Just checking in...

Posted on 3 May 2025

Just checking in...

(it's mental health awareness month)

Turn awareness into action

Part of maintaining our mental and emotional well being is providing a way that is well structured and helpful so that we have resilience as part of our everyday routine. How do we do that, you might ask? Well, they say connection, coping, calmness, care, compassion, and community are the keys. Let's start with connection- to yourself, as well as to others. That means spending some good quality time (not on your phone) in solitude, and being present when with others. In terms of coping, which is the ability to deal with and attempt to overcome problems and difficulties, that may seem challenging. However, simple techniques such as deep breathing, writing, physical activity, self talk, mediation, and engaging in hobbies helps (cause it brings you into the present moment). What is calmness, anyway? Calmness is the mental state of peace of mind, being free from agitation, excitement, or disturbance. To calm down quickly, try deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or grounding techniques like taking a walk, listening to music, or spending time in nature. Focusing on your breath and body, can help you regain a sense of control and reduce physical tension.

Next we have care, and by that I mean self care, which is not a one size fits all approach, it's about finding what works best for you and making it part of your regular routine. Seeking professional help when needed, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle (eating well, moving your body, sleeping, and relaxing). Prioritizing self care and professional care can lead to improved mental health, reducing symptoms of mental illness, and enhanced over all well being. It empowers individuals to take charge of their mental health and seek help when necessary. Having compassion for yourself and others means being kind and understanding. Self compassion, in particular, is crucial for mental health. It means recognizing our own suffering, treating ourselves with kindness, and avoiding self criticism. Practicing compassion can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It promotes positive self image and enhances emotional stability. Compassion toward others fosters empathy and strengthens social bonds. Practice self-compassion by acknowledging your feelings, giving yourself grace during tough times, and celebrating your achievements. Extend compassion to others by showing empathy, offering help, and being understanding of their struggles. Compassionate behavior can create a more supportive and nurturing environment for everyone. Which then brings us to the importance of community.

Community involves being part of a larger social network that provides support, purpose, and a sense of belonging. Being an active member of a community can significantly impact mental health by offering opportunities for social interaction, mutual support, and collective engagement. A strong community can provide emotional support, reduce feelings of isolation, and promote overall well-being. It can also offer a sense of purpose through shared goals and collective efforts. Engage with your local community by participating in events, volunteering, or joining groups that share your interests. Contributing to your community can enhance your sense of purpose and belonging. Online communities can also provide support and connection, especially for those with specific interests or needs. Remember that giving back to your community can be just as rewarding as receiving support from it. So, that begs me to ask the question- when is the last time you had a check in with yourself or someone else? If you or someone you know needs someone to talk to and get on the road to a healthier way of being, please consider scheduling a session with me or working with me long term to raise your consciousness and awareness through our time together. Many clients have experienced a shift in just a single session, but I am in the work of transformation, which tends to take time. Take charge of your emotional, mental, and physical well being. Simple lifestyle changes are all you need to feel better, and most of them are free...

Retail therapy, among other therapies

TAOS was reopened to bring art, style, transformation, AND wellness together for the community. With that being said, this brand is more than merely articles of clothing to be worn. In fact, they are works of art to not only be worn, but cherished, making you feel inspired and ready to take on the world. It is about raising your confidence and consciousness, and putting it on display for the world to see. A month ago, I sent an email informing each and every one of you, that you only had until the end of April to purchase the entire GOD|DESS COLLECTION. That was not a joke. When I decided to re-enter the marketplace, I did it from a place of purpose, more so than I had done in the past. With that being said, the concept I had initially designed, was to only release one item a month, giving you exactly 30 days to purchase the item before it was locked in the vault, never to be available again. It is almost the exact opposite of what typical retailers would do. So, here is the system- going forward, you will only have one month to buy a piece from me, after that month, you can still purchase it, but the price will increase. Nothing will ever go on sale, and there is an expiration date when they will no longer be available. It took me a year to create this collection and figure out a bunch of kinks, so I am extending deadline to purchase until next year, while working on my second collection, THE UNIFORM COLLECTION- all reversible, impermeable, unisex pieces- just in case you need a cool uniform or know a company that needs a modern update to theirs. You also must wait for your piece to arrive, as one of my philosophies is Zero Waste, so each and every piece is made to order. Any piece can be made in any color, material, or size you want. The Style Registry and The Style Societies are also available to help you fund your Gift of Style to yourself. TAOS is a play on words of Taoism- we are everything, we are nothing, we are undefinable. Please don't try to put me in box. I promise not to do it to you, too. Let's hop on a call and create a one of a kind piece, just for you. Once I have your measurements, we can make magic happen...

The Substitute | The Substitute Society

You've heard me say it, you've read it in this email, yet, for some reason, you still either don't believe what you see and hear, or you are unwilling to try something so simple as taking a moment to sit still with your breath. The Substitute is a revolutionary concept, even though the basis is quite simple, it is, indeed, brilliant. You can Use The Substitute for just about everything, but how about using it to help your mental health (at least this month). The mental benefits include, but are not limited to, reducing stress, anxiety, depression, giving you mental clarity, and a better night's sleep. Go ahead, I give you permission to try. You can always try it for free at TAOS. But I promise if you buy one, you will not regret it. You actually won't know what to do without it once you've had it for a while. It is the ultimate accessory, here to remind you to just breathe when life feels a little out of control (or just when you feel that way). Use it just a few times and you will immediately start to feel a change.

Intimate Conversations with Lady Kendra

Join me every Monday at 21 CET on Instagram Live as I talk about life and such. This is my way to have a conversation with the world about some subjects that may be taboo or touchy. For me, there is no such thing. Please feel free to leave a comment or ask a question. This week I talked about investment, and next week I will discuss alignment. Be a part of the conversation in person from 20-21 at The Art of Style (reservations required) and follow the journey @kendraleonard...

TAOS YOGA

I also invite you to join me every Wednesday morning from 10-11 am as I share my mediation and yoga practice with the community. This is a safe space where all are welcome. No experience is required. For the month of May, the focus will be on the throat chakra, which is the fifth energy center associated with communication, self expression, and speaking your truth. It is located in the throat area, and is believed to influence the ability to express oneself clearly and honestly. A blocked throat chakra can manifest as difficulty expressing oneself, shyness, or difficulty speaking one's truth. It's not just about speaking, but also about the importance of listening and understanding. An overactive throat chakra can lead to being overly critical, impulsive, or having difficulty listening to others. Potential physical issues linked to a blocked or imbalanced throat chakra include a sore throat, hoarseness, thyroid problems, and neck pain. Come with an open heart and mind, and feel your body unwind through meditation, yoga, and a sound bath to realign your chakras, so you can operate at optimum levels. Love yourself.

The Books- Available on Amazon and Audible (and Italian!)

You only live once- your mental health has everything to do with living a great one...

Your mind controls your thoughts, your body controls your movements, and your soul is your emotional controller.

Find yourself.