The Dragonfly Connection

Our Genes Are Not Our Destiny

What are "silent" genes vs "activated" genes?

What do genes and a cookbook have in common? 

In today's episode, you're going to learn the answer to both of those questions and also why today's guest, Lyn, believes that our genes are not our destiny. 

And, it's not just a belief! Lyn Delmastro-Thomson is an mind-body medicine practitioner, using the healing systems of BodyTalk and Body Intuitive, and now even hypnosis! She has spent a lot of time studying epigenetics (which you'll learn more about in this episode).

She is also the author of the Amazon Best Seller, You Are Not Your Diagnosis. 

This is actually Lyns Third time being a guest on Ambers podcast and she's an all time listener favorite! So, we're sure you're gonna love this episode and you'll come away with some great tips to help you not only survive, but also thrive  in these crazy times and beyond. 

Lyn has all kinds of free resources on her website and social media (links below). Make sure to check them out after you're done listening. 

Follow Lyn on Instagram: heartfirehealing

And, on Facebook: heartfirehealingpdx

Ask, Listen, and Go With The Flow!

"The answer to everything is love." - Dr. Jacquilen Tomas, Ali

Jacquilen is a Doctor of Naturopathy, Certified BodyTalk Trainer and Practitioner, Nutritional Counselor, and Master Herbalist.

She's also one of the most chill, go with the flow, non-judgmental, loving people you can meet. And, it's not because she's had it easy in life. If you've listened to previous podcasts where she's been a guest, you know her story. If you don't, we highly recommend giving them a listen after you listen to todays episode. 

Keep and ear out for their mention at the beginning of their chat. 

Today she and Amber are chatting about the pharmaceutical industry for which Jacqueline was once a part of. Then she shares some great ideas and tips on boosting our immune system, our mental health and all things in-between.  

Jacquilen isn't really into social media, but she does share some inspiring stuff on Facebook. You can also connect with her via her website:  dralind.com

She's located in Philadelphia, but can also work with you remotely. Just ask! 

 

 

Thriving in 2022

"You gotta believe in God and Divinity, but you gotta tie up your horse."

Do you often wonder, "What the hell is happening?"....in regards to society, our mental health, our friends, family; and all the things we see, hear and read from social media, news, and podcasts?!?! 

If so, this is the episode for you!!! It will explain a lot...a lot about why we're doing the things we're doing, why we're acting the way we're acting, and how to navigate the rest of the year ahead in what is sure to be a very interesting year. 

Today's guest, Vanessa Couto, has been a guest on this podcast two other times. After listening to this episode, you should definitely go back and listen to the other two she was on. Stay tuned to find out which two they were so you can find them easier. 

Vanessa is an Archetypal Astrologer, mentor, teacher and artist. In her work, she weaves mythology, depth psychology, and a good dose of practical and grounded common sense to guide us through (what she calls) threshold phases. 

When not working or reading, Vanessa enjoys a little escape in British period dramas or history documentaries. Fascinated with all things Medieval History and Jane Austen, she's also a bona fide bookaholic, a travel lover, and an avid podcast listener. And, in every conversation with Vanessa, whether on this podcast or in general, we always learn something new! 

This episode was no exception. Hope you find it as enjoyable, hope inspiring and enlightening as we did. 

After listening, be sure and check out what Vanessa has going on this year on her website and social media. The links are below. 

Thanks again for listening, and sharing with your friends. If you could leave a review of this episode or any others on whatever platform you're on, that would be super helpful!  

Connect with Vanessa on her Website vanessacouto.com and on Instagram 

Mind, Body, Soul, Home

What does paper have to do with your health, life and career? Well, in this episode, you're going to find out! 

Yesterday was the Lunar New Year in Chinese astrology. So, Happy New Year!

This is the year of the Water Tiger, which symbolizes strength, “exorcising evils”, and braveness. All things that are more than needed right now! 

And, in today's episode, which also has to do with ancient Chinese methods, you'll learn some ways to get your life and health back on track this year. 

Krystal Holm, is a Feng Shui Designer & Clutter Expert who teaches us how to use Feng Shui the right way to create peace and prosperity in all areas of their lives.

Using her proprietary framework The Designed Life Method℠ Mind, Body, Soul, Home; she helps her clients design spaces & lives they love.

In this episode, Krystal explains what a 3D vision board is and how it can to help us have healthier more fulfilling lives. 

Krystal's work and wisdom can help to declutter the limiting beliefs that hold you back from what is possible and shift the energy in your environment to set you up for holistic health, love and success. 

If you'd like to know more, Krystal has a ton of free resources on her website. All the links to connect with her including links to those resources are below.

Cheers to a more grounded, healthier, happier year ahead. 

www.krystalholm.com

www.krystalholm.com/declutteryourmindset

Facebook

Instagram

 

 

Mindset Transformation

"If you're serious about changing your life, you'll find a way. If you're not, you'll find an excuse." Jen Sincero, Author of "You Are A Badass"

That quote is Ambers guest, Kristian Reiber's favorite. And, it'll make alot of sense when you listen to this podcast episode. 

Kristian is also a health and mindset coach with a huge knowledge base, an author, a mountain bike skills instructor, a music lover, a health foodie and an unconventional perspective oracle. 

His mission in life is to help people transform their lives, their health, and their mindsets in profound and unforeseen ways. 

Kristian once struggled through life and ended up be diagnosed with psoriasis - a horrible auto-immune disease. Psoriasis opened his eyes to the toxic, disconnected, symptom-based medical system that has everyone convinced it should be trusted unconditionally.

It shouldn't be. 

Working with holistic practitioners helped Kristian heal his own wellness challenges while inspiring him to help others with theirs. Transforming his limiting beliefs and failing mindset, he says, "changed me into the person I was always meant to be". It can do the same for you! 

Connect with Kristian through his Website, Facebook, and Instagram. 

He's also part of a book collaboration called, "Dare to be authentic, volume 6". You can purchase a copy HERE. 

No Apologies Needed

"If you're in that dark place any piece of light is going to help you move forward." - Bethany Nicole

In this conversation, Bethany and Amber are chatting about relationships, forgiveness, and even writing for self-care. She shares a ton of great tips! 

Bethany Nicole is an author, freelance writer and relationship expert. She was recently named one of the Top 25 Authors in Los Angeles by Los Angeles Entrepreneurs Magazine. She has many published pieces and interviews that you can check out at her website bethanynicole.com or on social media (links below). 

If you're a "Married At First Sight" fan there's some bonus material for you in this episode too! 

Check out the book she recommends if you're interested in writing. "On Writing" by Stephen King.

Connect with Bethany on Facebook @bartonbn

And, on Instagram @bethanynicoleauthor

Healing Naturally

Happy New Year! As a reminder, Amber plans to have a new episode for you every week until the end of the year. She'll be taking December off, but until then she's got a ton a great topics and guests waiting in the wings ready to inspire and empower you on your healing journey this year and beyond. 

So, if you haven't already, make sure and subscribe and please share, this episode or the whole podcast! 

Who's ready to slim down a little...or alot this year? Or just start feeling better all around?

In this episode Amber is chatting with Sue-Anne Hickey about both of these topics. What they aren't chatting about is diets! So, put down that calorie counter app...cancel that subscription and learn how to get real, lasting, holistic results now. 

Sue-Anne is a Certified Naturopath,  weight loss specialist, and the creator of Bodytypology.  She helps people like us heal our ailments naturally, lose weight, and regain our energy using her personalized body type eating and lifestyle plan. 

She combines this with Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) to uncover limiting beliefs and release them, creating permanent change and lasting healing. 

When she’s not coaching clients or leading groups, she loves yoga, biking, skiing and walking in the woods. Check out her Instagram page to see pics of some of her latest adventures. 

After listening you need to hop onto her website and take her body type quiz. It is definitely unique and Amber found it very helpful. Seh's already started using a small portion of Sue-Anne's suggestions for her body type and says she can feel a difference....especially in hunger and cravings. 

The quiz along with tons of free resources can be found on her website and social media pages. All the links are below. 

Once you find out what your body type is hop onto Ambers Instagram post about this episode and let us know! 

Bodytypology.com

Facebook

Facebook Group: Women Losing Weight

Transforming Relationships

"A healthy relationship with yourself allows for healthy, happy relationships with other people." -Ted Smith

If you've spent any amount of time on self-improvement you've come across some version of this statement at some point. In this episode, Ted Smith and Amber dive a little deeper into why it's so important, along with some great tips on how to start improving the most valuable relationship you have - the one with yourself. 

Hopefully this episode will inspire and empower you to keep growing and healing so you're better equipped to weather the storms that 2022 inevitably has in store for us. 

Ted Smith is a relationship and personal coach who has dedicated himself to helping people develop, maintain, and enjoy happy and healthy relationships with themselves and others. He understands the challenges of unhealthy relationships and he's also an example of hope, strength, and transformation.

Ted is the author of "Happy Me, Healthy We: Transforming Relationships with Yourself and Others". In this episode he shares more details about his book and the inspiration behind it. 

Ted believes no matter what challenges appear in your relationships with a romantic partner, family members, friends, or coworkers, you have the power to change them from difficult to thriving and from unhealthy to healthy. But, you first have to examine, heal, and transform the relationship with yourself.

If you're struggling in any kind of relationship or would like to just have a happier, healthier life. This episode is for you!

Learn all the ways you can connect with Ted below; along with links to purchase his book. "Happy Me, Healthy We". 

If you're listening near January 1st, jump onto Instagram or Facebook and wish Ted a happy birthday.

Happy Birthday Ted, and cheers to a new (healthier, happier) year for all of us!  

Purchase Ted's book HERE!

Ted's author website: mandalatreepress.com/ted-smith/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/tedsmith.life/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tedsmith.life

Getting Unstuck

In today's episode Amber and her guest, Marina Yanay-Triner, will be talking about trauma and the body again...because honestly, there's always things we can learn about it. We all have experienced some sort of trauma and that trauma likes to hide out in our bodies. 

Marina calls herself the compassionate somatic coach. Her passion is helping people who are disengaged with life, burnt out and checked out by using body-based somatic approaches to support a connection back to the body; strengthen their connection with their instincts and intuition, and flourish! 

This is similar to what Laura Rowe, from episode 3 of this season, titled "Embodiment" talked about, AND also different. Both of their messages are so fascinating and important!

As a trauma-informed coach, Marina works with clients to go deep into the roots of behavioral patterns that hold you back from experiencing life to its fullest. She helps you look at and explore childhood-rooted beliefs, emotions, behavioral patterns, and the unconscious so you can experience life with more joy and aliveness. 

In this episode Marina explains what "trauma informed" means and how working with a professional who is trauma informed is really important. She also explains why the pandemic is so triggering for so many of us!

Along with some very helpful tips to help you on your overall healing journey, she shares a very easy, yet powerful method to settle your nervous system next time you're feeling anxious. If you're looking for more, she has a ton of free resources on her website. 

Amber highly recommends working with her or any practitioner who specializes in somatic work, especially if you're finding that talk therapy or other methods just aren't getting to the heart of your struggles. 

If this all resonates with you, please share with your people. Tis the season of giving. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

You can connect with Marina on her website marinayt.com, and find great resources and tips on her Instagram and Facebook pages. 

 

Holiday Mental Health Tips

Although the holidays are often considered the most wonderful time of the year by many, they can also be a difficult time for people with mental health problems…and right now we’re in a mental health crisis in the US and It’s probably safe to say most of the world! 

So you you probably know someone who is struggling right now...or maybe it's you.  

In this episode, it's just 11 days until Christmas; and The Dragonfly Connection's Creator, wellness practitioner, and CPTSD warrior, Amber Cook is sharing some ways to help you and your loved ones have a happier, healthier holiday season in spite of it all. 

Amber shares her personal experience with the holiday blues to remind you that you are not alone. Connect with her on Instagram @the_dragonfly_momma.

If you're in need of support, don't wait to get help, even if you're not yet suicidal. Being in a mental health crisis does not mean you're contemplating suicide. 

Here are a list of resources for all kinds of mental health crisis's and most are free:

• https://www.crisistextline.org/text-us/ Text HOME to 741741 to reach a volunteer Crisis Counselor.
• National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI) 
• The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention provides referrals to support groups and mental health professionals, resources on loss, and suicide prevention information (888-333-2377)
• The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides 24/7 crisis intervention, safety planning and information on domestic violence (800-799-7233)
  The Suicide Prevention Lifeline connects callers to trained crisis counselors (800-273-8255)

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

   

  24 hours a day / 7 days a week
  1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  24/7 Lifeline Crisis Chat Line
  En español: 1-888-628-9454
  TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889)

• YouthLine

  Offers teen to teen crisis help with both a phone line and a texting support line through Lines for Life.
  Teens respond from 4:00 to 10:00 PM Monday through Friday
  24 hours a day / 7 days a week
  Call 1-877-968-8491
  Text teen2teen to 839863

• Veterans Crisis Line

  Confidential help for veterans and their families.
  Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1
  Text to 838255

• Trans Lifeline

  A trans-led oganization that offers direct service, material support, advocacy, and education.
  Peer support hotline available 7 am to 1 am PST
  1-877-565-8860

• The Trevor Project

  For lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people.
  24 hours a day / 7 days a week
  1-866-488-7386

• https://www.befrienders.org/Volunteer Action to Prevent Suicide
• Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) provides information on prevention, treatment and symptoms of anxiety, depression and related conditions (240-485-1001)      
• Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) provides information and referrals on ADHD, including local support groups (800-233-4050)
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) provides information on bipolar disorder and depression, offers in-person and online support groups and forums (800-826-3632)
• Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America (SARDAA) offers Schizophrenia Anonymous self-help groups and toll-free teleconferences (240-423-9432)
• Sidran Institute helps people understand, manage and treat trauma and dissociation; maintains a helpline for information and referrals (410-825-8888)
• Treatment and Research Advancements for Borderline Personality Disorder (TARA) offers a referral center for information, support, education and treatment options for BPD (888-482-7227)