An Interview With Jake Frankel – https://bit.ly/3vu5And

What can each of us do to get out of this “Pandemic Induced Mental and Emotional Funk”?

One tool that each of us has access to is the simple power of daily gratitude. As a part of our series about the “How Each Of Us Can Leverage The Power Of Gratitude To Improve Our Overall Mental Wellness” I had the pleasure of interviewing Sara Kissing.

An accomplished author, life coach, and artist, Sara Kissing uniquely blends creativity with personal development. With a rich background in art and corporate coaching and a BA and MFA in design, she’s earned accolades, including a Walt Disney Imagineering award. Sara’s commitment to growth shines through her mindfulness and self-help endeavors. As a dedicated mother and active Californian, Sara’s diverse heritage and vibrant personality inspire those seeking fulfillment and purpose.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dive into our discussion, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about you and about what brought you to your specific career path?

My path to becoming Sara Kissing — life coach and author of “The Mindset Equation” — is rooted in a passion for empowering others by harnessing the transformative power of a positive mindset, the choice of happiness, goal setting, and the Law of Attraction. Raised by my grandmother amid challenging circumstances, I found solace and strength in choosing happiness early on. Humor became my refuge, with friends often suggesting I pursue stand-up comedy. Yet, it was the natural inclination to offer guidance that ultimately steered my career. My life’s journey, peppered with personal challenges from a tumultuous upbringing, moving a staggering 33 times across continents to navigating divorce, single motherhood, and overcoming a burnout-induced panic disorder, became my crucible for growth. Transitioning from a creative director in advertising and the corporate world to a life coach, I infused workshops on corporate identity with lessons on mindset and spirituality, while gradually shifting my focus towards holistic personal development. This journey culminated in my book “The Mindset Equation,” a synthesis of decades’ worth of wisdom and strategies that I personally employed to navigate life’s hurdles, including my profound struggle with anxiety attacks. My story is one of resilience, transformation, choosing happiness and gratitude, and the unwavering belief in the power of self-help, aiming to inspire and impact others through shared knowledge and actionable practices.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?

During a transformative week at a meditation resort, I immersed myself in a workshop blending Quantum Physics and Meditation, where I was captivated by the principles of interconnectedness and energetic vibrations, as discussed by luminaries like Albert Einstein and Max Planck. This encounter with the idea that “like attracts like” and that at our core, everything is merely energy in constant vibration, was a watershed moment for me. It demystified why the Law of Attraction might manifest differently for each individual, underlining the critical need to emit positive energy to attract desirable outcomes. Inspired to spread this powerful insight, I ventured into life coaching, fueled by a calling to help others realize their power in crafting their destinies, for better or worse, through the lens of Quantum Physics and Spirituality.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Why do you think that resonates with you? Do you have a story about how that was relevant in your life?

My favorite life lesson quote is, “Change your thoughts and you change your world,” by Norman Vincent Peale. This resonates deeply with me because it encapsulates the essence of my teachings and life’s work. There was a point in my life where this quote became my guiding light, helping me navigate through challenging times and reshaping my reality by altering my thought patterns on a daily basis.

Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story about why that resonated with you?

“The Art of Happiness” by the Dalai Lama profoundly influenced me, offering deep insights into finding happiness and peace through mindfulness and compassion. Its teachings deeply echoed the core values I champion in “The Mindset Equation,” and all of my coaching sessions, particularly emphasizing the significance of fostering a positive mindset and gratitude to lead a fulfilling life. Moreover, the book inspired me to be a beacon of positive impact and guidance for others. Its alignment with the concepts in my own work further deepened my connection to its message. The Dalai Lama’s focus on achieving balance between our inner self and external world mirrors the equilibrium sought in an equation — highlighting the necessity of harmony between our internal state and outer experiences for true happiness and contentment. In the end, we all strive to be happy; that is something most people want from life, and many don’t know how to achieve it.

Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think that will help people?

I’m currently developing a “21-Day Rapid Transformation to Happiness and Abundance” video course, along with a comprehensive Workbook and Daily Journal, in response to my clients’ requests. This program is meticulously designed to lead participants on a transformative journey, instilling the practices of mindfulness, gratitude, and abundance into their everyday routines. These resources are intended to empower individuals to cultivate happiness and abundance, thereby creating a profound and enduring enhancement to their wellbeing. Achieving a shift in mindset and energetic vibrations requires consistent effort and daily practice. With your elevated energy, you can then conquer limiting beliefs and set goals that can be manifested through the Law of Attraction. My upcoming course introduces straightforward tools and techniques that have shown immediate positive effects on my clients. Indeed, participants can expect to experience increased happiness from the very first day.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

My journey to where I am today has been significantly shaped by the guidance and wisdom of Viram, a guru, teacher, and mentor, whose story I share in the introduction of my book. During one of the most tumultuous periods of my life, navigating through a divorce and adjusting to life as a single mother to a three year-old, I found myself enveloped in profound grief. This was compounded by the loss of my grandmother, which took me on a sorrowful trip to Germany for her funeral. It was amidst this whirlwind of emotions, at JFK airport, that Viram approached me, his opening question, “Why are you in so much pain?” marking the beginning of a transformative mentorship. Viram’s mentorship was a cornerstone in my personal and professional development. He imparted lessons on the transformative power of a positive mindset, mindfulness, meditation, and yoga, which became the bedrock of my growth. His wisdom and support illuminated my path, guiding me toward realizing my potential and dedicating my life to empowering others to discover theirs. His influence is a testament to the profound impact a mentor can have, serving as a beacon of light through my darkest times and steering me onto a path of fulfillment and service to others.

Ok, thank you for all that. Now that we are on the topic of gratitude, let’s move to the main focus of our interview. As you know, the collective mental health of our country is facing extreme pressure. We would like to explore together how every one of us can use gratitude to improve our mental wellness. Let’s start with a basic definition of terms. How do you define the concept of Gratitude? Can you explain what you mean?

Gratitude, in my perspective, is a deep and purposeful recognition of the blessings in our lives. It involves valuing our possessions, the support we receive from others, and the beauty of the world around us, fostering a connection to the larger web of life, whether that’s through people, nature, or a spiritual entity. This conscious act of gratitude shifts our mindset from focusing on what we lack to celebrating the richness and good that surrounds us, nurturing a profound sense of joy and fulfillment essential for mental health. Gratitude transcends mere emotion; it is an active choice, a commitment to seeking and acknowledging the good that exists around us. Engaging in gratitude modifies our energy to a more positive frequency, attracting similar positive forces into our existence. It empowers us to contribute positively to our environment, reinforcing a virtuous cycle of goodness. I’ve dedicated a whole chapter to gratitude in my work, underscoring its role as the cornerstone of a meaningful life. It’s a simple yet powerful tool, foundational to cultivating a life filled with goodness.

Why do you think so many people do not feel gratitude? How would you articulate why a simple emotion can be so elusive?

Many people struggle to feel gratitude due to focusing on what they lack, rather than what they have. Our culture often emphasizes more, better, and faster, leading individuals to perpetually seek something beyond their current state. This constant pursuit can overshadow the ability to appreciate the present. Additionally, life’s challenges can make gratitude seem elusive, as stress and adversity draw attention away from the positives.

This might be intuitive to you but I think it will be constructive to help spell it out. Can you share with us a few ways that increased gratitude can benefit and enhance our life?

Increased gratitude can significantly enhance our lives by improving our overall well-being, fostering stronger relationships, and increasing resilience. By appreciating what we have, we boost our happiness, reduce stress, and cultivate a positive mindset. This shift in perspective can lead to deeper connections with others, as expressing gratitude enhances bonds and appreciation. Moreover, gratitude helps build resilience, enabling us to navigate life’s ups and downs with a more balanced and optimistic outlook.

Let’s talk about mental wellness in particular. Can you share with us a few examples of how gratitude can help improve mental wellness?

In terms of mental wellness, gratitude can act as a powerful tool. It reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety by shifting focus from negative to positive aspects of life. Gratitude enhances self-esteem by reducing comparisons with others. Practicing gratitude also improves sleep quality by encouraging positive pre-sleep cognitions. These benefits collectively contribute to a healthier mental state, demonstrating gratitude’s profound impact on our mental wellness.

From your experience or research, what are “Five Ways That Each Of Us Can Leverage The Power Of Gratitude To Improve Our Overall Mental Wellness”.

Keep a Gratitude Journal: Regularly writing down things for which you’re thankful can significantly shift your perspective and enhance mental wellness. For example, a client of mine, struggling with hair loss began noting only three gratitude practices daily and reported a substantial improvement in mood, happiness and outlook within weeks. She shifted her perspective from the illness to all the wonderful things she could be grateful for underscoring her path to healing herself.

Express Gratitude to Others: Expressing gratitude to others, through simple acts like sending a thank-you note to a colleague or friend, significantly enhances relationships and fosters a positive atmosphere. Such gestures of appreciation not only brighten the recipient’s day but also reinforce my own feelings of connectivity and belonging within my community. My friends are well aware of my penchant for expressing thanks frequently, recognizing it as a testament to the value I place on our relationships and the positive energy it cultivates among us.

Mindful Reflection: Dedicating a few moments each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for can profoundly impact your outlook. I engage in this practice each morning, and evening, establishing a positive foundation for the day and nurturing a sense of gratitude. This practice isn’t limited to quiet moments alone; it accompanies me on walks with my dog, hikes, or runs, transforming these activities into joyful exercises of appreciation. It’s an enjoyable way to boost your spirits, akin to immersing yourself in a shower of goodness, enhancing your energy with each step of gratitude.

Gratitude in Challenges: Finding something to be grateful for, even in difficult situations, can transform our experience of adversity. When facing a challenging project, focusing on the learning opportunity it presented rather than the stress involved helped me grow and stay motivated. I learned to appreciate every setback as a set-up for something better to come.

Volunteer and Give Back: Engaging in acts of kindness and giving back to the community cultivates gratitude and enhances our sense of purpose. Volunteering at a local shelter not only provided perspective on my own blessings but also filled me with gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference.

Is there a particular practice that can be used during a time when one is feeling really down, really vulnerable, or really sensitive?

When feeling particularly down, vulnerable, or sensitive, there are several techniques I turn to, as detailed in my book, ranging from priming to smiling. Specifically related to gratitude, I’ve discovered a powerful practice that halts the downward spiral: I take my journal and compel myself to write down 50 things I’m grateful for, encompassing both current blessings and past joys. This list might include personal achievements, moments of pride, happiness, laughter shared with friends and family, or thrilling experiences from my life. I make it a point to keep the list fresh, avoiding repetitions. This exercise sharply refocuses my attention on life’s abundance, transitioning my mindset from one of lack or negativity to gratitude and positivity. Writing down these gratitudes amplifies the feeling, solidifying the shift towards a more grateful and uplifted state of mind. It’s an incredibly effective strategy for immediately boosting morale and building resilience amidst adversity.

Do you have any favorite books, podcasts, or resources that you would recommend to our readers to help them to live with gratitude?

For anyone looking to enrich their gratitude practice, I enthusiastically recommend “The Art of Happiness” by the Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler, “Think Like a Monk” by Jay Shetty, and “The High Five Habit” by Mel Robbins. Each of these resources offers unique insights and practical strategies for cultivating a life of gratitude, happiness, and fulfillment.

You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

If I could start a movement, it would be “Global Gratitude,” aiming to cultivate a culture of appreciation and kindness worldwide. By encouraging individuals and communities to practice daily acts of gratitude, we can foster a more empathetic, connected, and positive society.

What is the best way our readers can further follow your work online?

To stay updated with my work online, please visit my website at www.SaraKissing.com and connect with me on Instagram @sarakissing. Additionally, we have just launched our YouTube channel named “The Abundance Mindset Academy,” where I’ll be sharing insights, tips, and resources focused on living with gratitude and enhancing lives through positive mindset practices.

Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!