KRISTINA'S WEEKLY EMAIL OF THOUGHT-PROVOKING ESSAYS & VIDEOS TO KEEP YOU CONNECTED TO YOURSELF ON THIS JOURNEY CALLED LIFE |
Greetings!
HO HO...HO? It’s so hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that Christmas is one week from today!? It has definitely not been the most wonderful time of year for many in 2020, (as it often isn't, but that’s another story) and my heart goes out to anyone who is suffering from any loss, loneliness, financial, mental and/or physical health issues.
The amount of change forced upon us these past 10 months has affected every level and aspect of our society - for good or for bad - and in many instances, both. It's our perspective and how we respond that makes the difference, trusting that as long as we are doing our best at any given moment, ultimately the Universe sorts everything out as it should be. It just might not look, feel or be on the timeline that us mere mortals desire! But we will be transformed for the better as a result.
In my talks, essays and coaching, I am always trying to remind you that we each have more power than we think we do to create the reality, world and existence that we want. So do not wait for permission from anyone outside of yourself to make your life better - which means don’t blame anyone for making it worse either. Think about what you need, what would make you happy, and decide on a course of action that will take care of your own unique mental, emotional, physical, financial and/or spiritual health and goals - and then be about that business to the best of your ability within whatever confines or strange circumstances you currently find yourself. I'm not saying this is easy, but in my opinion, experience and observation, the possibility to improve always exists.
Today’s PGG talks about letting go of the limitations we on impose on ourselves, liberating us to see and do things in a different way in order to create a new story that could in fact be lighter, brighter and better. But even when the restrictions are external or beyond our control, as many of us experienced in 2020, we can still find the positive in it it as proven by the 17 people who attended my The Year that was 2020: Review, Revel & Recalibrate celebration on Tuesday. Yes, I said celebration because there is always an opportunity to learn and grow, and there’s a silver lining in every cloud. Most of us confronted mental health or other internal issues or patterns, which made us stronger and more prepared to deal with whatever comes our way next.
It was an inspiring and empowering event; you can see some testimonials and clips from it here and here. (BTW, if you aren't already, I invite you to follow me on Instagram:)) If you couldn’t make the Zoom, but would like to get the worksheet (which I highly recommend to help organize your thoughts) and the 25 minute portion of me speaking (group sharing was not recorded), you can register here to receive it.
And as we approach the shortest day of the year - the Winter Solstice on 12/21 - remember that the Light is within you. Make a commitment to fan that flame and generate your light to be as strong and clear as possible as we move forward in this new world we are individually and collectively creating at this very moment. My holiday wish is that you seek the gifts within yourself and allow them to shine as bright as a star for us all to be illuminated by, even if that is simply your ability to heal and connect to your own inner authority, as we are going to need all the stars and lighthouses we can get in the months and years ahead. If you would like my help with that, my holiday sale ends this Sunday 12/20. Use coupon code HOLIDAY2020 to receive 20% off all coaching services, and schedule through 1/31/21. It’s a great opportunity to invest in yourself or give as a gift to others.
Lastly, if you look forward to and benefit from these weekly missives and PGG essays and want to show your gratitude, any donations for my efforts are welcome and appreciated here: Paypal.me/kristinaleonardi. And as always, please feel free to contact me with any comments about anything.
Wishing you a Peaceful, Reflective, and Empowering Holiday Season!
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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New Rules
Originally published on November 29, 2011
Rules are mostly made to be broken and are too often for the lazy to hide behind. ~Douglas MacArthur
There are no rules here — we’re trying to accomplish something. ~ Thomas Alva Edison
One of my all-time favorite films is Strictly Ballroom for a variety of reasons, one of which is how the main character, a world class ballroom dancer wants to use his own steps in competition and the outrage and, ultimately, delight this causes. I’ve always loved to dance but hated formal exercise. Since I’m not out at the clubs much these days, Zumba and cardio salsa at the gym have filled the gap; but I never was into doing exactly what was presented – I generally stand in the back enjoying the music and sort of go along with the group.
I recently found a new class called Nia, which is perfect for me – it includes sections for “free dance” and encourages you to “dance it your way.” It kind of looks like hippie dancing, or what you might do if you were in your room when no one was watching; it’s a great workout that speaks to my body in a way that makes me feel good.
This time of year especially is filled with many traditions and routines, along with thoughts about the changes we want to make in the New Year. My mom has always made the holidays extra-special with borderline excessive (but not at all tacky) decorations around her home, and this year she just wasn’t feeling it. When I suggested she could put up the tree up with a few accent pieces instead of doing the whole Winter Wonderland/Santa’s Workshop, she thought it was impossible – it had to be all or nothing.
I insisted it could be done and took some of the items she put in the same place every year and used them differently. She fought with me tooth and nail, until I proved they would indeed fit in spots she said they wouldn’t. The house looks festive and the mission was accomplished; it feels like a maximum amount of decor with minimal amount of effort! But it was her resistance to change and incredulity that several options and alternatives existed that were the hardest parts to tackle – she simply couldn’t see any other way than how she’s done it year after year.
Tradition can be a good thing, but it’s important to know when those traditions and routines are serving or restricting us. Sometimes you just gotta break the rules, think out of the box, do it "your way". Where we would we be without the hundreds and thousands of rule-breakers both known and unknown, in every field - especially the arts, science, fashion and civil rights?
But the truth is that often our most fervent rules and regulations have been totally self-imposed, and/or are no longer necessary. It’s easy to get caught up in doing the same old thing just because that’s the way we’ve always done it. Sometimes we need a fresh eye, another brain, to look at the same situation and come up with a new solution, a new way of doing things that we couldn’t see because you were too close or it was too engrained in our psyche.
Wondering if change will serve you better than reinforcing the "rules" you have in place right now, or which walls need to come Tumblin Down and be replaced with some new Moves Like Jagger? Give me a buzz and I’ll be the law enforcement that looks the other way and the instructor that helps you create the right combination of funky steps you can dance to the beat of your own drum!
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If you like what I write, you'll love what I have to say in person!
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
Looking for some quality content while social distancing?
Remember, you can always see PGGs from any month or year going back to 2010 on my website at www.kristinaleonardi.com and visit my social media pages for more inspiration throughout the week! Want to share my PGG? Use my Medium page for friendliest posting version.
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The Year that was 2020:
Review, Revel & Recalibrate
Learning and letting go in order to make the most of 2021
Interactive Talk via Zoom:
Held on December 15th *
*Recording & Worksheet Available**
No matter who you are or where you come from, one thing we can all agree upon is that 2020 was anything but ordinary! So much has happened these past 12 months it can feel like a blur with perhaps a few high or low points. As we are only a couple weeks away to saying goodbye to one of the most transformative years in recent history, it's important to assess and appreciate what you’ve been through and how you want to move forward in 2021.
Previously Held on Tuesday, December 15th
*Couldn't attend? Register to get the worksheet and a recording of the 25 minute talk portion (group sharing not included)*
Cost: $20.20
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*20% off now thru 12/20/20 when you use coupon code HOLIDAY2020
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.
Now is a great time to use this time to take stock of and get on track with your career and life with clarity, balance and direction.
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*20% off now thru 12/20/20 when you use coupon code HOLIDAY2020
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.
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WORK WITH KRISTINA
"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."
**Now thru 12/20/20 use coupon code HOLIDAY2020 to get 20% off!**
STAY TUNED FOR NEXT DATE
VIRTUAL GROUP COACHING
The Year that was 2020: Review, Revel & Recalibrate
Articulate what you’ve learned and what you want to see in 2021
Watch Past Talks Here:
SELF-CARE IN THE MIDST OF SEA CHANGE:
Navigating times of transition for healing and personal growth
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
Kristina's Books:
Read Kristina's Career & Personal Growth Articles:
"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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PGG VIDEO PICK OF THE WEEK |
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Click on the link for this week's video where I remind you of
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kristina leonardi - Medium
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