KRISTINA'S WEEKLY EMAIL OF THOUGHT-PROVOKING ESSAYS & VIDEOS TO KEEP YOU CONNECTED TO YOURSELF ON THIS JOURNEY CALLED LIFE |
Greetings!
With all that's going on the world today, whether the uprising in Iran, war in Ukraine, economic or political turmoil on this or the other side of the pond; relationship upheavals (i.e. Kanye and Addidas; Gisele and Tom hot off the presses) or media mayhem a la Elon, we see many people - to varying degrees of urgency and importance - stirring for something different.
The hope is that of course any change would be for the better and comes about with the least amount of harm. And whether we agree or not in the end, is one in which we can co-exist harmoniously and with compassion.
Perhaps there are rumblings in your personal or professional life as well...Because the macro affects the micro and the external world is always a reflection of our inner world and vise versa, no matter how much things are re-arranged on the outside, unless we as individuals transform ourselves on the inside, we won't see the lasting change we want. It will be like, as I often tell my clients who want to skip the self-reflective personal growth work before looking for another job, a case of "Same boyfriend, different clothes."
These are some of the themes reflected in today's PGG essay below. And since there are so many issues coming up everywhere around POWER - what is it, who has it and how it is exercised - we'll be discussing it all for next month's CONNECTING WITH KRISTINA online gathering on Tuesday, November 15th. Stay tuned for official announcement. For now, you can scroll down or click here for info on past gatherings.
Today's PGG Video of the Week once again reminds you it's no accident who you are at this time in history and this week's Instagram post is the power I felt when I stood on the site of a certain famous festival. Today's PGG Vibe of the Week is a tune from the revolutionary time of the 60's, and a song I've had on replay all week (and you can see the IG reel I made here): Crosby, Still, Nash and Young's Woodstock.
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 month's topic:
POWER
Tuesday, November 15th
7pm-8:30pmET via Zoom
Stay tuned for more info & registration
Zoom link sent upon registration & prior to event.
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You Say You Want a Revolution
Originally published on December 13, 2013
One of the things I learned when I was negotiating was that until I changed myself, I could not change others.
~ Nelson Mandela
Revolution is the evolution of humans into a higher humanity.
~ Grace Lee Boggs
So it should come as no surprise that I profoundly relate to and revere the lives of these two icons, Nelson Mandela who died age 95, and activist and author Grace Lee Boggs, who lived to 100. They literally embody this philosophy in every cell of their beings; they have demonstrated it externally with their activism and sacrifice for racial equality and social justice, and internally by the wisdom they have gained and generously share from nearly a century of experience, observation, and, most importantly, reflection.
Both started out as “radicals”, and were branded as terrorists with the requisite FBI/CIA files (Mandela was even on the US terrorism watch list until 2008!) because they initially saw the only way to overthrow the entrenched power structure was by employing the more literal and sometimes violent tactics of revolution through organized movements and a spirit of rebellion.
But through trial and error, incarceration, and maturity, they eventually evolved; they gave themselves permission to change their minds, learn and grow in light of new information, experimentation and once again, reflection — ultimately coming to the conclusion that in order to change the world, they would have to change themselves.
They came to understand that indeed humanity is made up of humans and that humans were going to have to deal with other humans in order to get anything done. So we’d better be the best we can be as individuals and try to get along and get past our differences and disagreements, because the reality is that we must co-exist harmoniously — whether in a racially divided African country, a rundown bankrupt American city, or in your very own household.
We are living in extraordinary times, and it is no accident that you are who you are at this moment in history.
What does your humanity mean to you? As our world continues to go through turbulent changes and upheavals, it will be up to us individually and collectively to do our part to “tear down” where necessary and rebuild a more enlightened society that reflects our evolved humanity.
But we have to start with ourselves and do what we can in our immediate environments to demonstrate our own revolution — which, by the way, does not happen overnight or with a magic pill, silver bullet, or special app.
Only through keen observation, deep reflection, and inner and outer sweating effort and energy over a long period of time directed towards improving ourselves and serving others that true transformation can take place. Then, if we’re lucky, by the time we reach our 90’s we can look back and see how our journey has positively and productively unfolded in both a personal and political way, and be proud of what we accomplished and the legacy we will leave behind.
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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
There are no upcoming events at this time. 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:
VIRTUAL GROUP COACHING
Heart & Soul: The Key to Success in 2021 and Beyond
SELF-CARE IN THE MIDST OF SEA CHANGE:
Watch FULL-LENGTH Talks Here:
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 Crosby, Still, Nash and Young's
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