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“Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom.” - Lao Tzu
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Stress Signals: Don’t Fix the Symptom — Follow Them
Fidgeting, overeating, nail-biting — these behaviours aren’t flaws. They’re the body’s early stress signals, offering a chance to respond with compassion. Backed by research like Damasio’s somatic marker theory, this blog explores how noticing these signs — in ourselves or our children — can spark connection and healing. Stress isn’t the enemy; disconnection is. When we respond with empathy and curiosity, we turn stress into a shared strength. Let’s learn to listen — and lean

Frieda van der Merwe
6 days ago2 min read
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The Chemistry of Connection: How Stress Builds Resilience
A study found that stress isn’t the killer. Your belief about stress is. Those with high stress and a belief it was harmful had a 43% higher risk of early death. But stressed individuals who saw it as non-harmful had the best health outcomes. Why? Because stress also releases oxytocin — the "connection hormone" — which fosters empathy and bonding. When you face stress with others, you don’t just survive, but you actually grow stronger, together.

Frieda van der Merwe
6 days ago2 min read
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Future-ready Teens: Part 3 – The AI Skills They’ll Need (and How to Learn Them Now)
AI tools are powerful, but it’s the user’s skill that brings them to life. Like Michelangelo with marble, mastery matters. Tools like ChatGPT, Suno, InVideo, and Manus help teens learn through play — whether they’re making music, coding apps, or flying drones in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. These aren’t just games,. They’re gateways to real-world skills. The future belongs to those who explore, experiment, and build with AI. Because learning to play with tools is how we p

Frieda van der Merwe
Apr 222 min read
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Future-ready Teens: PART 2 — Professional Skills & Why Every Teen Needs a Strong Professional Foundation
A professional skill is more than what you study. It’s what you can do well, with depth and responsibility. It’s about mastering the basics, applying knowledge, learning from failure, and evolving with new tools. Whatever career you choose for the future, go deep, practice, and build trust through real progress. Skill grows through effort, not perfection. Starting early makes all the difference.

Frieda van der Merwe
Apr 153 min read
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Future-ready Teens: PART 1 — The One Skill AI Can’t Replace (and Why Your Teen Needs A Human Skill Now)
In a rapidly evolving world shaped by AI and automation, human skills—emotional intelligence, communication, presence, and cultural awareness — are more essential than ever.

Frieda van der Merwe
Apr 114 min read
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Fear, Freedom & Music Magic: Choosing Which Battles To Fight
Not all fear is a foe. This video invites you to honour fear as a guide, using music, presence, and kindness to reclaim your power.

Frieda van der Merwe
Apr 92 min read
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Real Self-Care Is Emotional Honesty, Not Bubble Baths
Real self-care isn’t spa days or scented candles. It’s boundaries, honesty, and choosing what truly nourishes you, even when it’s hard.

Frieda van der Merwe
Apr 72 min read
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PART 2 — Break Free From The Drama Triangle: From Critic To Coach, Do It With Kindness
This video shows how self-kindness breaks the internal Drama Triangle and improves external relationships and conflict management.

Frieda van der Merwe
Apr 43 min read
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PART 1 — Break Free From The Drama Triangle: It Starts In Your Head
We play Victim, Rescuer, or Persecutor in our minds. This video shows how self-awareness can break the inner drama cycle.

Frieda van der Merwe
Apr 32 min read
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Practical Skills Are Worth More Than You Think...
A plumber proves practical skills are priceless — with a midnight fix and a $5,000 lesson in real-world value.

Frieda van der Merwe
Apr 31 min read
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