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As we've already shared on this podcast, there are two types of change. The first is the kind we initiate, one we seek out and work toward with intention. The second is the kind that arrives without warning, uninvited and unexpected. At first glance, these two types of change may seem like opposite sides of the same coin, but they share one undeniable truth: you'll have to deal with both. In today's episode of Connecting the Golden Dots, we talk about how to prepare ourselves for the kind of change that breaks into our lives, kicking the door, and the importance of self-advocacy when dealing with our health. We also go through the finishing touches of the last episode, as we cover how to allergy-proof our house. You'll hear tips and practical advice on creating an allergy-free environment and a real-life example of the importance of self-advocating for your health. Episode takeaways: Why it is crucial to fight humidity if you suffer from allergies (2:30) How often do you change your bedding? (3:50) When was the last time you changed your AC filters? (5:00) Dealing with unexpected change (7:30) Why wouldn't you persevere if your health is on the line? (13:00) Don't let complications dictate the rhythm (16:10) Let's Connect: Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we watch the gray months of winter fade in the rearview mirror, the bright and warm days of spring hit our windshield, bringing renewal, fresh starts, and new energy. But for many, spring also arrives with sneezing, watery eyes, and relentless allergy flare-ups. In today's episode of Connecting the Golden Dots, we take a moment to appreciate the beauty of spring—the symbolism of rebirth and nature's vibrant transformation that exudes love. But we also tackle the not-so-glamorous side of the season: asthma and seasonal allergies. If only by reading these lines, you feel your nose itch, or your eyes start to fill with tears, and you can see yourself sneezing and coughing while everyone else is enjoying the fresh air, you're not alone. Episode takeaways: The sun is out, the birds are chirping, and the days are longer! (2:40) About the symbolism and positive vibes of spring (4:40) The not-so-glamorous side of spring (6:00) How to prevent and be prepared for spring allergies (8:40) Pro tips from an allergy veteran (11:30) Let's Connect: Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever noticed the more you look at the clock, the faster time flies? What is it, then, that makes days during holidays feel longer if they have the same 24 hours any other day has? In today's episode of Connecting the Golden Dots, I invite you to take a breather, become more mindful of how you spend your time, and reflect on the impact of stepping away from the clock for a moment. As we age, our perception of time shifts, and the sensation that days grow shorter only intensifies. There's no point in trying to stop time; it moves forward relentlessly—many brilliant minds have tried and failed. While we can't slow time itself, we can make it feel less fleeting and learn to savor our 24 hours twice as much. Tune in as we dive deep into practical ways of turning your days longer, learn to balance routine tasks with new experiences, and explore tools to keep our minds as sharp as possible. You'll also hear about why social media is so effective at distorting our sense of time, the difference between "clock time" and "mind time," and much more. What if we change the perspective on how we look at time? (2:30) Clock time and mind time, what's the difference? (5:00) Why do days feel longer during holidays? (7:10) How to find the sweet spot between routine and new activities (9:50) Why laughter and joy are great for modifying how we experience time (13:00) What causes us to lose track of time while scrolling mindlessly? (17:20) Make the best out of every day (22:00) Let's Connect: Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever felt the gentle, reassuring presence of a loved one offering you comfort from beyond? In today's heartfelt episode of Connecting the Golden Dots, we reflect on the human spirit's transcendence as a shortcut to solace, strength, and comfort in loss and pain. An unexpected encounter with a black swallowtail butterfly opened my eyes to the enduring connection between the living and the departed. As I witnessed God's perfection manifested on that butterfly's wings, moving slowly, I found a harmonious space between mind and heart—a place to accept, see, and feel the presence of loved ones whose souls have transcended. Tune in as I share the profound signs and messages I've received from beyond—whispers of love and reassurance that have transformed how I see the world. You'll also hear how My Butterfly Legacy became a guiding light in my journey toward peace, offering comfort in grief and a deeper understanding of life beyond what we can touch and see. Let it inspire you to find solace, strength, and connection in your own moments of loss. A disruptive swallowtail butterfly in the living room (3:40) What is that butterfly really here for? (7:30) Asking for signs from beyond (12:40) My Butterfly Legacy (16:50) A dance close to the heart, literally and figuratively (22:30) Your loved ones haven't left you (29:40) Let's Connect: Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What kind of person are you during the holidays? Are you a bundle of joy who thrives and enjoys each moment, or do you turn the autopilot on and do your best to survive? In today's episode of Connecting the Golden Dots, we discuss how to leave unrealistic expectations and stress aside, navigate the holiday season calmly, and set ourselves up for success in 2025. With the end of the year already knocking at our front door, stress levels skyrocket the moment we start thinking about what to wear, how to decorate the house, the presents we want to buy, what we'll cook, how much we'll eat or drink... and the list goes on. But don't panic! There are plenty of things you can do to truly feel happy before, during and after the most anticipated season of the year. Tune in as I go through simple yet effective techniques to let go of unrealistic expectations, avoid negative thinking, and prioritize self-care. You'll also hear about the importance of practicing gratitude, elevating yourself to the next level in 2025 through personal development, building meaningful and realistic New Year's resolutions, and so much more. How to deal with the toxicity of some family (2:30) Is it possible to eliminate negative thinking? (4:00) What is the best way to stick to your eating routine during the holiday season? (5:50) The importance of being and feeling connected during the holidays (7:40) How to set realistic New Year's resolutions (13:00) Why self-care must be a #1 priority (18:10) Letting go of your imposter syndrome (21:20) Let's Connect: Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How likely are you to remain resilient during a personal tsunami of back-to-back challenges? In today's episode of Connecting the Golden Dots, we talk about navigating and embracing change—both desired and undesired. This year was shaped by a handful of changes that I planned and made happen, and a ton of others entirely unpredicted, unwanted, and unwelcome. The truth is, I had to deal with both kinds, whether I liked it or not. Tune in as we discuss what you should focus on to make it through the unexpected (and probably life-altering) changes coming your way. You'll get actionable strategies that will help you embrace change in a way that'll keep you resilient, mentally and physically. Plus, you'll get the tools that'll help you emerge stronger and more focused when dealing with personal struggles and broader societal challenges. About wanted and unwanted changes (3:10) How to embrace unwanted changes (7:00) Why setting priorities and self-care is crucial (13:00) How to use unpredicted changes to improve personal connections (18:10) Using unpredicted changes to boost personal growth (10:10) Let's Connect: Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode of Connecting the Golden Dots is part two of our previous conversation about the pros and cons of technology. This time, we focus more on technology's capacity to enhance our relationship-building skills and improve our interactions. While we, the older generations, had to learn to interact with old and new friends in the digital world, newer generations had to do the opposite. They were born in a digital world and had to learn the prehistoric ways of interacting with each other. In the middle of those two extremes, all of us, the young and the old folk meet, exchange experiences, and do our best to turn that flat, cold screen between us into a warmer place. Tune in as we discuss how to make our interactions more effective, build healthy boundaries in the digital world to protect ourselves in real-world scenarios, and strengthen our relationships. You'll also hear about how social media affects our interactions with each other and its negative and positive effects on scholars. Plus, I share tips on how to leverage technology in your favor and enhance your personal relationships, manage screen time for healthier relationships at home, and so much more. About generational perspectives on technology (4:00) Using the positive aspects of technology in our favor (6:10) Technology's role in love and politics (8:20) How to deal with the impact of digital relationships in face-to-face interactions (10:30) The importance of self-awareness to create effective communications (19:40) Managing screen time at home (23:40) The importance of constantly learning and adapting our lives to new technologies (27:00) Let's Connect: Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode of Connecting the Golden Dots is all about something we all saw ourselves forced to deal with: the benefits and challenges of technology. The speed at which technology evolves is brutal; less than 20 years ago, we didn't know what social media was and today, most businesses couldn't even work properly without it. Still, despite being a massive facilitator, technology also has its glitches, challenges, and a dangerous side capable of ruining your financial life. Regardless of what we see ourselves forced to deal with when using new technologies, we must keep a positive mindset and be willing to embrace change. Tune in as we talk about how new technologies revolutionized how we communicate, work, and relate to each other and, at the same time, push us to be constantly learning and adapting to it. You'll also hear about the role of technology in personal and professional development, how to avoid the pitfalls of choosing the wrong technology, how to deal with resistance to change, and so much more. The benefits and challenges of technology: efficiency, cost reduction, and security (1:20) Why you should let go of resistance to change and embrace new technologies (5:50) No new technology is perfect. The need for constant evolution and learning (7:40) Choosing the right technology and dealing with glitches (15:00) Why keeping a positive mindset is crucial (17:20) Let's Connect: Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Age is just a number”—we’ve all heard that one before… but what if it’s actually true? Today’s episode of Connecting the Golden Dots is all about learning how to age gracefully. It’s not just about trying to look like you're 20-something for the rest of your life, it's about living your best life and having the physical and mental health to enjoy it. Like a bottle of fine wine, you CAN get better with age with the right life, the right care, and the right maintenance. Many will say, “Well, I'll do this when I get a little older, maybe even when I retire.” But it’s so important at all stages of life to maintain a healthy lifestyle, surround yourself with people you love, and to do the things that bring you joy. Tune in for my top tips for aging gracefully:  Be kind to your skin: How sunblock, protective clothing, and cancer screening can ward off wrinkles, sagging, and disease. (03:36)   Stay hydrated: Learn the multiple benefits for body and mind that come from  drinking lots of water. (06:23) Exercise: Finding the exercise that you enjoy and the amount of exercise you should do every day. (06:39)  Diet: Out with sweet and salty snacks, in with fish, lean protein, wholegrain, and pasta. Plus the optimal calories and servings of food to improve your sleep, mindset, and alertness. (09:12) Take care of your mental health—share and socialize:  A lot of older folks become isolated. Learn some things with other people that are good for you and that you also enjoy. (11:33) Lower your stress levels: Learning to forget things that are out of your control,  some relaxation techniques, and the importance of closeness to nature (13:33) Quit smoking, cut down on alcohol:  Don’t learn the hard way, do it now. (16:08) Get a good night’s sleep: The unexpected benefits of sleep for physical and mental health, plus the optimum number of hours you need to reap them. (17:54) Keep active and learn new things: Taking on new challenges keeps you young (19:22) Take care of your mouth: The importance of regular dental check-ups. (22:05) Take care of overall health: Learn the warning signs of illness and get an all-round annual screening. (22:43) Let's Connect: Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode of Connecting the Golden Dots is all about something that each of us can relate to: procrastination. I'm guilty. I've experienced it. I also am always working through it. Procrastination can have a lot of causes, but most of them have to do with you and your mental state and how you feel about the tasks you are facing. The good news is the more you understand your patterns, the easier it is and the more effectively you can overcome them. Tune in as we talk about what exactly procrastination is, common misconceptions about it, and the most common reasons for it. I’ll also share my top tips for replacing your self-limiting patterns with a sense of excitement and achievement. What is procrastination? How procrastination is not laziness, but a form of self-sabotage caused by demotivating feelings (01:29) Why we procrastinate: Reasons include fear of failure, perfectionism, and decision fatigue (03:25) Solving the problem of perfectionism: Don’t start with unrealistic expectations, do your absolute best, mistakes are how we learn (05:05) Avoidance: Identifying your reasons for avoiding tasks e.g., fear or stress is the first step to overcoming avoidance (07:02) The rule of five: Breaking tasks down into five small and simple steps each day boosts your sense of accomplishment (09:18) Be honest with yourself: The importance of acknowledging deeper reasons for procrastination and how it’s okay to ask for help (10:50) Actions to raise self-esteem: Overcoming the self-deprecating thoughts that cause us to self-sabotage (14:16) Prioritizing: Listing the most important tasks of your day can help you focus and avoid fatigue (19:14) Let's Connect: Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode of Connecting the Golden Dots is all about an often-overlooked chore that can save lives: car maintenance. Earlier this month, a car crash forced its way into my schedule just as unexpectedly as the deer that caused it. Fortunately, I came out of it without a scratch, and the car suffered only minor damage. Hearing stories about what usually happens to people and their cars in such accidents made me realize how lucky I was. However, once I was at the collision center and after hearing from the specialists, I realized luck was only one component of my accident's outcome; the other was car maintenance. So tune in and me as I discuss the benefits of car maintenance, how to spot signs that your vehicle needs servicing, where to take your car for repairs, and much more. Car maintenance saves lives: Car maintenance reduces the chances of getting hurt and totaling your car (2:40) Spotting red flags: How to tell your vehicle needs maintenance (7:10) Auto repair shops: What is the best way to find a trustworthy auto shop (13:00) Vehicle maintenance checklist: Daily, monthly, quarterly, and yearly maintenance checkups (15:00) Let's Connect: Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode of Connecting the Golden Dots is all about the benefits of having a pet. In the United States alone, it's estimated that 68% of households have at least one pet. And these days, especially during COVID and since COVID, more people have been getting pets like cats and dogs. If they're in the countryside, they have chickens and pigs and goats and cows. There's chronic loneliness out there, and these animals help them feel like they have a relationship and a connection. But there's all kinds of benefits. I just think that the world is a better place because of pets. We all are part of this universe, but the animal world and the humans, when we work together, bond together, we live together and when we show love and affection, it makes a difference for all of us. And that's just scratching the surface. So listen in - I’ll be going over the amazing benefits pets can bring to health, wellbeing, and connection to others at all stages of our lives. Pets Make You Healthier: People with pets have fewer heart attacks, lower rates of depression and many, many more benefits. (04:24) Pets For Kids: Raise children with greater maturity, responsibility, and self-esteem. Plus, who doesn’t want a cuddle buddy? (05:39) The Healing Power of Companionship: Pets in care homes and cancer centers, and their positive effect on residents’ mood and physical health. (09:00) Why Don’t You Have a Pet: The unconditional love and companionship of pets brings happiness to our lives and makes us better people. Plus why my cat is worth me getting asthma. (10:26) The Problem of Loneliness: How COVID made us disconnect from each other, and how simply taking the dog for a walk can get us meeting up again. (16:39) Let's Connect: Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of Connecting the Golden Dots, we will be talking about sleep, how to get a better night’s sleep, which is something we're all working on. One of my New Year's resolutions is about to getting more sleep, and I'm still challenged by that. And, I know a lot of other people who are, too. I've learned a lot and I'm trying new things. I’m going to be sharing some of those tips here. Create a Comfortable Space: The best light, temperature, and choosing the right mattress (01:10) Establish Your Ritual: Following all the steps that help you relax from your busy day. Plus the surprising benefits of pineapple (03:05) A Quiet Place: Weighing the benefits of white noise over music (04:00) Listen to Your Body: Are you a morning or night-time person? Planning your schedule accordingly. (05:12) Enough With The Technology: Stop using video games, your mobile phone, TV, tablet and any tech equipment that will stimulate you as you’re going to sleep (06:17) Exercise: The best time to exercise, how often, and how to measure its success (07:39) Cut Out Caffeine and Alcohol: How much, how little, and what to have instead (09:42)   Quit Smoking: A great thing to do for better health and a better night’s sleep,too (10:15) Avoid Large Meals: When to have your last meal and what you can snack on (11:25) Practice Gratitude:  ing the good things in your life puts you in the right spirit and mindset for good health, but also for sleep (13:52) Enjoy The Silence: Just 10 minutes of meditation or quiet time can help calm you, get ready for a good night’s sleep (15:30) Let's Connect: Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode of Connecting The Golden Dots: The Road to Better Solutions in your life is all about change. Besides death and taxes, another given in our life is change. But there are two kinds: the changes you want, and want to initiate, and the changes that happen to you. But in both cases, how you respond makes all the difference. Tune in and listen to this episode of Connecting the Golden Dots and find out where people go wrong when making New Year's Resolutions; I share the steps I take to achieve goals that can help you make changes in your own life; and learn how to survive and thrive in times of upheaval. Surprising statistics about New Year's Resolutions (01:46] The importance of clarity and detail when planning your goals (04:24) Listen to Your Inner Wisdom: My personal steps for planning and accomplishing goals (05:11) The importance of seeking out the right mentors and resources {09:22] Start with small steps, keep taking action to gain confidence and make progress on achieving your goals (10:36) What Doesn’t Kill You Transforms You: Handling unexpected changes with patience and comion (13:17) Let's Connect: Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Change is the only constant in the world; it's inevitable. As much as we'd like, we can't avoid it, so fighting it is crazy. How we respond to change makes ALL the difference, so the best thing we can do is embrace it.  Welcome to Connecting The Golden Dots, a podcast about celebrating and thriving throughout life's journey. I'm Teri P. Cox, an Award-winning Consultant, Life Strategist, International Best-Selling Author, and Speaker, and I invite you to embark with me on this adventure. Let's explore ways to challenge the status quo, create a self-designed life, and think outside the box. Let’s seek our truths in health & wellness, business and career, and how to navigate through major change.  I believe that what doesn't kill you transforms you and that it’s never too late to start a new chapter or try something new to make a positive impact. My projects have touched millions of lives, and I want to continue making a difference.  When I look back years from now, I want to know that even more lives have breathed easier because I have lived.  Tune in and listen to the first episode of Connecting The Golden Dots. You'll hear about my personal journey, where my ion for helping others began, and why I’ve chosen to celebrate and embrace life, regardless of what it throws my way, and inspire others to do the same.  In This Episode, You Will Learn: A bit about my background (0:26) A quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson that inspired me for life (2:18) I'm living proof that careers don’t necessarily have to be a straight line (5:42) A first-hand experience of caregivers’ challenges (10:54) Change is inevitable, so embrace it (14:55) Let's connect! Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Connecting The Golden Dots Podcast with Teri Cox. Coming July 13th! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.