The Heart of Wellness

25 Netflix Shows Worth Watching

On October 13, 2020

Part of my self-care routine is sinking into the cozy recliner to indulge in a good Netflix series. The last few years that we have had Netflix was quite enjoyable and a nice break from regular TV programming. However, some of the shows we watch started on TV and ended up on Netflix. I love the variety and the diversity in the programming on Netflix. For instance, you can choose from drama, comedy, horror, sci-fi, fantasy, kids shows, action and adventure, and lots more. In addition, there are movies, documentaries, reality TV, and popular TV shows too. In other words, you can be scrolling half the day because it’s so hard to decide sometimes!

Therefore, I usually like to choose shows that will help me escape from the stress I am experiencing. Take a staycation and check out the list of shows I have enjoyed watching. It was interesting to see all of the post-apocalyptic shows. Guess I am really into that genre for whatever reason! It is a nice break from the overdone medical and police dramas that we watch on cable TV. Sit back and relax and enter into a world of drama, comedy, or whatever floats your boat at that moment. Grab a snack and a drink and tune in for a little while.

The Netflix Obessesion

The very first show I watched on Netflix was Lost. Remember that one from 15 years ago! If I remember correctly there were 6 seasons which was a big undertaking. Honestly, that one is still one of my favorites but don’t think it is offered on Netflix anymore. I recently finished a series called Once Upon a Time which was on regular TV a while back. Have to admit I needed a break after that! It is not offered anymore on Netflix but it was really good.

This time of year we were looking forward to the Fall premieres of shows that we do like on regular TV. However, due to COVID, the shows have not returned with new seasons. Therefore, Netflix is our go-to now. Here is a list of some of the favorites I have watched over the years.

25 Netflix Shows I Loved

Drama

Bloodline

3 seasons. A family drama filled with troubled siblings, crime, and love stories based in the Florida keys. This one is the edge of your seat good!

Dirty John

1 season. A spicy romantic series about a woman who gets into a relationship with a troubled but handsome man. Amusing and fairly predictable.

You

2 Seasons. A charming stalker gets into relationships with 2 unassuming women. Creepy but likable!

Virgin River

1 season. A nurse moves to a small town to start over and encounters many interesting characters. Similar to a Hallmark movie. Easy going and enjoyable.

13 Reasons Why

4 seasons. A teen drama focusing on suicide and everything else teenagers deal with. Suspenseful and very intense.

Orange Is the New Black

7 seasons. A bunch of women in prison and the relationships that bond them. Wasn’t sure if I would like this one but ended up enjoying it. Funny and dramatic.

The Society

1 season. All of the adults go missing in this small town and the teenagers are left by themselves to make it on their own. Dark and suspenseful. Hoping for a second season!

What If

1 season. A couple gets involved with a troubled woman who wants to destroy their marriage and life. Lots of drama and intrigue.

Dead to Me

2 seasons. A story about 2 women who become friends under very strange circumstances. Dramatic and funny. I believe another season is coming and I just can’t wait!

Outer Banks

1 season. A group of teenagers embarks on a dangerous adventure when they find a mysterious shipwreck. Exciting and entertaining.

Tiger King

1 season. A dramatic documentary about an intense rivalry between 2 zoo operators. This series was so weird and dumb but extremely entertaining.

Crime/Thriller

Ozark

3 seasons. An ordinary family gets involved in a drug ring and has many dangerous escapades. Dark, intense with some violence. Another season is coming soon!

Broadchurch

3 seasons. A small town struggles with the disappearance of a local boy and everyone is a suspect. Intriguing and surprising turns in every episode. A great detective series!

Wanted

3 seasons. Two strangers witness a crime and end up on the run trying to escape the criminals. An exciting and intense story filled with drama.

The Stranger

1 season. An intriguing series about a woman who has damaging information about a group of people. Bizarre and interesting detective series.

Safe

1 season. A teenager goes missing in an affluent town and the people involved carry dark secrets. A thrilling crime drama.

The Sinner

2 seasons. Two mysterious stories about murder and the detectives who try to solve the cases. Strange but very entertaining and suspenseful.

Imposters

2 seasons. A comedy about a girl who is a con artist and the people who fall prey to her scams. Filled with funny characters and interesting storylines.

Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Post Apocalyptic

Outlander

3 seasons on Netflix. About a woman who travels back in time to 18th century Scotland. Lots of steamy romance and also some violence. This is originally a STARZ show. I had to subscribe to STARZ so I could see the most recent seasons. Worth it!

Locke & Key

1 season. A family moves to a small town into an old mansion with lots of secrets. This one is creepy but entertaining if you like magic and the fantasy genre.

Into the Badlands

3 seasons. A post-apocalyptic thriller filled with intense drama and people trying to survive the new world they live in. Lots of violence and fighting but has a theme of survival which is interesting.

Colony

3 seasons. Another post-apocalyptic drama set in Los Angeles after it’s been occupied by invaders. Some are rebelling while others are joining the new cause. Very intriguing and exciting series.

The 4400

4 seasons. A sci-fi mystery about people who disappear and show up back on Earth 50 years later with special powers. A cool science fiction series that doesn’t disappoint.

The 100

7 seasons. Another sci-fi thriller about teens living in space and then sent down to Earth after it was destroyed by nuclear war. Interesting characters and relationships with some violence and survival storylines.

Jericho

2 seasons. A young man returning to his small Kansas town in the middle of a nuclear attack. Another post-apocalyptic drama filled with stories on how people survive the end of the world.

On My Netflix To Watch List

Quantico

The Crown

Peaky Blinders

Sherlock

Cobra Kai

Bodyguard

Thieves of the Woods

The Tudors

The Umbrella Academy

Schitt’s Creek

Sit Back & Relax

There you have it. This is how I spend some of my time escaping reality and unwinding. As you can see, I tend to like crime dramas and sci-fi thrillers mixed in with some comedy. I love shows that are set in another century too like my favorite, Outlander. Looking forward to those rainy and cold nights to cozy up on the couch and watch more Netflix. Above all, it is important to find ways to unwind and forget about the stress of life. What shows have you watched that you would recommend?

xoxo

Jill DeMasi is a Lifestyle Blogger, Licensed Massage Therapist, and a Certified Wellness Coach with a passion for helping others manage stress, chronic pain, and anxiety. Learn more about her journey and wellness practice that offers natural solutions to stress at www.AtTheHeartofWellness.com.

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10 Acts of Self Love

By Jill Ciampi

On September 29, 2020

In Anxiety & Depression, Chronic Pain, Emotional Health, Environmental Health, Lifestyle Blog, Physical Health, Spiritual Health, Stress Management

What do you think of giving yourself just as much attention than you give your loved ones? I have said it thousands of times that if you don’t care for yourself before others, you are sure to succumb to the daily pressures of life. Stress will get to you one way or another. Self-love seems selfish and smug. Guess what- it’s not! Yes, are there people who behave like narcissists and are self-serving? Of course but that’s not what I am talking about and hopefully, that’s not you.

After all, this doesn’t mean that you treat yourself better than others. The trick is to love and care for yourself as much as you care for other people in your life. You know the saying you can’t love someone fully until you love yourself. This is especially hard for mothers. They are called to be nurturing, caring, and serve everyone else before themselves.

“Love is the great miracle cure. Loving ourselves works miracles in our lives.”
– Louise L. Hay

What is Self-Love

In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the definition of self-love is an appreciation of one’s own worth or virtue. If you appreciate yourself with a loving attitude then you will be happier and healthier in life. Growing up you may not have had the best examples of love in your life. Maybe you didn’t learn how to love yourself through your home or school environment.

Self-love can be taught and it is possible to love and appreciate yourself even after experiencing trauma. Sometimes this comes with age. Although, the best time to learn about self-love is as a child. It is so crucial to a child’s mental health to know about self-love. I believe we are all God’s children and his love for us is pure and unconditional. God also wants us to care for ourselves and spread love to others. It would be harder to do this if we don’t love ourselves.

Sometimes, we can look to others for love. There’s nothing wrong with this. We need to equally accept love and give love. However, you need to love yourself first to have a healthy relationship with anyone else. Otherwise, it can turn out to be an unfulfilling and dependent relationship and that’s not healthy for either partner.

Why Self-Care is So Important

Although I was given plenty of love growing up, I tend to be hard on myself and not like some things about my personality or my body. There are stages in life that self-love is really strong and times when you need an extra lift. Having a practice of regular self-care helps tremendously!

Realistically, we can’t always focus on ourselves. But what we can do is find time to recharge and renew our energy daily. Caregivers must do this so your health isn’t stolen away from you too. Our health depends on feeling strong both mentally and physically and when we love ourselves that will be easier to accomplish.

10 Acts of Self-Love

Alone Time

Having some quiet time will help you get to know yourself a little deeper. Think about 3 things you can do in your alone time that can help you develop a stronger sense of self-love.

Evaluate The Negative Influences

Are there negative people or bad habits in your life that destroy your positivity and make you feel stressed? List out a few of those and commit to eliminating those negative influences if you can.

Take Care of Your Body

Choose some physical activities that you enjoy doing and commit to a regular schedule. What brings you joy– walking, running, lifting weights, yoga, pilates, biking. Go for it and release those happy hormones!

Forgive Yourself

Be honest and authentic with yourself. Are there things you have done that need forgiveness? Write down a few things that are on your heart that you need to let go of.

Pamper Yourself

You are worthy of a little relaxation every once in a while! Think about your favorite ways to kick back and indulge. My favorites are taking a bath and going for a massage 🙂 Here are my top 10 self-care practices.

Make a Self Love List to Review Daily

Daily reminders of why you are special and worthy of love. Ask yourself some of these questions. What are your best qualities? What are you good at? List some things you have done for others.

Meditation & Prayer Daily

Sitting quietly in mediation or prayer is a powerful experience and lowers stress instantly. Deepen your connection and uncover new ways to appreciate yourself. Pick a saying to focus on like…

“I love myself, respect myself and accept myself as I am”

“I deserve a happy life full of love”

“My life is abundant and full of joy”

Respect Yourself

Surround yourself with people who treat you with love and respect. Take care of your body, mind, and spirit. Don’t allow anyone to disrespect you and tear down your confidence.

Nurture Your Talent

Seeking artistic expression is a way to practice self-love. Do you like to paint, draw, dance, sing? Making time to be creative helps us to feel child-like and free at that moment!

Be Kind

When your heart is full of love it will overflow to other people. Attract good people into your life when you love yourself. Committing random acts of kindness will spread love into the world and will make you feel fabulous! Overall, we reap what we sow.

“When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, cares enough about yourself to make room for it in your life.”
– Jean Shinoda Bolen

Jill DeMasi is a Lifestyle Blogger, Licensed Massage Therapist, and a Certified Wellness Coach with a passion for helping others manage stress, chronic pain, and anxiety. Learn more about her journey and wellness practice that offers natural solutions to stress at www.AtTheHeartofWellness.com.

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Awesome Road Trip! Relaxing Weekend in the Poconos

By Jill Ciampi

On September 14, 2020

In Anxiety & Depression, Emotional Health, Environmental Health, Lifestyle Blog, Physical Health, Stress Management

My family used to travel to the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania often in the summer months. We made lots of great memories going to places like Memorytown, Whispering Hills, and trips to the many parks, lakes, and gorgeous waterfall spots. I remember going to the lake and having fun on the paddle boats with my brother and sisters. We always went to the same American Indian store every time we visited to pick up little souvenirs. I didn’t really appreciate it back then but the Poconos has so much to offer.

Find Peace in the Poconos

The Pocono Mountains are located in Pike County and the Delaware Water Gap which is a quick ride from Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. This serene destination offers many activities but the scenery has to be my favorite. In other words, if you are in need of relieving stress and want to visit a calm destination, this may be the perfect road trip for you!

I hadn’t been back to the Poconos since I was younger before going to college. Then about 7 years ago, I started dating my boyfriend who also shared the love of the Poconos. We had been friends for a while and went to the same college in Connecticut. We actually grew up about 15 minutes away from each other in New Jersey plus we vacationed in the same area as well! His family had built a cute vacation house near the NJ border of the Poconos. I couldn’t believe that growing up I was so close to him. What are the odds! His family’s vacation house is only 10 minutes from the same parks and stores I went to as a kid.

Dingmans Ferry Welcome Center

He took me there a few months after we started dating and I fell in love with the area all over again. I have always loved road tripping and visiting the welcome centers! We visit with the kids a few times per year in the summer and winter. Visiting in any season is relaxing and enjoyable.

This past May on Memorial Day, we got engaged right in front of the lake he grew up going to! It was a really special day because the kids were with us and they all asked me together. I was completely shocked and surprised! 🙂

Unwind and Relax

Just a short walk down a gravel road from the house is this beautiful lake. We go here every time we visit. It is a great place to meditate and just sit on the beach for some peace and quiet. In addition, we like to take walks and go for bike rides around the lake. The air is so fresh and pure up there!

I always enjoy taking pictures and videos of this area to watch when I am back home to remind me of the peaceful trip. Just watching the short videos bring me happiness and help me unwind.

Favorite Parks and Waterfalls in the Poconos

We visit a few times per year for a little rest and relaxation. From where we live in Connecticut it is only a 2 1/2 hour ride. The summer is a great time to visit. We enjoy going to see the waterfalls at the nearby Dingmans Falls and also George W. Childs State Park which unfortunately has been closed for a while due to storms a couple of years ago. However, I did quickly sneak in for just a few pictures last time because I missed it so much.

I enjoy going to see the waterfalls. My favorite pictures to take are of the brooks and waterfalls because that makes me feel happy and relaxed. The hiking trails are easy and not that crowded.

The vacation house is located in a quiet community surrounded by beauty. We usually just hang out at the house and go to the lake which is a quick walk down the road. There is a cute little beach there to sit on and picnic at. You can also go fishing in a boat or right off the dock. The kids like to go on the 4 wheeler and ride bikes around the development. It really is a place to just unwind and relax. However, there is a lot to do in the area like boating, biking, skiing, shopping, hiking trails, parks, tubing, rafting, adventure courses, ziplining, wineries and so much more.

Nothing like sitting by a fire pit to unwind at the end of the day. The kids love roasting marshmallows and making smores. It is a great quality family or a romantic getaway for sure.

On our way back last time we went another way because we were driving to NJ so we had to go over this old historic bridge. They actually have a person standing in the middle of the road to collect $1 to cross over.

Even the ride home is beautiful and there are so many great spots to stop for amazing pictures!

In conclusion, I hope you can get to the Poconos one day and experience the serenity and fun activities this area of Pennsylvania has to offer. Each time we go I feel so calm and refreshed and I always sleep better as well. The Poconos Mountains is definitely a place to add to your bucket list!

Jill DeMasi is a Lifestyle Blogger, Licensed Massage Therapist, and a Certified Wellness Coach with a passion for helping others manage stress, chronic pain, and anxiety. Learn more about her journey and wellness practice that offers natural solutions to stress at www.AtTheHeartofWellness.com.

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Insights on The Road to Healing Book

By Jill Ciampi

On July 30, 2020

In Anxiety & Depression, Chronic Pain, Emotional Health, Lifestyle Blog, Physical Health, Spiritual Health, Stress Management

At one time or another, we all have experienced something negative that’s happened in our lives. That’s life. Ups and downs. Healing from traumas, abuse, rejection or any negative experience is essential in moving forward. Working through it and letting go will help you live a productive, healthy, and positive life. This process is by no means easy. It actually takes a lot of work and is not very comfortable at times. So how do you do it then?

The Road to Healing, by Brianna Fitzgerald, details her story of healing and her expertise and training as a licensed therapist. Without giving too much away, I will share some of her insights and my thoughts on the content of the book. If you enjoy learning about ways to help yourself become a better person this may be the next book for you to read.

Think About These Questions

Let me ask you this. Ever feel like you are not good enough? Or feel like you are stuck in old patterns of thinking and can’t move forward? Do you feel sad or consistently negative? Do you find yourself repeating old patterns over and over again? Have you considered that your behaviors and attitudes affect your relationships? If you answered yes to any of these questions, there may be something from your past or present to let go of and heal from. These are the topics covered in The Road to Healing and I want to share some of what stood out to me in this book.

The Road to Healing by Brianna Fitzgerald, LMSW

This book is chock full of simple techniques and methods on how to change your perspective and shift your thinking to heal from trauma or abuse. Brianna offers many tips on how to recover from the damage of a negative experience and turn it into a positive life lesson. She proves it is possible to control your emotions and break free from negativity. In choosing to decide to seek help and change her future, she avoided hanging onto the past trauma experienced as a child. She would not let it destroy her life.

Brianna discusses different ways to break the cycle and how to LET GO. She shares amazing healing affirmations and simple ways to stay ENCOURAGED through the process. A suggestion that resonated with me is how you can add one word when you ask “why” questions to people that will remove all judgment. This will change your perspective! Furthermore, I love the content on the power of journaling and how it can help uncover old patterns and free you of negative thinking.

Knowledge is Powerful

Also, I found several gems of knowledge in the 15 chapters of The Road to Healing. It flows nicely and will only take a couple of hours to read. However, I took my time to soak in all of the helpful advice. I found myself writing notes in the blank pages offered at the end of the book so I could remember what really moved me. There was so much in every chapter that I could identify with. Here are just some of my favorite quotes from the book that helps to explain the magnitude of why it’s so important to start your own healing journey.

My Favorite Quotes from the Book

“Change is the catalyst, which enables us to enter the next phase in life.”

“We are meant to grow and learn and go through the many phases of life to advance to the levels that are open and available to new opportunities.”

“The sooner you can accept changes regardless of how painful they may feel, the sooner you can move forward and receive those blessings that are brought to you.”

“Gratitude is a very high vibration that attracts more of what it is you want in your life.”

“Communicating your needs to others around you is not only vital for your protection and your healing journey; it is vital for your self-love practice.”

And My Favorite…

“Feeling our emotions gives us the empowerment to control them, and to respond instead of reacting to circumstances and things that trigger us.”

My Thoughts on the Book

I have followed Brianna’s blog for a while and have thoroughly enjoyed reading every post. So when I heard that she wrote a book I knew that I just had to read it. This book illustrates a courageous look into her struggles with abuse and neglect as a child and how she bravely overcame it. She sought out the help she needed and turned her life around. Brianna’s personal story is empowering, honest, and inspiring. She gives practical advice that is straight forward and helpful for anyone struggling to heal from something.

Her experience and training as a licensed therapist gives the book even more validity and stands out as a very impressive read for all. The techniques and methods of healing in this book are life-changing. It feels as though you are in the therapy room with her!

Although I have never experienced abuse in my life thankfully, I can relate to having to heal from rejection and other physical and emotional traumas. The Road to Healing is extremely powerful and will give you another perspective on how to change habits and heal from whatever has hurt you.

Take your time reading this book because there is a lot to unpack but it is worth every minute. I will refer back to it for continued inspiration and practical self-help advice.

Grab a copy of The Road to Healing here!

I also suggest subscribing to her blog for more tips and insight on healing and self-help. To read more about Brianna and her blog visit her website https://analytichealer.com/.

Whatever your experience has been in life, there is always a way out. You have the choice to change it. This book may just be the first step in your own healing journey. God always has a better plan but you need to be an active part in making the positive changes you deserve. Much love and blessings to all!

Jill DeMasi is a Lifestyle Blogger, Licensed Massage Therapist, and a Certified Wellness Coach with a passion for helping others manage stress, chronic pain, and anxiety. Learn more about her journey and wellness practice that offers natural solutions to stress at www.AtTheHeartofWellness.com.

Subscribe to my Lifestyle Blog!

How Your Hormones & Chakras Are Related

By Jill Ciampi

On July 17, 2020

In Emotional Health, Lifestyle Blog, Physical Health, Spiritual Health, Stress Management

What do you know about the mind/body connection? There is a lot of evidence out there that what happens in our body affects our mind and the other way around. I am living proof of it. I know that this is a real phenomenon because I have experienced it myself and with 15 years of experience as a Massage Therapist.

Did you know that there are energy centers of the body called chakras? They were discovered way back in India and are related to the religion of Hinduism. Many energy healers work on or over these points in the body to unblock the flow of energy and claim to heal both physical and emotional issues. In addition, these points in the body not only relate to our emotions but what’s happening physiologically as well.

There is a relationship between these spiritual energy centers and the endocrine system. I have a brief understanding of chakras from massage therapy school but never realized how they relate to our physical body until recently. The following information is a summary of what I learned in one of my continuing education courses at the National Institute of Whole Health about The Endocrine System & 7 Chakras taught by Dr. Georgianna Donadio.

The Endocrine System

The Endocrine system is basically a network of glands that produce the many hormones that help your body function. There are several glands that send out these hormones to communicate with the rest of your body. They pretty much control what happens and when this system does not work correctly, it has a major impact on your health. In other words, we are whole human beings and there is a powerful connection between our mind and body. For instance, the endocrine system has intimate connections to the nervous system which is in control of everything.

Photo Credit – consumerhealthdigest.com

Hear me out. This may blow your mind about how everything is connected. It really is!

The 7 Basic Chakras

Photo Credit www.healthline.com

So how do these relate to each other? Notice the location of the glands and the where the chakras are. Well sit back and take this in. In other words, there is a direct correlation between thoughts, emotions, and the neurotransmitters that send messages to every cell in our body. In addition, I will also cover how these relate to the virtues and sins/behaviors as well as to Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs which depict our basic psychological and physiological needs.

Maslow’s Hierarchy

Photo Credit- https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html

The Big Picture

Pineal Gland & Crown Chakra

This gland picks up all of the nonverbal communication and makes the hormone to help you sleep. It is related to our higher consciousness and how we see the world. There is a close connection to the nervous system. The chakra symbolizes trust and acceptance.

Virtue: Humility

Sin: Pride

Maslow’s Theory: Universal conscious

Pituitary Gland & Third Eye Chakra

This is the master gland which is the dispatcher of all hormones. Related to the awareness of more than yourself. The eye that sees and knows all. The essence of life! The spiritual aspect of health.

Virtue: Integrity

Sin: Sloth

Maslow’s Theory: Global conscious

Thyroid & Throat Chakra

This regulates the rate of our metabolism and the ability to self regulate. Our voice and how we communicate with the world and express ourselves. Has a very important partnership with our nervous system.

Virtue: Fortitude

Sin: Fear/Worry

Maslow’s Theory: Self-Actualization

Thymus Gland & Heart Chakra

This gland produces our T cells which are essential in immunity. Related to self-esteem and love for oneself and others. The environmental aspect of health.

Virtue: Kindness/Hope

Sin: Envy/Jealousy

Maslow’s Theory: Self-esteem, self-protection

Pancreas & Solar Plexus

This is the hardest working gland in the digestive system producing insulin and enzymes. The pancreas controls the level of sugar in your body. Known as the center and plays a huge part in nourishment. The nutritional aspect of health.

Virtue: Temperance/Balance

Sin: Gluttony

Maslow’s Theory: Belonging

Adrenal Glands & Sacral Chakra

These glands are responsible for the fight or flight response and control the release of stress hormones among many other functions like your metabolism. Related to seeking pleasure and enjoyment. The emotional aspect of health.

Virtue: Charity

Sin: Greed

Maslow’s Theory: Safety & Security

Reproductive Glands & Root Chakra

These sex glands are in control of things reproduction. When you are stressed the reproductive system shuts down and prevents these hormones from being fully utilized. Related to survival and safety and the foundation for life. The physical aspect of health.

Virtue: Chastity/Faith

Sin: Lust

Maslow’s Theory: Survival

The fact is that the endocrine system and the hormones and organs in it are all interconnected. We can understand the relationships between the chakras and each of the 7 endocrine glands and how they are related to each other. They all need each other to function properly. And when one is not working correctly, it has a profound effect on the others. When a chakra is congested or out of balance it suggests there is a problem with that gland that relates to it. So there you have it.

If you get anything out of this I hope it will be that we have some control over health and our behaviors and attitudes can have a direct impact on what happens to us. Therefore, the power of the belief in healing is truly mysterious but it does have an effect on us physically and emotionally. Above all, let this information empower you to start considering how you can change your lifestyle for the better. In conclusion, we are truly whole human beings and everything is connected to everything!

Jill DeMasi is a Lifestyle Blogger, Licensed Massage Therapist, and a Certified Wellness Coach with a passion for helping others manage stress, chronic pain, and anxiety. Learn more about her journey and wellness practice that offers natural solutions to stress at www.AtTheHeartofWellness.com.