The Chicago Journal

The Chicago Journal
The Chicago Journal

Luvmour & Luvmour – Authors, Educators, and Human Development Consultants

The Chicago Journal Staff on April 5, 2023

Human development is a critical aspect of childhood, as it lays the foundation for a child’s physical, social, and emotional growth and well-being. It is essential for children’s overall development and success in life that they receive the necessary support and guidance to thrive. Teaching children about human development can be a powerful way to support their growth and help them to understand and navigate their own development and the world around them. It is important for parents, caregivers, and educators to prioritize human development education for children, as it can have a lasting impact on their lives. There are many different ways in which human development can be taught to children, and it is important for parents, caregivers, and educators to find approaches that are appropriate for the child’s age and individual needs. Most parents are unaware of how to nurture their children in the best way possible. In order to help such parents, professional human development consultants, educators, and authors, Josette & Ba Luvmour provide their consulting and help children grow in all aspects. They are a husband-wife duo, professionally known as Luvmour & Luvmour. 

Being authors, educators, and consultants in the areas of children’s development, Josette & Ba Luvmour have left a prominent impact on the grooming of children and parents. Generally, Children development work with children on a one-on-one basis or in group settings and may be involved in early childhood education, after-school programs, or other types of children’s programs. The primary responsibility of children development consultants is to provide guidance and support to children as they grow and develop and to help them reach their full potential. This may involve working with children to set and achieve goals, providing educational and developmental activities, and addressing any challenges or concerns that may arise. Children development consultants also work closely with parents, caregivers, and other professionals to ensure that children are receiving the support and guidance they need to thrive.

The American couple, Luvmour & Luvmour, work as teachers, authors, human development consultants, and public speakers. They are experts in human development and Natural Learning Relationships, as well as relationship-based education and adult transformational learning. They met each other in 1979, and since then, the couple has dedicated their time to researching and investigating consciousness. They developed a child development theory called Natural Learning Relationships and have been implementing it with children, families, and educators through programs and schools since the 1980s.

The wife, Josette Luvmour, attended the University of Hawaii from 1980 to 1982 and earned her undergraduate degree in Comparative Religion and Eastern Philosophies. She later received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Thomas Edison State College in 2003. Then she went on to earn her Master of Arts in Human Development from Fielding Graduate University in 2006. Josette completed her Ph.D. in Human Development at Fielding Graduate University in 2009.

However, the husband, Ba Luvmour, went to Temple University to complete his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and he earned his degree in 1968. In 1984, he completed his Master of Arts in Psychology from Sonoma State University in California.

The couple has authored multiple books to educate readers, parents, and educators about the practical implementation of the Natural Learning Program (NLR). The books they authored together are The books include Everyone Wins! Cooperative games and activities – 3rd ed. (2019), Relationship Based Education: Relationships and partnerships in educational environments – Vol. 6 (2019), Brain Development and The Natural Learning Relationships of children – Vol. 5 (2018), A Compendium of writings: The work and ideas of Luvmour & Luvmour 2010 – 2016 – Vol. 4 (2018), Freedom in Education: Talks at the Brockwood Park Krishnamurti School 30th Anniversary – Vol. 3 (2018), Effective Boundaries with children: Creating and maintaining healthy boundaries with all age children – Vol. 2 (2018), Natural Learning Relationships: An introduction to whole-child development – Vol. 1, Win-Win games for all ages: Cooperative activities for building social skills (2002), Tiger by the Tail: Essays on the inherent spirituality of Natural Learning Rhythms (1998), Natural Learning Rhythms: How and when children learn (1993), Everyone Wins! Cooperative games and activities. Philadelphia (1990), and Towards Peace: Cooperative Games & Activities (1989).

7 Simple Daily Habits for Boosting Your Personal Well-Being and Achieving Greater Happiness

The Chicago Journal Staff on March 15, 2023

Everyone wants to feel happier in their daily life. It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of life and forget what is truly important. Taking time daily to curate healthy habits to boost your well-being is critical to find the happiest version of yourself. 

First, you have to identify where in your life you feel unbalanced. There are seven core elements to personal well-being, including mental, physical, financial, social, spiritual, environmental, and vocational.

These seven core elements of well-being overlap: your job may affect your mental health, your environment could influence your physical health, and so on. 

Small activities like spending time with family and friends will enhance your social life. Regular exercise can help improve your physical well-being, dressing to impress can help you perform better at work, and investing in therapy can improve your mental health. 

You don’t want to bite off more than you can chew. Building new habits take time; take it slow. There is no need to rush. Take the pressure off yourself and work towards adding one new habit to your daily routine until it becomes second nature. Then, once you feel that habit ingrained in you, begin to build in another. 

If you aren’t sure where to start, here are seven simple daily habits that can help boost your personal well-being and help you achieve greater happiness. 

1. Get Fit and Learn To Defend Yourself by Practicing Mixed Martial Arts or Getting TickPick Tickets

There’s a reason daily exercise can help boost your mood and help you feel you can conquer the world. When we get our bodies moving, our brains release endorphins—hormones that help relieve stress and pain in the body and improve your overall sense of well-being.

Actions to boost your endorphins could be as simple as going for a walk or getting up from your desk, putting on your favorite song, and dancing around your house for a few minutes. Still, you’ll want to find a more challenging exercise routine if you want to build confidence and strength. 

Why not give mixed martial arts a try? Not only will you get your body moving, but you’ll learn to defend yourself, increase your balance, tone your body, and feel more confident. 

If you’re curious about MMA, treat yourself to a pair of UFC tickets from TickPick and see a fight live with a friend—it’ll get you amped to try your local MMA gym. 

2. Prioritize Your Mental Health by Working With a Licensed Therapist 

Prioritizing movement can help release those happy hormones that help regulate your mood and reduce anxiety. Still, sometimes exercise alone is not enough to make the negative thoughts go away. 

If you’ve been feeling down, know that you are not alone. Many people experience anxiety and depression—and talk therapy may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression and help you lead a more balanced and happier life. 

Sitting down and talking with a licensed therapist, in person or online, gives you a safe place to discuss what may be causing you to feel anxious or depressed. Whether you’re healing from the loss of a loved one, overwhelmed with work or school, or just having trouble engaging in activities you used to enjoy, your therapist can help you identify the problem and develop coping mechanisms.

3. Balance Your Gut Health With Probiotics and Help From Ritual

Daily Habits

(Ritual)

If you’ve ever eaten a delicious meal, you know that your gut can have a direct relation to your sense of overall well-being. Still, more is happening in your gut than you could ever imagine! Your gut is home to over a trillion microbial cells, including good and bad bacteria. 

Everyone’s gut microbiomes will vary based on diet, lifestyle, stress, travel, medications, and so much more. Even if you do your best to eat healthy and exercise, your gut may be imbalanced, which could cause digestion troubles, mood swings, skin issues, and an inefficient immune system. 

Taking a daily probiotic will help balance your gut by supplementing your body with the good bacteria it needs to thrive. Know that it will take your body some time to acclimate to the new bacteria you’re introducing into your gut. You may have some slight discomfort like bloating, gas, or loud tummy rumbles, although some people notice no changes at all. 

You may also notice that you have clearer skin, more regular bowel movements, and are sick less frequently. If you don’t notice any discomfort, you may be worried your probiotic isn’t working. 

As Ritual notes, signs probiotics are working start inside your body—which is why it’s essential to choose a quality probiotic that has been tested in clinical studies to prove the fragile bacteria will still be viable once they reach your gut. 

3. Find the Care You Need for More Serious Ailments at Home With Transfer Master

Daily Habits

(Transfer Master)

Not everyone is fortunate enough to have good health. If you experience a lack of mobility, simple actions like getting in and out of bed can be challenging. Meanwhile, if you are caring for a terminally ill family member, you’ll want to ensure that the person you care for is as comfortable as possible in their final days. 

Investing in a home hospital bed like the ones at Transfer Master can provide much-needed assistance in getting in and out of bed once mobility is limited. Even if your condition isn’t terminal, a home hospital bed can give those with disabilities the free quickly and easily get in and out of bed without assistance. 

If you are a caretaker of an ill or elderly loved one, a hospital bed can reduce the burden of lifting the person to take them to and from the bathroom, get them dressed, and allow them to retain some of their independence. 

With a comfortable and adjustable bed, they’ll be able to prop themselves up to watch tv without calling for help. This will allow them to feel more like themselves, even when they aren’t feeling their best. 

4. Treat Yourself To Stylish Johnny Was Clothing To Feel Free and Authentic

Sometimes, you have to look good to feel good. Instead of just throwing on clothes in the morning before heading out the door to work, be mindful of the outfit you choose and what it says to the world. When you put effort into your appearance, people notice, which can boost your self-confidence.

Fashion is one of the ultimate means of self-expression. There is a reason people refer to a shopping spree as retail therapy: When you treat yourself to new clothing, you are telling yourself you are worth investing in. 

When you get dressed in the morning, do you look in the mirror and see the best version of yourself reflected? Do the clothes you currently have in your closet reflect this new happy and healthy version of you? If your answer is no, it’s time for a closet refresh. 

Indulge your free spirit with comfortable flowy boho clothing from Johnny Was. Bright colors and rich fabrics flatter all body types, and the unique prints and patterns allow you to find what best fits your personal style. 

5. Enhance Your Appearance and Feel Good From the Outside In With Lashify

Daily Habits

(Lashify)

Go beyond your wardrobe and enhance your appearance so that you love the person you see in the mirror. Indulge in a five-step skincare routine every night, invest in quality makeup that gives you a luminous glow, and put on some red lipstick to boost your confidence for that big meeting. 

It may seem superficial at first, but there is nothing wrong with doing things that help you to feel beautiful. A 2011 study in the UK and Germany found that personal beauty helped both men and women feel happier in their daily lives. When you feel beautiful, you have more confidence, allowing you to go for your goals with gumption. 

People also perceive you differently when you make an effort to your physical appearance. Many female servers and bartenders find that they make more in tips on nights they wear makeup than when they don’t. By presenting the best version of yourself, you put your best foot forward every day. 

Sometimes, taking the time to do a full face of makeup every morning can feel exhausting. Using an at-home Lashify eyelash extension kit can enhance your eyes for up to ten days at a time with minimal effort on your part. 

Lengthened eyelashes draw focus to your eyes and help you look more alert and awake. Now, you can get the look without spending time curling your eyelashes and applying multiple coats of mascara. Just get up—and go. 

6. Be the GOAT of Your Own Life and Learn From Rock The Bells

Daily Habits

(Rock the Bells)

One of the most important steps you can take to achieve overall happiness is to shift your perspective of how you see yourself. Everyone has bad days, days we feel less than enough. Even on the hard days, find a way to remind yourself that you are the GOAT in your life!

To be GOAT doesn’t mean you live like a farm animal eating grass—that’s a different kind of goat. According to Rock The Bells, the GOAT meaning originates from hip-hop culture and stands for “Greatest of All Time.” More specifically, it comes from L.L. Cool Jay’s 2000 album, G.O.A.T., but the phrase wasn’t officially added to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary until 2018. 

Think of how hip-hop artists present themselves to the world: They are in charge. They are confident in their abilities. Their personal style reflects that they see themselves as the coolest and the best in the room. 

They may not always feel this way, but they allow this persona to be what they present to those around them. 

When you act more confident, you appear more confident. No one knows what they are doing 100% of the time. Sometimes, you have to fake it until you make it. 

Look in the mirror and tell yourself you are the GOAT every morning before you head into the office. Chances are that affirmation will slowly become true, and eventually, you’ll see yourself as the best version of yourself every time you look in the mirror. 

Conclusion 

While these steps toward personal well-being may seem pretty different, each one helps you put your best foot forward. Something as simple as treating yourself to a fun and free boho chic outfit could do so much to help you feel like the GOAT you are striving to be! Popping on a set of at-home eyelash extensions could give you the confidence to attack your day as your best self. 

When we look and feel our best by exercising, taking care of our mental health, healing our gut biome with probiotics, and dressing to impress, we can improve all seven core elements of our well-being. It’s more than just a new outfit; it’s the outfit you wore to the job interview that helped you look and feel your best. Just like that, you improved your financial, vocational, environmental, and emotional well-being. 

How? You changed the environment you work in every day. You’re making more money. Now, you have less stress and go to work confidently, feeling your best in a job you enjoy. You’re living like the GOAT you were meant to be. 

Take the chance. Make one little change this week and start building a new habit. It may affect even more elements of your life than you realize. 

Laura Formentini’s Book and a Testimony to The Power of Journaling

The Chicago Journal Staff on February 3, 2023

Why do we suffer? 

This is a controversial question that has many explanations going about it. You often find yourself on the brink of giving up going through grief. Questions loom over your head. Caught in the existence paradox, you seek meaning in your wounds. Your tears salt the gashes that are left from the aftermath. You are left with more questions than answers. Why did they leave you? Why didn’t you say what you truly felt before it was too late? If God is good, why are you suffering? 

Laura Formentini is someone who has gone through heartache with the passing of her son, Blaise. It is unimaginable, the suffering of losing a child. 

But how did she deal with grief? And was she able to derive meaning from it? 

The answer isn’t in the destination. It’s rather in the journey that leads to it—the moments of sadness, nostalgia, and emptiness. 

What you do with those feelings is the decisive factor that leads you to a place of peace, of catharsis.

Laura emphasizes the power of journaling to her readers. 

The Power Of Journaling

When you feel alone, you can often find a companion in yourself in times of need. Journalling can help you have the right conversations with yourself as your grief develops. Often you find yourself resenting words of comfort from people. It is because sometimes, the heart wants to listen to itself and come to terms with the void left inside it. 

Make a habit of journaling the next time you have negative thoughts and when you find the time or are ready, revisit them to see how far you have come. 

Contrary to popular belief, journalling isn’t just an amalgamation of your experiences. Your journal doesn’t necessarily need to be filled with how your day went or a conversation at all. The spirit finds its ways to vent; according to the situation, the medium of expression can vary. 

Laura Formentini chose poetry as her raw expression to let her emotional state flow through strokes of pen, etching beautiful fables and nuances that were cathartic to her and her readers. The rawness in her words is a testimony to what she was going through at the time. 

She kept a journal every day to let go of any tension inside her. Her poems are a depiction of how her overwhelming pain progressed down to her eventual acceptance and healing. 

The journey finally leads to a realization, a resolution. 

The Resolution

That’s the thing about storms; they pass like everything else fleeting in life. What’s left are memories like little balls of energy powering your nostalgia. The resolution slowly sinks into the quiet. After you’ve found your peace, you have a story. A tale of triumph from grief, something that most people can’t seem to get out of. 

You can either do two things with this story untold. Either you can let it be a book on your shelf, one you can dust off once in a while and keep to yourself. Or you can pass it on. Pass on the torch to light up the world of many others going through what you did.

It’s the legacy we leave on this earth that you are known for at the end of the day. Something you contribute to others. It may be your ability to touch lives with merely your smile, telling your peers to “rock on,” something Blaise does effortlessly. 

Formentini took her documented journey through fables and prose and chose to encourage other people who are seeking shelter and solace under a tree. She gives her readers a ray of hope, like a warm beam of sunlight nourishing and nurturing the plant that will one day turn into an olive tree, a symbol of hope for whoever seeks it. 

And the chain continues, one act of kindness rubs off another, and before you know it, the world starts to heal. It starts to transform with the metamorphosis of life. 

This is why we’re here. This is why we strive. We’re here for good. Laura Formentini has set the benchmark for all those authors seeking resonance with their work. It will help them persevere and believe in their journey rather than the destination itself. Healing can only stem out of your pain. 

Take the first step by picking up Twentyone Olive Trees. A work of art that gives you an escape, a safe space to vent your frustrations and sadness. 

Carry the torch forward and continue a movement where people realize that death isn’t the end but a door to transformation.

LaDeidra Stokes-Roberts Raises Strong Kids and Families With Mental Health and Education-Focused Coaching Techniques

The Chicago Journal Staff on December 6, 2022

Entrepreneur, mental health counselor, and kid’s life coach LaDeidra Stokes-Roberts, a visionary in her own right, is taking significant strides in providing innovative and holistic mental health, educational, and life coaching services with her programs, enriching the lives of children and families across the country with RBS Counseling & Educational Services. 

Championing the need to build engaging and fun activities for children and their families and highlighting the importance of mental health in raising a new generation of individuals, LaDeidra created her programs to fill an apparent lack in her community and give back using her skills and expertise. Among her programs are back-to-school care events, mental health and wellness forums, self-workshops, educational workshops, addressing a broad audience through radio and podcast interviews to amplify mental health advocacy, and many other activities. A part of her efforts is also providing RBS fidget boxes and bags meant to increase productivity and improve the ability to fight distractions among children who struggle with focusing, anxiety, stress, frustration, excitement, restlessness, and impatience. 

RBS Counseling & Educational Services has been instrumental in improving the rate of success among children through educational and life coaching, training, and workshops. LaDeidra has made it her mission to equip the next generation of leaders to become innovative thinkers and independent minds unafraid of challenging the status quo. 

LaDeidra’s impact on her clients is incredibly evident, and some of them now consider her not only as a coach and mentor but as a part of their family, as she had such a massive impact on children.

“Since the pandemic, we have been accepting adults and couples for services. One of the unique attributes of the program is being able to utilize the child’s interests and strengths to enhance the session,” said LaDeidra. “There are a lot of hands-on activities and fun activities completed during each session that connects education and life coaching. The program provides education, life coaching, and trauma-informed care training to educators and human service providers,” she added. 

The RBS Counseling & Educational Services programs are also available in face-to-face, mobile, virtual, and group sessions to provide people with the medium they are most comfortable with. In addition, her innovation is recognized for utilizing the children’s interests and strengths to dictate the flow of the session instead of creating a one-size-fits-all approach for all of them. 

“I wanted to turn my passion, talents, and interests into a business venture to serve others,” LaDeidra said, sharing what drove her to tailor programs that now change countless lives for the better. “I decided to build my own brand when my mother passed away in February 2016. She enjoyed helping others in her community, so I wanted to continue her legacy of helping others,” she explained further.

Seeing her late mother inspire others, even strangers she barely knew, fueled her passion for empowering people too. She wants her story to inspire others and understand that they, too, can turn their passion, talents, and interests into something bigger capable of changing not only their own lives but the lives of many people. 

On Facing Hard Truths and Overcoming Trauma: How Beyond Temptation LLC Empowers People

The Chicago Journal Staff on November 30, 2022

Despite how advanced the world has gotten, there are still thousands of people with stories of trauma hidden behind closed doors. One of the reasons is that they never found an advocate who they could trust with their truth. Beyond Temptation LLC wants to fill that gap and be the brave voice that amplifies such narratives into the light and frees people from their past.

Beyond Temptation LLC aims to raise a new generation of empowered individuals by helping them build self-esteem, assertiveness, and motivation. Led by its founder, Eleanor Mae Fondren, the organization provides effective tools, motivational speaking, coaching, and outreach services to help people reach their goals and redefine the trajectory of their lives. The founder personally shares her life story, resounding the lives of the people she is helping today to let them know that they are not alone in their fight.

“I often utilize my life story to provide an understanding and relatability, which has been effective in areas such as women’s correctional facilities and a few platforms in surrounding community engagements. I bring authenticity to my platform and offer tools for success,” the founder said. Eleanor often speaks of her experiences with addiction, the overwhelming feelings of imposter syndrome, and normalizing the rollercoaster journey towards facing one’s genuine emotions, including all the relapses that may happen on the way.

Beyond Temptation LLC specializes in helping clients deal with biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of trauma and applying the learnings to aid in their path to success. The company has helped countless individuals navigate their anxiety and stress in the most effective ways. Eleanor also tackles issues of substance abuse, homelessness, sex trafficking, stress relief, and many other social disparities.

“Being transparent is a quality which I find successful,” Eleanor explained. “Coming out of a situation where there was not enough support and information on divorce as a trauma in the Black community, I often found that we were criminalized and dehumanized when we reacted to our personal trauma in a negative way, not defining how these issues affected my household,” she shared further.

Eleanor was a victim of addiction, sexual abuse, and other issues that plague communities today. Although many efforts have brought such problems to light, she emphasized that some gray areas and communities still leave such topics as taboos. So, carrying a sense of responsibility to speak about things keeping her community from moving forward, she founded Beyond Temptation LLC. Today, the organization acts as a resource for others and a voice ready to tell their stories to the world.

“Sometimes, we feel as though we are alone in our struggles. However, many people have a story with which we identify. Not everyone is going to speak about their troubles or past. However, when you find those that have been through dire situations, take time to listen to their stories,” Eleanor said. “They might provide a solution that can assist you towards a better life.”

On a mission to write a different story from the generations that came before and correct the misconceptions about the disparities and indiscretion in humanity, the founder believes that, with a little help, everyone can spark change. Beyond Temptations LLC is genuinely leading people to rewrite their own stories and build better lives. I thank my mentor Mr. Thurston Smith for encouraging me not to give up, to keep moving forward. Not to be silenced, and to utilize my voice and to know that I am worthy. To learn more, go to: http://www.beyondtemptation.org

Evangelist David Diga Hernandez Preaches the Gospel Through Social Media

The Chicago Journal Staff on November 11, 2022

The rat race has distanced us all in some ways from our spiritual selves. This is probably the reason we can’t live fulfilling lives even after achieving success. We hear people revealing encounters with God that changed their lives but never experience similar encounters that provide answers to greater problems. David Diga Hernandez, an evangelist and healer, is helping the present generation overcome such problems by spreading the real message of the Gospel through modern means of communication. His goal is to spread the original message without compromising it to fit into modern culture. 

David Diga Hernandez was only 11 when he had a genuine encounter with God. He is definite that it was not an epiphany or a spiritual experience but a true encounter with God that became the driving force behind everything he does now. He wants others to know God, which is the reason he has preached the Gospel since he was 13. Initially, it was his passion and love for God. He was keen on explaining things and even preached at various youth events nationwide. David preached first sermon to his church’s youth group. From there, it snowballed, and around 2007, he started a YouTube channel to reach the public through the most popular means of communication: the internet. 

As Hernandez grew in viewership, he, along with his team, started conducting events nationally and internationally. The goal was to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. Currently, David is a renowned Christian leader on YouTube who practices healing through modern means like social media. He reached out to millions of Gen-Z and millennials as a key figure for the charismatic Christian movement. He doesn’t fit any church denomination category and has a unique style of communication. 

To take the initiative further, Hernandez wrote three books that became best sellers. He believes that the Gospel still works in its original form and should never be modified to suit the interest of any generation or culture. By changing the message to make it more favorable, people remove its power. The Gospel as-is works just fine. According to David, “If you believe you have the truth, you can’t compromise your message.” He feels the present generation doesn’t want a shell of the Gospel. They need substance. Like in all generations, there will be acceptance and rejections of the Gospel, but nobody wants a Gospel they know isn’t real. 

Despite spreading a true spiritual message and helping people heal, David’s journey was challenging. With the consistent cultural evolution, he needs to constantly adjust the method of messaging without compromising the message itself. The pandemic proved to be a boon disguised as a bane for Hernandez and his team. As public events were strictly prohibited, people turned to social media to connect with others, which is when their follower base started scaling. He took the opportunity to spread the message of the Gospel in its original, unaltered, and uncompromised form. For David, the same Gospel that worked for the early Church is the same Gospel we need today. 

David Diga Hernandez and his team want to continue preaching the original Gospel on a larger scale in the coming years to help people discover their spiritual selves. To achieve this feat, he and his team have been working on building their platform and infrastructure by investing millions, because nothing is worth more than leading a spiritual awakening among the next generations via technology.

Shyness. How to Take Control of Social Anxiety Using Your Compassionate Mind

The Chicago Journal Staff on October 24, 2022

Lynne Henderson

Having a bashful or timid personality is natural. It’s a normal part of life that everyone goes through at some point. It is a natural emotion that everyone can experience. However, there are instances when social anxiety becomes debilitating and starts to hinder one’s ability to navigate life. 

Various situations in life can bring up feelings of uncertainty. Moments such as being placed in a new, unfamiliar social environment where you are surrounded by new people. Or, during moments of intense focus, like suddenly being put in a spotlight in front of an audience. People attribute feeling physical pains and sensations like goosebumps or sweating following situations similar to these. One would suddenly feel as if they are not in control of one’s body. These problems don’t even include the mental anguish that people with timid personalities go through. For some, whose social anxieties border on uncontrollable and damaging, they opt to forego situations that necessitate them being challenged, limiting themselves to situations that they feel they are comfortable with, or feel that they have control over.

Human experience over thousands of years has necessitated shyness for survival. Humans, as a whole, are “social beings.” When it interferes with life goals, progresses to social anxiety disorder, or causes “learned pessimism,” “mild depression,” or even “learned helplessness,” it can become a problem. In this sense, shyness and shame frequently prevent us from achieving our potential and from fully interacting with others.

This is not to say that having a shy personality is a wholly negative trait. Those who are shy are not particularly motivated to be forceful with others. They simply don’t feel an immediate need to dictate the actions of the people around them, instead perhaps preferring to be listeners within the social circles they take part in. 

These people typically adopt a “pause to check” strategy in social situations and may be just as well-adjusted as extroverts. They are perceptive to other people’s feelings and thoughts. They exhibit caution, thoughtfulness, diligence, agreeableness, and a propensity for cooperative action.

We are not to blame for our social anxiety. In order to safeguard us, the brain states that cause these emotions have developed over time. To live the lives we wish to live, we are all trying our best.

The good news is that shy people can develop coping mechanisms for their emotions and refute unsettling notions. They can try new, self-assured behaviors and grow in their capacity for self-compassion. This entails developing the soothing and calming alternative brain state and learning to use our innate kindness and compassion toward both ourselves and others.

The Compassionate Mind Approach (created by Paul Gilbert) combines knowledge about how our minds can cause us problems with a potent remedy in the form of mindfulness and compassion. It provides techniques for energizing the area of the brain associated with kindness, warmth, compassion, and safety while calming the area that causes us to feel tense, irritated, unhappy, or depressed.

Lynne Henderson is a licensed clinical psychologist with over forty years of experience. She founded the Social Fitness Center, and is founder and Co-Director, with Philip Zimbardo of the Shyness Institute. She was a visiting scholar in the Psychology Department at Stanford University for thirteen years, a lecturer for five years, and a faculty member in Continuing Studies. Dr. Henderson also served as a Consulting Associate Professor in Counseling Psychology for ten years. She directed the Shyness Clinic in Palo Alto for twenty-five years and conducted research and shyness groups at the Stanford Counseling Center. Her research interests include translating the results of social psychology and personality theory into clinical work, specifically, the negative stereotyping of shyness, the influence of personality variables and cultural influences on interpersonal perception and motivation, the leadership styles of shy leaders, and compassionate social fitness. She is the author of The Shyness Workbook: Take Control of Social Anxiety Using Your Compassionate Mind. For more information, visit  http://www.shyness.com/

“The Glute Bible” Gives a Sneak Peak into Life-Changing Fitness Tips

The Chicago Journal Staff on August 25, 2022

Reaching one’s fitness goals faster and becoming healthy has become more complicated. It doesn’t help that the different schools of thought or fitness programs available online add to the confusion and challenge. The truth is that people need to stop wasting time on regimens and diets that don’t work and start understanding how genetics affects your body. Thankfully, “The Glute Bible” is now available

“The Glute Bible” is more than just a practical and no-nonsense book on health and fitness; but also a book that will inspire you to get the best version of yourself. This one-of-a-kind book will teach you how to measure and achieve fitness success correctly. “The Glute Bible” is one of a kind health and fitness book that will inspire you to reach that fabulous shape that you have been longing to have. “The Glute Bible” is a complete resource that will inspire you to get the right mindsets, habits, regimens, and knowledge to achieve the figure you never imagined having. 

Former Prima Ballerina turned Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist Casey Fleysman is a passionate advocate of living a healthier lifestyle and a winning attitude. The nutritionist and writer are passionate about inspiring people to live more by helping them experience the best health by getting fit and eating right. “For the past ten years, I’ve spent learning all I can say about fitness and health and have spent a good chunk of that time sharing all I know with people on social media. Now, over 2 million of my followers have benefitted from my content and teachings,” says the passionate trainer. 

After years of training and coaching people, Casey noticed how so many people are challenged with finding the proper knowledge that will help them get the glutes of their dreams. Sadly, these kinds of people either burn themselves out by reading massive resources or resort to a “quick fix” online that doesn’t guarantee results. On top of writing a book, Casey has managed some of the longest-running influencer marketing campaigns and has been a leader in organizing charity events that continue to grow annually. She also managed Did You Dye, a company that she started to create tie dye socks in my backyard for herself. 

“The Glute Bible” is a one-of-a-kind book in that it focuses specifically on building up the Gluteus Maximus. Also known as the glutes, butt, or bottom, this part of the body is one of the most powerful parts. Great glutes help you move better and live better. “I had so many misconceptions and misinformation filed in my brain and body from the past twenty-three plus years that I had to throw out all the old information and start from scratch,” shares Casey. “So I decided early on in my exciting journey with fitness that I wanted to set goals for myself that would push me to learn and grow,” 

“The Glute Bible” will help you tread your fitness journey with inspiration and excitement. The book includes chapters on managing expectations, adequate diet, how to hydrate, fundamentals of form and technique, the anatomy of Your glutes and the genetics behind your Inheritance. You can visit this website to know more about “The Glute Bible”. 

Santana Rodriguez Helping People Shape Up with New Fitness Show

The Chicago Journal Staff on July 20, 2022

Health and fitness have been gaining a strong demand as of late. And one show that has been gaining steady momentum is the award winning fitness television series “Shaping Up with Santana” by Santana Rodriguez.

Santana is an actress, TV host, cover print model, and fitness champion who is now putting on a new hat. The Puerto Rican slash Brazilian fitness personality has turned to television production as she launches “Shaping Up with Santana” on ROKU ,Apple and Fire TV. The show is now available for 24/7 streaming on-demand. With Santana’s new show, fitness enthusiasts can work out anytime they want, wherever they want.

The model and fitness coach is the former “Fitness Champion” of the ABA Federation show, “Miss Team USA Modelquest.” As a model, she has appeared in many publications, appearing on the cover of seven various magazines and getting a feature on thirty prints. Santana Rodriguez holds an Associate’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Marketing. She is also a Certified Fitness Trainer.

Growing up, Santana would dream of becoming an influential television personality. When her father got sick and ended up with an amputated leg, she felt motivated to study nutrition and wellness. After bouts of leaving her family, she would later receive the blessing of her loved ones to move from Buffalo, New York to Los Angeles, California, to pursue her dream. Today, Santana has made a reputable name for herself in fashion, showing business and fitness.

The recently launched fitness program by Santana Rodriguez is taking the world by storm as people look for a safer fitness regimen as the COVID-19 crisis rages worldwide. “We are a fun health and fitness show with an emphasis on fitness dance exercise and nutrition tips,” shares Santana. “We cater to all individuals of different shapes and sizes that want to get in shape.”

The show features a live audience who will join the exercises in real-time, while a stream arrives on ROKU, Apple and Fire TV televisions and devices from the comfort of their own homes. The penned agreement with the two major streaming companies makes “Shaping Up with Santana” available to over 14 million subscribers on ROKU and 30 million subscribers on Amazon’s Fire TV. The show presents a very diverse crowd, establishing a robust international influence worldwide.

Also, the fitness show by Santana Rodriguez is free to watch, removing any form of friction for people who want to stay in shape. “Shaping Up with Santana” is available in an extensive collection of nations, including the United States, Argentina, Canada, Chile, Columbia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Brazil, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Japan, and India.

Santana has also acted in multiple plays and theatre productions over the years. In her spare time, she also plays a philanthropic role as a mentor in “Big Brothers, Big Sisters,” a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization that pairs adults up with young children for mentorship and coaching.

Santana hopes to keep giving back to the community. On many levels, she sees her show as advocacy. Through it, she helps people lead healthier lives, which will ultimately lead to happier living.

To learn more about Santana Rodriguez, visit her website as well as follow her on instagram @santanafit. You can also learn more and start joining “Shaping Up With Santana” by checking out the show’s website.

Gordon Andan: The Expert Cosmetic Surgeon With a Passion for Natural Results

The Chicago Journal Staff on July 4, 2022

Over the years, the stigma surrounding cosmetic surgeries has lessened significantly. Given this, many are no longer afraid to undergo various aesthetic solutions that help enhance their physique and boost their confidence. While this is generally regarded as positive progress, this newfound freedom can inadvertently push some to go overboard in their quest for beauty. As a result, they end up having exaggerated features due to unnecessary and excessive procedures. Cognizant of this, Gordon Andan, MD, has dedicated his practice to providing clients with natural-looking bodies. 

The expert believes that the surgical arts are not just about enhancements and corrections. But rather, it is a fine craft that helps bring out a person’s natural beauty. On top of that, the self-professed perfectionist rejects mediocrity and uses his keen and artistic eye to ensure exceptional results. Because of this, he has established his reputation as an industry authority and is recognized as one of the top cosmetic surgeons in the country.

He utilizes the same impressive philosophy in his brand New York Surgical Arts. The enterprise has offices in Garden City and Madison Ave, New York. It specializes in providing a wide range of services such as facial rejuvenation, breast enhancements, body contouring, medical spa services, and even plastic surgery for men.

As a testament to Dr. Gordon Andan’s proficiency, he has helped thousands of patients regain their confidence, especially women after childbirth. Moreover, he continues to meet and exceed his patient’s expectations by creating impeccable work in the operating room daily.

Alongside his passion for his craft, what sets the visionary apart from the rest is his extensive education and work experience of more than 15 years. He completed his residency at Columbia University College of Physicians at Harlem Hospital Center and Columbia Presbyterian Hospital.

On top of that, he is fellowship-trained by some of the most distinguished experts in the field. During the mentorship, the professional perfected his skills by performing over 750 major body and facial cosmetic surgery procedures. Finally, he is a board-certified surgeon by the American Board of Surgery as well as a Diplomate of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.

Aside from these impressive distinctions, Dr. Gordon Andan possesses an admirable work ethic rooted in hard work and dedication. In fact, he started his cosmetic surgery practice from scratch with no money and bad credit. He was even denied business financing. However, because of his relentless drive, the inspiring surgeon has successfully scaled his brand. 

Asking to share an important piece of advice, the insightful man said, “Don’t settle for less. There is a price for everything. If you are willing to pay the price, you will achieve your dreams. Patience, sacrifice, consistency, hard work and learning from failure are key to success.”

Moving forward, Dr. Gordon Andan remains steadfast in his goal of creating natural-looking work and helping boost his clients’ self-esteem. In addition, he aims to grow New York Surgical Arts and bring it to the national and global scene as the gold standard in cosmetic surgery.