Written by Mohamed Ahmed Fouad Amin, Owner of Alfouad Group Al Fouad Group is a leading real estate consultancy specializing in valuation, development advisory, and investment strategies, alongside City Creek Contracting. The Group provides expert guidance to investors and developers across luxury and high-growth real estate markets. In real estate, most buyers focus on price, location, and projected returns. What many overlook, often at great cost, is that the most critical decision is not the unit itself, but the developer behind it. The market is full of projects that launched with confidence and strong marketing, only to end in delays, poor delivery, or unresolved disputes. In most cases, the problem was never the market. It was the developer. Before committing your money, take a moment to recognize these warning signs. 1. A history of delayed projects If a developer has delayed delivery before, this is not a coincidence or a one-time issue. Delays usually reflect weak planning, cash flow pressure, or poor project management. A disciplined developer treats timelines as commitments. A troubled one treats them as estimates. 2. Complete dependence on buyer payments When construction relies entirely on buyers’ installments, with no clear financing or financial backing, the project becomes vulnerable. Any slowdown in sales can lead to: Construction delays Compromised quality Extended handover timelines In such cases, the buyer carries most of the risk. 3. Marketing promises that sound too good Be cautious of developers who: Promise unusually high returns Focus on slogans rather than numbers Sell concepts before proving execution capability In real estate, consistency and clarity signal strength. Excessive hype often signals pressure. 4. Frequent changes of contractors or consultants Repeatedly changing contractors or consultants is rarely a positive sign. It often shows: Financial disputes Contractual breakdowns Weak project control These issues always affect both delivery timelines and build quality. 5. Outstanding debts to contractors, consultants, or brokers One of the most serious red flags is a developer who: Owes money to contractors Has disputes with consultants Has unpaid broker commissions This usually means the project is under financial strain. Under such pressure, quality is often sacrificed, and new buyer funds may be used to cover old liabilities. 6. One-sided or vague contracts Review the contract carefully. If you find: Strict obligations on the buyer Weak or unclear obligations on the developer Little or no penalty for late delivery This suggests the developer is protecting itself, not planning to be accountable. 7. Poor reputation within the market Ask professionals, not advertisements. Brokers, consultants, and contractors often know which developers to avoid. A poor reputation rarely appears in brochures, but it travels fast within the industry. 8. Low-quality previous deliveries Visit completed projects. Look closely at: Finishing quality Maintenance issues Owner complaints Poor delivery today becomes high maintenance costs and value erosion tomorrow. 9. No track record of completed projects A developer who has never completed and handed over a project is untested. They may succeed, or they may fail. The real question is, are you willing to be the experiment? In investment, experience matters. Conclusion Not every new project is an opportunity. Not every developer deserves your trust. If several of these warning signs appear, pause and reconsider. Real estate is a long-term commitment. Mistakes are expensive and rarely reversible. Opportunities are many. Capital is not. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Mohamed Ahmed Fouad Amin Mohamed Ahmed Fouad Amin, Owner of Alfouad Group Mohamed Ahmed Fouad Amin is a real estate expert, author, and investment consultant with extensive experience in valuation and development advisory across the UAE and MENA region. He is the founder of Al Fouad Real Estate Valuation and a member of FIABCI and ACAMS. Mohamed specializes in guiding investors, analyzing developers, and identifying high-value opportunities. He authored “Sell a Property to Billionaires” and “Please, Don’t Buy From This Developer,” empowering investors with clarity and confidence.

Millions of people around the world have astigmatism, which is a common problem with vision. When the lens or cornea of the eye isn't shaped right, it can make vision blurry or distorted. Astigmatism can happen to anyone, but it usually starts at birth. A lot of people might not even know they have it until they start to feel sick. This article's goal is to explain what astigmatism is, what its symptoms are, what causes it, and what treatments are available to help people deal with it. What is astigmatism? As we mentioned before, astigmatism is a refractive error in which the eye's cornea or lens is shaped more like a football than a basketball. Because of this strange shape, light can't focus evenly on the retina, which makes vision blurry or distorted. Instead of focusing on one point on the retina, light spreads out over many points. This can make pictures look like they're stretched or uneven. Astigmatism is not the same as nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia) because the cornea or lens does not curve in a normal way. People with astigmatism may not be able to see clearly at any distance, but the amount of distortion or blurriness can be different. Common symptoms of astigmatism The symptoms of astigmatism can be quite noticeable, especially as the condition worsens. Common signs include: Blurred or distorted vision: Can happen at any distance, near or far. This distortion may not always be there, and some people may notice it more when they are tired or have been concentrating for a long time. Eye strain or discomfort: Especially after reading, using electronic devices, or doing things that need a lot of visual focus. Frequent headaches: Eye strain often leads to headaches, especially when trying to focus for long periods. Squinting: Many individuals with astigmatism find themselves squinting in an attempt to see more clearly. Double vision or ghosting images: This happens when light is not focused correctly, which makes it hard to focus because the images are faint and overlap. If you have any of these symptoms, you should see an eye care professional to find out if astigmatism or another vision problem is to blame. Causes and risk factors of astigmatism Genetic factors are the main cause of astigmatism, which means it tends to run in families. If your parents have astigmatism, you are more likely to get it too. But astigmatism can also happen for other reasons: Eye injuries or surgery: Any injury to the eye, even surgery, can cause astigmatism because it changes the natural shape of the cornea or lens. Keratoconus: This is a condition where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape, causing astigmatism to worsen. Age: Astigmatism can change over time, especially if other vision problems like cataracts develop as you age. Environmental factors: In some cases, prolonged eye strain or improper eye care can contribute to changes in the shape of the cornea. How astigmatism is diagnosed A comprehensive eye exam is the best way to diagnose astigmatism. During the exam, your optometrist or ophthalmologist will conduct several tests: Keratometry: Measures the curvature of the cornea to determine if it has an irregular shape. Refraction test: Involves using a machine called a phoropter to determine the amount of refractive error present in the eyes. Corneal topography: A more advanced test that maps the surface of the cornea to detect subtle irregularities. Regular eye exams are important because they not only diagnose astigmatism but also monitor any changes in the condition over time. Treatment options for astigmatism Prescription glasses for astigmatism Most people with astigmatism find that glasses are the easiest and best way to fix the problem. Toric lenses are what most glasses for astigmatism use. These lenses are made to make up for the cornea or lens's uneven curvature. These lenses make the light strike the retina in the appropriate way, which makes things look clearer. Toric lenses are not like conventional spherical lenses since they have varying curvatures in different areas. This helps with astigmatism and other refractive errors. People with astigmatism can choose from a variety of frame styles for their prescription glasses. This way, they can find a pair that fits their style while also fixing their vision. Contact lenses for astigmatism There are both soft and hard gas-permeable (RGP) types of contact lenses for astigmatism, which are also known as toric lenses. These lenses are made to fit snugly on the eye and fix the cornea's uneven curvature so that you can see clearly. Soft toric lenses: These lenses are comfortable and flexible, making them a good choice for people with mild to moderate astigmatism. They are comfortable all day and can be worn while doing most things. Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses: These types of contact lenses make things look clearer than soft lenses, especially for people with more severe astigmatism. RGP lenses are strong and give you clear vision, but it may take some time to get used to them. Taking appropriate care of your astigmatism contact lenses is highly important for your eye health and clear vision. To avoid infections and irritation, make sure to follow the recommended schedule for cleaning and wearing. Surgical options for astigmatism Sometimes, surgery may be an option for correcting astigmatism, especially for people who can't wear glasses or contact lenses. Here are two common types of surgery: LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis): A common surgery that changes the shape of the cornea to fix astigmatism and other problems with vision. LASIK is a very effective surgery that doesn't take long to heal from. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): This is a procedure that is similar to LASIK, but it involves taking off the cornea's outer layer before reshaping it. People with thinner corneas or more severe astigmatism can have PRK. While surgery can be effective, it is important to consult with an experienced surgeon to determine if you are a good candidate for these procedures. Lifestyle changes and tips for managing astigmatism It's not enough to just wear corrective lenses to deal with astigmatism. There are a number of things you can do in your daily life to help with your symptoms and make your eyes feel better overall: Wear sunglasses: To keep your eyes safe from UV rays and glare, especially when it's bright outside. Sunglasses can also help your eyes feel better when bright light hurts them. Take breaks from screens: Digital eye strain can happen when you spend a lot of time in front of a screen. This is even worse for people with astigmatism. According to the 20-20-20 rule, you should look at anything at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes. Regular eye check-ups: Watch for any changes in your vision and see an eye doctor on a regular basis. You need to keep an eye on your astigmatism because it can change over time and make your vision worse. Eye hydration: Use eye drops that make your eyes feel better to keep them moist, especially if they are dry or irritated. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified eye care professional for personalized guidance.

Written by Esther Christopher, Trauma Pain Support Esther Christopher is the founder of Trauma Pain Support Ltd.(TPS), a trauma-informed recovery program helping RTA survivors rebuild physically and emotionally. She is a certified Total Breakthrough Coach and author of Triumph Over Tragedy, blending personal insight with professional expertise. AI is being positioned as the future of trauma recovery, but trauma recovery is not an efficiency problem. It is a continuity problem. As digital health expands, artificial intelligence is increasingly presented as the answer to long waiting lists, fragmented care, and the long-term support gaps survivors face after discharge. In theory, AI can scale guidance, provide structure, and reduce isolation. In practice, however, the same technology that helps one person feel supported can leave another overwhelmed, ashamed, or destabilised. The difference is not the survivor. It is the design assumptions behind the AI, and whether those assumptions respect the realities of trauma physiology, sequencing, and non-linear healing. The problem is not AI, it is misalignment in post-accident recovery Most AI systems are designed to optimise engagement, completion, progress, and measurable outcomes. These assumptions are common in digital health and behaviour change models, but they sit uneasily with the realities of recovery after a road traffic accident. Road Traffic Accident (RTA) trauma is rarely confined to the moment of impact. Survivors often leave acute care carrying ongoing pain, altered movement, nervous system hypervigilance, cognitive fatigue, and a persistent sense that their body no longer behaves predictably. Recovery unfolds unevenly. There are periods of apparent improvement followed by flare-ups, setbacks that emerge months later, and phases where the most meaningful progress is simply tolerating daily life without tipping into overwhelm. When AI is introduced into post-accident recovery using models built for productivity, habit formation, or symptom suppression, a mismatch occurs. That mismatch may not appear as overt resistance. More often, it manifests as self-blame. Survivors conclude that they are doing something wrong, failing recovery, or reacting in ways they should be able to control. In RTA trauma, where survivors already struggle to reconcile medical reassurance with lived symptoms, this outcome is particularly damaging. A trauma-informed system must treat this as a red flag, not an acceptable cost of innovation. What AI must account for in post-accident trauma recovery AI challenges in post-accident recovery rarely arise from technical malfunction. More often, they emerge from subtle design assumptions that do not fully account for the realities of post-collision physiology, psychology, and recovery timing. Many AI-driven recovery systems rely on frequent prompts, daily check-ins, and consistent engagement as indicators of progress or success. In the context of RTA recovery, however, engagement is a poor proxy for safety. Survivors may disengage because pain has flared, sleep has deteriorated, travel has become overwhelming, or the nervous system has entered a protective shutdown in response to accumulated stress. Missed check-ins can quickly be internalised as personal failure by the survivor, while the system may interpret them as reduced motivation or non-compliance. In reality, disengagement after an accident often reflects a body managing limited capacity rather than a lack of commitment to recovery. Reduced engagement can therefore serve as an early signal of overload, not avoidance. AI systems that respond by increasing prompts or pressure risk doing the opposite of what recovery requires, intensifying strain at precisely the point where containment, pacing, and safety are most needed, while appearing to function exactly as designed. Why sequencing matters in AI-supported regulation after an RTA After an RTA, the nervous system has often been exposed to sudden threat, loss of control, and mechanical shock. Regulation strategies that are commonly presented as universally calming can have the opposite effect in this context. Internal focus prompts such as deep breathing, body scanning, or stillness can intensify panic, dissociation, or collapse in post-accident trauma. Emotional processing prompts can activate implicit memory linked to the collision without sufficient containment. These responses are not resistance; they are protective adaptations shaped by the accident itself. AI systems that support regulation without understanding trauma sequencing risk, pushing survivors into dysregulation and leaving them to manage the consequences alone. In RTA recovery, timing is not a detail. It is the difference between support and harm. Balancing measurement and meaning in AI-supported RTA recovery AI systems are well-suited to measurement. RTA recovery, however, is shaped by meaning. For many accident survivors, progress appears in small, fragile shifts: tolerating a short drive, feeling slightly less guarded in the body, noticing a trigger earlier, sleeping marginally better, or choosing rest without self-criticism. These changes may not register as measurable improvement, yet they represent significant neurological and functional gains. When AI frames recovery around scores, graphs, or completion targets, survivors may begin to experience healing as performance. If improvement stalls or reverses, as it often does after an accident, shame can quietly take hold, a risk that remains invisible to data-driven systems. Post-accident recovery does not need to be quantified to be valid. It needs to be contextualised. Supporting independence without losing continuity in post-accident recovery Self-management is often presented as empowerment, yet for many people recovering from a road traffic accident, it arrives too early. Post-accident recovery frequently involves navigating multiple appointments, advocating for care, managing ongoing pain and fatigue, coping with cognitive or emotional changes, and attempting to return to work or family roles while the body still feels unsafe. When AI is positioned as a way to manage recovery independently, responsibility can subtly shift away from systems that have already discharged the survivor prematurely, reinforcing the familiar post-acute message of being “on your own.” AI can offer valuable structure, education, and opportunities for reflection during this phase. However, it cannot replicate the relational calibration often required after an accident, the ability to pace support based on non-verbal cues, to recognise when fear rather than pathology is driving symptoms, or to respond to the layered uncertainty that follows a serious collision. In RTA trauma, this distinction is critical. AI can meaningfully support recovery, but it must function alongside continuity of care, never as a substitute for it or as an impersonation of treatment. Design principles for safe and effective AI in RTA trauma recovery For AI to be safely integrated into post-accident recovery, it must be designed around safety rather than optimisation. RTA recovery often improves when pressure is reduced, and the nervous system is allowed to relearn safety gradually. Faster is not better when the body remains in a protective state. This requires respecting sequencing and readiness, avoiding one-size-fits-all regulation prompts, and acknowledging non-linear recovery. In RTA trauma, plateaus may reflect stability, setbacks may indicate integration, and avoidance may be protective. AI should reinforce this understanding, not undermine it. Context preservation is essential. AI should help maintain the survivor’s accident narrative over time, track symptom evolution meaningfully, support shared language across services, and recognise key transitions. Clear boundaries and escalation pathways must be built in so survivors know when technology is no longer sufficient and human support is required. Language matters here. Trauma-informed AI must protect dignity and self-trust, particularly when recovery feels slow or unpredictable. Final reflection: Responsible innovation in RTA trauma care AI may play a meaningful role in closing gaps in RTA recovery, but only if we acknowledge that technology can harm as easily as it can help. Post-accident trauma recovery is not a process to be automated. It is a process to be protected. The leadership challenge is not to claim that AI will transform trauma care, but to define the conditions under which it is allowed to participate, ethically, safely, and in service of continuity. The future of RTA trauma care will not be defined by smarter tools. It will be defined by safer systems. This requires ongoing dialogue between clinicians, system leaders, researchers, and those with lived experience of RTA trauma. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Esther Christopher Esther Christopher, Trauma Pain Support Esther Christopher is the founder of Trauma Pain Support Ltd. TPS), a trauma-informed recovery program helping RTA survivors rebuild physically, emotionally, and mentally. After overcoming her own life-changing road traffic accident, Esther developed the TPS framework to bridge the gap between medical recovery and long-term healing. A certified Total Breakthrough Coach, author, and nutritionist, she combines professional expertise with lived experience to guide others toward sustainable transformation. Her memoir, Triumph Over Tragedy, chronicles her journey from survival to purpose, inspiring others to reclaim their strength and identity.

Written by Brianna Marie Anderson, Revolutionary Translator – Coach, Speaker, Author Brianna Anderson is well known for her ability to translate and articulate complex information into simple, understandable concepts that resonate with diverse audiences. She is the founder of Universal Love Academy, an online learning platform, the host of Breathe Belief Podcast, and Author in development. Have you ever felt a quiet dread underneath your choices, not fear of failure, but fear that none of it will matter? Maybe you have hesitated to fully commit, not because you do not care, but because you care deeply and do not want to give your life to something that ends in emptiness. If you have ever wrestled with the question of whether your life is truly meaningful, this article is for you. The difference between failure and defeat Failure is something you recover from. Defeat feels final. Some people are not afraid to try and fail. They are afraid of giving themselves fully and discovering it was all for nothing. This creates a unique internal tension. They want meaning more than success, purpose more than achievement. When meaning is unclear, commitment feels dangerous. If you feel like you want to take the risk, and some days it does not feel like you have courage, then listen up. The tension you feel inside is asking you to believe more in your immortality than in your final death. It is known that being alive is not the risk. Not living fully is the real risk, and not living while being alive is wasteful. Here is what you really need to hear. You are allowed to fall and get back up. You need to believe more in getting back up than in the fear of falling. Defeat is the fear that you are going to show up fully in life, and life will not meet you there. It is like getting on one knee, giving over your heart to the love of your life, only for the love of your life to never meet you at the altar. That is not how life works, but let us acknowledge your human fear. Why commitment feels risky when meaning is uncertain For these individuals, giving their heart, time, or energy is not casual. It is sacred. Without a sense of deeper purpose, involvement can feel like self-betrayal. This often leads to holding back, staying undecided, or walking away too early. Not because of laziness or avoidance, but because the cost of emotional investment feels too high without assurance that it matters. What if you could look purposelessness and pointlessness in the eyes? It has been said time and time again that what you do not address will continue to persist. You do not have to run from the fear that all of life and existence may have no point. The fastest way to shift from fear to fearlessness is to understand that if you look at life from a bird’s eye view, the sky has no single point. It has many. Life is a grid, not a final location. You need no point when you discover that the sky is fluid, and so is the current that moves within you. Looking for a point is like looking for one true direction when life is abundant, not scarce. The direction is like the wind, and it carries you from one location to another. The point is to live on purpose. Your purpose is to live. Living has no singular point. All of life points to living. The quiet presence of existential fear This pattern often carries a deeper layer that is rarely named. It is not fear of failure or embarrassment. It is the fear of giving your life to the game and losing anyway. It is the awareness that life is finite and that every choice costs something. For some, this awareness turns into hesitation. For others, it becomes the birthplace of courage. This is where risk-taking is often misunderstood. Being a daredevil is not recklessness. It is a decision. A decision to be fully in. When someone chooses to play the game of life wholeheartedly, something shifts internally. They stop negotiating with fear. They stop half-committing. They move as if every dice roll is in their favor. Not because outcomes are guaranteed, but because loyalty is no longer placed in fear. Risk takers of this kind operate from a different assumption. They assume that life responds to commitment. They assume that luck follows devotion. They assume that when they show up fully, reality meets them there. Victory is not a future possibility. It becomes an identity. Fear still exists, but it no longer leads. It becomes information, not authority. Loyalty moves away from avoidance and toward meaning. In this state, life is no longer something to survive or protect oneself from. It becomes something to engage with, invest in, and stand for. How resignation can masquerade as detachment When this fear goes unrecognized, people may appear detached, cynical, or uninterested. In truth, they are protecting themselves from disappointment. Resignation becomes a coping strategy. If nothing truly matters, then nothing can truly defeat you. While this protects the heart, it also limits aliveness. The fastest way out of the repeated fear of disappointment is to first shift your identity and know who you truly are beyond survival programming. Inside the Human Design Academy, I show you how to take the first step of courage and unlearn the survival mechanisms that keep you from showing up fully. Healthy detachment is when you no longer concern yourself with the outcome and know deeply that you are a winner. To win in life means to engage with your life and to take respect in the fact that you have been given one. To be a risk taker means that you are willing to give it your all, even if parts of you wonder what the result will look like. Courage is being able to look in the mirror and see that your character is more important than any attachment you might have to irrational fear. Who do you choose to be this day? Choosing meaning without guarantees The turning point comes when meaning is chosen, not proven. Life does not offer certainty before commitment. Meaning is created through engagement, not discovered through safety. Those who move beyond this fear learn to commit without guarantees. They live as if their presence matters, even in the face of impermanence. You are allowed to be the victor before the physical evidence of victory lands. Every good movie or amazing show has the storyline of a character who picks themselves off the floor and moves their body in a way that says, “Success is guaranteed.” When the world asks you for evidence, the response is, “I have decided.” Finality does not have to be earned. Confidence does not have to be borrowed or faked. It is an internal decision that is met with commitment that says, “I have purpose because I exist.” Even beyond your existence, you can decide that beyond this life, you will continue to matter. Inside the Brianna Anderson Podcast , I help you reframe the ideas that keep you in terror instead of showing up like the badass that you really are. You will not live your life fully if you believe life is going to take you out. Life is not a battleground when you know that your mind is sound. Say it with me, “My mind is trustworthy.” Why this courage changes everything When defeat is no longer feared, life opens. People take risks that align with their values. They love more fully. They invest themselves where it matters most. What opens is not chaos. It is capacity. Energy that was once spent protecting against loss becomes available for creation. Decisions become cleaner. Movement becomes decisive. There is less second-guessing and more follow-through. When someone decides they are unafraid to invest in themselves, they stop waiting for certainty before acting. They trust their inner signal more than external guarantees. This self-trust changes how life responds. Opportunities appear where hesitation once lived. Momentum replaces stagnation. This kind of courage is quiet but profound. It shows up as commitment to what matters, even when the outcome is unknown. It is the willingness to place one’s energy, time, and heart into life without needing proof first. This is not recklessness. It is existential bravery. Choosing to live fully without needing guarantees If you recognize this fear of defeat in yourself, you are not broken or pessimistic. You are deeply attuned to meaning and aware that life is precious. This sensitivity is not something to overcome. It is something to listen to. The moment life changes is not when certainty appears. It is when you decide that your presence is not something to ration. When you stop waiting for permission to invest your heart, your time, and your energy into what matters to you, life responds differently. It stops feeling like a risk assessment and starts feeling like a relationship. Meaning is not something life hands you after you prove yourself. It is something you create through participation when you choose to live as if your life counts. Even in the face of uncertainty, you step out of resignation and into authorship. This is where the heart wakes up. Not because fear disappears, but because fear is no longer in charge. Life stops feeling like a gamble and starts feeling like a choice you make daily, with intention, courage, and devotion. Join us inside the Human Design Academy for the meaning you have been searching for, but did not have the language for. This is your next expansion. Follow me on Facebook ,  Instagram , and LinkedIn for more info! Read more from Brianna Marie Anderson Brianna Marie Anderson, Revolutionary Translator – Coach, Speaker, Author Brianna Anderson is a trailblazer in Authenticity using Human Design and Gene Keys to revolutionize how people understand themselves and others. After a childhood marked by cycles of beginnings, middles, and ends, she sought lasting love from marriages that followed the same patterns. Through her own transformation, Brianna discovered the key to resolving the deep hunger for unconditional love-starting from within. As the CEO of Universal Love Academy, she empowers individuals to create a life full of adventure and fulfillment, free from expectations or shame about their unique journey. Her mission is to help people embrace every stage of their life with grace and purpose, knowing that true love begins with self-acceptance.

Written by Malak Byrnes, Online Women's Health & Fitness Coach Malak Byrnes is a Women’s Strength Coach who helps overwhelmed women break out of burnout and feel strong again. Her approach blends movement, mindset, and nervous-system support to create real, lasting change. Women have had a complicated relationship with food for as long as we can remember. We love food, yet we have been told for decades to eat less, stay small, suck in our stomachs, and chase a “flat” body at all costs. Thin was in. Then curvy. Then toned. Then abs. Then the Pilates and Barre aesthetic. The ideal keeps changing, but the pressure never leaves. From the 60s to the 80s to now, the female body has been constantly scrutinized and reshaped by trends. Today, that pressure is amplified by social media, filters, AI-generated bodies, and endless fitness content. Women are expected to look strong, lean, youthful, and effortless, all at once. And somewhere in all of this, our relationship with food has suffered. Why protein matters more than ever for women In recent years, protein has finally entered the conversation, and for good reason. Protein is no longer just for bodybuilders or men trying to bulk. It has become a foundational nutrient for women of all ages, especially women in their late 30s and 40s. As we move through pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, menopause, and aging, our protein needs increase, not decrease. Research focused specifically on women shows that adequate protein intake supports muscle preservation, bone density, metabolic health, hormone balance, and mood regulation. Protein is not a trend. It is biology. I often tell my clients, when in doubt, eat protein. Protein, cortisol, and training stress One of the most overlooked habits among women is training on an empty stomach, especially when it comes to strength training. Many women lift weights, do Pilates, or attend high-intensity classes without eating beforehand, believing this helps with fat loss or “burning more.” In reality, training without fuel increases stress on the body, elevates cortisol, and can make workouts feel harder while slowing recovery. Protein before exercise helps: reduce the stress response to training support muscle protein synthesis improve strength adaptations protect lean muscle, especially during calorie deficits Equally important is protein after exercise. Consuming protein post-workout supports muscle repair, recovery, and adaptation. This is particularly important for women, who tend to under-eat overall and recover more slowly under high stress loads. Training is a stressor. Protein is part of the recovery. Protein, cortisol, and body composition One of the most misunderstood truths about women’s health is this, eating less does not equal better results. Most women are shocked when they begin eating properly and realize how much food, especially protein, their bodies actually need to lose fat, gain strength, and feel energized. For years, we were taught that restriction leads to results. In reality, restriction increases stress. Protein plays a key role in regulating cortisol, our primary stress hormone. Skipping meals, especially breakfast, relying on coffee until noon, and snacking late at night are incredibly common patterns, and they are deeply counterproductive. These habits disrupt blood sugar, elevate stress hormones, and make fat loss harder, not easier. Eating protein within the first hour of waking, and around training sessions, helps stabilize blood sugar, calm the nervous system, and support consistent energy throughout the day. Protein is not just about muscles Yes, protein helps build lean muscle, but its benefits go far beyond aesthetics. Protein supports: bone density and long-term skeletal health lean muscle mass and strength metabolic function hormonal balance mood regulation and mental clarity recovery from workouts and daily stress As women age, maintaining muscle becomes protective. Muscle is not just about how you look. It is about resilience, independence, and longevity. Let’s make protein practical and enjoyable Protein does not need to be boring, restrictive, or limited to shakes and smoothies. It can be delicious, satisfying, and simple: scrambled eggs with extra egg whites for breakfast Greek yogurt with berries and nut butter as a snack a salad topped with 120g of trout 120g of ground beef with a homemade dressing for lunch or dinner Protein digests slowly, keeping you full and satisfied. Sugar, on the other hand, spikes blood sugar and leads to more cravings within the hour. One of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce sugar cravings is to eat enough protein consistently throughout the day, especially around training. Animal or plant? Both have a place Protein can come from animal or plant sources. Variety matters. Mixing sources supports nutrient diversity and digestion. The most important factor is consistency, finding meals you enjoy and keeping them accessible so meals are not skipped and stress does not take over. Food should feel supportive, not stressful. Rebuilding trust with food For many women, healing their relationship with food starts with letting go of the “eat less” mentality and learning to nourish instead of restrict. Protein is not about control. It is about care. When women eat enough, especially enough protein before and after movement, their bodies respond with more energy, better moods, stronger workouts, and a sense of stability that goes far beyond the plate. And that is where real, lasting transformation begins. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Malak Byrnes Malak Byrnes, Online Women's Health & Fitness Coach Malak Byrnes is a Women’s Strength & Lifestyle Coach specializing in helping overwhelmed women 35-45 rebuild their energy, their confidence, and their nervous system through simple, sustainable habits. She blends Pilates, yoga, strength training, trauma-informed coaching, and realistic nutrition to guide women back to feeling strong again inside and out.

Written by Arian Guedes, Registered Psychologist Arian Guedes is a Registered Psychologist/ Clinical Director & Founder, NewVista Psychology & Counselling Services. Arian is a trauma-focused therapist with years of experience. She is also a Speaker | Workplace Well-being & Burnout Expert. What is trauma?  Trauma is often an invisible wound, a psychological injury that is never fully healed yet. Like a bone that is set incorrectly, it quietly shapes how we move through the world, how we relate to ourselves, and how we connect with others. Trauma creates fragmentation, a normal response to an abnormal event. When we witness or experience traumatic situations such as violence, sexual assault, domestic abuse, car accidents, bullying, repeated verbal abuse, childhood neglect, inconsistent caregiving, or severe systemic injustice that leaves us demoralized, the brain can lose trust in ourselves and in others, creating a self-reinforcing loop. Our brain adapts to survive. The ways trauma shows up are normal responses to abnormal events, and these are the voices of our emotional injuries expressed through five categories. These protective parts are brilliant, necessary strategies formed to defend us when our core needs for safety, trust, power or control, esteem, and intimacy were wounded. Recognizing these signals isn’t about pathologizing ourselves, it’s about listening to the language of burdened parts so we can help them heal. How we speak to ourselves matters. Shame and self-blame keep old coping strategies in place, understanding them helps us see why they formed and how they can finally be released. Below are the five ways trauma communicates and their antidotes. The language of hypervigilance: The protector of safety Role & function: This part speaks through the body’s alarm system. Its function is to prevent re-injury by scanning for threats and ensuring constant preparedness. It believes that if it stays on high alert, it can keep you safe from the dangers of the past. Example: You rehearse conversations before they happen, imagining every possible reaction because unpredictability feels dangerous. Trauma voice: “Stay hyper-prepared. If we predict every possible disaster, none of them can sneak up on us.” Healing voice: “I know you’re guarding us against surprise attacks, but this is a coffee chat, not a hostage negotiation. We can breathe and let reality speak for itself.” The language of distrust: The gatekeeper of vulnerability Role & function: This part’s job is to shield you from betrayal and disappointment. It carefully controls access to your inner world, believing that distance, self-sufficiency, or relentless niceness can protect you from being hurt again. Example: You don’t express your needs in a relationship because depending on someone feels like handing them a loaded emotional weapon. Trauma voice: “Don’t rely on anyone. Need nothing, want nothing, reveal nothing, and you’ll never be disappointed again.” Healing voice: “That’s one way to do it. But tiny, safe disclosures with trustworthy people aren’t traps. They’re bridges.” The language of over/under-control: The manager of helplessness Role & function: This part tries to reclaim the agency lost in trauma. It swings between rigid over-control (micromanaging everything) and total under-control (numbing out, withdrawing, or surrendering) to avoid the terror of helplessness. Example: You feel responsible for controlling every detail of a situation or, when exhausted, you drop everything because trying feels pointless. Trauma voice: “If we manage every outcome, we stay safe. If we avoid every outcome, we stay safe. Same logic.” Healing voice: “There’s a middle lane. We don’t need to steer the entire universe, just the next small choice. Control can be shared, not surrendered or hoarded.” The language of harsh criticism: The driver of worth Role & function: This part ties your worth to perfection. It believes harshness is protection, that by criticizing you first, it shields you from the sting of external rejection or judgment. Example: You avoid starting a creative project or sharing your work because believing “I’m not good enough” feels safer than risking criticism or disappointment. Staying stuck becomes self-protection. Trauma voice: “If I shame you first, at least you won’t be blindsided. Better to disappoint yourself early than wait for someone else to do it.” Healing voice: “I see your strategy. Truly, A+ for effort. But we don’t need emotional nunchucks to stay safe. We can try things slowly, imperfectly, and survive the outcome.” The language of armored connection: The guardian of intimacy Role & function: This part manages attachment wounds by controlling relational distance. It tries to avoid abandonment by either clinging tightly (enmeshment) or avoiding closeness altogether (isolation). Example: When someone gets emotionally close, you either push them away or cling tightly, fearing rejection on both ends. Trauma voice: “Either merge so they can’t leave, or retreat so they can’t reject you. No middle ground, too risky.” Healing voice: “Connection doesn’t have to be a hostage situation or a disappearing act. Safe closeness exists. We can open slowly and stay ourselves.” Closing reflection: The mark of resilience Healing is learning the language trauma once taught us, understanding that these patterns were coping strategies formed under pressure, not reflections of our character or worth. With compassion, we thank the parts that tried to protect us and gently guide them toward new ways of being. We shift from: “Something is wrong with me.” to “Something happened to me, and my parts adapted brilliantly.” Awareness matters, but consistent, compassionate practice is what transforms us. Over time, the wound becomes a scar, not a source of pain, but a testament to resilience, survival, and the courage required to heal. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Arian Guedes Arian Guedes, Registered Psychologist Arian Guedes is a Registered Psychologist/ Clinical Director & Founder, NewVista Psychology & Counselling Services. Arian is a trauma-focused therapist with years of experience. She is also a Speaker | Workplace Well-being & Burnout Expert. She serves as a part-time Professor of Ethics for the City University of Seattle in Calgary, Alberta

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. Many leaders are familiar with burnout, yet far fewer recognize the early stage that often precedes it. Quiet cracking is a subtle shift that begins well before energy collapses. Understanding this stage helps leaders strengthen engagement and better support themselves. As an executive coach and long-time leader at global financial services organizations, I have witnessed how quiet strain builds long before burnout becomes visible, and I have navigated these cycles myself. I help leaders recognize early signs of burnout and create cultures where people can sustain their energy, purpose, and well-being. These five insights will help you recognize quiet cracking and prevent burnout across your team, or yourself. 1. Understand the early warning sign: Quiet cracking Quiet cracking is a workplace pattern that sits between engagement and burnout. It does not involve employees pulling back intentionally. Instead, they continue showing up, delivering, and caring about their work while their internal resources begin to thin. A TalentLMS report found that 54 percent of U.S. employees experience quiet cracking, and one in five say they feel it often. Quiet cracking is easy to miss because productivity can appear stable on the outside, even as energy and meaning decline inside.[1] How quiet cracking differs from burnout Burnout is more visible and often arrives after long periods of quiet cracking. The World Health Organization defines burnout as an occupational syndrome caused by chronic workplace stress that has not been effectively managed.[2] Forbes reports that between 66 and 77 percent of professionals experience burnout at some point in their careers. While quiet cracking represents early strain, burnout is the point where exhaustion, detachment, and reduced effectiveness become hard to ignore.[3] Why early recognition matters Leaders who understand the difference gain the advantage of time. Gallup research shows that burnout leads to a 15 percent drop in productivity and increases turnover risk by nearly 50 percent. Recognizing quiet cracking helps leaders intervene before wellbeing and performance decline.[4] 2. Identify the causes of disengagement Quiet cracking and burnout often share the same origins. Awareness of these triggers allows leaders to begin addressing them before they escalate. Notice the pressure points Common drivers include heavy workloads, lack of appreciation, unclear expectations, insufficient support from management, and job insecurity. Personality traits also play a role. High achievers and deeply committed employees are particularly prone to cracking quietly because they push themselves to keep performing. Look for emotional cues Quiet cracking starts with subtle shifts. Employees may feel less connected or less enthusiastic. Small stressors feel heavier, and creativity and motivation dip. These signs are emotional and relational rather than performance-related, so leaders must pay attention to tone, engagement, and presence. Make space for honest conversations Many employees hesitate to speak about early strain. They worry about appearing ineffective or creating additional concern. A culture where people feel safe to share their experiences helps surface issues early. 3. Build a culture that prevents quiet cracking Workplace culture shapes how people experience pressure, support, and belonging. Strong cultures reduce the chances of quiet cracking and make it easier for employees to ask for help. Equip managers with practical skills Managers are often the first to notice shifts in their teams. Training them in emotional intelligence, listening skills, and supportive dialogue helps them recognize early signs and respond constructively. Create space for real check-ins Talking about wellbeing should be as routine as talking about deadlines. When leaders model openness, curiosity, and vulnerability, they make it easier for employees to express what they are experiencing. Balance workloads with intention Periods of intensity are unavoidable, yet balance matters. Consider redistributing tasks, setting realistic timelines, or adding support when pressure rises. Thoughtful adjustments help prevent internal depletion. 4. Strengthen resilience through supportive practices Preventing burnout involves both organizational and personal actions. Leaders can support employees in building healthier patterns. Reinforce boundaries as a strength A common early signal of quiet cracking is thoughts like, “I just need to get through this week.” When this thinking becomes normal, it suggests the system is overextended. Encourage and support employees in setting limits that allow for sustainable performance. Encourage rest and renewal Rest is not a reward for hard work. Rather, rest is part of the work. Breaks, time off, and reflective moments help replenish energy and restore clarity. Treating rest as a normal part of performance helps shift culture away from depletion. Support meaningful connection Strong relationships reduce the likelihood of quiet cracking. Encourage employees to seek support from mentors, peers, or coaches. Supportive conversations interrupt isolation and offer perspective. 5. Intervene early with clear and compassionate support Responding early changes outcomes. Burnout becomes much harder to reverse once it is fully present. Address concerns before output drops Quiet cracking provides advance notice. Leaders who act early can collaborate on practical adjustments and next steps that help stabilize energy and engagement. Recognize effort consistently Appreciation rebuilds emotional resources. Recognizing people for their effort, creativity, and contribution reinforces a sense of meaning and connection. Invite reflection as a regular practice Teams grow stronger when reflection becomes part of their rhythm. Asking questions like, “Where might I be cracking quietly?” and “What support would help right now?” opens space for insight and change. Conclusion Recognizing quiet cracking gives leaders the chance to intervene before burnout takes hold. When leaders notice early signs, create space for genuine dialogue, and build cultures that support both performance and humanity, they strengthen engagement and resilience throughout the system. If you or your team are noticing early signs of strain, coaching can help you reconnect with energy, clarity, and purpose. Explore how Integrative Coaching and mindful leadership practices can help enable sustainable excellence in your team or catalyze your next chapter. Learn more about burnout prevention and the power of Integrative Coaching here . Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and visit my LinkedIn 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]  Quiet Cracking in the Workplace: Survey by TalentLMS [2]  Burn-out an "occupational phenomenon": International Classification of Diseases   [3]  Job Burnout At 66% In 2025, New Study Shows [4]  Employee Burnout, Part 1: The 5 Main Causes

Written by Meghan Rusco, Leader and Innovator As an Executive Contributor to Brainz Magazine, I'm passionate about exploring the frontiers of human potential and innovation. For a long time, I thought I knew exactly what my family stood for. I believed we shared the same values, the ones repeated in stories, in traditions, in the quiet expectations that shape a childhood. Loyalty. Love. Protection. Family above all. But adulthood has a way of revealing the difference between the values we are taught and the values that are actually lived. And sometimes, that truth is heartbreaking. The moment the story breaks There comes a moment, often subtle and sometimes shattering, when you see something you cannot unsee. A person who causes harm is welcomed back without accountability. Someone who has hurt others is excused because “that’s just how they are.” Silence is chosen over safety, and image is selected over integrity. Suddenly, the values you thought you shared no longer feel shared at all. You realize that what you were raised to believe was not a value system, but a survival system. A set of unspoken rules designed to keep the peace, maintain appearances, and avoid discomfort. But peace without truth is not peace, and loyalty without accountability is not loyalty. When you outgrow the values you inherited This realization can feel like a rupture, like losing your foundation. But in reality, it is the moment you begin to understand yourself more clearly. What you are actually discovering is this: your values were never the problem, they were simply never reflected to you. You believed in honesty, but you were raised in a culture of secrecy. You believed in protection, but you were taught to tolerate harm. You believed in love, but you were shown compliance. You believed in family, but you were asked to abandon yourself to keep it. The conflict is not between you and your family. It is between who you are and what you were expected to accept. When nostalgia and reality collide, especially during the holidays The holidays can make all of this even harder to navigate. This season carries its own mythology of togetherness, warmth, tradition, and belonging. Even when our lived experience does not match that picture, the nostalgia can feel overwhelming. Nostalgia remembers not just what happened, but what we hoped would happen. It reminds us of the version of family we wanted to believe in and the child within who still wants everyone to be okay. So when the holidays arrive, we are not just dealing with gatherings or expectations. We are dealing with memory, longing, and the ache of what could have been. That ache can make us question our clarity. It can tempt us back into old patterns, not because they are healthy, but because they are familiar. But nostalgia is not a compass. It is a feeling, and feelings deserve compassion, not control. Honoring the feeling without abandoning yourself It is possible to feel nostalgic and still hold your boundaries. It is possible to miss the idea of family and still protect yourself from reality. It is possible to love people and still refuse to participate in harm. This is the work of adulthood, letting the heart remember what it remembers while allowing the self to choose what is true now. You do not have to silence the nostalgia, you just do not have to follow it back into places that cost you your peace. The freedom of letting people be who they are There is a quiet freedom that comes when you stop trying to make people into who you hoped they would be, when you stop carrying the weight of their choices, patterns, denial, and harm. You stop believing it is your job to fix what you did not break or heal what you did not wound. At some point, you realize that people are who they are, not who they promised to be, not who you needed them to be, and not who you tried to believe they were. Their responsibility lies in their hands. Their growth, accountability, healing, and honesty all belong to them. You are responsible only for how you move in the world, for the values you choose, the boundaries you honor, the truth you stand in, and the life you build with intention and integrity. There is nothing selfish about that. It is the beginning of emotional adulthood, and it is the beginning of peace. Finding comfort in your truth Eventually, the work stops being about who your family is or is not. It stops being about what they accept, deny, or refuse to see. The work becomes about you, your clarity, your integrity, and your peace. There is a quiet comfort that comes when you stop trying to fit yourself back into a story that no longer reflects who you are, when you stop negotiating with your intuition, and when you stop shrinking your truth to make others more comfortable. Authenticity does not always feel soft at first. Sometimes it feels like a loss. Sometimes it feels like standing alone. Sometimes it feels like stepping into cold air after leaving a warm room. But over time, something shifts. You begin to feel the steadiness that comes from living in alignment with your values. You begin to trust your own voice more than the expectations you inherited. You begin to build relationships that are chosen, intentional, and reciprocal, relationships that reflect the person you have become. You begin to feel at home in yourself. That is the kind of comfort no tradition can give you, and no nostalgia can take away. Because when you choose truth over performance, authenticity over appeasement, and integrity over inherited roles, you are not abandoning your family. You are returning to yourself. That return marks the beginning of a new kind of belonging, one rooted not in obligation, but in honesty, not in silence, but in self-respect, and not in the past, but in the life you are consciously creating. A call to action: Stand in your light As you move forward through the holidays, through the memories, through the clarity, the ache, and the becoming, let this be your invitation. Be your whole, authentic self. Shine your light in the way only you can, and do not let your light be dimmed by the shadows others refuse to face. Your truth is not too much. Your clarity is not unkind. Your boundaries are not a betrayal. Your authenticity is not a threat, it is a return. You are allowed to take up space in your own life. You are permitted to choose values that honor who you are now. You are allowed to build a future that feels aligned, grounded, and honest. Let your light be steady. Let your truth be your compass. Let your authenticity be the tradition you carry forward. The world needs the version of you that is no longer shrinking. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Meghan Rusco Meghan Rusco, Leader and Innovator A seasoned thought leader and innovator, I bring a wealth of expertise to the table, fueled by a relentless curiosity for the complex interplay between technology, psychology, and success.

Written by Jensine Ines Madera, Entrepreneur, Founder & Producer Jensine Ines Madera is a Founder, Entrepreneur, and multidisciplinary Artist. As the Founder of 32peces, she merges art, storytelling, and innovation to build creative ecosystems that empower artisans, elevate cultural narratives, and inspire next-generation leaders. I hope you feel like a giant in the stars. Completely captivated by the sky. I yelled, this is incredible, with awe and wonder. I ask myself, how does this work? Standing on the night beach, hands pinched at my waist, with my head tilted back in a daze. This place is special. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, underneath a blanket of shooting stars, one after another. I saw five that night. Everything is alive. It is just what I never knew I needed. My salute to wonder Say yes to your wonder. Have you sheltered your gut instinct, afraid to get lost? It is unsettling not to feel that intuitive north star we are innately gifted with from the beginning of life. Taking a chance offers no assurance. Have our times conditioned us to override instinct, to transact our next steps and emotions instead of trusting them? Here’s to 2026. A salute to your wonder. And if you are unsure what that feels like, the journey begins by unraveling the pieces of your life that no longer serve you. When the circle keeps bringing you back to the same place, it is time, not to repeat, but to wander, to wonder. It was just a wonder that brought me here to the blue zone, and it is as if I had been destined all along. Not another “How To”: Just break the rules I am confident you will be reading many pieces this year, and you might expect this to be another “how to.” I am not saying a how to is not relevant. We all need guidance every once in a while. In fact, a “how to conquer your to do list” is important, and I will probably write that for you sometime in 2026. But as we set intentions and release our inhibitions for 2026, I want to invite you to do something you have been conditioned not to do. Break your own rules. Challenge your unconscious biases. That person you want? Go get them. The jobs you want to create for the next generation, that one is for me, and for every entrepreneur shaping the future of culture. Go do that. I laughed to myself as the sun kissed my face this morning. I dipped into the pool. When I came up for air, in the trees I saw a family of spider monkeys. I had just arrived in their space, so it made plenty of sense for them to see who else had entered the neighborhood. I wanted that. I dreamed that. And I believed that. Come and taste the honey My journey to Costa Rica led me to Coopeatenas Coffee Co-op, a new partnership for 32Peces. I met with the team and toured the entire property to understand its purpose and significance, one that brings generations of family farmers together and gives deeper meaning to the cup you pour every morning to start your day. Coffee culture in the West is at its peak. Instead of late nights centered around clubs and alcohol, we are seeing a rise in coffee social hours and bespoke experiences. Why? Because coffee inherently calls for community, and for generations around the world. During my time on the farm, I spoke with the farmers as we walked through endless rows of coffee cherry plants. The landscape was breathtaking. Did you know the coffee bean comes from a cherry? Carolina invited me to taste one. I placed the cherry in my mouth and began to taste sweetness, like honey. When I opened it, I saw the layers inside. Each layer made me think about the layers we carry within ourselves, and what might be possible if we embraced our true essence, just like the honey inside the cherry. You cannot see it at first, but you can feel it and taste it. Standing there on the farm with the bean in my hand, I felt a renewed sense of gratitude for the sip I take every morning. Tasting the honey felt like an invitation for the new year, to get lost in wonder, in search of what is sweet beneath the surface. If you, your company, or your organization is seeking a deeper connection to your product and stakeholders and needs true collective support, contact us  here. Are you rooted or rushing? Leaving the city and fully immersing yourself in nature has undeniable benefits. But what if you cannot leave the city, if you never experience the landscapes or the endless rows of trees that produce the food we eat? Does that disconnect create a deeper sense of discontent for everyone? It is hard to say. I love the city. Like anything else, it has its pros and cons. Yet even the most beautiful landscapes need people, just as people need connection, to place, to purpose, to one another. I bring this up because over the next decade, we will come to better understand the importance of humankindness. But how is that cultivated in a world moving so fast? What anchors us to our essence, to our intuition, our gut? Is it a greater focus on health and wellness? More intentional communities? Social clubs, gated neighborhoods, or online spaces built around shared values? These are not answers, just questions for you to sit with and ponder. The practice of patience From the ferry, I watched islands drift into view. We arrived in the Blue Zone knowing the ferry had carried more than people. It transported cattle, horses, and cars, a modern-day Noah’s Ark moment. I was greeted by absolute beauty. On the way to the villa, we stopped at my business partner’s uncle’s motor business. Behind it lived a quieter world, a goat, a few chickens, wild cats, and rows of guava trees. In the West, I have run through cornfields, but have you ever walked beneath a canopy of guava, ripe fruit hanging within reach at your fingertips? In what felt like the Garden of Eden, his uncle pulled out a machete and cut open a coconut for us to drink. As we stood there, he shared his daily routines, how he tends the land and cares for it. Nothing here is rushed. Every fruit is handled with intention. There are no machines harvesting your food. Someone gathers it carefully, by hand, just for you. Is this sustainable, or is it efficient? Is there room for both? That balance would require patience. The question is this, are we ready for that challenge in 2026? Can we challenge ourselves to slow down, to practice patience, and to endure the delight that comes with it? The work that brings you here The work that brought me here is the result of more than a decade of desire and immeasurable practice in my craft. It has been shaped by relationships, personal discipline, and commitment. Beyond all of that, this journey has been a soul journey. If you are a founder or an individual seeking intention in the new year, I am here to remind you of a familiar truth. When you are in the process of enduring, you cannot measure the distance you have traveled. The experience is completely transformative. You are so focused on the craft, on the work, on being, that when you finally arrive at the place you once set an intention for and dreamed of, only then do you pause and reflect with gratitude. This opportunity in Costa Rica was five years in the making. Yet in the time between, more branches formed and more extensions grew. And when it finally arrived, it was right on time, just as you will find yourself ready when the moment you have been working toward appears. Reward yourself During my time in Costa Rica, I took the chance to learn from all that nature had to teach me. Even in chaos, there is duality. Sun after the rain. Peace after the storm. In this, we see our own essence, our complete being, and our connection to the search for purpose, to the world, and to the communities around us. Reward yourself with this reset. It may sound boring to simply be still. I know this because I am the same way. But in stillness, you find wholeness. Life began this way, and nature continues to show us its beauty in this simplicity. Just to be present in who you are, free of inhibitions. We have a lot of work ahead of us over the next decade, so let us begin. Working together to make your goals a reality At 32Peces , we help organizations, institutions, founders, and businesses uncover clarity, scale their impact, and build with intention. With Jensine’s decade-plus experience in strategy, brand growth, and soulful entrepreneurship, we guide you to make bold decisions, embrace your vision, and turn ideas into actionable results. Get in touch today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward your 2026 you. Follow me on LinkedIn , for more info! Read more from Jensine Ines Madera Jensine Ines Madera, Entrepreneur, Founder & Producer Jensine Ines Madera is a multidisciplinary Artist, Entrepreneur, and Founder of 32peces, a creative collective bridging art, culture, and innovation. With over twenty years of experience in the creative services industry, she has worked across editorial fashion, styling, and digital design. Jensine’s work explores the power of storytelling to connect artisans, communities, and ideas. She has shared her insights as a guest speaker at WiSTEM 1871 Tech Lab and the University of Chicago. Through her projects and podcast, she continues to inspire dialogue around creativity, entrepreneurship, and cultural leadership.

Written by Luther Lockard, Posture & Movement Coach, LMT Luther has over 27 years of experience educating and treating the public, elite athletes, & pain management clients with chronic musculoskeletal and soft-tissue alignment and postural issues. I am writing this article to expand the consciousness and use of the many movement therapies that exist that people rely upon for health and wellness. Let me state from the outset that this is not a criticism of the many fine therapies and therapists that exist and who are helping many people with their wellness goals. However, there is a “Major” global philosophy that is being missed in the application of many of these therapies. Before I explain my rationale, let me list a few of the popular therapies which include, but are not limited to: Pilates, Yoga, Tai Chi, Physiotherapy, Feldenkrais Method, Alexander Technique, Massage Therapy, Personal Training, etc. So please don’t get defensive about your modality as I explain my rationale. Rationale My rationale for addressing this subject arose from my 27 years of working with clients conducting Posture & Movement Alignment, Medical Massage, Therapeutic Stretching, Personal Training, and Salsa Meet-up Dance practices. I literally have worked with a minimum of 20 clients a week for 50 weeks a year for most of my 27 years in practice (you do the math). This is why I can write this article with great confidence and inform you that I can literally count on one hand how many people have heard what I have told them during my assessment process, things that they have never heard before. Let that sink in a moment before you move on to read the rest of the article. I used to think that there were others who assessed like I did, but over the years, there have been too many clients who have tried all types of therapies, including those mentioned above, but did not receive the information (or expected outcomes) that I have delivered. There have also been many people from out of town asking me if other therapists similar to me exist in their area, or have moved and cannot find the same level of expertise or services in their area. So at 70+ years, I am exporting my knowledge to the world for all who resonate with it. Trust me, I have had many conversations (some were very intense) with clients and other movement professionals about this over the years, and it's like pulling teeth without Novocain to even get people to even want to try to understand what I am conveying. They often ask things such as “what is the scientific evidence or concrete objective proof for what I am saying, or they have absolute faith and blind loyalty to their modality or therapists. Movement Professionals and clients alike simply think the rub (massage), the stretching (yoga and other flexibility practices), or Personal Training or Pilates and other similar techniques are the answers to their concerns and will deliver the expected outcomes, but are often disappointed. Movement modalities and practices are only tools, and about as useful as a practitioner’s ability to apply the tools correctly. The tools (Modalities) themselves alone are the complete solution. Complete full body/mind/spirit assessments: The key missing links This article is limited to a discussion of the Physical body aspect of assessments. There are other, more well-qualified professionals to address the Mind/Spirit aspect of assessments. I am only mentioning this because that’s another key missing element in the Movement Therapies application and approach of their craft. However, I will include a link here from one of my LinkedIn colleagues who explains the role of fascia in the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual realms very well. His name is Elias Delphinus, Integrative Health Doctor, Naturopathic & Lifestyle Medicine. This will give you a more comprehensive understanding of the approach you will need to fully assess a human’s Posture and Health needs. Click here . Physical body assessment Every movement professional should have a continuous improvement philosophy designed to calibrate how they are applying their craft or professional movement modality, and its effectiveness in terms of whether it is achieving expected outcomes. My philosophy is that if you are still doing things the same exact way you were doing things within a year's time, then you probably have not grown much in knowledge or expertise and maybe stuck in a mindset lock. My personal opinion is that if you are not completely assessing and evaluating your client’s physical alignment and posture “Before” and as a “Prerequisite” for applying your craft, then you are missing a major opportunity to expand the effectiveness and expected outcomes from the application of what you do. To do this, you must be willing to challenge and, if necessary, change/modify your business model. Skill sets needed for accurate assessments communication skills The reason I mention communication skills first is that most movement professionals and the general public (clients) are locked into the mindset that it is the modalities that they use that will produce the results and expected outcomes. I use the following statement as a means to change mindsets: I, as the practitioner, am the “Mechanic “ and you, as the client, are the “Driver of your own vehicle (body)”. I, as the mechanic, cannot get behind your steering wheel and control your body. That is going to take a deliberate conscious effort to modify behaviors as a client. This usually gets people’s attention to realize that they have a responsibility in their healing to begin to shift from the mindset that they are coming to you to get “Fixed”. If you can get pass this barrier, then you are well on your way to a collaborative relationship in achieving the expected outcomes for both you as the practitioner and the client. This will be your most difficult challenge because most people in the world are trained to run to someone to get fixed. Client education and training Superior communication skills are needed for this in the movement field because people are so locked into the mindset that you are going to fix them. That requires the ability to have excellent observation skills so that you can accurately describe your findings and, more importantly, articulate how you are going to assist them (clients) in the recalibration of their alignment and posture with a treatment plan that can be monitored and measured. You will be surprised to how many people who simply do not want to put in the work and effort in improving themselves, outside of doing activities such as Pilates, Yoga, Personal Training, etc, but they don’t realize that sometimes these activities are making things worse without proper assessment as to how the particular modality will work for them. Here is another one of my sayings that I have developed over the years in response to clients not wanting to put forth the effort and expectation to be fixed, “I will apply my craft to the best of my ability but you as the client should dial back your expectations of what you expect receive from my therapy unless you are willing to do the work”. It takes a lot of courage and confidence in your craft to be able to say this in a very direct manner to clients. In other words, it’s not my responsibility to fix you as I am a consultant only and can only guide you because you, as the client, are with yourself 24 hours a day. Practitioners have very little control of what happens when they leave your office. Superior anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology knowledge It is not enough to be trained in only the knowledge that was included in your modality certification or training program. You must continually learn knowledge across multiple disciplines that can help your particular modality to be more effective. Also, I am not necessarily talking about getting a doctor’s degree or spending a lot of money on different certifications, etc. Most of the knowledge I learned about assessment principles did not come from my primary licensed and certification courses. I did not take continuing education courses solely to satisfy licensing requirements, but to expand my knowledge so that I can apply my craft more effectively. For example I have studied, trained and learned from diverse groups of movement experts, online, in-person, and self study such as: The American Posture Institute, BodyZone, Z-Health Brain-Based Movement, NeuroSomatic Educators, Upledger Institute, Tom Meyers Anatomy Train knowledge, John F. Thie’s Touch for Health system, Ortho-bionomy, stretching, yoga, personal training courses (IdeaFit) and Tai Chi courses and dozens of others too numerous to name, most of which were not taken for CE credits but for the knowledge to apply my craft better. I encourage all movement practitioners to do the same, expand your knowledge outside of your direct field, if only to understand what many of your clients to will be doing anyway. Superior observation skills Assessment skills require being able to accurately observe what’s happening in human posture in static positions and dynamic movements. This requires the ability to focus using some type of system for observing and recording the results of observations. Traditionally, this has been done visually and manually, recording results. However, the introduction of technology and AI tools have greatly enhanced the ability to interface visual/manual techniques with technology. It is imperative to realize that technology and AI should not replace human assessment and evaluations, but be used to enhance and improve data gathering for forming conclusions in order to build more meaningful and effective treatment plans based upon your assessments. For example, I have recently digitally enhanced my practice with the creation of an app I call PosturePro, which is part of my in-house Posture Alignment & Coaching business. I use the app to add additional data gathering techniques to supplement my visual observation and assessment techniques, which include, but not limited to: static postural photos, videos of dynamic movements and gait, Muscle Testing, Romberg’s balance testing, and various Brain-based visual and vestibular testing, and many other assessment techniques to gather information to load into my program. From here, I am able to develop AI suggestions for 8 & 12-week treatment plans for breathing, balance, proprioception, stability, mobility, strengthening, stretching exercises, and programs, as well as add my own personally developed programs to the app. As a licensed manual therapist, this gives me the opportunity to be more precise in my bodywork routines which have purpose and a plan with definite outcome objectives that can be measured. It also enhances my documentation processing because I can produce at least three types of reports: assessment, treatment plan suggestions, and overall summary, integrating both the assessment and treatment plan reports. These reports can then be exported to the client and/or their practitioner of choice to be used as needed with a client’s preferred therapist or modality if they won’t stay with your program. Currently, there is no consistent communication and cooperation amongst the various types of movement therapists that clients are using and there can be significant contraindications and conflicts of therapeutic objectives and treatment plans amongst different therapists because of the lack of awareness of what the client is doing and participating in from various modalities while in between your sessions with them. Conclusions This article was written as a philosophical discussion about the need for mindset change within the Therapeutic Movement community and was written without AI involvement or direct references to double blind studies and scientific references on purpose. I am sharing my experiences of how I have applied Therapeutic movement principles to help thousands of clients get positive outcomes in my 27 years of experience. I hope this article causes all practitioners to review your practices and see if what I have written resonates or not. I am not trying to convince anyone of what I am saying is correct. I also recommend that movement practitioners start integrating AI and technology techniques into their practices, not as a replacement but as an enhancement towards achieving better outcomes for your clients. If you already are doing this, then congratulations, if not, please seriously consider implementing some of the ideas I have presented in this article. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Luther Lockard Luther Lockard, Posture & Movement Coach, LMT Luther Lockard is a professional bodyworker with 27 years of experience, which includes the services of Posture & Alignment Coaching, flexibility training, personal training, medical massage, reflexology, craniosacral, Reiki, therapeutic touch, healing touch, and other energy-based modalities. Luther has over 2000 hours of professional training in bodywork, which includes Brain-Based & Corrective Exercise Movement Coaching.

Ki’ara Larkin is a Board-Certified Nurse Coach, Speaker, and Transformational Wellness Expert recognized for her integrative evidence-based approach to health, mindset, and healing. With a strong foundation in healthcare and a passion for holistic transformation, she helps individuals cultivate balance, resilience, and purpose in every area of life. Through her coaching, speaking, and writing, Ki’ara empowers others to heal naturally, elevate their mindset, and live with clarity, confidence, and intention. Brian M. Lissak, Neuro-Physio-PsychoTherapist Who is Ki'ara Larkin? I’m Ki’ara Larkin, a Registered Nurse, future FNP, Certified Nurse Coach in progress, holistic wellness strategist, entrepreneur, single mom, and a woman who is continuously evolving. At home, I’m a lover of quiet mornings, good music, deep conversations, and creating what I call “soft life routines” with candles, journaling, stretching, and taking care of my energy. I love traveling, trying new food, learning about culture, and anything that feeds my spirit and curiosity. In business, I’m passionate, intentional, and a little sassy. I love helping people heal, grow, and step into their highest potential. I thrive on creating programs, writing, educating, and building a brand that truly reflects empowerment, wellness, and elevation. Something interesting about me: I rebuilt my entire life after a toxic work environment, heartbreak, betrayal, and overwhelming burnout. Instead of letting it break me, I alchemized it, and now I teach others how to do the same. My clients get not just my expertise, but my lived experience and resilience. What sparked the creation of your business at Empowered Wellness and how has that journey evolved? Empowered Wellness was born from my own healing journey. As an RN, I saw firsthand how much people were struggling with stress, hormones, weight, mindset, and emotional well-being, and how the healthcare system left many of them unsupported. At the same time, I was navigating my own breakdown - breakthrough. Single motherhood, a painful heartbreak, grad school, burnout, and rebuilding my identity all forced me to rethink what true wellness looks like. I realized people don’t just need appointments, they need support, clarity, accountability, lifestyle strategy, and mindset coaching. What began as simple wellness guidance has evolved into a full integrative coaching brand offering: Hormone & metabolic support, Mindset & emotional mastery, Nutrition & lifestyle modification, Holistic & alternative wellness options, High-achiever burnout recovery, Courses, ebooks, and upcoming published books My business has grown as I have grown, and now it’s a holistic space for healing, transformation, and elevation. What specific problem do you help your clients solve and why is it so important right now? I help clients stop living in survival mode: mentally, emotionally, and physically. Most of my clients struggle with: Chronic stress and burnout, Hormonal symptoms, Emotional eating & weight issues, Low energy and mood swings, People-pleasing & lack of boundaries, Poor communication patterns, Self-doubt and imposter syndrome. These issues are important now more than ever because we live in a culture of overwhelm, pressure, and constant stimulation. People are functioning but not thriving. They’re successful on paper but drained internally. My work helps them regain control of their body, mind, relationships, and lifestyle, so they can actually enjoy the life they’re working so hard for. How do you combine your background (nursing + wellness coaching) into the unique offer you provide? My approach blends clinical knowledge with holistic transformation. As a nurse, I understand: Human physiology, Hormones & metabolism, Medication, safety, and evidence-based practice, The realities of chronic stress and disease. As a coach, I understand: Behavior change, Mindset patterns, Emotional processing, Nutrition & lifestyle habits, and Personal growth. Together, this allows me to create wellness plans that are safe, effective, and rooted in both science and self-awareness. Clients get a level of care and personalization that goes far beyond traditional coaching. What’s the most common misconception people have about wellness or mindset work and how do you address it? The biggest misconception is that wellness is just diet and exercise, or that mindset work is “just thinking positive.” In reality wellness is hormonal, emotional, mental, nutritional, environmental, and relational. Mindset work is about rewiring patterns, healing triggers, building discipline, and creating alignment. I help clients see that transformation is whole-person work. Once they understand the interconnectedness, everything starts to shift. Can you walk us through one of your signature programs and how it delivers transformation? Let me highlight one: Mental & Mindset Mastery. This program is designed for clients who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or emotionally drained. It includes: Identifying limiting beliefs, Healing emotional triggers, Improving communication & boundaries, Rewriting internal narratives, Weekly coaching sessions, Reflection exercises & journal prompts,  Incorporating nervous-system regulation, and Action steps for real-life change. The transformation comes from pairing emotional healing with practical tools. Clients walk away with clarity, confidence, and the ability to respond to life instead of reacting to it. What results or changes can clients expect when they work with you, and what differentiates you from others in this space? Clients can expect: Higher energy and better mood, Improved communication and confidence, Healthier habits & weight changes, Better emotional control, Stronger boundaries, Reduced stress, Better relationships, More self-trust, and A sense of alignment and purpose. What differentiates me is that I don’t “cookie-cutter” anything. I bring: Nursing expertise, Holistic wellness, Mindset psychology, Personal real-life experience, Compassion & accountability, and Education, not just motivation! I meet my clients where they are and then elevate them. What’s one small but powerful habit or mindset shift you recommend that someone could start right away? Start your day intentionally instead of reactively. Before touching your phone, do one of the following: Sit in silence for 2 minutes, Set one intention, Journal because it really does hold merit, Drink water before coffee, or Tell yourself how much of a Badass you are! This single shift grounds your nervous system, improves clarity, and prevents you from starting the day in stress mode. How do you support clients to sustain their transformation in the long term, beyond the initial coaching? I focus on integration, not dependency. Long-term sustainability comes from: Habit stacking, Mindset rewiring, Practical routines, Emotional intelligence, Positive support systems, Check-ins and continued resources! I give clients tools they can use for life: journals, protocols, communication frameworks, boundary scripts, nutrition strategies, and mindset techniques. Many continue with maintenance coaching for accountability and deeper growth. If someone is ready to take the first step with you, what should they do, and what can they expect from that first discovery call? The first step is to book a Free Empower Hour Discovery Call. On that call, they can expect: A deep dive into their goals, A conversation about their challenges, Clarity on what’s keeping them stuck, A customized roadmap, Honest recommendations, and Next steps to kicking ass in the best program that fits their needs! There’s no pressure, just clarity, support, and real guidance. Most people leave that call saying, “Wow… no one has ever explained it to me like that.” So what are you waiting for? Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn, and visit my  website  for more info! Read more from Ki'ara Larkin

Written by Jessica Falcon, Soul Embodiment Guide & Relationship Expert A former lawyer turned mystic, Jessica Falcon is an International Soul Embodiment Guide & Relationship Expert. She guides you to embody your power, reclaim your sovereignty, and experience true freedom. Tune into her Soul Sovereignty & Sexuality Podcast. Kundalini energy is not a new age concept. It is very ancient in its roots. Working with Kundalini energy is a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Kundalini energy is your creative, sexual, life force energy. It is life moving through you unimpeded. It is you fully expressed. It is your radiance and your health.  You activate your Kundalini through your breath. Without breath, there is no life. Without life, there is no breath. Thus, the more breath you bring into your body, the more your life force Kundalini energy activates. Most people don't even realize how disconnected they are from their body or their breath. We stop breathing during moments of fear, tension, stress, or trauma. The majority of people breathe directly into their chest, and their breath never reaches the low belly or other parts of the body.  When there is no breath, there is no life. What this means on a practical level is that if you are not taking the time to consciously breathe into your body, into your belly, into your heart, into your core, into the soles of your feet, into your third eye, then you are not connected to the wisdom and information that resides within. The energy within your body cannot flow unimpeded. It gets stuck and stagnant.  Quantum physics has helped us understand that the body, though seemingly dense, is actually comprised of trillions of cells that are constantly vibrating. Each of these cells contains information, energy, and wisdom. When you present yourself in the body, this energy cannot help but respond. Once the suppressed energy moves and becomes conscious, you are no longer "ruled from below." The subconscious mind, that which is not yet conscious, is accessed through your body and emotions. Once it is made conscious, you become your own ruler, and you no longer enslaved to the beliefs or traumas of the past. When you start to direct your awareness and breath into your body, the stuck and stagnant energy begins to move and to vibrate. With time and consistency, it begins to move and rise up to the surface. This is primarily the result of suppressed emotions. Emotions are energy in motion. The emotional body and the energetic body are inextricably linked.  As stagnant energy is released, you create more space and therefore more flow in the body. Kundalini energy is the natural movement of energy within your body. Therefore, it wants to rise up from your root (sacrum) to your crown (top of your head). It is earth energy. When energy from the earth can move up your spine fluidly, without obstruction, it begins to merge with your higher brain centers. Kundalini energy unifies your lower chakras with your higher chakras. By lower, I do not mean less than. They are simply physically lower in your body. What this means is that, by creating more space in your body by utilizing the power of your breath, you can merge your divinity with your humanity.  You can bring higher levels of consciousness to your physical expression. Sexual urges, for example, are merged with higher levels of consciousness and choice. Survival needs no longer rule you or dictate your behavior. Your inner needs, feelings, and desires are aligned to your heart's truth.  Kundalini energy is symbolized by one or two serpents that rise up the spine in an undulating fashion from the root to the crown. It is not a coincidence that this is the ancient symbol of Asklepios, the Greek god of healing, and was later adopted as the symbol of modern medicine. The more life-force Kundalini energy we have, the greater states of health and well-being we experience. As lower vibrational energies are released, we naturally experience more peace, love, and joy. The origins of the serpentine Kundalini energy date back to ancient Sumer in Mesopotamia (5,000 B.C.E.), ancient Egypt (3,500 B.C.E.), and the Minoan civilization (2,000 B.C.E.). While they did not use the term "kundalini," they revered the mother earth as a goddess, a divine being, and consciously pulled the energy of the earth into their own bodies. Modern-day science is validating this through studies that show, for example, how the earth's electrons heal the physical body. Eastern traditions often teach that Kundalini energy is to be forced up the spine. Practices such as Kundalini Yoga encourage this through breath, chants, and movement. However, without any disrespect to these traditions, such practices are not necessary. They are based on effort, which is a more masculine approach. Kundalini energy is feminine energy. It will rise naturally without force when given the proper conditions.   Here is how you can begin to activate your Kundalini energy Direct your awareness (with your third eye or inner eye) into the body. I recommend starting with the lower belly (sacral chakra) or the heart (heart chakra). A chakra is a wheel of energy that exists within and surrounds the physical body.  Place your hands on your body where you direct your awareness. Intend to connect with this part of you. Open your heart so you are able to receive whatever information and wisdom arises.  Allow your breath to fill the area beneath your hands.    You have to allow any emotions that you come into contact with to move while maintaining pure observer consciousness. You may want to read this article on How to Deal with Uncomfortable Emotions to Create Emotional Freedom . The combination of these three things, your intention, attention, and breath, creates magical results. As you do this, you create space in the body. The energy contained within begins to move and vibrate. Emotions and energy that have been repressed or created stagnancy will be able to move. Sometimes it comes into your conscious awareness, sometimes it simply moves up and out. It depends on whether there is something you need to see in order to fully heal.  You may become aware of external energies you ingested that are not yours. The purpose of bringing your attention, intention, and breath into your body is to: Clear your energy field of all that is not yours  Allow the Kundalini energy, which is your natural state, to flow unobstructed throughout your body  Bring consciousness to that which has been hidden or buried in your subconscious mind (AKA emotional body) Open channels of communication within your body so you hear your inner voice and can align your thoughts, beliefs, and emotions to your soul's truth Life begins to flow through you unimpeded. You can breathe into anything. You begin to feel a power that is beyond this world. You come into deeper states of inner union, which ultimately allows you to experience sacred union externally. This requires time, consistency, and devotion. You are forming a new relationship with your body as the energy of your soul. You are reuniting with aspects of self that have been forgotten. You are inviting all of you to come back into wholeness. The Kundalini energy naturally begins to rise. It does not need to be forced. Focusing on a technique rather than delving into a connection with your inner self defeats the purpose. The technique may help move energy, but it can never replace the inner love and connection that truly beckon the Kundalini energy to rise.  My Sacred Body Wisdom online series teaches you how to activate your Kundalini life force energy through wisdom teachings, embodiment practices, and energy activations. You can learn more and begin right away here . I also have a monthly online Temple of Divine Feminine Power that teaches you how to work consciously with the energy of your body, activate your Kundalini, and embody more of your power and sovereignty. You can join us here .  Follow me on  Facebook ,   Instagram , and  LinkedIn  for more info. Read more from Jessica Falcon Jessica Falcon, Soul Embodiment Guide & Relationship Expert A former lawyer turned mystic, Jessica Falcon is an International Soul Embodiment Guide & Relationship Expert. She guides you to embody your power, reclaim your sovereignty, and experience true freedom. Jessica spent years researching religious history, ancient civilizations, and mythology to get to the root of unequal power dynamics in relationships. She has identified the core beliefs and wounds that must be confronted to experience shared power and freedom in relationships. She leads retreats, workshops, and online portals of transformation to help you embody your divinity, activate your sexual life force energy, and revolutionize your relationships. Tune into her Soul Sovereignty & Sexuality Podcast on all major platforms.