KRISTINA'S WEEKLY EMAIL OF THOUGHT-PROVOKING ESSAYS & VIDEOS TO KEEP YOU CONNECTED TO YOURSELF ON THIS JOURNEY CALLED LIFE |
Greetings!
How are you? It's been a week with shorter days and some gloomy weather both literally (in the NE) and figuratively, and perhaps the contrast feels even more stark since it's supposedly 'tis the season to be jolly... With social media feeds filled with lots of sad news and stories over the past couple days, it's important to remember, as I say in this video, that sometimes things are just sad and it's okay to be sad.
In most instances, feelings are just like clouds passing through and they just want to be seen and felt just like the sunshine, and then they move on, and we appreciate the sunshine even more. Sitting with my feelings knowing that they are temporary and may be trying to show or teach me something has been invaluable and essential to my personal growth and healing. But if you are seriously struggling, text HOME to 741741 for free to Crisis Text Line if you need support 24/7.
Since my mom passed several years ago, Christmas has lost much of it's magic for me. It's been a journey, but at this point I'm okay with it all and think that maybe it will return someday, but it if doesn't, that's fine too because I'm beyond grateful for all the years we did have. If you know anyone that might be experiencing the the holiday blues or is alone around this time of year, perhaps include them in some of your festivities; sometimes just being invited makes all the difference even if they don't show up.
I also think it's important to go through the holiday season however YOU need to go through it and not get sucked into the marketing of what it should be. (Side note: If you're looking for a nice Xmas movie that's actually different from the usual rinse and repeat saccharine Hallmark plots, check out Your Christmas or Mine on Amazon). And really just keep in mind that everyone is dealing with a lot, so as today's PGG essay reminds us, do your best to be kind.
To be honest, I was not feeling very funny or lighthearted at this week's CONNECTING WITH KRISTINA online gathering about HUMOR, and wasn’t sure what I was going to say or how I would be able to show up (this was prior to the sad and tragic news about dancer/DJ tWitch), but the show must go on and I pushed myself through….And lo and behold, just talking about humor and connecting and laughing with others helped!
This can be a hard time of the year for many people, and these past several years have been hard in general, so we need to use all the tools in the toolbox we can to get us through the next minute, hour or day with the relief of some levity and laughter, so be sure to remember and revere this profound and uniquely human gift we have been given. Click here for some video clips of our conversation and giggles. I'll be taking some time off in January, so the next CWK will likely be in February.
Today's PGG Video of the Week is about asking for help, or this one about how humor can be used as a tool to get through tough times, and this week's Instagram post is about being kind and other gifts we can give that don't cost a thing. Today's PGG Vibe of the Week is Jose Gonzalez's soothing, uplifting groove, Leaf Off/The Cave
Lastly, THANK YOU for being here and for being part of my community! If any of my essays, coaching, talks, videos or posts have helped you along your career/life journey, here are a few ways you can show your appreciation and support my work:
And as always, please feel free to contact me with any comments about anything.
Big Hug <3
Kristina
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"I love your PGG newsletters - one of the only ones I actually read in its entirety. They are excellently written, and spot on. Thanks for being so inspirational and reflective!" ~ Tom D.
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What are people saying about Kristina's new book
I LOVE this book and recommend it to anyone who is looking for a little boost of positivity in their lives. ~ Margaret H.
This is more of a "working" book – not something you'll pick up once and read cover to cover, but it'll become more of a tool to help you see yourself differently and will return to over and over again, which is priceless. ~ Cherise R.
The intro pages guided me on how the affirmations can be used, and I love how she speaks of having “anchor times” in my day. ~ Alex I.
I absolutely love these affirmations and the way the book was put together with such thought and creativity. Say them, post them, paste them! Affirmations have helped me tremendously and I love that these are made easily accessible. ~ Tina R.
The colors and fonts are bold and energizing... I’ve started opening the book to any page throughout the day and spending a few minutes with that singular page letting it imprint on my brain body, and being. This book is a gift from a great wise teacher. ~ Karen M.
It’s such a perfect bite-sized book of inspiration and happiness… everyone should have it! ~ Melissa F.
It can be as simple as a jump-start or as deep as an entire rewiring of your inner thoughts.
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UPCOMING EVENT:
CONNECTING WITH KRISTINA
Monthly topic, online group chat, support and Q & A
Connect with like-minded folks on a personal growth & career journey
Next topic:
VISION
February 2023
7pm-8:30pmET via Zoom
Stay tuned for information
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEOS OF PAST GATHERINGS:
Zoom link sent upon registration & prior to event.
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The Common Denominator
Originally published as a PGG note October 2021
"Hurt people hurt people” is a saying I think everyone should have at the forefront of their minds, especially during these evermore dystopian times, whether in your personal relationships with friends, family or significant other, with colleagues at work, or when experiencing or observing the world at large.
Right now there are so many additional stresses on people for a variety of reasons. So much within and around us is being brought to the surface for us to confront, being triggered by external circumstances and the transformative energies we are going through. Therefore, we need to be EXTRA understanding, patient, compassionate and loving with ourselves and others.
Another saying reminds us: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” We all have a multitude of influences that make us who we are and how we are behaving today. Unless we’ve done some deep inner work, and even if we have, we are messy humans and most people don’t handle pressure, pain, and/or fear with grace and equanimity, so it’s not pretty, to say the least!
In other words, try to take a breath and calm your reaction — or not react to the reaction of someone else or take it personally. If possible, talk it through and really LISTEN to yourself in order to communicate your truth effectively and/or be fully present so that you can actively listen and see things from the perspective of another.
We have to dig down more than ever to reveal and acknowledge our wounds — which are the sources of our triggers and reactions — and refrain from blaming, scapegoating or projecting onto others that which we ultimately need to heal within ourselves.
Because if you’re honest with yourself and take responsibility for your own peace and happiness, remember that the common denominator in any relationship or situation — especially if it is a recurring one — is YOU.
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If you like what I write, you'll love what I have to say in person!
"Many times job searching and navigating your professional career can actually be soul searching as well. Kristina combines both career and soul, which is extremely rare. Thank you, Kristina!" ~ C. Loridas
If you look forward to and benefit from these weekly essays and want to show your gratitude, any donations for my efforts are welcomed and appreciated here: Paypal.me/kristinaleonardi
Want to share my PGG? Use my Medium page for friendliest posting version.
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If you've heard about affirmations but never knew what they were or how to create or use them, this potent little book is just the tool you need!
This colorful guide’s straightforward, actionable advice and 30 bold affirmations can help you to shift your mindset and feel better about yourself no matter who you are or what your circumstances.
Keep this handy, pocket-size book at your bedside or in your backpack so you’re never far from information about:
- What affirmations are and why they are important
- How and when to use affirmations so they are most effective
- 10 ways to use the specific affirmations in the book.
Use as part of a daily routine or while on the go to strengthen your connection to yourself and maintain a positive, uplifting outlook on who you are and what you can accomplish in every area of your life!
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WORK WITH KRISTINA
If you're looking for some compassionate candor and a dose of tough love, Kristina is the coach for you.... I came into this really lacking clarity and walked away with a sense of relief. Can't recommend her enough. ~ Kevin R.
Find clarity, balance and direction in your career and life.
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WHAT TO EXPECT FROM KRISTINA'S COACHING:
Kristina’s coaching expertise is phenomenal — all-encompassing, inclusive of the mind, body & spirit, nonjudgmental, insightful and deeply involved in providing solutions and tools to be a better version of yourself. ~ Audrey N.
Kristina patiently helped me to discover and embrace my true north. I was stuck in a past identity that blocked me from the person I wanted to become. ~ Pascal D.
Since I last spoke with you, I've had some pretty dramatic changes - New Job, a Big Move, Healthy Dating Relationship. It's been pretty awesome. Emotionally, I've done a 180, and my life is certainly a reflection of that. My last session with you spurred a lot of wonderful life changes." ~ Palanda B.
I can honestly say that speaking to you was one of the most important events in my life. It is almost unbelievable how a 2-hour conversation can have that effect. ~ Bozhanka V.
Thank you again for opening my eyes to a new future! ~ K. Handa
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GET MORE OF KRISTINA
You will receive separate emails for group coaching, speaking appearances, Zoom talks or interviews but in the meantime you can check out past ones here:
Watch FULL-LENGTH Talks:
Using the Great Pause for Personal & Professional Development
Staying Motivated Throughout the Job Search Process
Authentic Branding: Letting the Real You Shine in Any Situation
Who Are You & What Are You Supposed to Be Doing with Your Life?
Stepping Stones for Success
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INTERVIEWS WITH KRISTINA
CLICK HERE FOR MY INSTAGRAM LIVE WITH ZANADE MANN
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Kristina's Books:
(on Amazon)
(on Amazon)
(work in progress)
Archive of PGG essays can be found on
Read Kristina's Career & Personal Growth Articles:
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Click link for this week's video of Jose Gonzalez's
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