Here it is, my very first monthly review ever, for May 2021. I've often read these exciting monthly reviews from various bloggers and have often been impressed by how much a person can accomplish in a month. I see that too when I look back at my calendar or old to-do lists at the end of the month. But I rarely take the time to really realize everything I've accomplished. Now I thought to myself: A lot has really happened this May. Really a lot, as I've realized. And this is in my free time, in addition to my "normal" job, which I currently have. So there will surely be enough interesting material - also for the reader - for a blog post. Because that's somehow becoming my thing right now: blog posts.

In May, virtually everything is made new.

An incredible amount happened in the virtual space this May. And, above all, none of it was planned in advance. Of course, I've been talking for a while about renewing my homepage as a self-employed person, improving my virtual presence. All these social media profiles have also always been a thorn in my side. And there have been decisions pending for a long time about what I want to keep public or private, how much I mix or separate private and business. As is usually the case, I've often postponed these things that aren't directly related to day-to-day business. But now it was finally time for a change. "Boom Boom Blog" by Judith Sympatexter kicked off in April, and the subsequent "The Blog Bang" in May was the starting shot for lots of new things. But read for yourself.

How do I actually want to present myself online?

I asked myself this question when it came time to create a Facebook business page for the release of the first articles as part of "The Blog Bang." Do I even want to use social media for my entrepreneurial life? Then I realized that I hadn't tried enough in the virtual space to make a good decision about it. So, it started at the end of April: First, I created an Instagram account with a business focus and a Facebook page set up. Previously, I was present on LinkedIn and Xing, but not very active. I only used Facebook and Instagram privately to stay in touch with friends. And that was supposed to change now. Let's see where it leads. In addition, my previous website presence had been bothering me for a long time. At the beginning of my self-employment, I had only thought of it as an extended, simple business card in virtual space. Besides the imprint and privacy policy, it only contained a few testimonials, a photo, my logo, my qualifications, and publications. Pretty boring from today's perspective. So I definitely wanted to change something about that too. And so I decided to try building a new website myself first, instead of buying a service. It was also to be redesigned in terms of color and offer space for all further ideas and developments that were currently happening. I actually put the new homepage online last week. With a brand new "About Me Page and an extra space for my blog. The page is still very basic, but I already like it much better than my previous online presence.  

Addicted to Blog since May 2021

On May 3, 2021, I pressed the publish button for the very first time and presented my first blog article. That was so exciting! I had really written my first article, and it was about: Why do I love psychological business coaching for healthy success paths? An article that, in relation to coaching, describes the mission I pursue for all those who want to discover, shape, and walk their healthy paths to success. And an article that describes which form of coaching I particularly like to use for this and why. It's hard to believe that this wasn't even a month ago. Since this first publication, I have published an impressive 4 more articles that one Trance And that Hypnosystemic Coaching explain where I can 5 Best Tips for Healthy Paths to Success parts and my Reflect on your relationship with numbers on social media.. This will therefore be the 6th article in the month of May. Wow. I really wouldn't have thought that at the beginning of the month. But The Blog Bang makes it possible. Now I'm already in week 5 of this beginner's blogging course tomorrow. Together with many other incredibly great women who form a wonderful, appreciative and inspiring community. Here I feel like anything is possible. I am excited to see what else will happen.

Instagram now shows the person behind my business

End of April, I also have my new Instagram profile created. Most posts, however, were created in May. Since then, it has been a place for me to show what kind of person is actually behind my offers and services as a coach, trainer, and consultant. A place that allows me to connect with people and become virtually more visible. An incredible number of posts have been created here since the beginning of the month, for which I receive a lot of wonderful feedback. Interaction has developed, and it's fun. In total, I posted 28 contributions here in May. Each one with valuable content and insights into my life and my views. I never would have thought that either. In addition, I launched the series "Lorena's Thought Impulses." Here I regularly post questions designed to provoke thought. I also use these questions myself as impulses for reflection and write something about them. So, a blog post is currently in the works that will probably be a declaration of love to my gut feeling 😉

"Real Life" also has a lot going on in May 2021.

In my "real life" outside the virtual world, a lot is also happening. Despite a very personal matter that has made life very difficult for me since the beginning of the year, I am still trying to look forward here and create highlights for myself again and again. I certainly don't want to withhold these from you. Although the developments in the virtual space in May were by far the biggest.

Lifelong learning in the month of May

One of my greatest passions is lifelong learning. There's rarely a time when I'm not delving into a new topic or diving deeper into one, constantly developing and challenging myself. This was also the case in the month of May. I recently completed the six-week Distance learning course on gender and diversity competence from the FHF Wiener Neustadt completed by Roswitha Hofmann and Ingrid Wahl, and I will receive my certificate here soon. A truly great offer that I was able to use as a teacher. For 6 weeks, I allowed myself to delve into the theory and practice, laws, and potentials regarding diversity and gender in Austria. I reflected on topics, tried out models, discovered transfers, and discussed with interdisciplinary colleagues. It's actually a shame that the course is now "already" over. The topic will certainly continue to engage me even more than it already does. Last week, the second module of my current training as a Psychological Trainer at Christine Hoffmann course. A training program that will accompany me until autumn. Here, I am acquiring a didactically unique approach with the "HOFFMANN method" to make my future training even more effective. This training builds on my training as a psychological coach and is always linked with a lot of self-experience and stepping out of your comfort zone. Additionally, I get to be part of the pre-test phase for a wonderful training concept developed by a great colleague. I'll definitely share more about the "Feuerstein Masterclass" here after its release. And currently, the Webinar Series "45 Minutes of Public Health" instead, whose lectures I listen to again and again. It is important to me to stay up-to-date. Especially, of course, in the area of public health, where I operate as a consultant.

What topics are still on my mind in May

A highlight for me in May was definitely having a rehearsal with my samba group for the first time in over half a year. Finally drumming and dancing again and making music with friends! Ah, it was a balm for my soul! Also, in May I finally got my first COVID-19 vaccination. Just two days ago, I received my first dose of Moderna. Aside from pain at the injection site and extreme fatigue, there were no side effects. And today I'm already almost completely recovered. On July 2nd, I'll get my second vaccine dose. For me, this means that in the summer, when I head home, I can finally see my aunt and uncle again after more than 1.5 years. And that the time spent with Mom and Dad can also be much more relaxed, since we are all vaccinated. Finally! We only see each other rarely throughout the year anyway, with over 1000 km separating our homes. It became even rarer due to COVID. I can't wait to finally hug my parents again without feeling guilty. Another topic that has occupied me for a long time and will continue to do so is sustainability. I am currently preparing a training together with my colleague Michael Bauer-Leeb, which will take place as part of the FGÖ Education Network in October. The topic: Health Promotion and Sustainability - Intersections with Environment and Climate in the Field of Health Promotion". Currently, I believe there are still a few open spots here. Additionally, a working group of 9 wonderful consultants is currently being formed, who want to further advance the topic of sustainability in the business sector in the future. I am part of this and I'm really looking forward to it because it's becoming very concrete right now. A lot of great things will happen in the near future. Another topic that is currently occupying me a lot is the topic of voice: I recently started fulfilling a wish by taking voice training with the wonderful Svenja, and I'm excited to see where my 3 octaves might take me in the long run. I also give my most important concerns a virtual voice through my blog, bringing them out of my head and into the world. And I'm going currently often on the street, to lend my voice to the victims of femicides in Austria so that something finally happens preventatively on a structural level. 14 femicides alone in 2021 in Austria is simply unacceptable: "Not a single one less! Ni una menos! Men don't kill out of love! Stop femicides!" And that was it, my little glimpse into my personal highlights and the most important topics that have been on my mind in May. I'm already excited to see what June will bring. With that in mind, I wish you a pleasant end to May tomorrow, Monday 😉