As National AANHPI Heritage Month & Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, I'm left with bittersweet sentiments. There's a part of me that enjoys the capitalistic side of claiming the month of May as such, but like other monthly highlights, more of me thinks that these celebrations & ideas are abundantly more valuable if we integrate them into daily life. For better or for worse, here are some of my most significant takeaways:

1. Our AANHPI communities have come a long way with breaking mental stigmas. I observe this is in my own family, inner circle and personal/professional communities. That's something to celebrate. But (and I hate that there's a real big but), it still feels like we have a long journey ahead of us before we can truly experience freedom from unhealthy cycles, let alone see those same cycles reversed. When will we learn that asking for help is a sign of strength? How can our generations bridge the gap between belief systems, etc. and find harmony amidst opposing perspectives? There, for sure, is still work to be done & it starts with you & me!

2. Pride is still out here silently killing people - hardening tender hearts & sensitive souls.

3. This one might hurt, but so many of us are much more comfortable living in chaos & darkness than we think. Just because pain & suffering may be familiar doesn't mean we have to stay there. Some of us are clinging to our concerns like a crutch, but wearing it like a badge of honor; living as if your problems are just eventually going to *poof, disappear*. Getting to the brighter side requires you to do the work, that's it. It's scary either way. Choose your "scary".

4. "Worrying is like worshipping the problem". A quote I heard towards the middle of the month & wow. Hearing this tasted like taking a big bite out of a lemon. If I can encourage anyone on their journey of elevating their mental health it would be this - shift your energy towards celebrating the possibilities rather than giving all the attention to what could go wrong. Because what if all works out? Start asking yourself, "What's the best that can happen?". We give our limiting beliefs way too much freedom, letting them dictate the outcome before we've even given ourselves a chance to gameplan.

5. Self-awareness remains to be the key to several types of breakthroughs. I'm asking, begging you to BE SO FOR REAL with yourself. I can't quite explain the power you gain from harnessing your reality, but this is a really good place to start if you feel stuck or are questioning your life's purpose. Gaining clarity on what's really going on and doing the tough inner work to uncover the root of some of the negativity in your life positions you to start living a more authentic lifestyle. I think authenticity is the birthplace of dreams coming true.

Things I will continue to celebrate:

• My people

• The resources available to me to receive & provide mental health support

• The amazing souls I’m blessed to call my circle & support system, who continuously fill my cup

• My clients who do so much more for my well-being than they realize

• Opportunities to keep breaking mental health stigmas well beyond the walls of my office

  I'm curious, if you identify with the AANHPI community, what your thoughts or takeaways are. Maybe you have similar ideas or learned something different than I did. If you feel so moved, leave a comment on the corresponding instagram post for this blog post. I'll link it here: https://www.instagram.com/p/C7kOH9xui2f/

Until next blog,

K

In honor of Mental Health Awarness Month, let's talk about how to celebrate - how to raise our mental health awareness. In the whirlwind of modern life, our mental health often takes a backseat to our daily responsibilities and commitments. But just like physical health, mental well-being is crucial for leading a fulfilling life. As a life coach specializing in nurturing a healthy mindset and fostering authenticity, I believe that raising awareness about mental health is not only essential but empowering. Here are some practical and simple ways to elevate your mental health awareness and share your story with others in a respectful and supportive manner.

Firstly, it's important to educate yourself about mental health. Take the time to read articles, attend workshops, or even enroll in online courses to deepen your understanding of various mental health conditions, coping mechanisms, and available resources. This knowledge equips you to recognize signs of distress in yourself and others, facilitating early intervention and support.

Secondly, practice self-reflection and mindfulness regularly. Set aside moments in your day to check in with yourself, assess your emotions, and identify any patterns or triggers that may affect your mental well-being. Cultivating self-awareness allows you to proactively address stressors and prioritize self-care practices that nourish your mind, body, and spirit.

Moreover, don't underestimate the power of open and compassionate communication. Sharing your own mental health journey with trusted friends, family members, or a professional can be incredibly cathartic and healing. However, it's crucial to respect boundaries and avoid imposing your experiences on others. Instead, create a safe and non-judgmental space where individuals feel comfortable sharing their own struggles and triumphs at their own pace.

Lastly, lead by example by promoting a culture of empathy and acceptance within your community. Encourage open dialogue about mental health, challenge stigma and misconceptions, and advocate for inclusive policies and resources that support individuals of all backgrounds. Remember, raising awareness about mental health isn't just about acknowledging its importance—it's about fostering a collective commitment to prioritize and prioritize it in our daily lives. By taking proactive steps to elevate your own mental health awareness and supporting others in their journey, you contribute to a world where everyone can thrive authentically and unapologetically.

In the realm of self-discovery and personal growth, life coaching emerges as a beacon of hope and transformation. As a trauma-informed coach, I've witnessed firsthand the profound impact coaching can have on individuals navigating their mental health journey. Through tailored strategies and compassionate guidance, coaching empowers clients to uncover their inner strength, rewrite limiting beliefs, and cultivate resilience in the face of adversity.

Life coaching serves as a dynamic platform for raising mental health awareness on multiple fronts. Firstly, it provides a safe and supportive space for individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment or shame. By fostering trust and authenticity, coaching enables clients to delve deep into their inner world, identify root causes of distress, and develop personalized coping mechanisms that promote healing and growth.

Furthermore, life coaching offers a holistic approach to mental well-being by addressing interconnected aspects of life, including relationships, career, spirituality, and self-care. Through targeted interventions and accountability structures, coaches empower clients to align their actions with their values, set meaningful goals, and navigate life transitions with confidence and grace. Whether it's implementing mindfulness practices, fostering healthy boundaries, or reframing negative self-talk, coaching equips individuals with practical tools and strategies to enhance their emotional resilience and overall well-being.

Life coaching celebrates the inherent worth and potential of every individual, regardless of their past experiences or current struggles. By embracing a strengths-based perspective, coaches honor the unique strengths, talents, and aspirations of each client, catalyzing a ripple effect of self-empowerment and positive change. Through compassionate listening, powerful questioning, and unwavering support, coaching catalyzes profound shifts in perception and behavior, paving the way for a more fulfilling and authentic way of living.

In essence, life coaching transcends traditional boundaries to become a catalyst for holistic transformation and mental health empowerment. By harnessing the power of introspection, connection, and action, coaching offers a beacon of hope for individuals seeking to reclaim their inner peace, joy, and authenticity. As we continue to prioritize mental health awareness and advocacy, let us embrace the transformative potential of coaching as a valuable resource in our collective journey towards healing, growth, and flourishing.

Full transparency: I don’t know what the rules are or if there are any concerning blogging. What I do know is that words are powerful + that there’s true magic in storytelling. That’s what I’m here to do - share my truth in hopes that it brings comfort, joy or inspiration to even just one person. Though, it’s all still something I’m learning how to do confidently, without breaks in my voice. But, I guess if I have learned something along the way it’s that a heart still beats even when it breaks.

After all, like many of you, we haven’t gone through what we’ve gone through just to have gone through it, right? A huge chunk of my professional + personal mission sits on the pillar of turning my pain into purpose. And because I believe there’s a time + a place for everything, now’s the time to make noise. Now’s the time to take up space + reclaim truths that our current society has so grossly convoluted. There are so many important, even life-changing conversations to be had + if I can help facilitate or hold the door open for someone to share their truth? We’ve won.

And, on a slightly less serious note, it can also be fun to share little things like what lip gloss I’m currently wearing + why it’s changed my life. lol.

So, if you have any interest in hearing what a single, 30-something, multi-business owner, first-generation Filipino American, dog mom, travel bug, wannabe beauty guru, eldest daughter, all purpose friend might have to say about stuff, follow along. It could be cute :)