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    5 months ago Anti-Racism Matters, Culture, Health & Wellness, Life Wisdom, Mental Health, Social Justice, Yeppin

    That’s a clear indication to walk away and find new people who appreciate you. 

    Originally published Medium

    Life is a journey and a constant process for growth. I came across the following quote the other day: 

    “Real growth is when you start checking & correcting yourself. Instead of blaming others, you take responsibility for your decisions!”

    Truer words have never been spoken. None of us are perfect, but we all have the potential to choose when to change toxic patterns that we know, or have been told by our loved ones (those who really matter and have been telling you multiple times of a certain behaviour you should work on.) When we are aligned with our true selves, we can recognize the bad, and take the first few steps to dismantle and grow into a better you. 

    We are all a working process so don’t rush your inner creative work, and be kind. Be grateful that you at least have people tell you when you’re being an a** or that you are wrong. It’s okay to make mistakes, because that’s how you grow. Nobody gets to personally develop without going through difficult situations. Trust me – I’ve learned this the hard way. Which is why I’m begging you to look from within and work on your inner darkness, and not blame the world or hurt the people you love because you cannot deal with your own toxic and unhealed behaviours. If you don’t have anything that you think you need to work on, then there is the possibility that you need to do some self-reflection.

    This culture and era we are living in has brought that to light too. We are all struggling, and connected. But also, we have developed more narcissistic personality disorder traits that are rooted in our genes since colonialism. However, it is being disguised by the media, news, movies, and all social media universes. You may have your own opinion of if you think that’s true or not. But again, a narcissistic is always right, and they always have ways to distort reality. Here is a little bit of information for you to take your time and educate yourself. Also, here is how it’s associated with systemic racism, environmental racism, slavery, inequality, individualism, and sexism during a world pandemic. 

    Here are 5 ways to begin to dismantle the idea of normal that you have to fit in a “society or for narcissistic individuals”, rather than just work on getting better yourself; emotionally, physically, spiritually, and most importantly right now, financially. Let’s help each other out and grow out of what “society” and this toxic culture is trying to keep us in so others that are privileged and wealthy can still benefit from our struggles and insecurities. Let’s focus on our minds, and becoming a better human for our better future selves and those who come after us. Let me know if you have more to add into the following list in the comments.

    1. Stop comparing yourself to others.
    2. Take accountability for your actions and decisions. Blaming others is a toxic waste of time and space. Also, it’s a colonized mindset.
    3. Ignore negative people, vibes, and environment. Personal growth and a healthy mindset requires separation.
    4. “It’s not personal, it’s just business “. Do you ever wonder why when you hear these words that your subconscious always gives you a brief image in your mind, or feeling in your soul of being colonized. I don’t know if my white people see that when you use or hear the phrase. But I know people of color, or those who have been marginalized, oppressed, all see it and feel that way. That’s why we are honouring our ancestors for all the bs that we’ve been through for 500 years. If this bothers you, check your privilege.
    5. Use creativity through adversity and believe in yourself no matter what.

    Remember, you are loved, you are your spouse and your best friend to yourself first.

    That’s your first commitment. Because you have to deal with yourself from the moment you wake up until you sleep. And this life is not long, and we don’t know what happens to us when we die. So make sure you are doing good on this side while you are still alive; that people love you and remember you are as a good, happy, and loving person. Not by being an a**hole who made money all his life, but his/her family hated them, had no friends and nobody showed up to their funeral. That’s rough. Nobody remembers the a**wipe who spent their life making others miserable. Nobody cares if you had a billion dollars in your bank account, or a mansion, or own an island. Nobody cares for materialistic crap you possess because those don’t matter. Lives Matter. HUMANITY RIGHTS MATTER. 

     Values, integrity, honesty, kindness, compassion, love and how you treat people is what people remember. Not what you own. So remember that next time you decide to judge, gaslight or bully people just because their realness bothers you. Next time, ask yourself why it bothers you before you tell someone “you are not normal”. Heck yeah! That’s a good thing. By being different, you are living and you are free. What’s wrong with that? When did we make it a crime for a person to be not following the crowd and not conforming with the status quo? Keep in mind that there are the who/why some benefits from us not being our authentic selves. 

    Hope this helps, stay safe, wear your masks, be kind to your planet, to YOU and to OTHERS. 

    Remember we are still raising money for Lebanon, Beirut. The first 10,000 will go to Save the Children Lebanese Relief Fund. Here is why.

    Here is the link: https://gf.me/u/ynwzwz (Donate here)

    Thank you for your support!

    Love and Light,

    _AO.

    If you liked this blog make sure to subscribe, follow us, leave us what you think in the comments (let’s start real conversations) and share it with someone that needs to read this today.

    Edited by EP❤

    Subscribe to our Newsletters and YouTube Channel.

    All Rights Reserved to WritersYep ©

    5 months ago Culture, Entrepreneurship, Life Wisdom, Money, Science & Environment, Yeppin

    Salud, Dinero y Mucho Amor ❤

    Originally published Medium.

    It seems like it is finally time to get back on track with our own finances and life. We need to start slowly getting into a routine that involves taking care of ourselves, and making sure others are safe too.

    We are all realizing the importance of our time and energy; that both need to be spent wisely.

    It’s important to try and find creative ways to keep a routine during the 24hrs of the day. Meaning, you can create a work-routine which will allow you to make money during either 16, 8 or 4 hours of the day. Yes, there are people I know that make money, consistently, per month, during that time-frame. However, they have also worked these hours for 10–20 years; building teams, and investing their time and money wisely. All with the goal that they will only have to work 4 hours per day. Don’t get discouraged, if they can do it so can you. Remember, it’s smart-work, and it comes from what you do daily. Do your best in anything you decide to do in your life: help your planet, recycle, reuse, reduce, eat healthy, exercise everyday, clean, declutter your space (so important), write, be grateful, take the time to be with family, friends, read, question everything and learn something new, make self-care a priority for your mental well-being, teach (if you can), and help others too.

    These are some of the few essential things for a happy life. Based on personal experience, I found that you can at least get some or most of these done daily, while also balancing your time with the constant external distractions. If you can commit to doing this, then you are on your way to building a healthy and sustainable life for yourself. These are the true diamonds and golds of life in order to find/create inner peace and happiness; take root and produce lovely and beautiful fruits. Meaning, time plus energy = giving back to yourself, families, friends, relationships, jobs, employers, your own business, your teams, and to organizations that you care about.

    The external distractions, if you are not careful, can prevent you from achieving your goals and dreams. To name a few: TV, gambling, social media, food, online shopping for things that you don’t need, video games, news, Netflix overload, sex, porn, abuse of alcohol, intense drugs, and so forth. I’m not saying these are all bad, however, some are just ridiculous to even think to do. Unbalanced consumption of these can be detrimental for your mind and body. I suggest to do everything mindfully and in moderation.

    Learning our limitations, taming our demons and controlling our bad habits, is inner work. Yep, the hardest type of work: self-discipline.This is why most of us don’t do it, or even avoid it at all costs. Then there is the 1% that work on themselves first before giving to the world. It’s clearly what this pandemic is forcing us all to acknowledge and that we need to work on.

    We are very aware these negative traits, as well as our need to think positive, are both essential parts of the human experience. The law of attraction and keeping our authentic vibration high are required in order to continue to live a prolonged, enjoyable, and healthy life. I know this is one of many life lessons that you won’t learn in school. Even though we should.

    Honestly, watching the one you love most dying a horrible death can wake you up in a lot of ways. Also, becoming a mother or a new parent. Children can teach us all, a lot. We are just too busy, or letting our egos and narcissistic behaviours make it acceptable to disrespect, ignore, disregard and sometimes allow abusive behaviour towards another human being who is defenseless and completely dependent on an “adult”.

    There is more where that came from in my parenting book (publishing very soon). For now, you are reading some of my pieces and can see the journey behind the story.

    I’ve been learning a lot during a pandemic. I have been keeping my mom happy, fed, cleaned, and safe on weekends (the only time I can see her). I took on the role as an educator by homeschooling my girls. I am looking for jobs, keeping clients, just sticking to writing more, working on our podcast, content creation, collaboration, helping my brothers and sisters, trying to get people aware of ICE, and that they are children living in cages right now. There are children being traded, trafficking, abuse and all kinds of human atrocities are being done right now.

    Yep, just to see what happens. If my voice, my teams, our communities’ voices could be heard, and by us sticking together with a common goal and mission. What happens if communities were to unite and work as one to create a healthy, sustainable and financial wealth network? To create a space not damaged or tampered by politics, corporations, fake news, and propaganda?

    Imagine the possibilities if humans meditated more. If we unite and collaborate to build a better future, instead of competing with each other. This is what corporations, the big money makers who control us, our food resources, money and health, all do. Of course, we also have politicians. They don’t want you to think. That’s dangerous for their pockets. However, thinking, questioning, using creativity, reading, and educating oneself is what can set us free. To decide our own destiny. I’m realizing this while I write this on my little sister’s couch in her new lovely apartment. It’s the safest I felt in the past 7–8 months.

    While not having a place to call home yet, and my girls not being able to stay with me because this f*cking system is not made for single women entrepreneurs, let alone mothers of color. Opps! Had to discover that the hard way…right?

    There are no programs, loans, incentives to progress, that are inclusive and diverse for entrepreneurs, creatives of color or any race rather than white in my city. In Montreal, Quebec, only the racist, sexist, white supremacist, dicriminationatory, police brutality and narcissistic behaviours thrive here. Those who denied this, are very privileged that they don’t even have to think about these at all in their lifetime. 

    You think the USA is the only one dealing with systemic racism and all the isms? Nah, Canada does also, with all its glory, healthcare and its beautiful landscapes. It has a big, not so silent, highest taxes (still nobody knows why) negative inner evil. It’s called: Quebec.

    My life lesson that I want to pass down to you, and whoever is reading this is: you are responsible for building your own boundaries, your wealth, and keep building self-respect for your body, your mind and spirit from the moment you start talking and understanding. This is why EDUCATION and being a present and mindful parent matters a lot. If you don’t, you are letting these external distractions, vampire leeches, negativity, mental illnesses, childhood traumas rule your life; if these take over and replace what comes natural to humans (as mentioned in paragraph 3) as a coping mechanism that helps us deal with difficult realities of life and our constant inner demons.

    There is always good with the bad, they are never separated from one another. _Angela de Chevalier Olivo.

    These distractions get harder and harder to deal with and balance. As new tech surfaces, as new features on any social media channel to try, and algorithms changing per second; AI keeps learning more and more about human consciousness, as we lose our ability to be more compassionate and empathetic. As more TV shows, series, new movies keep popping up, as we are staying at home more and less time with our friends and family during this pandemic.

    Read these two books: The subtle art of not giving a F*ck and Everything Is F*cked: A Book About Hope by Mark Mason.

    (stay awake! Those whose missions is to keep voicing the truth, the injustice and all the “system” trying to benefit from those who are voiceless and oppress while the privilege keeps getting richer at the expense of others pains and suffering. We are getting a lot of heat right now. Trust me homeless is nothing compare to getting fined for this and that make no sense, getting put to prison for no reason, and all kind of, “it’s the law”, its how the system works right? It’s Bullshiet and Quebec, Canada, USA, in south america and all countries. Does not like it when people talk, when we take money from their pockets and help those in need instead. When you say, create, write and voice your concerns. aka: storytelling, when use for good. “That’s not trending enough”, It’s not media worthy”… Yeah, truth and getting comfortable by being uncomfortable. It’s not for the weak minded and comformalist. This is for warriors, revolutionaries, leaders of change. If you are awake, and tired of this BS. Keep going, rest and don’t give up. Stick to those who are dismantling the “system” and focusing on finding ways to a more sustainable, equal changes for all of us. Not just some of us. #Nojusticenopeace). 

    Remember this if you are self-employed too. 

    Just be careful because external distractions are created unfortunately with good intentions: to advance our economy, keep us informed, entertained, help us cope with our pains (sort of numb it. We learn to ignore and repress our pain, our voices and to conform with the norm or status quo. This is what it means to have a colonized mentality.), and communicate better with the world.

    Be mindful and remember that good things, as beautiful as they might seem and feel, also come with consequences. Pay attention to these distractions and take action in order to make sure you protect your time and energy. I know that numbing and avoiding painful situations with fear and doubt is better to deal with while using the external distractions. That’s why they are created, to help you cope, find solutions for you, great opportunity for you… yes, these old traditional marketing strategies plus products or services are designed for you. To make your life “easier” because the system benefits a lot from our pains, struggles and difficult situations that we are programmed to deal with. You will be amazed by how much your body and mind can do, heal and adapt.

    By now, you are discovering that a lot of what we’ve been taught from the past, and at least in the recent decades, has been BS compared to what we really should’ve been taught and focus on. I’m so sorry for your pain, and the sense of loss you feel. I feel it too. I just hope you know that time is never wasted. There are lessons to learn by re-learning the new information and keeping records of the bad lessons and why they were false. History does not need to repeat itself. This is a humanity-shame excuse, to keep doing horrible things even though we know better. We need to do better.

    I’ve been working on and researching the truth; which is still in progress with lessons being learned. I hope this blog and list below helps you. Share it with someone who can use these lessons to help them deal for now while we all try to survive a world pandemic and help the economy by helping yourself. 

    For example, the importance of money, taxes, investing, shares, owning property, owning land, bonds, stock market, self-discipline builds accountability with yourself and others. Integrity, human rights, sustainability living, grow your own fruits and vegetables, survive outdoors, diversity, anti-racism and Inclusion practices (kindness, compassion and empathy).

    The importance of starting a savings/investing, emergency saving plan money habits that can help you build your own wealth while you are studying and working part-time.

    These are key essential things that I wished I learned and that now, thanks to Little Owners, I can start teaching my girls and help this amazing mama spread her knowledge with other children around the world. If you are a parent and want your kiddos to learn financial literacy, and also embrace diversity and inclusion,this is the best series of books for kids that I’ve found so far. I am really happy with these books! 

    Now, back into finding a job that you can do from home or find a part-time job as an essential worker. Or if you have the means to sustain yourself, have no kids, and still live with your parents — learn a new skill! Practice, get in the field to gain more experience, and continue doing it until you become an expert on that specific skill.

    Competition (hate this word)…there is none, this is a limitation programmed in our minds. There is plenty for all if we do what needs to be done right and work together. Constructive criticism and collaboration for your dream job, let alone any job, has never felt more intense than now.

    For most of us, coronavirus hit just as we were ready to ascend to the next level of our careers, academics, new teaching position, promotion at work, ready to leave an abusive home, travel the world, getting an new organ transplant, try new treatment for cancer, and change of apartments because you got tricked to move in a place infested with cockroaches (I think I will forever be traumatized about that part of my life which I’m happy that I can leave behind). After finally convincing ourselves that we are ready — and qualified, if not overqualified — to risk it all, we are deep in a world pandemic. By now it feels like that confidence has been pulled out from under us and thrown to the wolves to chew, spit on, and leave us to fend for ourselves.

    I’m here to remind you my earthlings, fire always leaves ashes and from those, we have always returned. We just need a little help along the way, and we are doing the work. At least I hope so, the next decade is starting with 2020. There are habits and things we were all doing that will not serve us in the future. It’s hard to admit this, but it is the truth.

    Alright, let’s talk about Money! Yay!

    Money, you always wish you had a bit more. You know to buy that fancy dress, or new house, or car, to save more for your vacation or dinner date, to pay off your debt faster, or just feel more relaxed about your whole personal financial situation.

    The list below are some simple, yet effective and creative ways to make money on the side. I’m not saying, leave your full-time job and do these. Nope, these are options and suggestions you can apply to your daily routines, if you like to make extra money on the side or if you are a student saving your money to pay for school.

    These are some that I’m still working on, some friends and followers have suggested that it works for them, and yeah, just a mama passing down knowledge because I know what it feels like when you are broke, alone, and trying to get back up. You are not alone, we are in this together. You can earn a few extra hundreds each month smartly!

    1. Reading lots of books? Writing reviews, joining an affiliate company that follows your values, your favourite books at a reasonable price and they support good causes. Your money talks 😉💸 Ex: A virtuous alternative to Amazon: Bookshop A new online bookstore, Bookshop, we just started this program and it will be managed by my aunt in New York and us (USA only for now), hopes to snatch a tiny percentage of sales away from Amazon. The goal: help support independent bookstores and the wider literary community by providing a “virtuous alternative” to Amazon. A portion of every sale goes to support us and to independent bookstores. The power of choice, not to make those who are already beyond rich, richer and disrupting the status quo. You in?
    2. Become a content creator. Do this mindfully and with moderation because it gets addicting and it can distract you from your real goals and focus. However, you can leverage your passion and talents while also telling the world what you are up to!
    3. Writing, copywriting, painting, digital marketing, digital photography, editing, social media manager, community manager. There are a lot of these jobs online! Essential workers and docs and nurses and caregivers are jobs! Part-time if you want while you work for your dream job or career.
    4. Recycle your old phone(s). You’d be surprised to know that you can actually get some cash if you decide to sell them. A lot of companies offer compensation for recycling old phones which are shipped somewhere to Asia and getting dismantled there. You can check the list of companies and possible earnings here. Ask your family and friends if they’d like to give away their old phones too for a bigger bucks.
    5. Become a part-time mover, cleaner of houses or commercial buildings. The moving option is suitable for guys for large items, but girls are often accepted too to move around fragile stuff and do some minor cleaning. Cleaning companies are in need of staff. Moving and cleaning jobs are typically per request and you can always choose a suitable time for you to do them. Check craigslist and kijiji. Also, keep in mind a lot of moving and cleaning companies allow you to create an account with them for a fee, list your services, rates, working hours etc. and get hired for temporary jobs. I cleaned lots of houses and commercial buildings while also going to school before I moved to New York 9 years ago and saved for 5 months.
    6. Review music for cash. All music lovers will love this job — all you need to do is listen to and review unsigned bands and artists online at Slicethepie. It may take a while to build up your reputation, but you can earn extra $50+ per month for spending 5–10 min a day listening to some aspiring music talents (or not so talents).
    7. Sell your wardrobe. This is a perfect option for women and men! How many dresses or suits do you have that you wore like 3 times and now they’re hidden somewhere deep in your closet? Clothes you no longer wear shouldn’t pile up around the house when they can be turned into cash assets. You can either organize a yard sale yourself (which is kind of a hassle), or better sell the items through ThredUp, which will pay somewhere around $2-$25 for staff from different brands. You can browse around to see how much different items are worth. The best thing about ThredUp is that all you need to do is pack your clothes in a box and then just ship it to them (shipping costs are covered by the company). Also, sell on Ebay or Kijiji.
    8. Test websites for money. A lot of big companies look for feedback on the usability of their websites and you can get paid doing that. Expect to earn somewhere from 10 cents for an assignment taking less than a minute, to $10-$15 when it comes to larger questionnaires requesting more of your time. Here’s a big list of sites where you can create an account and start earning cash. All the payments are typically made via PayPal either at the end of the month or when you have earned a certain sum.
    9. There a lot of side hustle companies need online assistance with their social media, campaigns, email marketing, PR, online courses sales, webinar promotions. Social media butterfly 🦋😉🙌🏽
    10. Get paid $35/hour to drive people around or deliver their food!. Yes, that’s exactly how much you can make with Uber and UberEats. Users can just login from their phone and request a drive in all major cities or food from any restaurants. It’s faster and at least twice cheaper than calling the typical cab. You, as a driver, will get a notification and can take a lift request. You set your own working hours and earn money. Obviously, you’ll need your own car to earn with them and some initial money to pay for the gas.
    11. Do odd jobs at Fiverr. At Fiverr, you can offer any kind of service starting from $5. Register an account, browse around the gigs and offer something similar. Seriously, at this online marketplace you can sell and buy all sorts of things from voiceovers to logo design to editing contracts, blogs or books!
    12. Do data entry jobs. This may include mere copy-pasting, minor text editing, data categorisation, translations and staff alike. You can work a few hours a day and earn some hundred bucks by the end of the month. Obviously, the total payout depends on how fast/good you are. Sign up to ClickWorker if you can tolerate handling some routine tasks in exchange for cash injections.
    13. Teach classes online. If you are particularly good at something, say map design, capable of creating a series of video lessons, you can become a tutor at SkillShare. You’ll be in good company with folks like Seth Godin and James Franco among others. SkillShare tutorials and 30 days teaching challenge will help you create a winning video tutorial. Your earnings will depend on the popularity of your course, but even low attendance will let you earn some decent money. (Working on this with cool and smart peeps. More soon!) You don’t need to have prior teaching experience, just skills and passion about what you do. And the undeniable drive to help, educate, and inspire others to succeed too.
    14. Become a language tutor online. Did you know that English language practice is in high demand in Asia? Sites like Italki.com allows teachers to list their rates and services, schedule classes and provide you with tools to conduct them in real time. You can expect to make $15–20 per hour. If English isn’t your first language, no worries, italiki also invites French, Italian, Chinese, Spanish, Russian and more native speakers to join. You’ll have to fill in a detailed application form, get it approved and afterwards create a professional looking profile, suitable schedule for you and different courses you offer. The service will handle the rest — scheduling, marketing payments and so on.
    15. There is nothing wrong with taking online courses to improve your skills and learning so you can keep growing and thriving. It doesn’t pay right away, but as soon as you are done. Get to work in showing what you’ve learned and apply it to your work skills experience. Udemy is my favorite so far, and it’s where I got my digital marketing certificate :).
    16. Online sex work is a job. Yep, no shame. There are a lot of more lonely peeps now more than ever and phone sex or online sex is on demandd now. Also, data geeks peeps need to work on catching predators and pedaphiles of kids online. Yep, catching the real bad guys online is a job too to find these assholes and bring them to justice.This is a free job but is more rewarding than money because with your help, these companies are able to catch a predator that has molested about 2,000 children. So if that’s not good enough for you than I don’t know 🤷🏽‍♀️ what’s going on with humanity anymore 🤦🏽‍♀️.
    17. Arts, online store setting up from traditional companies that should pivot by now. Sell handmade and vintage items on Etsy. Found some retro clothes in your grandma’s chest or made a few cool brooches your friends admire? Become an Etsy seller to earn money for your crafts. Opening your shop, listing products and prices takes less than 30 minutes. It costs $0.20 to list one item in your shop for 4 month (or till it sells) and Etsy takes 3.5% commission from each sale you make. Mind that fact when setting up the prices. Shipping costs are either to be covered by you or by the buyer (you can set the rates depending on the buyer’s location e.g. free shipping around US; $10.99 shipping to Europe).
    18. Find something you love, build a habit doing that every day until you figure out how to make money out of it. Then save. Then use your rights and voice with your money 💵🙌🏽 Build a team that supports your values and mission. And make creative magic everyday 💫 by your own actions and helping others along the way( be warned, only those who want to be helped and you see that are willing to sacrifice a few hours for greatness rather than settle for mediocre experiences and unfulfilled jobs ✊🏾). Invest in energy that reciprocates. Don’t waste your life and money on people that only want to be there with you once all the work is done. Invest in team and collaboration brands, companies or organizations that are interested in reproducing with you the same energy you put out. Same values, truth and positive thoughts with a little of 🔥 and some hard core truth. Because humanity from time to time. Needs their wake up and life hard core reminders.

    We become entitled, selfish, ignorant and very dangerously abusive behaviour towards each other and ourselves. If we let egos take over.

    Higher power and higher consciousness requires internal and personal sacrifices and surrendering in order to focus in achieving our goals and objectives. Our dreams.

    Yep, it’s not hard to achieve our dreams, but smart work starts with ourselves. Be mindful of the content you create, the amount per day of external distraction you consume, and check that your sanity and dignity is still intact as you figure out this thing called life.

    If you liked this blog make sure to subscribe, leave me what you think in the comments (let’s start real conversations) and share it with someone that needs to read this today. 

    Stay home (It’s a privilege to have one), be safe, be kind to your planet 🌎, to you and others.

    Love, A.O. 🦋

    Written by Angie Abreu Olivo -Founder, Creative Entrepreneur and Environmentalist Single Mom. Edited by EP.❤ 

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    All Rights Reserved to WritersYep ©

    6 months ago Culture, Life Wisdom, Science & Environment, WritersYep

    Yep, human rights activism is vital now but so it’s your mental health and wellbeing.

    Originally published Medium.

    Mental Health month, better known as ‘May’, passed by so quickly.

    And here we are dealing with two viruses. And both is up to us to prevent the spread of coronavirus by wearing a mask outside(especially if you are going to be in contact with a lot of people.), keep your distance and wash our hands often. The other one is a 400 years old sick and twisted virus of the mind, still killing innocent people and violating human rights that can potentially destroy nations, racism. While some are affected horribly by all what’s going on; there are other that are not so much. The power of the internet and technology.

    HERE IS WHERE YOU CAN REALLY HELP. Do better and be a better human.

    Link in our bio for more info being updated.

    Remember, Mental Health Awareness and Black Lives Matter and Equal, Environment, and Human Rights movements shouldn’t only be a focus for one month, or a week and just dismissed as a trend.

    Most of us end up having to guide ourselves through some form of continuous mental, financial, or physical struggle, past trauma, and grief in some point in our lives. Especially, times like these of uncertainties. We need to help each other. This year has taught me some hardcore and intense life struggle. But it also it’s being teaching me to be grateful and do my best to help others.

    For some, it’s has being a lifestyle. A constant, daily struggle; hunger, lack of resources, not being able to pay bills, or pay rent. Discrimination, injustice and fear of just walking down the street now… What has been highlighted more recently by the media, is those going to work and trying to save lives, without having the proper equipment at work to keep them safe; now hopefully they do. Someone getting sick or taking care of someone who is sick; working at home while trying to make it through a world pandemic. Get shot, killed or just targeted because of your skin color. No matter which lens you use to see what is happening right now, we are all suffering; perhaps even dealing with some form of mental illness. However, our black, indigenous, latinos, trans, lgbtq communities and our are in danger due to police brutality and their LIVES MATTER A LOT we need to help.

    This is now our everyday life.

    “Just be humble, care MORE.. but not only about yourself.” — AO

    Yep, we need to acknowledge our mental health more, and we need to address it. We need to actively find ways of healing (to heal traumas and re-learning happens here), reach loved ones when days get too hard, and above all, support each other. Self-care is necessary more than ever. We need our inner-strength, and our collective wisdom, to be able to help our brothers and sisters who are suffering a lot. We need to be kinder to others. Ourselves, yes, primarily, but we also need to collaborate, support, and create new solutions for a better future for us as well as our planet.

    There are days that you might feel super amazing, and there are other days; days where you are either too tired, leaving you feeling mentally exhausted and drained. That’s when you need to step back, take a break, and recharge. Then, get back on the horse. This is going to be a long battle, but even more so for the most vulnerable and minority communities. Which is why we must help as much as we can and be kind.

    These days being locked down may be causing you to dread waking up to start the day, and leaves you feeling helpless about what the future might hold right now.

    For The Graduates of 2020

    Speaking of what the future holds, there is a specific group that didn’t quite get the celebration of their futures as they expected to; our 2020 graduates.

    You are all our hopes and dreams. Declutter your mind, look what lies ahead, keep learning and stay curious. I hope you’ve learned better and decided to do better and change the world.

    I would like to say on behalf of the Writer’s Yep team, Congratulations Graduates of 2020! I know that it must be difficult to graduate through Zoom (my daughter graduated last week from preschool it was sad. We threw her a party after the school’s Zoom party. You know, keep things light and positive even, when it is pretty damn hard). Please checkout our channel and mine vlog to continue your creative, writing and digital education. More experts, scientists, entrepreneurs, change makers, sustainable leaders will be joining us. These videos are for you, our communities of diverse writers, eco-warriors, creators, my friends, and family. I’ll be releasing more videos on weekends finally on a consistent basis, finding new team mates to help out. This single mama has lots on her plate just like everyone else. No complaints, I’m grateful and so should you if you’re reading this ❤ Stay tune 🙂

    My advice to all the graduates: Absolutely, never stop learning, especially now.

    1. Learn new skills that can be done online and start applying it in real-world situations. Only way to see if you are good at something is to try and do it alot. Dale let’s go! What do you love to do?
    2. It takes self-discipline, and it is hard work. However, no matter what it is, it will be fun once you get the hang of it. The best part? You get to grow and discover more about yourself and your talents.
    3. Don’t forget to keep engaging with your friends and family, all the while building your network (social media can help you with this aspect, however, be careful with how much you consume of it and what/who you consume from), while you pursue your dreams through these uncertain times. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people. The digital cyber world awaits! Just be cautious of trolls and social media sucking energy vampires. Yep they exists and you know who they are because you are thinking about them right now. Send them love and stay away.

    Don’t let fear stop you, keep moving forward even when you are scared.

    Chances are, you are doing the right thing. Have faith in your inner genius and trust me. Knowledge is your superpower right now. Your brain is eager to know and learn more. Stay curious and be kind. When you lack positivity and openness, all opportunities get cut-off; people may begin to act fake towards you, and you may start lashing out at others.

    When you are contributing positively to the world and those around you, it’s almost as though the universe rewards you for it. There is nothing more joyful. I’ve come to learn this through my own intense hardships and life-experience. The best feeling is knowing that you have helped someone else. Be grateful for your life and for what you have; because some people are wishing to have what you are currently taking for granted.

    “Check yourself before you wreck yourself!” -Ice Cube Here is the song if you feel like listening to it while you finish reading the rest of the article 😉 .

    If it wasn’t for music, my daughters love and willingness to learn and encourage me to use more creativity, I would not have put the work in to finish my book :).

    It is in my own experience that kids are kings/queens of putting their creativity to good use — if you let them show you. Try it, turn off everything, leave some books and things for your children to work with. Watch magic happen. Enjoy the moment and record it. I feel like doing this more than ever to keep as a memento of their process. To at least take a photo or video, write something, or even paint the moment. It feels really good to look back, and see how much you’ve grown together. The people in my life are the reason you are reading this article. Thank you to my friends (new ones made through my channels), my team, and my family, who have been very supportive of my journey as a single mother, writer and creative entrepreneur of WY.

    Without their support, I wouldn’t be here right now. If you need help, reach out. I’m here too 🙂

    Do you find the days are getting shorter for some odd reason? However, I have never felt more alive. My family and I are definitely more careful and not as anxious as we were in the last four months. I’ve come to the conclusion that anxiety, depression, and stress surfaces when we are too overwhelmed and dig deep in sadness which for me comes from the outside environment. My point, work on your inner-strength, find what makes you happy (make a list), keep yourself safe; self-love.

    The time spent with my girls homeschooling, while I do work from home, are the best moments. I look forward to them each day. I do only have them half of the week as we are co-parenting. Meaning, my best work and when things really can get planned, strategize to work faster, and schedule “mommy time”, “work-writing-time”, “homeschooling-time, “meal prep-time”, get work done and delivered, is usually on the weekend. There are rest times during the day, but no days off. Which is alright. I love what I do, and I can’t wait to discover more. And help others along the way. If you need help with Writing(content or book), editing, photography, content creation, digital marketing strategy and branding consultation reach me ❤ Creativity and connecting you with others are my middle name 🙂

    I’ve come to realise during quarantine life, in order to find clients, network, keep in contact, plus reach and collaborate with other brands is harder during the week. I’m trying to find the balance between working at home and being ‘on’ as a mom. For now, what has worked so far is finding different activities for toddlers to do at home, such as crafts. I schedule and plan more of their day now more than I ever have before.

    Finding structure for them means that I have also come to appreciate more flexibility in my own work. Self-discipline is hard, but trying to maintain it while having two children asking for attention, and being in the middle of a zoom call with a client? Do your best and don’t be so hard on yourself. Some clients and employers are understanding, and others, not so much. Just keep going, if you know you have a talent or something you know how to do, put yourself out there. Start working or educating yourself about money and how to make it from home. I’ve added the educational documentaries on Tuesday nights during dinner, trying to push it to two more days now.

    I have also been learning through my daughters during times of lockdown.

    • I’m grateful for the no phone rule, television, and just playing while learning together.
    • Talking, asking questions, processing information and questioning.
    • Let CHILDREN ASK QUESTIONS. Use those opportunities to learn together!

    They have shown me they are going through a lot too. Especially, if we are.

    My point is, don’t underestimate their well-being through all of this too. Just like you are with yourself, after they go to sleep. You need to care for your well-being. Children are images of us. If our patterns are wrong, then we are teaching them how to treat themselves, as well as others. If kids are acting racist and doing horrible things to others, stop blaming others or their environment. Their behaviours are learnt from home and can be corrected from home too.

    They are living through this with you, not for you… If that makes no sense to you. Time to reassess and take a break. Children are the future and we clearly have under our own fingertips ways to work and stay at home. We all see, read, listen through podcasts, comment, like and share our opinions very well…

    Just hopefully in more appropriate ways by now…

    We all reading our books, educating ourselves (I hope) , and reach, help our sisters and brothers and start showing our support. #BLACKLIVESMATTER

    Anti-Racism & Speaking Up is Necessary. (weekend read)

    WE all had our “me” time, binging Netflix (this outlet helps with my creativity on difficult days when I feel challenged to write different stories ;)).

    Other recommendation: @hitrecord best place just to be yourself whether you are creative or not. Go be you and let the world know WHO you really are and what you like. So many beautiful projects to do and contribute. It just feels good to see what the human imagination can do.

    Let’s create things differently than we use too. Carve out time to find yourself and discover what you want to do. This is necessary to be able to thrive and start making your own income or work from home. This can be done for different brands or companies that encourage online work. There are a lot of online jobs, it might take a while to find, but stay consistent and don’t give up. Someone out there needs your skills and talents.

    I’ve been more active and strategic on social media these days than ever before, because there is a need to stop ✋🏽 the hustle, be productive, work hard, and do what you have to do. All the while you are trying to survive a freaking world pandemic! Also, my brothers and sister are suffering and dealing with not only grieving losing someone from Covid-19 but also now getting killed for being of different color. NO MAS!

    I know it is my duty as a mixed, dominican/native and empath, to contribute and help heal as much as I can; because I know I’m very privileged to be able to work and do what I love from home. However, I also worked really hard for that privilege, nobody gave me nothing. All I’ve done and my team has been in order to build the diversity and inclusion creative online space, that we could not find living and trying to work or find jobs as creatives in Montreal, Quebec. A new immigrant, non-french speakers or writers, women with disabilities who speak only english or spanish and people of different backgrounds than Quebecers. Yep, we are the rebels defining the status quo of a city that thrives on white supremacy, racism and discrimination.

    We are done and we want people to feel heard, and express through arts and content creation what they feel and tell their stories #yourstorymatters. Perhaps your life lessons can inspire someone someday to be better and do better. We are working on new ways to make this happen. Stay tuned 😉

    For now, try to get some rest and work on one thing at a time. The world is uncertain right now and slowly getting itself back up — Or not… Which is why you need to keep informed and educated. I pray everyday — that we all get to make it out alive.

    Painted and design by Angie Abreu Olivo. (Also, you can see how I motivate myself to get writing done too :))
    By Angie Abreu Olivo

    Use creativity to help you to move forward. For many years, I’ve been hiding the fact that I paint, and even dance. I do both of these activities because it feels good. Especially, when I’m anxious, sad, feeling overwhelmed, or depressed. It’s not a happy-land all the time, but I’m still grateful for all that I have.

    Lately, I’ve started to embrace my hidden talents, and my loved ones have been really encouraging. I’ve also been implementing my own creativity into these activities when I’m extremely happy. Which is one of the things I’ve come to love about working from home while having my girls around :). Yep, thanks to my daughters — are my biggest supporters. We have a bond that has grown to be so strong during quarantine. I’m really grateful. When it’s break-time, I write my heart out because it helps me heal, and I hope it helps you too.

    Next on the to-do list, is to add more of my poems and designs. So far, I’ve received good feedback from my community about them. I hope that they keep you inspired, and that I will make the time to continue creating art and writing full-time, while I homeschool my two toddlers. I want to do all that I can so that they remember these terrible times in a different light. I want them to remember it as a happy time. Filled with learning, playing and watching how I work hard to build my business with my team. Thank you for being here, and for all your support. My daughters and I really appreciate it. 🌻

    I believe this word is the most negative of words to use.

    Listen, human. Yes, you, reading this.

    Some days are good, and you can be “productive”…whatever that means to you these days. I know you’ve felt the pressure before when you didn’t wake up at 5 am on a Sunday on Mothers’ day, but, hey! You still get work done, and enjoy your time with your loved ones. Trying to do what other leaders and successful people do is good, but to a certain extent. Here, I explain why in more depth.

    My point is not to stop and let yourself forget your priorities and obligations. It is great that you recognize the need to follow through with your commitments. However, you need to understand your whole self. You need to know when it’s time for your mind and your body to be “on”, and when it’s time to turn them “off”.

    You are not being a procrastinator when you’ve worked for 72 hours and are finally able to relax. You will have people preaching the nonsense that procrastination is for unproductive and lazy people. They have no idea who you are, what you’ve been through, and what you do for a living. It’s not their business, it’s yours.

    Productivity is very different for a lot of people. So next time you judge yourself, or add negativity into your head, just be cautious of this mental pattern that is trending on social media and in our society. Then let it go. It prevents you from growing. Trust me. I am learning this the hard way.

    If you still feel the pressure that you didn’t do enough by those you surround yourself with (clients, workplace.. certain vampire energy suckers — watch out for those!), you need to access your inner strength and process how their actions are affecting your well-being.

    Make sure you choose yourself, and start to let go of those people. Their expectations are not yours if they make you feel like crap. Chances are you’re following the wrong crowd or it doesn’t align with who you are; your values or who you are meant to be in the future. That’s okay. Not everyone is meant to be on your journey.

    These 7 reminders I keep in mind whenever I’m feeling too overwhelmed or stressed the F$& out (sorry, not sorry — I’m a single mom and I need to be truthful and transparent to you as I am on social media. I want to start doing the same for my readers 🌻)

    1. If you work for 16 or 72 hours straight and go to sleep at 2–3 am, please do not feel guilty or that you’re not enough when you sleep in. You put in your hours already.
    2. Work and do things at your own pace. Give your brain and your emotions a break when you need to. For real, set up an alarm system to get off work gadgets. Turn off the phone and computer, when you need to be present and in the moment. Appreciate, and be grateful for what you already have.
    3. Set clear boundaries with others.
    4. Respect your sleep schedule (mine is a working-process these days…), healthy meals, consistent exercise, and meditation time.
    5. Discard negative thoughts, and toxic people from your life. Especially those people who are there just because you have history or they were part of your past. It does not mean that you need to accept them for your future. If you know they are toxic and they haven’t changed their toxic patterns, it’s time to let them go. Prioritization is 🔑
    6. Focus on one thing at time. This is again, a working process. I have to remind myself these words 15 to 20 times a day. It helps me to calm down when I finish homeschooling, meeting with clients, writing emails, and completing all my to-do-list, home duties/mom duties/work-from-home duties all in one day 🙂 I wouldn’t trade it for nothing).
    7. Love yourself and who you are. Love what you’ve accomplished so far during these past 4 months. It’s hard to survive in a world that we already knew was selfish, greedy, unkind, disgusting and just horrible to our planet. Remember, now it’s the time to start thinking, re-learning and letting go of old patterns in order to move forward to a better future.

    Hope these help. It’s time to change the old and work (at your own pace) towards a better you and future for others. We are in this together.

    Here are Black Businesses to support. I’ll be adding more from canada stay tuned on the next articles, YouTube channels and Podcast 🙂

    Stay home, be safe, be kind to your planet 🌎, to you and others 🦋.

    Essay written by Angie Abreu Olivo -Founder, Creative Entrepreneur and Environmentalist Single Mom. Edited by EP.

    All Rights Reserved to WritersYep ©

    1 year ago #GiveBack, Arts, Poetry, Yeppin

    By Tal Serri

    This prepossessing and visceral poem by one of the world’s most extraordinary mystics

    Khalil Gibran

    He evokes a unique kind of sentiment and ebullience in the novelty of love and the passionate yearning it awakens in you.

    But, as Khalil Gibran follows love’s trajectory, he remains pragmatic in delineating love’s often painful and arduous path before it reaches maturity or the sorrows of passing.

    Gibran uses language that is both plain and allegorical; it invites understanding, yet in a way that brushes against the ineffable. There’s no doubt that Gibran’s modus operandi occasionally ascends into inadvertently humorous elevations-with its anachronistic Victorianisms-and its solemn tonality seems incongruent in the ironies and specificities of North American life. And arguably its success is partly due to the self-Orientalizing of its author, whose earnest ‘Middle Eastern” persona seems right out of the 13th century Persian poet Rumi.

    Here’s an excerpt from Gibran’s great poem

    “ A Lover’s Call”

    Where are you, my beloved? Are you in that little Paradise, watering the flowers who look upon you As infants look upon the breast of their mothers?

    Or are you in your chamber where the shrine of Virtue has been placed in your honor, and upon Which you offer my heart and soul as sacrifice?

    Or among the books, seeking human knowledge, While you are replete with heavenly wisdom?

    Oh companion of my soul, where are you? Are you Praying in the temple? Or calling Nature in the Field, haven of your dreams?

    Are you in the huts of the poor, consoling the Broken-hearted with the sweetness of your soul, and Filling their hands with your bounty? You are God’s spirit everywhere; You are stronger than the ages.

    Do you have memory of the day we met, when the halo of You spirit surrounded us, and the Angels of Love Floated about, singing the praise of the soul’s deed

    Do you recollect our sitting in the shade of the Branches, sheltering ourselves from Humanity, as the ribs Protect the divine secret of the heart from injury?

    Remember you the trails and forest we walked, with hands Joined, and our heads leaning against each other, as if We were hiding ourselves within ourselves?

    Recall you the hour I bade you farewell, And the Maritime kiss you placed on my lips? That kiss taught me that joining of lips in Love Reveals heavenly secrets which the tongue cannot utter!

    That kiss was introduction to a great sigh, Like the Almighty’s breath that turned earth into man. That sigh led my way into the spiritual world, Announcing the glory of my soul; and there It shall perpetuate until again we meet.

    I remember when you kissed me and kissed me, With tears coursing your cheeks, and you said, “Earthly bodies must often separate for earthly purpose, And must live apart impelled by worldly intent.

    “But the spirit remains joined safely in the hands of Love, until death arrives and takes joined souls to God.

    “Go, my beloved; Love has chosen you her delegate; Over her, for she is Beauty who offers to her follower The cup of the sweetness of life. As for my own empty arms, your love shall remain my Comforting groom; you memory, my Eternal wedding.”

    Where are you now, my other self? Are you awake in the silence of the night? Let the clean breeze convey To you my heart’s every beat and affection.

    Are you fondling my face in your memory? That image Is no longer my own, for Sorrow has dropped his Shadow on my happy countenance of the past.

    Sobs have withered my eyes which reflected your beauty And dried my lips which you sweetened with kisses.

    Where are you, my beloved? Do you hear my weeping From beyond the ocean? Do you understand my need? Do you know the greatness of my patience?

    Is there any spirit in the air capable of conveying To you the breath of this dying youth? Is there any Secret communication between angels that will carry to You my complaint?

    Where are you, my beautiful star? The obscurity of life Has cast me upon its bosom; sorrow has conquered me. Sail your smile into the air; it will reach and enliven me!Breathe your fragrance into the air; it will sustain me!

    Where are you, me beloved?

    Oh, how great is Love!

    And how little am I!

    Khalil Gibran

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