Written by Lisa Hansen, Life Coach, Conscious Parenting Coach & Spiritual Mentor Lisa Hansen offers a truly unique style of Mindset Coaching that powerfully blends Spiritual practices, Manifestation teachings, Somatic Release techniques, and practical Life Coaching skills. She has helped hundreds of clients feel empowered to manifest the life they dream about. Your teenager walks through the door after being gone for hours. She throws her backpack down and heads straight to her room. You haven’t seen her all day and are naturally curious about how she is, how school was, and where she’s been. You yearn for connection and begin to initiate it by asking questions such as “How was your day?” and “Did you eat?” If you are annoyed because she’s been gone too long, you may even demand, “Where have you been?” or “Why didn’t you text me back?” She mumbles her short replies, and it doesn’t take long before she grunts, gets annoyed, and retreats to her room for the night. Sometimes, you may even get a slammed door. “Why doesn’t she ever talk to me anymore like she used to?” you wonder, feeling exasperated and completely shut out. This disconnection breaks your heart and leaves you feeling confused, frustrated, and disheartened. Understanding your feelings As your child enters the teen years, you may begin to feel more and more disconnected from them. You may feel hurt and crushed. Or you may feel frustrated. It’s common to want to blame someone for this - yourself, your teen, their friends, or your spouse. There is so much you want to know about your teen's life. You have so many unanswered questions. You yearn to be close like you have been for their entire lives up until now. You reminisce about how they would run off the school bus straight into your arms and chat your ear off, excited to see you and tell you all about their entire day! For many parents, it was their highlight of the day. Most parents unconsciously have a fantasy about how their relationship with their child will be as they get older, and if it doesn’t match the reality of what is happening, it can feel discombobulating. An invisible wall has gone up and you are grappling with managing your wide range of emotions about the shift in your relationship. You’ve tried so many different ways to connect, and nothing is changing. In fact, the distance between the two of you may get wider and wider. It is imperative for you to know this is a common experience for the hundreds of parents I have coached. There is comfort in knowing you are not alone. Your feelings are valid. There is nothing wrong with you, and there is nobody to blame. There is only space for understanding, learning, and healing. The fact that you have a desire to stay connected with your teenager shows how much you love and care for them. Improving your connection with your teen requires understanding what is happening, learning successful ways to reconnect, implementing the practices, and most of all, having lots of patience - with yourself and your teen. The good news is changing the dynamic is completely possible! Understanding what is happening with your teenager By the time your child is a teenager, they have been bombarded with questions, opinions, expectations, and judgments from the adults surrounding them their entire lives. They are overloaded and exhausted. Pause here for a moment and let the truth of that really sink in. They have felt controlled and have been on the receiving end of so many sermons from adults for the majority of their lives. All day long, they deal with school pressure both academically and socially, faltering self-esteem, social interactions, combating body odor, figuring out how they fit in with peer groups, their appearance and body image, hormonal fluctuations, a wide range of overwhelming emotions, anxiety about their futures and even more. They feel overwhelmed and have been dealing with so much internally every day. Even if they aren’t consciously aware of this, your teen feels disconnected from their own selves, so they disconnect from others. This shows up as rebellion, not doing chores, not talking, grunting, avoiding you, talking back, withdrawing, and staying in their room.   Your teen is not a problem. Your teen is having a problem. And that problem is figuring out who they are without you and how they fit in the world.   Changing your perspective When your teenager shuts you out, instead of seeing it as an attack against you, shift your focus to seeing it as their path to self-discovery and finding empowerment. Understand that this path is a way for them to find their own voice and connection to inner guidance. They have lost their way because of so much external influence and are trying to find their way back to their purpose for being here. Changing your perspective about their behavior from an attack against you, being difficult or disrespectful to one of compassion, curiosity, and understanding is the first step to connecting with your teenager. The more you learn how to navigate this developmental stage with patience and compassion, the more connected your relationship with them will be. Rebellion or rejecting you is the teenager's way of saying I need to discover who I am without you. On some level, they are asking themselves, “Who am I without my mother? Without my father? What is it that I believe? What is it that I want to do with my life?” By this age, they are pretty sick of you, right? They are yearning to find their own voice, their own power, and their own autonomy. After all, do you like it when another tries to control you? Doesn’t it feel better when someone accepts you for who you are, however you are? By changing your perspective and taking a step back, you allow your teen the space for this imperative stage in life. And the added bonus is you will begin to feel better and less stressed, too!   Silence is the secret Parenting teens is a spiritual practice in stillness. I am going to pause here again to let that fully sink in. Read it again. When your teen makes an appearance in the morning, when you pick them up from school, or when they walk through the door, your job is to not say anything. When my Spiritual Teacher, Byron Katie, first taught me this, I was completely blown out of the water. “You mean not say anything at all?!” I exclaimed. Let me tell you, it is such a challenge to not say anything! At first, I thought it was an impossible task. I was constantly biting my tongue and making mistakes. Yet, it's the one spiritual teaching that changed my relationship and created more connection with my daughter.   Silence is the magical key to connection. If you want your teen to keep talking and sharing the details of their lives with you, you have to learn to keep quiet. Resist the urge to interrupt. Teens will only keep talking when they aren’t bombarded with questions and feel they won’t be judged or preached to. The last thing any teenager wants is to feel they are going to get a sermon every day. The more they feel this way, the more they will reject you, push you away, and shut down.   Stillness is the practice of learning how to tune into your teen's energy without words. Trust they will initiate conversation. Resist the urge to ask questions, preach, teach, give advice, or share. Like many parents, you most likely are attached to wanting to know how their day was and how they are feeling immediately upon seeing them. When they grunt or say leave me alone, you most likely get upset and take it personally. What you aren’t realizing is they are indeed communicating with you. The translation of these behaviors is: you are too much for me, you don’t understand me and I am feeling overwhelmed. The disconnection gap gets even greater when parents mistake this behavior as rude or disrespectful. This is because you mistakenly believe connection is created through words. But to a teenager, your calm, quiet presence is what creates connection. When a teen enters a quiet, safe, non-intrusive, energetically clear space, they feel safe. Safe from judgment, criticism, and interrogations. My daughter used to constantly say to me, “What is this, an interrogation?” By paying closer attention to her words, I was able to self-reflect, realize she was right, and change my approach. Teens can only begin to relax from all the pressures of the external world when they are met with stillness. Your energy matters. Your words just get in the way, especially in the form of questions. How asking your teen questions is creating disconnection Asking a teenager questions activates overwhelming thoughts within them. It makes them have to think when they have already been overthinking all day long. By this age, questions annoy them and make them feel self-conscious. When a teen responds with “I don’t know,” they are communicating to you that they are unable to access the answers because they are feeling overwhelmed inside and are on input overload. I understand how hard not asking questions will be. And, of course, I am not talking about never asking questions. I am referring to the strategic timing of your questions. The timing matters and is best saved for when your teen initiates conversation first after a period of your quiet presence. When your teen initiates conversation first, they are showing you they are still enough internally to engage. I suggest to all my clients that they try to wait at least 10 minutes for stillness to be created before talking. Then, try to only say or ask one question at a time. Pay attention to the desire within you to bombard them with all of your questions at once!   The only way to discover the shift this practice will have on your relationship with your teen is to try it out and practice. I still remember the first time I put this into practice. My daughter and I ate breakfast in complete silence. Not gonna lie, I felt completely awkward. Afterward, while I was doing the dishes, she came up to me from behind and gave me the biggest hug, saying, “Thank you, Mom, I love you.” Countless parents I have coached have reported similar experiences. The timing of when it will happen is different for each family, but watch for the little signs of connection and celebrate each win along the way. Some families see a difference rather quickly, while others may take weeks or even months. It will depend on how wide the communication gap is between you and your teen. Be gentle with yourself and have patience.   This practice also requires that you enter trust. Trust that when your teen wants your opinion, guidance, or advice, they will come to you. But only if you have done the internal work of entering stillness and have let go of your agenda. Every human wants to feel heard, seen, and understood. Your teen's behavior of shutting you out is their way of communicating to you that they don't feel seen or heard, and are feeling their voice doesn’t matter. Silence is the practice that bridges that gap of disconnection. Once there is more connection established, most parents fine their teenager will share more with them.   What teens really need from you As your child enters the later teen years, taking a step back and staying out of their business allows them the space for self-discovery and autonomy. When you scale back from your need to know everything about their life, it sends a non-verbal message that you trust them to handle their own life. This was definitely hard for me personally, as I was so used to knowing so much about my daughter’s life and giving my advice. The truth is not knowing about her life as much as I used to empowered her to find her way. Teens need to make their own decisions and live with the natural consequences of those decisions. Of course, you can guide them, but remember they do not want to hear your advice or lectures any longer. Once you have established reconnection through silence and the art of listening, trust they will come to you when they need your input. They will also feel more comfortable and safe coming to you when you have practiced dropping judgment and criticism.   This essential developmental stage is the time for your teen to practice autonomy, find their voice, and make mistakes. As parents, our role is to learn to trust them. Allow them to mistakes. The practice becomes one of embracing their mistakes as lessons and accepting them as they are. Stop demanding to be the main attraction, the spotlight in their lives. The most fruitful gift you can give your teenager is to allow them to individuate and empower them to make their own decisions. When parents learn how to do that, they send teens out into the world who are ready to navigate challenges, make wise decisions, and trust their gut. The only exception is if they are in a red flag territory, such as eating disorders, stealing, cutting, addictions, or suicidal language. In these cases, you must intervene and seek professional help right away. 6 helpful tips for putting this into practice   1. Meditation Learning how to get still internally will require a meditation practice. But don’t worry, even 5 minutes a day will make a difference! There are many apps, such as Calm or Insight Timer, as well as free Guided Meditations on YouTube. I find people don’t meditate or stick with it because they have mistakenly been taught that the goal is to stop thoughts. That is not the goal. The point of meditation is to meet your thoughts with kindness and curiosity. By getting to know your thoughts, you are getting to know yourself. See your thoughts and notice them like clouds going by. Get curious about what is going on inside your head. Once you sit with your thoughts on purpose for a few minutes, you can begin to take your attention away from them and focus on your breath. For most people, I recommend finding a Guided Meditation that brings you enter your body and get in touch with your feelings.   2. Breathwork   Research has shown that breathwork calms the part of the brain called the amygdala, or lower brain. Meditation does this too, as well as Somatic Exercises and Yoga. In my practice, I find breathwork is the easiest for clients to do, plus it can be practiced anywhere you are! When the amygdala is dysregulated, it leads to the fight or flight response, over-worrying, and anxiety. When your lower brain is on overdrive, your higher brain, called the prefrontal cortex, goes offline. Why is this a problem? Because you need to utilize your higher brain to reason, control impulses, choose responses thoughtfully, problem-solve, and remain in a calm state. When you learn how to calm the amygdala, your nervous system becomes regulated, and communication with others, especially your teen, will be much more effective. There are many types of breathwork you can find online. I recommend starting with Box Breathing.   3. Know your triggers Triggers are valuable gifts. You can only truly know yourself by how you react to others and the external circumstances of the world. This phase of parenting a teenager is a chance to go within and ask yourself self-reflecting questions. Many wisdom teachers call this practice self-inquiry: What is coming up within me? What is causing me to feel this way? What is coming up for healing? What am I here to learn at this moment? Getting still and checking in with what is going on with your inner dialogue and feelings is the pause you need so you don’t vomit your unhealed woundedness onto your teen. What actually happens when you are triggered is that the other mirrors your unhealed wounds back to you. Your teenager yearns for you to see them for who they are, not who you want them to be. A skilled Parenting Coach can help you unpack all of this and identify your triggers. 4. The art of listening When your teen starts talking, this is your opportunity to connect! But this opportunity is often missed or short-lived because parents get excited, interrupting with a barrage of questions, or information. You will know this has happened when in the middle of the conversation your teen says nevermind and shuts down.   This is where listening comes in. Repeat in your head: “My only job right now is to practice listening.” This is the time to let go of your expectations and agenda and pay attention instead. Truly pay attention to every word they say. Only when you drop your agenda will you be able to tune in, observe their energy, and notice non-verbal cues. It is impossible to do this if you are talking and not giving space for them to talk. Let go of the urge to interrupt, preach, teach, or share. Release the need to control the conversation and enter curiosity instead. This is the time to watch your mind. Notice the questions, the criticisms, and the desire to give your opinion arise within you, and stop. Learn the art of saying, “Tell me more about that,” or simply nodding as you practice listening. Your teen will gradually begin to feel heard, seen, and understood and feel safer opening up to you.   This is absolutely not easy! Few of us are skilled listeners. You may want to practice with friends, other family members, and co-workers to strengthen your skill of listening. Once you have practiced listening to your teen, move onto the validating stage.   5. Become good at validating Every human yearns to be seen, heard, and validated. At our core, our greatest concern is that we are not good enough. When we validate our children’s feelings and life experiences, we send a message that we see them and honor them exactly as they are. It lets them know you think they are worthy and good right now and don’t need to change to be the recipient of your love and acceptance.   Practice saying things such as: I hear you. That sounds like a lot. All that must be so hard. I can tell you are juggling a lot. I see how hard you are working. I can imagine it all feels so exhausting. I can tell how overwhelmed you must feel. I trust you. You got this. Let’s do this your way. I would love to hear more about that. I can’t imagine what all that feels like to you.   This is how to empower your teen to begin to honor their feelings and trust themselves. When you show your teen you trust them, they will begin to develop trust within themselves and with you. This is a beautiful foundation as they enter adulthood.   6. Practice empathy Empathy goes hand in hand with validating. You can take it a step further by intentionally looking for opportunities to validate, followed by empathizing. Validating shows them you are listening and have a desire to understand them. Empathy creates an even deeper connection by showing them you do understand them. And teens often don’t feel understood at all. Empathy is a way of normalizing what they are going through because teens often feel isolated in their struggles and that something must be wrong with them.   Practice saying things such as: If that happened to me, I would also feel that way. When I’ve gone through tough times, I’ve also felt frustrated. That would make me feel sad, too. Repeat back the same feeling they have expressed to you. Resist the urge to share a story about yourself. Keep it about them.   Knowing when it’s your time to talk Once you’ve established a connection with your teen and are seeing results, it is time for you to start engaging more. Whenever your teen initiates a conversation, start with the intent to listen, understand, and validate, followed by introducing one subject at a time, watching for signs of overwhelming them.   It is important to check your body language first. When you are calm, this says, “I am not here to fight you. We are in this together. I am on your team”. But when you are dysregulated with anxiety, fear, worry, or anger, they will pick up on that and not feel safe to share, communicate, or process emotions with you. They will shut down again. Learn how to delay the urgency of addressing situations immediately whenever possible. Most things can wait and communication will be more productive when you approach with calm energy and you can be present.   Practice saying things such as: “I have something to share, would you like to hear it?” or “I have some advice about that if you would like to hear it,” or “I have some questions to ask you, when is a good time to talk today?” Respect when they say not now, but also don’t give up. This isn’t about giving all the power away to your teen. It isn’t about you having all the power, either. It is about balance and co-creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and reciprocity. If your teenager continues to shut you out, go back to the strategies and try again. If those aren’t working after three months, consider hiring a Parenting Coach or Therapist.   There is no such thing as perfection. You will slip. Over and over. Expect that. Remember, your intention is to create a safe and mutually trustworthy relationship with your teenager. Keep at the practice no matter how long it takes. Believe change is possible and have faith in your ability to learn new verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Lisa Hansen Lisa Hansen, Life Coach, Conscious Parenting Coach & Spiritual Mentor Lisa Hansen has over 20 years of experience as a Life and Mindset Coach, Conscious Parenting Coach, and Spiritual Mentor. She believes anyone is capable of manifesting the life they truly want to be living, whether it’s to feel a greater sense of purpose, earn more money, improve their relationships, or become a more peaceful parent. Her passion is empowering women to live confidently, intuitively, and authentically. She helps her clients shed self-limiting beliefs, end self-sabotage, overcome their inner critic, and transform their lives into one full of self-love, self-acceptance, and empowerment.

Written by Lisa Hansen, Life Coach, Conscious Parenting Coach & Spiritual Mentor Lisa Hansen offers a truly unique style of Mindset Coaching that powerfully blends Spiritual practices, Manifestation teachings, Somatic Release techniques, and practical Life Coaching skills. She has helped hundreds of clients feel empowered to manifest the life they dream about. Do you ever suddenly find yourself down the rabbit hole of negative self-talk? Maybe you’re telling yourself, “I’m not good enough,” “I’ll never reach my goals,” “I’m too fat,” or “I’m not as good at this as she is.” No matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to stop these negative thoughts. They have lodged into your subconscious mind and tell you all sorts of stories with the same title: I am not good enough. Welcome to your inner critic. The crazy thing about this is there can be so much negative noise in your head that you may not even notice it's there! You think it’s just who you are and how you are. It becomes your identity. You think it’s the truth about yourself. But it’s not. These programmed stories in your head are coming from your inner critic. This voice has told you negative, critical things about yourself for so long that you began to believe them. And the crazy part is once you learn how to see them and investigate, you will begin to realize that these thoughts about yourself aren’t even true. They do not represent who your true, authentic self is at your core. 3 scenarios of how your inner critic creates stress and sabotages your life 1. You see a photo of yourself You don’t like what you see. Your inner critic roars, “I’m so fat!” or “I can’t believe I wore that!” or “Is that how my hair really looks?!” You believe these thoughts and begin to feel so badly about yourself. The journey towards doom has begun: Why can’t I lose weight? Why is it so hard? What’s wrong with me? I’m so weak. You start to go down the rabbit hole. All you feel like doing is escaping by watching TV, eating, or grabbing a glass of wine to get some relief and seek comfort, which only winds up making you feel even worse later on when the self-criticism starts up all over again. You are stuck in a negative, self-deprecating loop. 2 . You come home from work You’re exhausted and hungry. You walk through the door, and the kids are fighting, the house is a mess, and everyone's shouting, “I’m hungry!” at you. You have no plan for dinner and no desire to cook, but you promised yourself you would stop with all the take-out. You start to feel even more stressed, and you snap at the kids. Your inner critic chimes in with the “Good Moms Don’t Yell” storyline. You had promised yourself you wouldn’t yell anymore, yet here you are again. You feel terrible, guilty, ashamed, and beat yourself up over it the whole rest of the night. This story titled “I’m a Terrible Mom” might even keep you from a peaceful night’s sleep. You are stuck in a negative, self-critical loop. 3 . You text your teenager who’s out, and she doesn’t text back Next thing you know, your inner critic decides to start thinking against your own will. Catastrophizing. It is very good at this. It comes up with every single reason why she didn't text back, and none of them are reasonable or peaceful. Everything includes some form of atrocious death. Immediately, she is dead or in some kind of paralyzing accident or kidnapped. After a while, the inner critic starts to blame your kid: “How dare she? Doesn’t she care about me? How can she do this to me?” Then the inner critic starts in on you: “What kind of kid did I raise? Didn’t I teach her better than this? Where did I go wrong? I have failed her. It’s all my fault. I am a terrible parent.” The chatter that goes on in your head about everything that could have possibly happened and everything that you’ve ever done wrong as a parent is just insane, right? It’s so stressful. You get caught in a trance. A loop. The hamster wheel of worry. And it causes you so much suffering and angst. It’s crazy to think about the amount of drama your inner critic can create over something like your teen not texting you back. You are stuck in a negative, over-worrying loop. 6 types of inner critics The inner critic manifests in various forms, depending on your personality. Looking for these signs will help you cultivate more awareness of when your inner critic is at play. 1. The perfectionist You avoid or procrastinate doing things because you hold the belief that everything has to be perfect before anyone else sees it. You place a lot of pressure on yourself. You don’t like having people stop by unannounced if your house is too messy. You quit ahead of time to avoid the disappointment of something not going perfectly, unconsciously believing it’s better to just not do it at all. You feel crushed if you don’t reach a goal. You tend to hide and keep yourself small, even though you know you are meant for more. You sabotage your goals despite the desire to achieve them. 2. The ruminator You play out conversations over and over in your head, wishing you had said that or not said that, done that or not done that. You regret the things you said or didn’t say and play out scenarios in your imagination of how you wish you had handled someone or something differently. It takes you over. You find yourself easily offended and experience hurt feelings from what someone says or doesn’t say, does or doesn’t do. You worry a lot about everyone and everything. 3. The judger You are very judgmental of others. You find yourself judging how others live, speak, or parent. You judge their political views, how they dress, and how they handle money. Why is this a sign? Because someone who is always judgmental of others is always judgmental of themselves. And fueling all of this is the inner critic. The inner critic's favorite hobby is to judge. 4. The people pleaser You do what you don’t really want to do so others don’t get hurt or mad. You avoid confrontation. You fear facing the consequences for speaking up. You want others to like you. You are afraid of someone else’s reaction if you say no. You often feel like you are walking on eggshells. 5. The guilter Guilt is the most common emotion you feel on a regular basis. Guilt over how you handled someone or something, guilt over yelling at your kids, guilt over how you treated your spouse, mother, or friend. You tend to cope with that overwhelming feeling of shame by eating, drinking, and watching TV. Because you feel so much guilt in your life, you also tend to make others feel guilty as well, and there is a good chance you are doing this unconsciously. You have a tendency to live in the past. 6. The catastrophizer You tend to live completely disconnected from the present moment and quickly jump to future worst-case scenarios, often ruled by fear. You have strong reactions because your mind is thinking horrible, catastrophizing thoughts. It feels almost impossible to be in the present moment because you're always worrying about the future. 6 strategies for taming your inner critic 1. Cultivate awareness You won’t be able to redirect or change your thoughts if you don’t become aware of what they are. When you are going about your life, you most likely aren’t even aware of what you are thinking on a moment-to-moment basis. Most people aren’t. So, how do you become aware of what your inner critic is telling you? You need to start paying attention to how you feel. Your feelings are a wonderful gift. They are the built-in system that alerts you to where your mindset is at. Feeling a stressful or negative emotion? Your mindset is set to negative. Feeling peaceful and at ease? Your mindset is set to positive. Start paying attention to how you are feeling at any given moment. Ask yourself, “Why am I feeling this way?” How you answer that question reveals the thoughts and beliefs the inner critic is feeding you. 2. Ask questions Asking your inner critic questions slows down its negative momentum – it literally stops what it’s thinking and the story it’s running. The fascinating thing is the inner critic will begin to seek the answers to whatever questions you ask. In my experience with coaching hundreds of people, this is the most useful and effective strategy for changing your mindset. Here are some examples of great questions to ask your brain: Is this thought true? What's going right? What am I grateful for right now? What am I happy about? How can I get this work done and have fun at the same time? What am I beating myself up over right now? Is this thought peaceful or stressful? Who would I be if I stopped believing this thought? What would happen if I let this go? What amazing things does my body do? How can I choose love right now? What is something kind I can say about myself or someone else right now? What could I believe intentionally instead? 3. Become the observer It’s hard to settle the inner critic when you think you and it are the same person. You are not your thoughts, they are separate from you. How can you know this to be true? Because you are capable of observing your thoughts. If you were your mind's thoughts, you wouldn’t be able to observe them. You can watch your thoughts like clouds passing by. And since you can watch your thoughts, you know you are not the generator of your thoughts. Just like your heart beats on its own without you having to do anything to make it happen, your thoughts also happen to you automatically. And they are offered up constantly. They are programmed into the subconscious mind. You get to choose to believe them or not. 4. Become a compassionate mother I am not going to sugarcoat this. Let’s face it, few of us grew up with a compassionate mother’s voice. The truth is if you have a strong inner critic, you most likely have a strong critical parent. Their voice has become your inner voice. Or this programming could have come from a grandparent, sibling, or teacher. And it’s not their fault, just like your inner critic isn’t your fault. It is a virus of conditioned negative thinking that has been passed on typically from generation to generation. They have a strong inner critic themselves. This isn’t about blame. It’s about growth and entering emotional adulthood. Learning how to parent your inner critic from a compassionate mother voice is incredibly effective for change. This one takes time and patience.Start by thinking of the most compassionate and loving person in your life. It could be an aunt, a grandparent, a teacher, or a friend. The next time you catch yourself in a self-critical loop, pause and ask: “What would this person say to me right now?” Another approach is to ask: “What would love say in this moment?” Here are some of my favorite self-soothing thoughts to practice while you foster your compassionate inner mother voice: There is absolutely nothing wrong with me.  I am choosing to love myself in this moment.  It's all going to be ok. I am worthy of love and compassion . I am choosing to ease up on myself right now.  I love and accept myself just as I am.  Of course I'm feeling this way, it makes sense why and it's perfectly ok.  It's ok for me to ask for what I need.  Sometimes, I don't show up the way I want to, and that's ok.  Loving myself means choosing not to beat myself up over this.  I can love myself and work on changing at the same time. 5. Become the skeptic Learn how to coach your inner critic. A skeptical person always assumes someone else is wrong. Your inner critic’s criticism of you is not the truth. You get to decide to believe what it says or not. Start assuming it’s wrong all the time! Let’s say your inner critic says, “Nobody liked the dessert I made.” Ask skeptical questions back to it, such as: “Is that true? Can you absolutely know for sure that that is true? What if you’re wrong about that? What if you just made that up?” You can even have fun and get a little sassy: “Oh aren’t you so cute, you think you're the boss of me and can pull me into this negative loop.” 6. Become the cheerleader One practice that made a huge difference for me when I started managing my own mindset was to have a nightly ritual. I had a post-it note on my bathroom mirror that said, “What went right today?” and another one that said, “3 things I’m proud of myself for today.” Then, every night, while brushing my teeth, I would look in the mirror and talk to myself. I know this sounds woo-woo, but play along. I would tell myself all the things that went right, all the things I did great, and everything I was proud of. You must learn how to celebrate you. Tell yourself you are amazing no matter what. Tell yourself you love you no matter what. I knew if I didn’t do this, my inner critic would continue to run the show, telling me all the things that went wrong for the day, all the things wrong with me, and all the things I did or said wrong. Shifting your focus on purpose and choosing to be in charge of your mindset will be life-altering!  Start your journey today Taming your inner critic may feel overwhelming at first, but you don't have to face it alone. Take the first step towards overcoming self-criticism and self-doubt by implementing these strategies in your life. Remember, this is a practice, and it will take time to experience results. Have patience and compassion for yourself. I trust you have the power to rewrite your narrative! If you're ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, schedule your free coaching call today!  We will work together to liberate you from the shackles of your inner critic and reclaim your authentic, compassionate self. Make Your Inbox Happy by joining my email list to receive positive mindset affirmations, manifesting tips, journal prompts, and more. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Lisa Hansen Lisa Hansen, Life Coach, Conscious Parenting Coach & Spiritual Mentor Lisa Hansen has over 20 years of experience as a Life and Mindset Coach, Conscious Parenting Coach, and Spiritual Mentor. She believes anyone is capable of manifesting the life they truly want to be living, whether it’s to feel a greater sense of purpose, earn more money, improve their relationships, or become a more peaceful parent. Her passion is empowering women to live confidently, intuitively, and authentically. She helps her clients shed self-limiting beliefs, end self-sabotage, overcome their inner critic, and transform their lives into one full of self-love, self-acceptance, and empowerment.

Andy Honda, MD, is a testament to the power of education, passion, and resilience. Through diverse roles as a researcher, author, business owner, and speaker, Andy continues to inspire and empower others by making science accessible to all. Andy’s journey is a reminder that knowledge, when shared, has the power to transform lives. Andy Honda, MD, Medical Executive and Consultant Tell us more about you. What makes you unique? Born and raised in Hawaii, Andy grew up with the unwavering belief that anything is possible when following dreams. From an early age, Andy was captivated by the world of medicine, which led to earning a doctorate in medicine and becoming a published clinical researcher. With over 15 years of experience in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, Andy has built a career around the idea that knowledge is power. Today, Andy channels that passion into simplifying complex medical and scientific concepts, making them accessible to a broad audience, from healthcare professionals to curious learners. Andy’s work extends beyond research and education as a children's book author, a business owner, and a dedicated advocate for public health and science communication. Tell us about a pivotal moment in your life that brought you to where you are today. A defining moment in Andy’s journey was transitioning from clinical research into healthcare communications. While always passionate about discovery and data, Andy realized that knowledge alone is not enough; it needs to be shared in a way that resonates with people. Bridging the gap between science and public understanding became the mission. This realization shaped Andy’s career path, leading to roles where complex scientific information could be translated into meaningful, engaging content. It also fueled a passion for writing children’s books that make science fun and accessible for young minds. What drives and inspires you? Who inspires you to be the best that you can be? Andy’s greatest inspiration comes from those who seek knowledge, whether they are young children eager to learn, healthcare professionals striving to make a difference, or communities looking to make informed health decisions. Andy also draws inspiration from pioneers like Marie Curie, whose relentless pursuit of science changed the world. Her groundbreaking research and unwavering determination serve as a reminder that true impact comes from dedication, curiosity, and the courage to push boundaries. What is your work inspired by? Andy’s work is inspired by the belief that science is for everyone. There is an incredible power in understanding the world, and Andy is committed to making that knowledge accessible and engaging. Whether through research, medical communications, or children's books, the goal is to spark curiosity and empower people with information that helps them make better decisions for their health and well-being. What’s your purpose, mission, and driving force for all the work you do? At the core of everything Andy does is the desire to educate, inspire, and empower. The mission is to break down barriers to scientific knowledge, ensuring that critical health information is not just available but truly understood. Whether working with pharmaceutical companies to develop strategic messaging, speaking at conferences, writing books, or running a business, the goal remains the same: to make science approachable and actionable. Is there a core value that you are most passionate about? Absolutely education. Andy deeply believes that knowledge is power. Education has been a guiding force throughout life, shaping the journey and opening doors that once seemed impossible. Andy is passionate about passing that on, helping others harness the power of knowledge to improve their lives, make informed decisions, and pursue their own dreams. What key advice do you have for achieving success? Success is built on passion, persistence, and adaptability. If someone is truly passionate about something, they will find a way to make it work, even when obstacles arise. It’s also important to remain adaptable. Science, medicine, and business are constantly evolving, and the ability to learn and pivot is essential. Finally, surrounding oneself with people who challenge and inspire is invaluable; mentorship and collaboration are key. Are there additional qualities that contribute to success? Beyond knowledge and passion, resilience is crucial. There will be setbacks, but how one responds to them defines the path forward. Effective communication is also key, as being able to articulate complex ideas clearly can open countless opportunities. And lastly, never stop learning. Curiosity and a commitment to growth will always set someone apart. Outside of your professional work, what brings you joy? Andy’s dog, Koa, a Rhodesian Ridgeback therapy dog, is a constant source of joy and companionship. Koa serves as a reminder to embrace life with enthusiasm and balance work with play. Inspired by Koa, Andy launched Koa's Ruff Life, a barkery and fashion boutique promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for dogs, all while doing it in style! Beyond that, Andy finds fulfillment in running, volunteering, and engaging in civic service, always striving to give back to the community. What is your business name, and how do you help your clients? Dedicated to providing clients with actionable strategies and robust plans to drive success, I believe that every client is unique and requires a customized solution to meet their specific needs. I work closely with clients to identify key objectives, develop tailored plans, and implement solutions that ensure long-term success. My expertise lies in simplifying complex medical and scientific concepts, making them accessible and engaging for a wide range of audiences. What inspired you to create Honda Scientific ? With over 15 years of experience in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry as a published clinical researcher, author, and communicator, I saw a critical need to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and public understanding. My passion for making science engaging and accessible, combined with my background in clinical research, medical communications, and pharmaceutical marketing, led me to create a business that transforms complex concepts into clear, impactful messaging. I wanted to help organizations, educators, and healthcare professionals communicate effectively, ensuring that science is for everyone. What specific goals/vision do you aim to achieve? My vision is to simplify science, making it understandable and inspiring for everyone, from healthcare professionals to curious learners and engaged communities. I strive to drive meaningful progress in medical communications by leveraging insights, navigating complex challenges, and fostering innovation. Through strategic guidance, education, and storytelling, my goal is to empower individuals and organizations with knowledge that leads to better decision-making, improved healthcare outcomes, and a deeper appreciation for science. What kind of audience do you target your business towards? I target a diverse audience, including healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, educators, and lifelong learners who seek to understand complex scientific topics. My work also extends to the broader community, where I engage with individuals who have a curiosity for science and medicine. Additionally, through my children's books, I aim to inspire young minds to develop a love for science from an early age. What services or products does Honda Scientific offer? I offer a range of services, including medical and scientific communications, strategic consulting for pharmaceutical and biotech companies, educational content development, public speaking engagements, and mentoring. Additionally, I create science-focused books and resources that make learning engaging and accessible for both children and adults. My work blends scientific expertise with creativity, ensuring that complex ideas are transformed into compelling narratives that drive understanding and inspire action. For readers inspired by this conversation and eager to start their journey, what first steps would you recommend? I invite readers to explore the power of clear, impactful scientific communication. Whether you're a healthcare professional, educator, or organization looking to make complex medical concepts more accessible, I’d love to connect and collaborate. Visit my website to learn more about my work, read my articles, or reach out to discuss how we can bring science to life together. Let’s simplify, educate, and inspire because science is for everyone. Follow me on Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Andy Honda

10 years ago, Isac was just a kid trying to find his place in the world. Overweight, insecure, and shy, he often felt out of place. Growing up in a mixed Swedish-Romanian household, he watched his father, an uneducated immigrant, work tirelessly to provide for the family.   Money was always tight, and from a young age, Isac understood that if he wanted a different life, he would have to create it himself. At 17, everything changed. A single book, Rich Dad, Poor Dad, opened his eyes to the possibilities of entrepreneurship.   The idea that he could control his future and build something of his own became an obsession. He didn’t have money, experience, or connections, just a drive to learn and a willingness to take risks.   His first venture was small but powerful. He started buying used sneakers, cleaning them up, and flipping them for a profit. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was his first taste of making money on his own terms.   With each sale, he felt a spark of confidence. He wasn’t just working a job, he was building something. But like any new entrepreneur, he faced setbacks. He invested in expensive online courses, only to realize that many were scams.   He lost over €2,000 on failed product developments. At 18, convinced he had the next big idea, he started a clothing brand with €2,000 in savings, selling his car to raise another €2,000. But manufacturing costs quickly ate through his budget.   He paid over €250 per sample, only to receive oversized hoodies that didn’t fit right. When the launch day arrived, he woke up to two orders, only to realize they were from his sister and best friend.   It was a crushing moment, but instead of letting failure define him, he used it as fuel. Every setback taught him something new. He learned how to source products, negotiate deals, and create professional tech packs for manufacturers, skills that would later prove invaluable.   As he failed his way forward, he started noticing something: the creator economy was broken. Influencers and content creators were struggling to monetize their audiences in a way that made sense.   They were either relying on inconsistent brand deals or falling for overpriced coaching programs that didn’t deliver results. He had been there himself, losing time and money chasing empty promises.   That’s when Origin Stories was born.   Determined to change the game, Isac built an agency focused on helping content creators turn their following into a sustainable business. Instead of relying on unreliable sponsorships, Origin Stories helps creators build communities, launch courses, and grow newsletters that provide real value. It’s not about chasing quick cash—it’s about building something meaningful.   Now, at 20, Isac has spent three years navigating the world of e-commerce, sales, and coaching programs. He’s learned that success isn’t about having the perfect plan—it’s about resilience, adaptability, and the willingness to keep going when things get tough.   His biggest lesson?   Stick to what you believe in, and sooner or later, you’ll see it come to life.   He also knows the value of education—but only when done right. After spending over €3,000 on courses, he’s learned that not all knowledge is created equal. That’s why he encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to do their research, seek out mentors with real experience, and focus on learning through action.   Today, Isac is on a mission to help creators avoid the same mistakes he made. Through Origin Stories, he’s transforming how influencers build businesses—helping them create something they can be proud of.   His advice to anyone starting out?   Don’t be afraid to fail. The biggest risk you can take is never taking a risk at all. Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. DO I QUALIFY? Isac Marginean Executive Contributor Agency Owner Isac Marginean Agency Owner 10 years ago, Isac was just a kid trying to find his place in the world. Overweight, insecure, and shy, he often felt out of place. Growing up in a mixed Swedish-Romanian household, he watched his father, an uneducated immigrant, work tirelessly to provide for the family. Money was always tight, and from a young age, Isac understood that if he wanted a different life, he would have to create it himself. At 17, everything changed. A single book, Rich Dad, Poor Dad, opened his eyes to the possibilities of entrepreneurship. The idea that he could control his future and build something of his own became an obsession. He didn’t have money, experience, or connections, just a drive to learn and a willingness to take risks. His first venture was small but powerful. He started buying used sneakers, cleaning them up, and flipping them for a profit. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was his first taste of making money on his own terms. With each sale, he felt a spark of confidence. He wasn’t just working a job, he was building something. But like any new entrepreneur, he faced setbacks. He invested in expensive online courses, only to realize that many were scams. He lost over €2,000 on failed product developments. At 18, convinced he had the next big idea, he started a clothing brand with €2,000 in savings, selling his car to raise another €2,000. But manufacturing costs quickly ate through his budget. He paid over €250 per sample, only to receive oversized hoodies that didn’t fit right. When the launch day arrived, he woke up to two orders, only to realize they were from his sister and best friend. It was a crushing moment, but instead of letting failure define him, he used it as fuel. Every setback taught him something new. He learned how to source products, negotiate deals, and create professional tech packs for manufacturers, skills that would later prove invaluable. As he failed his way forward, he started noticing something: the creator economy was broken. Influencers and content creators were struggling to monetize their audiences in a way that made sense. They were either relying on inconsistent brand deals or falling for overpriced coaching programs that didn’t deliver results. He had been there himself, losing time and money chasing empty promises. That’s when Origin Stories was born. Determined to change the game, Isac built an agency focused on helping content creators turn their following into a sustainable business. Instead of relying on unreliable sponsorships, Origin Stories helps creators build communities, launch courses, and grow newsletters that provide real value. It’s not about chasing quick cash—it’s about building something meaningful. Now, at 20, Isac has spent three years navigating the world of e-commerce, sales, and coaching programs. He’s learned that success isn’t about having the perfect plan—it’s about resilience, adaptability, and the willingness to keep going when things get tough. His biggest lesson? Stick to what you believe in, and sooner or later, you’ll see it come to life. He also knows the value of education—but only when done right. After spending over €3,000 on courses, he’s learned that not all knowledge is created equal. That’s why he encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to do their research, seek out mentors with real experience, and focus on learning through action. Today, Isac is on a mission to help creators avoid the same mistakes he made. Through Origin Stories, he’s transforming how influencers build businesses—helping them create something they can be proud of. His advice to anyone starting out? Don’t be afraid to fail. The biggest risk you can take is never taking a risk at all. All articles Business How to Monetize Your Knowledge and Build a Profitable Online Business Have you ever found yourself putting in hours of work into creating content that you’re passionate about, only to realize you’re not... READ ARTICLE LOAD MORE CREA Global Awards presented to Isac Marginean Agency Owner The CREA Global Awards is proudly presented to the honoree by the Brainz Magazine Selection Committee, in recognition for their creative and innovative ideas, adaptability in business, or for their contributions to sustainability and mental health projects. Caroline Winkvist Editor-In-Chief Daniel Ålund Selection Committee Brainz 500 Global Awards presented to Isac Marginean Agency Owner Brainz 500 Global Awards is proudly presented to the honoree by the Brainz Magazine Selection Committee, in recognition of their entrepreneurial success, achievements, and dedication to helping others. Caroline Winkvist Editor-In-Chief Fredrik Elfqvist Selection Committee Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. DO I QUALIFY?

Discover the exceptional individuals who make up our talented team at Brainz Magazine. Meet the minds behind our success and learn more about the diverse skills and experiences they bring to the table. Get inspired by the exceptional individuals shaping our organization. The team Our team is made up of creative thinkers and doers, each bringing their unique perspective to make Brainz the go-to source for inspiring content. We’re here to help people succeed, find motivation, and achieve their goals with content that truly makes a difference. CEO & Editor-in-Chief Caroline Winkvist caroline@winkvistgroup.com - Partner & Head of Committee Daniel Ålund daniel@brainzmagazine.com - Partner & Head of Content Fredrik Elfqvist fredrik.elfqvist@brainzmagazine.com - Selection Committee Linda Lundström linda@brainzmagazine.com +46 70 562 11 26 Selection Committee Miceal O'Kane feature@brainzmagazine.com +46 70 206 35 52 Selection Committee Jeremiah Jeppson publicrelations@brainzmagazine.com +46 73 613 10 68 Selection Committee Jennifer Abél presscontact@brainzmagazine.com +46 73 760 67 39 Selection Committee Edward Panaretou prcontact@brainzmagazine.com +46 73 613 75 60 Selection Committee Tanya Carlsson executive@brainzmagazine.com +46 70 400 60 64 Selection Committee Amal Yaakoub press@brainzmagazine.com +46 70 774 38 51 Selection Committee Malin Johansson mediacontact@brainzmagazine.com +46 73 660 32 91 Selection Committee Henry van Niekerk selection@brainzmagazine.com +46 73 755 79 55 Selection Committee Matthieu Delacour Gagnaire publicity@brainzmagazine.com +46 730 794 626 Social Media Manager Meya Vistam socialmedia@brainzmagazine.com - Creative Director Susanna Lundberg design@brainzmagazine.com - Campaign Manager Åsa Lundman campaigns@brainzmagazine.com - Digital Marketing Manager Claire Gunnarsson claire@brainzmagazine.com - Head of Assistance Gladys Pamintuan assistance@brainzmagazine.com - Podcast Host Mark Sephton mark.sephton@brainzmagazine.com - Chief Scratchetist & Barketing Manager Mr & Mrs barketingmanager@brainz.com - Head of Security Joey thechief@brainz.com - Our trusted Support Staff Adrienne Palma Executive Assistant executiveassistant@brainzmagazine.com Amy Brown Executive Assistant amy.brown@brainzmagazine.com Angelika Malonzo Executive Assistant angelika@brainzmagazine.com Jessica Miller Executive Assistant jessica.miller@brainzmagazine.com Jaycel Donor Executive Assistant jaycel@brainzmagazine.com Jhena Mangahas Executive Assistant jhenawil@brainzmagazine.com Katie Hill Executive Assistant katie.hill@brainzmagazine.com Jennifer Thomas Executive Assistant jennifer.thomas@brainzmagazine.com Lani P Ronquillo Executive Assistant lani@brainzmagazine.com Vassy Claire Esperat Executive Assistant vassy@brainzmagazine.com Sarah Wilson Executive Assistant sarah.wilson@brainzmagazine.com Bettina Mones Executive Assistant bettina@brainzmagazine.com Olivia Smith Executive Assistant olivia@brainzmagazine.com Michelle Allen Executive Assistant michelle.allen@brainzmagazine.com Emma Hopper Executive Assistant emma@brainzmagazine.com Join the team Work with us We are always seeking talented individuals to join our team at Brainz Magazine. If you're interested in becoming a part of our crew, please send an email to us. Please include your resume, portfolio, or any relevant work samples that showcase your skills and experience. CONTACT NOW

Joanna is a highly experienced Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years in the field of Psychology. She started her journey with an undergraduate degree from Manchester University in 1995, then earned a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Glasgow University in 2000. Since graduating, she's taken on leading roles in the NHS and worked privately since 2005. In 2014, she led Psychological Services at AXA Healthcare and then established Key Psychology Services in 2016. Joanna creates a supportive and compassionate therapy environment using evidence based methods, incorporating techniques including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Positive Psychology, Behavioural Medicine, Mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. This holistic approach allows her to tailor treatment to the individual's unique needs. Throughout her career, she has treated a diverse range of mental and physical health issues, including neurodiversity, maternal wellbeing, workplace wellbeing, trauma and lifestyle medicine. Beyond clinical practice, she conducts medico-legal assessments, writes expert witness reports, and offers tutoring and lecturing for university courses. She also provides clinical supervision for therapists and healthcare professionals both online and in-person. She offers talks on current mental health topics and has presented to various businesses and on BBC Radio Scotland. Joannaworks with people from various cultural backgrounds and age groups, including teenagers, students, and adults. To suit various needs, she offers flexible assessment and therapy options, including face-to-face, telephone, and online sessions. Joanna also provides teaching and tutoring to university students both online and in person. This currently includes The University of Gibraltar Clinical Psychology masters and diploma online courses. She also teaches modules on the Glasgow Caledonian Psychology Doctoral University course. She offers bespoke teaching and training programmes for universities and workplaces on request. She also enjoys writing about current wellbeing topics drawing on her coaching and psychology expertise. Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. DO I QUALIFY? Dr. Joanna Livingstone Executive Contributor Clinical Psychologist Dr. Joanna Livingstone Clinical Psychologist Joanna is a highly experienced Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years in the field of Psychology. She started her journey with an undergraduate degree from Manchester University in 1995, then earned a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Glasgow University in 2000. Since graduating, she's taken on leading roles in the NHS and worked privately since 2005. In 2014, she led Psychological Services at AXA Healthcare and then established Key Psychology Services in 2016. Joanna creates a supportive and compassionate therapy environment using evidence based methods, incorporating techniques including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Positive Psychology, Behavioural Medicine, Mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. This holistic approach allows her to tailor treatment to the individual's unique needs. Throughout her career, she has treated a diverse range of mental and physical health issues, including neurodiversity, maternal wellbeing, workplace wellbeing, trauma and lifestyle medicine. Beyond clinical practice, she conducts medico-legal assessments, writes expert witness reports, and offers tutoring and lecturing for university courses. She also provides clinical supervision for therapists and healthcare professionals both online and in-person. She offers talks on current mental health topics and has presented to various businesses and on BBC Radio Scotland. Joannaworks with people from various cultural backgrounds and age groups, including teenagers, students, and adults. To suit various needs, she offers flexible assessment and therapy options, including face-to-face, telephone, and online sessions. Joanna also provides teaching and tutoring to university students both online and in person. This currently includes The University of Gibraltar Clinical Psychology masters and diploma online courses. She also teaches modules on the Glasgow Caledonian Psychology Doctoral University course. She offers bespoke teaching and training programmes for universities and workplaces on request. She also enjoys writing about current wellbeing topics drawing on her coaching and psychology expertise. All articles Health & Wellness Finding Balance Between Digital and Real-Life Connection Sweden ranks highly in the world for good mental health. It advocates the daily ritual of Fika involving coffee and chats in person... READ ARTICLE Exclusive interviews From Darkness To Clarity – Exclusive Interview With Dr. Joanna Livingstone Dr. Joanna Livingstone is a clinical psychologist with a unique approach to mental health and well-being. READ ARTICLE Health & Wellness Making Lasting Changes And Changes That Last What is the psychology of change that lasts, enabling us to make lasting transformations? I often use the analogy of a snakes-and-ladders... READ ARTICLE Health & Wellness Am I SAD Or Is It Winter Blues? As the Winter months approach, many people are talking about the nights drawing in and feeling gloomy about the dark nights ahead... READ ARTICLE LOAD MORE CREA Global Awards presented to Dr. Joanna Livingstone Clinical Psychologist The CREA Global Awards is proudly presented to the honoree by the Brainz Magazine Selection Committee, in recognition for their creative and innovative ideas, adaptability in business, or for their contributions to sustainability and mental health projects. Caroline Winkvist Editor-In-Chief Daniel Ålund Selection Committee Brainz 500 Global Awards presented to Dr. Joanna Livingstone Clinical Psychologist Brainz 500 Global Awards is proudly presented to the honoree by the Brainz Magazine Selection Committee, in recognition of their entrepreneurial success, achievements, and dedication to helping others. Caroline Winkvist Editor-In-Chief Fredrik Elfqvist Selection Committee Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. DO I QUALIFY?