National Non-Profit Day + Meeting Connie Chung Memory

For National Non- Profit Day I’m sharing this photo taken at a non-profit dinner party. When I met Connie Chung in New York City, I was literally standing on one foot. While gripping the railing because my foot was still swollen from running the NYC marathon less than 48 hours before and couldn’t fit into a high heel I found myself teary-eyed because growing up I never saw an Asian woman on television in her capacity. And now I was standing beside her. With a lump in my throat, I told Connie how in highschool I styled my hair like hers because there wasn’t anyone else I saw to model my hair after. I told her about the lack of AAPI women in the media and what her presence met to me. She was so kind and authentic and took my hand in placed it in hers and said, “I know”.

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Over the years, I’ve had the honor of facilitating major gifts (including a 300K gift). While, I’m not a “professionall” “Development” person, I love to help with major gifts because connecting people and creating opportunities are my both my passions and talents. Recently, a couple asked me to facilitate a six/ seven figure gift. And it brings me joy to be a part of this process. Next month, I’m open to helping with other development opportunities and sharing with my network what you do to make the world a better place.

My Most Popular Piece, “7 Things To Know About Gaslighting” Was Shared By The UN Women

UPDATE: Over the July 9 (2022) weekend, I was honored to have the United Nations Women share my “Psychology Today” gaslighting piece in their WUNRN email.

Original Post: As a mental health professional, writer, author and life coach I know gaslighting can happen in multiple types of relationships (i.e., professional, medical, family, social), and it can be confusing. The damages can be severe. In my newest piece for “Psychology Today” (published on June 4, 2022), I share seven things to know and understand about gaslighting. With over 340K views (and counting) in less than one month (without any paid advertisting) of it being published online, I know others are curious about how to cope with gaslighting experiences. Please know you are not alone. It is very normal to be in complete shock and disbelief when it occurs. When it happened to me, I didn’t even recognize it. Other experts had to pull me aside and explain it. Remember, you are not your experience with gaslighting, and it is possible to shape your narrative into one of healing. It is important to seek professional mental health for yourself.

Empowering & Equipping Women in Medicine & Female Entrepreneurs By Giving Back

Giving comes in multiple forms. And attending events to support others is one way. Helping women at Michigan Medicine (the University of Michigan) with their commitment to breaking through boundaries to accelerate clinical care, education, and research to benefit women worldwide is one of my passions. I was delighted to attend the first annual Women’s Health Luncheon. Gathered together (on April 27, 2022) in Birmingham, Michigan with physicians, researchers, and supporters of diverse women’s health causes the event delivered inspiration, advocacy and empowerment. Mary Sue Coleman, first female President of the university explained the Women’s Health Innovatin Fund’s goal is to identify challenges facing women on a global level, discuss strategies to overcome these barriers, and support one another as we push for changes that can improve the lives of all women.

Photo Credit: Whole Planet/ Whole Foods Foundation

And over the past eight years, I’ve dedicated my energy and time to those who impact women across the globe who are living at or below the poverty level. A handful of years ago, I had the opportunity to deeply explore what is unique about the Whole Planet Foundation’s work which is dedicated to poverty alleviation, while empowering the world’s poorest people with microcredit in places where Whole Foods Market sources products.

In Harlem, I met women entrepreneurs, visited their business, and learned from them how a micro- finance loan directly impacted their small business. True micro-financing sustainable success for women demands a talented team. And this team is led by Joy Stoddard. Joy led the three day Harlem trip, complete with a service project (photo above). What I love about the foundation is that it not only empowers entrepreneurs, mostly women, but it is fully transparent about their funding (all donations go directly to those they serve).

I’m honored to share I’m now a part of the Whole Planet’s Community Engagement Committee.

May the work of these charities inspire you!

Changing Your Narrative, Feeling Safe & Secure And A Free Guide -Download

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In April I delved deep into a handful of change making stories with some bright minds in business, entrepreneurship, entertainment and wellness. The conversations helped to design the pieces I wrote for “Psychology Today” and “Katie Couric Media”, shaped some of the intimate conversations I had with others, and assisted my clients in unlocking their unbounded potential.

As someone who experienced suffering related to an early loss (my father died in 1979 when I was two weeks shy of turning five), I can tell you one of the hardest things to do is foster a healthy story around my grief. And one thing I did for myself, and what I help others do is shape a narrative in such a way that promotes resilience and positive change. This doesn’t mean I don’t value or speak the truth about loss. What I’ve found to benefit me and what others told me assists them in their healing is bringing a high level perspective to this issue, along with creating a meaningful story. It isn’t instant but personal profound growth and inner peace takes work.

Many people tell me a professional told them they have “Prolonged Grief”, and in my newest Psychology Today piece, I share what it is and what to do. Also, delighted to say Psychology Today listed it as an “Essential Read”.

Doing certain things post- loss can help you or someone you love feel safe and secure. Last month, I had the honor of being asked to write this piece for Katie Couric’s newsletter. It is a uniquie kind of check list to give you guidance for doing the right things after the loss of a loved one.

And this free resource guide, called “The Game Plan” (offered by my publisher as a download) for helping you or your loved one post- loss is my way of thanking you for dropping into my website.

When and Why Grief Endures Beyond 12 Months

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In the most recent publication of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-5-TR, the addition of “prolonged grief disorder” is now the focus of intense scrutiny because it carves out this disorder as a type of grief which goes beyond a year after a death / loss for adults and six months for children and adolescents. For multiple reasons, the medical community prefers to view grief and loss as something that can be completed within a short time frame. However, the very structure and nature of grief, with complex emotions and memories, isn’t time sensitive. I’ve found what compliments resilience and mental wellness isn’t a stop watch, but rather an understanding that grief can’t be folded neatly into a twelve month planner and seeking professional mental health help for grief is a testament to your depth of love. My Psychology Today piece about this was elevated by them to an “Essential Read”.

How I Built It – Part One

Recently, a friend asked me how I built strategic partnerships with major companies and influencers without any PR or media training. She was I made my way to ABC headquarters and wondered how I did it. I’m sharing what I shared with her and others. Before my book was released, I found myself beyond nervous pitching my idea for a one hour live Twitter chat with the (then) Chief Medical Correspondent ( my pitch worked and the event did happen). This was the first time I did this, but as a first- time author I became fearless in my outreach and engagement with influential leaders. I had a selfstarter mindset . And I never doubted by message – healing after loss is possible- and this belief along with strong interpersonal communication skills enabled me to foster, manage and grow partnerships with exceptional companies and individuals. I also brought and still bring a willingness to learn from others and an infinite passion to my work as an author, writer, life coach, book/ media consultant. Fortunately, strategic thinking is intuitive for me, but this doesn’t mean I don’t work to expand it. Look for opportunities to grow your mindset and to work closely with bright leaders and your passion to make an impact will be seen!

~Here’s a link to work with me~ use discount WIDOWSGUIDE (for a limited time) ~

A Fun Memory Filled With Joy, Happiness, Honor & Gratitude

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I’m so thankful and honored to be able to do the work I love as a mindset and resilience coach. Today, this memory appears on my social media feed, so I’m sharing it with you.

Here’s what Television Personality (regular contributor on “The View”, “Rachael Ray Show”) Owner of Gretta Spa (Connecticut & in Boston) Lifestyle Expert, Blogger, Author, Gretta Monahan says in our live Instagram conversation ~

“I call you my coach and my healer…..There’s no one more capable of helping us take the darkest times and moments and occurrences and help us to strategically and emotionally believe it or not… turn it into our superpower and our strength.”

And here’s a link to work with me.

Links to Love

I’m still feeling love looking at this photo of my mother taken exactly one year ago today on Valentine’s Day. She’s the reason a solo parenting chapter exists in “A Widow’s Guide to Healing”. My mother was the first widow I knew (her husband, my father died in 1979 at age 30 from advanced cancer). She told me in 1979 there weren’t any books for single parents dealing with grief. For this chapter, I spoke with other solo mothers who graciously shared their stories, and I included my own thoughts about being the daughter of a solo mother.

Since February is a bittersweet month, and focusing on love can bring out mixed emotions, taking a pause to think about self- love and examining personal growth can be helpful. I’m honored to be included in this Huffington Post piece written by Anika Nayak.

This month is also an opportunity to offer support to Black-owned businesses, celebrate Black literature, and learn new ways to honor the Black experience. I’m delighted to share how I’m celebrating Black History Month in this Thrive Global piece written by Marina Khidekel.

On a different note- Are you ready for a change (personal and/ or professional)? Check out this piece I wrote for Katie Couric’s newsletter. What a joy to include entrepreneur, keynote speaker, New York Times best-selling author Jesse Itzler’s thoughts in my write-up.

For all those in the publishing world, you know this is a BIG deal. On February 3, 2022, this photo from Publisher’s Weekly was in their newsletter and showcased on one of their their Instagram accounts. This photo (I didn’t pay for the PR) was taken in December 2021 at my favorite indie bookstores in Ann Arbor, Michigan- Crazy Wisdom. I remain grateful to them as they were the one of the first bookstores to host a book signing engagement for me as a debut author.

Expressive Writing Webinar (Free) Supported by Wounded Warrior Project for Veterans

I’m honored to be able to participate in the Caregiver Community Connection webinar on January 13, at 4 PM/ Eastern. I’ll be giving an inspirational experience for caregivers to learn and practice gratitude journaling. Research shows expressive writing and practicing gratitude can help both the mind and body. This unique webinar will explore the benefits of practicing both gratitude and writing. This thoughtful interactive time will take you on a journey of nurturing and self- care. This link will allow you to register.

The Caregiver Community Connection is supported by the Wounded Warrior Project, United Stated Department of Veterans Affairs and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes program.

Image Credit- The Elizabeth Dole Foundation

Eight Mindful Tips for Coping With Grief During the Holidays

If you’re wrestling with loss this season and feeling blue, as a grief expert and author, I’m sharing eight mindful tips for coping with bereavement. What an honor to be able to write a piece for Katie Couric (she reached out to me directly) and I even asked Deepak Chopra, MD to share this words of wisdom as well. Here is a link to the piece.

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Kristin on the Dr. Laura Ciel Show

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