To thrive and lead a fulfilling life, I believe we need to nurture the most important relationship in our life – the one we have with our Self!

We are living the last days of the month of April. Sun is shining, the weather is sweet 🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶 , as Bob Marley sings … we are finally enjoying fully the warmth of Spring.

Let’s begin…

I usually avoid talking about health in this space, but these are times when a few close people are fighting cancer, a few others burnout and autoimmune diseases. These conditions are becoming global epidemics and I feel compelled to share some thoughts.

You might wonder why do I write these words on a platform like LinkedIn, a platform often reserved for professional achievements and networking. But to me, health is the foundation upon which all our professional and personal successes are built.Without it, everything else fades.

In the hustle for success, achievement, money, recognition… doing more, being more… our wish to be seen, heard, valued – we often compromise our relationship with our Self.This is when a crack opens and we invite illness. This is exactly what happened to me and I see it happening around me, with the people I love and with my clients.

So, my intention here is to inspire you to prioritize your health, hoping it will touch YOU on that particular level and you take action, for the sake of saving yourself. Because no one is coming to save you, and that’s a fact!

The Global Well-Being Crisis: A Wake-Up Call

I want to share with you some numbers, so you can see and feel for yourself.

In 2022, the World Health Organization reported an estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths [WHO, 2024]. Accordingly, about 1 in 5 people will develop cancer in their lifetime, and approximately 1 in 9 men and 1 in 12 women will die from the disease. The statistics paint a sobering picture, and they hit close to home for many of us. Cancer isn’t just a distant statistic – it’s personal. Whether it’s a loved one, a colleague, or ourselves, we all know someone touched by this disease.

What about burnout? According to a survey by DHR Global, approximately 82% of employees globally were at risk of burnout. The 2024 Global Talent Trends report published by Mercer, an HR consulting firm, shows that about 43% of that group cited financial strain as a contributing factor, 40% cited exhaustion, and 37% were struggling with an excessive workload.

Over the past 20 years, autoimmune diseases have risen sharply, with prevalence increasing by 4–46% for specific conditions and up to 10% of populations in industrialized nations affected. Technological developments have driven environmental exposures (pollutants, processed foods) and lifestyle shifts (sedentary behavior – working while seating, screen time), while corporate stress – amplified by constant connectivity and burnout has fueled chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation.

To me this is shocking and one question that is constantly on my mind is: What are we doing about it?

Now a short break with a few announcements,

• The first Self-Expedition webinar in Macedonian was a magical experience for all. The next webinar in Macedonian will take place towards the end of May, stay tuned for the announcement of the date and grab your ticket. Should you wish to attend one in English, please let me know by liking this newsletter and I will organize one with pleasure.

• Two groups will begin their transformative NLP journey in October 2025, one in Skopje and one in Vienna. I work in small groups. If you wish to be considered to join my magical NLP Practitioner program and create the person you want to be, then join the waitlist, and I will reach out to you.

Let’s move on now,

Your Body’s Intelligence: Pain as a Messenger

Early detection, and more importantly prevention, often depends on us tuning into our bodies before it’s too late. While we can’t control everything, there is something powerful we can do: listen to our bodies and nurture the most important relationship we have – the one with ourselves.

Our bodies have an intelligence of their own and IQ, academic credentials or position titles have nothing to do with it!

They speak to us constantly through sensations like pain, tingling, fatigue, or any other discomfort. These aren’t random annoyances – they’re urgent messages signalling that something isn’t right.

But, how do we respond? Too often when something hurts the easiest option is to pop a pill. We mask the symptom, kill the messenger and move on. Pain, isn’t the enemy – it’s a messenger delivering critical news: something inside needs attention!

When we ignore these signals, we alienate ourselves from our own bodies. We bury our heads in more work, more sports, more distractions – anything to avoid feeling what’s really going on inside. This is how we invite illness! Yes, we are responsible for illness – I know it sounds harsh, but it’s time we accept responsibility for our health! By numbing the pain instead of addressing its cause, we risk intoxicating our systems and drifting further from the relationship that matters most: the one with ourselves.

Chronic stress, self-criticism, and emotional neglect don’t just wear us down mentally – they weaken our immune systems and leave us vulnerable physically. Nurturing the relationship with ourselves isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for survival. If we don’t listen and care for our own needs, we’re rolling out the welcome mat for disease. Please recognize that ignoring your body’s pleas is a betrayal of your own well-being.

How to Listen and Prevent: Practical Steps

So, how do we stop being “idiots” to ourselves and start preventing illness? It begins with tuning in and taking action. Here are some practical ways to listen to your body and nurture that vital relationship:

• Honor the Pain: When something hurts persistently, don’t silence it – investigate it. Pain is your body’s way of saying, “Change something.” See a doctor if it lingers.
• Schedule Check-Ups: Early detection is a game-changer. Routine screenings can catch issues before they escalate.
• Mind Your Lifestyle: Reduce risk factors by eating well, staying active, and cutting back on tobacco or excessive alcohol. Your body will thank you.
• Practice Mindfulness: Meditation, journaling, or even a quiet walk can help you hear what your body and mind are saying.
• Manage Stress: Find healthy outlets – exercise, hobbies, or therapy – to keep stress from eroding your health.

These aren’t just to-dos; they’re acts of self-respect and self-care. Self-love isn’t a luxury, it’s a must! Small, consistent steps can transform your relationship with yourself and your health.

To investigate the current state of your well-being at work and to begin saving yourself, I invite you to answer the following questions:

• How are you setting boundaries to protect your time and energy from work-related stress?
• What self-care practices are you incorporating daily to maintain your physical and mental well-being?
• Are you delegating tasks effectively to avoid burnout and focus on high-priority responsibilities?
• How do you ensure you’re taking regular breaks to recharge during the workday?
• What steps are you taking to foster a supportive work environment that prioritizes your health and that of your team?
• Are you seeking feedback or support from mentors or peers to manage challenges without compromising your well-being?
• How are you aligning your work schedule with personal health goals, like sleep, exercise, or mindfulness?

So, let’s use this platform to spread awareness. LinkedIn isn’t just for career wins – it’s for what sustains them: our health. The next time your body whispers – or shouts – listen. It might just be trying to save your life.

To finish,

My message for the month of April is:

I want you to realize that YOUR HEALTH IS YOUR BIGGEST WEALTH!

A suggestion for your further reading:

On recharging, intentions and perceptions – the August 2022 edition of the Self-Expedition.

An invitation to slow down– When you slow down you actually accelerate, resilience is your strength.