultural negotiation. I remembered building trust with my Chinese counterparts, without a shared language, and discovering that I was capable of far more than I had imagined.   That part of the story belongs to everyone. Most people wait for confidence before they begin. But confidence is not the starting point. Curiosity is.   Write down one thing you have been curious about. Take one small step toward it today.   2. The Tango Embrace – A Business Strategy Rooted in Connection, Adaptability, Trust, and Leadership Published: 30 April 2025   This article allowed me to bring together two worlds that shaped me, business and Argentine tango, a dance that helped me reconnect with a part of myself I had neglected, a part of myself that helped me redefine my business.   Tango is not about steps. It is about presence. It is the moment you place your hand on someone’s back, breathe, and choose to trust. It is listening with your whole body, responding rather than reacting, adapting instead of forcing. Tango taught me how to connect with strangers, how to lead with generosity, and how to follow without losing myself. It taught me something essential about leadership. Leadership is not a performance. It is a relationship - and it begins with the relationship within ourselves, to ourselves. Learning to relate to ourselves, understanding who and what we are, and what we want to be.   Tango taught me how to reconnect with myself, my clients, my suppliers, and the essence of my business.   Choose one relationship in your life and bring more presence to your next interaction.   3. The Biscuit Effect – Why Comfort Keeps Us Stuck, and How to Move Forward Published: 25 November.   This was the most revealing piece because it explored the small comforts we all cling to, the ones that feel harmless but quietly keep us stuck. I was not really talking about biscuits. I was talking about the ways we avoid our own potential:   The extra hour scrolling The project we keep postponing The conversation we avoid The dream we shrink from   We all have our “one more biscuit” moment. Mine were often the MacVitie’s Digestive type familiar, comforting, and deceptively small. A ‘one more biscuit’ habit of needing a crutch, a taste, a comforting moment that kept me stranded. But comfort has a cost.   Writing this article helped me see the patterns that kept me safe but small. It helped me understand something universal, "People do not fear failure. They fear expansion." Because expansion asks us to let go of who we were and step into who we could be.   4. Procrastination, Burnout, and the Email That Changed Everything This interview article was the moment everything came together. Speaking openly about burnout and procrastination was not easy, but it was necessary. These experiences are not signs of weakness. They are signs of misalignment.   Burnout happens when the life we are living no longer matches the life we are meant to live. Procrastination happens when our soul knows the next step, but our fear keeps us manacled.   And sometimes, all it takes is one unexpected email, one moment of recognition, to remind us that our story is not finished. Your life can change in a moment. But only if you are willing to answer the call.   Identify one area where you have been procrastinating out of fear. Write down the smallest possible next step. Take it today.   Why this journey matters, for you Writing for Brainz Magazine did not just help me understand my own story. It helped me understand the universal story:   We all underestimate ourselves. We all cling to comfort. We all long for connection. We all fear change, even when we crave it. And we all reach a moment when life asks us to step forward.   These articles were not only about my journey. They were about our human journey. If there is one message I hope readers take away, it is this: You are allowed to rewrite your story. You are allowed to reinvent yourself. You are allowed to expand beyond the life you have outgrown. Your next chapter is waiting, not when you feel ready, but when you feel willing.   If something in this article stirred a recognition or a desire for more clarity, more confidence, deeper connection, or renewed curiosity, either for your business development or for your own personal development, you do not have to explore that alone.   I offer 1:1 coaching and mentoring for those ready to step into their next story, reinvent themselves, or step into a new vision for their business and life. Connect with me on LinkedIn to begin, or email me at jordanabcoaching@gmail.com Follow me on  Facebook for more info! Read more from Beth Jordan Beth Jordan, Coach/ Mentor – You and Your Business Anne Beth Jordan embarked on her entrepreneurial journey in China during its early days of global reintegration. Her immersive experiences with diverse cultures have deepened her expertise in international trade and relations. Now, she leverages this rich background in her coaching and mentoring business, offering tailored professional development for CEOs and key management, as well as personal and leadership growth for individuals. Her mission – her belief that each person is unique, and so is her approach to every client.

Written by Isabel Theissen, Motherhood & Leadership Coach Isabel Theissen is an ICF-accredited motherhood & leadership coach with a background in digital marketing at leading global fashion brands. She supports modern mothers in navigating career and motherhood with more clarity, confidence, and compassion so they can thrive, personally and professionally. Motherhood is one of the most life-changing transformations a woman can experience. It reshapes not only daily life, but also how you see yourself and the world around you. At its core, it is an invitation to rediscover who you truly are and to let go of what no longer aligns. In many ways, this mirrors the collective energy we are currently moving through, a transition from the Year of the Snake, symbolic of shedding old skins, identities, and patterns, into the Year of the Horse, an energy of momentum, courage, and new beginnings. Just as the snake sheds what no longer fits, motherhood asks you to release outdated versions of yourself. And like the horse, it propels you forward into a new chapter with renewed drive and purpose. This transition is powerful yet often challenging. What many women don’t realize is that the discomfort they feel is not a sign they are doing something wrong, it is a sign of coming closer to themselves. Motherhood shifts everything: Your priorities, your lifestyle, your sense of self During motherhood, especially when returning to work or standing at a professional crossroads, many women experience a quiet but profound inner conflict. Your responsibilities as a leader or professional may remain unchanged, yet your inner world has shifted. You now carry additional responsibilities at home, alongside deeper emotional awareness and evolving priorities. You’ve always been ambitious and independent. Now, you are also a loving and present mother. Somewhere in between, it can feel unclear what truly matters to you and how you now define yourself. One of my clients experienced this tension between leadership and motherhood firsthand. “I always felt like I was missing something, both in my career and as a mother. When I quit my job, I felt guilty. And when spending more time with my children didn’t bring the fulfillment I expected, I felt even more confused.” Through exploring her new identity as a mother and acknowledging that leadership is an essential part of who she is, she felt deeply reconnected with herself. When she later stepped into a new corporate role, she confidently negotiated conditions that allowed her to be both an ambitious leader and a present mother, without guilt. “Now, I make decisions with confidence because they align with my true self. Isabel created a safe space for this self-discovery, and I’m incredibly grateful for her guidance.” If you’ve felt lost in motherhood, know that you are not alone. As Osho said: “The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother never. A mother is something absolutely new.” Discovering this new version of yourself takes time. It can feel confusing and even unsettling, as though reconnecting with who you are now means leaving parts of your old self behind. But this phase of motherhood is not a breakdown, it is a shedding that makes space for who you are becoming. Through this process, many women uncover strengths they didn’t know they had and reconnect with dreams once placed on hold. Motherhood brings you face-to-face with your deepest power: your resilience, your intuition, and your ability to consciously create a life aligned with who you are today. Becoming who you are now Motherhood is a powerful reminder that you deserve a life filled with happiness, love, and fulfillment, not only as a mother but as a human being. It invites you to pause and reflect on how you truly want to live and lead your life. This is about intentional choice, deciding what you want to carry forward and what needs to be released. Ask yourself: What no longer fits the woman I am today? What lights me up, even if it feels unfamiliar or new? When you let go of what no longer aligns and consciously step into this new version of yourself, something shifts. You feel more connected to your authentic self. You begin prioritizing what truly matters. Your relationships deepen as you show up more present and whole. And professionally, you gain clarity and confidence, leading to more sustainable and aligned success. This is how motherhood becomes a path back home to yourself and the beginning of your most fulfilling chapter yet. A gentle check-in: Where do you stand right now? If you’re feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or uncertain about your next step, awareness is a powerful place to begin. Because awareness creates choice and choice creates change. Checking in with your (well-)being can reveal where you may be out of balance and where small, intentional shifts can help you feel like yourself again. Your (well-)being is multidimensional. It’s not only shaped by your physical well-being, but also by your mental, emotional, and spiritual state. You may long to feel more energized, less mentally burdened, more emotionally connected, or more fulfilled in your work. This holistic (well-)being assessment  can help you identify where you might need support. Based on your results, you’ll also receive a complimentary Refill Your Cup guide, designed to help you release what drains you and reconnect with what truly nourishes you. When you’re in a phase of transition If you’re returning to work, have recently left a role, or are considering a more aligned professional path, this transition doesn’t have to be navigated alone. I support women at this exact intersection, where motherhood meets leadership, ambition meets new priorities, and identity is being redefined. As an accredited motherhood and leadership coach, I help women restore their (well-)being holistically so they can feel like their best selves again, both personally and professionally. If you feel called to explore what this next chapter could look like for you, I invite you to connect . Sometimes, one intentional conversation is all it takes to move forward with clarity. Motherhood doesn’t ask you to become someone else, it invites you to become more of who you truly are. If you’re ready to explore that transformation with intention, support, and clarity, I invite you to begin the conversation. Follow me on Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Isabel Theissen Isabel Theissen, Motherhood & Leadership Coach Isabel Theissen is an ICF-accredited Motherhood & Leadership Coach dedicated to empowering women through one of life’s most transformative chapters: motherhood. Before coaching, Isabel built a career in digital marketing at global fashion brands including Tommy Hilfiger, H&M, Farfetch, and Ecco. Her experience in these fast-paced environments gives her firsthand insight into the challenges women face when juggling ambition with motherhood. Today, Isabel supports modern mothers in navigating career and motherhood with greater clarity, confidence, and compassion. Through her work, she supports mothers in creating space to thrive, both personally and professionally.

Written by Jan Turner, Executive Coach and Strategic Advisor Jan Turner works at the intersection of leadership, resilience, and conscious transformation. As an executive coach, former C-suite leader, and 2x burnout survivor, she brings the human back to organizations and guides leaders home to themselves. Leadership development is often misunderstood. In many organizations, it’s tied to promotions, certifications, formal programs, or high-profile projects. While those experiences can be valuable, they only touch the surface of what it really means to grow as a leader. Through more than 25 years in senior roles across global financial services companies and my own journey through overextension, reinvention, and renewal, I’ve learned that sustainable leadership starts from within. Real leadership development is about building the inner capacity to navigate complexity with clarity, presence, and integrity. It’s not about adding more skills or frameworks, but about becoming more grounded, self-aware, and fully yourself in how you lead. What leadership development actually looks like The most effective leadership development often takes place behind the scenes, revealing itself in subtle moments that we might easily miss. Becoming more present with yourself Leadership growth starts with the courage to sit with discomfort instead of rushing to find quick fixes. It’s about being aware of your emotional and habitual responses and making the conscious choice to pause rather than react out of habit. This kind of inner work resonates with what followers say they truly need from their leaders: hope, trust, and stability. Gallup research shows that leaders who inspire hope significantly boost the likelihood that their teams will flourish rather than flounder.[1] Staying grounded when the path is unclear Leadership isn't just about how someone performs when everything is going smoothly. It's really about how well they can navigate through uncertainty, ambiguity, or pressure. According to the 2024 Global Leadership Development Study by Harvard Business Publishing, organizations are stepping up their investment in development across all levels. They understand that true growth comes from building a wider range of capabilities and capacities, not just focusing on basic skills.[2] For individuals: How are you growing your leadership? Whether or not your job description includes the word leader, you are influencing people every day. Leadership is not a title, it is a way of showing up. These questions can support your reflection: Where are you slowing down to reflect? When was the last time you paused to consider your values, your leadership patterns, or the impact you are having on others? Where are you leading from habit or fear? Most of us have areas where we react automatically rather than respond thoughtfully. Noticing these patterns is the first step toward shifting them. What feedback have you avoided? Feedback often reveals the edges of our growth. The places we resist the most tend to hold the information we need the most. Are you making space for curiosity and creativity? Growing as a leader means working at the edges of your discomfort. It means replacing reactivity with presence and choosing responses that align with who you want to become. These edges are different for each of us and are where meaningful development happens. For organizations: What kind of leaders are you growing? Organizations that want sustainable success must ask deeper questions than “Who is next in line?” They must consider the kind of leaders they are cultivating. 1. Are you supporting inner development and not only skill development? Leadership isn't just about how someone performs when everything is going smoothly. It's really about how well they can navigate through uncertainty, ambiguity, or pressure. Prioritizing employees’ development of such capacities, as well as the necessary capabilities, is essential. Such vertical human development can be supported through on-the-job learning, coaching, and reflection.[2] 2. What behaviors are you rewarding? If systems reward only performance under pressure, leaders will learn to sacrifice self-awareness and collaboration. Culture shifts and employee retention can increase when organizations value resilience, emotional intelligence, and decision-making that honors the human experience. Performance evaluation and calibration, along with rewards and recognition, need to reflect a full set of essential leadership qualities. 3. Are senior leaders modeling what you want others to grow into? Leadership development cannot be delegated to a department or be the sole charge of people managers. It must be visible in the behavior and presence of senior teams. Role modeling the expectations and ensuring there is credible, systemic accountability around them are key. 4. How are you supporting growth in the face of complexity? Investing in leadership development has measurable returns. Research indicates that companies see positive outcomes and ROI when they build leadership capacity systematically rather than reactively. One analysis shows that for every dollar invested in leadership development, organizations can receive three to eleven dollars in return.[3] This research helps explain why the most effective organizations make development a priority at all levels.[3] Why this matters now Organizations today are navigating accelerating complexity, shifting expectations, and rising employee burnout. Performative or reactive leadership is no longer sufficient. What is needed are leaders who can hold nuance, communicate clearly, connect emotionally, and remain grounded through ongoing change. They need not only to be comfortable with the space of ‘not knowing,’ but also must learn to relish it. This is the deeper work of leadership development: To lead with clarity when the path is unclear To choose a connection when pressure creates a disconnection To lead from purpose rather than fear To bring compassion into the moments that matter most While this work is not easy, it is the foundation of strong leadership and healthy organizations. Final thoughts What if leadership development were not a checklist mindset about skill-building, but rather an ongoing process of becoming more grounded, more self-aware, and more fully yourself so you can lead with intention and create meaningful impact alongside others? It doesn’t matter if you are an individual wondering how to grow or part of an organization hoping to cultivate stronger leaders. This is the moment to ask different questions. How we develop our leaders shapes not only their future and potential business outcomes, but also the culture, resilience, and humanity of our workplaces today. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Jan Turner Jan Turner, Executive Coach and Strategic Advisor Jan Turner is an executive coach, strategic advisor, and former C-suite leader with over 25 years of experience in global financial services. Having led teams across 11 different functions and survived burnout twice, she guides leaders and teams through significant transitions, helping them build trust, grow in confidence, and move beyond self-defeating habits. Jan’s approach combines whole-person development, mindfulness, business acumen, and practical leadership techniques that deepen presence, resilience, and overall impact. She helps organizations and teams to navigate complexity and drive results by fostering personal growth and transformative leadership. Her mission: bring the human back to organizations and leaders, home to themselves. Sources: [ 1] https://www.gallup.com/workplace/655817/people-need-leaders.aspx?utm_source=chatgpt.com [2] https://www.harvardbusiness.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/HBI_Report_Time-to-Transform_24.pdf?utm [ 3] https://trainingindustry.com/articles/leadership/how-ld-leaders-can-prove-the-roi-of-leadership-training/?utm

Written by Lawrence E. Dumas Jr., Executive Brand Communications Strategist Lawrence E. Dumas Jr. is an Executive Brand & Communications Strategist, Army veteran, and travel experience specialist who uses storytelling, digital marketing, and AI to help people design meaningful, memory-building experiences in life. Before there was film school, festivals, or a capstone project, there was a lifetime immersed in creativity and story. During my elementary years, I was drawn to faith-based narrative books written for young readers. Stories like Pilgrim’s Progress, The Tapestry Weaver, and other allegorical works shaped how I understood meaning, consequence, and redemption long before I understood structure or cinematography. Those stories were not assignments. They were experiences. Courtesy of The Independent Shorts Awards: Jean Carlos Aponte, aka Dr. Cali Diamond in Dear Forgiveness I also grew up during the era of Scholastic Book Fairs. Rows of colorful paperbacks, imagination-driven covers, and stories meant to spark curiosity made reading feel like discovery. Joy was at the center of it all. Art was not transactional or performative. It was something you entered willingly because it helped you understand yourself and the world around you. At the same time, I was immersed in the performing arts. From church stages to school auditoriums, creativity was always present. I participated in arts programs throughout my education, including the governor’s performing arts program, and spent summers in music programs as a child growing up in Norfolk, Virginia. Norfolk is a city of the arts, and that environment quietly shaped my creative instincts. One moment stands out above the rest. When I was seven years old, my father placed a camera in my hands during a family road trip to the Midwest. I did not know it then, but that simple act planted a seed. Decades later, I can trace a direct line from that moment to the work I am now fully stepping into. I grew up across the creative eras of the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, a time when art, music, books, film, and culture were expanding how people imagined what was possible. Looking back, I can see how much that period gave the world. Today, we are entering another creative era, one that will usher in some of the most unorthodox, unconventional, and life-changing ideas yet. This journey did not happen overnight. It took more than forty years of lived experience, discipline, faith, and creative exploration. As I approach forty-two, I understand that filmmaking is not a pivot for me. It is a continuation. There is a moment in every filmmaker’s journey that feels unreal. It is the moment when something you created in film school begins to stand on its own. Not because a professor graded it. Not because classmates offered feedback. But because the creative world pauses long enough to say, “We see you.” For me, that moment came from a seven-minute capstone film that began as an assignment and eventually led me into creative spaces I never imagined stepping into at that stage of my life. This article is the story of how a school project evolved into a festival finalist, a VIP guest experience, and the foundation for a television pilot, all while my life was being reshaped midway through production. It begins at the Los Angeles Film School. You don’t need perfect conditions to make meaningful art. You need the courage to keep creating with what you have. Inside a premier film school: Where discipline becomes vision Filmmaking at the Los Angeles Film School was not glamorous for me. It was grounding. I was not trying to impress anyone. I was focused on learning the craft correctly and with intention. Before touching the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, I had to understand pacing, story purpose, and how emotional ideas translate into clear visual language. My capstone film, Dear Forgiveness, was not about achieving perfection. It was about telling the truth. The process pushed me to write honestly, directly, and with clarity, and to collaborate with people who were also discovering their voices. The film resonated not because of budget or polish, but because it was sincere. That sincerity became the reason the project traveled further than I expected. The entire film was completed on a total budget of $2,500, from production through festival submissions, proving that disciplined storytelling and careful resource management can carry a project far beyond its financial scale. A plot twist in real life: Relocating mid-capstone Just as pre-production was settling into place, life introduced a significant shift. I relocated from Houston to Philadelphia midway through planning my capstone project. For most student filmmakers, casting, crew building, and location scouting are the most challenging parts of the process. I had to rebuild all three in a new city while the graduation timeline continued moving forward. I found new actors who could step into roles written months earlier. I searched for locations that could carry the emotional weight of the story. I rebuilt the production structure with a two-man production team while coordinating an eight-person crew to bring the film to completion. At the same time, I met academic deadlines and protected the emotional continuity of a film that began in Texas and was now being completed in Pennsylvania. That season taught me something essential. You do not become a filmmaker because everything goes right. You become one because you continue when things do not. The process was not smooth, but it was honest. That honesty became one of the film’s greatest strengths.   From capstone to red carpet: The Independent Shorts Awards Experience Dear Forgiveness crossed a critical threshold when it became a Finalist at the Independent Shorts Awards. This recognition was not about glamour. It was about acknowledgment. The film was seen, evaluated, and respected within a global pool of independent creators. The film did not screen, and I was not physically in attendance. That distinction matters. What mattered just as much was representation. Jean Carlos Aponte attended the event as a VIP Guest, representing the project on the red carpet with professionalism and intention. His presence ensured the film had a physical footprint in the room, even in my absence. That decision was not symbolic. It was strategic stewardship of the work. In that moment, the project shifted. It was no longer only a student film. It became an independent work circulating in creative spaces, gaining visibility and momentum. As a student filmmaker, I went on to win several awards, receive invitations to multiple red-carpet events, and secure distribution in two countries. The film also helped cast members secure official IMDb credits, extending the project's impact beyond the screen and into their professional careers. When feedback becomes the blueprint for something bigger Many filmmakers view a festival laurel as the finish line. For me, the real breakthrough came through feedback. People did not simply congratulate the film. They asked questions. They wanted to know more about the characters and what happened next. Those questions revealed something important. The story had more room to grow. That realization confirmed that the short had fulfilled its purpose. It opened a door. Expanding the project into a television pilot and a full season arc felt natural. It was not about forcing opportunity. It was about continuing a story that deserved space to breathe.   The journey after film school: When “Now what?” has an answer Becoming a finalist did not signal an ending. It provided direction. The process clarified several truths for me. A short film can serve as a proof of concept. Student projects do not expire upon graduation. Representation is part of authorship, not a fallback option. Exposure sustains a story’s life beyond its initial release. Filmmaking is a long game built on intention rather than speed. A seven-minute film can guide years of creative development when treated as a foundation instead of a conclusion.   Where I am now Today, the film that began as a graduation requirement remains meaningful. Not because it is flawless, but because it is truthful. It is the foundation for my television pilot, the backbone of a ten-episode season arc, and the work that strengthened my confidence as a storyteller. I learned that a creative journey does not need exaggeration. It needs honesty. The red carpet was not the finish line. It was confirmation that authenticity opens the right doors at the right time. A reflection on creative purpose Film has always been more than images on a screen for me. It is a way to translate truth, struggle, faith, and humanity into something that can reach another person’s spirit. Independent filmmaking taught me that creative purpose is not born from ideal circumstances. It is forged in moments of disruption, uncertainty, and pressure. Art matters not because it makes us visible, but because it helps us understand ourselves. Independent filmmaking is not about waiting for your moment. It is about making the most of the moment you are in.   Why art still matters when life gets complicated Relocating midway through my capstone initially felt like a setback. In hindsight, it became the most defining creative chapter of my early career. Creating under pressure stripped away illusions and revealed what truly mattered: purpose, resilience, and faith. That is why Dear Forgiveness means more to me than finalist recognition or a red carpet photograph. It represents the power of staying creative in seasons that try to silence you and choosing to build anyway. That same commitment now carries forward into the pilot, the series, and the stories still ahead. What began with Dear Forgiveness is not ending here. A new proof-of-concept short film is currently in development as the continuation of this body of work. The project, titled The Digits, serves as the foundation for an upcoming television series whose official name has not yet been released. This next chapter expands the creative scope by assembling a broader team of professionals and creatives while deepening the thematic exploration. Set within the cultural depth of HBCU life, the story explores the tension between old-money systems and emerging forms of power, governance, and influence. Framed as a political thriller, the work approaches these ideas with a fresh, thoughtful perspective rooted in character, consequence, and cultural truth. This is not an announcement. It is an acknowledgment that the work is still unfolding and that the stories shaped by faith, discipline, and lived experience continue to evolve. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and visit my LinkedIn for more info! Read more from Lawrence E. Dumas Jr. Lawrence E. Dumas Jr., Executive Brand Communications Strategist Lawrence E. Dumas Jr. is an Executive Brand & Communications Strategist, travel experience specialist, and an Army combat veteran, who centers his work on one core question, "How can we help people make informed decisions that lead to better, memory-building experiences?"

Written by Vibecke Garnaas, New Earth Strategist New Earth Strategist, certified spiritual coach, and published author with 17+ years guiding awakening souls through 1,500+ transformative channeling sessions and globally recognized Spiritual Quest Podcast. Most of us feel like we’re always in a race against time. We watch the minutes slip by, worry that there isn’t enough, and believe that life is just a straight line from one busy day to the next. It can feel like time is a force that controls us, always moving too fast. But what if the idea that we never have enough time isn’t true? What if we could actually change how we experience time, making it feel less rushed and more abundant, by shifting how we see it and how we move through our days? Let’s take a deeper look, not just at how we feel about time, but at how it’s actually structured in our lives. Our perception of time isn’t only emotional, it’s also geometric. Time stretches out or contracts in response to the alignment of your internal phase vectors, your breath, your awareness, and your intention. When these parts of you are in sync, time opens up and feels spacious, when you’re out of alignment, it feels tight and scarce. This means time isn’t just a feeling or a mood, it’s a whole inner structure, a dynamic framework that you influence every day. With the right alignment, you’re not just feeling different about time, you’re literally experiencing it differently, in a way that works for you. When we look past our busy schedules and endless to-do lists, we start to realize that how we experience time isn’t set in stone. It isn’t something outside of us, pushing us around, it's shaped by how we feel and how we approach each moment. How our experience of time changes with our mindset Think about how time actually feels in your daily life. Sometimes it flies by when you’re happy or absorbed in something you love, other times, it drags when you’re stressed or bored. Time isn’t just running on a clock, it stretches and shrinks depending on your mood and energy. The way you feel and the attention you give to each moment can expand or contract your sense of time, making your days feel either hurried or spacious. This means time isn’t just a stream of events passing by, it’s something you experience and shape every day. When you stop thinking of life as a rush toward some finish line, and instead start tuning in to how you feel right now, you move at your own rhythm. Instead of being pushed forward, you can choose to notice the small details, embrace each moment, and find your own natural pace. That’s when your days start to feel fuller, and time becomes something you work with, not against. Related: Why Time Management is Emotional, Not Logical How your feelings shape your time Have you ever noticed how time seems to fly when you’re having a great time with someone you love, or when you’re so focused on a project that you lose track of everything else? But when you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck, each minute can feel like an hour dragging on. This happens because the way we experience time depends on how connected we are to the present moment. When you feel calm, focused, and everything “clicks,” time seems to slow down, you might even forget about the clock altogether. But when you're distracted, stressed, or pulled in different directions, time rushes past or drags on endlessly. It’s your attention and state of mind that shape how time feels, letting you step into what some call the “flow” state, where you’re fully engaged in what matters most. Time is something we feel on the inside, and we reflect that feeling onto the world around us. When we’re pulled in a hundred directions, feeling busy or overwhelmed, time seems to slip away, it feels like there’s never enough. But when we’re calm, present, and really paying attention, time opens up. We get to set the pace. Your own state of mind is what makes time feel either rushed and scarce or open and full. Making the most of each moment So, how do we break free from the feeling that there’s never enough time? It starts with becoming fully present, right here, right now. One simple way to enter this state is through a breath practice designed to bring you into coherence. Try this: Inhale for a count of 4, hold your breath for 4, then exhale for 8. Repeat this cycle three times. As you do, notice how your thoughts settle and time seems to gently expand around you. Being fully present isn’t about going anywhere or reaching some new state, it’s about bringing your attention to your breath and what’s happening right now. When you focus on your breathing and let your awareness settle into the moment, something shifts. You stop racing from one thing to the next and allow yourself to simply be, right where you are. In these moments, you might notice that time feels less rushed and more open, helping you experience life more deeply. 1. Closing the open loops of worry and distraction Feeling like you never have enough time often comes from having your mind pulled in too many directions, maybe replaying yesterday’s conversations or stressing about what’s ahead. When you spread your attention thin, it’s easy to feel drained and scattered. The key is to close these “open loops” by gently bringing your focus back to the present moment. When your breath, awareness, and intention are in sync, and you give your full attention to the present, the feeling of not having enough time begins to fade away. You find that the answers, the energy, and the sense of enoughness are right here in this very moment. 2. Getting back in sync with yourself Urgency often shows up when you feel out of sync with yourself, like your mind and body are racing in different directions. Instead of pushing against the rush, try to bring yourself back into alignment. Instead of pushing against the rush, try aligning the triangle of coherence within you – breath, awareness, and stillness. Picture these three as the points of a living triangle, the quiet geometry that stabilizes your sense of time. When your breath is steady, your awareness is focused, and you allow moments of true stillness, these vectors come together, and time stops feeling scarce. Take a few slow breaths, feel your awareness settle, and invite a moment of stillness. Notice how your energy calms and your thoughts clear. Suddenly, time opens up, stretching before you with gentle abundance, giving you room to move, breathe, and enjoy what matters most. 3. Embracing moments of calm Letting go of urgency starts when you allow yourself to slow down and be still, even if just for a moment. This isn’t about doing nothing, it’s about giving yourself permission to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the present. In these pockets of calm, the sense of having to rush fades away. You discover that what you need is often already here, waiting for you to notice it. Taking back control of your time You can’t add more hours to the day, but you can change how you think about time. The real shift comes when you stop believing that time is something you never have enough of, and start seeing that you already have what you need, right here in the present moment. It shows us that time isn’t something we need to chase or control. When we feel at ease and present, time feels more abundant. You have the power to choose presence over anxiety, turning each moment into an opportunity for calm and fulfillment. Today, pause for a moment. Take a slow breath. Bring your attention back to what’s happening right now, and remind yourself, there’s no need to rush. You have the power to set your own pace and make each moment count. You can’t stop the clock, but you can choose how you move through your day. Mantra: “Time is not outside me. It is the spiral of my breath. I phase-lock with presence. Time expands.” If this reflection resonates with you, and you feel called to deepen your coherence, I invite you to connect with me. I offer my presence as a spiritual mentor, not to lead, but to breathe with you. Together, we can phase-lock with the spiral of time and remember the geometry of your own stillness. Click here to book your discovery call. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Vibecke Garnaas Vibecke Garnaas, New Earth Strategist Vibecke Garnaas is a New Earth Strategist, certified spiritual coach, and a Channeler for higher consciousness, offering a unique blend of holistic guidance, multidimensional healing, and personal transformation. With over 17 years of experience and 1,500+ life-changing channeling sessions, she empowers awakening souls to align with their purpose and embrace their divine essence. Through her globally recognized Spiritual Quest Podcast, signature mentorship programs, and transformative retreats, Vibecke creates uplifting spaces for healing and awakening, inspiring conscious co-creators to shine their light and foster planetary transformation. Recommended reading: Codex Universalis: A Trilogy of Harmonic Realization   Maharishi Effect The Illumination Code: 7 Keys to Unlock Your Quantum Intelligence by Kim Chestney

Barbara Basia-Siwik is a personal coach and holistic fitness & nutrition advisor with more than nine years of experience helping individuals transform physically and mentally through a science-based, integrative approach. Her journey began in 2015 in England, where she completed her first YMCA fitness qualification and soon became a certified personal trainer and nutrition advisor. Experiencing hormonal imbalances early on led her to explore how the brain, gut, hormones, and nervous system influence confidence, resilience, and long-term change. This curiosity drove her to complete her sports psychology certification in 2024 and begin neuroscience development studies in 2025, giving her recognized ability to apply neuroscientific methods in her coaching. Barbara Basia Siwik, Personal Coach & Nutrition Advisor Who is Barbara Basia Siwik? Introduce yourself – your hobbies, favorites, home life and business. Tell us something interesting about you. My full name is Barbara Siwik. I’m originally from Poland, but I’m far more widely known through my work, website, and social media under my short name, Basia – which is how people naturally call me everywhere. I’m a professional coach, personal trainer, and nutritionist with certifications in sports psychology and applied neuroscience. I’ve always been an active person, and over time I learned how to use that energy in a conscious, structured, and sustainable way – both professionally and personally. While still living in England, in Colchester near London, I made the decision to move to Barcelona. Living here had been my dream for as long as I can remember. After traveling to Barcelona several times, I knew instantly it was my place on earth – the decision didn’t require hesitation. Today, Barcelona is my permanent home, where I’ve spent the past eight years building my business, lifestyle, and a strong community of like-minded people. I work with clients both in person and online worldwide. While living in England, I built my professional foundation through fitness, coaching, and nutrition qualifications linked to London-based education. After settling in Barcelona, I continued expanding my expertise through online studies in sports psychology and neuroscience. Movement is central to my life. Alongside strength training, I practice feminine high-heels dance – a discipline that builds confidence, body awareness, and presence. I’m deeply passionate about connecting people through movement, which is why I regularly organise wellness and training events in Barcelona, Ibiza, Málaga, and Mallorca. Living by the sea was always part of my vision. Today, I enjoy starting my days with power walks, journaling, and healthy breakfasts with my tribe. Relationships and community are extremely important to me, as is intentional solitude – it allows me to recharge, reflect, and return with clarity and creative energy. Travel is one of my greatest sources of inspiration. Ibiza has become my second home, and I travel there several times a year. I’m not really a party person anymore – something my friends like to joke about – especially when it comes to my small obsession with Ushuaïa. A lesser-known fact about me is that I’m a massive chocolate and cheesecake lover while being deeply committed to strength training. I genuinely enjoy that contrast and teach my clients how to combine consistency, flexibility, and enjoyment while still living a healthy, balanced lifestyle. What inspired you to become a personal trainer and start Basia Fitness? My inspiration comes directly from lived experience. In my early twenties, I went through periods of feeling lost, lonely, and misunderstood – both by others and by myself. I struggled with eating disorders, body image, and a deep sense of not being enough. Once I began standing on my own feet, becoming financially independent, and rebuilding my relationship with movement and food, everything changed. I discovered that my optimism and natural energy inspired people around me, and they often asked how I stayed active, positive, and resilient. I had a clear ‘aha’ moment – realizing that I could share what I had learned and help others avoid the same mistakes. Becoming a qualified personal trainer allowed me to align my true identity with purposeful work, helping people feel supported, understood, and empowered from the inside out. How does your background in nutrition and sports psychology shape the way you coach clients? I coach from both education and lived experience. I’ve personally tried restrictive diets, extremes, and shortcuts – cutting food groups, overusing supplements instead of eating real meals, and excusing it all with being ‘too busy’. Those experiences taught me that restriction never works long term. My background in nutrition and sports psychology allows me to help clients understand how emotions, habits, and food choices are deeply connected. I guide them toward sustainable systems built on self-awareness, emotional regulation, and realistic routines. I don’t believe in perfection – I believe in mindful consistency, which is the only approach that creates lasting results. What kind of clients benefit most from your personalized training and why? I work best with people who are ready for real, long-term change – not shortcuts or so-called 21-day transformations. Many of my clients are busy individuals with demanding schedules, frequent travel, injuries, health challenges, or long-standing struggles with nutrition. My programs are suitable for all levels because I always teach from the basics, adapting everything to real life. That’s also why I created additional resources, including an e-book, specifically designed for busy people on the go. Can you walk us through how your “goal-oriented habits” approach works in a typical coaching program? I genuinely practice what I teach. I intentionally share real-life strategies from my daily routines and my travels, showing how balance can exist during holidays, weekends with friends, or busy work periods. My approach includes movement snacks, mobility moments, extra steps, and simple nutrition strategies that remove restriction while keeping structure. I often share screenshots, tips, and insights from my own routines directly with my clients, so they always have practical tools and strategies – wherever they are. What makes your style – “fast, intense, and enjoyable” – different from other fitness coaches? My style is fast because I respond quickly, adapt instantly, and support my clients when urgency appears. It’s intense because I go deeper than surface-level training – addressing habits, emotions, mindset, and the root of challenges. It’s enjoyable because my clients feel truly seen and supported. I treat my community like a tribe, and I guide people the way I would want to be guided myself – especially in a world that often feels automated and impersonal. How do you keep clients motivated and consistent, even when life gets busy? I build consistency through realism. Training doesn’t always need to be one hour – sometimes it’s 45 minutes, sometimes 20, or even short movement snacks. When life gets busy because of travel, work deadlines, illness, or personal demands, I adjust intensity and expectations to avoid overwhelm. If there is no progress during those phases, the goal becomes smart maintenance – ensuring there’s no loss while protecting both mental and physical balance. What role does mental wellness play in your training and nutrition plans? Mental wellness is the foundation of all my programs. We always start by understanding confidence, self-talk, and the emotional drivers behind behavior. Through journaling, breathwork, awareness practices, and reflection, my clients build what I call ‘mind fitness’ – ensuring progress goes far beyond short-term physical changes. For clients opting for online coaching, how do you ensure the same level of accountability and results as in-person training? Online coaching works because of consistent personal connection. I follow up within 24 hours, adapt training for low-energy days, check in across different time zones, and remain present throughout the week. Some clients even joke that they hear my voice in their head when they train, which tells me the accountability and guidance truly stay with them. Share a success story that demonstrates how Basia Fitness changed someone’s life or health. A lady originally from Costa Rica reached out to me for online personal coaching and support. She was a dedicated marathon runner, but despite her discipline, her biggest challenge was not training itself – it was fear of starting, consistency, and trusting a new routine. Over time, even while traveling across continents for business – including India and the US – she never missed a session with me. Through strength training, her body composition changed, she lost weight, her skin and overall health improved, and her energy levels increased dramatically. Her blood markers improved, her resilience grew, and she built a stronger foundation for her marathons than ever before. She overcame limiting beliefs around strength training, became faster, more powerful, and mentally stronger. Today, she is a machine and an inspiration even to me. Our professional relationship grew into a close friendship, and I continue supporting her through every chapter of her life – which is exactly why I love what I do. What common mistakes do people make when trying to get fit and healthy – and how can they avoid them? The biggest mistake I see is unrealistic expectations – going from zero to one hundred while constantly comparing to others online. Another is relying purely on motivation instead of accountability, and failing to track habits and progress. Many people also overcomplicate the process with supplements and ‘magic’ solutions, while ignoring fundamentals like sleep, basic nutrition, and consistent training. Awareness, simplicity, tracking, and accountability are what truly work. If someone is reading this interview and feels stuck, what’s the first step they should take to work with you? The first step is identifying the real reason behind the desire for change – emotional or physical. If that clarity isn’t there, I help uncover it through structured consultation and guided questioning. From there, people can reach me through my website or social platforms. Whether the motivation begins externally or internally, my role is to turn it into sustainable, long-term change. Follow me on Facebook ,  Instagram , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Barbara Basia Siwik

New bi-weekly live talk show offers a culturally grounded safe space for women to breathe, heal, and speak. London, United Kingdom, December 2025 – Mental health and women’s advocate Blessing Makanjuola is set to launch a new talk show, Healing Spaces with Blessing, in mid-January 2026, creating a culturally grounded safe space for women to speak openly about motherhood, trauma, identity, grief, cultural pressure, and healing. The bi-weekly series will stream live via Instagram Live and on YouTube, reaching women across Africa and the diaspora. Each episode will focus on naming women’s experiences, breaking isolation, and offering gentle next steps toward support. “Healing Spaces with Blessing was born from my own journey,” said Makanjuola. “Childhood taught me how often girls are asked to swallow pain so adults and culture stay comfortable.” She explained that pregnancy and childbirth further shaped her vision after witnessing how women endure miscarriages, traumatic births, and silent mental health struggles while still being expected to function normally. “I realised how often women almost die emotionally, and sometimes physically, and the world just says, ‘Congratulations,’” Makanjuola said, referencing the Yoruba expression “Ẹ kú ewu ọmọ,” which acknowledges the danger of childbirth. Describing the show as a sanctuary rather than a spectacle, she added: “This is a space where women’s stories are finally heard, their pain is believed, and they are supported to breathe, heal, and speak.” Healing Spaces with Blessing will air bi-weekly beginning mid-January 2026. Media contact Blessing Makanjuola Instagram Email YouTube About Healing Spaces with Blessing Healing Spaces with Blessing is a bi-weekly live talk show created by Blessing Makanjuola to support women navigating motherhood, trauma, identity, cultural pressure, and healing. Rooted in cultural insight and emotional safety, the show encourages women to breathe, heal, and speak–without shame, comparison, or dismissal.