Best Holistic Life Magazine February 2025

YOUR GREATEST RELATIONSHIP IS THE ONE YOU BUILD WITH YOURSELF.

February 2025

The Future of Wellness:

AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH Wellness Visionary of the Year

SAMAEL TEJADA

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Heal Your Heart:

SURPRISINGLY POWERFUL Steps

Is There a

CONNECTION

BETWEEN

PERSONAL WELLNESS

&

BUSINESS SUCCESS

The Girl, the Plane,

& the Sky:

A Dream Come True A WOMEN-LED WORLD:

EM/POWEREDbyWMN Unlock Your Potential: MANAGING STRESS FOR

HORMONAL BALANCE

"Self-love is the spark that ignites your inner fire, the flame that illuminates your path and empowers you to rise above any challenge."

stock.adobe.com | xy

START A LOVE AFFAIR WITH YOURSELF!

EDITING Best Holistic Life Magazine BEST HOLISTIC LIFE LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED https://bestholisticlife.com Cover Image

Chief Editor: Jana Short Editors: Dr. Dixie Short, Jessica Schreib Layout: Jessica Schreib U Jess Graphix, Germany.

Images: If not otherwise specified, images belong to the creator of the articles. Any reproduction, publication or distribution is copyright infringement.

Jana Short ABOUT THE EDITOR

Jana Short is a renowned global influencer & an award winningmindset coach. She is an NLP, RTT Practitioner, best selling author, public speaker, host of Oh, My Health… There is HOPE! Podcast, and Best Holistic Life magazine editor.

Jana currently works creating online global influencers, teaching her clients to remove blocks holding them back and how to start that love affair with their potential online clients.

She has recently been recognized and featured on the cover of San Francisco Soeleish Magazine 2022, Los Angeles Entrepreneur Magazine September 2021 issue as Los Angeles #1 Mindset Coach two years in a row. Monica Garg’s “Influential Women of the WorldGlobal Influencers” 2020, Las Vegas Entrepreneurs Magazine “Top 25 Entrepreneurs for 2020” issue, and the cover of December’s Best Holistic Life magazine.

Jana is getting the message of hope out into the world in a huge way, changing the world one inspiring story at a time.

Catch Jana on: https://www.janashort.com/

FACEBOOK-SQUARE /BestHolisticLifeMagazine INSTAGRAM /janashortofficial YOUTUBE /c/OhMyHealthThereIsHOPE

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

138

TABLE OF

CONTENT Cover Stories 67 The Future of Wellness: An Exclusive Interview with Wellness

14 Unmasking Success: The Journey to Self-Love Beyond Achievements

Visionary of the Year Samael Tejada 6

The Girl, the Plane, and the Sky: A Dream Come True

10

Unlock Your Potential:Managing Stress for Hormonal Balance

someone else’s?

26

CAN WE SAVE THE GREAT SALT LAKE?

Business Success?

33

Life Outside Your Comfort Zone

Heal Your Heart: 3 Surprisingly Powerful Steps

36

5 Clues You're Stuck in a Karmic Relationship

39

The Love Jackpot: Cultivating Self-Worth and Happiness

12 Is There a Connection Between Personal Wellness and

18

23 What is in your paper bag? Are you alright with taking

A Women-Led World: EM/POWEREDbyWMN 100

Community: The Megaphone for Manifestation

43

The Top 5 Reasons You Are Not Having Great Sex

105

Visual Storytelling: Build Your Brand’s Identity

46

Does Eating Energize You or Exhaust You?

49

Learn the Lesson

From the Team

50 An African Adventure: The Riman Vieton Multi Stick Balm Saves the Day

98

How Much Do You Love Pomegranate?

119

Unlocking Nature's Pharmacy: Healing Foods for Every Season

166

Monthly Energy Update

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32

Ta b l e o f Co n t e n t 54 In the Eye of the Storm: Life, Love, and Lessons from Hurricane Helene 56

How to Cultivate Self-Love Moment by Moment

59

Stacking Up Life’s Riches: Your Path to Overflowing Abundance

108

62 How Women Over 40 Can Regain or Supercharge Their Sex Drive with These Proven Science Based Research Sexual Self Care Methods 77

Your Reality Is A Reflection of Your Inner Self

80

5 Killer Signs You're Nailing Your Self-Growth

84

Your Bedding - The 401K for your health

88

Finding Your “Green Flag” in a Sea of Red Flag Relationships

138 Navigating IBD and Gut Health: Practical Insights for Busy Women

46

142

Love Like a Home:How Can You Bring More Love Into Your Life?

145

Expert Warnings About the Dangers of Poor Sleep Hygiene

148

Leading with Love: Transform Workplaces with Compassion

150 Navigating Grief with NLP Techniques for Cowboys and Law Enforcement Officers 155

How to Build Your DREAM Brand from Scratch in 6 Easy Steps!

92

Soulful Practices: Endless Spirals of Love

158

My Journey to Self-Love and Freedom

97

OOPS … I Think I Just Peed a Little!

163

5 TIPS For Experiencing The BEST Valentine’s Day EVER!

109

The Art of Self-Love: Preparing Yourself to Be Loved

164 Grounded Fantasy: Transforming Love and Intimacy through

112

New Year, New Strength:Transform Your Health Over 40

Imagination.

115 Is Your Inner Child Seeking a Parent in Your Relationship? - How Unmet Childhood Needs Shape the Dynamics of Love 134 Unshakeable Hope: Embracing Self- Love And Resilience Beyond Illness

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Our CON TR I BUT ER S

Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

S C O T T G AT E S

MUNEEZA AHMED

@gateswellness NLP Trauma Coach

@ muneeza_medical_intuitive Medical Intuitive

SA M T EJA DA

DR. CALI ESTES

@‌sammy_tejada CEO & Founder @Liquivida

@dr._cali_estes Doctor of Psychology

N AT H A L I E B O T R O S

P AT T Y O L I V E R

@thebon_vivantgirl Best-Selling Author

@ pattyoliverenergyhealer Energy Healer

LAETITIA ANDRAC

D AW N A C A M P B E L L

@essential.shift Strategy & Energetic Coach

@dawnacampbellofficial The Mind Whisper

MARK ANTHONY

@psychiclawyermarkanthony Psychic Lawyer, Best Selling Author

DR. ERIC FETE @drericfete The Fitness Physician

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T O N YA F I N E S Z

DR. DIXIE SHORT

@tmfines Best-Selling Author

@AskDrDeeDNM Doctor of Natural Medicine

M A R I A B A L TA Z Z I

THERESA BYRNE

@mariabaltazzi Emmy-winning TV Producer

@ theresa_byrne1 Award-winning mindset coach

D R . TAW N I E , D N M

andrea Schwartz

@‌soundsleepconsultants Founder of Sound Sleep Consultants

@andreaberlinschwartz Health Coach

JA M E S G R AY RO B I N S O N

PA R I N A Z S H A M S

@ sirjamesgrayrobinson Spiritual & Relationship Expert, Best-Selling Author

@_parinazshams_ Spiritual Mentor

KASIA DODD

M A L AY S I A H A R R E L L

@inherence_kasiadodd Best-Selling Author

@malaysiahharrell Spritual Transformation Coach & Speaker

A Z LY N N B E R RY

@e_motionalarchitecture Emotional Arcitecture

AL WYNANT

@ingomu.coaching Founder of INGOMU

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

THE GIRL, THE PLANE, AND THE SKY:

A DREAM COME TRUE

BY JANA SHORT

A story of a woman who dared to dream, mirroring the hidden aspi-

not meant to be mere fantasies but tangible realities waiting to

rations within each of us

be manifested.

I knew a girl who dreamed of flying—not in the metaphorical

The Toy Plane: A Symbol of Hope

sense, but literally, soaring through the clouds with the wind in

Shortly after the woman in our story bought her first home, a

her hair and the world spread out beneath her. She was a woman

small toy plane was placed hanging from a tree in her yard. Some-

of many talents and ambitions—a dedicated mother, a successful

one who knew of her secret dream had placed it there, a subtle but

professional, a PhD holder—but the dream of flight had always

powerful reminder of what was possible.

been there, a quiet whisper in the background of her busy life.

Think of that toy plane as a symbol of your own dreams. It's a

Does this sound familiar? Perhaps you, too, harbor a dream that

visual representation of what you aspire to, a tangible reminder

feels just out of reach, something you long for but have relegated

that your dreams are not forgotten and that they are still within

to the "someday" pile, overshadowed by the demands of everyday

reach.

life. It could be a creative pursuit you've always wanted to explore,

Life's Unexpected Turns

a career change you've contemplated, a place you've longed to

Life, as it often does, threw this woman a few curveballs. Rela-

visit, or a personal goal you've yet to achieve. Whatever it may

tionships ended, her children grew up and started to need her less,

be, that dream is a part of you, a reflection of your deepest desires

and the sudden loss of a loved one shook her to her core.

and aspirations.

These challenges and setbacks are a part of life's journey. They

This month, as we embrace the spirit of self-love and accep-

can test our resolve, shake our foundations, and leave us feel-

tance, it's time to acknowledge that hidden dream within you.

ing lost and uncertain. But they can also serve as catalysts for

It's time to recognize that you deserve to receive that dream and

change, prompting us to re-evaluate our priorities and pursue

that pursuing what brings you joy and fulfillment is not selfish

what truly matters.

or frivolous.

Awakening the Passion

The Universal Dream

It was in the midst of this upheaval that something remarkable

The girl in our story is not unique; she's a reflection of the

happened. The grief she felt ignited a spark within her, a renewed

dreamer that resides in all of us. We all have secret aspirations,

sense of urgency to pursue her long-held dream of flying. The

hopes, and desires that we may keep hidden from the world or

passing of her loved one served as a poignant reminder that life

even from ourselves. Life has a way of getting in the way of piling

is precious and fleeting and that it was time to seize the moment.

on responsibilities and obligations that can make our dreams feel

Perhaps you, too, have experienced a similar awakening. A

distant and unattainable. Fear, too, can play a role, whispering

life event, a conversation, or a simple realization has sparked

doubts in our ears and holding us back from taking that first step.

a renewed passion for your dream. It's that feeling of "now or

But this month, let's challenge those fears and limitations. Let's

never," a sense that it's time to take action and make your dreams

embrace the idea that we are worthy of our dreams, that they are

a reality.

Th e G i r l , t h e P l a n e , a n d t h e S k y : A D r e a m C o m e T r u e

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

Th e G i r l , t h e P l a n e , a n d t h e S k y : A D r e a m C o m e T r u e

Taking the First Step:

Manifestation is not always an instant process. It's a

Recognizing the Dream

gradual unveiling, a series of steps and choices that lead

Flying lessons aren't cheap, but she was undeterred.

us closer to our goals. It's about aligning our thoughts,

She showed up at the local airfield, eager to learn and

beliefs, and actions with our dreams and trusting that the

contribute in any way she could. She became a familiar

universe will conspire to help us achieve them.

face, helping out wherever needed and soaking up the

The Girl Who Took Flight:

atmosphere and camaraderie of the pilots.

An Inspiration for Us All

The first step towards manifesting your dream is recog-

Today, that girl who dreamed of flying is very close to

nizing that it still exists. It's about acknowledging

becoming a licensed pilot, soaring through the skies with

that desire within you and giving yourself permission

the same joy and wonder she felt as a child. Her story

to pursue it. It might be as simple as researching your

is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to pursue

dream, talking to someone who has achieved something

our dreams, no matter how big or small they may seem.

similar, or taking a small step toward making it happen.

It's a testament to the power of mindset, the impor-

The Power of Persistence

tance of visualization, and the transformative magic of

Soon, she was in the air, logging the hours required to

manifestation. It's a story that resonates with each of us,

solo. It was a slow but steady process, each flight bringing

reminding us that our dreams are not just idle fantasies

her closer to her dream. The mental roadmaps she had

but possibilities waiting to be realized.

created over the years, visualizing herself in the cockpit,

This Month: Embrace Your Dreams

were now becoming a reality.

This month, let's take inspiration from the girl who

The journey towards your dream may not be easy or

dared to fly. Let's embrace our own dreams, no matter

straightforward. There will be challenges, setbacks, and

how long they've been dormant or how impossible they

moments of doubt. But it's the persistence, the unwav-

may seem. Let's acknowledge that we deserve to receive

ering belief in yourself and your dream, that will carry

those dreams and that they are a part of who we are and

you through.

what we're meant to achieve.

Manifestation: A Gradual Unveiling

Take that first step, even if it's just recognizing that your

It's truly unique what manifestation can do for those

dream still exists. Research it, visualize it, and talk about

who are patient and persistent. This woman's dream

it. And most importantly, believe in yourself and your

of flying had always been within her grasp, but it took

ability to make it happen.

a series of life events to awaken her passion and propel

Remember, your dreams are waiting for you. All you have

her towards it.

to do is take that first step and soar.

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

Unlock Your Potential:Managing Stress for Hormonal Balance

UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL:

MANAGING STRESS FOR HORMONAL BALANCE

BY DR. DEE

In today's fast-paced world, stress has become an unavoidable part of

supplements.

daily life for many individuals. However, chronic stress can take a toll

3. Move Your Body Regularly: Physical activity is a powerful antidote

on our hormonal health, leading to imbalances that impact our overall

to stress, helping to release tension, improve mood, and promote

well-being. Understanding how stress affects our hormones and learn-

the production of endorphins, the body's natural stress-relievers.

ing to manage it naturally is crucial for promoting optimal health and

Find activities you enjoy, whether it's yoga, dancing, or walking in

vitality. In this article, we'll explore the profound impact of stress on

nature, and make them a regular part of your routine.

hormonal balance and share practical tips for effectively managing stress

4. Cultivate Gratitude: Practicing gratitude has been shown to reduce

to support your wellness journey.

stress levels and promote emotional well-being. Take time each day

The Stress-Hormone Connection

to reflect on the things you're grateful for, whether it's the support

Stress triggers the release of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline,

of loved ones, moments of joy, or the beauty of nature.

which are designed to help us respond to perceived threats or chal-

5. Prioritize Self-Care: Carve out time for self-care activities that

lenges. While these hormones are essential for survival in acute situ-

nourish your body, mind, and soul. Whether it's taking a warm bath,

ations, chronic stress can lead to dysregulation of the stress response

indulging in a hobby, or simply spending time in nature, prioritize

system, contributing to hormonal imbalance. Elevated cortisol levels,

activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

in particular, can disrupt other hormonal systems in the body, includ-

6. Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out for support from friends,

ing those responsible for metabolism, sleep, and reproductive function.

family, or mental health professionals if you're feeling overwhelmed

Understanding the Long-Term Effects

by stress. Connecting with others and sharing your experiences can

Prolonged exposure to stress can have far-reaching effects on hormonal

provide valuable perspective and support on your wellness journey.

health, contributing to a host of physical and emotional symptoms. These

Empowering Your Wellness Journey

may include fatigue, weight gain, digestive issues, mood swings, and

Managing stress effectively is essential for promoting hormonal balance

reproductive problems. Additionally, chronic stress has been linked to

and overall wellness. By incorporating mindfulness practices, adapto-

an increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease,

genic herbs, regular exercise, gratitude, self-care, and seeking support,

and autoimmune conditions. Recognizing the signs of stress-induced

you can cultivate resilience to stress and reclaim your vitality. If you're

hormonal imbalance is the first step towards implementing effective

ready to dive deeper into holistic stress management techniques and

strategies for stress management.

achieve greater well-being, consider enrolling in the Balancing Abun-

Practical Tips for Stress Relief:

dance program.

1. Practice Mindfulness Meditation: Engage in daily mindfulness

Ready to Take Back Control?

meditation to cultivate awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and

–Chronic stress can disrupt our hormonal balance and negatively

bodily sensations. Mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress

impact our health and vitality. However, by implementing natural stress

levels and promote hormonal balance by calming the nervous system

management strategies and seeking support when needed, we can miti-

and reducing cortisol production.

gate the effects of stress on our hormones and promote overall wellness.

2. Incorporate Adaptogenic Herbs: Adaptogens such as ashwagandha,

The Balancing Abundance program offers comprehensive support and

rhodiola, and holy basil can help modulate the body's stress response

guidance for individuals seeking to restore hormonal harmony and thrive

and promote resilience to stressors. Consider incorporating adap-

in all aspects of life. Visit http://AskDrDee.com to learn more and take

togenic herbs into your daily routine through teas, tinctures, or

the next step on your journey to vibrant health and vitality.

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BY JEFF COHEN

Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

WELLNESS AND BUSINESS SUCCESS?

IS THERE A CONNECTION BETWEEN PERSONAL

12

The wellness industry is leading the charge when it comes

My dual roles—both as a legal advisor and an advocate for

to preventative care and holistic options. This shift is driven

wellness—led me to establish the American IV Association.

by individuals who prioritize well-being over symptom

This organization aims to protect wellness practitioners with

suppression. For this group, natural remedies and lifestyle

resources that enable businesses to thrive while ensuring

modifications are the chief drivers. Interestingly, this evolution

that emerging health trends can flourish within a safe and

mirrors the personal journeys of many, including myself,

properly regulated environment.

who have encountered struggles and adopted a growth

A Commitment to Clinical Integrity

mindset and an ongoing quest for balance and well-being.

Healthcare providers are now more open to integrative

Since childhood, I struggled with asthma and conventional

health solutions that combine conventional medicine with

treatments that fell flat. I was the kid in the classroom with

alternative therapies. This blended approach offers a more

the tissues in his pocket! My experience with illness and the

comprehensive path to wellness, addressing both physical

failure of conventional treatments inspired me. When I went

and mental health. With advancements in technology,

to Arizona for college, I found “different” treatment methods

personalized wellness plans are becoming more accessible.

such as chiropractic, herbology and meditation and was

From genetic testing to tailor-made diet and exercise

sparked with a lifelong curiosity. Since then, I've explored

regimens, individuals can now pursue highly customized

a wide range of wellness solutions, from physical ones like

paths to health.

Rolfing, breathwork, peptides, and vitamins to emotional

The American IV Association's commitment has always been

ones, including counseling, meditation, and shamanism.

to ensure the provision of services is clinically driven and

Professionally, I have always been driven by a desire to help

externally validated. All wellness providers face challenges

others while also fulfilling a growing hunger for mental

and may mistakenly drift away from seeing their work as

and spiritual well-being. Becoming a lawyer became a way

"practicing medicine." Instead, they might become "product

to answer two important questions: (1) how can I help, and

annuity" platforms, selling products rather than providing

(2) what vehicle might fuel me to feel good about myself?

medical services. This creates a gap for regulators, the press,

Specializing in healthcare business law allowed me to stay

and lawsuits.

close to those who were solving health issues for many,

Community and Support

and it kept my curiosity alive. Becoming the caregiver to

There's also a growing emphasis on community in the

the caregivers became not just a vocation but also a point

wellness space. People are finding support and motivation

of personal pride and mission.

in group settings, whether through local wellness workshops

Founding the American IV Association

or online communities such as the American IV Association.

Working as a lawyer in the healthcare sector put me at the

Opportunities for Wellness Entrepreneurs

forefront of emerging business trends, such as the rise of

For wellness entrepreneurs, these trends present enormous

IV hydration therapy. The IV hydration industry, initially

opportunities. The wellness industry is ripe for innovation,

fueled by the departure of nurses from COVID-inundated

and there is ample room for new ventures that prioritize

healthcare facilities, has become big business. However, it

holistic and preventative care. Here are some tips for starting

faces regulatory challenges that create dynamism typical

a business in the wellness sector:

of any emerging healthcare industry. Providers committed

• Identify Gaps in the Market: Look for areas where

to ensuring clinical integrity will be the winners, but they

traditional healthcare falls short and develop solutions

must overcome hurdles such as the lack of regulatory clarity

that address those gaps. Listening to patient demand

and the patient-driven nature of the wellness industry.

is critical.

I s Th e r e a C o n n e c t i o n B e t w e e n P e r s o n a l W e l l n e s s a n d B u s i n e s s S u c c e s s ?

• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest research, laws, and trends in

to support providers in the wellness space, ensuring they can get in

wellness to ensure your business remains relevant and compliant.

business, stay in business, have a positive impact and thrive. The next

• Build Communities of Raving Fans and Collegiality: Foster a sense

evolution of industry involvement and stability will amplify the need

of community among your colleagues who call patient welfare their

for collaboration among providers to build a bridge with regulators and

number one priority. Give customers a compelling experience they

the press, ensuring the industry remains a trusted wellness solution

can’t find anywhere else.

that aligns with the passion and mission of the professionals serving it.

• Prioritize Transparency: Be transparent about the benefits and

The wellness industry thrives on the innate human desire for happiness,

limitations of your products or services. This builds trust and

wholeness, and vibrance. This pursuit of wellness leads us on a path that

credibility.

serves not just ourselves but also others, helping them have the energy

Leverage Technology: Utilize digital platforms to reach a wider audience

they need to serve others. Successful wellness is not about consuming the

and offer more personalized wellness solutions.

right product. It’s about adopting a mindset and a mission that allows us

The Future

to meet our own needs so we can help others do the same.

By staying informed, prioritizing transparency, and fostering community, you can build a successful wellness business that not only thrives but also helps others do the same. The American IV Association was founded

http://www.americaniv.com

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

UNMASKING SUCCESS: THE JOURNEY TO SELF-LOVE BEYOND ACHIEVEMENTS

BY M A L AYS I A H A R R E L L

It’s easy to get swept up in the pursuit of success. We chase degrees,

You’re always looking for the next project, goal, or milestone to chase

promotions, titles, and accolades, believing that each milestone will bring

because being still makes you feel unproductive or worthless. If any of

us the validation and happiness we crave. And for a moment, they do. That

these resonate with you, it might be time to take a step back and reflect

surge of pride when you land a big promotion or complete a major project is

on why success holds such power over you.

intoxicating. It feels like a win, a confirmation that you’re worthy, capable,

2. Why We Seek Outside Validation: The Mask We Wear

and… successful.

At the heart of this addiction to success often lies a deeper desire: the need

But what happens when the applause fades? When the high of achievement

for validation. We seek approval from our peers, family, or society to feel

wears off and you’re left searching for the next thing to fill the void? For

valued and accepted. In the process, we put on a mask—a carefully curated

many of us, success becomes an addiction. We find ourselves caught in an

image of the “perfect” professional, parent, partner, or friend. This mask

endless cycle of striving, not out of genuine passion, but out of a desperate

hides our fears, insecurities, and vulnerabilities.

need for external validation. And, over time, we end up putting on a mask—a

But here’s the catch: the more we seek validation from outside sources,

perfect façade that hides the exhaustion, the insecurities, and the self-doubt

the more disconnected we become from our true selves. We start to live for

beneath.

others, meeting their expectations while ignoring our own needs and desires.

Sound familiar? If so, know that you’re not alone. Many high-achieving

We become performers in our own lives, playing roles that don’t align with

individuals struggle with this addiction to success and the relentless pursuit

who we truly are. Real talk: No amount of success or external validation can

of outside approval. But the good news is that you can break free. It starts

fill the void left by neglecting your authentic self. True fulfillment comes not

with unmasking the real you and redefining what success truly means.

from how others see you but from embracing and accepting who you are at

Let’s dig into how to do that.

your core—flaws, failures, and all.

1. The Addiction to Success: Recognizing the Signs

3. Unmasking the Real You: Finding Success on Your Own Terms

Let’s be real: success feels good. It gives us a sense of accomplishment and

So how do you break free from the success addiction and find validation

boosts our confidence. But when success becomes the sole measure of our

within yourself? It starts with unmasking the real you and redefining success

self-worth, it becomes a problem. Here are some tell-tale signs that you

on your own terms.

might be addicted to success and external validation:

Here’s how to get started:

• You equate self-worth with achievements: You feel good about your-

1. Practice Self-Reflection

self only when you’re winning or achieving something. A dip in perfor-

Instead of constantly looking outward for validation, turn inward. Take

mance, whether at work or in personal projects, causes anxiety and self-

time to reflect on your values, passions, and what truly brings you joy. Ask

doubt.

yourself:

• You constantly seek praise: You crave recognition and feel uneasy when your efforts go unnoticed. Compliments and accolades become your primary source of motivation.

• What do I value in life, regardless of what society or others expect?

• What achievements have brought me true, lasting joy, not just fleeting pride?

• You fear failure: The idea of making mistakes or not living up to expec-

• How do I define success if I remove society’s labels and expectations?

tations terrifies you. Failure feels like a personal flaw, so you push your-

Journaling can be a powerful tool for this self-reflection. It allows you

self to extremes to avoid it.

to explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment and start to

• You struggle with downtime: Relaxing or simply “being” feels foreign.

understand what truly matters to you.

U n m a s k i n g S u c c e s s : Th e J o u r n e y t o S e l f - L o v e B e y o n d A c h i e v e m e n t s

2. Celebrate Small Wins and Efforts Success isn’t just about grand achievements; it’s also about the small steps you take every day. Start celebrating the small wins—the effort you put in, the lessons you learn from setbacks, the courage to keep going despite doubts.

Recognizing these moments can shift your focus from external validation to self-appreciation.

3. Set Boundaries Around Your “Success Triggers” Identify the areas or situations that trigger your need for outside validation. Is it social media, where you constantly compare yourself to others?

Is it your workplace, where you seek approval from your boss or peers? Set boundaries around these triggers. For example, limit your time on social media or set clear work-life boundaries to avoid burnout.

Pro tip: Consider a social media detox to break the cycle of comparison. Use this time to reconnect with activities that nourish your spirit and align with your authentic self.

4. Embrace Vulnerability One of the hardest things to do is to let others see you without the mask. But embracing vulnerability is key to finding true connection and self-worth.

Share your struggles, fears, and imperfections with those you trust. Opening up helps you realize that you don’t have to be perfect to be valued and loved.

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

Quick

exercise:

Share

something

you’re

life, the kindness you show yourself and others,

struggling with (it could be big or small) with

and the courage to be who you truly are—mask

a close friend or family member. Notice how it

off, imperfections and all.

feels to be honest and open. This practice can

Your Next Steps

help you build deeper connections and remind

Take a deep breath. You don’t need to have it all

you that your worth isn’t tied to your successes.

figured out right now. Start by taking small steps

5. Redefine Success Based on Your Values

to reconnect with yourself and redefine success

It’s time to create a new definition of success—

on your own terms. Reflect on what truly matters

one that aligns with your personal values rather

to you, celebrate the small wins, set boundaries

than societal standards. Maybe success for

around your “success triggers,” and let go of the

you means having a balanced life, nurturing

mask that hides the real you.

your relationships, taking care of your mental

Your turn: What’s one way you can start validating

health, or pursuing a passion project. Write down

yourself from within instead of seeking approval

your new definition of success and use it as a

from others? Write it down, make it a daily

guidepost when making decisions.

practice, and watch how your perspective on

When you redefine success based on your

success begins to change.

values, you start to live a life that feels true to

Breaking free from the addiction to success isn’t

who you are, rather than constantly chasing

about giving up ambition; it’s about finding

achievements that leave you feeling empty.

peace, fulfillment, and self-worth that come

6. Finding Inner Validation: The Journey to

from embracing the real you. So, let’s make

Self-Worth

this year the one where you unmask, unwind,

Breaking the addiction to success and seeking

and unapologetically step into the success that

outside validation isn’t an overnight process.

resonates with your true self.

It’s a journey of self-discovery, vulnerability,

Are you ready to embark on a transformative

and inner growth. The goal isn’t to stop striving

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social media. It’s found in the way you live your

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

HEAL YOUR HEART:

3 SURPRISINGLY POWERFUL STEPS B Y M A R I A B A LT A Z Z I , P H D , M F A

"A true soulmate is probably the most important person you'll

me. I found out when I saw him across a stadium arena, sitting

ever meet because they tear down your walls and smack you

cozily with someone else at a taping of a boxing match show for

awake." — Author of "Eat, Pray, Love," Elizabeth Gilbert

the production company we worked for (I am also a TV producer.)

Ah, February. Love is in the air. Love relationships often bring us

Like that, I was now in a cliché scene from a romantic comedy

our deepest joys and, at times, our most profound pain. At some

when the girl discovers the boy does not share her feelings about

point in our romantic lives, we all experience the heartache of

their relationship, and I was not laughing. I felt betrayed, embar-

thinking we have found our soulmate, only to lose them.

rassed, and devastated by the person I thought had become my

So, what is a soulmate, really?

best friend and love interest. How ironic that this scene took place

The dictionary defines a soulmate as someone ideally suited to

at a boxing match.

another in temperament or strongly resembling them in attitudes

Both relationships motivated me to profound inward turns. When

or beliefs. Elizabeth Gilbert offers an alternative perspective in

I got on the other side of my hurt, I realized their leaving was a

her globally beloved 2006 bestseller. Rather than being a perfect

blessing. It took them coming into my life and then going for me

fit, a soulmate reflects all the ways you may be holding yourself

to work through what I wanted in a romantic partnership—that

back—through your limitations, obstacles, addictions, or ego.

and in so many other significant areas of life. Had I stayed with

Their purpose is to twist you up so deeply that you are forced into

either of these men, I would not have the life I love so much. So,

those tough love conversations with yourself. Then they vanish.

if you love your life now, thank your soulmate for tearing open

While Elizabeth believes a soulmate may be your most import-

the space to realize it.

ant relationship, thank God, they are not meant to last forever.

Detachment: A Path to Healing

“Nay! Too painful.”

When a soulmate leaves, it is easy to find yourself living at the

When this happens, instead of mourning the loss, I invite you to

bottom of an ice cream box, replaying a romanticized movie

consider finding a way to thank these people—even when it hurts.

version of your life together in your head. It is understandable to

Tough Soulmate Lesson

do this for a while. Though, at some point, you have to rejoin the

I have had two soulmate relationships in my life, and neither of

world again. Want to know how? You emotionally detach.

them lasted. Each time, I found myself in deep emotional pain

This may seem like a big, impossible step. It is big, though not

after the relationship ended, yet with time, I realized that their

impossible.

departures sparked significant personal growth.

First, detaching, or detachment, does not mean closing off from

One of these soulmates was a colleague with whom we shared

love or pushing away emotions; rather, it is about releasing your

everything—work, travel, ideas, even our taste in food. However,

heart and accepting that some relationships are just not meant

eventually, he moved on to another relationship without telling

to last.

H e a l Y o u r H e a r t : 3 S u r p r i s i n g ly P o w e r f u l S t e p s

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

Healthy Detachment in Three Steps

helping you evolve into a stronger, more self-aware person.

One. Accept Your Reality: As painful as it is, accept that they

Moving Upward and Forward While heartbreak can be one of the

are gone and not coming back. There is no “maybe they will” or

deepest pits you will ever fall into, crawling out could be the most

“what-if.” They came into your life to help you learn something

transformative. Healthy detachment allows you to emerge from

about yourself and move on. So, you, too, must move on.

the pain with a deeper understanding of yourself.

Two. Let go of blame and judgment: After a breakup, it is easy

So, if you are tending to a broken heart, take a moment to reflect

to jump on the blame train, feel like a victim, and keep cycling

on what the relationship has taught you. And, in time, try to thank

through the same judgments and complaints. While you may

your soulmate—even when it still hurts.

blame yourself for regrettable mistakes or truly have been a

"This is a good sign—having a broken heart. It means we have

victim and justifiably upset, you have to let this go for your sake.

tried something," Elizabeth Gilbert.

Continuing to blame, judge and complain will not change the situ-

Part of this article is an excerpt from the book "Take a Shot at

ation and will only keep you from living your life again.

Happiness: How to Write, Direct & Produce the Life You Want,"

Three. Growth and Gratitude: It might seem impossible to

voted “Best Personal Development Book of the Year 2024” by this

feel gratitude for someone who has hurt you, yet it may be the

magazine and is the recipient of the Silver Nautilus Book Award. It

most healing gift you can give yourself. Gratitude does not mean

won the Wellbeing category at both the NYC Big Book Award and

condoning hurtful behavior or pretending the pain does not exist,

the National Indie Excellence Awards, where it was also a final-

ever. It is about acknowledging that the pain served a purpose—

ist in Personal Growth.

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“Life is like a film camera, Focus on what is important, capture the good times, develop from the negatives, and if things do not work out, take another shot.”

“I recommend that you take a shot at reading this practical and accessible book on happiness. Maria offers a creative approach that combines journaling and phone photography activities that help you integrate the concepts she writes about.” ~Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, New York Times Bestselling Author of Happier, Former Harvard Lecturer, and Founder of the Happiness Studies Academy

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

Wh a t i s i n y o u r p a p e r b a g ? A r e y o u a l r i gh t w i t h t a k i n g s o m e o n e e l s e ’ s ?

WHAT IS IN YOUR PAPER BAG? ARE YOU ALRIGHT WITH TAKING SOMEONE ELSE’S?

BY ALEXANDRA MILEWICH

In 2018, I was diagnosed with Anorexia. I knew that I

everyone struggles with something. My mother used to

struggled with something, but I could not identify what

tell me a story: She would have me imagine putting all

it was. I had reoccurring thoughts around food; I had

of my problems in a paper bag. She would then ask me to

become restrictive of certain food groups. I knew there was

imagine placing my paper bag in a big pile of other peoples’

something wrong, but the topic of eating disorders, anxiety,

paper bags. Then she would ask me if I would like to trade

and depression was not one that was often addressed in

my paper bag. This story was not to invalidate my own

my community of friends or family. My struggles did not

struggles but to remind me that everyone has a paper bag,

look like the definition that I had read in my high school

and we cannot always see what is inside of it. This story

text books. I knew I needed help, but I was afraid to say it

is told in the film, and began to shape the impact that we

out loud or admit it to my community. Help and mental

built around it.

health struggles felt shameful—I had failed.

The film has now become part of the non-profit organization

When I finally spoke up to my doctor, I was sent to a treatment

PROJECT BLACKBIRD Inc. That tours high schools, college

center in Los Angeles, where I met a young woman with

campuses, and various communities, reaching marginalized

a tattoo of a blackbird on her neck. She was very quiet,

populations with the mission to #ShedShame around mental

almost completely silent, and we spoke only a few words.

health discussion. We screen the film, create a panel where

Both of us were quite different—we came from different

we feature various public figures, athletes, and celebrities

communities and had quite different personalities and

being vulnerable about their own struggles, and ultimately

experiences, but through poetry we connected deeply on

provide a resource of fair and free therapy for a year paid

our shared experiences of shame and silence surrounding

for by our organization.

our eating disorder and mental health discussion in our

As part of the program, we have our audience fill out an

communities. In both of our communities, it was not safe

anonymous journal prompt: What is one thing that you

or acknowledged to struggle with mental health. We both

struggle with? Have compassion as to why. What is one

felt ashamed and alone. We were not so different, and

message of hope that you would like to give to both yourself

ironically, not so alone.

and a future PROJECT BLACKBIRD audience member?

I created a film to showcase the experience of this young

These students then have the opportunity to leave their

woman who inspired me—my hidden hero—and to show

response behind and take home with them a prior PROJECT

others that experiencing mental health challenges is a part

BLACKBIRD audience members journal. They are able to

of being human. It impacts all communities. I created the

connect in real-time with a stranger and walk away with

film to highlight the importance of connection.

the message that everyone struggles with something:

An important message in this film is recognizing that

they are not alone.

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

Through the journey and travels of PROJECT BLACKBIRD, I

and actively working to be the happiest, most peaceful, and

have been fortunate enough as a founder to see the impact that

most fulfilled version of yourself. It is a space that can be

we have. I read every journal prompt and have the opportunity

utilized when times are tough and when times are good. It is

to meet the hundreds of students and adults that we have

a form of self-love that can and should be accessible to every

signed up for free therapy. Recently, I had a young girl come

individual and safe for every individual to use.

to me and open up about her struggle with Bipolar disorder.

I hope everyone reading and sharing in our story and the stories

She said that she felt like a different brain had taken over,

of our blackbirds can take a moment for some good self-care

and she didn’t feel like there was any hope. She said she felt

and attention. Have compassion for what you might struggle

like the worst version of herself and was ashamed that she

with. What is in your paper bag? When you are wronged by

had tried everything and had failed.

an angry stranger - what is in theirs? What is one message

She could not afford therapy and knew her family could

of hope that you would leave for both yourself and a future

not either, and because of this she had kept silent. After

PROJECT BLACKBIRD, inc. audience member?

expressing to me that she did not have insurance, she thanked

We hope you will share with us so that we can share with a

me for helping others but apologized that she could not take

future blackbird, and if you have been fortunate enough to

advantage of the opportunity. I immediately corrected her—

have discovered the magic of therapy as a resource, we hope

this therapy opportunity was EXACTLY for her—and our hope

you will help another blackbird fly.

is especially to help those who experience both stigma and

Please reach out to us, follow our tour, and help us bring

cost as a barrier to treatment. As I signed her up on the spot

therapy to all communities—help us #ShedShame around

for her year with a therapist, she cried and hugged me. The

mental health, and we hope you will be a part of our flock:

stigma is real, as is the hope.

you are not alone.

While everyone has a different route to recovery and a different

We provide free therapy for college students in need! Please

method for self-care, therapy for us has been the gift that

reach out if you or someone you know is struggling.

keeps giving that all can utilize as the most vital self-care: creating an intentional space that you are in with the sole

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

CAN WE SAVE THE GREAT SALT LAKE? B Y M A R K A N T H O N Y, J D P S Y C H I C E X P L O R E R

The Western is a uniquely American art form. It conjures images of cowboys, Native Americans and the pioneering spirit—not to mention movie stars like Clint Eastwood, Barbara Stanwyck, Graham Greene, and Kevin Costner. Perhaps the most captivating character in a good Western is the environment which presents beauty, adventure, and danger.

A speaking tour brought me to Salt Lake City, Utah. My manager Rocky was with me and we’re both fans of Westerns. We decided to explore the Great Salt Lake’s Antelope Island which is more of a peninsula since it is accessible by road. Instead of a Conestoga Wagon we traveled there in a rented SUV. Rugged terrain, vast open plains, mountains, desert, and herds of bison—Antelope Island had them all. We felt transported back in time to the Old West.

The Great Salt Lake is the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi.

It’s the remnant of a vast prehistoric freshwater lake that once covered most of western Utah. When the last ice age ended 11,000 years ago the waters receded leaving behind a smaller lake which is seven times saltier than sea water. Three freshwater rivers, the Weber, Jordan and Bear flow into the Great Salt Lake. Minerals from these rivers, especially salt are retained there because it has no outlet. While the lake is too salty for fish, it’s home to algae, brine shrimp and brine flies which are a food source for millions of migratory birds.

CAN WE SAVE T H E G REAT SALT LAKE ?

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

Native Americans have lived there for thousands of years

Bison weigh over a ton and are larger than most SUVs. Park

and carefully utilized its resources for hunting and harvest-

Rangers and cautionary signs warned to avoid approaching

ing salt. It’s a vital part of indigenous culture and livelihood.

bison because they may charge. Despite these warnings

Rocky and I were in awe of this unique ecosystem. The salt

several tourists left their vehicles to snap selfies near

marsh smell, clear blue sky, pristine shorelines, grassy

bison. Now that I think about it, I guess another difference

hills, vast hues of desert colors were surrounded by majes-

between a tourist and a traveler is that unlike a tourist, a

tic mountains. Although teeming with life, a quiet seren-

traveler won’t risk being trampled to death for an Instagram

ity resonates there. Rocky and I felt so at peace there. No

post.

wonder Native Americans regard this area as sacred.

Along the lake’s shoreline we spotted an abandoned marina.

As travelers, Rocky and I have hiked through all types of

Dilapidated boats still moored to a rotting wooden dock lay

terrain around the globe. We’ve observed a difference

beached upon the cracked dry lake bed. This once thriving

between travelers and tourists. Travelers have a keen sense

recreational center was now another feature of the West-

of situational awareness, respect their destination and try

ern—it was a ghost town.

to maintain a low profile. In nature, travelers are quiet, take

The Great Salt Lake is drying up. According to the State of

only photos and leave only footprints. When photographing

Utah, it once covered 1,700 square miles. Now it’s shrunk to

wild animals, travelers use a zoom lens to maintain a safe

barely 800 square miles. But this didn’t happen overnight.

and respectful distance from them.

Native Americans believe humans must live “with” the

Tourists often lack situational awareness. Some are inclined

land, not “on” the land. For millennia they lived in harmony

to disregard local rules and customs. Many tend to be loud

with the Great Salt Lake balancing what they needed from

and draw attention to themselves—not always a good idea

nature as opposed to what they could take from it.

in the habitat of wild animals.

This delicate balance changed during the 19th century when

CAN WE SAVE T H E G REAT SALT LAKE ?

multitudes of settlers from the expanding United

entering the Great Salt Lake. Between 70-82% is

States headed west to the Great Salt Lake. Unlike

used to irrigate crops, Virginia style grass lawns,

Native Americans, settlers considered them-

golf courses, and parks, none of which are part

selves masters of the land they “subdued.”

of the natural desert environment.

Exploiting seemingly unlimited sources of water

According to a report by NPR (National Public

settlers built a thriving community. Today the

Radio) less water feeding the lake means the

Great Salt Lake provides 8,000 jobs and contrib-

salt content rises which will result in the death of

utes nearly $2 billion to Utah’s economy.

the lake’s brine shrimp and the birds which rely

This fragile ecosystem is dying due to the relent-

upon the lake. This environmental crisis not only

less demand for water. For over a century the

threatens the economy and wildlife, but also the

freshwater rivers and underground springs

health of people who live nearby. Studies suggest

feeding the Great Salt Lake have been diverted

the exposed lakebed generates dust storms and

for more than drinking water. A 2024 report by

poor air quality which can cause respiratory and

the Ballard Center in Utah indicated over 600

other serious health problems.

billion gallons of water each year is diverted from

Utah has formed The Great Salt Lake Strike

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

Team. Composed of researchers and scientists from

body, not just physical symptoms in one area because

Utah Universities, government agencies and the private

all parts of the body are interconnected. In the broader

sector, their objective is to formulate a plan to replenish

sense, holistic means we are all parts of a much larger

the Great Salt Lake. University of Utah reported it will

living organism which is planet Earth.

require a 33% per year increase in the amount of water

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt once said, “The

feeding the lake. Even if that happens it will take 30 years

Nation that destroys its soil destroys itself.” Lakota Chief

to get the lake up to healthy levels.

Arvol Looking Horse said, “All life is sacred. We come

“The Salt Lake Tribune” reported Utah leaders have not

into Life as sacred beings. When we abuse the sacredness

yet included Native Americans in the decision-mak-

of Life, we affect all Creation.” These wise observations

ing process. Tribal historian and former chairman of

underscore the importance of establishing a harmoni-

the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation Darren

ous balance with nature. Too often humans focus on what

Parry was quoted, “How do you solve this problem with-

we can take from nature instead of what we need from it.

out engaging with people who’ve managed the resource

We are part of nature and the holistic health of the planet

for thousands of years?”

directly affects our health.

The Great Salt Lake needs more water and it needs it now.

The Great Salt Lake presents a warning for our entire

California and Nevada face similar water crises and have

planet. It also offers hope that we can save the environ-

passed laws which as of 2027 will ban watering purely

ment if we choose to. The question is, will we?

decorative grass along streets, medians, homeowners’ associations, apartment complexes, businesses and other properties.

Why should people outside of Utah care about saving the Great Salt Lake? If it dried up, would that affect your life?

If you’re reading this magazine, you know the answer.

A holistic approach to health means treating the entire

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CAN WE SAVE T H E G REAT SALT LAKE ?

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

Life Outside Your Comfort Zone

LIFE OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE

BY DAN RAMM

My career is a combination of hard work, luck, and failure. Let

I’m doing and if it goes, why don’t you come work for me?” He

me explain.

went on to explain that he’d never really done television, but he

At the age of 19 I moved to Los Angeles from Kansas City Missouri

wanted to be home more. He too was looking for a change. This

and worked odd jobs until I got back into construction, some-

was an opportunity that I never could have imagined, and I said

thing I’d done summers back home. Eventually I started my own

yes instantly. I didn’t even ask about salary; I didn’t care. This was

business, and I did pretty well for the next decade. But a chance

the break that I had hoped would someday present itself.

meeting with the actor Joe Mantegna in 1999 changed my life. I

During the next couple years, I learned a lot by just watching how

had received a call from his wife Arlene, to look at an issue at their

television filming was done and read as many scripts as I could get

residence. Once at the house, I saw a large photo of Joe on the wall

my hands on. I learned what made a story work and what didn’t.

and realized I was in “that actor’s” home.” I had always been a

After about three years of working with him, I got the courage to

fan of his film work, but Ratpack was far and away my favorite

show Joe my Sammy Davis Jr. script. I could see the “Oh boy, here

at the time. Over the next year, Joe and I formed a bit of a friend-

we go” look in his eyes. But after a few weeks he said to me, “Hey,

ship, somewhat based on our mutual love for Frank Sinatra, Dean

that script is pretty good. Is writing something you want to do?”

Martin, and of course Sammy Davis Jr. In fact, I had even written

The question surprised me. Not only was it a question no one had

a script based on Sammy Davis Jr’s autobiography a couple years

ever asked me, it was one I’d never asked myself. I timidly said,

prior as a way of challenging myself to do something different.

“Yes, I think so.” Another few weeks went by, and he gave me the

Now, I secretly wondered what Joe might think of it.

script back with all of his notes in red indicating what was good

Over the next two years Joe would call me for repairs on one of

and bad about the story and writing. And that was our relation-

his properties, or even just hang out. On a drive back from the

ship from then on. He always encouraged me and was never light

golf course in early 2000, I mentioned to him that I was selling

in his criticism. He would often say, “Anything creative is loaded

my company. I had spent most of my life working very hard at

with criticism and opinions. You have to really believe in what

something I didn’t love, and the time had come for me to rein-

you write and yourself.”

vent myself. I explained that the sale of my company included a

Over the next two decades I went on to write three different TV

proviso that I stay on with the new owners for one year and help

series—two of which I created or co-created—did some guest

with the transition.

writing on Criminal Minds and sold three Television pilots, and

In early 2001 Joe and I were talking, and he asked me what I

that brings me to my first novel, which is the result of a failure.

would do next after I had fulfilled my obligation. I still didn’t

In 2022 I had been asked by a network to pitch some ideas for a

know. That’s when he said, “Well, look, I have a pilot for a series

scripted drama. I had a concept that I thought was very unique

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

and although they showed some mild interest they eventually rejected it as is often the case. But I couldn’t shake the idea. It was something on my mind each night when I fell asleep and every day when I woke up. Because COVID was still a big issue in 2022, and I had some free time so I decide to challenge myself again and see if I could write a book. The exciting thing about writing a book is the lack of constraints. In television writing you have to funnel all your ideas and creativity through numerous filters. How expensive would this be to produce? What location would we use for filming? Are there too many characters? And so on. The idea of being free from all that was very exciting. With a novel I could paint whatever world I wanted and tell the story I wanted to tell.

I only told my wife that I was working on a book because I’m a firm believer that not everyone wants you to succeed. The creative process is a very vulnerable time, and I didn’t want anyone’s negativity creeping in and affecting my passion. Also, I there was always the possibility I’d get to about page thirty or forty and run flat. But that never happened. Most days my enthusiasm helped the words pour out of me faster than my ability to type, and I fell more in love with the characters and the plot.

Once the book was completed I, of course, handed it to my longtime friend and mentor, Joe, who loved it, gave me some notes, and once again encouraged me to forge ahead. The book was released in June of 2024 and the response and reviews have been amazing. I’m so pleased how much people like it and I hope you will too. It’s available in all formats on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and pretty much anywhere you buy books online.

When I look back at my life and accomplishments, I take note that when I pushed myself beyond what was easy or comfortable and challenged myself to do something different or even hard, I succeeded far more times than not. My first novel Long Branch is the jewel in the crown for me and the thing I’m most proud of, until I push myself again that is.

https://tr.ee/LongBranch

Life Outside Your Comfort Zone

Out of work actor Mason Powell travels back to his hometown of Long Branch Georgia to make some quick money and return to Los Angeles. But Mason stumbles into a mysterious crime that happened 20 years ago. To his surprise he finds that he may have even played a small part in the crime itself. Worst of all, someone is determined to keep the past buried by any means possible.

IN LONG BRANCH,

EVERYONE IS A SUSPECT.

 Online Book Club Review  Readers Favorite

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5 CLUES YOU'RE STUCK IN A KARMIC RELATIONSHIP

BY PAT T Y O L I V E R

Finding love, especially romantic love, is a universal goal that we all

abundance you deserve due to the Law of Attraction. If we continue

share. Our lives rarely feel complete without it. But if you’re expe-

to choose lack and limitation by staying in a negative relationship,

riencing negativity in a relationship, whether it’s with a family

then that is all that the universe can deliver. Here are just a few signs

member, a friend or a romantic partner, how do you know when

indicating that you are probably involved in a negative, karmic rela-

it’s time to end things and move on?

tionship and it’s time to move on:

Chances are, you’re involved in a karmic relationship, which I

You can’t be your authentic self You are meant to express your

define as one that is meant to help you learn and grow by choosing

authentic self at all times without fear of judgement or abandon-

to empower yourself over negativity and ultimately leave the rela-

ment. If you are choosing to suppress yourself or your desires in

tionship. Karma is simply the energy of a choice you made in past

hopes of receiving approval or to feel accepted in some way, that

or present life that did not serve your soul growth and evolution,

is a negative pattern you want to break by removing or distancing

something that is highly individual and based on your soul’s chosen

yourself from the relationship.

life experiences for your incarnation.

You constantly feel guilt, shame or obligation If you feel these types

Laws of karma say that a negative choice will persist until balanced

of emotional reactions to someone, it’s either your limiting beliefs

out by a new empowered choice, no matter how long or how many

and untruths at play or it’s being projected upon you by the other

lifetimes it might take. This kind of spiritual information can be

person. Either way, you want to validate those feelings and emotions

accessed in your Akashic Record, which is the energetic database

by examining why they are coming up for you, and work through

for the soul, recording all of the choices you’ve ever made as a soul

ways to resolve them. Operating from negative emotion keeps you

in physical form as part of your soul blueprint. This is because we

small and in a place of disempowerment, which will limit your flow

incarnate as humans into a free-will environment. When we study

of abundance.

why we made certain choices in the past, it helps us understand how

You’re always walking on eggshells If someone has a hair trig-

we arrived at our current circumstances. If we don’t like our current

ger, it’s not your responsibility to make them feel better. On the

circumstances, we are free to change them at any time simply by

contrary, this is indicative of their own karmic baggage that they

making a new choice. But we all know how difficult that can be,

are bringing to the relationship and therefore up to them to resolve.

especially when it comes to those we love.

Living in fear or anxiety that someone will either fall apart or

There are often many signs right in front of us that indicate it’s time

become abusive toward you at any time for no particular reason is

to move on from a relationship. However, it’s the willingness to see

simply handing over your personal power to them on a silver platter.

those signs that can be problematic, because we’ve been taught that

You experience control, manipulation or dependence You are a

if someone doesn’t love us, then we are missing out on an essen-

sovereign being of light and are not meant to be under the direct

tial aspect of life. Or worse, we think there is something inher-

control of another person. If you are in a relationship with some-

ently wrong with us, so ego tells us we need to work harder to earn

one who is overly dependent upon you, or constantly questioning

their love and acceptance. These kinds of limiting beliefs can keep

or mistrusting you without giving them any reason to do so, this

you stuck in negative, unresolved, karmic relationships for multi-

is likely a relationship you’ve repeated over multiple lifetimes. No

ple lifetimes, while also stopping you from manifesting the kind of

matter how much you might love someone, it is better to release

5 C lu es Yo u'r e St u c k i n a K a r m i c R e l at i o n s h i p

37

yourself from their control or risk attracting more situations that require

Relationships are meant to be an even exchange of energy, and it’s up to each

your dependence and submission.

of us to uphold healthy boundaries to keep our energy and vibration high. If

The relationship is a roller-coaster of drama Aligned relationships are ones

you feel you are in a karmic relationship and want to understand more about

that make you feel loved and supported unconditionally. They give energy

it, you can learn to access your Akashic Record to ask questions and gain spiri-

to you, and you feel better and more uplifted for having that person in your

tual insight. I teach you how in my Akashic Healing course, “Live a Soul-Pow-

space. If you’re experiencing a relationship that is drama filled and emotion-

ered Life” which you can learn more about on my website at https://www.

ally exhausting, you are in an imbalanced relationship where the other person

pattyoliver.com/courses/live-a-soul-powered-life.

is taking much more from you than you are receiving.

https://www.pattyoliver.com/f/free-meditation-and-cards

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

Th e L o v e J a c k p o t : C u l t i v a t i n g S e l f - W o r t h a n d H a pp i n e s s

THE LOVE JACKPOT: C U LT I VAT I N G S E L F-WO RT H A N D H A P P I N E S S

BY N ATA L I E B OT RO S

February often revolves around love, with celebrations focused on

you are today and who you were yesterday. Focus on your unique

romantic relationships. Guess what? There’s a deeper kind of love

strengths, progress, and potential, and you’ll gradually silence

that’s even more transformative: the love you have for yourself.

the critic’s power.

When you hit that “love jackpot,” you unlock a profound level of

Set Boundaries That Reflect Your Worth

happiness that no external relationship can provide. Cultivating

If you often find yourself saying “yes” to things that drain you,

self-worth is not just an act of self-love; it’s the foundation for

or accepting behaviors that don’t align with how you want to be

a fulfilling life. I know it might be challenging sometimes, so let

treated, it’s time to set some boundaries. Boundaries aren’t about

me give you some practical steps to make this your most loving

keeping people out; they’re about keeping your self-respect in.

and self-empowered February yet.

Start by identifying situations where you feel your limits are

Recognize Your Inherent Value

being tested. Be clear about what’s acceptable and communi-

Before you can truly cultivate self-worth, you need to acknowl-

cate your boundaries with confidence. By doing so, you’re send-

edge that you are valuable simply because you exist. Your worth

ing a strong message to yourself and others: You value yourself

isn’t determined by your achievements, appearance, or the

enough to expect respect. Each time you uphold a boundary, you

approval of others. You don’t have to earn it; it’s already there.

strengthen your self-worth.

Stop looking for validation outside yourself and recognize that

Choose Relationships That Uplift You

you are enough just as you are.

Surrounding yourself with people who support your growth

Accepting your inherent value doesn’t mean settling or becom-

and happiness is a powerful way to cultivate self-worth. Take

ing complacent. It means starting from a place of self-acceptance,

an honest inventory of your relationships: Are there individuals

where you can grow without constantly feeling the need to prove

who inspire and encourage you, or do some bring negativity and

yourself. When you embrace your worth, you’re setting the foun-

doubt into your life?

dation for a happier, more authentic life. It’s time to claim it.

Choose to spend time with those who recognize your value and

Mute Your Inner Critic

motivate you to be the best version of yourself. You deserve rela-

The voice in your head that points out your flaws, doubts your

tionships that add to your happiness, not subtract from it. By

abilities, and compares you to others isn’t your friend—it’s

prioritizing positive connections, you’re making a conscious

an inner critic that thrives on insecurity, making you feel less

choice to protect your energy and reinforce your worth.

than you are. The good news? You can turn down its volume and

Invest in Your Growth

rewrite the script. When negative thoughts arise, challenge them,

Your self-worth grows when you invest time and effort into your

and replace self-criticism with affirmations that reinforce your

personal development. This doesn’t mean you need to overhaul

value. Comparing yourself to others only diminishes your self-

your life; it’s about committing to small, consistent actions that

worth. The only comparison that truly matters is between who

lead to growth. Whether it’s learning something new, pursu-

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

ing a passion, or working on overcoming a challenge,

This February, make your goal to hit the biggest jack-

choose to grow. Ask yourself what area of your life could

pot: self-love. By cultivating self-worth, you’re not only

use some attention and make it a priority. When you take

setting the stage for a happier life but also empowering

steps to develop yourself, you’re affirming your worth

yourself to thrive.

and demonstrating that you deserve the time and effort it

Self-worth is one of the essential elements to create your

takes to improve. Growth isn’t just about achieving more;

perfect “Happiness Cocktail”. It’s a journey that requires

it’s about valuing who you are enough to keep evolving.

daily effort, but so worth it. Embrace these steps, priori-

Live in Alignment with Your Values and

tize your happiness, and make this February the start of a

Passions

lifelong commitment to loving yourself fully. Struggling

When your daily actions reflect your values and passions,

to cultivate your worth and find happiness, Scan the QR

you strengthen your sense of self-worth. Identify the

code below to have a chat.

principles and interests that matter most to you, and

In case you wonder, you are amazing, it is time to love

make them a part of your everyday life. If you value integ-

yourself!

rity, act with honesty. If you’re passionate about kindness, extend it to others and yourself. Living authentically and pursuing what excites you reinforces the belief that you are worthy of a life aligned with your true self.

The more you align your actions with your values and passions, the stronger your self-worth becomes. It’s not about perfection; it’s about consistently living true to who you are.

Th e L o v e J a c k p o t : C u l t i v a t i n g S e l f - W o r t h a n d H a pp i n e s s

Why You Need This Book: Proven Strategies: Incorporate actionable steps and practical exercises into your daily life to boost your happiness and well-being.

Inspiring Stories: Motivate yourself with personal anecdotes and success stories from Nathalie's own journey.

Expert Insights: Benefit from the latest research and insights from happiness and mental well-being experts.

Holistic Approach: Overcome negative thoughts and emotions and cultivate a mindset of positivity and resilience.

Empowerment: Take control of your happiness with a stepby-step guide to creating your own personalized Happiness Cocktail.

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

Th e T o p 5 R e a s o n s Y o u A r e N o t H a v i n g G r e a t S e x

THE TOP 5 REASONS YOU ARE NOT HAVING GREAT SEX

BY DR. CRISTINA ROMERO-BOSCH, NMD, AND DR. JOHN A. ROBINSON, NMD

We all want to have great sex with our partners, right? Well, that’s at

blood moving and burn some calories. It’s a win-win!

least what our patients tell us all day, every day. Here are some reasons

Your Hormone Levels Are Low

from The Sex Docs why you are just not cutting the mustard in the

Here is one of the most overlooked aspects of someone’s health:

bedroom, along with some great tips to make it better!

hormone balance. For us [http://www.hormone-zone.com ], we

You Don’t Exercise & Your Diet…Sucks

don’t just want to balance hormones; we want to optimize them.

It always comes back to diet and exercise, right? Patients often hate to

Most doctors don’t look at it that way. They are normally content with

hear that. They know it is true, but they want to believe it is something

keeping you at the status quo for hormones, which usually includes

else, something more out of their control. Don’t get us wrong;

ignoring and overlooking the opportunities to harness high-quality

sometimes it is. Many times, it is. But the foundation to helping any

hormones for improving your sexual function.

health problem is to start with diet and exercise, especially for sex!

Be sure to speak to a professional that is well-versed in optimizing

DIET TIPS FOR GREAT SEX:

your hormones. If your hormones are low or suboptimal, even if you

We should eat for enjoyment and for performance. The enjoyment

are seeing a doctor who supposedly specializes in hormones, and

should be about the variety and sensuality of various foods. Explore

you don’t feel your best, something isn’t right, and you should keep

various whole foods like you would explore your partner’s body.

looking.

To get an idea, check us out on Sonoran Living, which is discussing a

PRO TIP:

few aphrodisiac foods.

Make sure your testosterone is optimized, i.e., at the high end of the

EXERCISE TIPS FOR GREAT SEX:

range. Make sure your estradiol levels is balanced in the middle of the

Well, first of all. Just do it. Get moving. Get committed to moving.

range for women and on the low end for men. And definitely check

Make it part of your lifestyle. Poor cardiovascular conditioning and

your prolactin levels, which, when elevated for either men or women,

functioning is one of the key reasons people have difficulty with sex.

can lower libido drastically.

Often, they just get tired physically, and they can’t maintain optimal

You Have to Address the Medical Elephants

positioning. And if we have poor circulation, men can have difficulty

Men and women can simply have problems at the tissue level and

achieving and maintaining an erection.

organ level. And this leads to a lack of sensitivity and function of either

PRO TIP:

the vagina or penis. Fortunately, we live in an age of Regenerative

This is one of our personal favorites: Make sex your exercise and

Medicine. There are advanced natural technologies that help to

exercise your sex. Pick up a book, explore the internet, and find out

improve and repair tissues all over the body, including the vagina

about different sexual positions. You don’t have to be an Acrobat; just

and the penis.

move around more. Place yourself at different angles, prop yourself

PRO TIP:

up, prop yourself down, be sure to stand up too, anything; just move

Consider getting the O Shot https://hormone-zone.com/sexual-

around past the standard positions you tend to take. The next time

wellness/o-shot/ and the P Shot https://hormone-zone.com/sexual-

you have sex, commit to performing at least three new or different

wellness/p-shot/. In a simple procedure, using concentrated growth

positions, with one of them a standing position. You will really get the

factors from your own blood, we enhance your vagina or penis to

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

perform better. For women, this helps with sensitivity, orgasm, and even

Dr. Robinson: “I love to woo my wife. I find it intriguing to say little things

incontinence. For men, it will improve sensitivity, premature ejaculation,

throughout the day that entice her, motivate her, and win her over. The

the ability to achieve and maintain erection, and even increase the size of the

foreplay starts at the beginning of the day. We have fun with the chase. And

penis. We specialize in these procedures and have had amazing results for

if I play my cards right, she lets me win. It’s a blast, and it helps with the

patients when it is medically appropriate.

intimacy, the trust, and the belief that I find her irresistible and worth the

You Are Not Taking Your Time

effort. And guess what? If she thinks you want her, really want her, then she

We have the wonderful opportunity to have patients come to us and really

gives in. Guys, this isn’t rocket science here. This stuff works.”

share some of their most intimate issues. We take this very seriously and

You Are Not Making Sex Spiritual

really enjoy the frank discussions we have with our patients. We had a patient

We had an interesting conversation with a married friend of ours the other

recently who came to us for an inability to have an orgasm. She believed it

day. She has been married for several years and is very active in her church.

to be a medical issue. She is in a committed relationship and married. After

We were discussing sexuality with her and the importance of really good sex

a little more discussion and digging, it was actually that she didn’t have the

for both partners. Sometimes, when we think of being involved in our church,

opportunity with her partner to get to the point of orgasm because sexual

it would never include discussions about sex and how important it is. This is

intercourse was usually done in about five minutes. And foreplay was out of

an incorrect stereotype in most cases. Actually, she told us that her pastor is

the question for him. It was a linear race to the end for ejaculation... for him.

constantly reminding her and the members during their group meetings that

She never has the opportunity to explore her body and her sexual responses to

sex is vital for any good marriage. In fact, it is a responsibility.

build up an orgasm. And in a very common psychological process, out of a need

It is not a responsibility like having to get your car washed or pay the utility bill,

to help the situation and her partner, she blamed herself and sought out help.

but a responsibility to the very covenant, the promise that you made to your

PRO TIP:

spouse when you got married in the first place. It is a spiritual responsibility,

Women take longer. Men: take your time! Use foreplay because it is all about

and that actually sounds pretty cool. When we can entwine multiple aspects of

building up sexual energy, excitement, and potency. And foreplay is not just

our being into why, how, when, and even who we choose to have intercourse

physical contact. If a man has issues with premature ejaculation, then taking

with, we deepen the reason and enhance the motivation that is all likely to

your time is paramount to improving that situation.

increase the likelihood of taking action and then… really enjoying it.

Intimate sexuality is a Calling. It has always been. https://linktr.ee/longevityprotocolpod

Th e T o p 5 R e a s o n s Y o u A r e N o t H a v i n g G r e a t S e x

45

FINDING YOUR VOICE Tools and Strategies to Activate Your Inner Warrior and InPower Your Life!

"In a world that often demands conformity, 'InPower:

Finding Your Voice' is a powerful reminder that our unique voices matter and that true strength lies in embracing our individuality and letting our inner warrior out."

Jana Short, editor-in-chief at Best Holistic Life Magazine

ARE YOU READY TO STEP INTO YOUR TRUE POWER AND CREATE THE LIFE YOU’VE ALWAYS DREAMED OF? Now is the time because your life isn’t going to change itself!

INSTEAD OF WISHING FOR A BETTER LIFE, CREATE IT USING STRATEGIC ACTIVATION OF:

The Three InPower Principles Know: Know yourself; learn how to use your mind and brain to support you Act: Learn your right actions to move forward Be: Creating who you want to be and allowing space for an “InPowered” life

46

Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

DOES EATING ENERGIZE YOU OR EXHAUST YOU?

BY SHIRLEY BILLIGMEIER

Imagine waking up in the morning and loving the body you're in—free from

your body feels? This is just one of the many beliefs that became ingrained in

any anxiety about how it looks or what you'll eat that day. You step into your

us, cutting off communication with our natural eating boundaries.

closet and choose clothes simply because of their color, style, and how great

How do we begin reopening the lines of communication with our natural eating

they feel when you put them on. Everything fits perfectly, and you’re ready to

boundaries? The first step is to develop a strong, conscious awareness when

face the world without a single worry about size, weight, or the number on a

we start eating. How often have you grabbed something off the counter while

scale. When you feel hungry, you look forward to choosing exactly what you

rushing out the door, or mindlessly popped candy into your mouth while walk-

want—something that tastes delicious and feels nourishing. Now, your body

ing by the office candy dish? Do you even remember eating it? That’s why it’s

and your food are giving you the energy to truly live your life.

important to sit down before you eat. Sitting is a simple, physical action that

Where are you today? If your body and the food you consume are draining your

engages your whole body, helping to ground you in the moment. It also gives

energy, imagine how difficult it would be to handle even the simplest tasks in

you a chance to pause and ask: Am I really hungry?

life. Think of all the time and energy you spend thinking about food—analyz-

From there, you can make a deliberate choice—to eat or not. Once you've

ing what you should eat, worrying about your size and weight, even hating

decided to eat, focus solely on that. Why? Because your full attention needs to

your body—all of which consume your precious mental space. When you eat

be on the taste and experience of the food, allowing you to fully enjoy it. Since

in an unbalanced way, it drains your energy. When your eating is balanced,

you've waited until you were hungry, savoring the moment becomes an essen-

it replenishes your energy. This is about setting boundaries around food that

tial and pleasurable experience.

align with what your body truly needs and enjoys. Would you believe that you

You might think, I don’t have time to just sit and eat! But if you don’t have time

already possess these boundaries?

to sit, you don’t have time to eat. It’s perfectly fine to feel a bit hungry before

Don’t believe me? Think of an infant. From birth, they already know when

you find time to sit and eat. If your body has storage (which is my term for

they are hungry and need to start eating. They don’t need words or knowl-

fat, because it’s stored energy and information), it's beneficial to let hunger

edge about metabolism, protein grams, or nutrition—they just know they

prompt your body to tap into that reserve. In doing so, you’ll realize that

want to eat. Infants are also born with over 10,000 taste buds unique to them.

hunger is not a bad thing—it’s simply signaling that you're eating for nour-

These taste buds guide them toward what is healthy for their bodies. You can

ishment, not out of habit or distraction.

see from their little faces when they like or dislike a taste—it’s very personal

These are just the initial tools to help you begin to put eating back in order.

and specific to them. What’s even more remarkable is that they know when

However, it’s a journey to replace unnecessary eating with intentional

to stop eating! They’ll clench their lips, spit it out, throw it away, and they

thoughts and actions when you’re not hungry. Years ago, I developed the

couldn't care less how big you are, what kind of authority you have, or even

Innergetics Process, and now I’ve made it available through an online course.

about their diaper size. They simply have the strong desire to stop eating when

This allows you to reclaim the joy of eating while living in a body you love—

their hunger signal disappears. This natural "start" and "stop" of eating—

without the stress of constantly worrying about your weight or what you

our internal eating boundaries—are something we all own. Since we were

should or shouldn't eat. You’ll simply enjoy your food, gain energy from it,

all infants once, we all possess these boundaries, unique to each of us. The

and your mind and body will be prepared to engage in life from a place of natu-

problem is, we stopped listening! When we ignored those hunger signals and

ral, pleasant energy.

turned to our heads to figure out our eating boundaries, something as simple

To learn more about the Innergetics Process, visit my website at

as eating became complicated. Why? Because our eating boundaries aren’t in

http://www.innergetics.com . You can also sign up for a free 30-minute

our heads—they are in our gut brain!

consultation, where I’ll personally address any questions you may have.

Why did we stop listening to signals that are so vital to our health and well-be-

Free 30-minute consultation:

ing? Over time, they were simply interfered with by well-meaning individ-

https://calendly.com/shirleygetics/consultation-1

uals. Have you ever heard the phrase, "Clean your plate before you can leave the table"? That one statement can begin the interference. What if you were

https://www.innergetics.com/podcasts

no longer hungry? Is finishing the plate more important than honoring how

https://linktr.ee/shirley418

@‌innergeticsprocess

D o es E at i n g E n e rg i z e Yo u o r E x h aust Yo u?

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

Learn the Lesson

LEARN THE LESSON

BY S I R J A M ES G R AY RO B I N S O N , ES Q.

One of life’s most perplexing questions is, “Why did that happen?” There

We have begun to expect everything to happen computer fast, especially

we are, minding our own business, and “wham!!!” something happens that

finding our “soulmate.” However, maybe your soul mate has some polish-

shakes our world. Someone leaves us, someone dies, we lose our job, our

ing required before you would like them, and you must wait until they are

business goes under, or things happen that we don’t like. We do everything

ready. It is often difficult to accept that the universe does not happen on

we were told would bring us happiness or abundance, and it doesn’t work.

our time clock. We must have faith and trust that our divine powers are

We can’t understand why we are getting what we are getting.

rearranging the universe to make it right for us. Sometimes, it just takes

The first element of this puzzle is our motivation. Why did we do what we

longer than we want.

did? Did we do something that looked nice, but we were hoping that we

We can experience life as exciting and fun or as difficult and hard. The

would get rewarded? Isn’t that what religion is all about? We are told that

same conditions can create either experience. The trick is to learn to have

if we follow the rules, we will be blessed. However, sometimes we follow

fun when we are not getting what we want. I go back to the old saying,

the rules and we get slammed. What good is religion? The answer is that

“Success is getting what you want, and happiness is wanting what you get.”

our motivation will determine the result. If we do something hoping to be

We are afraid that we will lose out on the good stuff, and we want to take

rewarded or to be perceived as someone we are not, the result may not be

control. Unfortunately, when we try to take control, the train runs off the

what we want. It does make a difference “why” we do things. If we sacrifice

tracks. What we can’t control must be released. We must let go of every-

for a greater reward, we may not get the greater reward, and we are a double

thing. The only thing we can control is how we feel about what is happen-

loser. However, if we do something with good intentions because we feel

ing around us. So why not feel happy even though we are not getting what

fulfilled and blessed, then we feel good about it no matter what the result.

we want? If we feel negative, all we are doing is making ourselves miser-

The second element of the puzzle is the lesson. We rarely know the big

able. Where is the fun in that?

picture or all the elements of what is swirling around our lives. What we

Just because we don’t get what we want doesn’t mean that we did anything

perceive is rarely the big picture, and all our calculations are worthless.

wrong. It may be that we did everything right, and we will be a more

How do we know what the lesson is? If the events are not what we want,

conscious person because of the experience. Sometimes, being naïve and

you can assume that the lesson was the opposite of what you wanted. When

trusting doesn’t mean that we don’t have the responsibility of using our

someone abandons you, the lesson is to learn how to stand on your own.

talents to analyze a situation and saying “no.” Cult leaders and gurus have

If you are annoyed or frustrated, the lesson is to learn patience. If you feel

made and lost other people’s fortunes this way. We can’t blame anyone

victimized, the lesson is to take responsibility. If you are experiencing fear,

else for making unwise decisions; that is our karma.

the lesson is to have courage, faith, and trust. If you are not getting the

It may be a profitable exercise to review all the decisions you would never

result you want, the lesson is to let go of the results.

make again. What would you not do again—be greedy, take an unwise risk,

One of the most frustrating elements of life is time. Nothing happens in

disempower yourself, go against your intuition? Sometimes the pearl of

our own time or when we want it. We are a world of instant gratification;

the lesson is buried under layers of bullshit that continue to cause prob-

we have lost the art of patience. When we get frustrated and impatient,

lems in life. This is where we must be honest and quit lying to ourselves if

we do things to hurry life along, and it usually backfires. I call this “push-

we are going to get to the truth and the cause of our circumstances. Don’t

ing a rope.” It doesn’t work, and most of what we wanted to accomplish

beat yourself up; there are lots of people who will do that for you.

is left behind. We must slow down and relax. Most of our society is based on instant gratification, especially now that we have the Internet in place.

Connect with Sir James Gray Robinson: http://AwakeningMastery.com

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AN AFRICAN ADVENTURE:

THE RIMAN VIETON MULTI STICK BALM SAVES THE DAY

BY JUDY HAHN

As I packed my bags for a month-long adventure in Africa, I knew I

wind. And for good measure, I swiped it under my eyes too.

couldn't leave behind my beloved Riman products. Little did I know

One day back at camp, where I had internet access, I satiated my curi-

that one item would become my saving grace throughout this incred-

osity as to why this balm seemed to be the answer to my needs in this

ible journey—the Riman Vieton Multi Stick balm.

changing environment. I totally understood once I delved into the

I was beyond excited as I arrived in Africa, ready to embark on thrilling

ingredients. See for yourself.

game drives, hikes, camping and boat trips. However, I quickly realized

Camellia Seed Oil is rich in antioxidants, which help prevent prema-

that maintaining my usual skincare routine would be a challenge. The

ture aging and skin deterioration by fighting free radicals.

accommodations, while charming, had unconventional faucet setups

Sea Buckthorn fruit water. As with other berries, this fruit extract has

that made it nearly impossible to perform my complete Riman ritual

a soothing effect. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which

even once a day. Thankfully, I had the foresight to keep the Multi-

helps calm irritated and inflamed skin.

Stick balm and its mist counterpart in my trusty backpack at all times.

ByungPool leaf has been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years and

When we set out on very early morning game drives, the air was crisp

is known for its skin-regenerating properties, with activities such

and cold, my cheeks, nose, and lips really felt the impact of the cold

as healing wounds, improving blood circulation, and even prevent-

air. The Multi-Stick balm became my first line of defense, providing a

ing wrinkles.

protective barrier against the chilly winds as we drove quickly to and

11 Types of Hyaluronic Acid provide moisture to dry skin and help

through the national parks in search of wildlife, bundled up in blankets.

strengthen the skin barrier.

It was amazing how it seemed to resolve all my skincare situations.

On one particularly memorable day, we embarked on a lengthy boat trip

Africa's weather is very predictably changeable during winter, swing-

along a winding river. The temperature fluctuations were extreme—

ing from frigid at the start of the day to soaring temperatures as the

from the cold and wind in the early hours to the scorching midday sun

day progressed, making it more like summertime. While the warmth

reflecting off the river's surface. Throughout it all, my Multi Stick balm

was welcome after the chilly mornings, it brought its own set of chal-

was my constant companion. I applied it to my lips, cheeks, and under

lenges. The sun beat down relentlessly, and the wind often whipped

my eyes. I even put it on the backs of my hands, which were quite dry

around us, leaving my lips feeling chapped and my face dry and tight.

from the cold, as I gripped my camera, eager to capture every moment

But, as soon as the sun set, the cold came back, as was in the early

of this incredible experience.

morning hours.

As the trip progressed, I found myself reaching for the Multi-Stick

It was in these moments that I truly appreciated the versatility of the

balm more and more. It became an essential part of my abbreviated

Riman Vieton Multi Stick balm. A quick swipe across my lips provided

skincare routine, compensating for the full Riman ritual I couldn't

instant relief from the chapping, while gently patting it onto my cheeks

perform. In the evenings, after long days of exploration, I would use

and forehead helped soothe the tightness caused by sun exposure and

it to soothe any areas of my skin that felt particularly dry or irritated.

A n A f r i c a n A d v e n t u r e : Th e R i m a n V i e t o n M u l t i S t i c k B a l m S a v e s t h e D a y

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

Its gentle, natural scent became a comforting reminder of

Riman Ritual, but I have to say that I never saw any changes

self-care amidst the wild beauty of Africa. What impressed

that would indicate that I had been without my full routine for

me most was how well the balm held up under such diverse

a whole month. So, I realized that even when circumstances

and challenging conditions. From the dry heat of the savan-

don't allow for a full routine, having a versatile product like

nah to the more humid air near water sources, the Multi-

the Multi-Stick balm ensures that my skin never has to go

Stick maintained its consistency and effectiveness. It never

without care. I now have the balm with the other products in

felt heavy or greasy on my skin; instead, it absorbed quickly

my purse and on my nightstand. It's a testament to Riman's

and provided long-lasting hydration.

commitment to creating products that not only nourish our

As my African adventure came to an end, I reflected on how

skin but also simplify our lives, allowing us to focus on the

the Riman Vieton Multi Stick balm had become so much more

experiences that truly matter.

than just a skincare product. It was a trusted travel compan-

As I unpacked my bags, placing the well-traveled multi-stick

ion, a small piece of comfort in unfamiliar surroundings, and

balm back on my vanity, I couldn't help but smile. I nearly

a versatile solution to the myriad skincare challenges I faced.

laughed as I remembered that I almost hadn’t taken it with

This experience reinforced my appreciation for Riman's

me on the trip. This small stick had been a big part of an

philosophy of creating multifunctional, natural products.

unforgettable journey, protecting and nourishing my skin

The Multi-Stick balm had proven its worth in some of the

through all the wonders and challenges of Africa. It stands

most demanding conditions imaginable, adapting to my

as a reminder that sometimes the simplest solutions are the

needs as seamlessly as I was adapting to the ever-changing

most effective and that with the right tools, we can face any

African landscape.

adventure that comes our way - whether it's in our daily lives

Returning home, I found renewed gratitude for my Expert

or in the wilds of Africa.

For more information on the Vieton Multi Stick balm and the other Riman Rituals and products, click my link: https://linktr.ee/judybrierhahn. And, if you want to know what ritual may be best for your skin, take the skincare quiz there.

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

IN THE EYE OF THE STORM: LIFE, LOVE, AND LESSONS FROM HURRICANE HELENE

BY VIRGINIA OMAN

In the Eye of the Storm: Life, Love, and Lessons from Hurricane Helene

55

When I think back on all the many articles I’ve written

Feeling Stuck, Powerless, YET So So Thankful

Community: Neighbor

for this wonderful magazine, several of them have been

Still no power. No phone. No internet. I ventured outside

Helping Neighbor

regarding the topic of gratitude. Recently, this topic once

to see if I could find another human being. The few people

The amount of love and caring

again came front and center to me but in a much clearer

who had come out told me that we couldn’t leave the area

and kindness showered on this

and much more profound way.

as all roads had been washed out. Trees down everywhere.

community by neighbor helping

From Victim to Survivor

The worst part was no communication. Shut off from

neighbor and “strangers” from

I am a victim and now happy to say “survivor” of hurricane

the outside world not knowing anything. Feeling stuck.

outside this state. still astounds me.

Helene, which took dead-center aim at the exact location

Powerless. YET just so so thankful to have my life, my

What it has shown, and perhaps this

where I happen to live (Asheville, NC.) This town is a

home with my many musical instruments and my cat all

is the message the universe wanted

magical place nestled in the Appalachian Mountains,

of which I treasure.

to leave us with; is that we are all

between the infamous Blue Ridge Mountains and Smoky

This area has been devastated in ways too severe and

put on this earth to take care of each

Mountains. We had already had days and days of solid rain

numerous to describe. Lives lost, homes and businesses

other, no matter what we think our

before it even developed. As it turned out, what took place

destroyed, bodies, trees and wreckage everywhere. The

differences are. We are all one. Every

wasn’t just caused by Hurricane Helene coming up from

intensity of this storm also took out the pipelines of

being on this planet. One family. One

Florida, which is south of us, but another powerful storm

this town's water supply. Destroyed. No running water

community. One spirit. One love. And

system was coming down from the north at the exact same

anywhere in the area.

there is nothing more important than

time.

The carnage of all of this was and is very very real and

this.

Where did they happen to meet the night of Sept 26?

infinite. But What I want to describe in this piece is what

Before I end, I feel it is important to

Right over the area of Asheville. We completely lost power

I have learned as the lesson to it all. Being able to witness

share another vital lesson learned.

12 hours before, and then that evening, as it became

first-hand the coming together of people not just here, but

Be SURE you are stocked and ready

pitch black, the torrential downfall of water mixed with

people from all across this country who came immediately

in case any kind of natural disaster

the 90 mph winds began beating down buildings, trees,

to help. It took days for them to reach us as all roads were

befalls you. Canned goods. Portable

and everything in its path. With no basement to go to, I

blocked or destroyed, but they came. From everywhere.

radio. Water. Flashlights, batteries,

was hunkered down with my cat, covers over our head.

And then the government help came with Apache rescue

extra battery power supply to keep

And the sound of the rain and slashing wind against my

helicopters and cargo planes bringing bottled water and

cell phones charged. This is just the

windows was so loud it seemed deafening. Hour after hour

supplies. The Red Cross, even State Farm was out helping

tip of the iceberg. DON’T make the

it continued. The branches of bushes hitting against the

people on the spot to give financial relief. I met 2 guys who

mistake of postponing obtaining

panes of glass so powerfully that I was absolutely sure the

immediately upon hearing about the devastation, loaded

these supplies. Do it now. They are

windows would break open not only washing us out into

their Toyota truck with baby supplies, canned goods and

your lifeline for survival.

its torrential flood but shattering the window which would

water and drove from 5 states away to get here to help.

Wishing everyone peace, health and

send shards of glass into our eyes. All I could do was curl

They also brought a mobile hotspot supplied by Star-link

safety.

into a ball with my head tucked down, hugging my cat to

so anyone who parked near them could contact their family

"Secrets to the Powerful Mind-

calm her. Then wait and pray.

for the first time. Lowes opened their entire parking lot and

Body Connection I work each day

After what seemed like a never-ending night, I woke up

store so people could use their Wi-Fi system and they also

on five major area’s of life and in

hours later with a bit of daylight peeping through the

brought in port-a-potties because as you might learn, if

Secrets to the Powerful Mind-Body

shades and saw the windows were so permanently marked

you lose your source of water, you can’t flush your toilets.

Connection. I describe in detail one of

by the huge water drops and scraping it was very hard to

Possibly for weeks.

those area’s that I used to change my

see anything outside. I was thrilled to see no water in my

health and happiness. Are you ready

house and that my apartment had somehow withstood the

to Transform your life?

torrential downfall and winds. SO grateful. I raised my arms

Take the next step! Subscribe now for

to the sky and breathed.

your FREE guide.

https://virginiaoman.com/free-download/ � https://vimeo.com/758846455 � https://linktr.ee/virginiaoman

56

Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

HOW TO CULTIVATE SELF-LOVE MOMENT BY MOMENT

BY CONNIE STRASHEIM

Many of us know that cultivating self-love is important for a healthy, happy and vibrant

You can also practice self-love throughout the day by setting realistic goals for your-

life, but have you ever wondered how to practically implement it into your daily life?

self, and squelching the temptation to embrace Type A behaviors such as rushing,

Because self-love is more than just about experiencing fuzzy, feel-good emotions as

taking on too many responsibilities, skipping meals or not getting enough sleep at

part of a 15-minute mental practice at the beginning of the day, instead, it’s a moment-

night. Many of us probably don’t consider the way that we live as an expression of

to-moment mindset in which all of your beliefs, thoughts, words, and behaviors reflect

self-love or lack thereof, but truly, how you live (not just what you do) is a reflection

the value, high esteem and kindness that you (should) have toward yourself.

of how you see yourself.

We can and ought to love ourselves because no matter our flaws, sags and bags, char-

In addition, when you do at least one thing to care for yourself daily, such as relaxing in

acter weaknesses or mistakes—we are loved by our Creator and are made in the image

a hammock in your backyard, or taking an hour out of your day to meditate or pray—

of the Divine, and we therefore have intrinsic value.

this can also be an important expression of self-love.

If your ability to love yourself has been affected by the criticisms or abuse of others, or

In the end, the value that we have for ourselves is reflected in all of our beliefs, thoughts,

other life circumstances, you may especially need to learn how to cultivate self-love. It

words and behaviors. Yet many of us aren’t even aware of our self-dialogue or the ways

can feel unnatural at first, but your true identity doesn’t come from another person’s

in which we aren’t treating ourselves with the same love, care and compassion that we

opinion of you; the toxic words that a parent or spouse may have spoken over you,

might give others or which our Creator desires for us.

or the mistakes you’ve made throughout your life. Your identity is rooted in the fact

For this reason, I encourage you to spend some time contemplating the toxic or harmful

that you are an amazing creation and design of God, and are therefore worthy of love.

beliefs and thoughts that you entertain daily, and which may be hindering your ability

But how do you practically manifest self-love in your day-to-day life? Well, I believe

to live out of self-love. Write these down. Then, write down an opposite kind or loving

that one of the most powerful things that you can do is to practice refuting any habitual

statement for every toxic belief or thought that you habitually have.

negative or toxic thoughts that enter your mind: about yourself or others. Because toxic

Then, practice speaking aloud those statements every time you have a toxic, harmful

thoughts transmit disease-promoting and energy-depleting frequencies to your cells.

or negative thought: whether about yourself, or someone else. The more you prac-

This means that whenever you do things like look at yourself in the mirror and berate

tice doing this, the more you will notice your life, relationships and health changing

yourself for putting on a few extra pounds; or beat yourself up for not being able to meet

for the better—even if at first, you don’t believe those statements, because you are so

your goals, or inwardly fume about the shortcomings of your co-worker—you aren’t

used to “stinkin’ thinkin.’”

practicing self-love. Yes, this even goes for when you’re thinking and speaking nega-

Whatever you think in your mind, along with the words you speak, and how you walk

tively about another person, because you keep your limbic system in a chronic stress

out those words in your daily life—are the greatest determinants of how powerfully

response, or “fight or flight” whenever you think or speak toxic words: whether about

self-love will manifest in your spirit, soul and body, and how well you will love others.

yourself or another person.

Because whenever you love yourself, you will more effectively love others, too.

Therefore, part of practicing self-love also involves choosing to love others, despite

It can be a process, especially when you are under intense stress, or have lots of toxic

their flaws and imperfections, and forgiving them for offending you or breaking your

thinking to untangle. But you have a powerful mind that can accomplish anything

heart. This is because whenever you forgive, you release a prisoner from jail, and that

whenever you provide it with the right input, and every cell of your body will thank

prisoner is you! It may sound counter-intuitive, but unforgiveness never harms the

you when you do.

one who has offended us—only we suffer from it in a prison of our own making. I

Sometimes, we don’t do the things that we know we should do, such as think life-giving

share more about forgiveness in my recently-released book, Guard the Mind, Mend the

thoughts, because deep down, we don’t believe that we deserve to be happy, healthy or

Body: Heal by Harnessing the Power of God’s Spirit, Mind Renewal and Neuroplasticity.

whole. For this reason, it can be valuable to ask yourself whether this self-sabotaging

H o w t o C u lt i v a t e S e l f - L o v e M o m e n t b y M o m e n t

belief is hindering you from fully loving yourself, or keeping you from experienc-

In Guard the Mind, Mend the Body: Heal by Harnessing the Power of God’s Spirit,

ing your best life. A counselor, God or even a friend may be able to help you with this.

Mind Renewal, and Neuroplasticity, I share more about how to heal your spirit, soul,

Then, once you’ve resolved any underlying harmful beliefs in your psyche, you will

and body, and cultivate self-love through the power of God’s Spirit and your mind—

be able to more effectively live out each day in a mindset of self-love, compassion,

along with medical and lifestyle tools for wellness.

kindness and joy.

To learn more, visit: http://ConnieStrasheim.org.

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

S t a c k i n g Up L i f e ’ s R i c h e s : Y o u r P a t h t o O v e r f l o w i n g Ab u n d a n c e

STACKING UP LIFE’S RICHES:

YOUR PATH TO OVERFLOWING ABUNDANCE

BY DAWNA CAMPBELL

In today’s world, it often feels like we’re all reaching for

To fortify this foundation, prioritize budgeting, establish

more — more financial security, happiness, purpose.

health routines that sustain you, and create daily stability

Yet, with life’s endless hustle, it’s easy to feel like we’re

practices. Set up automatic savings, even if it’s a modest

standing still. Enter the Abundance Pyramid: a practical,

amount each month, or commit to a health routine like

visual guide to reaching holistic abundance by exploring

morning walks, yoga, or daily stretching. Think of these

different levels of fulfillment, from basic needs to

foundational choices as enduring investments in the

ultimate joy.

abundant life you’re building. Meeting these essential

The Abundance Pyramid unfolds in five levels, each

needs allows you to climb the pyramid with confidence

representing an essential life area that builds upon the

and lasting peace of mind.

last. This framework offers a clear path to a life brimming

Level 2: Emotional Abundance Joy, Love,

with abundance, giving you the chance to live fully, with

Relationships

heart and purpose.

With a stable base, it’s time to cultivate emotional

Level 1: Essential Needs Financial Security,

abundance. This layer is about creating a life richly

Health, Stability

infused with love, joy, and meaningful connections. True

At the foundation of the pyramid lie our most basic

emotional abundance allows us to feel genuinely fulfilled,

needs—financial stability, health, and overall security.

enhancing our sense of purpose and connection to others.

When these essentials are secure, we create a firm base

To grow here, practice gratitude and actively seek out

for everything else. After all, it’s hard to feel emotionally

experiences that bring joy and fulfillment. Try scheduling

or spiritually fulfilled when life’s basics are off-kilter and

time each week for a heartfelt call with a friend, planning

uncertain.

outings that lift your spirit, or keeping a simple gratitude

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

journal to capture daily joys. Emotional abundance blossoms

Level 5: Ultimate Fulfillment Where all forms of

gradually, rooted in every heartfelt conversation, shared laugh,

abundance converge

and cherished moment.

Ultimate Fulfillment crowns the pyramid, where physical,

Level 3: Mental Abundance Knowledge, Creativity,

emotional, mental, and spiritual abundance unite, bringing true,

Mindset

lasting fulfillment. At this pinnacle, abundance isn’t something

The next level involves fostering a growth-oriented mindset.

to chase; it’s something you embody, woven seamlessly into each

Mental abundance means filling your mind with knowledge,

moment of your life.

creativity, and self-awareness, enabling you to see opportunities

To maintain this harmony, nurture every level of the pyramid

where others see limits.

with regular attention, gratitude, and care. Embrace the journey

Challenge yourself to learn something new, whether it’s a skill

that’s brought you here, honoring each step, and let every layer

or hobby you’ve been curious about or books that broaden your

continue to fuel and deepen your sense of fulfillment.

perspective. Explore creative outlets like painting, journaling,

Building a Stronger You: How Each Level Fuels the Next

or cooking, and practice positive self-talk that builds resilience.

By breaking down each level and reinforcing how they connect,

Engage in self-reflection, embracing thoughts that uplift and

the Abundance Pyramid becomes a dynamic framework for lasting

empower. At this stage, you’re actively shaping a mindset that

fulfillment. Think of it as a structure that grows with you, where

supports your journey up the pyramid, opening your mind to

each level strengthens and supports the others.

richer perspectives and boundless possibilities.

For example, a stable financial foundation can ease stress, making

Level

4:

Spiritual

Abundance

Purpose,

room for greater emotional abundance. Similarly, a growth-

Connection, Alignment

focused mindset can deepen spiritual connections, with each

Spiritual abundance is all about connecting with a higher purpose

level enhancing the next.

and aligning with your most authentic self. This level transcends

Applying the Abundance Pyramid to Your Life

daily needs and emotional satisfaction; it’s about finding lasting

How can you make the Abundance Pyramid a part of your life?

peace and meaning in a way that truly lifts your spirit.

Start by asking yourself: Where am I now? Which areas need

Dedicate time to mindfulness or meditation, explore self-

a little extra attention? Maybe your basic needs are met, but

reflection, and look for ways to make a difference in your

emotional abundance feels out of reach. Or perhaps you enjoy

community. Start with something small, like volunteering once

fulfilling relationships but seek deeper spiritual alignment.

a month or joining a group that shares your values and passions.

To move up the pyramid, take small, intentional steps where

Spiritual abundance grows as you discover what resonates deeply

they’re needed most. Begin at the base and progress with

with your core beliefs, purpose, and spirit.

purpose, honoring each level as a key piece of your path to holistic fulfillment.

And if you’re ready to take that next step with personalized guidance, your Mind Whisperer at http://www.BetterCallDawna.com is here to help you unlock your potential and elevate every level of your Abundance Pyramid.

S t a c k i n g Up L i f e ’ s R i c h e s : Y o u r P a t h t o O v e r f l o w i n g Ab u n d a n c e

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

HOW WOMEN OVER 40 CAN REGAI N OR SU PE RCH ARGE T HEIR SEX DRI VE WI TH TH E SE PROVE N S CI E NCE BASE D RESEARCH SEXUAL SE LF CARE ME THODS

BY DR. ERIC FETE

Have you spent less time on your sexual self-care lately?

Your Marriage or Primary Relationship is Going Through

Has your sex drive taken a nosedive after age 40 or 50?

Problems.

Sexual desire can be touchy, whether you’re experiencing some

Emotional closeness is often crucial for intimacy in many women.

excess stress, going through menopause, or navigating through

If you're experiencing setbacks with your partner, it might be the

a tough relationship.

reason behind your reduced interest in sex. If the issue is simply

It’s normal to lose desire for sex from time to time, especially as

a lack of time or effort, setting aside quality time for bonding and

you age. Other symptoms, like difficulty getting aroused or staying

intimacy can reignite the spark in your love life.

turned on, can become more obvious.

Dr Eric’s Best Sexual Self-Care Ways to Regain or Supercharge

If you notice a big drop in your libido and it’s causing a divide with

Female Sex Drive

your partner, you may want to investigate what’s causing it and

It’s best to start with holistic methods such as lifestyle changes,

how to fix it.

nutritional improvements, and holistic approaches can make all

In this article, I’ll teach you the main problems behind a loss of

the difference in the world when it comes to regaining & charging

sexual desire and how to increase your female sexual desire.

up sexual desire.

Main Causes of Low Sexual Desire

If you find yourself feeling a big drop in your sex drive, use these

Low sex drive means you have a decreased interest in having sex,

five holistic methods to see if you can fire up your libido like it was

and it can range from having less desire to having none.

in your 20’s & get your sexual mojo back.

Everyone's sex drive is different.

1. Workout Consistently

But if your low sex drive is causing issues in your relationship or

Working out is good for your body in many ways. It increases the

making you concerned, it's a good idea to ask for advice. There are

sex hormone testosterone, improves blood flow down there, and

various scientific reasons for low libido, which we’ll now look at.

puts you in a sexier mood. It also helps you feel less stressed and

Hormonal & Mood Changes During Pregnancy and Menopause:

better about how you look.

During pregnancy, right after childbirth, or while breastfeeding,

Research shows that working out is especially good for women with

your hormones go through shifts that can lower your desire for sex.

a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). One study

Menopause can also lead to a decline in your sex drive because your

found that lifting weights improved the desire for sex and made

estrogen levels decrease. This can cause a loss of desire and vaginal

things smoother for women with PCOS.

dryness, making sex uncomfortable.

Another study showed that doing cardio-aerobic exercises

Your Mental Health Could Use Some Care.

improved how well they could enjoy sex. Working out is a complete

Your mental health plays a big part in your sex drive.

win for a highly active & enjoyable sex life.

Mental states like depression, high stress, low self-esteem, and

2. Try Herbal Supplements

poor body image can make sex the last thing on your mind. If you're

Adaptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha or Rhodiola Rosea can assist

using substances like alcohol or tobacco to deal with stress, it can

with managing stress and anxiety, which are common factors

harm your physical health, too.

contributing to reduced sex drive.

HowWomenOver40CanRegainorSuperchargeTheirSexDrivewithTheseProvenScienceBasedResearchSexualSelfCareMethods

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B e s t H o l i s t i c L i f e F e b u a r y 2 0 2 5 > > COVER STORY

3. Massage

Here are some tips to manage stress:

You can also get professional massages to reduce

• Meditation & breathing exercises

stress & help with circulation, which can help the

• Writing your thoughts in a journal

body’s arousal systems.

• Using relaxation techniques like tensing and

4. Get Enough Sleep

relaxing your muscles

Your sleep needs are unique to you and determined by

• Getting some exercise

your DNA. If you don't get enough sleep, it can make

• Spending time with your friends and family

you feel exhausted and affect your desire for intimacy

• Taking some time to relax at night

& sex.

At Prime-X Cellular Health, we’re here to support you

Inadequate sleep is tied to lower sexual satisfaction

every step of the way on your sexual health journey.

and desire.

Our holistic root cause cellular medicine approach to

Try going to bed 20 minutes earlier for a few weeks,

women’s health focuses on addressing the underlying

and you could see it improve your sex life.

causes of menopausal symptoms and optimizing

If you have a sleep debt (you owe your body some

hormonal balance to help you feel your best at every

sleep), it can impact your performance in the

stage of life. Are you ready to take your self-care to the

bedroom. The good news is you can catch up on sleep

next level, lose weight, optimize your health, boost

and pay back your sleep debt by:

your sex drive and embrace menopause as a new

Maintaining good sleep health means taking on daily

beginning rather than an end?

habits that help you sleep.

Let’s chat about how we can support you on your

Getting natural light in the morning and throughout

menopausal journey and help you thrive during this

the day can manage your sleep cycle.

transformative time.

5. Reduce Stress

Get 2025 off to a great start by scheduling your initial

Feeling stressed out can really kill your desire for

virtual consultation with me, Dr. Eric, today!

intimacy.

Reach out at 1-740-777-9717 or shoot me an email

Studies have found that women under a lot of stress

directly at eric@drericfete.com & feel free to visit

typically have less arousal and higher levels of

http://drericprimex.com

cortisol, and they may find it difficult to focus when

health, nutrition, wellness & fitness information.

thinking about romance.

Here’s to embracing the journey of wellness & holistic

for more fre­e valuable

health and stepping into this new chapter of your life with confidence and vitality!

Stay Prime.

HowWomenOver40CanRegainorSuperchargeTheirSexDrivewithTheseProvenScienceBasedResearchSexualSelfCareMethods

65

EMPOWERING HEALTH THROUGH ACCESSIBLE, PREVENTATIVE WELLNESS COLLABORATION.

A must-read for entrepreneurs, wellness professionals, and anyone interested in ushering a new era of wellness and optimal health.

This unusual collaboration among direct competitors and visionaries who are reshaping the health and wellness landscape solidifies Sam Tejada’s commitment to elevating the modern wellness movement.

Make the shift from reactive “sick care” to “well care” today. Follow the QR Code to grab your copy!

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

Th e F u t u r e o f W e l l n e s s : A n E x c l u s i v e I n t e r v i e w w i t h W e l l n e s s V i s i o n a r y o f t h e Y e a r S a m a e l T e j a d a

The Future of Wellness:

ANTHE EXCLUSIVE FUTURE OF INTERVIEW WELLNESS:WITH AN EXWellness Visionary CLUSIVE of INTERVIEW the Year WITH

WELLNESS VISIONASAMAEL RY OF THE YEAR SAMAEL TEJADA TEJADA

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Th e F u t u r e o f W e l l n e s s : A n E x c l u s i v e I n t e r v i e w w i t h W e l l n e s s V i s i o n a r y o f t h e Y e a r S a m a e l T e j a d a

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From Lifeguard to Firefighter to Wellness Visionary: Can

Your motto is 'Health is Wealth” But, early on in your career you realized

you describe the pivotal moments that led you to transi-

that only the wealthy had access to optimal health. This was your inspi-

tion from saving lives in emergencies to promoting proac-

ration for founding Liquivida. How have you strived to make preventa-

tive wellness through Liquivida?

tive health accessible to a broader audience?

The most pivotal moments that prompted me to make this

As a firefighter/paramedic, I worked for a city with a very low income demo-

switch occurred while I was performing my responsibilities as

graphic. The population there was primarily minority-based. I considered

a paramedic. As a firefighter/paramedic, you work within your

myself average,

zones and your city, so you get to know these people in the

middle-class, working as a firefighter paramedic. But on my days off, I worked

community through the years. Running 911 emergency calls,

for a very progressive Performance Health Age Management company whose

transporting them to the hospital day in and day out, taking

clientele were some of the most affluent people on the globe. It was easy to

them to the ER, I started to notice that some of them were rely-

see the huge differences between the three demographic groups, but what

ing on us, as firefighter/paramedics, to take care of them. We

I came to learn is that it wasn’t just about money and possessions. One of

were transporting them to the hospital, maybe once or twice

the most significant disparities was the lack of education on health and well-

the first year, then maybe a half-dozen times the following year,

ness, what is good and what is bad for your overall health. And then obvi-

and then suddenly it’s to the point where we are transport-

ously the financial factor plays its part, because these alternative treatments

ing them to the hospital on almost a weekly basis. Doing my

are being paid for out of pocket. If you want to see a nutritionist, work with a

job as a paramedic wasn’t the issue; for me, the issue became

fitness coach or get an IV Vitamin Drip, it’s not going to be covered by typi-

that doing my job wasn’t doing enough.. I started to question

cal insurance. So it was expensive, especially back then. The prices that were

“what the heck is happening here?” People are being taken to

being charged for some of these preventative programs were ridiculous. But

these doctors and specialists multiple times, and are actually

they could charge them back then because there was a certain demand for

in the presence of medical professionals, so why aren’t they

it with a certain clientele and the doctors who knew how to do these types

getting better? This is when I began to see how our medical

of treatments could charge top dollar for them.

system was failing.

At that point, my goal was to understand the business side of the industry.

That’s what made me realize that people need to start taking

As I became more educated myself, I understood that these are really not

more of a proactive approach to their health of wellness, doing a

extremely expensive treatments and there was no need for them to cost so

deeper dive and figure out what is really going to get them better

much. That’s when I decided that what I wanted to do was help the masses by increasing awareness and making preventative services accessible to everyone. The health and wellness industry has come a long way since those days.

My company continues to focus on increasing awareness and making preventative services more accessible to a broader audience through our growing franchise locations and social media presence. We also sell our custom IV Kits and Packets to thousands of doctors and practices nationwide so they can offer these health benefits to their patients.. I personally never miss an opportunity to speak on the topic of health and wellness, whether on national shows, in major publications or local newspapers. Education by getting the message out there is the first step.

To help increase awareness about this preventative health industry, I also wrote my first book, “How To Win In Modern Wellness” in which I invited more than a dozen of my competitors in the industry to collaborate with me to educate consumers, medical professionals and entrepreneurs about proactive health. The goal is for this to inspire the opening of more companies like Liquivida (or more Liquivida franchises) In my mind, this is the key to making preventative health truly accessible to everyone, by decreasing costs and increasing locations..

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In a time when people are more conscious than ever about their

'My Impact Will Not End There': Beyond Liquivida, you've expressed

health, what role do companies like Liquivida play in the future

ambitions in politics. How do you see your experience in the well-

of holistic wellness, and how does it integrate with other preven-

ness industry shaping your future political aspirations?

tative health practices?

My goal is to be able to put myself in a position of power to make

Most people don't understand that they need to take a deeper dive

sure that the changes that I've witnessed that need to be made,

into their health. Wellness is more than just blood pressure and

both on the business side and the medical side of the industry,

cholesterol numbers. Our approach at Liquivida is to utilize a variety

happen. We are currently governed by such antiquated statutes

of diagnostic testing, including wearable technologies, to really get

and regulations that, with all the advances in science and technol-

a good birds eye view of what's really happening with their health

ogy,, they haven’t caught up with the times. Plus, the masses are

and develop personalized wellness plans specific to their needs. So,

already screaming for a change. Thanks to the internet and social

not a cookie-cutter approach.

media, they see and hear about all of these things that can impact

This data is invaluable for creating personalized health plans and

their health, both positively and negatively. And they want to know

identifying risks early, leading to more effective treatments and

why some of these alternative services and modalities aren’t avail-

reducing the likelihood of chronic diseases.

able to them. I’m not alone in pursuing this path. There are many

As we educate people and increase awareness about how and what

health and wellness advocates that are getting politically involved,

works for their bodies, we can introduce services and modalities,

because they see the need for change at this level.

like IV Vitamin Therapy, that can help to address areas like nutri-

You don’t have to look too hard to see it either. If you read the

ent deficiencies and gut health. We can offer weight loss options,

labels on food items - and look up what some of the ingredients

peptides, sexual wellness and regenerative therapies to address

actually are you’ll see how much crap is being put into our foods. I

individual concerns that impact a patient’s overall sense of well-

recently watched a segment about a campaign and a book called

ness. Our role is to shift focus from “sick-care” when it comes to

“Make America Healthy Again,” where the author exposed Ameri-

physical health and shed light on how a proactive, preventative

can manufacturers and companies for their role in the poor quality

approach to physical health is interconnected with mental well-be-

of our food. There are companies that distribute some of the exact

ing and emotional wellness.

same products that we have here in the U.S., to other countries, but with vastly different ingredients. A box of cereal, like Fruit Loops

Your podcast, 'A Healthy Point of View,' offers insights into

for example, sold somewhere in the U.S., has about 14 ingredients,

health and wellness. What motivated you to start this platform,

with a good amount of them actually poisonous to the body. But

and what topics do you explore with your listeners?

a box of Fruit Loops sold in Europe has four ingredients, and the

I think my role in this industry comes with great responsibility, and I

dyes they use to color the cereal are from organic foods, like pump-

want to take advantage of every medium possible to get the message

kin and sweet potato.We’re providing healthier, more natural food

out. So that's the truth of it. The podcast was primarily created to

to other countries.

help educate medical providers that were in the allopathic, tradi-

Education and increasing awareness is going to continue to be the

tional medicine world, and wanted to shift over. The objective is for

key to effect real change, but we also have to hold our manufac-

them to hear insight from people that have already succeeded in this

turers here in the U.S. accountable to provide the healthiest options

alternative medicine space. Alongside that, the podcast is a great

for the citizens of the United States.

platform to share a lot of these different modalities and treatments,

I also feel that advocating for preventative measures in health could

as well as advice from medical experts. Science doesn’t stop. It’s

actually save insurance companies a significant amount of money.

always evolving. With some of the experts we have on “A Healthy

If they incentivize people to take proactive steps to wellness in their

Point of View”, people can listen in and educate themselves at no

life, they would see a better return on that than the money they pay

cost. The topics are all health, wellness and beauty related - anything

out for sick care.. There’s a saying: "If you don’t make time for your

from gut health and what that actually means to what comprehen-

wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness.” People

sive blood work really entails to medical aesthetics trends. So there

are increasingly willing to pay out of their pocket to maintain opti-

is really something for everyone on any given episode.

mal health because they know in the long run, as well as financially it will benefit their quality of life.

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Th e F u t u r e o f W e l l n e s s : A n E x c l u s i v e I n t e r v i e w w i t h W e l l n e s s V i s i o n a r y o f t h e Y e a r S a m a e l T e j a d a

Mentorship played a significant role in your journey. How did Dr.

The American Dream was central to your family's story. How has

Robert D. Willix influence your approach to health and business,

your immigrant background shaped your entrepreneurial drive

and what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs seek-

and your perspective on healthcare equality?

ing mentors?

Sam Tejada: I think being Dominican plays a big part in both my atti-

Many people think of mentorships as structured programs and paid

tude and ambition. Dominicans have always been known to have a

relationships, like Tony Robbins. And they are great if that’s what

hustler mentality. We’re great salespeople and we know how to get

you’re looking for. My perspective on mentorship is probably a bit

things done. So that’s in my blood and has always been my mindset

different from most. I think it is actually the mentee who identifies

for as long as I can remember. On the health and wellness side, the

and labels their mentor. Once you define that relationship to your-

more educated I became, the more my eyes were opened to what is

self, what you put into it is what you’ll get out of it. Meaning, if you

really healthy regarding the food we eat. In my Dominican culture, I

look at someone in business, who is constantly on the grind, doing

would classify the traditional dishes as survival food. It’s created in

things that you appreciate and respect, and you want to learn from

mass quantities and doesn’t provide much nutritional value. Experi-

them, you have to chase after it. Part of chasing after it may mean

encing the differences in two very different worlds gave me the knowl-

doing things for them without expecting anything in return. All the

edge and opportunity to educate others and help them to better under-

while, you’re in their orbit, observing and absorbing. Then, at some

stand how to take care of themselves.

point, they appreciate who you are as an individual and ultimately, bring more value to your relationship as a mentor

'Growth Journey': You've described your path as one of continu-

That is the approach I somewhat unknowingly took with Dr. Willix. I

ous growth. Can you share some of the biggest challenges you've

provided tremendous value to him during the time I was working with

faced and how you've overcome them?

his patients, but I had so many questions about his approach to health

My biggest challenges have been relationships on the business end

and wellness and wanted to learn from him. Because I was good at

-business partners, vendors and even employees. Sometimes the rela-

my job and with his patients, he took the time and answered my ques-

tionships that you try to cultivate turn out to be unsuccessful. My story

tion without any hesitation. He was extremely intelligent, but that isn’t

about beginning my company with $500 in my back pocket is pretty

what made him the right mentor for me. He was a man and a doctor

well known, but to grow my company, I needed to make some diffi-

who was ahead of his time. He went from being a heart surgeon to a

cult decisions. To get the resources to expand the business required

functional medicine doctor who prevented patients from having to go

taking on partners who worked for sweat equity in the company. The

on his operating table. His insights and experiences with the obsta-

problem with that is, when it's your own business, no one is likely to

cles and road bumps he faced helped me to avoid going through those

put in as much sweat as you. Navigating these relationships, learning

same things and are invaluable to me to this day.

how to approach and address the parties involved in a productive way takes a lot of work and is challenging. You have to really understand how to deal with different types of personalities in various business scenarios that are stressful and contentious. Looking back, I wish I had had a little bit more mentorship and coaching beforehand in this area. I think it's my responsibility, now that I’ve experienced some of the things I have, to share what I know. That is a big part of what my second book that I'm currently working on is going to address. I think in business and in personal life, direct communication is essential. Make sure they know how you feel and where you stand. Try and try again to come up with a solution. And if you can’t, you’ve got to move on, take it to the next step, and honestly, if it means initiating a lawsuit, then so be it. It will probably be a long road if it gets to that point, but if you’ve got right on your side, you will come out on top.

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Chairman of the American IV Association's Leadership Advisory Board: What are your key goals in this role, and how do you envision shaping the future of IV hydration therapy?

The American IV Association was put together to create compliance and standardization for this growing industry of IV Hydration therapy. My role is to be that one voice of multiple leaders in the industry who have come together to create standards and ensure that our industry is compliant so it continues to expand and offer preventative care to people throughout the country.

Our goal here is to basically create the governing system for ourselves before someone else does it for us. Someone who doesn't have any idea of what IV Hydration is, someone who typically doesn't even have a medical background. Our goal is to put the research about IV hydration therapy out there, and get it published in more medical journals. We want to make it safer for the consumer when they are choosing where to get their IVs by putting a system in place where any new or existing IV hydration business goes through a certification process where they must meet the criteria for certain standards of care developed by AIVA. This would enable the consumer to know if the IV. Hydration clinic they choose to go to has met certain standards of care developed by the industry, 'Ten Years from Now': Looking ahead, what are your personal and professional aspirations, and what legacy do you hope to leave in the world of holistic health?

My ultimate goal is to get the word out to everyone about taking that proactive preventative approach to health and wellness, and really create a movement behind it. I want to break what I would consider a generational curse that has been put on us regarding this approach to health. In the same way that smoking cigarettes was once looked upon as fancy and cool back in the day - until suddenly we were all made to understand that it was really bad for your health, causes cancer and can make you sick in so many ways. Now smoking cigarettes is looked upon as a disgusting habit.

So my goal is to shift people’s mindsets on just accepting how they live their lives.

We know so much more. We know that we really shouldn't be eating this or drinking that. We know that our food should be our medicine or one day, medicine will be our food. We know there's better alternatives, better options to actually enable us to live a healthier life. I want to break through some of the fake noise in the wellness industry and make sure that we’re helping people learn the truth about wellness and holistic, preventative health.

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Your Reality Is A Reflection of Your Inner Self

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YO U R R E A L I T Y I S A R E F L E C T I O N O F YO U R I N N E R S E L F

BY PA R I N A Z S H A M S

Before I realized that everything in my life was a reflection

judging and allow our relationships to teach us, we begin to

of my inner world, I struggled to accept people as they were.

free ourselves from the burdens of the past.

I often felt disappointed in others, unable to see the good in

Steps to Look Inward and Heal Through Reflection

their efforts and instead focusing on what they didn’t do.

These steps aren’t about changing anyone else; they’re about

This pattern left me feeling constantly let down by people’s

exploring your inner world, healing past wounds, and adopt-

performance at work and in relationships. Only after begin-

ing a more compassionate approach to yourself and others.

ning my spiritual journey, following a series of draining rela-

1. Identify the Trigger

tionships and career moves, I uncovered a deeper truth: I was

Observe what specifically triggers you in another person. Is it

projecting my inner judgments outward.

your partner’s indecisiveness, your child’s defiance, or your

As I started to examine the walls I’d built within, I real-

coworker’s lack of punctuality? These are clues, highlight-

ized I was holding people at a distance and judging them,

ing qualities within you that may need healing. Make a list of

not because I wanted to, but because that was how I treated

the traits that trigger you, and consider whether these reflect

myself.

parts of yourself that you struggle to accept.

I couldn’t see the value in my own efforts or offer myself

2. Ask: Is This Standard I’m Holding Realistic?

any compassion for mistakes. This inner cycle of self-judg-

We often set impossibly high standards for ourselves, formed

ment and lack of compassion was one of the biggest insights

in childhood and reinforced over the years. Ask yourself: Are

I gained from years of searching for why fulfillment seemed

the standards I hold for myself and others realistic? Take the

just out of reach.

example of my client, E, who felt the need to be “enough” in

Ancient Wisdom: Relationships as Mirrors

her mother’s eyes to feel worthy. This early pattern became

Ancient Persian mystics, known as Sufis, held that every rela-

her default, leaving her no room for mistakes and compas-

tionship is a mirror, reflecting our inner world. They taught

sion. As a result, she held her coworkers to a similar impossi-

that our relationships reveal aspects of ourselves—wounds to

ble standard, continuing the cycle of disappointment.

heal, strengths to recognize, and flaws to accept. According to

3. Trace the Root: Who First Made You Feel This Way?

this wisdom, when we struggle to accept something in others,

Our expectations are often shaped by our earliest rela-

it’s often a quality within ourselves yearning for compassion.

tionships, especially with family members, teachers, and

In a society focused on “fixing” or “improving” ourselves,

community figures. Reflect on whether anyone from your

we may overlook the reflective nature of relationships. But

past made you feel inadequate or unworthy. By identifying

rather than seeing these mirrors as obstacles, we could view

these influences, you can start to understand that these stan-

them as opportunities to release old patterns. When we stop

dards aren’t absolute, they’re learned and can be changed.

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

4. Practice Self-Compassion

“I am enough as I am, and so are others.”

Self-compassion may sound simple, but it’s one of the most

“I let go of unrealistic expectations.”

transformative tools for healing. By treating yourself with kind-

Repeat these whenever judgment arises, and over time, you’ll

ness, you release the grip of self-criticism, allowing others to be

notice that both your relationships and self-acceptance start to

who they are without judgment. The Persian mystic Rumi said,

shift.

“Your task is not to seek for love, but seek and find all the barri-

Embracing the Mirror

ers within yourself that you have built against it.”

This approach isn’t about lowering standards or settling; it’s

When you practice self-compassion, you begin dismantling these

about freeing yourself from perfectionism and judgment.

barriers, making room for self-acceptance—and ultimately,

Rumi said, 'The beauty you see in me is a reflection of you.'

accepting others as they are.

Embrace this reflection, and in doing so, embrace the beauty

5. Use a Mantra or Affirmation for Releasing Judgment

within yourself and those around you. To learn more about joining

Affirmations are powerful tools for rewiring our habitual

my next retreat and receiving support on this journey of self-ac-

thoughts.

ceptance and growth, click here.

Try using phrases like: “I release myself from the need to be perfect.”

https://linktr.ee/shamspari

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

5 KILLER SIGNS YOU'RE NAILING YOUR SELF-GROWTH

BY THERESA BYRNE

How often do we hear about the Red and Green Flags

self-care. Yes, that’s a thing! One of the reasons I’m a

in relationships?

specialist in boundaries is that most of us don’t know

What about the ones we spot in ourselves? While

HOW boundaries work and what they are.

we tend to be our harshest critics it's also crucial

When you prioritize your well-being, boundaries

to growth to recognize the progress we've already

aren’t just about saying no; they’re about knowing

made.

and respecting your limits. They protect your

By celebrating every positive step in your desired

peace so you can be at your best. Boundaries

direction, you’re more likely to keep on keeping ON!

are a superpower, helping you build healthier

(You put your running shoes on? Yay! Did you step

relationships with yourself and others by reflecting

out the door to go run/walk/jog? Yay!)

on your needs and clearly communicating them.

Here are five of my favorite signs you're on the path

Boundaries are a superpower, keeping you safe, sane,

to becoming your favorite version of yourself (the

sacred, and yourself. They help you build healthier

same ones I use with my private consulting clients):

relationships with yourself and others by reflecting

Boundaries in Action: You Draw Your Line

on your needs and clearly communicating them.

Setting boundaries starts with knowing YOURSELF

Whether it's setting a safe word in a relationship,

and what works best for you. Stepping outside of

taking alone time when needed, or declining extra

that too often leads to feeling drained, anxious,

work, you’re building a foundation for respect and

and overwhelmed. Imagine confidently knowing

self-worth. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but

what you WANT or DON’T WANT and asking for it—

sticking to your boundaries makes you a better

like turning down extra work when you’re already

friend, partner, and professional, helping you feel

swamped or skipping a family dinner to focus on

safe, valued, and respected.

5 Killer Signs You're Nailing Your Self-Growth

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You Feel All the Feels

You Can (and) Do Hard Things

Imagine being brave enough to feel your emotions without letting

Think of stepping out of your comfort zone as a dance with you

them control you. They don’t define you and you don’t get stuck

moving back and forth. You embrace new experiences, even if they

inside of them. In my first book, I wrote, “A feelings job is to be

make you a bit uncomfortable. Whether it's trying a new workout,

felt; it’s in its name.” Yep, feelings are to be felt.

dining solo, networking, or speaking up at work, you push your

Instead of avoiding sadness, anxiety, or anger, you face them

own limits. This willingness to face discomfort head-on leads to

head-on. You name, accept, and process your feelings healthily—

personal, professional, and romantic growth.

whether by journaling, talking to a friend, or working with a

Stepping your toes out of your comfort zone might not bring

coach. You recognize that all emotions are valid, valuable, and

instant gratification, and it often comes with risks of failure or

essential for growth. You learn to see how you process feelings

rejection. But you face these challenges because you’ve CHOSEN

and where they show up in your body.

them and next time life throws you a curveball, you know you can

Even at your best, there are times you might feel sad or stressed,

move out of its way!

but now you understand and honor every emotion as part of your

You Are Your Own BFF

journey, deepening your relationship with yourself and others.

Picture your future self having a sidekick/BFF ready to tackle any

Shushing the Inner Critic

challenge with you. You ARE that sidekick! You've worked hard

We all have those nagging negative thoughts telling us we aren't

on personal growth and trust yourself.

good enough. "I’m not pretty enough," "I won’t get that job,"

While you still strive for improvement, you no longer obsess over

or "I’ll never find the right partner." These limiting beliefs stem

it. You know setbacks are growth opportunities, and you trust

from past experiences, fears, and insecurities, and DON’T HELP

yourself to handle them with a positive mindset. You're becoming

US!

your favorite self without it being the only thing on your mind.

Think of your inner critic as a pesky little gremlin (thinking it's

Remember, everyone's journey is unique, and growth looks

helpful) stuck in a loop in your head. You've learned to recognize

different for each person. Keep recognizing and celebrating your

the voices and shush them like you’re in a library and they’re

progress, and continue striving to be your best self.

talking too loudly. By journaling and reframing negative thoughts,

If you need support or guidance, reach out to me or a trusted

you can transform "I can't" into "I can." With declarations like

professional to help you tackle the next steps on your path.

"I've got this" and "I can do hard things," you silence those

You’ve got this!

gremlins and embrace your most powerful self.

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

YOUR BEDDING THE 401K FOR YOUR HEALTH

BY DOUGLAS MULHALL

Most of us know who we’re sleeping with, but do we know

are definitions, they often only cover the fabric, not the

WHAT we’re sleeping with? Your head is on your pillow

chemicals in it.

for many hours every day. Here’s how you can be more

The cost of bedding often won’t tell you anything, either.

confident about what’s in it.

Expensive bedsheets can have problems similar to those

Most people think that when they’re buying 100% cotton,

of cheaper ones. On the other hand, some people complain

that’s all they get. Actually, thousands of flame retardants,

that reliably certified bedding is too costly. But before you

dyes, smoothers, softeners, biocides, and other chemicals

buy into that simplistic thinking, compare it to the cost

go into 100% cotton products. Among those can be toxic

of being chronically sick. Consider that cancer rates are

metals like chromium, which I’ve written about in

way up among millennials and Gen X compared to older

previous columns and my book Discovering the Nature

generations. There is no smoking gun, but exposure to

of Longevity.

toxic chemicals is often suspected. Time to minimize that

The same applies to organically grown cotton. The label

when you go to bed.

often won’t tell you what else is in it. This gets even more

High-quality, certified healthy bedding is one place where

interesting with polyester and other synthetics, which

you want to invest. Consider it a 401K for your health.

often need other preservatives to prevent them from

A few guidelines:

breaking down.

1. When it comes to bedding, don’t pinch pennies. Bedding

When your head is on your pillow, you’re often absorbing

is the closest thing to you for a third of your life and usually

part of it into your skin and lungs due to microfibers and

lasts a long time. A $250 difference in price for a certified

chemicals that rub off. The same goes for any night masks

healthier mattress translates into pennies a day over 5 –

you use to keep out light.

10 years. Nonetheless, the cost won’t tell you everything.

Then, of course, there’s your mattress, which often

Don’t assume that being expensive is healthier; do your

off-gasses chemicals, especially when it's new, and your

homework. Also, beware of used mattresses. You don’t

body heats up the bed.

know who’s been in them or what’s in them.

What you can do

2. Wash new stuff and clean your mattress regularly.

As Consumer Reports often says, the term “natural” is

Regardless of what bedding you buy, wash it two or three

meaningless for food. The same is true for your bedding,

times to get out the residues from processing and any

mattress and clothing because there is no widely

contamination from the packaging. Mattresses tend to

recognized standard for the term, and even where there

attract nasty things, largely because you sweat and shed

Y o u r B e d d i n g - Th e 4 0 1 K f o r y o u r h e a l t h

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hair and skin when you sleep. Check the manufacturer instructions

It’s strict in kicking out the questionable stuff as a starting point. This

as well as Consumer Reports for cleaning guides Whatever you do,

is a link to the full list of certified products, and you can search for

DON’T use toxic cleaners and DON’T fumigate your mattress yourself.

apparel, bedding, or textiles as filters

Consult a professional fumigator with certified safe ingredients and

https://c2ccertified.org/certified-products

preferably go for heat treatment. Fumigation chemicals can have

OEKO-TEX buying guide. A detailed search function for certified

breathing consequences. Also, many people in the sub-tropics or

products. You can search by product, type of material, type of

regions with hot summers spend a lot of time in their hammocks (see

standard:

mine in author photo). While an outdoor hammock generally poses

https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/buying-guide

less off-gassing risk, it still rubs against your skin especially when

Consumer Reports has a mattress rating guide

you’re in shorts and t-shirt or a bathing suit. Hammocks frequently

https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/mattresses/

exposed to bare skin should be washed regularly.

Healthier sheets (examples only and costs vary - some are on sale)

3. Look for trustworthy certification labels. Not all certifications

Independent ratings of bedlinens:

are the same and many have been fingered for Greenwashing (fake

https://www.implasticfree.com/organic-non-toxic-bedding/

claims). I’ve included here two of the leading reliable certifications for

https://www.thespruce.com/best-organic-sheets-4153420

fabrics: Cradle to Cradle and OEKO-TEX. You can also check Consumer

https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/best-sustainable-organic-

Reports for labels that it recommends.

cotton-bedding/

4. If you travel a lot or have an extensive stay, ask the hotel or Airbnb

If you want to support a truly great way of producing healthy organic

owner if they have any certifications for their bedding or mattresses

cotton through the whole chain to your door while supporting local

and if the mattresses are vacuumed in between guests.

farmers to get fair prices, check out https://www.raddiscotton.com/

5. If you have allergies, there are specific certifications for this Asthma

References

and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) in partnership with

Sung, Hyuna, et al. "Differences in cancer rates among adults born

Allergy Standards Limited (ASL), has developed one: https://www.

between 1920 and 1990 in the USA: an analysis of population-based

asthmaandallergyfriendly.com/USA/

cancer registry data." The Lancet Public Health 9.8 (2024): e583-e593.

Examples of certifications for healthier & environmentally compatible

Say no to 'natural' on food labels - Why Consumer Reports is

products:

launching a campaign to ban the ubiquitous term, Deborah Pike Olsen,

Cradle to Cradle Certified. This is one of the few to identify substances

June 16, 2014

that are healthy for you and your environment, not just “less toxic”.

http://www.natureoflongevity.com

ADVERT

87

SOMETHING THAT SILENTLY LIMITS OUR LIVES IS FINALLY BEING OVERCOME. The book answers these questions for popular audiences: • What is hidden stress?

• How does it limit our healthy lifespan?

• How is the damage being reversed when nutrition, exercise, and standard therapy don't work?

• Why are diabetes heart patients who received a widely available therapy living longer and better?

• How are Peripheral Artery Disease patients being saved from amputations of their limbs?

• Why does the elastic that makes our heart, arteries, and skin flexible degrade, and how is it restored?

• Which vitamins and supplements formula has been improving heart health for decades?

• How are life-threatening aneurysms being repaired?

• What are the trillions of programmed packages in our body that cause and prevent illness?

• How is our environment telling our genes what to do, and can we control that?

• How do our homes and offices trigger hidden stress or prevent it?

• Who is investing in solutions, and what's coming down the pipe?

In this book, Douglas Mulhall makes it clear that magical "cures" aren’t here yet. Instead, the damage is being prevented and reversevd while cures are being found. This buys us the most important thing: time.

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

F I N DING YOU R “GREEN F L AG ” IN A SEA OF RE D FL AG REL AT IONSHIPS

BY DR. CALI ESTES

Let’s face it: dating these days can feel like playing a game of “Guess

Step Two:

the Red Flag.” Maybe you’ve mastered spotting the telltale signs—

Green Flags You’ve Been Missing All Along

like when they still text their ex, tell “jokes” that make your skin

Green flags are subtle and much less flashy than their red coun-

crawl, or have a surprisingly intense relationship with their mom

terparts. But they’re the foundation of healthy, long-lasting rela-

(we all know that one). But with all these glaring red flags, it’s easy

tionships, and once you learn to spot them, you’ll wonder how you

to wonder if anyone is waving a green one. Spoiler alert: they are!

missed them all this time.

They’re just a little harder to spot. But once you learn how, your

1. They Communicate Like a Pro

dating life is about to get a whole lot easier, funnier, and more fulfill-

Real talk: when was the last time someone asked how you were feel-

ing.

ing? If they actually listen to you and communicate their own feelings

Step One:

in a calm, non-defensive way, that’s not just a green flag—it’s the

Recognize the Red Flags—They’re Everywhere!

holy grail. True communication involves two people expressing their

Before we get into finding green flags, let’s enjoy a little roast of the

needs, apologizing when necessary, and being open to feedback. If

infamous red flags we all know and loathe.

they do this, it’s a sign they know how to navigate the tricky parts of a

Does any of this sound familiar?

relationship without throwing in the towel at the first sign of trouble.

1. The “Fast-and-Furious” Flag

2. They Respect Your Time and Space

If they start planning your honeymoon before the appetizer arrives,

Ever been with someone who always wanted to hang out, text, or even

run. Sure, it’s great to find someone who knows what they want,

FaceTime while you’re at the grocery store? Relationships need time

but if they’re saying, “We’d make cute babies!” before learning your

to breathe, and healthy people understand that space is necessary.

middle name, they’re probably diving too deep, too fast.

They have their own lives, hobbies, and goals, and they support you

2. The “Perpetual Peter Pan” Flag

in having yours. Independence? Major green flag.

This is the one who’s always planning to “get their life together”—

3. They’re Supportive and Kind (Even When You’re Struggling)

one day. They have big dreams, like moving out of their parents’

Life isn’t always rainbows and butterflies. Sometimes it’s bad

basement and maybe even saving a little money. Until then, you’ll

days, late-night worries, and “why am I crying over a commercial”

be picking up the tab on everything from dinner to rent.

moments. Someone who can handle your occasional breakdown with

3. The “Over-Sharing Online” Flag

empathy and support rather than confusion or avoidance is a keeper.

Look, we all have opinions. But when their social media reads like

When someone genuinely cares about your wellbeing and doesn’t

a manifesto with daily rants, vague subtweets, or TikTok videos

make you feel like a burden for sharing, that’s a person who’s in it

featuring angry car rants, they might just have a little too much

for the long haul.

personal processing to do. If these red flags are all too familiar, then

4. They’re Consistent (Yes, Consistency Is Sexy)

you’re already halfway to identifying what not to look for. But now,

There’s something extremely underrated about someone who’s

let’s switch things up—because there are green flags out there, and

simply... consistent. They don’t vanish for three days without expla-

they’re the ones you don’t want to overlook.

nation, they don’t cancel plans at the last second, and they definitely

F i n d i n g Yo u r “G r e e n F l ag” i n a S e a o f R e d F l ag R e l at i o n s h i ps

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

don’t play mind games. They show up when they say they

Dr. Cali Estes Can Help You Find Your Green Flags!

will and follow through on promises, both big and small.

Ready to break free from your red-flag-laden past and

Consistency is one of the biggest green flags there is, and

finally find the healthy, green-flag relationship you

it’s the best antidote to red-flag whiplash.

deserve? Dr. Cali Estes is here to help. As a relationship

5. They Laugh at Themselves (and at Your Jokes)

and life coach, she’s a pro at helping people sift through

A good sense of humor goes a long way, but if they’re

their dating lives, cut out toxic patterns, and learn what

comfortable enough to laugh at themselves and find joy

really matters in a partnership.

in the everyday, that’s a green flag waving. They can

Dr. Estes can guide you through those dating pitfalls, help

handle a little self-deprecating humor and see the funny

you set healthy boundaries, and teach you how to find

side of life. Bonus points if they think you’re hilarious—

and foster connections with green-flag people. With her

even when your jokes are… a work in progress.

expertise, you can finally stop dating the red-flag parade

Step Three: Embrace Your Own Green Flags

and start enjoying a relationship that’s supportive, fun,

Here’s the kicker: you need to be someone else’s green

and aligned with your values.

flag, too. That means working on things like communi-

So, are you ready to leave red-flag relationships in the

cation, respecting boundaries, being kind, and staying

past? Contact Dr. Cali Estes for a coaching session today!

consistent. We attract what we are, so keep honing those

She’ll help you dive deep, discover what you truly need in

traits you want in others!

a partner, and teach you how to spot (and become) those

Once you’re seeing red flags for what they are and notic-

green flags. Your future self will thank you.

ing green flags with newfound clarity, it might be time

www.UnpauseYourLife.com

to take things to the next level with some professional

Embrace the green flags and wave goodbye to the red—

guidance.

it's time to upgrade your love life!

F i n d i n g Yo u r “G r e e n F l ag” i n a S e a o f R e d F l ag R e l at i o n s h i ps

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

SOULFUL PRACTICES: ENDLESS SPIRALS OF LOVE

BY DORI BAKER

Mystics and monks across time embody what brain research

that I’m alive and can sense that I’m related to the earthworms

proves: soulful practices lessen anxiety and build resilience.

tilling the soil beneath me and the crows circling above.

As an epidemic of loneliness and widespread anxiety challenge

Tiny Arrows of Love: Whenever I see a bird during the day, I

our mental and physical wellbeing, soulful practices that start

point to it and say out loud “Birds make me happy.” In those

with radical self love lead to deeper connection. The ripple effect

two seconds, I become happy, no matter what act of violence just

strengthens us and our communities.

crossed my newsfeed. I encourage people to notice what reliably

We may not be mystics or monks, but we can learn from their

gives them a jolt of joy – such as a tree they pass on their daily

practices for better living. Within each of us lies wisdom passed

commute, or the first rays of dawn. Find an easy-to-remember

down from our ancestors. At Our Own Deep Wells, we help humans

phrase to say out loud when you see that joy-jolter. I send these

connect to their inner wisdom to unlock soulful practices that can

“tiny arrows of love” to myself all day long. Of course, they do not

sustain them along the path of life. We teach soulful practices

heal the brokenness in the world, but they keep me healthy as I

curated with care from across the world’s traditions, focusing

bring healing within my circle of influence.

on simple, playful reminders to pause during the day to connect

Hydrating on Purpose: We all ]need water. When you stop to

to “something more.”

hydrate, take a moment to contemplate where your water comes

You may call this “something more” by any name – Creator,

from. Did it once flow down from a snow-capped mountain, fall

Source, Divine Wisdom, Nature, Higher Power – or you may call

from the sky as rain, or bubble up from a deep wellspring? Taking

it by no name at all. You may access it through a simple breath-

time to remember that access to clean drinking water is a precious

prayer, or you may weave it through practices tied to your daily

and precarious human right creates a space of gratitude. That

routine. Here are a few easy-to-adapt practices I teach and use

gratitude can center us for the difficult work of parenting, care-

regularly:

giving, or leading social change. This solo practice easily becomes

Earthing: When I get out of bed in the morning, I take my fresh

a communal one: lift your glass to a friend, smile, and say “May

coffee outside. Standing barefoot in the dewy or frosty grass, I

you never thirst!”

breathe deeply and feel my feet to connect to the ground. Some

Emptying: This one’s a bit intimate, but we all need bio breaks.

claim that this recalibrates the electrical energy flowing through

When I take a trip to the bathroom, I repeat the phrase “water

our bodies. Plus, it feels good! When my feet touch earth, I know

in, water out” as I mindfully remember that I am part of the

S o u l f u l P r a c t i c e s : E n d l e s s Sp i r a l s o f L o v e

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

earth’s water cycle. I let go of something I’ve taken in

nine, she prefers to walk barefoot when we take a stroll.

during the past few hours that is ready to move through

I once found my four-year-old daughter recreating a

me. Perhaps it is a negative emotion that lingers after a

scene she knew well: a storytelling circle with five of her

difficult encounter. Maybe it’s an awareness of a global

Barbies, hair gloriously askew – complete with a candle,

catastrophe that left me grief-ridden. This practice allows

dark chocolate, and glasses of water. Now twenty-five,

me to embody the act of acknowledging an emotion, and

she cultivates a close circle of friends spanning coasts

then, at least temporarily, release it, as my body automat-

and continents. A few years ago, I invited a few friends

ically knows how to do.

to gather around my fire pit to tell a story about a person

Storytelling: At the end of the day, reflect on a high and

they grieve; that morphed into a February gathering that

low and tell someone about it. It may be your partner

honors the women in our lives.

or child. If you live alone, you may seek out a friend to

The thread connecting all of the practices we are curat-

commit to a routine phone call or text for this end-of-

ing at Our Own Deep Wells is simple: intentional self-love

day practice. Slowing down to reflect on your day becomes

begins an endless spiral of love, opening portals of resil-

a habit that helps you figure out what is missing in your

ience and wellbeing.

life or what you desire more of. People I know are carv-

When I take the time to care for my self , I enact a piece of

ing out weekly hour-long sessions of intentional story-

graffiti I once saw on a London alley: “Self love, baby. Self

telling around a fire pit or on a zoom screen. It’s almost

love. Keep choosing you. Again. And Again. And Again.”

free – costing only the risk of reaching out – but it pays

Self love breeds communal love. Love multiplies. It just

huge dividends in the residual pleasure of connection that

does. Dr. Dori Baker is the author of Girl / Friend Theology:

accrues over time.

God-talk with Young People (2023). Learn more about her

Practices such as these can create micro shifts in culture

at http://www.ourowndeepwells.com or her podcast Live

if we share them with our friends. Moving from solo to

to Tell.

communal practices, when possible, rebuilds the fabric

Free 15 minute consultation on bringing Soulful Practices

of connection often missing from our busy lives. I first

to your Community

earthed with my god-daughter when she was six. Now

https://linktr.ee/bakerdori

P ODCAST

Oh ,my HEALTH...

95

There is

HOPE! GREAT INTERVIEWS!

Just listened to the episode on medical gaslighting and could totally relate to Ashe‘s story. I have my own experience of doctors not listening and being treated for the wrong thing for 3 years.

This is such a must listen episode!

Lyn Thomson, 05/19/2022

INCREDIBLE PODCAST!

Jana and her guests uplift and inspire in every episode! A must listen for anyone looking to level up in business, mindset, and life—highly recommend!

maddie@podcastingyou, 02/14/2022

4.7

OUT OF 5

on Itunes 1.9k Ratings

LISTEN TO THE NEWEST EPISODE NOW!

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

OO P S … I Th i n k I J u s t P e e d a L i t t l e !

97

OOPS … I THINK I JUST PEED A LITTLE!

BY TO N YA F I N ES

If that title captured your attention, you are likely a woman going through or

build great glutes, but also strengthens the pelvic floor. If you don’t like the gym,

who has gone through menopause, but let me assure you…

go for bodyweight squats; it will still be beneficial for you.

Girl, you are not alone!

What about diet? I’m so glad you asked! Yes, dietary choices can also have an

Along with the thinning hair, night sweats, intense mood swings, weight gain

impact on bladder health because there are certain foods/ beverages that can

and a plethora of other wonderful body changes, the sudden realization that

irritate your already weakened bladder…

your bladder has weakened considerably is…

Monitor, or try to avoid, caffeine, carbonated drinks and drinks with artificial

The icing on the cake… like, really?!

sweeteners. This includes energy drinks and even sugar-reduced foods. Alcohol

Days of jumping on the trampoline with kids/ grandkids are now a new “emotional

causes your kidneys to produce more urine, so be mindful of your consumption.

trigger,” and heaven forbid you must sneeze in public. What else can menopause

Citrus juices and fruits can also be quite irritating to the bladder so you may want

possibly throw at us women?

to limit how much of these you consume. Spicy foods and foods that are high in

Well, we need to be careful when asking this because, in all honesty, there is

sodium can also be irritating, so be aware of this and pay attention to how you

a lot happening as your body navigates this transition in your life. So, once

respond to these foods when you eat them.

again, I’m going to strongly suggest finding some humor in all of this. Hey, it

This does not mean that you should never, nor can you ever, enjoy these foods.

can help. And really, does getting angry or embarrassed change the situation

All I’m saying is…

in any way? Ummm, nope.

If a weak bladder is plaguing you, these are just a few suggestions that may help

So why does our bladder seem to betray us as we go through menopause? When

improve your situation. However, if a weak bladder has become a major problem

we are pregnant, the fact that we can barely blink without peeing even a little

and negatively impacting your quality of life, then you certainly want to have a

makes sense. I mean, we are growing and carrying a whole other human. But

conversation with your primary care provider to discuss other options such as

menopause? Seriously!

medications or possibly hormone therapy.

From a more scientific perspective, here is what is happening with your body

Beyond the suggestions here… what else? That’s another great question and one

during this phase of your life that contributes to a weaker bladder …

that I’m not 100% sure I have THE answer for, but I will add this…

Decreased estrogen levels can weaken the muscles of the pelvic floor and the

You are a beautiful, strong, intelligent woman who has done so many amazing

tissues that support the bladder and urethra. Also, with the decrease in estrogen,

things in her life! You have maybe raised a family, cared for loved ones when

the lining of the urethra can become very thin.

they were very ill, shouldered the weight of friends, family, colleagues and

Alright, so what can YOU do to support better bladder health? Before you run to

neighbors when they were struggling, built a business or stood in the background

your primary care physician to discuss surgical options, there are some lifestyle

quietly supporting your spouse while they built their dream; the list is long,

choices you can incorporate into your daily routine that may help keep your

and it runs deep.

pelvic floor and surrounding tissues stronger.

Face it babe… you are the ultimate badass! So, who cares if, after hearing a

As with most muscles, exercise is key to building strength and keeping them

hilarious, dirty joke and laughing hysterically, you pee your pants a little? Excuse

healthy. This is also very true when it comes to your pelvic floor. There are

yourself, go to the restroom, and do what you need to do to freshen up. Then get

exercises that you can do that take only a couple minutes each day that can help

back out there and be the ultimate rock star that you are…

strengthen your pelvic floor…

You got this, and never let anyone tell you or make you feel otherwise… warm

Kegels… I’m almost certain you know what these are and how to do them. Bridge

pee and all!

Pose… this yoga pose targets the pelvic floor as well as your core and glutes. And if you enjoy hitting the gym, squats are an excellent move that not only helps

Connect with Tonya: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

How Much Do You Love Pomegranate?

GET READY TO FIND OUT WHY YOU SHOULD BE STOCKING UP ON THIS WONDER OIL!

Powerful Antioxidant

Promote Ideal Weight

Amazing Anti-Aging

Pomegranate has been revered as one of the fruits

Pomegranates contain high amounts of punicic

Properties

of the Gods for centuries due to its amazing anti-

acid, which reduces insulin resistance and

oxidant properties. These antioxidants help to

promotes the breakdown of fats. It is also great for

Easily one of our favorite properties in pome-

remove harmful free radicals and help improve

its ability to inhibit cancer cell growth.

granate's anti-inflammatory properties. Which

your immune system.

have been shown to aid in cardiovascular systems, immune systems, nervous systems, and emotional balancing, and of course, promote healthy skin!

Nourishing Pomegranate Winter Body Butter Ingredients:

1/2 cup shea butter 1/4 cup coconut oil 1/4 cup cocoa butter 15 drops pomegranate essential oil 5 drops lavender essential oil 5 drops frankincense essential oil

Directions: In the double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the shea butter, coconut oil, and cocoa butter together until fully liquefied. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Allow the melted mixture to cool for a few minutes but not to solidify. Once the mixture has cooled slightly, add 15 drops of pomegranate essential oil, along with optional essential oils like lavender and frankincense, for added fragrance and skin benefits. Stir well to combine. Place the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30-60 minutes, or until it starts to solidify around the edges. Once the edges have solidified but the center is still soft, remove the mixture from the refrigerator and use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip it until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the body butter, giving it a smooth and creamy texture. Transfer the whipped body butter into a clean, airtight jar or container.

Make sure the container is clean and dry before adding the body butter. stock.adobe.com | cosmicanna

H o w M u c h D o Yo u Lov e P om eg r a n at e?

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Hydrating Pomegranate Lip Balm Ingredients:

2 tablespoons coconut oil 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets 1 tablespoon shea butter 10 drops pomegranate essential oil 5 drops peppermint essential oil

Directions: In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, combine the coconut oil, beeswax pellets, and shea butter. Heat gently until all ingredients are melted together. Stir occasionally to ensure even melting. Allow the melted mixture to cool for a minute or two, but don't let it solidify. Once the mixture has cooled slightly, add 10 drops of pomegranate essential oil and 5 drops of peppermint essential oil. Stir well to evenly distribute the oils throughout the mixture. Carefully pour the mixture into your lip balm containers while it's still liquid. Fill each container to the top, but leave a little space to avoid spills. Allow the lip balm to cool and solidify completely. This will take about 20-30 minutes at room temperature, or you can speed up the

stock.adobe.com | Friends Stock

process by placing the containers in the refrigerator.

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

THE MEGAPHONE FOR MANIFESTATION

Manifestation is commonly associated with

fies. While your voice is innately powerful,

journaling, vision boarding, or guided medi-

imagine the voices of hundreds, thousands,

tation. However, what's proven to be the

or maybe even millions of others echoing

most influential for EM/POWEREDbyWMN

your message and compounding its impact

and its founder, Krystal Jugarap, is commu-

by expanding the very platform you use to

nity. Contrary to the items mentioned above,

share it. Finding and creating a commu-

community thrives on passion and purpose

nity will be your competitive edge, and a

being shared out loud. When leveraged, it

community of support exists for everyone.

becomes a powerful vehicle to take your

The caveat is that we have to be willing to

wildest dreams and distribute them to the

show up—for ourselves, our mission, and

people, places, and spaces capable of turn-

for the people around us.

ing them into reality.

EM/POWEREDbyWMN is a platform dedi-

In a world increasingly immersed in tech-

cated to supporting women in business by

nology, the need for genuine human

creating space for their members to build

connection grows stronger. Just as import-

their network, increase their brand visi-

ant as it is to recognize the power of tech-

bility, share their stories, seek guidance

nological advances like A.I., it’s important to

and inspiration, and access a wealth of

recognize the immense power of community

resources, including personal and profes-

and collaboration.

sional development workshops.

By prioritizing community, we welcome

Krystal Jugarap, Founder of

opportunities for our message to be ampli-

EM/POWEREDbyWMN

fied. By showing up in support of each

www.empoweredbywmn.com

other, our potential for impact magni-

C o m m u n i t y : Th e M e g a ph o n e f o r M a n i f e s t a t i o n

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

WE ASKED THEIR MEMBERS:

"How has being in women's communities impacted your journey?"

HERE'S WHAT THEY SAID...

As a former labor & delivery nurse and a woman supporting women for over a decade, I know what it means to give and receive true, unwavering love and support, especially at your most vulnerable.

However, I struggled to fit in the medical box with my holistic view, natural methods, and whole person approach and I longed for a community of spiritually aligned women, mothers, and entrepreneurs for connection. I felt lonely and isolated.

As I grew as a person and evolved in my business, I began attracting so much more of what I was embodying and became a part of some absolutely beautiful and profound communities of women.

I say it all the time, but there is something so incredibly powerful about women supporting, uplifting, and guiding one another that so deeply resonates with my purpose, and I had never felt more seen than being in these settings.

Being a part of these communities has propelled me in ways I never knew possible, and I am most grateful for these women and sacred spaces. They say it takes a village, and I finally felt like I had found my tribe. **JESS SNYDER, Holistic Women’s Coach & Founder of Intimate Mama - www.intimatemama.com

At Mala Tara, our connection to women’s wellness communities has been transformational. Our mission is simple: to bring the benefits of holistic wellness through organic whole-flower teas.

These communities have provided us with the support and inspiration to grow while staying true to our values of sustainability and mindfulness.

As a woman-owned brand, we proudly partner with women-led tea farms in Thailand, where ethical and sustainable farming practices are at the heart of everything we do. Through this collaboration, we not only ensure that each cup of tea delivers the highest quality and supports mindful self-care but also empower female farmers, fostering economic well-being and sustainability in their local communities. This partnership creates a positive societal impact by promoting fair trade and community development.

Each sip of Mala Tara tea is a reminder of the journey we share with our collective sisterhood in wellness. It reflects our commitment to self-care, sustainability, and meaningful global connections. Our goal is to continue promoting mindful rituals that inspire a better way of living while contributing to a healthier planet. Together, we are cultivating a community that truly blooms in wellness—one cup at a time.

Neeranuch (Eve) & Supatcha (Pui), Founders of Mala Tara - www.malatara.com

C o m m u n i t y : Th e M e g a ph o n e f o r M a n i f e s t a t i o n

103

Being a part of this community of women has truly been a dream come true. I never imagined I would find myself among a group of like-minded individuals who support, encourage, and share the same passion as I do.

Together, we have fostered an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to pursue their dreams. The events are filled with laughter, insightful discussions, and a genuine sense of connection that goes beyond mere friendship. Whether we're collaborating on projects, celebrating each other's successes, or simply lending a listening ear, the bond we share is truly special.

This community has not only enriched my personal and professional life but has also inspired me to give back and help others discover their potential. It's a place where creativity flourishes, ideas are nurtured, and each member's unique talents are celebrated. I'm grateful for the camaraderie and the opportunity to grow alongside such remarkable women, knowing that together, we can achieve amazing things.

Elle Quinn, Founder of Alan A'rion Skincare and Body Sculpting - www.alanarionskin.com

As an entrepreneur, the road is often lonely, so I'm always trying to find new ways of connecting with other entrepreneurs, especially women in this space. That's why I joined EM/POWEREDbyWMN community—to build connections both online and offline. I recently attended their cookie decor event, and it was SO much fun! I can be pretty serious when it comes to my biz, but this event wasn't the stiff corporate networking type of event. It was all about sharing our wins, helping one another out, and making connections. So happy I joined this community!

Lisa Francisco, Founder of Sacred Femme - https://sacredfemmealchemy.com

Being part of women’s communities has been a transformative journey in my life and business.

From the very beginning, these spaces have provided a sense of belonging and empowerment that has fueled my passion for event planning. Surrounding myself with strong, creative women has inspired me to dream bigger, push boundaries, and embrace my unique vision.

The support and encouragement I’ve received from fellow entrepreneurs have been invaluable.

Whether it’s sharing advice, brainstorming ideas, or simply lifting each other up during challenging times, these connections remind me that we are stronger together. I’ve learned to celebrate not just my successes but also those of my peers, creating a network where we all thrive.

Women’s communities have also taught me the importance of collaboration over competition.

I’ve had the pleasure of partnering with fellow female business owners, which has led to incredible opportunities and unforgettable events.

This sense of camaraderie fosters a culture of creativity and innovation, allowing us to elevate each other and our businesses. Ultimately, being part of these communities has deepened my commitment to supporting other women in their journeys as we all navigate the beautiful, chaotic world of entrepreneurship together.

Lauren Young, Founder of Lo & Behold Events - https://www.loandbehold.events/

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

Visual Storytelling: Build Your Brand’s Identity

VISUAL STORYTELLING:

B U I L D YO U R B R A N D ’ S I D E N T I T Y

BY CEECEE WEAVER EM/POWEREDBYWMN

There’s a Dr. Seuss book I read to my daughter called Horton

having a child, and what I truly wanted to offer. I reimagined

Hears a Who. Spoiler alert: it's about one voice not being loud

everything—my name, my look, and my vibe—in a way that felt

enough for their little town to be heard. It made me think of our

authentic to me. This time, I didn’t worry about other people's

personal brands and how visual storytelling, when done right, can

opinions; I knew my skills were enough. Since rebranding, I’ve

be a powerful tool. No matter how big or small your business is,

approached my business differently. I’ve shown up for myself and

you never know what impact your brand identity can make in your

said yes to projects that align with my mission.

community. I’m CeeCee, the owner of Pink Salt Photos

Post-COVID, after moving and becoming a mama, I was miss-

Straight out of college, I climbed the corporate ladder, achiev-

ing community. I immersed myself in pop-ups, and small busi-

ing everything I thought I wanted—financial success, status, and

ness events. I started to network and joined communities like

career accomplishments—by age 32. But over the next two years, I

EM/POWEREDbyWMN (EBW). Being part of a community of like-

started questioning everything. I found myself managing employ-

minded, powerful women has been transformative. It’s where I

ees in a company I didn’t care for, doing work I was good at but

truly recognized that I have something valuable to bring to the

didn’t love. I had to speak, dress, and act like everyone else. After

table. We support and lift each other up, sharing our successes and

about six months of reflection, I realized I needed to figure out

challenges, celebrating every step forward together. This sense of

who I was and what I truly wanted next

shared purpose has fueled my passion to not only grow my own

One day, I picked up my camera—the same one I had only used for

brand but to help others elevate theirs as well.

fun—and thought, What if I made this a business? After talking it

After connecting with these amazing women, I became passion-

over with my husband, I decided to give it a shot, knowing I could

ate about providing them with a fresh brand image. Each woman I

always go back to the corporate world if it didn’t work out. My first

met had her own unique story, and it was a privilege to help tell it

paid gig came from a former coworker who trusted me to capture

through my lens. I’ve had the privilege of capturing women from

their wedding. That experience ignited my passion for photogra-

all different industries—credit repair specialists, movie direc-

phy, and the rest is history—I was hooked.

tors, hair stylists, and more—each needing a look tailored to their

When I first started my photography business, I played it safe,

business. Throughout the past few years and working with these

naming it after myself and considering what others might expect.

women I’ve learned a few things on how I can help you bring your

But after a much-needed reset during COVID, I realized it was

brand to the forefront and most of all not be afraid of taking that

time to rebrand. I reflected on who I had become, especially after

first step.

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Here are six ways to approach your brand photoshoot—and what to do afterward: 1. Investment - Women entrepreneurs often put themselves last, prioritizing business and family. But investing in yourself is empowering. We often think, “There’s no way I can spend money on just a logo or a photo,” but your brand photos are crucial to your identity. They should be cohesive with your logos, web design, and business cards. Clients notice the care you put into your image, and they know you’ll extend that same care to them. Show up for yourself.

2. Your Brand Identity - Our discovery call will focus on you; your business, story, and “why.” Revisit these elements annually as you grow. Consider these tips: • Be Your Own Customer: View your business as if you are the customer. This helped me attract clients who perfectly aligned with my values. What makes you want to know more?

• Real Recognizes Real: Authenticity shines through. Take time to define who you are and how you want clients to perceive you. Your photos will reflect your unique style. What are three words you’d like people to use to describe your business?

Know Your Why: I'll ask, “Why do you do what you do?” This question lights up every woman I meet, and your passion will resonate in your photos.

1. First

Impressions

Matter - While

authenticity is vital, strategic presentation is equally important. After viewing your product, potential clients will usually browse to your about section on your profile or Instagram. They want to see the face behind the brand. I’m here to guide you in looking your best without losing your essence, and I collaborate with skilled stylists for extra help if needed.

2. Behind the Scenes - Show your process!

Incorporate your product or service into the shoot. Clients connect more when they see you or your product in action. A

Visual Storytelling: Build Your Brand’s Identity

behind-the-scenes glimpse reveals that you are a real entrepreneur.

3. Have a Marketing Plan - My corporate background taught me the importance of strategy. When creating or revamping your marketing plan, ask yourself: Where and how will you use these photos? Will they be for blog posts, business cards, or social media? We’ll tailor your shoot to ensure each image serves a purpose.

4. Dive Into Your Community - Get out there and connect! As business owners, we often find ourselves stuck behind a desk.

Community matters; supportive networks provide feedback, advice, and encouragement. “Community over competition” rings true—come as you are, because there’s no one else like you.

After your shoot, once you receive your images, it can feel overwhelming figuring out what to do next. Remember that marketing plan? Now’s the time to put it into action.

Start by organizing your photos into groups— profile images, blog content, social media, etc.

Then start sharing them with the world! Use them as much as possible. In today’s digital age, people still crave personal connection.

They want to see the face behind the business. With so many things automated, that connection is often missing. You never know who might connect with you and your story.

I encourage you to step back and focus on the woman who had the courage to say, “I’m going to do this, no matter what.” You owe it to yourself to present your brand as a cohesive package that reflects you and your service.

Once that confidence is activated, people will notice and want to work with you. And when they ask for your secret, you can proudly say, “I was just being me and knew I had something to offer!”

Are you ready to talk about your brand? Let’s schedule a discovery call and be friends!

Exclusive for Best Holistic Life readers: Receive 10% off your first brand session when you mention this ad. https://linktr.ee/pinksaltphotos

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Th e A r t o f S e l f - L o v e : P r e p a r i n g Y o u r s e l f t o B e L o v e d

THE ART OF SELF-LOVE: PREPARING YOURSELF TO BE LOVED

BY A N D R E A B A I L E Y-T W E E D Valentine’s Day has always been synonymous with romantic love; adorned

to journal about your day, focusing on moments when you showed your-

with flowers, chocolates, and romantic candlelit dinners for two. But while

self kindness and identifying areas where you can improve. This reflection

these gestures celebrate the bond between partners, an often-overlooked

shows you’re prioritizing your own growth and well-being.

aspect of love is the relationship we have with ourselves.

Healing the Heartbreak of Our Past – Moving forward with grace

It’s called Self-love.

Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, but for many, it’s a painful

Self-love isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the foundation that supports our over-

reminder of what has been lost. Heartbreak is a universal experience,

all well-being. Embracing and nurturing this love can transform not only

but rather than ignoring the pain, embracing it and moving forward with

how we perceive ourselves, but also how we interact with others. It is liter-

grace can lead to incredible personal growth. Essential oils and rituals can

ally impossible to love others if you don’t love yourself. You can try, but

support the journey of healing from within.

it’s gesturing.

Healing isn’t about forgetting or suppressing emotions; it’s about

The Misconception of Self-Love

acknowledging them, feeling them, and eventually transforming them

When you hear “self-love,” it’s easy to think of indulgences and pamper-

into sources of strength. Heartbreak is an opportunity to reconnect with

ing like luxury spa days, shopping excursions, decadent treats, or other

ourselves, reassess our needs, and redefine what love means for us indi-

extravagances. These can be considered acts of self-care, but it really

vidually. The path forward often involves letting go of past attachments

doesn’t scratch the surface of what self-love truly means. It’s not about

and building new, healthy boundaries, defining our limits.

momentary gratification, but an ongoing commitment to valuing and

Create a ritual for release in a loving environment by diffusing some

caring for yourself in every aspect of your life.

essential oils. They can help heal old wounds and open your heart and

Self-love involves setting boundaries, practicing forgiveness (toward

mind to receiving love. Some suggestions include Rose (Rosa x dama-

ourselves and others), and nurturing our physical, emotional, and spiritual

scena), May Chang (Litsea Cubeba), Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata),

well-being. It’s waking up in the morning and deciding that we are worthy

Frankincense (Boswellia carterii), Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia),

of love and care, regardless of whether there is someone else providing

and Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens). Don’t be afraid to write down

external validation.

your emotions. Reflect on the lessons you’ve learned from the past rela-

Self-love is a daily practice that requires consistency (a regular routine),

tionship and express gratitude for the growth it offered.

patience, and a lot of self-compassion and introspection. It involves

The Cocktail of Chemistry:

letting go of the pain of lost love, partners, friends, family dynamics, and

The power of scent has been used for millennia to heal, soothe, and restore.

external factors.

Essential oils have complex chemical constituents that can evoke memo-

Self-care routines are intentional practices that help us create a sense

ries, lift moods, and impact us mentally and physically. When it comes to

of balance, grounding, and peace. Incorporating essential oils can add a

self-love, the right blend of oils can support your journey by nurturing

sensory dimension that deepens the experience and fosters an environ-

your heart, balancing your emotions, and encouraging feelings of self-

ment where self-love can thrive.

worth and compassion. Aromatherapy can enhance your ability to bond

Consider starting the day by taking a few moments for yourself with a

and connect on a deeper level.

grounding ritual before checking your emails, social media, or turning

For example, Rose (Rosa damascena) is renowned as the oil of love. It’s

the tv on. Apply a few drops of a heart-centered essential oil, or blend to

also associated with self-acceptance and healing. It opens the heart and

your wrists and inhale deeply. This simple act sets the intention for the

encourages the release of negative emotions, allowing space for forgive-

day. Close your eyes and focus on your breath, mentally embracing your-

ness and compassion. Incorporating rose essential oil into your self-care

self and allowing yourself to feel the warmth and support you deserve.

routine can be a beautiful way to foster deeper self-love.

In the evening create a sacred space for reflection. Dim the lights, play soft

Sandalwood (Santalum album) is another oil perfect for grounding and

music, and diffuse a blend that promotes relaxation and love. Use the time

introspection. One of m––y favorites! It connects us to our inner selves,

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helping us feel secure and whole. It’s ideal for meditation because it aids

to the recipient’s well-being and self-care, you engage deeply with the

in quieting the mind and focusing on our true essence.

love language of gift-giving.

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is uplifting and energizing, perfect for

Quality Time

dispelling self-doubt and bringing a sense of joy and acceptance. Its

Spending time together can be deepened by creating an atmosphere

citrusy aroma is bright and refreshing, reminding us that we can be play-

conducive to connection. Diffusing a few drops of Sandalwood (Santa-

ful, lighthearted and allow our inner child to come out.

lum album) and Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) creates a warm, intimate

Love Languages through Scent: How to Speak Love with Essential Oils

space for meaningful conversations or quiet companionship.

The book Love Languages, by Dr. Gary Chapman, describes the ways we

Physical Touch

give and receive love. My son shared it with me recently and I thought I

Physical touch can be enhanced with a massage blend. Use Jasmine

would try to incorporate it here. Whether it’s through words of affirma-

(Jasminum officinale) and Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) for a soothing, bond-

tion, acts of service, gifts, quality time, or physical touch, understanding

ing experience that fosters closeness and intimacy.

these languages can strengthen our relationships. Incorporating essential

Embracing Unconditional Love: Extending Compassion to Ourselves

oils into our love language allows for a sensory experience that enhances

and Others Beyond Valentine’s Day

our connection with loved ones.

Embracing self-love isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment or special

Words of Affirmation

occasions; it’s about creating a life that reflects your value every day.

Words have the power to uplift and inspire. Pair affirmations with Berga-

Valentine’s Day may be a day set aside as a reminder of love, but let it

mot (Citrus bergamia), an oil known for its mood-boosting and confi-

also be a reminder that you deserve to be at the center of that love!

dence-enhancing properties.

Whether you’re using essential oils to support you in your daily love acts

Acts of Service

and mental and physical expression, the journey of self-love is one of the

Acts of service are about showing love through helpful gestures. Prepar-

most transformative gifts you can give yourself.

ing a Peppermint (Mentha piperita) and Lavender (Lavandula angustifo-

By integrating these practices into your life, you begin to radiate love from

lia) foot soak is a wonderful way to show appreciation. The invigorating

within, which not only enriches your own experience but also positively

and calming effects of these oils provide a rejuvenating experience that

influences those around you. When we show up as our most authentic and

shows you care.

loved selves, we create a ripple effect that inspires others to do the same.

Receiving Gifts

Embrace Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to celebrate the love you’re

Contact us or create a unique blend as an expression of thoughtfulness.

cultivating for yourself, and trust that the more you focus on nurturing

Or make a self-care kit that offers your recipient a personalized holistic

your own heart, the more love you’ll be ready to receive in the future.

experience. By framing essential oils as thoughtful gifts that contribute

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NEW YEAR, NEW STRENGTH: TRANSFORM YOUR HEALTH OVER 40

BY ADRIANA MORRISON

A brand-new year means we can start fresh and rewrite past chapters.

My Journey and Why I Became a Menopause Fitness

For women over 40 in perimenopause, menopause, and post-meno-

Coach

pause, this is a unique opportunity to focus on health and redefine

Reflecting on my journey, I remember weighing over 200 pounds

aging as a time of strength, not decline. While hormonal shifts, fluc-

until age 28. I took steps outside my comfort zone to achieve lasting

tuating estrogen and progesterone, and thyroid changes present chal-

weight loss and health. Having a coach who provided a clear, tailored

lenges, it’s possible to transform this stage into renewal and empow-

plan was essential for my success. Now, as a menopause fitness coach

erment. Instead of seeing menopause as a decline, let’s choose to step

at age 51, I’m honored to help other women transform their health

into a stronger, healthier version of ourselves.

during perimenopause and menopause. My personalized approach to

Strength Training for Anti-Aging

movement, nutrition, and mindset allows each client to achieve her

Strength training is one of the best tools for countering age-related

unique breakthrough results.

muscle loss, supporting bone density, and boosting metabolism. The

Why Personalized Approaches Are Best

body naturally loses muscle and bone mass with age, but strength

Each woman’s menopause journey is unique, and a one-size-fits-all

training can slow this process, helping us maintain a lean, ener-

approach doesn’t work. I design individualized programs that address

gized body. Studies show that strength training reduces body fat and

specific needs in movement, nutrition, and mental resilience. Meno-

supports a toned physique. Women can “age backward” by prioritiz-

pause brings various symptoms, and every woman experiences them

ing this exercise to preserve muscle and bone health.

differently. Personalizing programs helps women maintain strength,

Balanced Nutrition for Hormonal Health

balance hormones, and address their individual challenges effectively.

Nutrition is crucial for women’s health during perimenopause and

Best Practices for a Strong Start to the Year

menopause. Many find they can’t eat the way they did when younger

1. Get Moving: Make physical activity a priority. Start with daily walk-

without experiencing weight gain or low energy. Quick fixes like

ing or light movement, especially if you’re new to exercise. Staying

calorie restriction and fad diets are not sustainable and often lead to

active supports longevity and overall health.

muscle loss. Instead, balanced nutrition—focusing on protein, fiber,

2. Focus on Strength Training: Strength training is essential for

and healthy fats—supports hormonal health and muscle retention.

muscle and bone health. Aim for strength workouts two to three times

Prioritizing protein and fiber helps maintain a healthy weight and

weekly, including weightlifting, resistance bands, or bodyweight exer-

long-term health.

cises. These exercises promote lean muscle and support metabolism.

Mental Mastery: The Role of Mindset

3. Minimize Processed Foods: Reduce processed foods and eat as close

Mindset is a powerful tool. Fitness and wellness goals require mental

to nature as possible. Whole foods, rather than processed, support

discipline, consistency, and a focus on long-term rewards. Consis-

optimal wellness.

tency is key even if we don’t see immediate results. Setting achiev-

4. Prioritize Sleep: Quality sleep is essential for repair and emotional

able goals, remembering personal motivations, and scheduling time

well-being. Chronic lack of sleep can lead to aging, poor skin health,

for self-care are invaluable. Blocking out “me time,” workouts, and

and higher risks of diabetes and cognitive decline. Aim for 7-8 hours

meal prep on the calendar can help build healthy routines that last.

each night.

N e w Y e a r , N e w S t r e n g t h : T r a n s f o r m Y o u r H e a lt h O v e r 4 0

5. Manage Stress: Chronic stress raises cortisol, which can lead to weight

everything from mood to metabolism.

gain, especially around the abdomen. Find ways to manage stress effec-

Final Thoughts

tively, like meditation, exercise, or setting boundaries.

My goal is to support as many women as possible through perimeno-

6. Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration supports joints, regulates body

pause and menopause, helping them redefine aging as a time of strength

temperature, and aids digestion. Aim for half your body weight in ounces

and vitality. Together, we can achieve breakthrough results by focusing

of water daily.

on movement, nutrition, and mental resilience. Let’s make this year one

7. Be Consistent: Building new habits takes time, and the early stages can

of building habits that support our best health and transform how we age.

feel uncomfortable. Trust the process and don’t rely on instant gratification.

Here’s to embracing our strength and making the most of every chapter!

8. Get Hormone Levels Checked: Checking hormone levels, even after menopause, provides valuable insight. Hormonal imbalances can affect

Connect with Adriana: https://linktr.ee/fitnesswithadriana

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Is Your Inner Child Seeking a Parent in Your Relationship? - How Unmet Childhood Needs Shape the Dynamics of Love

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IS YOUR INNER CHILD SEEKING A PARENT IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP? - HOW UNMET CHILDHOOD NEEDS SHAPE THE DYNAMICS OF LOVE

BY K ATA RZ Y N A 'K A S I A' D O D D

The Need for Dependence in Early Childhood

black-and-white, either safe or unsafe. Pleasant, warm expe-

Imagine a six-month-old baby—helpless, unable even to roll over

riences feel safe and can be embraced, while discomfort signals

in its crib. It depends entirely on caregivers for warmth, food, and

danger and must be met with fear and rejection.

safety. A young child’s survival depends on adult care and support.

Setting Boundaries Without Threatening Safety

Without it, the child would literally die. This dependence creates

How do we set healthy boundaries for a child—something they

a strong attachment to caregivers because biology “knows” what

may find uncomfortable or threatening—without making them

is needed for the species to survive.

feel unsafe? The key is in setting these limits with firmness,

Physical Separation and the Formation of an

calmness, and full acceptance. A child will instinctively respond

Emotional Bond

with anger or fear, truly feeling they are being wronged. Still, the

After birth, a child separates physically from their mother, begin-

emotional channel is the only path through which they can process

ning a life of bodily independence symbolized by cutting the

challenging information. The child’s anger or fear may tempo-

umbilical cord. Yet full independence is far off, as the child still

rarily “clog” this channel, but by allowing the child to express

requires a connection to a “life source” to live and develop. When

these feelings while reassuring them of their worth, we help them

the physical cord is no longer present, an emotional cord begins to

feel safe. Only then can they begin to process difficult informa-

form. Unlike the physical cord, which is biologically automatic, the

tion, gradually learning that challenges are manageable and safe

emotional cord is invisible, variable, and complex—often leading

to face.

to much of human suffering when neglected or misinterpreted.

The Harm of Punishing a Child’s

Early Communication Through

Instinctive Reactions

Emotional Channels

When a child resists something uncomfortable, they shouldn’t be

In a child’s early life, this emotional channel is their primary

punished emotionally through rejection, ridicule, threats of aban-

way of communication with caregivers, allowing them to receive

donment, mockery, ignoring, or by being told they are bad. These

signals and interpret their environment. This communication

responses impair the child’s inner development and sense of Self,

system is simple and binary, where the world is perceived as

sometimes stunting growth, as can be seen in cases of narcissism.

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The Child’s Core Needs for

Recognizing Adult Relationships Aren’t

Acceptance and Understanding

Meant to Fulfill Childhood Needs

A child’s deepest, unspoken desires call out to their caregivers:

There’s nothing inherently wrong with this mechanism; it’s natural. Prob-

• See me and my Self.

lems arise when we mistake these unmet needs as the goal of adult rela-

• Accept me and my uniqueness.

tionships. They are not the purpose of such relationships but rather an

• Understand me and my differences.

unconscious attempt to meet unresolved childhood needs. Another chal-

• Acknowledge me as I am.

lenge is that, while these needs drive growth in a child, they become unre-

• Notice my needs, as I cannot fulfill them myself.

solved compulsions in an adult’s already-formed brain.

• Always be there for me, because I cannot manage without you.

AS CHILDREN, WE NEED AN EMOTIONAL CONNECTION WITH A PARENT

• Do what matters to me, as it makes me feel significant.

TO FEEL OUR SENSE OF SELF. AS ADULTS, WE SHOULD HAVE A DEVEL-

When a child receives this, the emotional channel between them and their

OPED CONNECTION WITH OURSELVES TO KNOW WHO WE ARE. THEN,

caregiver remains open, allowing them to develop independence, confi-

OUR RELATIONSHIPS CAN SHIFT FROM EMOTIONAL DEPENDENCY TO

dence, and a healthy sense of Self. Over time, as the child becomes more

FREEDOM AND JOY WITH OTHERS.

self-sufficient, the emotional umbilical cord connecting them to their care-

The Path to Self-Exploration

givers gradually falls away. This describes the ideal condition, though it’s

The journey to this inner independence lies in deep self-exploration. For

unfortunately rare.

now, here is an exercise that can help shift from a child’s emotional depen-

Unmet Needs and Their Impact on Adult Relationships

dency to an adult’s self-connection.

So what happens if a child does not receive this support? Emotional devel-

An Exercise for Shifting Focus Inward

opment stalls, waiting for fulfillment. The system doesn’t mature, and the

Focus on each sentence in each pair below, feeling its impact. Notice how

emotional umbilical cord remains intact. We may leave our family homes as

the first sentence seeks outward affirmation, while the second is inward

adults, yet we still carry these emotional cords, seeking connection. Often,

and grounded.

we attach ourselves to objects or goals, but the deepest attachments tend

• See me and my Self. → I see my own Self.

to form in romantic relationships. Have you ever felt this way in a rela-

• Accept me and my uniqueness. → I accept my Self and my uniqueness.

tionship?:

• Understand me and my differences. → I understand my Self and my

• See me and my Self.

differences.

• Accept me and my uniqueness.

• Acknowledge me as I am. → I acknowledge myself as I am.

• Understand me and my differences.

• Notice my needs. → I notice my own needs.

• Acknowledge me as I am.

• Always be there for me. → I am always there for my Self.

• Notice my needs.

• Do what matters to me. → I do what matters to me.

• Always be there for me.

Invitation to Inner Growth

• Do what matters to me.

I invite you on a journey to your inner home in the book You Are the Dream

If a lack of these things has ever left you feeling despair, anger, or rejec-

of the Universe.

tion, it suggests a part of you is still “stuck” in childhood, seeking a parentlike role from your partner.

https://linktr.ee/katarzyna.dodd

Is Your Inner Child Seeking a Parent in Your Relationship? - How Unmet Childhood Needs Shape the Dynamics of Love

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Take an UNPRECEDENTED JOURNEY into Your Deep Inner Self in a Revolutionary Look at Self-Awareness.

Our journey on Earth often looks the same. We are raised, acquire knowledge, and make our way through life striving to find our true nature. Yet that quest for self-awareness can be derailed by unresolved trauma deep within, creating an emotional rift. That feeling of being lost on our inner journey can be masked by passions, daily tasks, or material possessions. You’ve turned to self-help guides, therapy, and meditation, yet a deeper connection and inner peace seem just out of reach.

In the end, we end up back at ourselves and asking, “Why am I here?” Now, you can begin to answer that question.

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Gluten-Free

Vegan

Dairy-Free

U n lo c k i n g N at u r e ' s P h a r m a cy: H e a l i n g Fo o d s fo r E v e ry S e a s o n

UNLOCKING NATURE'S

PHARMACY: H E A L I N G F O O D S F O R E V E RY S E A S O N

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BLOOD ORANGE BLISS: THE ZESTFUL ADRENAL ZING! Se rves 2 2 blood oranges, freshly squeezed

Directions:

1 lemon, freshly squeezed 1/2 inch fresh ginger, peeled and grated

In a pitcher or mixing bowl, combine the freshly squeezed blood orange juice

1 tablespoon raw honey or maple syrup

and lemon juice. Add the freshly grated ginger to the juice mixture. Ginger

1/2 teaspoon ashwagandha powder

adds a zesty kick and additional health benefits. If using, add the ashwagandha

Ice cubes

powder to the juice mixture. Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that may

Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

help support adrenal health. Sweeten the cocktail with raw honey or maple syrup to your desired level of sweetness.

Start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste. Stir the mixture well to combine the flavors and dissolve the sweetener. Fill two glasses with ice cubes. Pour the blood orange adrenal cocktail mixture evenly into the glasses. Garnish each glass with fresh mint leaves for an aromatic and refreshing touch. Serve immediately and enjoy your revitalizing Blood Orange Adrenal Cocktail!

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COZY COMFORT: WHITE WINE CHICKEN STEW Se rves 6 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken, sliced

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup dry white wine

1 onion, diced

4 cups low-sodium chicken

2 carrots, peeled and diced

1 cup diced potatoes

2 celery stalks, diced

1 cup frozen peas

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup unsweetened almond milk

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Directions: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to the pot. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Sprinkle the gluten-free all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to coat. Pour in the dry white wine and stir to combine, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly.

Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook for a few minutes until they are lightly browned. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and stir to combine. Add the diced potatoes and bring the stew to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors meld. Stir in the frozen peas and unsweetened almond milk. Simmer for a few more minutes to heat through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

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FEBRUARY FEAST: STUFFED SHELLS WITH TOMATO BASIL RICOTTA Ser ves 6 For the Stuffed Shells:

2 tablespoons olive oil

18 gluten-free jumbo pasta shells

1 teaspoon garlic powder

2 cups marinara sauce

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Whipped Tofu Ricotta:

For the Tomato Basil Topping:

1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, drained and 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved pressed

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1/4 cup nutritional yeast

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a food processor, combine the drained tofu, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, creating the whipped tofu ricotta. Spoon the whipped tofu ricotta into a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Carefully fill each cooked jumbo pasta shell with the whipped tofu ricotta mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish.

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly. While the stuffed shells are baking, prepare the tomato basil topping. In a bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil leaves, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine. Once the stuffed shells are done baking, remove from the oven and uncover. Top the stuffed shells with the tomato basil mixture.

Serve the Stuffed Shells with Tomato Basil and Whipped Tofu Ricotta hot, garnished with extra basil leaves if desired.

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FLAVOR FIESTA: KOREAN BBQ CHICKEN TACOS Glute n- Fre e , Dair y - Free, Ser ves 4 For the Korean BBQ Chicken:

For the Tacos:

Directions:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken 8 gluten-free soft taco-sized tortillas

In a bowl, whisk together tamari sauce, pure maple syrup, minced garlic, grated

breasts, thinly sliced

1 cup shredded red cabbage

ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sesame seeds to create the marinade. Place

1/4 cup gluten-free tamari sauce

1 carrot, julienned

the sliced chicken in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

marinade over it. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then marinate in the refrig-

2 cloves garlic, minced

Lime wedges, for serving

erator for at least 30 minutes (or longer for more flavor). Preheat a skillet or

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken slices for 3-4

1 tablespoon sesame oil

minutes on each side or until cooked through and slightly caramelized. Remove

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

from heat and set aside.

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Warm the gluten-free tortillas according to the package instructions. To

1 green onion, sliced

assemble each taco, place a layer of shredded red cabbage on the tortilla.

Add a few slices of cooked Korean BBQ chicken on top of the cabbage. Sprinkle with julienned carrots and chopped cilantro. Squeeze a lime wedge over the toppings for an extra burst of flavor. Repeat the process for the remaining tortillas. Serve the Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos immediately with extra lime wedges on the side. Enjoy these delicious and flavorful Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos as a satisfying and dairy-free meal option!

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GOLDEN LAYERS OF SWEETNESS: RUSSIAN HONEY CAKE Glu ten-Free, Dai r y-Free, Ser ves 12 For the Honey Cake Layers: 2 cups gluten-free flour blend 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted 1/2 cup maple syrup 1/4 cup almond milk 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Cashew Cream Filling: 2 cups raw cashews, soaked 1/2 cup coconut cream 1/4 cup almond milk 1/4 cup maple syrup 2 teaspoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Honey Syrup: 1/2 cup maple syrup 1/4 cup water

Directions: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides. In a large bowl, whisk together the glutenfree flour blend, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla extract.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined. Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake layers from the oven and let them cool completely.

In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked and drained cashews, coconut cream, almond milk, maple syrup, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy. Transfer the cashew cream filling to a bowl and refrigerate for about 1 hour to thicken. In a small saucepan, heat the maple syrup and water over medium heat until well combined. Remove from heat and let it cool. Place one of the cooled cake layers on a serving plate.

Brush the top of the cake layer with a thin layer of the honey syrup. Spread a generous layer of cashew cream filling over the cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and gently press down. Repeat the process of brushing with honey syrup and spreading with cashew cream for each layer until all layers are used.

Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set. Before serving, you can dust the top of the cake with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or drizzle with extra honey syrup.

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SWEET & SAVORY SENSATION: BAKED SWEET POTATO FALAFEL SALAD Serves 4 For the Baked Sweet Potato Falafel: 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons tahini 2 tablespoons chickpea flour 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground coriander Salt and pepper, to taste Olive oil, for brushing

For the Salad: 4 cups mixed salad greens 1 cucumber, sliced 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

For the Lemon Tahini Dressing: 3 tablespoons tahini 3 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons water 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon maple syrup Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a food processor, combine the cubed sweet potatoes, chickpeas, minced garlic, tahini, chickpea flour, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and pepper. Blend until well combined and the mixture forms a dough-like consistency. Form the mixture into small falafel patties or balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly brush the falafel with olive oil to help them brown during baking.

Bake the falafel in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and chopped fresh parsley. In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, water, olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Adjust the dressing's consistency by adding more water if desired. Arrange the Baked Sweet Potato Falafel on top of the salad. Drizzle the Lemon Tahini Dressing over the salad and falafel.

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SWEET & TART TEMPTATION: LEMON CUSTARD BARS Serve s 1 2 For the Crust:

Directions:

1 ½ cups almond flour

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. In a bowl, mix

2 tablespoons maple syrup

together almond flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt

Pinch of salt

until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the

For the Lemon Custard Filling:

bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Bake in the preheated

1 cup coconut cream chilled

oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove

1/2 cup lemon juice

from the oven and set aside to cool. In a blender, combine the chilled coco-

1/4 cup maple syrup

nut cream, lemon juice, maple syrup, lemon zest, cornstarch or arrowroot

Zest of 2 lemons

powder, and vanilla extract.

2 tablespoons arrowroot powder

Blend until smooth and well combined. Pour the lemon custard filling over

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

the cooled crust. Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the custard is set and slightly firm to the touch.

Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before transferring to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours. Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the lemon custard bars out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and slice into squares.

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UNSHAKEABLE HOPE:

EMBRACING SELF- LOVE AND RESILIENCE BEYOND ILLNESS

BY S O N YA MC D O N A L D

“Self-love is the first step to healing—it’s the foundation that

be there for those I loved, I had to take charge of my health,

makes resilience possible.” —Sonya McDonald

both emotionally and physically. In that hospital bed, I felt an awakening, an undeniable urge to take better care of myself.

Have you ever felt as if something was deeply wrong within

My faith in God, the love of my family, and unshakable resil-

your body—a strange, unsettling feeling that leaves you

ience helped me leave the hospital with a renewed desire to

anxious, fearful, and overwhelmed as if you don’t recognize

embrace life through gratitude and self-love.

yourself? No one could see or truly understand your pain; your

Embracing Healing and Self-Love

struggles are invisible, misunderstood, and dismissed, leav-

Until that moment, I had dedicated my life to others—caring

ing you feeling defeated and disheartened. This was my real-

for my family, my patients, and everyone but myself. Self-

ity for years. In my mid-30s, I was diagnosed with Rheuma-

love felt like a luxury I didn’t have time for, but I knew it

toid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia—names that finally explained

was essential. Once I returned home, I started building a life

the exhaustion and relentless, invisible pain I had been living

around self-care, one small step at a time.

with. Alongside these physical challenges, I had struggled

Each morning, I began by writing down three things I was

with emotional challenges, including anxiety, since child-

grateful for. Initially, it seemed like a small step, but it

hood. Long before these diagnoses, my days were often an

became everything in my healing—bringing peace and clar-

exhausting blur, filled with deep aches and a constant battle

ity and allowing me to see life through a lens of love and hope.

with my body and mind. Doctors attributed my symptoms to

I began to appreciate life’s simple gifts—peaceful walks by

stress or life pressures, leaving me frustrated and helpless.

the ocean, the beauty of sunrises and sunsets, and the laugh-

Over four and a half years ago, in March 2020, just as COVID-

ter shared with my family. I found joy in small moments

19 began changing the world, I found myself in the hospi-

with my dog and the sound of birds singing. Being in nature,

tal, fighting for my life. It was a wake-up call—a moment of

surrounded by God’s creation, brought me calm, and I learned

clarity. Lying there, I realized that if I wanted to truly live and

that cherishing these moments was key to reducing stress.

Unshakeable Hope: Embracing Self- Love And Resilience Beyond Illness

Reclaiming My Life with Love and Purpose My journey of healing wasn’t a quick fix; it was gradual and required patience. Here are some practices that helped to improve my health: • Anti-inflammatory,

protein-rich,

whole

foods

diet: I focused on balanced, whole, plant-based foods, prioritizing fruits, vegetables, and protein, and included celery juicing to help reduce inflammation.

• Prayer, meditation, and gratitude journaling: These practices helped me be more present and centered.

• Walking and gentle exercise: I began with short walks and gradually worked up to daily walks and yoga.

• Mindfulness and breathing exercises: These helped me connect my body, mind, and spirit.

• Connection with nature: Spending time outdoors brought me calm and perspective.

These mindful choices reinforced my commitment to self-care. I also came to realize that my invisible illnesses were part of my life, but they did not define me. This breakthrough allowed me to honor my health journey without being limited by it.

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These changes transformed my perspective. Anxiety and self-doubt had once

Looking Forward with Gratitude and Purpose

dominated my thoughts, but as I filled my days with gratitude and self-com-

As I look to the future, I see my journey as a mission to

passion, I began to redefine my self-worth. I was no longer just surviving; I

inspire transformation in others. The invisible scars I carry

was thriving.

are symbols of resilience, and the story I share isn’t just

Self-love became my lifeline. This journey was about embracing my true worth

mine—it’s for anyone who has ever felt unseen, for anyone

and finding inner strength, even on my darkest days. I began to believe I was

fighting a silent battle. Together, we can rise, thrive, and

worthy of the same care and kindness I had always given others.

embrace lives filled with purpose, joy, and fulfillment.

My Mission to Inspire Others

I recently contributed to an international best-selling

With every breakthrough came a clear purpose: my journey wasn’t just for

anthology, My Unforgettable: Personal Stories That Will

me. There are so many people with invisible illnesses or limitations who feel

Inspire You, available on Amazon. This collection is a testa-

unseen, misunderstood, and defeated. My story could remind them they’re

ment to the strength within each of us and a reminder that

not alone, that healing is possible, and that self-love is powerful enough to

we can overcome and create a life we love.

transform lives.

As a Board-Certified Transformational Life Coach, Regis-

Today, I have learned to manage and live well with my invisible illnesses.

tered Nurse, Author, and Speaker, I am committed to shar-

They don’t define me—they are part of my life, not my identity. This realiza-

ing this message far and wide. I want to reach every person,

tion after my time in the hospital taught me that I am more than my illness.

reminding them they are more than a diagnosis. I envi-

As a Board-Certified Transformational Life Coach, Registered Nurse, Author,

sion a future where self-love and acceptance are accessible

and Speaker, my mission is to empower others to reclaim their lives and redis-

to all, where everyone understands their true worth, and

cover their inner strength. I help others to ignite their light and transform

where no one feels defined by their struggles.

their lives—to realize they are capable of shining brightly.

So, as Valentine’s Day approaches and the world celebrates

Through my coaching, I guide individuals to navigate their unique challenges

love, remember: We are not defined by any labels or limita-

and find strength within. I want my clients to realize they have the power to

tions others may place on us. Our true selves are limitless—

live meaningful, joyful lives—not in spite of their struggles but because of

whole, compassionate, and worthy of acceptance, just as

them.

we are. Start by loving yourself fully. You’re worth every bit of it, and that love has the power to change everything.

To ignite your light and transform your life, connect with me at http://www.sonyamcdonald.com.

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NAVIGATING IBD AND GUT HEALTH:

PRACTICAL INSIGHTS FOR BUSY WOMEN

BY WENDY HANDY Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), covering conditions like Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis, affects millions, creating significant discomfort, fatigue, and lifestyle challenges. As a busy woman who learned to manage IBD myself, I understand the hurdles of balancing health with a packed schedule. When I was first diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis over 16 years ago, I was healthy, active, and career-focused, yet baffled by sudden, very disruptive symptoms. Like many, I initially tried to ignore them. Eventually, I discovered that addressing gut health was essential, leading to improvements in my symptoms, energy, and well-being. This article distills the lessons learned along the way, focusing on how you, too, can support gut health and better manage IBD.

Understanding IBD and Its Impact on Gut

reducing energy, and increasing inflammation. Balancing

Health

gut health became essential in my journey, and it may be

IBD is an autoimmune condition that triggers inflamma-

helpful in yours as well.

tion in the digestive tract, and it’s often confused with

Personalizing Your Diet for Better Gut Health

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). But IBD differs: while IBS

Diet is an integral part of gut health and IBD manage-

affects bowel habits without lasting inflammation, IBD

ment, but one-size-fits-all approaches often fall short.

includes lasting immune dysfunction, sometimes causing

You can’t rely solely on general dietary advice; you’ll need

severe damage to the digestive tract. For those affected,

to identify foods that either trigger or soothe your symp-

understanding this difference helps in taking proactive

toms. Here’s what worked for me, and it might be worth

steps to manage both the short- and long-term symp-

trying to see what works for you:²

toms that come with IBD.

Focus on Whole Foods: Minimizing processed foods, which

The Role of the Gut Microbiome in IBD

often contain additives that irritate the gut, allowing your

Gut health, influenced largely by the gut microbiome (the

digestive system to rest. Whole grains, lean proteins, and

complex community of bacteria in our digestive systems),

anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens became staples.

is central to managing IBD. When I began to understand

Identify Your Trigger Foods: Foods impact each person with

this connection, it transformed my approach to manag-

IBD differently. While high-fiber vegetables and roughage

ing symptoms. The microbiome supports nutrient absorp-

are generally healthy, they often exacerbate symptoms, so

tion, immune function, and even mood regulation. For

moderate your intake and opt for cooked vegetables until

those with IBD, however, an imbalanced microbiome can

the symptoms calm down.

aggravate symptoms, making it harder to absorb nutrients,

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Consider Probiotics: Fermented foods like yogurt or kefir may help support

Understanding Flares and Building a Routine for Remission

a balanced microbiome, though I recommend starting slowly to observe

Learning to navigate IBD means adapting to the unpredictable nature

your body’s response.

of flare-ups, and I had my fair share. Sometimes, stress or diet was the

Stay Hydrated: Hydration becomes a priority, especially since diges-

trigger, but other times, symptoms seemed to appear without cause. If a

tive issues can cause dehydration. Drinking enough water reduces bloat-

flare occurs, revert to a simpler diet of easy-to-digest foods and focus on

ing and constipation.

rest. Over time, you’ll develop a routine that is supportive and manage-

Stress, Sleep, and Lifestyle Habits that Support Gut Health

able, even during flare-ups.

Our lifestyle choices have a substantial effect on gut health. Here are some

Finding Community and Support

approaches I found helpful:

Living with IBD can be isolating, especially when symptoms disrupt social

Manage Stress: Stress plays a major role in symptom flares. With a busy

plans. Online forums and support groups become valuable resources, offer-

life, finding time for stress management isn’t always easy, but you will

ing tips, empathy, and understanding. Engaging with others who “get

notice improvement with even a few minutes of mindfulness or breathing

it” reduces those feelings of isolation and can provide you with practi-

exercises each day. The gut and brain are intricately connected, so priori-

cal solutions.

tizing relaxation can help calm digestive discomfort.

Conclusion: Takeaways for the Journey Ahead

Prioritize Quality Sleep: Fatigue is one of the toughest symptoms to manage.

Living with IBD is an ongoing process of trial and error, patience, and

Good sleep helps restore energy levels and improves your ability to handle

persistence. Learning how to manage symptoms and support gut health

stress, which is crucial since poor sleep can impair immune function and

can improve not only physical well-being but also overall quality of life.

worsen inflammation. Creating a consistent sleep routine is essential.

I hope these insights from my experience offer a practical starting point.

Incorporate Gentle Exercise: Intense workouts sometimes triggered

While each person’s journey is unique, prioritizing gut health, adapting

flare-ups, but I found low-impact exercises like walking and yoga to be

lifestyle choices, and connecting with supportive communities can make

very beneficial. These gentle activities support your body without adding

a difference in how you feel day to day.

additional stress.

Tracking Progress with Food and Symptom Journals

Connect with Wendy: https://linktr.ee/wellnessdetective

Tracking symptoms alongside dietary choices in a journal helps identify patterns and triggers that you might not have otherwise noticed. Food journaling is an easy way to document meals, emotional states, and symp-

Footnotes

toms, helping you understand what works best for you. While food track-

Cleveland Clinic. “IBD vs. IBS: What’s the Difference?” https://health.

ing may seem tedious, even short notes help to gain insights over time,

clevelandclinic.org/ibd-vs-ibs Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. "Diet and

and it can make conversations with healthcare providers more productive.

Nutrition." https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.

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LOVE LIKE A HOME: HOW CAN YOU BRING MORE LOVE INTO YOUR LIFE?

BY ANDREW MERCEIN

Everyone would benefit from more love in their life. However, it isn’t

fit what you want, you’ll push them away. Control what you can control,

always easy. As a passion, love is often corrupted by other emotions (Cue

which is yourself, and accept the love others are giving you, even if it isn’t

“Tainted Love”).

exactly the way you want it.

I’ve wasted a lot of time trying to get people to love me a certain way. But

Love people for who they are, not what they can do for you.

love is a precious resource, and we should accept any that people are will-

If I love you, it’s because I see something beautiful in you. It has every-

ing to give. We shouldn’t close our hearts to people just because they can’t

thing to do with who you are at your core, and nothing to do with what

love us exactly how we want. We’re all unique individuals who show love

you have- or don’t. Again, love is not a trade. When we give love, we do so

in different ways.

without the expectation of anything in return- that’s what makes it pure.

Often, removing expectations for how you receive love will bring more

See others as they are, not how you think they are, nor how you want

into your life. People pick up on it, consciously or subconsciously, and

them to be.

you’ll find yourself downstream in a torrent when you open yourself up.

To really love someone, you have to see them for who they really are. If

As cruel as humans can be, we are equally loving.

you refuse to do so, you will be loving someone else- probably someone

Loving like a home means accepting whatever love people are willing to

that doesn’t exist. We often act as mirrors to one another, so it makes

give. A year can pass, or five, or ten, but if your heart is open, time cannot

sense to see your wants or beliefs reflected in other people, but you must

wear down the force of people’s love. In fact, love may be the only thing

see someone independently of yourself to truly love them.

impervious to the relentless assault of the years. It exists outside of time

Don’t prioritize someone else’s needs over your own, but ensure that

altogether.

everyone’s needs are being met.

Confronting those who didn’t love me the way I wanted only drove a wedge

Some believe that loving someone means sacrificing your own needs and

between us. Ultimately, I realized I couldn’t change anyone. After accept-

desires. While flexibility and sacrifice are necessary in any relationship,

ing that truth, love has come into my life in abundance. My relationships

we have to show up as our best selves for others. That means taking care

are stronger and more honest. There is no underlying tension or frustra-

of ourselves.

tion. When we’re together, the room is elephant-free (sorry, Dumbo).

Understand that we all must walk our own path.

Nothing in this world is more gratifying, rewarding, and fulfilling than

We’re all unique individuals with our own life circumstances and experi-

love. But how can we open ourselves up to letting more into our lives?

ences that inform our perspectives. Accept that you may never be able to

As I mentioned earlier, love without expectations or conditions.

understand how or why someone else thinks or feels a certain way, and

Love is not a transaction; it isn’t something that can be bartered or nego-

don’t pass judgment on others for having different opinions. Remind

tiated. Love just is. It lives in every one of us. Different people show their

yourself that your convictions have been forged in the crucible of your

love in different ways. If you try to change the way someone else loves to

individual journey.

Love Like a Home:How Can You Bring More Love Into Your Life?

Accept that life is a process of constant change.

like water washing over you. You’ll get wet, but the discomfort will pass,

The person you love now may be different from who you knew before or

and you’ll be dry soon enough.

will know in the future. People have the capacity to change, and if you’re

These principles involve a level of sacrifice. As life-affirming as love is, it

unhappy with someone now, that might not always be the case. Don’t

takes deliberate effort and self-awareness to overcome our more selfish

burn bridges. You never know if, someday, you may want to cross again.

tendencies. Trust me when I say that it’s worth doing.

Understand that love is not about possession but mutually holding

Someday, you’ll find someone who wants to know the ways you feel you

space for one another.

need to be loved and does everything in their power to love you that way.

A human being is not an object and cannot belong to someone else. Addi-

That’s how you’ll know you’ve found your partner, or soulmate, whatever

tionally, you can’t love something you own. You can be obsessed or infat-

you want to call them. But you can’t expect that kind of commitment from

uated, but pure love necessitates the freedom to choose. It’s about being

everyone in your life. If that’s what you demand, you will push people away.

there for others because you want to, not because you have to.

Instead, love like a home. People will always find their way back to you.

Give people grace in their worst moments.

When people lash out, they are almost always upset about something

50% off my paid Substack subscription for a year ($2.49 per month!):

relating to them—not you. So, don’t take affronts personally. Let it be

https://ifyoureallywanttoknow.substack.com/34ea6fbb

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E x p e r t W a r n i n g s Ab o u t t h e D a n g e r s o f P o o r S l e e p H y g i e n e

EXPERT WARNINGS ABOUT THE DANGERS OF POOR SLEEP HYGIENE

BY D R. TA W N I E LO W T H E R

Sleep is so detrimental to our overall health, and people are not seeing

inflammation. When well-rested, the body is better equipped to

the comorbidities related to the poor quality sleep, or lack thereof.

defend against illness, while sleep deprivation lowers the production

These health concerns are becoming more prominent and are high-

of these protective cells, making the body more vulnerable to

lights in recovery of resolving these secondary health issues at hand.

infections.

Just like the food we eat, water we drink and air we breathe, proper

Meet Dr. Katrina Platt, an internal medicine doctor who graduated

sleep hygiene is vital to our overall health.

from the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific at Western

Sleep plays a crucial role in supporting various aspects of the body,

University of Health Sciences in 2008. She is a Doctor of Osteopathic

including brain function, heart health, and the immune system. With-

Medicine (D.O.), a licensed physician who takes a holistic approach to

out enough sleep, your brain struggles to form and maintain the

patient care. This means a D.O. focuses on treating the whole person—

neural pathways essential for learning and memory creation. Sleep

mind, body, and spirit—instead of just addressing specific symptoms

deprivation reduces focus and slows reaction time.

or illnesses. In internal medicine, D.O.s are trained to diagnose, treat,

Sleep supports numerous brain functions, particularly in helping

and prevent a wide range of conditions, emphasizing preventive care

neurons (nerve cells) communicate effectively. Proper brain func-

and the body’s natural ability to heal.

tion is vital to brain health as it enables the brain to create new neural

With her practice in both the Eastern and Western worlds of medicine,

pathways, enhancing learning and memory. It also boosts focus, deci-

her holistic views are carried on to provide the most optimized care

sion-making abilities and creativity.

for her patients. With that being said, she stresses the issue of how

So many patients are being referred to the sleep center for testing

patients are increasingly showing signs related to poor sleep, such

due to poor heart health related to lack of sleep or a possible sleep-

as diabetes, high cortisol levels, high blood pressure and increased

ing disorder such as sleep apnea. Quality sleep is what aids the body’s

weight gain, and/or management. With these just being a few of the

natural repair processes and is essential for maintaining a healthy

comorbidities of poor sleep hygiene, it has been an exhausting cycle

heart. During sleep, a person’s heart rate and blood pressure decrease,

of revisiting issues that could resolve if something as simple as good

and breathing becomes steady and rhythmic. Consistently getting

sleep was practiced regularly.

seven to nine hours of sleep each night also aids in managing weight,

Another issue that is not stressed enough is untreated sleeping disor-

stabilizing blood pressure, and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels,

ders that can disrupt your sleep and cause secondary health issues

all of which support heart health.

if left untreated. Sleep apnea is a prominent staple in today’s soci-

Overall, your body's ability to fight off infection and aid in recovery

ety as it has become more popular with ever-increasing body mass

depends on quality sleep, as this will help strengthen your immune

index. But it isn't always weight-related and could be the anatomy of

system. Sleep is vital for a robust immune system, as it promotes

the airway, as the narrower your throat is, the more susceptible you

the production of key immune cells, like T-cells, and the release

are. Other issues may include, but not be limited to, allergies, devi-

of proteins called cytokines, which combat infections and reduce

ated septum, smoking and/or alcohol and drug use, hypothyroidism,

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head shape, and other medical conditions that may congest the upper airway.

physician designated by the FAA to conduct medical evaluations for aircrew

An estimated 39 million adults in the United States experience obstructive

members and air traffic controllers. AMEs play a vital role in the aviation safety

sleep apnea (OSA), while globally, around 936 million adults are believed to

system by confirming that all aircrew personnel meet the necessary medical

have mild to severe forms of the condition. Snoring is one of the most preva-

standards to carry out their responsibilities effectively, including any sleeping

lent symptoms, occurring in up to 94% of individuals with sleep apnea. When

disorders! Truck drives, bus drives, and other jobs now require certain screen-

left untreated, OSA can contribute to serious health issues, including heart

ings to protect the public from avoidable accidents and fatalities related to poor

disease, kidney dysfunction, and metabolic disorders.

sleep. Lack of sleep or untreated sleeping disorders, is no joke and should be a

Prioritizing your sleep and addressing concerns that could interrupt it, is vital

priority in longevity in any functioning society.

to optimizing any treatment plan. Sleep is a biological necessity and detrimental for the overall health and well being. Getting enough high-quality sleep

If you or someone you know needs help improving their sleep or is suspected

is important for lowering the likelihood of accidents and injuries related to

to have a possible sleeping disorder, please reach out to your local Doctor for

drowsiness and fatigue, such as those occurring in the workplace, on the road

help or go to

and even in planes. Dr. Platt is also a An Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), a

http://soundsleepconsultants.com

THE AFTERLIFE FREQUENCY World-renowned 4th generation psychic medium, near-death experiencer, and Oxford-educated attorney Mark Anthony, JD, The Psychic Explorer® bridges the divide between faith and science in this fascinating afterlife exploration, taking you around the globe, from the cosmic to the subatomic, and into the human soul itself.

Combining physics, neuroscience, and riveting true stories, this book explains the scientific basis for Consciousness, Near-Death Experiences, Shared Death Experiences, and all forms of After Death Communication.

For more information on The Afterlife Frequency, Mark’s webpage and YouTube channel go to: www.AfterlifeFrequency.com

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LEADING WITH LOVE:

TRANSFORM WORKPLACES WITH COMPASSION

BY AL WYNANT Leading with love may seem idealistic, but research shows that compassion-

A friend once asked if being a compassionate leader meant I needed to be

ate leadership is essential for building resilient teams, vibrant cultures, and

friends with all my colleagues. I replied, “I don’t have to be friends with some-

long-term success.

one to treat them with compassion, empathy, and respect.”

Years ago, I worked at a nonprofit known for its exceptional support of other

5 STEPS TO LEAD WITH LOVE AND TRANSFORM YOUR WORKPLACE

nonprofits. While many colleagues were talented, the CEO was one of the most

Below are five actionable steps leaders can take to bring more compassion

toxic leaders I encountered. He micromanaged, walking the floor before the

into their teams and organizations. These are designed to be practical, effec-

end of the workday to check if anyone had left early. If someone was missing,

tive, and impactful, helping leaders and teams move from toxicity to harmony.

he would ask colleagues why.

PRACTICE EMPATHETIC LISTENING

I managed a successful community program that received positive press,

Empathetic listening means actively engaging, understanding employees'

but the CEO was not supportive. One day, he cornered me in a meeting room,

feelings, and showing genuine concern for their well-being. Leaders who prac-

berating me and poking my chest hard. I felt assaulted.

tice this make employees feel safe, understood, and valued. Empathy-driven

Confiding in a few trusted individuals, action felt secondary to ensuring the

leaders build trust by ensuring employees know their needs are heard and

program’s success over personal well-being. Eventually, the toxic environ-

their voices matter.

ment led to my exit, with some closure coming later upon learning he’d been

Example: Imagine a manager holding weekly one-on-ones not only to review

asked to “retire.”

progress but to ask, “How are you really doing?” or “How can I support you?”

I often wonder why many struggle to lead with compassion and love while

Simple questions like these show care and help uncover issues that might

most crave it.

otherwise go unnoticed.

Since the incident, I’ve vowed to be a compassionate leader, recognizing it as

FOSTER PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY

a constant learning process.

Creating psychological safety means building an environment where employ-

Compassionate leadership treats employees as individuals with unique talents

ees can share thoughts, mistakes, and ideas without fear. When leaders model

and challenges. Leaders who embody this approach create environments where

vulnerability by admitting their own mistakes, it fosters trust and openness,

trust, collaboration, and accountability thrive, rather than those that breed

encouraging others to do the same.

fear. In such workplaces, employees feel seen and valued, driving higher

Example: Imagine a leader openly discussing a project mistake and the lessons

productivity, innovation, and retention.

learned. This vulnerability empowers the team to voice concerns, ask ques-

Consider Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft. When he took over, he transformed

tions, and take risks, fostering greater collaboration and innovation.

the company’s culture by placing empathy at the center of his leadership. He

RECOGNIZE AND REWARD AUTHENTIC EFFORT

promotes active listening and inclusivity, shifting Microsoft from struggling

A culture of recognition is key to compassionate leadership. Acknowledg-

to innovate to thriving on collaboration and well-being.

ing team members' hard work and daily efforts makes them feel valued and

In contrast, toxic workplaces suffer from high turnover, disengagement,

motivated. In a compassionate workplace, praise is specific, personalized, and

burnout, and health issues. However, compassionate leadership can trans-

highlights each person’s unique strengths.

form these environments over time. By leading with love, leaders can shift

Example: Rather than giving general feedback, a compassionate leader might

unhealthy cultures into spaces where employees find purpose, satisfaction,

say, "I noticed the extra effort you put into the presentation – it really paid

and joy in their work.

off. Thank you for your dedication." This kind of recognition validates work and fosters a culture where employees feel truly valued.

L e a d i n g w i t h Lo v e : T r a n s fo r m W o r k p l a c e s w i t h Co m pa s s i o n

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PRIORITIZE WELL-BEING AND LIFE-WORK BALANCE In compassionate leadership, employee well-being takes precedence over relentless productivity. Toxic workplaces often impose long hours and unrealistic deadlines, resulting in burnout and disengagement. Leaders who prioritize well-being promote flexibility, set reasonable expectations, and advocate for mental health.

Example: A company could introduce wellness days and encourage employees to take them as needed. Leaders can reinforce this by reminding everyone to disconnect after work hours and setting boundaries by not sending emails late at night or on weekends.

ENCOURAGE GROWTH THROUGH MENTORSHIP AND SUPPORT Compassionate leaders genuinely want their teams to thrive. By offering mentorship, coaching, and access to resources, they foster a supportive growth culture.

Instead of creating a competitive environment that highlights weaknesses, compassionate leaders encourage development, helping employees reach their full potential.

Example: A manager might hold regular check-ins to discuss career goals, pairing team members with mentors and providing project opportunities that align with their interests. By caring about each employee’s growth, they foster a loyal and motivated team.

Leading with love transforms workplaces in ways that endure. Employees in compassionate cultures are more likely to stay, be productive, and invest their energy in the company’s mission.

They’re also more inclined to support their colleagues, building a foundation of mutual respect and collaboration that amplifies the success of the team. This approach not only attracts talent but creates a ripple effect, where each act of compassion inspires others, building a strong culture that withstands challenges.

A workplace led with love is a place people want to be, where they are motivated to perform their best, and where they feel their work has meaning. For companies looking to go beyond short-term profit and aim for enduring impact, adopting compassionate leadership is a crucial first step.

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NAVIGATING GRIEF WITH NLP TECHNIQUES FOR COWBOYS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

BY S COT T G AT ES

The day has finally come. As I write this, I feel that I can travel in

love. Deputies mourning a lost partner might reframe their sorrow

time. When I write an article like this one that you won’t read for a

by honoring the strength, courage, and dedication that their part-

few months, I visualize myself as you, months later, reading this for

ner exemplified. Instead of seeing the loss as a void, they might ask,

the first time how you may feel as you read these words and these

“How can I carry forward the values my partner inspired in me?” This

thoughts I am sharing. Grief is universal, yet the journey is deeply

reframing allows the mind to redirect sadness into a form of respect

personal. The process can feel uniquely complex for those who live by

and motivation.

a code of resilience—such as cowboys and law enforcement officers.

Similarly, a cowboy might use reframing to remember the life lessons

Facing sorrow head-on is seldom easy, especially when you’ve trained

passed down through generations, even though the physical pres-

and built a life around strength, discipline, and the drive to keep going

ence is gone. This shift from focusing on loss to celebrating legacy can

no matter what. In this article, we’ll explore how Neuro-Linguistic

soften grief’s intensity and remind us of the remaining gifts.

Programming (NLP) techniques are my go-to tools for navigating

NLP Technique 2: Anchoring Positive Memories Amid Pain

and ultimately transforming grief.

Anchoring involves associating a specific feeling with a physical or

Understanding Grief and Resilience

mental “trigger.” For those experiencing grief, anchoring can help

Grieving is a natural response to loss, yet for people accustomed to a

recall positive memories and emotions to balance the sorrow.

life of action—like cowboys and officers—grief can clash with a culti-

To create an anchor, try this: identify a memory of your loved one

vated persona of stoicism. The qualities that once served you on the

that brings a smile or a sense of peace. Relive this memory as vividly

job or in life can make processing grief more challenging. These qual-

as possible, noticing the sounds, sights, and feelings. As you feel the

ities, such as “pushing through,” “holding it inside,” and “putting

positive emotions rise, press your thumb and index finger together

others first,” however, can allow grief to take its due place and can

to create a tangible anchor. Repeat this with different memories until

become the foundation for long-term healing, resilience, and peace.

the anchor reliably evokes comfort.

Remember, with NLP, we approach and focus on the language of the

For cowboys and law enforcement officers, anchoring can transform

mind and patterns of our thoughts. Then we use these tools to trans-

the grieving experience by providing a way to recall moments of joy

form how we experience and respond to grief, not attempting to erase

and connection with a simple gesture. The next time grief feels over-

sorrow. We want to grow at the end of our grieving, and these tech-

whelming, using the anchor to bring back warm memories can act as

niques will help reshape and understand our unique process, and ulti-

a counterweight, balancing sorrow with cherished moments.

mately help us find peace in the face of profound loss.

NLP Technique 3: Dissociation to Find Perspective

NLP Technique 1: Reframing Your Relationship with Grief

Dissociation, in NLP, is the practice of mentally stepping outside of an

Reframing is a favorite NLP tool that alters how I view a particular

experience to view it more objectively. For those entrenched in grief,

situation or feeling. By shifting my perspective, I can learn to see my

dissociation can provide a momentary distance to process emotions

grief not as a burden to bear but as a journey of remembrance and

without being overwhelmed.

N a v i g a t i n g G r i e f w i t h NL P T e c h n i q u e s f o r C o w b o y s a n d L a w E n f o r c e m e n t O f f i c e r s

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For instance, imagine a law enforcement officer mourning the loss

passed down to him—keeping your word, being self-reliant and resil-

of a colleague. By visualizing the memory of their time together as if

ient, or being kind to people and animals. By identifying and carrying

watching it on a screen, the officer can begin to observe the experi-

forward these values every day, you create a path to honor your loved

ence from a slightly removed stance. This distance doesn’t erase the

one’s legacy while finding meaning beyond the pain.

sadness but offers a chance to process it more safely, particularly for

Similarly, for a law enforcement officer, reconnecting with the

those who may struggle to confront their feelings head-on.

shared values of duty, fairness, and protecting everyone you serve

Similarly, cowboys accustomed to “toughing things out” can use

can become a tribute to a lost colleague. Instead of letting grief pull

dissociation to look at their pain as an observer rather than feeling

you away from what matters, NLP helps you deepen your connection

engulfed by it. This technique allows for emotional regulation, allow-

to those values as a way to process loss.

ing individuals to revisit grief in smaller, manageable steps.

Moving Forward with Grief and Strength

NLP Technique 4: Visualizing a Future of Peace

The process of grieving is rarely linear. Especially for those who are

Grief can cloud our vision of the future, especially when the loss feels

conditioned to “handle” hardship alone, finding peace in loss may

irreplaceable. NLP’s Future Pacing technique offers a way to gently

require letting go of old expectations and embracing new ways of

integrate your grief into a hopeful future.

healing. NLP techniques don’t replace the loss but provide tools to

To try future pacing, start by closing your eyes and imagining your-

reframe, honor, and live in harmony with it. For cowboys and law

self a few years down the road, feeling at peace with your loss. Picture

enforcement officers, NLP offers a practical path to navigate grief

yourself recalling memories of your loved one with a soft smile and

without losing the core of who you are.

warmth rather than pain. Imagine what they would want your life to

Through reframing, anchoring, dissociation, future pacing, and

be. Full of joy, love, laughter, and a life of rich memories.

reconnecting with values, you’re honoring your loved one and your-

For cowboys and law enforcement officers, this technique can be

self—allowing you to carry their legacy forward as you continue to

preciously valuable. Visualizing oneself as more robust and resilient

build your own. We will lay Pop in the ground tomorrow. When you

while still honoring those who have passed can offer hope and heal-

read this, I will have used what I shared here with you more times

ing. Each time this future vision becomes more precise, it can help

than I can count the blessings that were my Dad, my hero, and a man

you move through your grief rather than feeling immobilized by it.

who lived one hell of a life.

NLP Technique 5: Reconnecting with Your Core Values

Luv ya Pop

Grief often forces us to confront our values, beliefs, and identity.

NLP encourages reconnecting with core values to find strength amid sorrow. When grieving, this may mean asking yourself questions like, “What did my loved one value? How did their values influence me?”

For instance, a cowboy may find solace in remembering the values

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N a v i g a t i n g G r i e f w i t h NL P T e c h n i q u e s f o r C o w b o y s a n d L a w E n f o r c e m e n t O f f i c e r s

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H o w t o B u i l d Y o u r DREAM B r a n d f r o m S c r a t c h i n 6 E a s y S t e p s !

HOW TO BUILD YOUR DREAM BRAND FROM SCRATCH IN 6 EASY STEPS! B Y L .Y. M A R L O W

When I first set out to build a brand for my business, I

in defining your brand’s identity, creating a unique value

thought I’d nailed it. I had a killer logo, a slick website with

proposition, and building a loyal customer base. From

just the right colors, and even a trailer video for my first

understanding your audience to crafting a message that

book, Color Me Butterfly, that I was sure would grab every-

stands out, this article covers all the fundamentals to help

one’s attention. I thought these elements alone would make

you create a brand that reflects your vision and values.

my brand shine.

Let’s jump in and start building the brand

I was dead wrong.

of your dreams:

With an MBA in marketing and years of business training,

Step 1: Identify the Problem You Solve

I was confident I understood what a brand was… or so I

The foundation of any successful brand is its ability to solve

thought. But creating a brand isn’t about a snazzy logo or a

a problem for its target audience. Take some time to deeply

trendy website. It’s not even about the extra bells and whis-

understand the pain points, challenges, and needs of your

tles. In reality, a brand boils down to one thing: Connection.

potential customers. What are they struggling with, and

Your brand is the bridge between your story, your message,

how can your product or service provide a solution?

and your audience’s needs. It’s how you solve a problem

Step 2: Define Your Unique Value Proposition

and provide value that truly resonates.

In a crowded marketplace, it's crucial to stand out from the

So, are you ready to transform your passion into a brand

competition. Craft a unique value proposition that clearly

that genuinely connects? In this article, we’re diving into

communicates the distinct benefits your brand offers. What

the six essential steps to help you build your dream brand

makes your solution different, better, or more valuable than

from scratch. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, small

what's already available?

business owner, or just starting, these steps will guide you

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Step 3: Develop Your Brand Identity

Step 6: Continuously Evolve and Adapt

Your brand identity is more than just a logo or tagline –

Remember, building a brand is an ongoing process. As

it's the visual and emotional representation of your brand.

your business grows and your target audience evolves, be

Carefully consider your brand's personality, tone of voice,

prepared to adapt and refine your brand strategy. Stay agile,

and the overall experience you want to create for your

experiment with new ideas, and always keep your custom-

customers.

ers' needs at the forefront of your decision-making.

Step 4: Establish a Consistent Presence

By following these six steps and keeping your focus on

Consistency is key when it comes to building a strong

solving real problems for your audience, you’ll be set to

brand. Ensure that your brand's messaging, visuals, and

create a brand that truly stands out and connects. Remem-

overall presence are aligned across all touchpoints, from

ber, a brand isn’t built overnight, but with each thoughtful

your website to your social media channels.

step, you’re shaping something powerful and enduring. So,

Step 5: Engage with Your Audience

what are you waiting for? Start building your brand today—

Building a successful brand is not just about pushing out

watch it grow, watch it thrive, and watch it soar beyond

content – it's about creating a genuine connection with

your wildest dreams!

your audience. Actively engage with your customers, listen to their feedback, and find ways to provide value beyond just your products or services.

https://lymarlow.myflodesk.com/build-your-dream-business-checklistBuild Your DREAM Brand from Scratch: 10-Point Checklist Learn the essentials to build a powerful brand! This quick guide covers 10 must-have steps to help you connect with your audience, stand out, and grow your brand. Start building your dream brand today!

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MY JOURNEY TO SELF-LOVE AND FREEDOM B Y V E R O N I C A K E L LY

August 15 2020, He picked me up at LAX after a week

September 2013, I was dressed to the nines at the premier

visiting friends and family in Montana. I instantly knew

of a series I had written and starred in based on my dating

something was off. Did he lack the guts to tell me that he

life. I was in my late 20s and never had a serious boyfriend.

hated the location I faced-timed him for our wedding on

I was pretty, funny and kind but my entire life was filled

the bridge next to where I grew up? Maybe he just had a

with unavailable, selfish and addicted men. To be fair, I

bad day. Although he assured me nothing was wrong as

had a legit substance abuse problem too. I thought I was

we navigated LA traffic, my spidey senses were tingling.

just living it up in the LA elite party scene, but apparently

One of the things I loved about being with him was his

(I found out later in therapy) I was numbing the pain from

thoughtfulness. Every time I came home from a trip he

my childhood. As I watched my entire dating life flash on

would give me a beautiful bouquet of flowers, but not this

the big screen, I was horrified. For the first time I consid-

time. Again, he assured me he had just had a busy day and

ered; “Maybe it’s me?”

forgot, nothing to worry about. I got up the next morn-

I immediately got into therapy and quickly learned that

ing and made some breakfast tacos to hopefully pull him

because of the abandonment, neglect and instability of my

out of his funk. I had plenty of time on my hands because

early childhood, I had an unconscious belief saying that I

the pandemic put me out of work. He stayed employed

was unlovable, not valuable and it was not safe to count

moving his work computer into the living room of our 1

on anyone else but me.

bedroom apartment in Hollywood. Things were cramped

My parents were young when they had me. My mom was

and he was often snappy and reclusive. He lost both of his

a teenager and my dad could barely buy alcohol. The early

parents tragically on NYE 2020 so I gave him a lot of grace.

80s were wild and my father was a talented musician in the

After another 36 hours of painstaking awkwardness, I

Punk Rock scene of Southern California. There was a lot

finally forced his hand and demanded; “What the hell is

of parting, super late nights at the clubs, tons of fighting

wrong??” That is when he spilled the tea. He was leaving,

and zero money! They did their best but my Grandparents

we were through, and that was that. He gave no warning,

had to step in and raise me. Although moving in with my

zero chance to work on things and I had my greatest fear

fantastically fun alcoholic grandparents was a huge bless-

realized: total abandonment… again. Suddenly, I was alone

ing, 3 years old me didn’t comprehend why her parents

in a half furnished apartment, facedown on the floor with

didn’t want her anymore. Ultimately, my mom picked up

my heart shattered into 1 billion pieces. I had no job and the

a drug habit and was deemed unfit to be in my life. That

churches, bars, gyms and even hiking trails we all closed

broke both of our hearts.

in LA due to the pandemic. I was certain that I was going

It now made total sense why I always attracted unavail-

to die from the pain.

able, selfish and addicted men. The untold truth about

My Journey to Self-Love and Freedom

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reality is that our defense mechanisms and uncon-

a life that I loved, one that was uniquely me. I had the

scious beliefs run the show. Mine said; “If I never let

courage to leave the entertainment industry and go

someone close enough to love me then no one can

all-in on my gifts. Because I changed my entire life

break my heart and leave me like my Mom.”

and healed decades of pain quickly with these tools.

I learned in my healing journey that you teach others

It is now my honor and duty to guide people back to

how to love you through the way you love yourself. I

self-love, self-acceptance and freedom.

knew that I desperately wanted to be loved but deep

Now as I reflect back on that pivotal moment when

down I didn’t love myself. I blamed myself for my

my greatest fear was realized and my entire life

parents not being around. In therapy I tried every-

crumbled in the blink of an eye, I realize the biggest

thing to change but nothing changed. Then I found

gift from my self-love journey was not just that I

the Emotional Freedom Technique and got out of

found my Soul’s mission and finally feel safe to love

my head and into my heart. I created the safety to

fully and deeply. I now know that no matter what

accept love into my life. Within months of starting

happens in life I have the tools and skills to move

a regular EFT practice mixed with a lot of yoga and

through it with grace. The freedom to choose me and

taking excellent care of myself, I created a huge shift

know the Universe is always on my side. I also get to

in my 3D reality. I met the most amazing man. We

have so much fun doing it.

fell deeply in love and started building our future

A 5-Day Transformational Experience to finally

together.

break the patterns keeping you trapped and unlock

I did it! I figured it all out and I was so damn happy.

your True Potential

Then August 2020 happened and everything without warning dramatically changed. After I picked up the pieces of my shattered, abandoned heart I slowly built

https://linktr.ee/VeronicaAjaKelly

My Journey to Self-Love and Freedom

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5 TI P S F o r E x p e r i e n c i n g Th e B EST V a l e n t i n e ’ s D a y EVER !

163

5 TIPS FOR EXPERIENCING THE BEST VALENTINE’S DAY EVER!

BY SUZANNE MULLER

Oh no or Hooray? What’s your perspective about Valentine’s Day? How are

TIP #3 - Be Your Own Valentine

you feeling about February 14th this year? Excited, nervous, elated, stressed,

Rather than waiting for someone to make you feel special, what if you were

or dreading it?

your own Valentine first and foremost? And then anything someone does for

Whether you are single or in a relationship around Valentine’s Day, it is normal

you is extra. What could you do for yourself?

that many different feelings arise about this particular holiday.

• What could you treat yourself to?

Let me ask you. Have you ever been let down or disappointed on Valentine’s

• How could you spoil or pamper yourself with?

Day? I have. Maybe certain ‘expectations’ went unmet?

• What do you love to do for yourself or by yourself?

My question is…are you willing to have the BEST Valentine’s Day EVER this

TIP #4 - Visualize Your Valentine’s Day Experience

year? I’ve comprised five suggestions to help ensure you have one of the best

Take a minute and close our eyes. Let your mind wander without judgement.

days you’ve ever experienced.

Give up any comparison to others and go within. Visualize February 14th from

TIP #1 - Set Aside The Enormous Expectations of Valentine’s Day

a place of wonder and curiosity. Ask yourself – what would I really like Valen-

What do I mean by that? Take the pressure off that….

tine’s Day to be like?

• you must go out.

• you must have a date.

• you must have sex that night.

• it must be over the top.

• you must spend over $100.

• you must even celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Other questions to consider when visualizing your special Valentine’s Day. • What could a date or a partner do that day for you that would have you feel special or loved?

• What could you do for a date or your partner that would have them feel special?

• What could you do for yourself to feel special?

If you set ALL of these expectations aside, what is left? Peace? Freedom? Space?

• What would you like to hear in general that day?

Relief?

• How would you like Valentine’s Day to feel?

TIP #2 - Be An Active Participant Before & During Valentine’s Day

• What did you see? How did that feel? What did you hear?

Do you often wait to be surprised hoping it will be fantastic? What can that

TIP #5 - Ask Your Brain A Different Kind Of Question

bring about? Disappointment!! It happens over and over and over, when we

If you are struggling with Valentine’s Day coming up, as a Dating & Love

“hope” or “wait” or “wish”.

Life Coach, I often offer this kind of suggestion to those going out on a date

My suggestion is to express what you would enjoy on Valentine’s Day to your

because we all know that dating is filled with all sorts of expectations. Things

friends, family, partner, or date weeks or days beforehand. What would make

can go well on a date and sometimes not so well. This question gives the brain

you happy? What would make you feel loved? What would be fun? Also, what

a chance to rest and be present, or as much as possible.

would they like? What would make the other people in your life feel special?

The question to ask yourself for Valentine’s Day then is…what if I have no idea

It’s a two-way street conversation. Be curious with those around you.

how my Valentine’s Day will go? This question often boggles the mind because

Why does this even matter? First, you matter. Your desires matter. Your wants

our brain is programmed to have expectations. No expectations? I want it to be

matter. They matter too. Everyone’s likes and dislikes are different.

great. Ok. I want it to be fun. Ok. I understand, but what if something happens

Maybe you don’t want to go out at all on Valentine’s Day. Maybe you want to

that you didn’t expect, then what.

celebrate on another day. Maybe you want to stay in versus going out. Maybe

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you want to celebrate as a group and include others or go out as a couple or be alone. Some people love surprises and other people do not. Being aware of what you enjoy and what you do not enjoy is self-aware and emotionally intelligent.

By being curious, what kind of Valentine’s Day could this create for you and those around you? When you are an active participant in your own Valentine’s Day celebration, you may be surprised what a dramatically different experience it can be, empowering too.

https://linktr.ee/ingomu

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

GROUNDED FANTASY: TRANSFORMING LOVE AND INTIMACY THROUGH IMAGINATION. B Y A Z LY N N B E R R Y

The excitement and rush of falling in love all over again is intoxicating. It’s

understood. In the same way, fantasy can provide a foundation for curiosity

romance season, and the air is thick with excitement. Whether you are in a

and intimate exploration, allowing us to better understand and express our

long-term relationship, married, or falling in love with someone new, engag-

true selves. Allowing emotions to rise and fall or safely integrate new expe-

ing in fantasy and enjoyment within your relationships can be a key compo-

riences—where we may have rejected even ourselves—becomes especially

nent to lasting and deep intimacy. Fantasy can also be a defining factor in

effective when paired with vulnerability and a willingness to open.

both the joys of early attachment and the heartbreak of short-lived romance.

Visualizing Intimacy: How Imagination Shapes Connection.

My name is AzLynn, and I am an Alignment and Embodiment Guide. I special-

Our ability to dream, imagine, and create scenarios in our minds is a powerful

ize in reprogramming the Emotional Architecture of the body—the intricate

tool that impacts our sense of connection. By visualizing romantic or positive

relationship between emotions and our physical responses. The emotions that

experiences, we can shift our emotional states, deepen our appreciation for

animate our actions and instincts either create the ease we seek or the pain we

our partners, and open doors for new experiences within our relationships.

experience in life. This is embodiment in its simplest form.

Imagination isn’t just for escapism; it’s a doorway to better self-expression

When our actions suppress our true self, chronic pain is often born. I’ve spent

and understanding in relationships.

over 16 years helping people heal from chronic pain as a neuromuscular thera-

Four Ways to Enhance Intimacy and Ground Your Relationship

pist. Now, I help people find the core of their pain and transform their longest-

1. Get Grounded in Reality.

held unprocessed emotions, igniting true transformation. Every emotion is

Fantasy can heighten our sense of closeness, but don’t lose sight of the reality

direct guidance to level up our lives and become our best selves in both love

of who your partner is. Ask questions to create a real understanding instead of

and life.

assuming. Avoid engaging in mental replays of moments, as this can increase

The Power of Fantasy in Relationships.

early attachment. Be intentional and allow your relationship to deepen natu-

Fantasy can heighten our emotional experiences and foster deeper intimacy.

rally.

When used with intention, it allows us to create a bridge to explore new

2. Embrace Curiosity.

levels of connection with our partners, breaking through everyday boundar-

Creating a safe space for exploration begins with your willingness to allow

ies. Engaging in imaginative experiences can bring out our authentic selves,

yourself to be fully seen—unfiltered—to those around you. Intimacy can’t

creating a foundation for growth and mutual understanding.

happen without vulnerability, so show up without judgment and offer the same

What Is Emotional Architecture?

space to your partner. Each partner has the right to discard a topic or call an

Emotional Architecture is the instinctive foundation of how we react to and

“ALL STOP” if a topic or form of play is too much.

experience the world. It’s the bridge between the subconscious and conscious

3. Release Perfectionism.

mind, often controlling our actions from an unseen place. It’s the mental and

Stop expecting perfection in every moment. This isn’t fair to you or those

bio-physical framework that shapes our actions and how we respond to our

around you. The more open you can be to the unexpected and create curios-

thoughts, creating movement from emotion. If your body is the soil and your

ity, the more enjoyable the experience will be.

thoughts are a garden, are you in a desert of thorns or living in Eden? This is a

4. Practice Openness and Let Go of Fear

choice, like many things in life, that can be developed into something beautiful.

It’s easy to pull back out of fear of rejection, especially when expressing a deep

When we visualize an experience—whether it’s a romantic moment or a

desire. Acknowledge this fear, and consider ways to gently share your thoughts

conflict—the body doesn’t fully recognize the difference between imagina-

or ideas with a partner. Often, this openness encourages mutual trust. If the

tion and reality. For instance, if someone feels undervalued, their mind might

fear of rejection is too intense, consider using a silly, nonsensical safe word as

drift to fantasies of conflicts going their way or old arguments finally being

an “all stop” that brings laughter and shifts the nervous system out of tension.

G r o u n d e d F a n t a s y : T r a n s f o r m i n g L o v e a n d I n t i m a c y t h r o u gh I m a g i n a t i o n .

Practice this safe word as a trust exercise before engaging in intimacy.

empower myself to create more love, both for myself and within my

Imagination as a Tool for Empowerment

relationships? When I daydream and engage in fantasy, how can I use

Our ability to dream, imagine, and create powerful scenarios in our

this to allow who I am to be seen and better expressed in the world? Let

minds is a gift. By harnessing this ability consciously, we empower

these questions guide you toward a more empowered, connected life.

ourselves to bring more joy, fulfillment, and intimacy into our lives—

If you’re ready to deepen your emotional journey, join me in this

not just through fantasy, but through intentional engagement with

month’s Open Elevation Session. Scan the QR code or visit the link

joy and gratitude for the life we are living. When we choose positive,

below to access this experience today.

loving forms of play, we are actively reshaping our Emotional Archi-

Unlock deeper intimacy and connection in an exclusive coach-

tecture for the better, allowing our bodies and minds to experience the

ing session with AzLynn. Discover how to ground fantasy, embrace

benefits of emotional alignment and true embodiment.

vulnerability, and transform your Emotional Architecture to create

Reflect and Elevate Your Emotional Journey

lasting joy and fulfillment. Join us to elevate your love journey!

As you go about your day, take a moment to reflect: How can I

https://azlynnberry156.lpages.co/elevation/

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

MONTHLY ENERGY UPDATE

BY LAETITIA ANDRAC Welcome to this space of the magazine. The one you connect with each month. The moon, the sun. Your spiritual being.

This is an invitation for you to set intentions and reflect throughout the month of February at key moments that punctuate the solar and lunar cycles – a form of soul nourishment.

Have courage, dear heart... This is a month for the Sun and the Moon. Grab a cup of tea (or coffee), your journal and an open mind.

Let us get started.

SUN in Aquarius and Pisces January 20 - February 18:

MOON with Full Moon in Leo +

Aquarius: the questioner, the vision. To think outside of the box and look for

New Moon in Pisces

change, look for innovation.

Aquarius is also about original ideas and is here to help you make room for

Create a ritual to connect with the moon. Let me share more about the moon

unorthodox ideas or opinions. A good time to explore as we are at the beginning

phases and how to honor these.

of a new calendar year.

Aquarius is ruled by two planets, modern astrology: Uranus, which is known

First Quarter Moon: Action.

as the revolutionary planet. But within more ancient astrology it was ruled by Saturn, which is about idealistic beliefs and discipline.

FQ Moon at 16° in Taurus (Wednesday 5.02 at 2.02 AM CST, 8.02 AM GMT

The shadows of Aquarius is when holding too much of this idealistic belief, it

and 7.02 PM AEDT).

can lead to being authoritarian, really detached to reality.

This is the time to take action. The time to grow. In the first Quarter Moon, you take inspired action towards the plans you have created.

Aquarius Intention + Taurus Moon =

JOURNAL PROMPTS:What changes need to be made? What new ideas

am I going to bring to life in 2025?

Air + Earth element connection.

Taurus is a ying sign that embodies manifestation. As it is a fixed sign and

February 19 - March 21:

an Earth sign it is all about feeling stable and grounded. Being productive by

Pisces:the energy of intuition. Of sensitivity. Psychic connections and being

being in our body.

of service of something greater than self. It invites unity.

Creating using our hands, our soul and our minds. It is about the embodiment.

Pisces is about dissolving the trauma and embracing our gift of our higher self.

It is a sign that brings in practicality. Everything is slow and steady. Connect

It is about love, compassion, and daily rituals. It is about the inner knowing

to the abundance you have.

and integrating.

It is about the symbol of connection to the cyclical rhythm. Taurus is full of

Pisces is ruled by Neptune, it is a powerful planet. The planet of the collective.

abundance! It is time to invite financial stability and manifestation in the

Where inspiration and creativity comes from. It is a spiritual planet.

material world. Drop into your senses and physical presence. Connect with

The shadows of Pisces lack boundaries. The addition to being in another world.

pleasure, beauty and nature.

The lack of earth and groundedness.

JOURNAL PROMPTS: How can I strengthen my intuition this month?

What daily rituals make me feel grounded?

JOURNAL PROMPTS: What can I do today to take action on my New

Moon intention from Janruary? What makes me feel abundant?

M o n t h l y E n e r g y Up d a t e

Full Moon: Illuminate.

Full Moon at 24° in Leo (Wednesday 12.01 at 7.53 AM CST, 1.53 PM GMT and Thursday 13.02 at 12:53 AM AEDT).

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In the darkness. Connect with the seeds to be planted

Pisces Sun + Pisces Moon = Water + Water element connection.

Pisces is a yin sign, mutable and connected to the element of water. It is all

Expression of the need to embody passion. Under the Full Moon, all

about the principle of unity and connection within.

is illuminated. The seeds and intentions planted in the January New

It is about trusting ourselves. To be guided by our intuitive wisdom.

Moon are revealed.

Aquarius Intention + Leo Moon = Air + Fire element connection.

Leo is a yang sign, fixed and a fire sign. Yang is about doing and creating. A

JOURNAL PROMPTS: How can I trust myself more this month? What

are my New Moon intentions?

place created from a passionate heart space.

Leo is about expression, it represents passion. It is all about fun, taking up

What’s next?

space, being on stage and shining from this place. It is about embodying our

Let's drop into meditation in order to access more clarity. Choose your favorite

passion and being seen for it.

type or if you need, head to Insight Timer and search ‘Laetitia Andrac’ for

It is a time to create from abundance. Leo is about charisma. Reflect on what is

some guided meditations!

blocking you in your life to move forward and share your unique voice. What is

Let's feel the ocean of possibility… and allow life to pleasantly surprise us as

your unique voice? Share your message and do it all with playfulness!

Source co-creates our dreams with us

Leo is connecting to our inner fire and heart! It is time to create with creativity

To stay connected always with the moon. Download my free Moon Calendar

as well whether that be drawing, painting, dancing, cooking - sharing the

from my article link. Let’s stay connected always. Until next time.

lightness around our passions!

With love. Laetitia.

Connect with Laetitia: https://sales.essentialshift.co/links

JOURNAL PROMPTS: What is illuminated in this Full Moon with my

New Moon intention? How can I let go more so that I can connect to my creative self?

Last Quarter Moon: Re-evaluate.

Last Quarter at 2° in Sagittarius (Thursday 20.02 at 11.32 AM CST and 5.32 PM GMT and Friday 21.02 at 4.32 AM AEDT).

The time to surrender.

Aquarius Intention + Sagittarius Moon = Air + Water element connection.

Sagittarius is the yang sing, it is mutable and aligns with the element of fire.

Sagittarius is the Centaur, the blend between two realms, both human and animal. It is about seeking something bigger and seeking wisdom for lifelong growth.

It is the principle of wisdom.

Sagittarius invites us to explore and to wander the path less traveled, and all that it can teach us.

JOURNAL PROMPTS: How can I surrender to a new level of

spontaneity this month? What would my wise self tell me about surrendering right now?

New Moon: Set Intention.

New Moon at 9° in Pisces (Thursday 27.01 at 6.45 PM CST and Friday 28.02 at 12.45 AM GMT and 11.45 AM AEDT).

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Best Holistic Life Febuary 2025

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