The holidays are just around the corner — and while most people are bracing themselves for the chaos, Claudia Schwarz wants you to take a different approach: start planning now. In this episode, Claudia joins me to talk about why waiting until January 1st to make your New Year’s resolutions is a recipe for disappointment. From holiday stress, financial strain, and family tension to business delays and recovery setbacks — we dive into how preemptive planning, starting small, and prioritizing your well-being before the calendar flips can be the game-changer you need. Whether it’s walking your way to better health, preparing your practice for success, or avoiding the holiday crash altogether, Claudia brings real-world insight, practical tips, and just the right dose of motivation to help you finish the year strong — and start the next one ahead of the game.

How would you define wellness?

MY ANSWER:

Wellness is more than a physical condition, and so much more than just the absence of illness or disease.

WELLNESS IS A STATE OF BEING.

I think about it as the body-mind (because body and mind are reciprocally linked) being in alignment with your behavior and habits.

And if you are truly committed to that state of being, then you will establish a daily, weekly, or monthly practice of those behaviors.

And, if you strive to be disciplined and consistent with that practice, it can contribute to your quality of life. It can help sustain mental health and physical vitality and ultimately, I believe that this mental and physical practice will promote longevity.

Culture plays a significant role in shaping our identities and experiences. In this episode, Dr. James Flowers sits down with Dr. Selina Hernandez, a licensed professional counselor supervisor and registered play therapist, to delve into the profound influence of culture on the human condition. Dr. Selina shares how her experiences with cultural identity and resilience have shaped her counseling approach. They discuss the importance of cultural strategies in therapy, personal responsibility, and the transformative power of sand tray therapy. Dr. Selina also explores the challenges faced by women and men, the importance of a counselor's orientation, and the role of understanding one's roots in building resilience.