Archives for the month of: June, 2022

Beauty in the Breakdown

June 24, 2022 //

When we are no longer able to change a situation…we are challenged to change ourselves. ~ Viktor Frankl

I recently read about a pill being developed that would erase unpleasant memories, kind of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind-ish. Of course I was appalled. It’s bad enough the American public is seduced by quick fixes to deal with many physical ailments that a simple change in diet and exercise, a reduction in stress, a healthy dose of self-love and/or a little mind/body/spirit elbow grease would take care of. Now they want to get rid of negative memories?! We’re already a society who overeats, overdrinks/drugs, over sexes, over technologizes, overworks and over reality shows to avoid what we’re feeling!

There’s a saying that many athletic coaches and trainers use: No pain, no gain. Yes, that can certainly apply to losing 20 pounds or training for a marathon, but it also applies to our inner workouts. As humans we like to avoid pain as much as possible, but pain can be a very useful tool if we let it. Emotional, mental, physical or spiritual/soul pain shows us where we’re out of wack and where attention needs to be paid and adjustments must be made in order to learn and grow in any area of our lives.

To the extent that you are “asleep,” the Universe is going to use some big ol’ version of its alarm clock to wake you up and give you a big kick in the butt to do something about it. And a kick in the butt doesn’t feel too good, but we all need one now and then to propel us into action. Most of us don’t want to endure prolonged suffering, so the pain forces us to take action. In other words, as I mentioned in an article I was featured in on Well & Good.com, we often need to have a breakdown in order to have a breakthrough.

Remember that without pain we wouldn’t know joy. When we are experiencing something akin to the “dark night of the soul,” think of the caterpillar who thought the world was over just before it became a butterfly, and that “it’s always darkest before dawn.” Sometimes we just need to go there; these are the times that are meant to test our mettle and force us to rise up like the phoenix from the ashes in order to evolve into a better version of ourselves — and who wouldn’t want that?

So if you’re feeling like you’re about to crack, have been sleepwalking a little too long, or need someone to push you off that diving board, just Let Go, jump in, what are you waiting for? Give me a buzz and we’ll find the amazing beauty in whatever type of breakdown is occurring in your life.

Today’s PGG was originally published on April 24, 2012

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Click here or scroll down to learn more about my new book

Say It To Make It: Affirmations to Empower the

Heart, Mind, Spirit and Soul

*Watch a fun video announcement for it here*

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CLICK HERE FOR FULL PGG ENEWSLETTER WITH INTRODUCTORY NOTE ABOUT CURRENT EVENTS

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If you like what I write, you’ll love what I have to say in person!

CLICK HERE TO BOOK ME AS A COACH

Click here for info about my coaching and speaking services and contact me today.

Click here for some testimonials from past clients

Click here for a video that explains some ways I can help you as a coach

**CLICK HERE FOR MY PODCAST-STYLE INTERVIEW WITH RICK YOUNG OF WHAT’S IN YOUR HAND RADIO SHOW**

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram and Twitter for up to date posts, helpful articles and inspirational thoughts. Slowly building my YouTube channel so you check that out and subscribe too!

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Check out this very-roughly-edited-not-the-best-quality video of uninterrupted remarks wrapping up the workshop “Lead Yourself to Success (in Work & Life!)” In this excerpt covering the final seven minutes, I summarize my thoughts about confidence, being a leader in your own life, maintaining your individuality and humanity in the times we live in, and why the world is relying on you to be successful.

Click here to watch video

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Tags change, life coach, personal development, personal growth, self awareness, self reflection, self worth

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Roots

June 17, 2022 //

Whether or not you are a direct descendant of someone who lived or worked on a plantation in the 19th century, all of us in the 21st century, no matter who or where we came from, can check in to see which areas of our lives need to be emancipated from the tyranny of whatever is keeping us down, holding us back and making us feel “less-than” in both subtle and overt ways.

Oprah expressed it perfectly when she called slavery “A machine to create inferiority.” You can only imagine what amazing strength, utter self-belief and profound self-worth was required to break out of that mentality, to really know who you are and be able to simply exist, let alone thrive, despite others perceiving you and often treating you in, well, let’s just say a most unfavorable way. What it would take to preserve and protect your self, your spirit and your soul under such circumstances is beyond comprehension.

We certainly continue to struggle in a variety of ways with the legacy and repercussions of slavery in terms of race, while at the same time have come very far. But regardless of the color of our skin, there are more inconspicuous ways that we are judged — much of which has to do with what we think of ourselves when we look in the mirror, are alone with our thoughts, and by the choices we make in every area of our lives.

The foundation of who we are reaches far and wide throughout our work, relationships, health and everyday life, so the stronger and deeper your tree grows, the more you can weather even a storm like Sandy. Yes, you might lose a few branches along the way, but you won’t be knocked out for good! So take some time this month to connect to the root of who you are, using this part of of Summer to develop, heal and love yourself so you can harvest more fully come Fall.

You might have some family roots to dig up or some grass roots to build up in the process, but the bottom line is that if you look at any problem, challenge or change you want to make and trace it back to its ultimate root — if you’re honest with yourself — will find that the buck stops with you.

Remember, this is always good news — because that means you can do something about it.

Having a little trouble connecting all the literal and metaphorical genealogical dots of your career and life? Give me a buzz, and I will help you get to the root the matter, so just like Alex Haley searching for Kunta Kinte in Africa you can shout, “I found you!”

Today’s PGG was originally published on February 13, 2013

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Click here or scroll down to learn more about my new book

Say It To Make It: Affirmations to Empower the

Heart, Mind, Spirit and Soul

*Watch a fun video announcement for it here*

* * * * * * * *

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CLICK HERE FOR FULL PGG ENEWSLETTER WITH INTRODUCTORY NOTE ABOUT CURRENT EVENTS

Get essays like this delivered every Friday to your inbox as my PGG newslette r by texting CLEARLYKRISTINA to 22828 to join my mailing list.

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If you like what I write, you’ll love what I have to say in person!

CLICK HERE TO BOOK ME AS A COACH

Click here for info about my coaching and speaking services and contact me today.

Click here for some testimonials from past clients

Click here for a video that explains some ways I can help you as a coach

**CLICK HERE FOR MY PODCAST-STYLE INTERVIEW WITH RICK YOUNG OF WHAT’S IN YOUR HAND RADIO SHOW**

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram and Twitter for up to date posts, helpful articles and inspirational thoughts. Slowly building my YouTube channel so you check that out and subscribe too!

Text CLEARLYKRISTINA to 22828 to be added to my mailing list and be in the loop with my coaching and workshops as well as have these essays delivered to your inbox!

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Click here to watch video

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Tags mindfulness, personal development, personal growth, self awareness, self empowerment, self love, self reflection, self worth

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Set Yourself Straight with Self-Care

June 10, 2022 //

This week, I wanted to ask one simple question: How well are you taking care of yourself? And I mean that on all levels — physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

My guess is there are some areas where you are pretty good at it; other areas that could use some attention; and some where you think you are OK but may be in a little denial or have a blind spot about because you have become so accustomed to existing in a particular way that you don’t even realize it’s unhealthy or imbalanced.

That last one’s a tricky sucker, no doubt, and when you finally realize how “off” you’ve been, it can be enlightening and even liberating. But implementing the necessary corrections or improvements can feel monumental, requiring discipline and conscious choices to be made, often painstakingly, over time. Yet when you are able to see everything as an act of self-love and self-care, it takes some of the edge off the very uncomfortable actions of doing what you know is right for yourself but might be difficult in the moment.

The fact is that we are each responsible for our own lives, happiness and well-being, so the more we rely on external forces like our spouses/partners, friends, parents, doctors, pastors/rabbis, the government, etc. (or the projections of any of those onto each other!), the more frustrated, anxious and/or disappointed we become.

We must remember that we have the power to change our lives for the better (which includes asking for help when we need it), and in doing so, we will suffer less, achieve more, and everyone around us will ultimately benefit.

These extraordinary and challenging times have likely highlighted some of these issues for you, so give me a buzz and I can show how you can make the most of the current circumstances with new perspectives, tips and tools to take care of yourself on all levels.

Remember everyone is fighting their own battle and are at different levels of self-care, so be extra gentle and compassionate with yourself and others!

Originally posted as a PGG note on August 2020

* * * * * * * * *

Click here or scroll down to learn more about my new book

Say It To Make It: Affirmations to Empower the

Heart, Mind, Spirit and Soul

*Watch a fun video announcement for it here*

* * * * * *

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CLICK HERE FOR FULL PGG ENEWSLETTER WITH INTRODUCTORY NOTE ABOUT CURRENT EVENTS

Get essays like this delivered every Friday to your inbox as my PGG newsletter by texting CLEARLYKRISTINA to 22828 to join my mailing list.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If you like what I write, you’ll love what I have to say in person!

CLICK HERE TO BOOK ME AS A COACH

Click here for info about my coaching and speaking services and contact me today.

Click here for some testimonials from past clients

Click here for a video that explains some ways I can help you as a coach

**CLICK HERE FOR MY PODCAST-STYLE INTERVIEW WITH RICK YOUNG OF WHAT’S IN YOUR HAND RADIO SHOW**

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram and Twitter for up to date posts, helpful articles and inspirational thoughts. Slowly building my YouTube channel so you check that out and subscribe too!

Text CLEARLYKRISTINA to 22828 to be added to my mailing list and be in the loop with my coaching and workshops as well as have these essays delivered to your inbox!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Click here to watch video

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Read over 100 5-star “Yelp” style reviews here

Join Mailing List

Tags mindfulness, personal development, personal growth, self love, self reflection

Categories Uncategorized

Smile in Your Liver

June 3, 2022 //

In the best-selling book Eat, Pray, Love, author Elizabeth Gilbert visits a holy man in Bali who gives her a meditation to smile in every part of her body, “Even in your liver.” This is a great way to activate the feelings of joy within. Just reading that makes you feel a little lighter and more relaxed doesn’t it?

Well, if that doesn’t do it, then what will? Whatever the thought or image is, make sure you get a daily dose in order to keep yourself young, happy and at peace. Doing so has numerous health benefits, and when identified and used properly, is cheaper and better than any diet pill, drug or food out there!

Whether savoring a scoop of gelato, relishing in a job well done, experiencing a romantic moment, or watching an episode of Glee, recognize and cherish those moments you feel joyful. Try to sustain and bathe in the sensations for as long as you can and be able to recall them when you need them the most.

I recently attended a friend’s musical, and for an hour and a half it had me smiling from ear to ear, and from my heart, gut and, yes, even my liver. If he had not followed his calling to create, I would not have enjoyed the positive mental, physical and emotional benefits that came along with it.

Everyone has the capacity to bring joy to the world, or at least to someone else. If you don’t believe me or are not quite sure how, gimme a buzz -because my work gives me such joy, it would be my pleasure, literally, to help you figure it out!

P.S. The photo for this PGG is of my friend Alex whose play I reference in the essay. It’s from last weekend being silly making videos for my book. Click here or on image for a chuckle 🙂

Today’s PGG was originally published on May 4, 2010

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Click here to learn more about my new book

Say It To Make It: Affirmations to Empower the Heart, Mind, Spirit and Soul

*Watch a fun video announcement for it here*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Get essays like this delivered every Friday to your mailbox (with an introductory note about current events) as my PGG newsletter by texting CLEARLYKRISTINA to 22828 to join my mailing list.

Click here to learn more about Kristina Leonardi coaching and other services.

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Kristina Leonardi is a nationally recognized career and life coach, speaker and author who for over 14 years has empowered individuals to make lasting professional and personal changes aligned with their true passions and talents while fulfilling their role in the world at large. With a holistic and personal growth-oriented approach, she has helped hundreds of men and women over the past decade improve their job performance, enter or re-enter the job force, change careers, better manage their time and stress, and live happier, more meaningful, balanced lives. Her specialty is working with people who feel stuck or are in transition and can help you clarify exactly what you want to do, identify blocks, issues, and patterns in your way, and offer proven ideas, resources, and action steps to get you there.

Click here for info about Kristina’s coaching and speaking services

Follow on Facebook and Instagram and Twitterfor up to date posts, helpful articles and inspirational thoughts. Slowly building my YouTube channel so you check that out and subscribe too!

Check out my book Personal Growth Gab:Personal Growth Gab (PGG) Volume One: Thought-provoking, inspirational and entertaining essays to keep you connected to yourself and make sense of this journey called Lifeon Amazon

If you like what I write, you’ll love what I have to say in person!

Click here for info about my coaching and speaking services

Click here for some testimonials from past clients

Click here for a video that explains some ways in which I can help you

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Read over 100-star “Yelp” style reviews here

Join Mailing List

Read more about me and my work in these past PGG’s: