Discovering Mak: 5 Fun Facts

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Hey there, beautiful laides! I'm Makayla, but everyone calls me Mak. Well, I've been trying to make that stick for years, but no one's taken the bait. Instead, I've been dubbed with Kayla (of course), JOY (thanks to my spiritual dad), Mickey, and even Makayla with a strong period – pronounced just like that, haha.

Now, about Mak Wood – it's a nickname that I gave to myself and love immensely but no one likes it! I've received so many jokes and laughs about why I should ditch it. I don't get it, but I'm determined to keep trying. Kayla is the straightforward abbreviation, and Joy, well, that beauty came about because my spiritual dad said I reminded him of Joy from Inside Out (my favorite movie). And yes, that movie is seriously iconic for a person obsessed with the emotional brain, but I digress. Where were we? Ah, Mickey! Only two friends in my entire life have called me that, once at 10 and again at 27. It might be a common nickname, but I love that it's unique to only two friends.

Makaylaa with a period isn't really a nickname; it's just a very intentional pronunciation from a friend. She used to say it in this sing-songy, matter-of-fact way that I loved. I miss her, but we love good memories and hope.

If my dog, Shorty, could give me a nickname, it'd probably be "my butler" because all I do is cater to him. But I will admit he's extremely helpful in getting me to take walking breaks while I'm creating courses and content.

I've been working for myself on and off for about four years – some would call it a "hobby business," and they wouldn't be wrong. I absolutely love helping people, especially women, improve their brains so they can feel more confident. Some might say I'm extremely passionate about it, and I love that I've been able to help so many women. However, I'm not into all the logistical stuff that goes into a business. For instance, pricing. I was stuck on this one for a minute, and although I did need to change some limiting money beliefs, I still value pricing accessibility. I don't want to overcharge for advice and talents that were given to me by God. We all have gifts from him, and this is mine. I feel blessed, but I want the information to be accessible. Unfortunately, many people have put their fears on me and said it's impossible to have a profitable business without overcharging. I guess we'll see because starting in 2024, I've made the decision to consistently show up in this space for you and for me.

Genuinely, this is a healing space for me – helping others because as I research, I learn and challenge myself first. I think it's just a part of my personality to be a lifelong learner because I'm from Bahstahn, and I had to pak my cah in the Hahvud yad because it was wicked cold outside. But I still had to go to the bubbla for a drink of watah. Just kidding, I didn't go to Harvard, and I have a very limited Boston accent. I graduated from Southern New Hampshire with my bachelor's in Psychology. I've loved the study of human behavior for a long time because of the simple fact that we can change the parts of ourselves and our personality that are unappealing to us by being observant of ourselves. We can also help others mentally and emotionally to the best of our capabilities – children, adults, even dogs!

I'm not a neuroscientist, doctor, or therapist. I am ambitious enough to go down that path, but my spiritual goal of following Jehovah's will to make disciples made me want to simplify. That's why I am simply here to provide resources, education, and practical strategies as your Mental Health Coach! I'm excited to get to know you. Did you catch five facts about me? Drop them below. While you're at it, share a few fun facts about yourself.

Welcome to the BrainPassion Community!

Love,

Mak Wood