<a href="https://kristinaleonardi.com/2022/07/08/a-more-perfect-union-4/" rel="bookmark">A More Perfect Union

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 for a video that explains some ways I can help you 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 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!

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

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 or scroll down to learn more about my new book

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

Categories Uncategorized

Bridging the Divide

July 1, 2022 //

As the famous line from Lincoln’s speech goes, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” This sentiment was in response to the very literal Black and white issue in our nation at the time, i.e., slavery and the division it caused in our union. We are very much continuing to deal with that era’s repercussions, which are coming up very loudly at this moment to be confronted and healed in a more profound way than ever before.

And in the broader context, it’s important not to get sucked into the polarity, the absolutism of everything, the duality of good vs. evil and us vs. them. Right now it’s especially easy — with all the propaganda from both sides — to get into a catastrophic or doomsday mindset. This is certainly a challenging time, and people, property, businesses and ways of life are dying and/or permanently changing, but when we accept that this is all part of the much bigger transformation I’ve talked about here many times, you can switch into a less extreme, more detached attitude in order to be a constructive rather than reactive part of the process.

And we must get there, because when each of us individually is divided within our mind, body and spirit, we cannot stand collectively as a whole and healthy society. In other words, when we are divided, we are much more susceptible to being conquered. And I don’t know about you, but I’m not interested in being conquered on any level. So how can we resist becoming a casualty of the conquest? We need to start with ourselves, hence this PGG, called Grey’s Anatomy which you can find here on Medium.

And to learn more about how you can help bridge the divide, you can check out this interview where Rick Young of What’s In Your Hand Radio Show started out by asking me what I would say if I were speaking at the Democratic convention. I had no idea what he was going to ask in the hour-plus interview, which meant all of my answers were off the top of my head, and here’s how I responded.

And this PGG Video of week is a clip from a talk I gave in February, right before the world turned upside down. I talk about how some days are good, some days are not so good, and how we need to listen to ourselves and learn to go with the flow of life, which can help us be more detached and neutral as we navigate the tempest that lies ahead.

Because the more of us who remain calm in the eye of the storm, the more unified we will be internally, and then can join forces externally to get to the other side as one nation, indivisible, and stronger than ever before.

Today’s PGG was originally published on September 1, 2020

* * * * * * * * *

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

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 for a video that explains some ways I can help you 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 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 or scroll down to learn more about my new book

Tags mindfulness, personal development, personal growth, self reflection

Categories Uncategorized

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

* * * * * * * * *

Say It To Make It: Affirmations to Empower the

Heart, Mind, Spirit and Soul

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.

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

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

Click here for a video that explains some ways I can help you 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 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 or scroll down to learn more about my new book

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

Categories Uncategorized

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

* * * * * * * * *

Say It To Make It: Affirmations to Empower the

Heart, Mind, Spirit and Soul

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.

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

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

Click here for a video that explains some ways I can help you 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 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 or scroll down to learn more about my new book

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

Categories Uncategorized

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

* * * * * * * * *

Say It To Make It: Affirmations to Empower the

Heart, Mind, Spirit and Soul

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 for a video that explains some ways I can help you 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 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 learn more about my new book

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

Categories Uncategorized

One Day at a Time

May 20, 2022 //

A good friend would often quote a Yiddish saying to me: Mensch tracht, Gott lacht. Man plans, God laughs.

The renowned Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh offers another perspective: “People sacrifice the present for the future. But life is possible only in the present.”

In this era of instant everything and a world of answers literally at our fingertips, one of the hardest things for us to do is live in that space where we don’t know what will happen next. With the unemployment rate at record highs, more and more people are learning the hard way how to experience life in this manner.

People in career transition, artists and freelancers have to operate without knowing where their next paycheck will be coming from. People in new relationships are at often at sea in unchartered emotional waters. Whenever we put ourselves in unfamiliar social territory or a take a trip to a place we’ve never been, we journey into the unknown — which is why it’s so important to travel; it’s one of the most natural ways to be in the present.

An easy way to add anxiety and stress in your life is to allow yourself to be overwhelmed by all the things you think you need to accomplish in the near or not-so-near future. The reality is that you can’t possibly know what tomorrow will bring, so you may as well trust that the right decision or action today will lead you where you need to go, even if you don’t know where you’re ultimately going.

So when your life is a big question mark or an empty slate, or if you find yourself in terra incognita, I can help you fill in the blanks and navigate your way through, or simply show you how to be okay with where you right now.

Give me a buzz and I will be the lighthouse in the fog, the compass in your pocket, to help guide you to your most authentic destination, in time and on time!

Originally published on September 14, 2010

* * * * * * * * * * * *

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

Follow 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!

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 Life on 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

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

Read over 100-star “Yelp” style reviews here

Read the inspiration for this post from Gloria Steinem’s MOTHER AS A VERB post here

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

Tags change, mindfulness, one day at a time, patience, personal development, personal growth, presence, self reflection

Categories Uncategorized

Are You My Mother?

May 6, 2022 //

The other half of the question of what there is to celebrate is what mothered and mothers you, how you mother yourself, how you celebrate and recognize what cares for you and takes care of you, and what you care for in return. — Rebecca Solnit

On this day and forever more, we will be reminded that peace is not just the absence of war. It is the presence of mothering. — Gloria Steinem

Because I knew in my early 20s I did not want to become a mother in the traditional/noun sense, I’ve never felt left out of Mother’s Day. As a human being, I have a right to this choice; however, as a woman in the 21st century, I do not take this for granted and I’m ever-grateful for the time, culture and place I live in, as well as for those who have fought for and given their lives in order for me to exercise this right without (much) prejudice or persecution.

I’ve also never felt left out because of much of what Gloria writes here. I have never given birth to or chosen to adopt and be responsible for the survival and well-being of another human, which is unfathomable to me — I give all of you who do so tremendous credit and am in complete awe of the undertaking. But I have experienced, and continue to experience, mothering the verb in so many ways.

I gave birth to The Women’s Mosaic and took care of it for over 10 years; I birthed a book of 131 essays and I’m creating more PGGs every month (I think this might be one … !). [Update: And in April 2022 I birthed a potent pocket-sized book of affirmations].

I felt like a mother worrying about a teenage daughter when my mom was out partying and having fun with the boys late at night, then experienced caregiving when she was too ill to take care of herself, then honored and cared for her possessions when she was gone.

Over the past 15 years and counting, I have been a mentor and provider of loving guidance to the growth and development of countless interns, volunteers and clients, who are often young enough to be my sons or daughters, and I consider many of them as such, regardless of their age. I like to think that I’m a nurturing friend and sibling, and I care deeply for those who are in my life. I feel a responsibility for and have dedicated my life to contributing to peace and harmony on the planet in whatever way I can.

But most important, and especially having gone through the loss of both parents now, I am constantly giving birth to myself — I have learned, and continue to learn, how to take care of my mental, emotional, physical and spiritual needs and to give myself permission to express the fullest version of who I am, which is a work in progress.

Mothering oneself and others is essential to both inner and outer peace, so no matter who you are, or what your status or gender, all of us can strive for and celebrate being the best mothers we can be.

Read Rebecca Solnit’s (quoted above) post about Mother’s Day here

Today’s PGG was orginally published on May 10, 2016.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Click here to learn more about my new book

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

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 for a video that explains some ways I can help you 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 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!

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

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

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

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

Tags creativity, life coach, life coaching, motherhood, mothering, personal development, personal growth, self awareness, self care, self love, self reflection

Categories Uncategorized

Hatched: A Love Child

April 15, 2022 //

*** My new book is now available on Amazon! ***

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

Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will. ~ George Bernard Shaw

Oh George, if only it were that easy!

Creating stuff is hard. That initial idea has to be followed up with a lot of time and effort, along with a fair amount of blood, sweat and tears. And going from brain to book, especially a highly designed one like this, requires a ton of details and decisions — two things I am least capable of and most averse to! And don’t even ask about the technical stuff …

But last March, the idea came to me that I should offer a tool to help my clients with affirmations and having a practice to connect with themselves on a daily basis (since I always assign both as homework). I wanted it to be a simple but powerful little book that would appeal to all genders and ages. The idea was so clear and straightforward, I thought it would be a piece of cake to manifest. Ha! I then had to remind myself several times over the past 12 months that “Man plans, God laughs.”

I had self-published my first book over seven years ago, but like a mother who forgets what it’s like to give birth and raise children when she gets the pang to have another baby and then once pregnant endures awful morning sickness, followed by the pain of childbirth and subsequent sleepless nights, not to mention expenses…the initial impetus and overwhelming love for the child supersedes and washes away all of the agony. It’s this kind of amnesia that keeps the wheels of creation moving forward!

And along with the creative process comes a lot of doubt, vulnerability and risk: What if no one likes my baby or thinks it’s ugly? What will they think about me as a mother? What if this was a terrible idea? Good thing I created a tool to help me with that, lol! #wewritewhatweneedtoread

My mantra when self-doubt started to creep in was: I’m doing the best I can with the tools I have. And I reminded myself that comparing myself to ANYONE is a direct route to suffering and does not make sense because we are all on our own unique path, so success is a relative thing. #weteachwhatweneedtolearn

I definitely had to use affirmations like “I love myself,” “I trust in the Universe and go with the flow” and “I have the courage to be who I am and express my fullest potential” often. At the end of the day (a year later), I had to let go of any issues I had around making this perfect or public.

No matter what the outcome, this was about me honoring my vision and experiencing this beautiful power of creation that we all possess but many discount, deny or simply don’t use. But it is incredibly rewarding to see an idea become tangible, especially for someone like me whose work is mostly intangible.

It is truly a labor of love, and to see it through is one of the most loving things you can do for yourself.

From its conception (March 2021), I trusted that the book would be born when it wanted to be born. I laid the egg and trusted that the chick would hatch when it was ready. I never could have planned for this book to go live when it did, which meant I announced it on the day when the first night of Passover fell on Good Friday during the month of Ramadan, with the themes of the burning bush, rebirth and renewal, along with colorful Easter eggs and Peeps, on a full moon in my rising sign to boot! #cantmakethisup. To me, there was no better proof that it was, as I like to say, “in time and on time.”

Lastly, with so much negativity and suffering on the planet, this was a way to counteract all of that by putting out some positivity, bright colors and good vibes into the world. I hope you enjoy it firsthand!

Watch a fun video here announcing the book

Click here to learn more about Kristina’s new book Say It To Make It: Affirmations to Empower the Heart, Mind, Spirit and Soul

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

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 for a video that explains some ways I can help you 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 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 FOR FULL PGG ENEWSLETTER WITH INTRODUCTORY NOTE ABOUT CURRENT EVENTS

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

Tags personal development, personal growth, self awareness, self reflection

Categories Uncategorized

The Experiment

April 8, 2022 //

Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained. ~ Marie Curie

Genius is 2 percent inspiration, 98 percent perspiration. ~ Thomas Alva Edison

Marie Curie spent four grueling years in her laboratory without any guarantees that her work would not be in vain. As Albert Einstein commented, “The greatest scientific deed of her life — proving the existence of radioactive elements and isolating them — owes its accomplishment not merely to bold intuition but to a devotion and tenacity in execution under the most extreme hardships imaginable such as the history of experimental science has not often witnessed.”

As a result of her conviction, patience and fortitude, along with the support of her husband and partner, Pierre Curie, Marie Curie became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and was the first of only four people to have been bestowed the honor more than once!

It’s important to note that the word laboratory contains the word labor, which means “to work.” The word experiment derives from the same root as the word experience, which is defined as “practical contact with and observation of facts or events.” In this great laboratory called Life, we are most alive and creative when stretching ourselves to make discoveries and determinations, or testing hypotheses of our own or others’ making.

The only way for evolution and growth to take place is to step out of our comfort zones; to find what works and what doesn’t, whether it be with health, career or relationships; and to find out what sticks and what is more suitable for the literal or metaphoric trash can. We must have a myriad of experiences — good, bad, and everything in between — because they are our best teachers.

As I often tell my clients, “You need to get your hands dirty,” to get out there, out of your bubble, out of the theory/fantasy in your head, and interact with life to see what it has in store for you, how it can mold and shape you, what you’re made of, what your likes/dislikes are, and what new vistas it contains, all of which serve to make you ever stronger and wiser.

This is especially true when at a crossroads, a point of no return; when it seems you’re at the edge of a cliff and the only option is to jump off to get to your next destination. As scary as that feels, the fear of moving forward is far better than the dread of staying where you are or turning back, knowing that failures, both big and small, will always beset you on this new journey in order to learn — like an infant who has to take those first steps, and fall many, many times, before it’s able to walk confidently on its own. Remember that Edison never failed; he just found 10,000 ways that didn’t work!

Just as the Founding Fathers called the formation of our nation the “greatest social experiment in history,” which continues to have its share of successes and failures, this year why not commit to seeing your life, or at least one aspect of it, as your own experiment, with new actions based on sound information or solid intuition as knowledge is gained. And keep in mind that some of us are more introverted so we need to explore more outwardly, and those of us who are more extroverted need to experiment with being quiet and exploring our internal worlds…

Need a little help with your own personal or professional life research? Give me a buzz and I’ll be the scientist who collects, analyzes and assesses the data you’ve accumulated so far, as well as take inventory of your inherent traits in order to discover (or rediscover) that which will bring you the most fulfillment and success this year and beyond!

Today’s PGG was orginally published on January 10, 2012.

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

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 for a video that explains some ways I can help you 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 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 FOR FULL PGG ENEWSLETTER WITH INTRODUCTORY NOTE ABOUT CURRENT EVENTS

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

Tags change, life coaching, mindfulness, personal development, personal growth, self awareness, self reflection

Categories Uncategorized

Be Kind Rewind

April 1, 2022 //

We’re working our jobs, collect our pay
Believe we’re gliding down the highway, when in fact we’re slip slidin’ away ~ Paul Simon

How is it that today is [April 1]?! I’m not sure why the older we get the faster time seems to go, but coupled with the technological superhighway we’ve been on, the perception of it is certainly speeding up and life is passing us by in a blink of an eye.

Between the boob tube, a gazillion distractions on the internet and social media, aimless nights out on the town or sales at the mall, and whatever celebrity gossip channels and news media outlets force us to be focused on at the moment, it’s easy to lose track of what we can control and create for ourselves.

And no matter what you do for a living, it’s easy to let the daily grind eat up your days; if you’re not connected in a meaningful way to your work it makes it worse, and if you have others to care for on top of your own stuff that adds even more to your load. Whew!

This is why it’s so important to stop every now and then — daily, weekly, monthly quarterly — the more the better — to see what’s really happening in your life, rather than perpetually going through the motions to get through the day.

I am constantly reminding my audiences and clients that our time and energy are our most precious resources, so take this opportunity to check in to see if you’ve been using yours the way you said you would back in January. Have you checked off all the things you wanted to accomplish before the clock strikes midnight on December 31st? If not, there’s still a reasonable amount of time to do something about them.

It’s also that time of year when we reflect upon all the blessings in our lives — and no matter how challenging things might be, we can always find something for which to give thanks.

Because unlike the shows on our DVR’s, we cannot simply rewind our lives and recover lost time, but we can review for ourselves what’s transpired in order to learn from our experiences and move forward with a better understanding and clearer purpose for whatever is next on the horizon.

Not sure where the minutes, hours and days are going, what you did with the ones you had, or feel like you don’t have anything to put on your gratitude list this year? You can get some ideas from Alanis, or simply give me a buzz — we’ll do an instant replay and send you on your way!

Today’s PGG was orginally published on November 15, 2011.

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

Get essays like this delivered every Friday to your mailbox 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 for a video that explains some ways I can help you 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 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!

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

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