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Parents with children in primary school often ask me how to discipline their kids during the summer. It's a valid concern keeping in mind that this is the season to be more relaxed. Well, I have a question for you: How do you define, and how do you exercise discipline during the rest of the year? The same applies for the summer.

The holidays are an excellent opportunity to teach and guide your children. Be an example, and children will copy your behavior. Your role is to be supportive and not punitive. Please show respect for your child, private life, and activities and don't' do what you don't want them to do to you. If your child behaves disrespectfully or insults you with their behavior, ignore them, and walk away. Remember that you are an adult and you can keep your cool. If you respond to the challenge, you reinforce the situation, giving your child what they wanted in the first place; your attention negatively.
 
When your child faces a problem, do not make fun of them because the only thing you will accomplish is to insult your kid, and they will resist in response. People cooperate better when they are motivated than when they take orders. Of course, when you say "no," it should mean "no." But take the time to help your child find solutions and make their own choices.
 
When you hear your child tell you that something is wrong, they may need to feel more independent. Before you say "yes" or "no," see how mature they are. You may need to reconsider the boundaries. Ask them to tell you or write down their arguments and discuss them together. Remember, this is an excellent opportunity to remember your humor.
 
Finally, choose the two most important issues that matter to you and leave the insignificant ones aside. Don't forget to show your respect and appreciation for your child's many positive behaviors.


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If there’s a topic you’re interested in and would like to learn more about you may contact me via email. For more information about me and my work check the XpatAthens Directory or visit my website. Because this is your life!

Twenty-five prominent figures of the British arts and letters, known for their philhellenic spirit, put their signatures to an open letter published by The Times recently, calling on European governments to show more active support for Greece and Cyprus.
 
Five of the below mentioned prominent British figures have opened up to the Greek newspaper Kathimerini about their deep-rooted connection with Greek culture. Writer Victoria Hislop, Former UK Ambassador to Greece John Kittmer, and Professors Roderick Beaton, David Holton, and Peter Frankopan express their solidarity to Greece by explaining what Greece and its culture means to them personally.

To read this article in full, please visit: ekathimerini.com
Saturday, 29 August 2020 11:11

Russell Kane Live In Athens

Packing more energy than a Duracell factory, Russell’s RS Turbo laugh engine will motor through love, family, and life – proving that the fast and the curious amongst us, see more stuff, and get more done on Wednesday 2 September 2020 at Technopolis City of Athens. 

Award-winning comedian, presenter, actor, author, and scriptwriter Russell Kane is best known as the host of three series of Live At The Electric, regular appearances on Live At Apollo, Unzipped, Celebrity Juice, and I Am Celebrity Get Me Out of Here Now.

Russell was nominated four times for the prestigious Edinburgh Comedy Awards before winning Best Show in 2010. He then went onto make history as the first comedian to win both the Edinburgh Award and Melbourne Comedy Festival’s Barry Award in one year. His award-winning show Smokescreens & Castles was recorded in front of his home crowd in Westcliff-on-Sea’s at the Palace Theatre and released by Universal Pictures in 2011. Famed for his critically acclaimed tours Russell has been performing sell-out shows across the globe.

There is no end to his talents having published his first novel The Humorist which was nominated for a literary prize, he has also written, directed and starred in three plays two of which have toured, and one, blank verse, which was performed in the main house of the RSC in Stratford-Upon-Avon.

His debut movie-acting role was released in the summer of 2015 when he cameoed in Noel Clarke’s latest project. Most recently, Russell traveled the world with YouTube stars filming the new survival program Stupid Man, Smart Phone, which is due to air on BBC Thee this 

Saturday, 12 September 2020 10:59

Jimmy Carr Live In Athens: Terribly Funny

Top comedian Jimmy Carr, among the most-respected, well-loved, biggest selling live acts in the world and prolific joke-tellers of recent times, is coming to Athens with his biggest tour yet on Tuesday 22 September 2020 at Alsos Theater.

Jimmy Carr has been a comedian for over a decade and a half. He’s performed 10 sell-out tours, playing over 2,500 shows to more than 2 and a half million people. Known for his deadpan delivery and disregard for political correctness, Jimmy Carr has become one of the most successful and prominent stand-up comedians in the UK.

He’s won the British Comedy Award for “Best Live Stand-Up Tour”, been nominated for the Perrier Award and in 2016 became the first UK comedian to record a special for US streaming on Netflix.

His television credits include 20 series as host of panel show “8 Out Of 10 Cats”, 16 series of spin-off “8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown” and 10 years presenting Channel 4’s “Big Fat Quiz Of The Year”. He has also hosted three series of “Roast Battle” on Comedy Central UK.

A household name in the UK, Jimmy is also a rising star in the US, where his profile continues to grow. Jimmy has performed two Comedy Central Specials, has performed stand-up on “The Tonight Show” five times (with both Jimmy Fallon and Jay Leno), and has also appeared on NBC’s “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” five times. He recently recorded his own Netflix panel show, entitled “The Fix”.







Award-winning Russian dancer Denis Rodkin and another 12 stars of the famed Bolshoi, Mariinsky, and La Scala ballet ensembles will be on stage at Athens’ open-air Herodes Atticus Theater for one night only, on September 5. The stellar ensemble will perform excerpts from the most popular ballets of the classical repertory such as "Swan Lake", "The Sleeping Beauty", "Giselle", "Don Quixote", "Romeo & Juliet", and more. 

Dennis Rodkin is the most important Bolshoi Ballet dancer today. Born in Moscow, in 2009 he graduated from the Moscow State Academy of Choreography "Gzel" and was admitted to the Bolshoi Theater. In 2013, he graduated from the educational department of the Moscow Choreography Academy. He rehearsed under Nikolai Tsiskaridze.

He quickly developed into an incredibly expressive dancer, which enabled him to embody great leading roles of the classical repertoire, including Spartakos, Prince Zigkfrint ( Swan Lake ), Prince Nutcracker (Nutcracker), Jean County of Brienne ( Raimi ), Onegin ( Eugene Onegin ) Toreantor ( Quixote ), etc. 

Rodkin's emblematic stage presence is a strong proof of his qualities: his overflowing energy, his unparalleled technique, and his expressiveness have justifiably made him one of the new myths in the field of classical ballet.

The other dancers we will see in Athens are some of the best soloists of the famous Bolshoi and Mariinsky ballets, as well as other great ballets of the world. 

From the Bolshoi Theater, in addition to Dennis Rodkin will appear:
  • Anna Nikulina - First Bolshoi Ballet Dancer
  • Eleonora Sevenard - Bolshoi Ballet Soloist
  • Mikhail Lobukhin - First Bolshoi Ballet Dancer
From the famous Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg will perform:
  • Sakirova Renata - First Dancer of the Mariinsky Ballet
  • Alexei Timofegief - Soloist of the Mariinsky Ballet
From the famous La Scala Theater in Milan will appear:
  • Nikoleta Manny - First Dancer of the La Scala Ballet of Milan
  • Timofej Andrijashenko - First Dancer at the La Scala Ballet in Milan
Saturday, 29 August 2020 09:31

The Authentic Marathon Swim 2020: Schedule

Time is running out for the historic race of The Authentic Marathon Swim that revives at Artemision 2,500 years later. Amateur and professional swimmers will enjoy the remarkable sporting event, on 4-6 September 2020, at Pefki, Evia, of the Municipality of Istiaia - Edipsos.

The authentic route

For the first time, after 2,500 years, the historic authentic 10km route will revive with the participation of world-class names that will swim over the shipwrecks of the historic naval battle of Artemision in 480 B.C. The demanding route is carried out at the straits of Artemision, connecting Central Greece with Thessaly and the regional units of Evia, Magnesia, and Fthiotida. The event, honoring the history of its location, will symbolically award the winners of the routes with a branch of Mavroelia from Artemision or Olive Mavromandila. It is a monument of nature and local history, one of the oldest olive trees in the world, located in the ancient settlement of Artemision, dating back over 2,500 years.

The health protocol of The Authentic Marathon Swim

The event, which has the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, will be held in accordance with the FINA regulations and the health protocol established by event experts, certified by the World Health Organization based on the guidance of the expert scientists-collaborators of the Hellenic Swimming Federation and the epidemiological data and recommendations of Greek General Secretariat of Sports’ Health Committee, aiming towards ensuring the health of athletes and attendees. More information about the health protocol of the event can be found here

The schedule

On Saturday, September 5 at 16:00 in the afternoon, action will begin with the 3km open water swimming race, while at 18:00 the 1.5km start will follow. Swimmers will cover the triangular route that has been designed with a start and finish point at Pefki beach. The warm-up of the athletes will be held by the physical education instructor, Mandy Persaki. Respectively, on Sunday, September 6, the event will culminate with the revival of the authentic 10km marathon swimming route. Sofia Psilolignou, the three-time Greek champion, in the 5 km and 10 km routes, and two-time English Channel marathon swimmer, will be added to the top names participating in this route. The swimmers of this race will meet at the Pefki beach’s pier, at 07:45 in the morning, to be transported by boats at the starting point, immediately after, at 08:00. The race will start at 08:30 with a finish point at Pefki beach. At the same time, at 09:30 in the morning, the 800m children’s race will be held.




The swimming routes

All routes of The Authentic Marathon Swim have been designed by the Greek national swimming coach with distinctions in Olympic Games & world open water swimming championships, Nikos Gemelos. You may find the routes here.

What swimmers need to know & bring along

The event prioritizing the absolute safety of its athletes will provide everyone with a high- quality safety lifeguard buoy. The participating athletes of the Hellenic Swimming Federation must have their respective health certificates, whereas all other swimmers must provide a health certificate from a cardiologist. The use of wetsuit is not allowed in the 10km route, while in the other routes, swimmers will not be included in the official results. You may find here the detailed terms & conditions that participants should know.


Registrations for the 3km, 1.5km, and the 800m children's race continue. 


Registrations & Participation kit pick-ups

Registrations for the 10km route have already been completed, while those of 3km, 1.5km, and the 800m children’s race continue at an undiminished pace. Please note that no registrations will be allowed on the day of the races. The event provides the opportunity of delivering the participation kit by courier, before the races, to avoid overcrowding in the registration area. Moreover, for the public’s best of service the organization provides the possibility of receiving the participation kit 24 hours before the start of each race as the registration area will be open on Friday, September 4, from 17.00 in the morning until 20:00 in the evening and on Saturday, September 5, from 10.00 in the morning until 20:00 in the evening, at Pefki beach. Participants are kindly requested to arrive at the registration area at least 45 minutes before their race’s start, in order to receive their kit and avoid potential last-minute overcrowding and queues. Swimmers and visitors are advised to wear a protective mask during their stay at the registration area.

The event will also provide participants with the opportunity to watch, update and respond to live chat for the races via Viber, Facebook Messenger, and SMS during the event, to avoid crowds at the registration area, as defined by the GDPR rules on personal data protection.

Among other things, participation kits will include the event’s bag and t-shirt from Luanvi, a swimming cap from Mosconi, towel, tattoo entry number, timing chip, and numerous gifts from the event’s sponsors.

All athletes will receive a medal at the finish. Due to the current health conditions, no award ceremony will be held.

Easy access & affordable accommodation packages at the Municipality of Istiaia-Edipsos

The Authentic Marathon Swim already collaborates with more than 30 hotels in the region, with the aim of revitalizing the sports tourism industry of Northern Evia and strengthening the Greek tourism product. Up to this point, this year’s event is enormously supported with special offers and prices starting from 40 euros, by the following hospitality sponsors: Maria Louiza Apartments, Hydna Studios, Hotel 40 Platania, Altamar Hotel, Ellaeon Throesma, Artemision Hotel, Galini Hotel Edipsos, Ilios Studios, Villa Anastasia, Κochili Apartments, Mirtia Hotel, Island, Irene Studios, Aidipsos Hotel, Aktaion Hotel, Aenaon Studios, Alex Spa Hotel, Anesis Pefki, Athina 3 Studios, Artemis Rooms Pefki, Arethousa Hotel, Avli Hotel, Dimitra Apartments, Ermis Spa Hotel, Evia Dream, Galini Hotel Pefki, Kallithea Hotel, Katerina Apartments, Konstantinos Hotel, Lito Hotel, Mitho Hotel, Jenny Studios, Papadioti Αpartments, Rodon Hotel, Drosia Studios, Garden Studios Pefki.

Participants and visitors can take advantage of the special offers, providing reduced accommodation prices and late check out while discovering beautiful hotels in the areas of Pefki, Loutra Edipsos, Artemision, Istiaia, Kanatadika, Neos Pyrgos, Orei and Agiokampos. Check the event’s specially designed page and discover the accommodation packages and special offers that are valid for the participants.

Ferries itineraries

For the best access to Pefki Evia, you may find the ferry itineraries for the routes Edipsos - Arkitsa and Agiokampos - Glyfa here.

The Authentic Marathon Swim is held under the Auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization and it is listed in the “Thermopylae-Salamis 2020” Anniversary framework. The event is organized by the Municipality of Istiaia-Edipsos while Active Media Group is responsible for its sports production. The Authentic Marathon Swim has joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2020 program of the European Commission and is held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports.

The event has joined the swimming community Global Swim Series (GSS).

The leading company in the field of aquaculture in Greece, Philosofish, the official sponsor of The Authentic Marathon Swim, produces superior quality sea bream, sea bass, porgy, and sharp snout sea bream. With respect to the environment, it applies new techniques and is oriented towards production technologies that utilize the competitive advantage of Greek waters and coasts for the production of high-quality fish. The company’s mission is to develop and promote a rich and balanced diet based on fish. Its vision is to become one of the most significant companies in the industry in the European and international market, always contributing to the effort for production based on the sustainable future of the aquatic environment.

Vikos Natural Mineral Water is the event’s Official Water.
Luanvi is the Official Clothing Partner.
Mosconi is the Official Sports Supplier.
Avance is the event’s Official Car Rental Partner.
Messinian Spa is the Official Beauty Partner and Target Security the Security Partner.
The event’s Partners include Regional Union of Municipalities of Central Greece, Syconia, Almanda, Dirfis Mushrooms, Fysiotek Sports Lab.
Red Swim Academy, Swim Academy, Leandros, Swimmingclub.gr, LA Elite Fitness, APS TRIAS, Kallithea Open Water Team are The Authentic Marathon Swim’s Athletic Partners.
Swimbikerun.gr is the Media Partner.
The event is assisted by Lifeguard Patrol, Meliriton, To Kochili.

Hashtag: #authenticmarathonswim

Photo Credit: Loukas Hapsis

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Friday, 28 August 2020 14:10

Greek Startup Sold For €305 Million

InstaShop, a Greek-owned company whose grocery delivery app is very successful in the Middle East, has been sold to German food delivery service, Delivery Hero for €305 million, the highest sum ever paid to acquire a Greek startup.

InstaShop started in the United Arab Emirates in 2015 and has expanded to Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Lebanon, and some parts of Thessaloniki, Greece.
The app's services are not limited to groceries, as it also connects consumers to pet shops, bakeries, pharmacies, cleaners, coffee shops, florists, cosmetics shops, and a variety of specialty shops. The products are delivered to users in 30 to 60 minutes average, depending on location.

Regarding the sale, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis tweeted:

"Congratulations to InstaShop on the largest Greek-founded startup company acquisition to date. With R&D based in Greece and initial Greek investment, it highlights how our startup ecosystem is thriving and going from strength to strength."


This content has been sourced and prepared by Codico Lab
Preparations for Santorini Experience continue as the great sports tourism event approaches its 6th year, on October 2-4, 2020. Santorini, which is recognized among the top destinations around the world, will attract professional and amateur athletes once again this year, offering them unique moments of sports and tourism combined. The trail running and open water swimming races that will be held on October 3 and October 4, respectively, will have an eco-friendly approach, through a strategy that incorporates plastic-free actions, always placing the safety of all participants as its main priority.

The history of the volcano

The volcano of Santorini is one of the largest underwater active volcanoes in the world and perhaps the only volcano whose Caldera reaches the sea.

From the volcanic eruptions of ancient times, which even connected Santorini with the myth of the lost Atlantis, to the recent earthquakes, the history of Santorini is directly connected to its “restless” territory and its volcanoes. Parts of Santorini’s volcano are Nea Kameni (1707- 1711 AD), Palea Kameni (46-47 AD), the underwater volcano Columbus (active) (1650 AD), and Christiana Islands. The exciting swimming race of Santorini Experience will take place in the sea gap between Thira and Thirasia, which was formed during the Minoan eruption that took place in 1613 BC, featuring a depth of more than 1,000 meters.

Swim in the deep blue waters of stunning Santorini

On the morning of Sunday, October 4, 2020, participants of Santorini Experience will have the opportunity to swim over the lost Atlantis, according to Plato, on the mesmerizing 1.5 miles (2.4 km) route from the volcano to the old port of Fira. Swimmers will enjoy the imposing view of the island in the warm waters of the volcano, at the open water swimming race by Vikos. The event will look after all athletes by providing high-quality safety lifeguard buoys. The swimming route will be held, as every year, with absolute safety in the captivating waters of Santorini, where the average water temperature in October, reaches 20-22 degrees Celsius. Lifeguard Patrol’s specialized lifeguards and rescue boats will contribute to the safety of the race for another year. Different categories will be formed depending on the final number of entries and a separate category for those wearing wetsuits will be added too. The race will be held under the technical direction of Greek national swimming coach with Olympic and World Championship distinctions, Nikos Gemelos, with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, according to FINA regulations and the event’s health protocol in accordance with the instructions of the special scientists-collaborators of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, based on the epidemiological data and the suggestions of the Health Committee of the General Secretariat of Sports. You can find all the technical details of the swimming route here.




The event will be held, in accordance with the strict standards set by the Greek Ministry of Tourism, the General Secretariat of Sports and all relevant sports Federations. Santorini Experience will be planned and delivered based on the protocol of races, which will ensure public health and safety of all parties involved. Moreover, the health and safety of all participants remain the event’s main priority. The 10km race is organized along with AS Ifestos Thiras and EAS SEGAS Cyclades Region and approved by the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS).

Santorini Experience has joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2020 program of the European Commission and is held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports.

The award-winning Active Media Group is responsible for the event’s Sports Production, and it is worth noting, that the event’s Official Hashtag #SantoriniExperience, has created its own unique trend on social media.




Accommodation packages at great prices and for all preferences

Up to this point and in these difficult times, this year’s event is supported with amazing offers and prices by the following hospitality sponsors: Athina Luxury Suites, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, Canaves Oia, Katikies Santorini, Andronis Arcadia, West East Suites, K&K Unique Holiday Homes, Folia Bianca, Cocoon Suites, Marvarit Suites, Iriana Suites, Nefeles Luxury Suites, Sienna Resort, Santo Houses, Memories Hotel, 270 Oia’s View, Cori Rigas Suites, Uma Ray Suites, Loizos Stylish Residencies, Monolithia, Fanouris Condo, Epavlis Hotel, Iokasti Villa, Olive Cave Houses, Panorama Boutique Hotel, Esperas Santorini and Santorini Hospitality. Whether you wish to stay in the Caldera, Fira, Imerovigli, Oia, or in the beautiful Pyrgos, Monolithos, Akrotiri, Kamari, Messaria, Emporio, Megalochori or at the endless beach of Perissa and Perivolos, Santorini has everything. Participants may opt to stay in a room for two people, in a house for 4-6 people or in a villa with a pool for 4-10 people, amongst the many other options of Santorini.


Travel to Santorini Experience 2020 with safety

All those traveling to the island by ferry will be able to enjoy the safety and comfort of Blue Star Ferries once again this year. The top Greek shipping company offers a 40% discount on the ferry tickets, from/to Santorini, and a 30% discount on vehicles to all those visiting the event and the island during that period. Each person who has completed his/her registration is entitled to the same discount for 3 more people if these are his/her escorts, or for 4 people if these are family members.

Moreover, the top Greek rental company Avance, as the event’s official car rental partner provides participants of Santorini Experience with an opportunity to make their reservation, with a 15% discount on the official price list, for any vehicle of their choice regarding their travel to the island during the period of the event. 

Athina Luxury Suites, Vikos Natural Mineral Water, and Blue Star Ferries are the event’s official sponsors.
Luanvi is the event’s official sports supplier for another year.
Boatmen Union Santorini is the event’s official supporter.
Avance is the official car rental partner.
Messinian Spa is the event’s official beauty partner.
Premium TV partner: SKAI
Premium media partner: 24MEDIA
Red Swim Academy, Swim Academy, Leandros, and Swimmingclub.gr are the athletic partners of Santorini Experience.
The event is assisted by Lifeguard Patrol, Voluntary Lifeguards of Santorini, Atlantis Dive Center, Santorini Nautical Club, and Caldera Yachting.
Tangopapas.com is the event’s travel partner.
Santorini Experience is co-organized by the Municipality of Santorini, Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (DAPPOS), and Active Media Group.

Photo Credit: Danijela Bogdanovic

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Thursday, 13 August 2020 13:37

Reminiscing The 2004 Athens Olympics

On the 13th of August, 2004, Greece shared its history and culture with the rest of the world with a spectacular Olympic Games opening ceremony.

It was a remarkable evening for the 72,000 spectators who watched the ceremony live at the Athens Olympic Stadium and the hundreds of millions who watched it live on the television.

The ceremony received significant recognition and featured cutting edge technologies such as a giant pool with slip-proof fiberglass flooring, innovative lighting design, and awe-inspiring floating pieces of sculpture. Even though it was widely thought that a small country like Greece would be unable to successfully host the Olympic Games on the evening of the 13th of August 2004, doubters were finally silenced.

A few years later, 2 Americans who worked on the Athens 2004 bid and the Athens Organizing Committee wrote about the fantastic experience they had working for the success of the Games: “The sight of Greeks coming together and delivering a world-class event was deeply impressive and not to be forgotten or dismissed,” Mark Steitz and David Dreyer, wrote in Greek daily Kathimerini.

“We had heard stories of Greek problems, of past bids for the Games gone awry, of negative national traits. We saw the opposite. We were met with humor, patience, and goodwill. Philoxenia was quite for real,” they added.


To read more about the Athens 2004 Opening Ceremony, please visit: greekreporter.com

Iliada is a born and raised Athenian, and even though she traveled a lot for my work (and still does), she never felt the urge to move abroad. She loves Athens; it's her home. Iliada studied marketing, advertising, and PR and then specialized in digital marketing, which was quite an innovative space to be in. She worked in the corporate world in different marketing positions and ended up as a wholesale manager for a big Greek lingerie brand. Then, in 2012, in the midst of the Greek financial crisis and one of the toughest periods of our Greek nation, she had a vision.

5 Things To Know About Iliada

Connoisseur
Digital Storyteller
 
Enabling Greek Entrepreneurs
Nature Lover
City Pools

Besides her full-time job, Iliada started connecting with local entrepreneurs that were doing remarkable things in their fields of expertise. Her vision began to materialize as she expanded her network or truly daring people that were doing their best to move their dreams forward in difficult and uncertain times. Iliada wanted to show the world the artisans, products, and brands and the richness of Greek creativity while helping fellow Greeks build their brand presence abroad while sustaining themselves and their families. It took 6 months to turn her vision into a tangible business. Living Postcards was born.

Living Postcards started partnering with global websites and introducing the new faces of Greece to the world, through strategic product placements, followed by organizing events and global representations.

The next phase of Living Postcards is about showing the gastronomy and the local entrepreneurship of Greek cities and regions. The whole project will take place through interactive events in the form of "pop-up stores" throughout the country.

Read Iliada's full inspiring story on Guts & Tales.


About Guts & Tales

Guts & Tales is a storytelling platform founded by Eleni Meraki but grown to be a global collective of writers, dreamers, doers, shifters, visionaries, and generally people with guts. On this website, you can find change-stories of people that have made major career and life changes in pursuit of personal fulfillment. Alternatively, they offer a coaching program for people that want to make a change in their life or career themselves.

The platform recently started sharing stories of people living in Greece and is always looking for more inspiring tales to share. If you’d like to share your tale, looking for a professional coach, or just want to get inspired click here.

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