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9 Business Lessons Learned While Working In a Restaurant Part-Time and Being a Founder.

2 months ago Culture, Entrepreneurship, Life Wisdom, Money

It was a decent and honest job that I end up loving it. These are my personal experience, not an expert. I’m just a constant learner and a curious person. I’m a creative spiritual human that loves to inspire and help others. ❤

Originally published in Medium.

I’m so grateful for what I’ve been learning, experiencing and struggling this week. Getting ready to release something pretty special from the heart and soul as a mama writer and creative being in December. Can’t wait for you all to read it! But first, podcast @your_storymatters_ release of first few episodes beginning of November! 🙂 along with new launch of other things I’ve been working on and getting other peeps to participate. This 2020 it has being a very tiring, challenging and painful year but one, that we were determined to embrace the suck, stay awake, less anxious and find the good through it all. For now, let’s talk about this new book I’m highly recommending right now. It’s called “The Calling” by Rha goddess ❤ yep! She really is a goddess. (I’m half way and oh so good!)

The words business and money, for some odd reason has some people scare and uncertain than ever before. Well, even more so for those really going through this pandemic and wondering if they will make it this time. These are really hard times folks, please be kind, wear your mask and keep your distance. But also be mindful of what you consume and watch all the time. Now days, I set timers to get off work and put my phone away!. Have mini rewards ready when the to do list it’s half way done. Plus self-care time scheduled when the to-do-list gets done. I’ve been having anxiety, and some low days, yes. Not perfect here. But also, I’ve learned so much through failing, still learning and growing. Our goals around here are changing because so am I. Things are much more meaningful and clear than I ever thought would ever become during this pandemic.

Either way, I’ll be giving more details soon. Sign up to our newsletters! This is a conscious, spiritual, creative awakening experiment and you all are invited to join in the adventure. ❤

While I was working in a restaurant before the world went into quarantine, I learned 9 things that I would’ve never learned if I didn’t work from within (I worked there for about 3 months, then covid-19 caused it to close).

The restaurant and food business is very demanding. It also has a rewarding aspect to it. I’m glad that I was able to experience it at least for a little while. The work, the people, and the surroundings helped me to heal heavy and emotional situations that I was dealing with prior to starting this new job. Surprisingly, it was an enjoyable job that was helping me pay the bills, while I was figuring out my self-healing, single-mom life, and how to successfully build my startup business with my team.

The restaurant it’s called the Green Panthere. I really miss their veggie burgers and their delicious shawarma made of Jackfruit!

It was in the four walls of the restaurant where I came to rediscover my love of working in the service industry; making food and making people laugh felt good. As an empath, I feel a lot. So the distraction to work with my hands and being of service was a different experience. I loved creating vegetarian and vegan meals, as well as delicious and healthy smoothies. As you already know, I love to create; whether it be art, photography and content creation. Specifically, I love to write books (publishing one in December!), blogs, write for others, and of course write here! I also adore researching science and reading like a MTF because it’s just fun to learn, educate, create and inspire others :). If this sounds appealing to you, reach out to me. I would love to hear your story, and see if we can collaborate and help each other.

Do you ever love something so much that you wish that by just doing that all your problems will disappear? That all the BS of life, won’t bother you or affect you anymore? Yep, that’s the goal: being happy, raising smart and kind daughters, reducing my ecological footprint, embracing my inner talents and helping others. How about you? What’s your goal in this life? What changed for you during these times?

I found out that I don’t have to hide anymore that I also love to paint, write poems and songs… 🙂 That is okay to self-publish and be a multi-purpose creative and spiritual person. These are blessing that came out of heartache, dealing with discrimination, racism in my city , pain and grief as my mother degrades from this horrible and silent death “alzheimer’s dementia”.

I’m failing a lot, but learning a lot too. I’m crying more, aka releasing. Listing to understand, feeling more, learning to be patience, to rest, letting go more and just adapting to a fast changing world right now. At the same time, I’m building a habit of being okay with feeling uncomfortable. Go the extra mile, and see what happens. Do what’s right and collaborate with others, with our talents to inspire to fight for a more equitable, just and sustainable systems. For climate and social justice. Leaving space for my feelings to be honored and valid, in order to keep doing this work and inner work (which by the way it’s the F hardest thing to do), self-awareness and personal development are not easy. However, is the best thing you could do for your soul and spirit.

Some writers on Medium and amazing best selling authors can attest to this statement. Other people who own different streams of income online can also give a little insight about this too. It all comes down to two things — which I will discuss in the section below. They are simple to plan but difficult to execute.

Self-Discipline + consistency = Habits for Everything in life.

I decided to share 9 things I’ve learned working in a restaurant, another job and building my startup at the same time. Oh! and also dealing with single mom life and taking care of my dying mother on the weekends (still do).

Just want to remind you all, we put the limitations on our minds that just because something is hard to do or is painful. That automatically, is not worth it or we listen to others telling us “there is no point in doing it” because is not “possible”. Yeah, another thing I learn to do for real, is to let go of Limiting beliefs. Seriously, it sucks joy out of life. In my experience, it was conditioned and enforce by not being in the right environment or surrounding myself with the right crowd. We all learn this the hard way or the easy way.

Before we get into it all, I need to remind you that It is a privilege to be able to survive, earn an income and be healthy during these times. It is what you do with your personal privilege (we all have it in some shape or form) that really matters now and later in the future. More importantly, we are all going through the second wave of this pandemic and living in countries where the government leaders have no clue what they’re doing which is killing a lot of people right now.

Especially, if the leaders are not changing policies and systems that were there before that was deadly for BIPOC, LGBTQ, Trans women, Non-binary, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, Buddhist, Brown, Asian, African, Haitians, Hispanic, Latinx, Arab and people with disabilities. This year, I have got to experience the reality of a system that does not benefit Single parents and if they are POC is worse.

Here we are, still advocating, working, trying to heal, not feel guilty about taking breaks and fighting for human rights. As artists, we will do anything to use creativity through adversity. Why? Because it matters. Musicians, writers, coaches, speakers, artists, entertainers, and those who are empaths (such as myself) are creators by nature. We are constantly seeking light and truth through our arts. To help others from our inner-creative to feel, to heal, to believe, be inspired and to hope for a better future.

Either way, some days I really wish I could record or take pictures when I take the metro (subway) at night. However, I’ll tell you with words. Every few nights, before I found my apartment, I would take the metro. On the ride, I would notice that the people who were looking super exhausted, tired and defeated were mostly black women and men. You can tell that they are probably working two jobs or three, and that 11pm is their time to be with their families, and god knows what time they go to bed. Then, they wake up and go through the routine all over again. I feel for their children that wish to have more time with their parents, but can’t because their parents have to work to keep a roof over their head, and to have food to eat everyday.

Then I notice white people. You see the hipsters alluding feelings of peacefulness. Then, “Karen” wearing stilettos shoes on a Tuesday night in the middle of a world pandemic. Dear white people: This is something I see, and if you pay attention, listen to your friends POC stories and experiences without cantering back to your own white privileged experiences. You too will notice. It’s all around us. Inequality, racism, sexism, misogyny and white supremacy. These need to be eradicated.

You want to go back to normal? Start by the normalization of dismantling racism. Yes, your skin color right now, if you stand up for BIPOC or any POC then we all have a chance to eradicate the 500 years old system. Start by helping black owned and communities right now. Start by helping and protecting black and any color women. Patriarchy and capitalism are toxic, we all need to embrace feminism, masculinity and those who are born with disabilities. Let women lead for a change. Start by educating better white supremacists, the media, radio and online media about integrating more diversity and teach that being a racist and white supremacy crap will not be accepted or tolerated anymore.

Let’s build a system that empowers people to protect, help heal earth and each other. Create ways for equal opportunities for all of us and not just some of us.

Organic living and how to survive during a pandemic and for later future ones. Mental health should be free, better education example: climate change classes and sustainability lifestyle. No more homelessness. That’s why police funds, TAXING THE RICH and (Quebec province) half of those high taxes we pay in this city alone need to be re-invested on the most vulnerable communities and for the people who are most affected by this pandemic. .

These can be done, it just change is never easy and resistance is the by-product of lack and scarcity mindset. These two are needed in order for capitalism, racism and white supremacy continue to survive. If we all start changing our ways of thinking and acting towards each other. Just imagine.

Remember, kindness, compassion, spirituality, and personal development are free. You just have to rewire your mindset by being comfortable with the uncomfortable. Trust me, is work but is the best thing you’ll ever do. Try it, and go at your own pace. Rushing this process is not ideal, let go of the competition (capitalism thrives on this and causes a lot of mental health issues) and start collaborating with others. Everyone is different. Each of us possess the ability to change, adapt and build resilience through tough times.

Here are 9 lessons that you can start working on because they not only applied for business or work. It applies to everyday life.

1. Instead of being a founder or define yourself as “entrepreneur” , serve Ice cream or Vegetarian Food.

Seriously, the ego and the constant need for validation is draining and it causes a lot of depression plus burnout. Entrepreneur life and success is not this magical luxury place. It’s messy, drawing and tiring af. However, that’s why we choose what we love to do, so our job becomes like play and each hour is a milestone or block reached to our dreams. More importantly, we do it because we love to help others while sustaining ourselves, save money and give back what we no longer need. Then, repeat. So those high mighty rich stay humble, so you have a few people left that still love you and they might show up to your funeral. Death is unavoidable so you might as well enjoy it while you still can. You are here for a purpose, and it is not to spend your days hating, being an ass to others and/or hoarding money. Remember, we are here to serve for a purpose, anything that takes you away from that source. Is a waste.

2. Resilience and abundance are your birthright.

Yep, especially those BIPOC who have been oppressed, marginalized, and completely disregarded your existence by designing an unjust economy, policies, education and government systems. Your love, your melanin skin and your lineage of excellence, creativity, innovation, joy, healing and life wisdoms are key in this revolution. Stay in your power. Ask the universe and your ancestors, but then do the work. Don’t expect them to do it for you. That’s not how law of attraction works. Learn to communicate your intentions and keep your abundance plus vibrations high.

3. Consistency will set you free.

“Consistent actions creates consistent results”.

Christine Kane

This is the hardest for most of us, but don’t give up. Once you start, let go of limiting beliefs, negativity in your mind and your surroundings. Go get it!

4. Quality versus quantity.

Always and forever baby ❤ Keep this in mind whenever you get caught up in the rat race and feel the pressure of everyone is posting and not me!? C’mon, these platforms are designed to consume OUR time. And time is the one thing not refundable, irreversible and absolutely can’t get it back. Spend your time wisely. (This still learning to adjust because is even harder now being in semi-lockdown to not get addicted even though is my job and my teams, but all consumptions have a limit. Find yours because social media for real can destroy yours if you let it. )

5. Sustainability it’s possible in all restaurant and food industry settings. Everyday life really.

The restaurant I was working had a beautiful business model that was all for less waste, sustainability, clean, equitable and inclusive green restaurant practices. It is possible, and we have to keep supporting and encouraging those who are changing their businesses and embracing new equitable, renewable and inclusive work environment.

6. Creativity is energy and it needs to flow.

Resist and it kills joy. Embrace your inner child while also dealing with life and money will flow. Remember that team building, management and operation hold big roles. These departments can thrive in the creativity phase along with digital marketing strategies of any business or organizations. This is the space where magic happens and usually is where I love to be of service 😉

7. Manage your time better to work and your energy.

At the same time, who you share your energy with is important. This one I’m still in the learning process. But take breaks and do things that you love and makes you happy. This took a while to embrace but I’ve realized than in order to continue being a happy and mindful mama to my girls. Breaks and self-love are necessary daily.

8. Give your all in to any job.

Because it builds your habits for your main and fun job you want or are working for in the future.

9. Confidence is born from failure.

Try, learn and fail as many time as possible. These will set you free too.

Then we come back to the reason I highly recommended. Embrace the suck because you might be better than most and if you are not, don’t give up because better days are coming. And that’s reason enough to be grateful.

Now we are well into 2020 — you still haven’t taken action about something you’re excited or even passionate about.

Here’s the thing: you’ll never ‘have the time’ unless you make it.

And now is the perfect time to create the space and take action — so that when business as usual resumes, you will have a plan of action and have the tools to take action.

Let me remind you something. I know this might be tough to hear, but there is never a perfect time to take action on your dreams or any projects that you left behind because you didn’t have “time” during these times.

There will always be projects and tasks and meetings and other things that life throws at you. Even when business as usual is paused — as it is now for most — there are still things to do. Find what sparks joy and happiness. Find something, anything — That makes you happy that you can do it every day, until you get really good at it. That others will start to notice and start asking you for advice or they might need you to do that for them.

Your skill, anything you learn or practice consistently during this period. Will matter in your future. So choose wisely. Take a rest if you need to but, remember, the whole world has stop working, not only so we can stay home and save someone’s life. But, so we got a second chance to recreate, let our planet take a break from our constant BS and toxic practices that by now, we all know it needs to change and find other ways to live this precious life.

Don’t waste it. Is one life and it is yours for short period of time.

Help others as much as you can. Self-love is self-discipline and if you can master that, you can do anything.

Hope this help and remember to be kind to you planet, to you and others.

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 Emma P.

★ Support us on BookShop by reading 🙂 and help other bookstores too!

You can view and read the journey : IG, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Thrive Global, HITRECORD and of course, here 🙂

Where are we going next? Podcast @your_story_matters and bringing solutions with other change makers, leaders plus amplifying those who are voiceless. Creativity for intergenerational justice unleashed. Stay tuned!

14 Sustainable Tips to Embrace More During a Pandemic

2 months ago Culture, Health & Wellness, Life Wisdom, Money, Sustainability Matters

Sustainability matters more than ever now.

Originally published on Medium.

First I would like to address that not everyone can embrace sustainability and no waste living. Because not all of us have access, or can benefit from equal opportunities like our white race counterparts. We are all working to dismantle white supremacy that unfortunately is a disease that spreads just like cancer. And it has also created this “white washing” stigma in the green living and sustainability communities, just like in movies, music industry and commercial marketing strategies which they portray only the white race as being sustainable and eco-friendly leaders.

Because they are embracing it on social media and are being invited to participate with high paying brands, they are getting more sales and recognition because their white privilege makes it easy for them to do so. But hey! You do not need to be an environmentalist or any particular race to care and do what’s right for your planet any way you can. Yes! It doesn’t help that economically, BIPOC and any POC have to be labeled as “being brave” and other races get to “live free, enjoy” while others are left to fend for themselves. An unequal and unjust system is not sustainable any more. Our planet and our spirits cannot take this anymore. That’s why we are dismantling it and seeking liberation, healing and re-building a more renewable, cleaner, sustainable and equitable systems.

Let’s start with — Here are some of our favorite Environmentalist, BIPOC and POC accounts you can start supporting, learning from and recommending to brands (especially, those who can be the gatekeepers for others to receive the same equal opportunities as you). Collaboration is the root of healing a system designed to divide. Let’s dismantle and decolonize our minds together.

@greengirlleah + @IntersectionalEnvironmentalist

Leah Thomas is an activist for intersectional environmentalism. Along with her Instagram page, she also has a very informative IG account. Go check it out!

@mikaelaloach

Mikaela Loach is a climate justice and anti-racism activist. Her website has a lot of great information!

@Ajabarber

Aja Barber is a writer and fashion consultant whose focus is race, intersectional feminism, and sustainable and ethical fashion.

@Toritsui_

Tori Tsui is an intersectional climate activist. She runs a podcast called Bad Activist Podcast which focuses on intersectionality, feminism, climate justice, racial justice, and queer rights. Yes!

Ayana Elizabeth Johnson

Dr. Ayana Eliza is a marine biologist who founded @OceanCollectiv and @UrbanOceanLab. She focuses on climate change as a whole along with marine-focused initiatives. She’s also the lovely co-host of the new podcast I’m in love with @how2saveaplanet!

@Browngirl_green

Kristy’s instagram page is very informational on news relating to climate change and intersectionality. She has a podcast and a blog along with other resources on her website!

@Jeromefosterii

Jerome Foster II is an environmental activist, an EIC at The Climate Reporter and the Executive Director at One Million of Us which is a “youth-led voting & advocacy organization that is rallying 1M+ young people to register & turnout to vote in the 2020 election and beyond.”

@Hood_naturalist

Corina Newsome is a biologist who focuses on nature education along with bringing people of color into the outdoors (especially birding!)

@Unlikelyhikers

Unlikely hikers is an Instagram community that brings the “underrepresented outdoor person” into the outdoors. They are “people of size, Black, Indigenous, People of Color, queer, trans and non-binary…people with disabilities and people who utilize the outdoors to aid our mental health”. Love this community ❤

@Melaninbasecamp

Melanin Base Camp is a group that brings people of color into the outdoors. Yei!

@Gogreensavegreen

By Ariel -Teaching people about the environment and how to help. Love her energy and her hilarious stories make my day. Highly recommended!

@Climatediva

By Summer Dean- Climate communicator, model, & imperfect environmentalist ❤

@jhanneu

Making Low Waste + Sustainable Living Inclusive ❤

There are 14 Costless Ways to Live More Sustainably during a pandemic.

I know that it may seem at first that if you want to live more sustainably, you have to buy fancy eco-friendly products and spend loads of money before you can truly call yourself an eco-conscious citizen. The truth is, these 14 costless ways to live more sustainably are super effective and they don’t require any unnecessary consumerism!

Now, why should you care about living sustainably during semi-lockdown?

Because of the environment
Because of your own health (living sustainably usually means cutting out many nasty toxins that pollute your body and make you sick)
You’ll save lots of money! Once you’re done reading the article, you’ll understand how.

Intrigued yet? I sure hope so! Now let’s jump into the 14 costless ways to live more sustainably TODAY.

1. Freeze your food before it goes bad

In the US and North america, about 35% of food goes to waste. Sure, it often isn’t on purpose. Maybe you just miscalculate how much you need and end up throwing out a bunch of rotten food. But if you just freeze all your fruits, veggies, and even prepared meals before they go bad, you’ll save TONS of food in the long run, plus a bunch of money. And use your veggie scraps for veggie broth. Yep, you can literally turn your trash into food! Try keeping a bin of your veggie scraps and once it’s filled, toss the veggies along with some spices in a pot and voilà! You’ve given your scraps a second life!

2. Eat less meat

I know, I know, you’ve probably heard this one before. I’m definitely not pressuring you to go vegetarian or vegan or anything. But something important to know is that the meat industry emits more CO2 than all cars on the road. So if you cut down to eating meat just 2 or at least 3 times a week, that will already make a huge difference!

Example: I love the company Yves. This is my meal prep picture before making chilli that my girls and I love to eat. I still wish there weren’t any plastic-wrapped carrots and tomatoes, but again, not everyone has equal access to certain stores or can afford the stores where these sustainability practices can be embraced. But do tell the store or manager any chance you can. There should not be plastic packaging anymore!

3. Reuse glass jars/bottles

Think about the number of glass jars and bottles you buy and throw out in a year. Now think about how many times they might have come in handy for storing food, drinks, or any other random items. Think hard before throwing out your used jars because the possibilities are literally endless!

4. Bring your reusable shopping bags! Use Reusable Masks!

This is the most sustainable way to bring your groceries home and keep yourself and others safe! Also, it prevents the new polluter now, masks, from being thrown all over the streets, parks and other public places instead of being put in the recycling or garbage. So reusable bags and masks, will not only stop you from using plastic bags and save you tons of money, but you also won’t contribute to the energy and pollution coming from manufacturing a plastic grocery bag and those disposable masks!

5. Reduce your paper towel usage

It’s no secret that most people use paper towels like crazy. I get that it may be difficult to stop using them altogether at first, so try to use just one sheet instead of two next time. And always keep a dish towel in your kitchen for wiping down your hands, counter or dishes. I use old t-shirts, socks, or you can get dish towels from the dollar store. Use your imagination!

6. Don’t use plastic straws

I’m sure you’ve seen plenty of pictures of straws stuck in the bodies of poor marine animals by now. Plastic straws can literally be fatal to them. I haven’t been using them because I carry my own reusable ones. Here is the brand for the ones I use. ❤

7. Opt for paperless billing

Physical letters from banks are such an unnecessary waste of paper, fuel, time, and energy! Especially since you can get all the info you need online. So if you can do without them, definitely let your bank, phone company and any other company that needs to send you something by mail, send things by email if they have this option available. Or let them know that you don’t want to receive useless paper because it is not good for the environment.

8. Sell/Donate/Recycle your old clothing

Textile waste is HUGE, especially with the rise of fast fashion. So next time you’re done with your clothing, try to dispose of them in the most responsible way possible. After all, some people might be thrilled to have some awesome pieces of clothing that are just lying around in your closet collecting dust.

9. Take advantage of the natural light

Try doing most of your reading, writing, or anything that requires light, while the sun is still up high. You’ll save on your electricity bills and save the planet at the same time!

10. Turn off the water more often when you shampoo/shave/brush your teeth

This one I’m sure we’re all guilty of. I’ll admit, I used to love standing in the shower enjoying the warmth for even up to 30 minutes sometimes! But simply reducing the amount of time you keep the water running and turning it off when you don’t necessarily need it, will go a long way. Also, taking baths reduces stress, and you use the same amount of water, therefore you save water to wash yourself with and you are embracing self-care with a nice relaxing bath. Win-win for you and your planet!

11. Wash your hair less often

I personally went from washing my hair nearly every single day (curly hair life) to just once a week and I’ve been loving it! Here is my reel embracing this change. It will take some time to get used to, but in the long term, you’ll save tons of water, products, and packaging. Plus, it’s much healthier for your hair to wash it less often.

12. READ MORE less TV or IPAD.

If you’re a bookworm like me, then you know there’s nothing more amazing than reading any chance you can! Grabbing a new novel and then enjoying it with a cup of tea. But why not visit the library next time? Honestly, I can’t wait until I can go back and enjoy a good day in the library. Here in my city we can go but only stay for 60 mins… And only to grab not many books. However, remember we have a bookshop affiliate that helps us and other local bookstore. Enjoy reading!

13. Turn off the lights when you don’t need them

Seriously, turning off the light when you leave the room is definitely not a huge inconvenience. And you’ll be surprised how much cheaper your electricity bill will be!

14. Don’t use pesticides on your lawn

A perfect lawn is certainly not worth risking your health and polluting the environment. Pesticides used on lawns have been linked to so many serious and deadly diseases that it’s just not worth it. Check out this article by Global Healing on natural pesticide ideas instead.

Yep! so there you have it! 14 absolutely costless ways to live more sustainably. There are more, and I can’t wait to keep on finding it and sharing this journey with you too. It’s really the simple things that make a difference. And as you can tell, not only will you help the environment, you’ll also save loads of money. And honestly, who don’t want to save money and improve their health plus their planet during a world pandemic? Also keep connecting with others? Sharing your experiences can inspire others and we can all grow together. So there’s literally not a single reason NOT to follow these 14 steps I listed here.

I hope you enjoyed this article and that you found the advice valuable. Please let me know what you think in the comments and also what you’d like to read about sustainability, climate change, creativity through adversity, Parenting, and/or creative writing in the future!

Be kind to your planet, to you and others. Leave me in the comments which one is your favorite to do so far and if you have more to recommend. We highly appreciate it ❤

Thank you for your support!

Love and Light,

_AO.

★ Support us on BookShop by reading 🙂 and help other bookstores too!

You can view and read the journey : IG, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Thrive Global, HITRECORD and of course, here 🙂

Is Time to Abolish Columbus Day and Name It Right. Indigenous People Day

3 months ago #GiveBack, Anti-Racism Matters, Culture, Health & Wellness, Life Wisdom, Social Justice, Sustainability Matters

Enough with #thanksgiving tradition that celebrates genocide and white supremacy. #indigenouslivesmatter

Originally published: Medium

Today October 12, in 1492 in human history. It marked the day Indigenous people discovered a man who was lost at sea, and landed in the Americas believing he was arriving in India. They took him in, and in their rich economy and culture they gave gifts and offered this man and his crew food and shelter. Their economy was a culture of reciprocity. Something the white settlers here in America and all around the world, when met with indigenous wisdom refused to reciprocate.

In the white cultures — focused on praising thought and individualism over collectivism and spirituality, there has always being limited beliefs at the core of their understanding of the world, where only few linear action were possible: to take, to appropriate and to conquer.

And so they did.

“On August 3, 1492, Columbus set sail from Palos, Spain, with three small ships, the Santa Maria, the Pinta and the Nina. On October 12, the expedition reached land, probably Watling Island in the Bahamas. Later that month, Columbus sighted Cuba, which he thought was mainland China, and in December the expedition landed on Hispaniola, which Columbus thought might be Japan. He established a small colony there with 39 of his men. The explorer returned to Spain with gold, spices, and “Indian” captives in March 1493 and was received with the highest honors by the Spanish court. He was the first European to explore the Americas since the Vikings set up colonies in Greenland and Newfoundland in the 10th century.” source: History

Taking without reciprocating to the Earth and to Indigenous and Black communities around the world is terrorism. From people, tribes, cultures, ancient wisdoms as a glorified act of theft and genocide has being celebrate for the past 500 years and call it “Thanksgiving”, “4th july”, “Canada day” “columbus day”. These “holidays”, traditions and practices are rooted into white supremacy, anti blackness and non indigenous as result of colonization. It’s time for change and it starts with institutions, policies and our government.

“Academicians, politicians, all the people that are supposed to be guiding this country say you’ve got to be neutral. As soon as I started looking at that word neutral and what it meant, it became very obvious to me there can be no such thing as neutrality. It’s a code word for the existing system…. Neutrality is just following the crowd. Neutrality is just being what the system asks us to be. Neutrality, in other words, was an immoral act.”
– Myles Horton, co-founder of the Highlander Folk School, an incubator for the formation of the U.S. civil rights movement

This became a glorified culture of supremacy, of greatness, and has infected the souls of many. Especially those who lack access to proper education. Racism, capitalism and white supremacy are human conditioned and programed diseases. These are the results of an unjust and unequal systems that benefits a specific race, gender, social, demographic or higher economic status while the rest are left to fend for themselves. These systems are deadly and unsustainable for all of us and this planet. We all know it by now thanks to a world pandemic and climate change impacts; we are experiencing in our countries. We have 3 months until 2021. Let’s not go through next year without a plan and better understanding of how to change internally and our external environments. WE are in this together.

Remember : Not teaching students about the historic injustices of indigenous people face as a result of colonialism is a conscientious erasure of history that benefits the government. Therefore, intergenerational trauma healing and decolonizing our minds is how we can take our power back and show others how to do the same. _AO

For all the educators out there, who care and want to teach the right history to children, even if your school organization and their policies do not let you. It doesn’t matter. Tell the truth above all, you know better by now. Their system is racists and is meant to keep those who are oppressing the most vulnerable in power. It is your duty as a teacher and parents to guide the future generation and empower them with the truth. As citizen of this planet and environmentalist women of color. I will be teaching this to my children and will be covering more of this on my YouTube channel and podcast along other BIPOC leaders and activist for the youth generation. Thank you for your support, your comments, sharing our work and subscribe to our monthly newsletter so my team and I can continue to provide more educational content and help others stay inspire, creative, sustainable and spiritually conscious as much as we can.

For now, here is a cool way to start, by using geography as your beacon. 😉 https://native-land.ca/ Use this link to find native, indigenous territories that were there before, during colonization (invasion) and what they are called today in this colonized era that now we are (I hope) trying to dismantle and break free from. This link was giving to us during my climate reality project training by Indigenous queens and kings who also taught us valuable lessons. I hope this can give you a sense of where we have come from and what topics to study from real history (fact check and keep the books that lie and add plus share the real story). Let’s be the type of humans of the world we want our nature spirit to continue to live on.

The linear understanding is sterile in its root and isn’t natural to our existence on this planet. Ancient wisdom was stolen, erased and rewritten to serve a prefered group or race. But nature, our own included are not forgotten. I mean, we are in the middle of a world pandemic trying not only to survive, but also going through an awakening, to the reality that we all have been conditioned to believe is just and is the right way. But by now, you know is not true. So, what you do when you know the truth?

As Martin Luther King, Jr.said:

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

Our souls cannot forget. I know I cannot. The day my father told me where his family came from and my mother read me the Tainos story when I was 7 years old. How they were genocide, women were raped and children were murder or trade for slavery. That’s when I understood, that I had a choice and my parents were giving me that with education. I’m thankful for my parents insistence into learn real history and to always question the status quo. Because real stories do exist and are not all written in books. It’s crazy that it took a world pandemic and a movement to realize that we were all lie to in school. Now is our job, to make sure that the younger generations do not learn this 500 years bs and are giving the right tools to learn the real history.

It must be re-written, especially now.

As you read this you know deep down, within you something is awaking. Let it rise. This is an universal intelligence awakening. In our blood, our ancestors memories cannot be erased. Don’t ever forget who we are and where we came from. And who’s real rights for these lands are. (the one you are on right now while you read this).

By collectively and in unity as human citizens, of this planet that’s our strength. Those who are opposing, are the supporters of a system that benefits them and they are using their 500 years of oppression and colonized language to gaslight those who are awake and ready to lead the way for truth, justice, sustainability and spiritually.

Don’t let them, they need you uneducated and not learning the real truth. Those who are in lockdown, instead of using your energy and time to hate and leave nasty comments on people who are speaking the truth and using their voice instead of remaining silent. Or worse gaslighting and use of violence to prove “right”. (a.k.a: colonized and white supremacy core traits) Please educate yourself, is embarrassing your behavior and your ignorance is killing people too.

We just added books I’ve read when I was younger about the Tainos, books you should read for you and for children and other Indigenous authors stories. Educate yourself, learn to listen to understand and don’t waste your time on trying to defend a system that literally does not care about you or your rights. Remember, those who you are opposing and gaslighting right now, are fighting for your human rights too.

Here are my favorites :

The Tainos: Rise and Decline of the People Who Greeted Columbus (Revised)
“A model of clarity and lightly worn erudition, and it contains the best and most straightforward description of the…bookshop.org

Taino
“Written” by Guaik n, the elderly Taino man who, in his youth, was adopted by Christopher Columbus and saw history…bookshop.org

Before Columbus: The Americas of 1491
A companion book for young readers based on 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus, the groundbreaking…bookshop.org

People of the Longhouse
Six hundred years ago in what would become the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada, five Iroquois tribes…bookshop.org

The Dawn Country: Book Two of the People of the Longhouse Series
The epic tale that began in People of the Longhouse continues in this second book of the thrilling new Iroquois quartet…bookshop.org

Anacaona: The Golden Flower Queen
Anacaona lived during the time of Christopher Columbus. She was a Taina, a native from Quisqueya, the island that today…bookshop.org

Imperial Subjects: Race and Identity in Colonial Latin America
In colonial Latin America, social identity did not correlate neatly with fixed categories of race and ethnicity. As…bookshop.org

The Women of Colonial Latin America
In this second edition of her acclaimed volume, The Women of Colonial Latin America, Susan Migden Socolow has revised…bookshop.org

For Kids and adults:

https://bookshop.org/a/11781/9780942961201

Much controversy remains in the school system over Columbus’s legacy and which holiday should be celebrated. Children in schools have been taught about Christopher Columbus as a hero, but the book Rethinking Columbus: The Next 500 Years, presents an argument that children should also be taught about the truth of what Christopher Columbus started and what affect his actions had upon the native people of the Americas.[30] Rethinking Columbus offers counter narratives to the Eurocentric view of American history that is typically taught in American schools.[30] Furthermore, books like Rethinking Columbus allow students to interpret the history of the Americas in their own way after having multiple perspectives to reflect upon.

Morning Girl
Winner of the Scott O’Dell Award, this moving and poetic fictional story follows two Ta no siblings and their life in…bookshop.org

Children of the Longhouse
When Ohkwa’ri overhears a group of older boys planning a raid on a neighboring village, he immediately tells his Mohawk…bookshop.org

Youth and adult read:

“all the Real Indians Died Off”: And 20 Other Myths about Native Americans
Unpacks the twenty-one most common myths and misconceptions about Native Americans In this enlightening book, scholars…bookshop.org

An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States
2015 Recipient of the American Book Award The first history of the United States told from the perspective of…bookshop.org

Why Race and Culture Matter in Schools: Closing the Achievement Gap in America’s Classrooms
Issues tied to race and culture continue to be a part of the landscape of America’s schools and classrooms. Given the…bookshop.org

There are more out there. Do your own research. Please, share in the comments if you have more books, articles, Indigenous authors we can add here.

These are just some I’ll be reading and some I’ve read already thought you could read in your journey of decolonizing your mind daily while surfing … I mean surviving ( my soul misses the ocean, what do you miss the most during these times?) through a world pandemic.

This is some brain food to keep things in perspective plus keep ourselves awake. Honestly, the truth is painful to digest and can’t imagine living through it. Honoring my ancestors today, because they sacrifice so much, so we can now enjoy the rights that they fought so hard for us to have now. Especially, women.

Just keep in mind that knowing the truth, is liberation. Reading and education are their own form of revolution. Sharing what you learned through books, listing to someone’s life experience and understanding their struggles. Helping in any way, shape or form; reciprocity are act of kindness that can help your planet and liberate those who are being silence and oppressed. Especially those who do not believe they are slaves to the old system therefore they betray their own people for the sake of “neutrality”. Not knowing they just condemn their own people, by not using their power and their voice. By remaining silent and supporting the oppressors is how we all lose. By not changing and adapting, resisting to “normal” when that wasn’t normal.

Liberation comes with sacrifices, resilience and massive dedication to find the truth while living through adversity.

Movements create changes. Earth’s history and nature teaches us this everyday. Without friction there is no growth. So always remember that Books are there to learn about the past, stories are written to enhance imagination in order to keep moving forward. Taking care of our bodies, minds and spirits is vital for humanity survival (mental health is everyday, not just one day of recognition) and keeping constant learning mindset. It can and will set you free. Stay determined, be kind and keep your focus. Love is the new money.

Happy reading and learning! if this is the first time you’ve heard about this and you thought that “thanksgiving’ is really this fairy tale story about celebrating with lots of food and giving thanks for all the things you already have.

First, I hope you are doing that everyday and not just for some white washing and colonial holiday. I hope that you also know, this day also represents genocide, murder, slavery, rape, murder of innocent people that didn’t know what was coming by saving this asswipe and letting him in, helping him and his 39 crew of men… And look where that act of kindness got the Tainos and all Indigenous People for the next 500 years and still going unless we all do something about it. #Indigenouslivesmatter

We need to listen to a wider range of voices. We need to hear from those whose lands and rights were taken away by those who “discovered” them. Their stories, too often suppressed, tells very clearly their 500 years of courageous struggle and the life wisdom the native ancestors have left behind for all of us to learn, remember and honor their sacrifice. Understanding what really happened to them in 1492 is key to understanding why people suffer the same injustices today.

Be kind to your planet, to you and others. Leave me in the comments which one is your favorite book so far and if you have more to recommend. We highly appreciate it ❤

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.

★ Support us on BookShop by reading 🙂 and help other bookstores too!

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My Climate Reality Stories as An Environmentalist and Creative Artist.

4 months ago Anti-Racism Matters, Culture, Science & Environment, ScienceYep, Social Justice, Sustainability Matters, WritersYepper's Journeys

In the process of becoming a Climate Reality Project Leader.

Originally published on Medium.

“The reality we now face implores us to act.”

–AL GOREFounder & Chairman, The Climate Reality Project

I am dedicating this article to my mother, Angela de Chevalier Olivo. She has been battling Alzheimer’s and Dementia for the past 7 years and at 55 years old, going through the last stages this year. Unfortunately, her days on this earth are getting shorter and this story would not be, if I didn’t take the time to acknowledge the person that encouraged, supported, and passed down her love for nature and humanity to me when I was younger. I’m from the Dominican Republic and I was born in Santo Domingo. We came to Montreal, Quebec 16 years ago.

She was always my motivator as a child, whenever she would find me on top of a mango tree, trying to understand how fruits grow from trees. “Angie, did you find what you were looking for or do you want to find out together? Let’s go to the library” 🙂 That’s how she would get me out of trees and the ocean. With books. She and I used to love to read and then, I learned how to write. She would encourage me to write my dark and scary dreams which would happen more frequently after my parents divorce. My mother would encourage me to continue embracing art and creativity while also researching and trying to understand the environment. While she was dealing with being a single mother and working at the same time to keep us alive. Until a couple years later, she met my stepfather and my sisters were born.

Science fascinated me, but so did writing, painting, and photography (this I inherited from my dad who is also a photographer and a lieutenant officer from DR). It took me a lot of fails and tries, but eventually in 2012, on my last day of acting school at New York Film School, I called my mom, with my feet dark from walking through Soho and Manhattan street. “Mom, you were right. I want to go to university to learn science and how to help Earth and humanity. There are a lot of injustices in the world and I want to help change that.” I remember her words like it was yesterday: “I know. I wanted you to experience what it means to find your purpose and fight for it. You are a creative being, but you’ve always loved to find solutions to help our planet. I’m happy you realized this and don’t forget to write about it and take pictures okay?“. And that’s where the first seed of becoming a climate leader and environmentalist was born.

The second seed was planted during my final presentations after 4 years of university and being 7 months pregnant with my first child. While I was presenting solutions, I would showcase the biggest polluters and why we should work in changing their strategies and show them, plans to reduce CO2 emissions, ideas to create more green spaces and inspiring people to start living more sustainably. Instead of working for them, and being manipulated in order for them to continue their greed and deadly strategies.

Also, I would show how the media’s data was corrupted and you clearly, can tell these publishing media companies were sponsored to keep these polluters and big corporations we already consume on a daily basis in power.

Media and journalists don’t publish the real deal about these big corporations, and if they do, it’s somehow omitted or disguised as the truth. Or worse, tell the truth and make us believe through social media that it is a lie, is propaganda or add it into the many conspiracy theories we already know and share. Mind games right?

We see it in the news and hear it on the radio regularly now, how words and images are being used to support white supremacy, racist and colonial mindset. In order to degraded and dehumanized those who are being killed and oppressed.

This is why doing your own research and learning how to properly get facts is vital to learn in schools. Remember, systemic racism, public health and climate change are intertwined. One cannot be fixed without the others at the same time. That’s why this inner work decolonizing, being anti-racist and anti capitalist is very hard but not impossible.

My peers from University also for their finals presented and talked about companies that are the biggest polluters and major causes of the climate change crisis we are experiencing now.

They got really amazing grades, and some got jobs in those companies, even though they knew that these companies’ strategies and ways of keeping minority communities in harm’s way was unethical and possibly deadly. This is what a competition mindset and greed designed inequality capitalist, racists and white supremacy system does to us. Or at least those who have to live with it on a regular basis but we now have to take extra time to educate and make clear our human rights to those who benefit from our oppression.

I refused to work for those companies. Yes I was broke graduating from university, becoming a mother, working two jobs and building a company with no money, just the hope and courage to dare to do something completely out of my comfort zone. My mom taught me better, and I would rather be broke than give away my integrity for money. Either way, looking for jobs here in Quebec was also an exhausting struggle. In the environment and science community here in Quebec, there is racism and discrimination towards women of color and non-speakers of the French language, which is sickening. For example, my teacher in my last semester gave me some advice that pushed me to start planning and creating a space where people weren’t restrained, fighting the status quo and the system, and voicing concerns about climate change, inequality, public health, and environmental racism. “If you don’t speak Quebec french and if you are a woman, you are going to have a hard time finding jobs here. Might as well drop what you are doing and do something else instead.” Yep, I dropped out of her class and took another environmental course instead.

I learned a lot in university about ethics, research and memorizing stuff to pass exams and how to create good scientific presentations that others can understand. Working in a low income gym facility, then telecommunication companies, then working as a waitress in a vegetarian restaurant, writing plus editing scientific papers and building a business at the same time. Is what taught me and now I’m passing down to you and my girls (if they ever get to read this one day) . The government and the education system are designed for these companies to gain more profit and slowly kill those who are more vulnerable. I started by getting familiar with building websites, then with writing monthly newsletters, then blogs and managing social media at first. Learning to network, and finding beautiful, creative, and changemaking leaders along the way, who helped us grow and believed in us. You know who you are if you are reading this ❤

I knew there had to be ways through art and creativity to demonstrate real data and make those voiceless stories heard in an educational and inspirational way.

The environmentalist goal was to reduce human massive consumption, be plastic-free, and live more sustainably in order to make sure our future generations get a chance to survive. After I graduated, I gave birth to my first girl. While she slept, during breastfeeding, nap times, and working part time in a gym and lots of other horrible jobs to sustain myself and my little growing family, painful struggles and sleepless nights. The WritersYep seed was born after I gave birth to my second daughter in 2016.

This space was created and launched in 2017, with love and for love of Earth and learning to embrace being a good human with consciousness. All from a woman who raises her daughters to be kind to others, their planet, and themselves. My mom didn’t finish school because she was forced to work to sustain her large family… who are now wealthy and they abandoned their sister when she needed them most. Learn from my mom. Don’t quit your dreams and passions to satisfy others and worse, the expectations of your family. My mom was always a nature-spirit, she would pass down her life lessons to us as storytelling, (I got it from my mama! 🙂 sorry needed to write it as I’m thinking about our happy memories together. Which in the end, that’s what really matters. Time is precious, so spend it wisely) she would listen, believe, and support her kids in doing what they love, which is what led to the journey that you are now a part of 🙂

My other climate story was my journey in taking photos of buildings and places in New York where there is improvement in creating greener and more sustainable buildings and spaces. I also show why it is important that New York city starts doing this, because back then, by looking at the data, I already knew that this city that I love so much would one day, would be underwater due to the impact of climate change. Here is the article.

Manhattan street on a Monday morning at 7am, 2019.

Then, I went to Samana, Dominican Republic.

I came back to Montreal with a finished parenting book (Publishing soon!) , blessed gifts dipped in the Limon waterfalls for my loved ones and teammates (last day I was there it rained for the first time in 8 months!), mosquito bites (finally less itchy*_*), lower lady pains from riding a horse in the mountains for 1 hour and then walking for another hour until I got to my final destination.

Limon Waterfalls, Samana Dominican Republic 2019.

However the pains were combined with a sense of joy and fulfillment that as a writer & environmentalist, were hard to describe. Since words have power, the best words for this trip were: Exquisite writing (night time), healing (meditation, sleep!, eating local & organic, yoga, dancing in the rain, tours, exploring, and meaningful conversations) expanding horizons, learning about the community you’re visiting (humbles you) and going on a self-care retreat. (definitely planning to create retreats like these for others on TravelYep 😉 Stay Tuned! )

Even when everything was meant to fail… starting with my computer not working from the moment I arrived, among other things… anything is possible if you believe in yourself and have strong goals and ride alongside those limiting beliefs we all struggle to let go of. If you believe you can do it, then I’m telling you, you can do it. I’m living proof and I survived!

Taking time off was vital in order to strengthen my goals and recharge myself so I can continue making positive changes for others, but more importantly for my girls and myself. They are my family and everything I work for. I hope you have been starting to save and invest to treat yourself this Christmas 😉 You know you deserve it.

I came back with a bigger purpose and more sure of my mission and vision for the company and our team for the next five to ten years.

Thanks to 4Oceans, the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources of the Dominican Republic, Eco influencers, some awesome content creators and filmmakers and the UN environment, that reached out to me through my stories on social media while I was in the jungle! The power of social media (free marketing) and targeting the right audience for the right reasons!

Here is part 1 and part 2 of my Samana journey 🙂 Enjoy!

Yep, this mama was ready to start with marketing strategies, reaching more online media experts (co-op publishing), the right influencers and organizations to collaborate with, along with our affiliates that follow our values and mission. All in order to ensure that our planet’s remaining resources (one city, community or country at times, starting in January whale season in Samana) are properly managed. The goal is to aid in creating an island (as an example for other islands or cities) that embraces Eco-tourism.

I gathered and spoke with the poorest community in Samana about not burning their plastic waste — which is a lot! Their waste distribution can be properly managed if we are able to educate the people about simple tips such as recycling and plastic waste management, composting and maybe by creating a campaign alongside other sponsors to show them how to maintain it in the long run as well.

Sharing educational ways to embrace eco lifestyles, creating less waste and reducing plastic pollution in marginalized and poor communities, is just one example of a ripple effect that can be spread in positive and realistic ways. Then, Covid-19 happened and locked down. Everything changed, because what scientists and environmentalists were predicting later and voicing for a while that people were too busy to listen… It happened before and much more deadly than anticipated.

I’m still hopeful and we have been working through a pandemic, living in cockroaches, some of us got covid-19 and continue working. Now, we are in the right seat with climate reality leaders and can wait to continue this journey together.

We know that this work cannot be done alone, the unity and the power of the people is what will create the change that we need for our planet and ourselves. I believe and have been voicing to other media companies here in Montreal, in the beginning of my entrepreneur journey. I strongly believe these agencies and individuals could help continue this moment and work. By creating a co-op media and eco publishing business model with existing influencers, agencies, and other changemakers in different parts of the world, I believe we can make progress in marketing and online media and encourage people to not only care about the planet but to also live a more mindful and sustainable life. We need to encourage cities and countries that green cities ABSOLUTELY Yes! and less CO2 emissions and plastic are not the way anymore! For our health’s sake and our remaining resources on this earth.

These are some of the missions that will go alongside our other content; blog posts, guest posts, podcast episodes and email marketing content. These are in order to make sure we influence and inspire others. But more importantly, we want to create an awareness of a healthier planet and the people and animals living on it. All for our future generations to continue to thrive for many centuries to come.

Yep, I’m not only building an empire and helping others along the way, I’m leaving a legacy for our children’s children. Because #sustainabilitymatters now more than ever!

I know what you must be thinking…

That’s a lot of work! There are 7.7 billion people…

You are just one voice. Why would anybody listen to you, right? You are going to need a lot of money and a lot of people to do this…

Well, if nobody says or does anything, then who will?!

Greta’s march (here is the article) in Montreal, was an inspiration and great motivator to keep taking action. Even though in this city, she was used as political gain which is pretty sad. But I was so happy that a lot of people came out and supported the climate change march.

Participating in Futuristic February with Sustainable Duo was an experience that I learned a lot from and I was glad I got to share it with my daughters and my community. Here is the article.

Black Lives Matter March in the middle of a world pandemic in Montreal, 2020

The BLM and social justice march (here is article) while in the middle of a worldwide pandemic, because of Covid-19 exposing all the inequalities and social justice work that needs to be addressed alongside the impacts of climate change. Which we all know by now, it is affecting more vulnerable, low income communities of colour. Now, we need to collaborate with key news media companies and declutter the colonized and racist media strategies of today, that we all know need to STOP! We need new change makers and leaders or we need to become one ourselves. The climate community provide the tools and support to continue to fight for our planet and humanity. I’m more hopeful than ever before, for future generations building equity alongside a more sustainable planet. Do you feel it too?

Yep, we’re going to need all the help we can get. Money will come, I have no doubts anymore. Because if you care about yourself and your health in the next 75–100 years… or care about not eating plastic food that you know will kill you faster or living underwater… then money will not be the issue.

I know I have a duty as an Environmentalist, Writer, Content Creator and Marketing Unicorn. But more importantly my drive is bigger than myself. My ‘why’ are my girls’ future and other children in this world. If it’s the same for you, I’m glad you are here.

I’ve been studying this for years. My mom at a younger age explained the basics of how the planet provided the oxygen we need to breathe, how our oceans and all living organisms in it are one of the main sources of creating oxygen along with trees. When she didn’t know how to explain the concepts or processes, she got me books. So when I started university in Environmental Science, it was like the teachers were reciting to me what I’d already read at a younger age. Just more updated 🙂

So a university education helped me research better and acquire the data (science and math numbers do not lie or try to omit the truth…we all are trying to live through the impacts of climate change at this very moment). I’ve read all the scientific papers about climate change, global warming, CO2 emissions, ocean patterns and glaciers melting at a faster rate than ever before, which causes sea levels to rise…man, I even edited those papers before they got published! If knowledge is power, why wouldn’t I use my power for good? Why wouldn’t I or show others to give the right tools for all of us to be able to use our voices to speak about what really matters? Health, environment, and justice are not political. These are essentials that we need our government, big polluter corporations and wealthiest individuals to focus on and do better for our societies and for the future of our children. Integrity and compassion is vital during these times.

They fear our unity and our collective mental strength, don’t forget our minds and spirits are very powerful; imagine if we all learn how to use it wisely. That’s why schools systems and their education is designed to keep us mentally slave to this system. Entrepreneurship, money, taxes, saving lessons, women’s and children’s rights, mental health support and living sustainably. Does not benefit a system build on inequality and colonized structures designed many decades ago. The more mentally educated, stronger and independent you get, the less the system can control you. That’s why there is so much clutter in the internet now. That’s why covid-19 has exposed all that was already wrong and deadly. But those who benefit from inequality, called it “normal”.

We need to keep our energy clean and vibrant, therefore we must continuously work on ourselves every day and do the things we know we must to keep ourselves educated, decolonize our minds and stay true to our journey on this earth. Changing your thoughts and behavioral patterns changes your world.

We hope this and our many content brings value to your life any way it can. Thank you for connecting with us. We hope that you will consider subscribing to our channels and newsletters to support us on our journey, as we wish to support you. It helps us more than you know. Our gratitude is beyond words.

We believe in you.

*Remember we are still raising money for Lebanon, Beirut. Here is why.

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

Thank you for your support!

Love and Light,

_AO.

P.S: Happy Birthday Sofia, today four years ago was my second best day and happiest day of my life. This weekend was fun with Abuela, and she really loved that you kissed her a lot. If you ever get to read this when you are older. Remember, mami loves you very much ❤

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 Vanessa H❤

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Where are we going next? Podcast #yourstorymatters and bringing solutions with other change makers, leaders plus amplifying those who are voiceless. Creativity for intergenerational justice unleashed. Stay tuned!

Patriarchy and White Supremacy Is What The World Needs To Start Defunding.

4 months ago Anti-Racism Matters, Culture, Life Wisdom, Social Justice, WritersYepper's Journeys

Also, child sex trafficking, harvesting money and androchrome in order to stay healthy, rich and young. It’s enough, we know the truth.

Originally publish on Medium.

Photo by Gokil This is from Batam City, Indonesia.

Yep, while the world is getting worse, the wealthiest males are benefitting from inequality and abusing their power over women, children, and minorities. Those who are voiceless are suffering and dying more during a world pandemic. 2020 is the most exhausting, draining and deadly year for most of us.

I’m not saying that all men are bad, I love men and those who go above and beyond for their women, sisters, mothers, I see you. Not all fall into the “system”. However, if you are a male reading this, you also should know and be very aware of how you, in your workplace, applying to get a new apartment or planning to buy a house, applying for a new job, getting whatever you want, is readily available to you just because you are a man. Moreso, if you are a white man.

Others get more by silently using violence and abuse towards women or their children. The fear that runs deeper than systemic racism is older than 400 years. It’s so toxic that now we are finally awake to recognize this during a world pandemic and we are experiencing a racism awakening. That sexism and patriarchy are one. That capitalism exists and is able to survive, and continue to create chaos, destruction, war and death. It’s because the main function of this entire “system” is designed by white supremacists, patriarchs and narcissistic abusers who were/are still now racist AF.

It all started with a bunch of documentaries on Netflix that we all watched during quarantine. We educated ourselves, watched less news, practised more self-care, tried to rest (most of us can’t even afford to, but we try), we dug deeper into what’s really going on and read more books. Before quarantine, we learned about the Harvey Weinstein Trial. Epstein was finally caught and then “killed himself” before he was going to be convicted. The R.Kelly trial, documentary and finding those videos…we all have access to enough evidence for this guy to rot in jail. Or honestly, my personal opinion, Harvey, Epstein and Kelly should have their balls cut off. Some may say it’s inhumane, well, so is a grown man putting his wiener on a little child’s private parts. 13–15 years old, that’s still a child, let alone forcing them into marriage. That’s patriarchy BS, I don’t care what anybody has to say. Then, we find out that R.Kelly’s trial is still being delayed and that to this day, he still holds power over women and is still making money while he’s in jail. Oh, and he was found not guilty even though we all know he really is.

Then, finding out all the victims from the #metoo movement, more evidence is starting to surface about Epstein Island and Maxwell’s involvement, to all the others who were also guests of these so-called “Cult party rituals”, getting children (underage girls and boys), sexually abusing them and doing all kinds of atrocities to them that we probably can’t even imagine. To the survivors who are finally coming forward, you are so brave, and just know that this was not your fault. Forcing someone to have sex, is rape. Period.

I’m literally not in as bad a place as I thought I might be. I mean I don’t live with cockroaches anymore. That’s a win! But I’m living and learning through not having a permanent address yet. And literally, I’m on my 154th refused apartment application in the last 2 months (today I got another refusal because the landlord does not want kids in the building anymore), and I’m still being denied the opportunity to fill out other applications to at least get a chance, just like everyone else who applies. An equal right, to at least be able to fill an application for a potential place to live with my daughters.

Some tenants let me fill up the application but they don’t even take the time to let me know that I wasn’t accepted. Others stay with the deposit money, even though you have to guess that the application was refused. They don’t believe that a single mom, woman, latina has her own business and is self-employed. They ask me to show them my personal bank account and my business account before I’m even halfway done with the application. Even on the phone, they haven’t met me yet, but just because I say “I’m a single mom, with two toddlers and I’m self-employed”, they denied me the simple act to even go see the apartment. Therefore, as a result, looking for a place to live is like trying to find a needle in a crowded gentrificated, privileged and prejudiced haystack.

This is a systemic racism, sexism, and patriarchy cocktail male party that they forgot to teach women. But hey, ladies, sending you positive vibes and hoping you send me some too. Feminine spirit guidance and luck in finding a place to live so I can continue writing, creating more content for you all, editing podcast episodes, writing more books and poems and getting them ready to publish already! (been writing and editing any chance I get) Been working on my paintings and designs (working on my online store any chance I get, soon collaborating with other artists) and just creating and helping others on their journeys. Whether it’s with writing, content creation, design, painting, photography and brand/marketing consulting. For now, I’ll be working from my sister’s, looking for more apartments, and working on raising loving and educated daughters. Thank you all for your support, subscribing, liking, commenting, sharing our work and helping a single mom sustain my daughters’ future.

I’ve been asked if I could mentor or coach, and the answer is: I would love to teach and make people laugh one day. So if that’s related to mentoring then count me in. However, since I’m not yet an expert at these traits (work in progress) I’ll make it a challenge of mine to work on, in the future months after my parenting book is published (announcing date soon). For now, I’ll be updating you all through here and on WritersYep.

Either way, enough about how my life sucks because I know others have it way worse. Especially children living in vulnerable conditions and being traded, abused, sex trafficked and forced into slave labor.

Now in Quebec, children are forced to go back to school, or youth services will be knocking on our doors if our healthy children are not going to school in the middle of a pandemic (already the city is getting ready for a second wave). Meanwhile not even private schools (which FYI half of our taxes go to), can make sure the children are safe. Can you imagine public schools? But yes, they simply don’t care about our kids. I recently did a live giving some tips and asking for other parents and teachers to reach out.

I’ll be releasing another video blog about how I’ve been training and helping my girls get ready for what’s to come and to expect. Teaching them survival tips to stay alive going to school in the middle of a world pandemic is traumatic and they don’t have the ability, as we had a lifetime to cope with dumb stuff. Children, teens and those going to school and working at the same time, right now, are having a much harder time making it out alive, mentally, emotionally and physically than we all did 20–50 years ago. Let’s be realistic here and keep in consideration our children’s wellbeing, for once. We are the by-product of our ancestors, but we can change the pattern. It’s always been our choice. The question is, which side of history would you be on in the next decade?

They need us all to get back to slave working regardless of the consequences and the psychological trauma that most kids, teachers and staff will endure in the next months. Nobody is talking about what kind of mental health support will be given to those faced with the fact that their teachers, friends and staff, could get the virus and then 14 days later, realize that they didn’t survive. Also, who is in charge of hiring these so-called “monitors” that we parents have to pay extra for in order for them to watch over our kids during lunch time only? The rules and plans (so vague and disregarding of children rights it’s scary) have been put out there, along with a recent open letter that reveals that 151 doctors and physicians strongly oppose sending kids to school and that online courses should be a priority.

Back-to-school plan inadequate, Montreal doctors and scientists say in letter to Quebec

But it is mandatory that kids stay away from each other, stay and eat their lunch at their desks the whole day like prisoners. The US right now and how they are handling school openings can give us all a very clear indication of where we will be in the number of deaths in the next few months before this year ends. This whole year has already been traumatic for most of us. Now, we are enforcing more trauma in order to get people to pay bills and value money more than their health and their families. Great fucking system and city…not really.

On Sunday, Quebec reported 74 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of infections in the province to 61,673.

The provincial Health Department added one more death for which the date was unknown to bring that total to 5,740. The province says 54,682 people have recovered from the virus.

Hospitalizations were down seven to 117, of which 14 remain in intensive care — a decrease of two from the previous day. Here are the stats, which you should also pay attention to (surprisingly the city that has the highest taxes in Canada, can’t be held accountable to proper data records) these stats are late and there is a lot of inconsistency…

This is why diverse race data is also important. There is a big gap between those who can afford to work from home and those who can’t due to working in essential services. Or they are parents who have children with disabilities, people with chronic illnesses, people who live with mental illness but can’t afford not to go to work. The racial disproportion and inequality can be crystal clear if data were actually properly done and distributed to its citizens. It is us humans paying taxes right? Let’s not forget that the government works for us. We are the people and we need to use our voices. Especially now, let’s speak for those who are voiceless while we still can.

My team and I are very grateful for and proud to support an initiative and platform designed for the people and it can be contributed to by the people. Montreal businessman, founder of Influence Orbis and really good friend, Thierry Lindor, has collaborated with the Federation of Black Canadians (FBC) and the Cote-des-Neiges Black Community association (CDNBCA) to launch Colors of Covid — diverse data matters.

This was a response to the absence of race-based data that I’ve mentioned above that is not clear in the Quebec Covid-19 status online. This digital solution was created by Lindor’s team and it takes a few minutes to answer the questionnaire, which combined with a geo positioning algorithm, can collect valuable data information regarding the lives of individuals in Canada’s most vulnerable and marginalized communities right now. This is why I’m inviting you all (if you live in Canada) to take 2 mins of your time and do this survey: https://thecolorsofcovid.com/

“Join us in holding our elected officials accountable by painting a clear picture of the most vulnerable and voiceless members of our society.”

– Manifesto of Colors of Covid

It’s just reality that the most wealthy people who are involved don’t want you to believe or see what’s really going on. It’s sad that most conspiracy theories are true but they are called “fake lies”, so people don’t feel uncomfortable or so their “fake reality bubble” doesn’t burst by the realization that we are not as free as we are all led to believe. Unless you are a millionaire and have been building wealth for yourself before this year, you are not free and unfortunately, these systems were designed that way in order for a part of the population to benefit more than another part. That’s inequality, mixed with white supremacy, racism and sexism = capitalism. Perhaps this chart can explain it better than words:

Do you see why we need to decolonize our minds, parenting, education, fucking fight for human rights in order to move on and create economic, social and equal opportunities for all and build more unified communities (defund the police) as humans living on this planet?

Equality, Black Lives Matter, Diversity Data, Climate change and Basic Human Rights movement; it’s what we are fighting for this year since COVID-19 started.

“Anti-racism work takes more than six months of performance. It’s a daily practice. It’s a constant reflection upon the way we walk through the world and how we see ourselves and others in it.” by Elyse Cizek from No, The BLM Movement is Not a Cover-Up for Elite Child Sex Trafficking, MaybeYou’re Just Racist. (Amazing, healing and educational read highly recommend).

Which Populations Are Most Vulnerable to the Coronavirus Pandemic?

Women are most affected by pandemics — lessons from past outbreaks

Most conspiracy theories are actually mostly true… Especially the ones that we will NOT believe humans are capable of. Those are the ones that we say “Well, it’s not happening here, so it’s not my problem”. Just like when we were asked to wear a mask in order to keep others and yourself safe. It’s a lot for some people to be kind, have empathy and be less of an ass. It’s just easier to blame and not look within ourselves too. Let’s remember, that white supremacy and systemic oppression are not conspiracy theories. That change can only happen by taking small actions, looking within, and finding ways to understand our own personal (internal) obligations, duties, privileges and mistakes. But more importantly, once you start checking in with your own bias and healing from past traumas (working process), you will recognize that we are all capable of evil as we are of doing good. I believe that some people have lived in their own comfortable ignorance for so long, that their privilege and power keeps them in the comfort of self-righteous individuals. And those who inherited more money, it’s just a bonus. Because let’s keep things clear. Money can be good but it also can corrupt and change a person.

I know there is a saying that people don’t change. Well, let me tell you that’s the biggest lie that person is telling you, because people absolutely change if they didn’t work for their money or they made themselves millionaires. However, I know that most people can’t control themselves. “I can’t help myself… Here’s $20 bucks and let me touch you down there..” Or “Here is $50 for that 16 year old for one night, and here another $20 for you to keep this quiet”. Or “I have never had sexual relations with that woman”… But it turns out he did and also raped teenage girls on Epstein Island. But it’s all conspiracy theories right?

Racism is so deeply rooted in our society, that it’s going to take us a while to dismantle and recognize our own white washing, supremacy and racism education that we were taught. I hope schools and history books are already being re-made and re-written. If not, well, let’s start a petition for that, yes? I have written about it here. It’s never too late to re-learn and adjust to the new information being provided. I know I still have a lot to work on too. Always question and do your own research. But I will suggest learning how to listen. Grateful for my daughters for this. I’m learning through homeschooling my girls, the skill of listening to understand. And that life lessons and real life education starts from home. That’s why parenting is hard. Because it is work that forces us to work from within and out. Our children show us what we often do, and don’t want to be reminded of, but we must. Kids are authentically and unapologetically themselves. They are not conditioned unless we and external outcomes affect them.

Inequality + Privilege

There are things I’ve been finding in my semi-homeless journey (living with my little sister until further notice, glad your reading up to this point 🙂). That a lot! Of us get and benefits plus privilege from inequality. That you get a lot of amounts of opportunities than other people don’t have just because of the color of your skin. Simple… how insane is that? Right?!

Well, is harder when you have to explain it to your own light skin siblings, cousins, family and friends and they still don’t get what you are talking about when you explained your experiences as a brown-skin-dominican women and now single mom.

We are one, we have red blood and we are all born alone and die alone. So might as well try to figure shit out soon because pretty soon, we are all going to be forced to work, our children are going to be forced into prison schools and police brutality is increasing while we are all trying to survive a worldwide pandemic. Also, we are being deprived of online school. Instead we are opening schools because some parents can’t handle working and homeschooling their kids. Others cannot afford it, others are out of jobs and need to find time to work in order to pay bills and bring food to the table. In other words, have self-discipline and teach it to your kids. Or the government should use part of our tax money and create an assistance program in the meantime, an aid system for parents who can’t work from home (essential workers and doctors) and need someone to watch over the kids and make sure they do their online classes. But no, in reality most parents here in this city, are narcissistic abusers taught by their predecessors.

Montreal mother charged with second-degree murder after six-year-old daughter stabbed “This is the 11th homicide of the year in Montreal”…

Therefore, slaves for the elites to keep getting richer while the poor are suffering, dying, and essential workers are getting poorer thinking about whether their life will get any better or will they advance. It’s hard. Reality and the pain is hard to deal with so we should look away and find something else to entertain our minds… Keep the distractions, narcissistic ignorance, and privilege at all costs because it’s not personal. It’s just business and money, right?

When is it enough?

That’s what we should ask the greediest people in the world right now. They know they are and they need you distracted and not focused on taking their money to stop hunger and poverty. To help those in need when you know and the whole world knows how much you have in your bank account… While we also know how much it costs to eradicate inequality, hunger, poverty, child sex trafficking, reduce the number of suicides by providing mental health support services during these times… nah, it’s not their problem. Meanwhile, we are the ones that make all these corporations, brands we love… we just can’t help ourselves. That’s prejudice +privilege = White supremacy + mental slavery.

These moments right now are our history, which is being recorded and written, because it’s time to correct and unlearn BS taught by a bunch of dudes who where disgusting rapists and murders but they have money, so they also paid or wrote themselves history books and corrected what really happened in the past and with our ancestors. It’s a discovery and a journey to still dig and do what’s right. Write it how it was supposed to be and re-write the truth even if it makes others uncomfortable. We need to know the consequences of letting patriarchy, white supremacy, and secret “cults” run the world and decide the fate of people’s lives. That some humans deserved better than others and created a competition mindset so deep that we divided and degraded our own human rights for more profit and a planet running out of its resources ahead of time. Climate change is making its mark while we are also surviving a pandemic and the sad but true story of the aftermath of colonialism, white supremacy, racism and capitalism. These are dug deep, and we must take our own scissors and start digging and cutting out these beliefs embedded within us. We have to. Humans and those who are voiceless depend on it. Remember, individualism is a lie and some people benefit and profit from those lies we tell ourselves and let others believe. Equality, health, safety (community — enough of the police brutality. It’s time to defund police and invest in the people) and better education are basic human rights. Black, Indigenous, Latino, Asian, Trans, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, Black-Brown women and childrens lives matter. They always have and always will. Stay awake and real.

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 Vanessa H❤

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Being Different is Not Something to Be Ashamed or Embarrassed of. If People Are Offended or Disrespect You, It’s Because Your Realness Bothers Them.

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.

Stop comparing yourself to others.
Take accountability for your actions and decisions. Blaming others is a toxic waste of time and space. Also, it’s a colonized mindset.
Ignore negative people, vibes, and environment. Personal growth and a healthy mindset requires separation.
“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.
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❤

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It was a decent and honest job that I end up loving it. These are my personal experience, not an expert. I’m just a constant learner and a curious person. I’m a creative spiritual human that loves to inspire and help others. ❤

Self-Discipline + consistency = Habits for Everything in life.

1. Instead of being a founder or define yourself as “entrepreneur” , serve Ice cream or Vegetarian Food.

2. Resilience and abundance are your birthright.

3. Consistency will set you free.

4. Quality versus quantity.

5. Sustainability it’s possible in all restaurant and food industry settings. Everyday life really.

6. Creativity is energy and it needs to flow.

7. Manage your time better to work and your energy.

8. Give your all in to any job.

9. Confidence is born from failure.

Sustainability matters more than ever now.

@jhanneu

There are 14 Costless Ways to Live More Sustainably during a pandemic.

Now, why should you care about living sustainably during semi-lockdown?

1. Freeze your food before it goes bad

2. Eat less meat

3. Reuse glass jars/bottles

4. Bring your reusable shopping bags! Use Reusable Masks!

5. Reduce your paper towel usage

6. Don’t use plastic straws

7. Opt for paperless billing

8. Sell/Donate/Recycle your old clothing

9. Take advantage of the natural light

10. Turn off the water more often when you shampoo/shave/brush your teeth

11. Wash your hair less often

12. READ MORE less TV or IPAD.

13. Turn off the lights when you don’t need them

14. Don’t use pesticides on your lawn

Enough with #thanksgiving tradition that celebrates genocide and white supremacy. #indigenouslivesmatter

In the process of becoming a Climate Reality Project Leader.

Inequality + Privilege

When is it enough?

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

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

Parenting Book Coming Soon!

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