Welcome to November's Issue of the Women Thrive Magazine
I am excited about the issue of the magazine as we have special Speakers Announcement to make After nearly three months of application review, speaker interviews for over 6 weeks and over 150 shortlisted candidates we have selected the final 48 speakers to spotlight at our annual Women Thrive Summit in March 2023
This is a long waited moment for many - as our speakers have gone through an incredible selection process and have been very excited to announce the news to their friends and followers.
Big thanks to our team at the Women Thrive Media and Women in Business Club who have helped us prepare and launch the new speaker assets, training materials and marketing. We would like to welcome new team members summit project manager Shannon, content editor Rachel and magazine editor Olivia to the team. As well as give special thanks to our tech and systems team leaders, Tonya and Jeralyn that has helped us make all of these exciting and new things happen.
As our reader, event participant, speaker, our guest you are in for an exciting journey with us, getting to know our speakers, experts, fellow community members, and women whom we will spotlight via our magazine, podcast, social media interviews, articles and speaker spotlight events.
In this issue of the magazine, we have new event announcements, business and wellness retreats, our annual Christmas event, and virtual events that you can be part of no matter where you are in the world.
I hope you enjoy this month's special edition of our magazine. ❤
Raimonda Jankunaite Founder & Editor-In-Chief
Credits Raimonda Jankunaite / Founder & Editor-in-Chief Olivia Marocco / Editor & Designer Photographer / @bazphotoman
P32 P34 P38 P41
Editor's welcome note
Content
Sonia Zarbatany - A woman of impact
Women Thrive Summit
How to speak up for your business
4 Money mistakes and how to avoid them
Women Thrive Events
Women Thrive Podcasts
Instagram mastermind group
Creating your personal brand strategy
Latest articles
Sonia Zarbatany
A Woman of Impact / P05
Jessica Weaver
4 Money mistakes every business
women make and how to avoid them / P20
Releasing resistance to grow
Hyaluronic acid - A star for youthful and healthy skin
Is it depression or a thyroid issue?
Women Thrive - Book Club
P42
P44 P46
Are you seeking validation outside of your relationship?
Embracing mompreneurship
Favourite apps
Dr Robyn Graham
How I created an Instagram mastermind group / P30
Vicky Midwood
Is it depression or a thyroid issue? / P38
Debra Barnes
Are you seeking validation outside of your relationship
/ P42
"Yes!!! It’s time to give yourself permission live a life based on your wildest dreams!"
“YOU CANNOT TEACH A SWEEPER HOW TO SWEEP IF YOU HAVE NEVER SWEPT YOURSELF ” WHEN SONIA’S FATHER SHARED HIS MANTRA WITH HIS DAUGHTER, LITTLE DID HE KNOW THAT IT WOULD EVENTUALLY SHAPE HER TO BECOME THE MOST INFLUENTIAL AND SUCCESSFUL WOMAN IN HER FIELD
Zarbatany was no stranger to the office where her family ran a successful multinational company. Sonia became the chameleon of the place and quickly
learned the ins and outs of every department from the breakroom to the warehouse Whether she was making coffee or managing the distribution department, or operating wholesale, or structuring retail or overseeing manufacturing you name it, she’s done it she would excel This allowed her to broaden her reach and understanding of a business structure from any angle with remarkable knowledge, experience and expertise It was only evident that she would eventually pursue her education in Business, Management and Marketing
Hardworking is an understatement when describing Sonia While the other university students of her grade were spending their free time out socializing with friends, Sonia was getting her certification as nutritionist and personal trainer Health was a hobby, but simply doing something like training was never enough for Sonia She needed to understand its essential structure and develop the skill set needed to optimize it and eventually teach it “You cannot teach a sweeper how to sweep if you have never swept yourself ”
Although her career was already going uphill, headed to great heights in the fashion industry, Sonia had an unmatched love for the stage and needed to explore it for herself She followed her gut feeling and moved to LA the day after her last exam in University The energetic beauty with lush curly hair arrived in the city of dreams and things were moving fast Although she was casted and met all the right people in all the right places, something still didn't feel right >>
"The energetic beauty with lush curly hair arrived in the city of dreams and things were moving fast."
"Sonia had an unmatched love for the stage and needed to explore it for herself. "
Sonia then discovered Landmark Education and things began to drastically change She realized there was a problem and it was her She had limited beliefs to shift, stories to rewrite and needed to dive deep into fixing her inner world Following that same mantra once again, Sonia dove deep into personal development all while getting her NLP certification and following the training of Tony Robbins, Jack Canfield and other top coaches of the industry at the time.
Face to face with her limiting beliefs, Zarbatany realizes those same beliefs are the only thing standing between her and her ultimate life goals. Sonia then realized she could be the one to help people relieve themselves from their personal and business blocks by healing their inner selves, limiting beliefs and then pushing the boundaries of their professional careers. This was her gift.
Sonia Zarbatany is a pioneer in the world of business identity. “People don’t only buy products, they buy brands, and every brand needs its own identity. What is your brand identity? It's you without any of your limiting beliefs. Now, it’s time to heal those afflictions, grow that mindset, and achieve what is available to you, let’s work!” – Sonia Zarbatany.
Challenges are inevitable in anything you will do, says Zarbatany. Nonetheless, she believes and emphasizes that having the right mindset and a clear goal ahead is the key to passing these obstacles. At the start of her career, Sonia faced many difficult challenges that were often out of her control Take sexe and age as an example of some of her greatest challenges It was a man's world and she needed to prove herself as more than just the young pretty girl on stage She had to work harder – not to reach where she was, but to prove to everyone that she belonged and deserved to be there, just as much as anyone else
" Zarbatany realizes those same beliefs are the only thing standing between her and her ultimate life goals."
She tells the story of one of her first talks on stage that really resonated with her courage and wit In a room filled with 500 individuals listening to her talk about living a life with purpose, during the Q&A, an 80 year old man confronts young Zarbatany He asks her “What do you know about life at 26 years old?” to which she replies, “You will not hire me to tell you about my life, you will hire me to achieve the results you want to see in yours, because that's what I do I'll get you those results ” That same man turned from a skeptic in the audience, to a client, to a friend
“Who is with your kids while you are out here doing this?” Nowadays, Sonia believes women still face many challenges similar to this one Nevertheless, she thinks women need to work on supporting each other and without any judgment “We have come a long way” but sometimes, she gets asked this question that makes her wonder why her male colleagues don’t face the same scrutiny. Coach Sonia says a work-life balance doesn't exist, but a work-life harmony does. She encourages women to come together and support each other because their unity is bound to create abundance, incredible strength and such inspiration. “We become unstoppable and contagious - that’s the energy of women who thrive.”
Zarbatany asserts that you don’t need anything or anyone to feel complete: the importance here is being yourself and pursuing your goals unapologetically Sonia will encourage you to believe and trust that your goals and desires are complete as is Whether you are a mother finding harmony or a career driven woman with no intention of becoming a mother or anywhere outside or in between those categories You are enough, you are great and most importantly, you are deserving regardless of your choices
Other than the judgment she faced, Sonia’s greatest challenge is being a mother She strives to create harmony between her career, business and family With only 24 hours in a day, it is with little surprise that Sonia takes her meetings while getting her steps in on the treadmill “It's the reality, it's messy, but that's life, and it's beautiful ”
Sonia’s best piece of advice for readers who wish to find success is the following She accentuates that defining one's personal understanding of success is among the most crucial and essential parts of setting your life goals and purpose. Sonia will work with you once you have this knowledge at hand. She aligns herself with the Japanese ideology of Ikigai and trusts that success is a result of its harmony. >>
"Defining one ' s personal understanding of success is among the most crucial and essential parts of setting your life goals and purpose. "
"They are not scared to dream BIG and want the same for YOU!"
What is Ikigai? It is the combination of living your life in the meeting point of the following four notions: what you love, your purpose, what you can bring to the world and what you can get paid for Sonia highlights that having this framework is essential to be able to visualize your purpose and success.
Sonia aspires global impact to be her legacy. She will continue to build personal brands for the top coaches, speakers, authors and businesses on the planet with Coach Sonia Media to help people spread their message through the uniqueness of their identity. From the stage, she focuses on encouraging individuals to take off their masks and live life as their true authentic selves while embracing what they have to offer to this world. She is a strategist that is passionate about building personal brands and a business strategy that will help her clients attain the community they love and align with. Eventually, her strategy converts that community into clients, leading to sales and business growth. The key is acknowledging how significant one’s essence is. What distinguishes Sonia’s legacy is her impact on multiple degrees: let’s call it Coach Sonia’s 4 degrees of impact.
Sonia is on the rise in achieving her own goals. You can expect her to expand her speaking career to reach from Canada and the United States to Europe and Africa fairly soon. This expansion will echo upon the experiences and retreats she plans to deliver where people will feel empowered again If you wish to learn more about Sonia and become part of her mission for global impact, you can find her across the following platforms
coachsonia com
coach-sonia
"The key is acknowledging how significant one’s essence is."
"Sonia
After 2 months of selection and speaker interview phase, we are finally ready to announce a long-anticipated speakers line-up for the upcoming Women Thrive Summit, which is our annual women empowerment event happening every March to celebrate Women's History Month
This year we had a record number of applications and we dedicated 6 weeks of interviewing in order to find and shortlist the most amazing speakers for this event - which you will be able to join virtually.
At our core, diversity is what makes us all unique especially when we have different backgrounds, beliefs, experiences, and cultures. We believe that no matter where a woman is from, she deserves equal access and opportunity to be seen and heard on a global stage Our mission is to support speakers of all skills to rise up and share their expertise and knowledge.
Because of this, we have reached powerhouse women from 16 countries ready to speak on our stage and share their voices and stories. This conference will be the ultimate event for women in business and entrepreneurship who want to learn and grow their businesses to reach the next level of success while building lasting connections.
"The Women Thrive Summit was an opportunity to have some of the most sought after leaders right at your fingertips… priceless!"
"The clarity that I had after attending was exhilarating, and I was ready to hit the ground running with new ideas."
Ohgosh, do I have to?’ Is that your reaction when asked to go live on socials, guest on a podcast or speak at an event? And the answer is no You absolutely don’t have to But you sure as sugar should want to Using your voice is one of the best ways to grow your business, and it’s largely free. Who doesn’t love the ROI on that? When you own the voice of your business then you have wider reach, can create more genuine connections and amplify your impact So here are my five tips to shake the fears and speak up for your business!
Say yes now and panic later (jokes, no need to panic) Say yes to that podcast invitation, that request to speak on a panel, that offer to go live on social media with another business woman, that invitation to apply to speak at the Thrive Women Summit Firsts are always unfamiliar, yet the more you do it, the more your audience grows - and before you know it you won’t just be saying yes to speaking opportunities but seeking them out!
By Sally Prosser Holistic Voice & Public Speaking Coach
When you hear an amazing business story, chances are, it’s not the first time that founder has shared that story. Stories need to be crafted, practiced and refined by speaking out loud to have maximum impact.
Create a story journal, where you jot down key moments in your business journey and the corresponding lesson or point of the story Then talk these aloud at any chance – like in the shower or brunch with the girls - so when it’s crunch time on a panel or podcast you have compelling stories to share
"When you hear an amazing business story, chances are, it’s not the first time that founder has shared that story."
Sally Prosser is a voice and public speaking coach with 12 years experience in media, including TV, radio news reporting, and PR – acting as spokesperson for one of Australia’s largest water companies She helps professionals and business owners speak with confidence; from stepping on stage to speaking on podcasts to showing up online and in the boardroom.
sallyprosservoice sallyprosser com au
jessicaweaver
pinkfixmymoney
As the owner of a women's financial firm, the Women’s Wealth Boutique, I transition advisors from being employees of another firm to running their own financial planning practice. It takes a lot of courage going from W2 employee to running your own business, from employee to employer. You are switching roles and with that comes great responsibility and also great freedom! Freedom to do it your way, freedom to hire who YOU want to hire, and to set your own boundaries. Yet the responsibility to keep the lights on, to keep payroll going, and to have your name attached to a business. It isn’t just your business that opens its doors to the public, but it is YOU. So how you show up for your business is how the world will show up for you
I started my career in the financial industry on my father’s payroll, and it allowed me to spend money freely, to be overgenerous with my time. As I switched roles over the years to opening up my own corporation, I saw how I valued my time and money differently. There is such a small, if any, boundary to where I end and my business begins. My business is on my mind ALL.THE.TIME! If my business fails, I fail as a human being, this notion prevents so many women from taking the plunge and starting their own company. But it also ignites certain women who are ready to take the challenge These women are my women, they are the women I have invited into our Women’s Wealth Boutique, a financial firm built by women for women
"How you show up for your business is how the world will show up for you. "
After transitioning so many women to our firm as well as coaching them at other firms, I’ve learned a thing or two By that I mean, I’ve learned mountains of lessons from my own trial and error to other’s triumphs! I always swore everything goes wrong in my world so that I can prevent it from happening to other women! So here is my list of dos and don’ts when you begin your new venture to save you the painful lessons my failure is your path to success you are welcome lady ;)!
As financial advisors, you might think we know all there is to know about money Yes, you need to have a plan! Yes, you need to have a budget! Yes, you need to have risk management i e insurance to protect against risks But is that all there really is? Not quite mama!
Mistake #1 is not having enough start-up money for initial investment costs and for ongoing expenses until you have enough recurring revenue. Start ups are like building a house, the costs are always, 100%, definitely more than you expect. To avoid this mistake, begin saving for your initial investment into your new business and have a surplus for the beginning months. Have a resource fund to tap into so you don’t feel tight every time payroll comes up!
Due to the lack of excess funds, you try to cut costs and do everything yourself which results in paperwork mistakes, a website taking three times as long to build, or not having the time or energy to be out there selling for your business! Don’t forget to pay yourself from the beginning, even if it is smaller than anticipated so you are always on the budget
This results in opportunities missed, prospects falling through the cracks, and burn out! Yes, a l ot of burn out because all these to dos still exist in your mind and on your to do list. Now you have a never ending to do list with no support that keeps you a prisoner to your own business. Take time every week to write down your processes and begin creating your own protocols. Now whenever you hire, you already have the system in place to teach them!
You have your energy scattered over too many tasks because they are trying to save money or are trying to control it all, or a combination of both When your energy is split among too many projects, things take too long to get done, get rushed through, or get dropped Prioritize your projects by length of time to implement, cost of project, and return on your investment from it so you know where to invest first in your business
As one project gets finished, move onto the next priority so you know everything will get done to build out your infrastructure
Nothing in my world would exist without the support of my team, my family, and my mission
I will leave you with my last piece of advice that has been ingrained into my mind: You become who you surround yourself with! Invest in your team, your leader, your support, and see the profits roll in ladies!
Yes, you need to have a plan!
Yes, you need to have a budget! Yes, you need to have risk management."
Sat, 19 November 2022, 13:30 – 17:00 CET
Paris City Center 75001 Paris France
You are invited to join our upcoming Women in Business Networking Day at a luxury secret location where you get to connect with our exclusive guests from the business, fashion, travel, media, hospitality and PR sectors
This is an exclusive event and we are looking to attract forward thinkers, entrepreneurs, influential voices, brands, organisations, charities and those who are interested in growing their connections and circle of influence
Paris is a city that brings many well-known people and professionals from all around the world. This is where luxury, class, business and leisure meet in the most historic European destination Enjoy the city and connect with likeminded people at our upcoming event
The event starts at 13.30 hr and ends at 17.00 hr. Upon booking, you will be sent the exact location details Central Paris Networking, drinks, canapes, and fabulous location. See you there.
Fri, 25 Nov 2022, 14:00 – Mon, 5 Dec 2022, 11:00 GMT
Come and join our community of women in beautiful and sunny Ibiza If you didn't know - the island is not only known for epic parties but also a wealth of spiritual and wellness practicioners and healing practicies that the local life offers.
We have chosen this location for our next business and wellness retreat because Balleric Islands offers great autumn weather and off-season beaches, great for travel escape for a short few days or a week-long vacation.
We offer full personal development and wellness package at an ultimate luxury retreat, with private local food chief, great surroundings, picturess views, photography as well as Business and personal development workshopsincluding:
- Personal Goal Setting and Growth Leadership
- Personal brand, Visibility planning, content development
- Extended stay means we can delve more into your brand messaging, book writing workshops, personal and public speaking, how to grow your email list and scale your business
On this retreat I will be personally showing you some of our own processes and systems and show you a group program launch live in action. You will get to watch behind the scenes and learn about how we execute launches and group promotional programs
You will get to explore how we write co-authored books, and even start developing your book ideas. We will offer idea brainstorming and planning sessions.
You will have plenty of time to relax, explore, and indulge in some wellness activities, massage, group meditations etc
This is an opportunity to also connect with other business leaders and entrepreneurs in a group setting, build new friendships and return from this vacation with newfound inspiration and spring in your step. Come and celebrate end-of-the-year achievements with us - Women IN Business Ibiza Thursday November 25 to Tuesday Dec 5th 2023
We offer the following packages:
- 3 Days Stay - £790.00 or 2 x £395.00
- 5 Days Stay - £1290.00 or 2 x £645.00
- 7 Days Stay - £1790 00 or 2 x £895 00
10 Days stay - additional to 7 days plus £460 for full VIP Experience
Sat, 17 December 2022, 14:00 – 21:00 GMT
Drake and Morgan Kings Cross 6 Pancras Sq London
You are invited to join the upcoming Women in Business Networking event in London - come and meet some of our community members in person, celebrate your year of growth and new achievements. This is our end of the year celeberation - if you are a small business owner, chances are you do not have team Christmas parties and the usual 'work do's' that is why we have put together an event for you to join and enjoy making new and old connections.
You can join us for just the networking part of the event from 2 to 5pm or also stay for group dinner from 6 to 9.30 pm, with a little bit of dancing, great food, goodie bags with gifts, and enjoy a wonderful conversation with likeminded women.
Our dinner groups are generally 10-12 people and networking between 30-60 people attend our events
We Established Women in Business events in London in 2017 and since then have established a global community of women, covering all parts of the world. We also host business retreats and our annual Women Thrive Summit that happens every March, attracting thousands of global speakers and attendees.
Invitiation to join our Christmas retreat is an invitation to share the same table, invitation to be part of our community and events
You can select one of the following options
- Networking and x 2 drinks - £29
- Networking + Dinner £79 + Drinks + Goodie Bag
We can't wait to see you! We can't wait to see you!
by Rianna Hijlkema
One of the best things I’ve done for my business (and life) was creating a mastermind group. I’m going to tell you my secrets on how I used Instagram to find people who helped me unlock my highest potential and how they can help you too. Imagine being surrounded by a group of people who wanted you to succeed. People who weren’t only inspiring and motivating, but who also sparked new curiosities and challenged you to be your most authentic self. People who wanted to take your business and personal life to the next level. I know, it sounds almost too good to be true, but this is exactly what a quality mastermind group can do for you.
Before starting a mastermind group, answer one simple yet essential question: Why? Why do you want to start a mastermind group? Why is it important to have this group of people in your life and business? Why why why I encourage you to write down at least 20 reasons Don’t overthink it, just write it down, blurt it out There is no right or wrong here, and nobody is going to read your answers, unless you want to share them
Done? Okay, now take a look at your answers
The first couple of them are nice, but they are just scratching the surface Turn to the bottom of your list and see what it really is that you want to get out of your mastermind group Write it down and hang it on the wall If at any moment in time you start having doubts or there’s a conflict or anything else going on that puts you off track, look at your why statement and move forward in the right direction You can do this
"I used Instagram to find people who helped me unlock my highest potential."
After having discovered your why, it’s important to get clear on your ‘what’ Find a quiet place and take your time to journal, make a mindmap or anything that sparks your creative side Jot down as many things you can think of and when you feel complete, see if you can find connections To achieve clarity on what you want in your mastermind group you need to find the direction you want to go What’s your purpose, the process, the outcome, etc
Before we dive into the fun part, let’s talk about your mastermind group members Remember when you were seven or eight years old, and you just walked over to a group and within five minutes you were playing together?
Unfortunately, that doesn’t work in the adult world. Getting to know someone takes time, so before you invest all of your energy in the wrong places, let’s see what it actually is that you want. Write down what you’re looking for in your members: their values, their character traits, their purposes. I’m not talking about common interests, or the same entrepreneurial field, but rather who they are as a person.
To be honest, one of the first members of my mastermind group seemed to have it all: serial entrepreneur, public speaker, huge following, ambitious and full of energy. She had everything I was working towards, except that she was arrogant. During our sessions she was always interrupting others, as if she had something more important to say than the others. She was looking for power, not a relationship.
You see, an open, honest relationship matters more than finding friends who have a similar background or agree with you on everything. I encourage you to stay open-minded and look for members who want to see you grow and become the best version of yourself. Once you ditch the judgment yo be surprised how many amazing people will cross your path.
Ready! Let’s get started and connect. Yes, it’s that simple. Pick one of your values, character traits or keywords and type it in the Instagram search button Look for accounts that you’re resonating with and then send them a personal message Do what? Cold messaging? No, this is called connecting
Just like a seed won’t grow without soil and water, your network will not expand just by scrolling through other people's feed Get involved, send them a personal message about something they’ve posted, ask genuine questions and DO NOT sell anything or talk (too much) about yourself Instead, figure out what’s important to them, provide value and only then decide if you want to move it forward by inviting them for a call Like I said before, building real connections takes time, but trust me, it’s totally worth it!
Being part of a mastermind group was exactly what I needed to take my business to the next level If you feel that setting up your own mastermind is too much work, don’t stop there, but instead reach out to other mastermind groups (mine included!) In many mastermind groups, the members come and go and you might be just the member we’re looking for
Rianna is a multi-passionate serial entrepreneur living a nomadic life for the last 11 years Traveling to 40+ countries and working on four continents has taught her to be resourceful and resilient She combines her experiences to inspire women worldwide to step up, take back control, and live life on their own terms
riannahijlkema.com
riannahijlkema
"Once you ditch the judgment you’ll be surprised how many amazing people will cross your path."
You need a personal brand strategy because you are the CEO of your life, your career, and your business But sometimes standing out seems almost impossible You need a personal brand strategy for people to understand that you matter to them Your personal brand strategy is not only important for you, but for your soulmate clients to have clarity around what you do, how you do it, why you do it, and who you do it for.
Branding is differentiating Communicating to your audience what makes you unique You are unique because of every step of your life and career journey, your individual experiences, good and bad What you succeeded at as well as the mistakes you made and learned from Each piece of your journey lends to the expertise you now foster.
When you share your journey and experiences, your audience will understand how you can help them, and why you and what you do matter in their life and/or business
The first step in creating a personal brand strategy is to develop a personal brand But to do that, you must understand that your personal brand is not about you Your personal brand is what other people think, say, and feel about you. Your personal brand answers the question, why does it matter? And this is true whether working in a corporation or as an entrepreneur When developing your personal brand, think about the perception you want others to have of you. This perception will change as you define for them why it matters
Your audience wants to know about you, who you are, and why they should care about you They need to know why you matter so that they can be confident in you and trust you. Trust determines hiring/buying practices. What you do also matters Your ideal audience needs to be made aware that you can solve a problem for them Mattering is marketing You have to matter, or you can’t market. Marketing is communicating your brand story, so if your personal brand doesn’t matter, it will be challenging to market it effectively
To create a solid personal brand strategy, you must start with clarity about who your soulmate clients are You can determine this by what you do, who needs your help, and who you want to work with/for
Once you have clarity, determine how you can catch their attention Is it through blogging? Do they spend most of their time on one social media platform? Perhaps they watch YouTube, or maybe they listen to podcasts Wherever your audience is, you need to be present consistently to share your story and build an emotional connection with them. The more you communicate with a cohesive and consistent message, the deeper the emotional connection will build, and the more confident they will be that they can trust you
As Simon Sinek says, ‘emphasize the communication of your why.’ Because your why is going to help your audience understand why you matter to them Sharing your why along with your journey and experiences will help your audience understand why you are the one that is best for helping them solve their problem.
Your personal brand, along with your personal brand strategy, is ultimately the foundation for the long-term success of your brand and business
Dr Robyn Graham is passionate about serving others and helping Christian women who want to have a meaningful impact find clarity around their purpose, so they can build personal brands and strong foundations for long-term business success
"Wherever your audience is, you need to be present consistently to share your story and build an emotional connection with them."
How to ignite your passion without quitting your 9-5 job
Do you have to choose between your corporate career and your entrepreneurial passion?
It may sound unrealistic, but it’s possible when you make these lifestyle and mindset shifts
READ THE BLOG HERE
The women that are out there making a change from education, creating a change in ecosystems and our global business status. Women in Business are rising.
Globally, entrepreneurship rates among women increased by 13%t versus 5% for men, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), which monitors 40 economies from around the world
READ THE BLOG HERE
Have you ever started a sentence with “who am I to ” or felt like a fraud or not enough of an expert despite all of your accomplishments? Or felt hypocritical about supporting people with something when you think you haven’t been able to do it yourself yet?
READ THE BLOG HERE
HAVE YOU EVER ASKED YOURSELF THIS QUESTION? PERHAPS THERE IS AN OBSTACLE THAT CONTINUOUSLY APPEARS IN YOUR LIFE AND HOLDS YOU BACK FROM ACHIEVING YOUR GOALS FOR YOUR CAREER, A RELATIONSHIP, YOUR HEALTH, OR YOUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH
ITcan be disheartening to feel stuck, especially while watching others achieve their dreams
As go-getters, we often throw ourselves into self-improvement programs to break free of these obstacles Sometimes, though, the more physical, mental, and emotional effort we expend, the worse the problem gets. We can get trapped in the cycle of always looking for the next thing that will help us break through that barrier to change
Kristin is an entrepreneur, and her energy business, Soulful Navigation®, focuses on teaching people how to bring energy into their daily lives in a practical and meaningful way.
soulfulnavigation com
soulfulnavigation
When this happens, it’s often a sign that there is energetic resistance that is deeply rooted in our lives Energetic resistance goes beyond what we normally think of as “blocks” or “limiting beliefs” It’s a form of energy that holds information that we may need to understand and process before we can move on When we look at obstacles in our life as energetic resistance, it introduces new ways of removing them and opening ourselves up to new experiences
There is a rule of thumb that helps us understand what energetic resistance is and how we can untangle it from our lives: Everything is Energy.
Underlying all of our experiences are subtle energy interactions For example, as you’re reading this article you may be feeling different sensations in your body
This is the energy of the message, the information, and your Spirit’s response that goes beyond the understanding of your analytical mind You may also ponder what led you to this article; did you happen upon it by chance, and, if so, could it be that there was a subtle chain of events that brought you to these pages?
"As go-getters, we often throw ourselves into selfimprovement programs to break free of these obstacles."
When we have experiences where we say we were “at the right place at the right time”, there are often strong energy interactions at play that are full of information and wisdom that our spirit uses to navigate through life even if our mind is aware of it
Through the lens of “Everything is Energy”, we see our bodies as energy, our words as energy, and so are our thoughts, actions, emotions, and everything we see around us When we look at our lives in this way, we can create change by first tapping into this energy field and creating change there. Then, our experiences will automatically align with that change
Fortunately, we have many tools at our disposal to understand the messages in our resistance and clear it from our lives.
One simple way is to think about resistance in your life and then observe where you feel it in your body Without trying to change anything, bring your awareness deeper into those sensations and just witness them. Take a deep breath in and on your exhale, relax your body and imagine releasing the resistance into the earth
Resistance is another form of energy It can arise when the energy of our experiences is not in coherence with our spirit In many cases, there is important spiritual information or a spiritual lesson that we are missing, and the resistance will persist until we discover and follow up on that lesson. This is why we say “resistance is our best teacher ”
Energetic resistance can show up in our lives in different ways It can present as disease or illness, as though our spirit is trying to communicate through our physical body. Resistance can also be in the form of “unnecessary difficulty” For example, when you’re trying to do something that your mind says is right, but it’s not working and you can’t pinpoint why. It could be that the action doesn’t resonate with your spirit, even if your mind can’t find a logical reason
Another way that you can experience energetic resistance is by having the same type of person come into your life over and over. It could be that the universe is saying, "you’re missing the lesson, so I’ll keep tossing this resistance in front of you until you figure it out "
To go deeper, many energy modalities can help you tap into the information of your resistance through meditation or guided visualizations and journeys, during which you can ask to be shown specific information about how to remove it Often, we just have to ask “what is the lesson?” and observe the wisdom that follows
My favorite practices to release resistance are called “Stop Trying” and “Clearing Soul Contracts”. “Stop Trying” is exactly what it sounds like; we release the physical and mental effort of trying to fix a situation, bring our awareness into our inner world, and simply ask our spirit to show us the information we need to remove the resistance from our life
“Clearing Soul Contracts” is done through a guided journey, when we can examine the energetic agreements we have with others. During these explorations, we can change, heal, or remove the contracts Then we sit back and observe what unfolds in our lives
Understanding our energetic resistance and clearing it in the underlying energy field is a great way to liberate yourself from obstacles and create more time and space to truly live out your life’s purpose
For a free training on “Overcoming Obstacles to Spiritual Growth”, please visit https://www soulfulnavigation com/free
"Energetic resistance can show up in our lives in different ways. It can present as disease or illness, as though our spirit is trying to communicate through our physical body."
"Understanding our energetic resistance and clearing it in the underlying energy field is a great way to liberate yourself from obstacles."by Marina Hristovska
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a polysaccharide also known as a glycosaminoglycan which is a major structural component of our skin. It can also be found in our joints and connective tissues.
Sodium hyaluronate is a sodium salt of Hyaluronic Acid with lower molecular mass This enables the ingredient to penetrate and retain the water in the deeper layers of the skin This ingredient can be found in various molecular weights, from low molecular weight (<15 kDa) up to high molecular weight (>1000kDa).
High molecular weight (HMW) hyaluronic acid is the most powerful moisturizer and humectant available It provides smoothness and softening to the skin, and due to its excellent humectant properties, it can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines Most of all, it’s stimulating the natural mechanisms for the protection of the skin barrier
Low molecular weight (LMW) hyaluronic acid increases the concentration of necessary enzymes in the skin, as well as the overall health of the skin It actively helps in cell differentiation during the formation of new epidermal cells. It helps protect the skin from aging factors like the negative effects of sunlight, environmental pollution and the harmful effects of some chemicals It strengthens and balances the defense mechanisms and thus normalizes the functioning of healthy skin.
This large sugar molecule plays an important role in controlling tissue permeability, protecting and lubricating cells, fluid retention, and macromolecular transport between cells But most of all, it is responsible for hydration, because HA has a unique ability to bind water 1,000 times its own molecular weight.
Acting as a molecular sponge, HA is binding protein and water together, and when applied to the skin it makes an elastic, transparent film, which stimulates the natural protective mechanisms. In the deeper layers, HA binds to collagen and elastin, which restores the volume of the skin It binds a large amount of water, so the skin becomes tighter, moisturized, looks younger, more beautiful and supple This natural carbohydrate from the group of mucopolysaccharides is biocompatible, safe and well tolerated by the skin, but with age, its concentration in the tissue decreases significantly.
Fortunately, biotechnology has improved greatly in the past decade allowing us to supplement this vital ingredient through oral and topical application The topical use of HA is very limited due to the large molecular mass of the ingredient itself For these reasons, sodium or potassium salts of hyaluronic acid are commonly used in cosmetics.
"Protect your skin from aging factors like the negative effects of sunlight, environmental pollution and the harmful effects of some chemicals."
Here are a few product recommendations
HADA LABO- SUPER HYALURONIC ACID HYDRATING ESSENCE
I’m rating this an 8/9 because it is a good product at a good price. This is great for any budget.
EVE LOM- INTENSE HYDRATION SERUM
This serum is a good product, but again can be out of some’s skincare budget. I rate this product 9/10.
EVE’S GARDENHYALURONIC PUREADVANCED HYDRO COMPLEX FACIAL SERUM, TRIPLE HYDRATION METHOD
This product offers a strong solution at a reasonable price. I give it a 10/10 rating.
SKINCEUTICALSHYALURONIC ACID INTENSIFIER (H.A.)
I’m rating this intensifier 9/10 because it is a wonderful product, but can be considered pricey for some.
The answer is both. A good cosmetic product and cosmoceutical will contain both It is very important that hydration takes place at all skin levels. This is how we can use all the advantages and benefits of hyaluronic acid.
A good product with HA will probably contain an optimal level of HA The concentration of the ingredients in the ingredient list are listed in descending order Therefore, HA should be listed with its INCI name (Sodium hyaluronate) in the first few ingredients, right after the humectants. Serums, natural gums or inorganic polymers are not recommended This is because HA itself is in sufficient concentration and can gel the mass, hence there is no need for additional polymers or gums. A good HA product will probably contain some other ingredients with good hydrating properties which will work synergistically with HA And last but not least, a good product with HA, will be a combination of both, LMW HA and HMW HA.
The concentration of HA (sodium hyaluronate) is also very important. Hyaluronic Acid is а hygroscopic ingredient, which means it attracts water from the atmosphere In case of low atmospheric humidity, HA can bind itself with water from the lower epidermal layers This can cause drying of the skin The recommended usage of HA is from 0.1% up to 2% Anything below this concentration will not be active, and anything which is above this concentration can dry out the skin There are many types of products containing HA Serums and ampoules are usually the products with the highest amount of active ingredients The optimal usage of HA in such products is 1%-2%.
Marina is a professional cosmetic formulator with more than 10 years of experience in the field of organic cosmetics, performance cosmetics and cosmeceuticals. She’s the owner of Marina Cosmetic Lab and a founder of the brand Eve's Garden
"The recommended usage of HA is from 0.1% up to 2%. Anything below this concentration will not be active."
Depression is a big topic and I want you to know that thyroid issues are often missed in favour of a depression or Bi-Polar diagnosis I am not dismissing depression,
but I do want to look at it from a different perspective in the hope that you will understand that there is not just one cause of depression This knowledge can be used to help you get better treatment, and you can do a lot to help treat yourself You are not mad, bad or doomed if you have been given a diagnosis of one and you suspect the other
My interest and passion for demystifying depression and the thyroid connection is three fold My own depression diagnosis and issues living with Hashimoto's (an autoimmune thyroid problem), my mum’s lifelong struggle with Bi-Polar disorder (however, I believe thyroid issues were the main cause), and my dad’s experience of depression in his final three years before committing suicide
The thyroid is a bowtie type of gland that sits just below the Adam’s apple. It regulates your metabolism and weight Thyroid hormones are required for almost every physiological process in your body including temperature regulation (hot flashes not menopause related, anyone?)
The thyroid secretes a hormone called T4 that gets converted into an active thyroid hormone called T3 which is needed for all cells of the body to be metabolically active T4 is inactive, while T3 is active 20% of this important conversion happens at the thyroid gland.
The other 80% happens peripherally Out of the 80% that happens peripherally, 60% is converted in the liver, 20% is in the healthy gut bacteria, and the other 20% is via healthy adrenal function and stress regulation
TSH confusion – Your GP will probably test for TSH this is not the thyroid hormone This is the messenger hormone that gets sent to the thyroid gland to tell it to secrete T4. Just because TSH is normal does not mean your body is secreting enough T4 so usually they will also test for that as well – if those two fall into the normal range (which is huge by the way, you don’t want to be within ‘normal’ range on any test, you want to be in optimal!) – you will be told your fine
What you often don’t get tested for by your GP is T3 levels and more importantly the free T3 (the active form) not just total T3, which is key! The other test you need to also be aware of especially if aches, muscle pains, low mood and body temperature is swinging to extremes is: TBG. Thyroid binding globulin (TBG) measures the level of protein, known as globulin, that carries thyroid hormones in the blood If you don’t have enough of these proteins then the hormones won't get to where they need to go!
Sometimes all of the above are in the normal range (as mine were), but you are still getting symptoms and you know you are just not right! (we all know our own bodies better than anyone right?)
Insist on getting this test - Thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) These are produced by your body in response to the presence of thyroglobulin. They are detected in 80% of people with Hashimoto's and between 50% to 70% of those with Graves' disease
Here’s the scary thing, when I went to my doctor to ask for my blood to be re-run after a year of treating Hashimoto's myself with diet changes, gut healing and supplements (and feeling so much better) the young, new GP didn’t even know what this test was! Fortunately, the doctor was willing to be educated by me and my massive blood test result folder, yet when he asked if he could request this test, he was denied it by the practice manager!
I was fortunate that he was genuinely keen to learn and asked for a photocopy of my result as I was explaining to him which other blood test results linked together, and indicated my correct diagnosis of Hashimotos in conjunction with the specific thyroid tests. But be aware all doctors are different! Know your stuff or point them here
I will say that I spoke to another GP in the doctor’s office after this and asked why they refused the test, and was told their policy is that if TSH T4 & T3 are all showing normal then usually everything is fine as these are a good indicator that things are working as they should be However, usually does not mean always!
My TgAB levels were off the charts high, as were my inflammatory markers So if you feel like I did, I had every symptom on the list below (except the menstrual issues) and was convinced I was suffering from depression. When you look at the depression symptoms list further down you can see why
Persevere with your GP or better yet get a full Thyroid test done privately which is what I did along with a comprehensive blood test. It was the best £700 I have ever spent as I could rule out depression and had hope that I could now treat myself with the right protocol >>
I was convinced I was suffering from depression
Unexplained weight gain, Fatigue and tiredness, Low energy, Numb or tingling fingers/toes, Muscle soreness/back pain, Menstrual and fertility problems, PMS, Thinning of outer third of eyebrows, Constipation/diarrhoea, Dry, flakey skin, Poor concentration and memory, Irritability, Poor sleep, Temperature intolerance, Low mood.
Low mood, feeling sad, irritable or angry, Having less energy to do certain things, Losing interest or enjoyment in activities you used to enjoy, Eating more/weight gain, Disturbed sleep and losing your appetite, Reduced concentration, Fatigue/lethargy, Feeling less good about yourself (loss of self-confidence), or Feeling guilty or worthless
It’s important to note that adrenal dysfunction is often found alongside thyroid disease, and many of the symptoms overlap. This means it is important to look at the thyroid and the adrenals side-by-side Remember, 20% of the T3 conversion process relies on healthy adrenal function and stress response Too much stress can cause havoc in your gut and with blood glucose levels, energy and mood swings!
Do you see how it just doesn’t make sense to try to only look at one area or gland in isolation Your body’s organs, glands and systems never work alone. One huge step you can take to support both the adrenals and the thyroid is by paying attention to your iron levels, magnesium, zinc, selenium and D3 Now let's look at depression.
Vicky MidwoodVicky started helping busy professionals transform their lives after turning her own around She uses her vast experience and skills to help other professionals and high achievers find power in language, exercise, thinking about food, and the gut and body to bring about change and restore health
vicky gofigurecoaching
vickymidwood com
When you look at the two lists you can see why a misdiagnosis is common The food we eat, how much sunlight we get and the toxins and stressors we are exposed to daily affect the adrenal and thyroid glands massively and both of these are ruled by your gut/brain connection and nervous system Our physical wellbeing and mental wellbeing are not and should never be looked at as separate
You can help yourself with whichever diagnosis you have or don’t have The first thing you want to do is to clear out all the dietary and lifestyle sources of stress on the liver and heal your gut This means goodbye to toxic cleaning products, detergents, make-up, skin-care, air-fresheners and smelly candles
Ditching the junk food and over-processed foods loaded with additives, sweeteners, vegetables oils, soy, sugar and unrecognisable or unpronounceable ingredients. Farewell to more than the occasional alcohol, caffeine, over the counter medications and anything else the liver has to work extra hard to detox See you later to trying to be all things to all people and burning the candle at both ends
Hello to eating slowly, chewing well and relaxing, going to bed early, laughing and playing more! If you have been offered antidepressants but have not been offered thyroid testing, I’d definitely go there first
I went back with the same symptoms three separate times over three years and believe me I was really struggling to just function by the final visit! First, I was told it was probably a virus, then I was told at 43 it was early menopause, finally I was told it was depression and offered anti-depressants which I politely and firmly declined
It was only when I chose to play detective myself that I discovered just what was wrong and it's thanks to that, that I went deeper into functional medicine, holistic nutrition and supplementation, hormones, the gut-brain connection, and mental wellbeing
If you are already taking thyroxine or similar, it may well help you feel better initially, but, if you continue to leave your diet (gut health) and stress (adrenal function) as it is, you will end up getting the same symptoms coming back because your haven't sorted the cause of the problem!
No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving-every day James Clear, one of the world's leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results
If you're having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn't you The problem is your system Bad habits repeat themselves again and again not because you don't want to change, but because you have the wrong system for change You do not rise to the level of your goals You fall to the level of your systems Here, you'll get a proven system that can take you to new heights
What is that magic quality makes some people instantly loved and respected? Everyone wants to be their friend (or, if single, their lover!) In business, they rise swiftly to the top of the corporate ladder. What is their "Midas touch?" What it boils down to is a more skillful way of dealing with people. The author has spent her career teaching people how to communicate for success. In her book How to Talk to Anyone(Contemporary Books, October 2003) Lowndes offers 92 easy and effective sure fire success techniques she takes the reader from first meeting all the way up to sophisticated techniques used by the big winners in life
"In Freelance Your Way to Freedom: How to Free Yourself from the Corporate World and Build the Life of Your Dreams, freelancing phenomenon Alex Fasulo delivers a practical, step-by-step guide to navigating the potential and perils of launching your very own side hustle In the book, the author draws on her own experience transforming a $36,000/year Fiverr side hustle into a million-dollar enterprise. She explains how to manage those critical moments in business when decisions need to be made quickly and without warning
a lack of communication causing you to look elsewhere, outside of your relationship? Sometimes when we lose the connection of
communication we also lose the connection of intimacy with our partner
When you have an unhealthy relationship: not being heard, lack of intimacy, little to no connection, you find yourself looking elsewhere for validation Looking for someone else to tell you that you are amazing, special, beautiful instead of looking within. When you don’t feel connected or intimate, instead of doing the work together, you try to soothe that pain or soothe your needs by flirting at work or getting attention somewhere else
I felt that way in my previous marriage. I went to work looking for someone to tell me I looked good Then I realized that I had to look within myself for validation It starts from within, not from what someone else tells you.
You have to feel it I realized I had to work on myself It can be painful to dig inside of yourself It takes work and sometimes you don’t want to do the work But, this is the only way you can find your complete validation.
Are you going to be a survivor, or are you going to be a victim? You’re the only one that can get you out of it and decide what you want to do. It takes work.
In my previous marriage I was always trying to cover up the pain I had to learn what I needed, wanted and deserved. Now when I look at myself in the mirror, I know that I am beautiful. I feel this way because I love myself and have made the choice to focus on what is good about me and my life
"Are you going to be a survivor, or are you going to be a victim?"
I have decided to stop being a victim. I am no longer allowing anyone or anything to hurt me. It is up to me whether I am going to be a survivor or a victim Things are only as good as you want them to be I choose joy and happiness.
According to Dr Karen Hall “Self-validation is the ability to recognize and acknowledge your own internal experience It is not about agreeing with someone or accepting their thoughts as your own; it is about being able to accept these thoughts and experiences as being valid”
This is what I want for you. I want you to be happy and whole I want you to start doing things that make you happy I want you to take care of yourself, and I want you to be strong I want you to start self-care Doing things that will make you happy. Seek help if you need it. That's why I love what I do. I will show you how to love yourself How to dig deep within you to find the person you truly want to be The person you are seeking
I will show you how to do that. How to love yourself and take care of yourself, and be there for yourself when no one else is I want you to feel good about yourself I did my work I worked hard to get to the other side I am no longer a victim. I choose joy and happiness.
Debra is the Founder and CEO of Nurture Your Love and enjoys working with married women to see the power they have in being who they want to be and who they can be As a relationship & intimacy coach, Debra is helping couples find that spark they had when they first were married
LET’S BE HONEST, BABIES AND KIDS DON’T COME WITH A SET OF INSTRUCTIONS. HYPOTHETICALLY SPEAKING THERE ARE FEW PREREQUISITES TO BEING A MOM.
Some of us fell into motherhood by chance and some of us have dreamed of being moms since we were children ourselves No matter how you boarded the motherhood train I think we can all agree that once you're a mother it's probably a good idea to do the best job we can for the development of our children
It is part of our job as a mom to promote a healthy family lifestyle and to produce healthy, capable members of society for our future generations Being a mom is the most important job on the planet hands down.
Although the task of being a mom can seem daunting at times, we are so fortunate as modern moms to be able to have access to an abundance of parenting material As an entrepreneur it can be very challenging to balance motherhood and running a business
Being a mompreneur is a great way for a mom to connect with their children and to show them by example how to set goals as a mom and child
Certain business models are great for the whole family to participate in together. It requires balance to be a mom and a business owner. It can be done especially when we support each other! I love seeing the unique businesses moms have and sharing those unique female, mom owned businesses It is truly fun and rewarding.
There is no such thing as a perfect mom I think that for a mom to be present as a parent and the will, drive and desire to be a good mom, the best mom you can be in itself makes a mom a good mother I love fun parenting tips for moms! Tips for toddler nutrition, tips for reaching developmental milestones and tips to connect emotionally with your child. Being a parent is the only “job” which involves no formal training, very little background knowledge (for most of us) and the “outcome” involves the people we value most (our children)
"It requires balance to be a mom and a business owner. "
Many millennial and gen z moms are also small business owners, working moms, single moms, moms in blended families and can get creative regarding parenting. But how can a mom and a business owner embrace and balance both job roles?Here are a few practical tips that can help.
Outsource as many business as you can This will help you a better outlook and men clarity Having feelings o overwhelm can stifle your creativity
It can be fun and rewarding to watch our children reach developmental milestones Skills such as taking turns, playing make believe, and kicking a ball are simple things moms do with their kids everyday to enrich their child's development Milestones are scientifically supported behavioral or physical checkpoints seen in infants and children as they grow and develop As moms we have to keep in mind that our children are still developing even after they hit their milestones Children are still developing mentally as toddlers, young kids and teenager's We actually develop mentally well into adulthood
If you're a parent, you get plenty of suggestions on how to raise your child From experts to other parents, people are always ready to offer advice Parenting tips, parents' survival guides, dos, don'ts, shoulds and shouldn'ts - new ones come out daily.
The truth is there is more than one "right" way to be a good parent Good parenting includes:
Keeping your child safe, Showing affection and listening to your child, Providing order and consistency, Setting and enforcing limits, Spending time with your child, Monitoring your child's friendships and activities, Leading by example.
1 2 3 4
Delegate and manage family time first: Having a thriving business will mean nothing if 20 years down the road your children feel you never had time for them
healthy as you can Throw en apple down the hatch Green apples are a quick ouse snack that have many ts especially for women’s overall health
Write down your business to-do list Having a to-do list can eliminate stress. Be careful with this one though, a to-do list that’s too long can be overwhelming and have opposite
Clari enjoys connecting with other moms that have more experience than she does and seeking out the advice of professionals in childhood development. Connecting moms with good information and good brands is her passion Her goal is to share little tips and tricks she’s learning along the way as well as the expert advice of professionals
"Children are still developing mentally as toddlers, young kids and teenager's."
Chanty is both a business app and a team chat app that lets you communicate and collaborate with your team with ease. Get in touch with them using text and voice messages or make audio and video calls. Share your screen and communicate one-on-one or through public channels
Besides communication, you can manage your projects by turning messages into tasks Assign those tasks to your team and set deadlines so you can manage your work from Chanty Finally, you can see everything in one place: your Teambook This is your central communication hub that stores all of your contacts, messages, tasks, files, and much more
Workday boasts a single small business app for HR and finance so you can make better choices based on data and not guesswork. With this app, you can easily engage all your employees and it is customizable at any moment.
Through their Workday Human Capital Management (HCM), as a manager, you hold all the cards to efficiently and effectively plan, recruit, and develop talent in just a click. This easy to use small business app seamlessly takes your employees from day one to their last day.
10to8 has a feature, Meeting Scheduling Software, built to help remote teams connect and organize meetings, like daily calls, virtual coffees, cross-department meetings, and more And if teams spread among many time zones, there is a timezone management feature so managers are not stuck calculating the differing hours There is also a native Zoom Video integration that allows users to manage video calls easily
