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    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?!

    September 28,2019

    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.

    Eco Mom

    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❤

    ★ Support us on Patreon

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

    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!

    All Rights Reserved to WritersYep ©

    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/

    Image credit: The Color Of Covid.

    “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). 

    Photo by Tess 

    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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    All Rights Reserved to WritersYep ©

    5 months ago Entrepreneurship, Health & Wellness, Life Wisdom, Sustainability Matters, WritersYepper's Journeys, Yeppin

    Here is some reality check to keep in mind. And just be kind.

    Originally published Medium.

    Today, my second apartment application was refused. While I was given in two more applications and right now there is no potential place for me and my girls to live. I’m walking around with a few essentials, my computer and a book… taking my precautions with my mask on, because let’s not forget we are in the middle of a pandemic and trying to find a place to live is insane right now.

    I’ve been living in a cockroach-infested apartment while in quarantine for the past 6 months. Working, homeschooling my girls, and looking for apartments (plus cleaning two times a day with the realization that soon it will be three times a day). That’s when I send my landlord videos and photos… Her answer says a lot. This is what white privilege, discrimination, and systemic racism truly looks like. This neighbourhood is in the high risks of infected people at the moment. Also, this an example of what Environmental racism in Montreal, Quebec looks like.

    FYI: Gave this money back right way because she did this to cover the month of June of fumigation being “supposedly done”. Not really because the second was done the beginning of July. After this and many disgusting, and condescending text messages (narcissistic behaviour, blame the victim that is being oppressed because they can). I started to look for places again to live and make sure my girls stay away from this place. I’ve been looking ever since.

    I’m a professional writer of books, I write for others, environmentalists soon collaboration with world leaders on sustainability, photographer and journalists. I help others in writing and education, and achieving the process of living more sustainably 💚✊🏾

    However, the down part … being a woman of color, business owner and founder … innovation is not made for single women… and this is the reality I’m living while writing this in an Uber!

    Yes! In the middle of a worldwide health pandemic, I’ve spent five days walking, taking buses and subways because I don’t have a car. Today, for under $10, I’ll treat myself to walking less after receiving my second apartment refusal.

    I’ve been looking for apartments since we got out of quarantine… to finally be able to leave mine that is full of cockroaches. And FYI: my landlord knows what is going on, and all my tenants on top, next to mine and under mine, have been living in these unhealthy conditions because we’ve had no choice when COVID-19 and lockdown hit… and we’ve been paying rent for this too. While dealing with these unsanitary conditions, we’ve been working from home, cleaning, and trying to stay sane, while the world complains about not wearing a mask and the government is not helping. Landlords are the real fuckers and honestly, thank you for teaching me what I will not do the day I own my own dwellings 👏🏽

    Another thing you asshole landlords:

    It’s time to stop discriminating against women who own their own fort, land, whatever the fuck! We have just as much a right as any man to rent, own, and ask for a loan. Especially, when we have good credit! We are not less than because we are not attached to a second income. Or do we need to give you something else for you to respect us 😤

    We have innovative ideas and some HAVE LITTLE CHILDREN THAT DEPEND ON US!!! Yes, single moms are outcasts and treated like shit because the “monogamy” system and hierarchy wasn’t designed for single women, parents, or business owners with children. 🤦🏽‍♀️ So I’m a founder women of color, I’ve been denied loans many times for my startup idea… but now I’m being denied places to live with my children. Not because of bad credit or debt, and I’ve got savings because hey, quarantine was brutal, I didn’t go out much, and I invested my money wisely. 🤷🏽‍♀️🤓

    But now, I’m learning that when trying to get an apartment (if I had my two part-time jobs that I lost during COVID-19… they are closed until further notice) as a single mother and business owner… it’s not uncommon, especially for a woman of color to be refused. Therefore regardless of my circumstances, even if I had a million dollars saved in my bank account right now, the answer would be no, rejection, refusal of your application. So yeah black women, wealth is fucking essential because if not, welcome to living homeless.

    Because living in an apartment infested with cockroaches is like living in the streets. Whether you understand or not, is it what it is, and I get this a lotttt: “A lot of people have it worse…” That’s the worst shit anyone can say to someone who does not have a home and is living in the streets, praying they don’t get hurt, or worse, raped.

    So excuse me if I hurt your feelings and woke up a few neurons in your brain today. I’m in my 10th apartment, waiting, writing, and praying that this will be my home… where I can continue to be an awesome homeschool mom, content creator, author, and business owner and help people be financially independent too.

    That’s it. Education, creativity, and mental wellbeing will be my legacy. But in the meantime, just letting you know, that right now, I’m officially homeless until God or the universe, lets the inspectors from the area I’m living in to call me 🤙🏽 so they can give me the steps to follow to cancel my lease so I don’t need to pay for this disgusting and unlivable apartment anymore.

    I’m hoping that finally my landlord gets a slap on the ass from the government and they get sued for abandonment and neglect of their apartments… So I can leave my inspector number reference for my next apartment so I can finally get a place and not keep getting refused… because again, let me clear it up for you. I can rent a place for the next 4 months. I don’t want to buy a home yet… However, do you think I could get it?

    I’m working on saving to buy my own place. My credit is good and I have my own business. Let me remind you, I’m a woman, Latina, dark-honey-loving skin and I’m a single mother. Don’t do alcohol or drugs. I’m a writer, environmental scientist, and own a company. So let me tell you, it doesn’t matter what you do or who you are. Keep your integrity, your honesty, and keep pushing.

    Not everyone is like you, or is as giving or kind like you. _A.O

    Not everyone can help you because we are all dealing with f***ed up stuff we don’t talk about or don’t want you around to see and discuss.

    People don’t change, circumstances make them change. And let’s hope for the good, because when they change for the bad, people die or some crazy stuff they’ve been hiding comes out when you least expect it. Either way, I don’t want your pity or your “awww poor you! It will get better”…

    I want change. I want people to give a shit more, to be better humans and work on their inner demons and stop pretending they’re something they’re not. Go volunteer your time and help someone in need. Go give a single parent a mental break and take care of their kids while they reboot.

    I know what you’re thinking… that’s delusional and people don’t change. I know. Trust me, I’ve been living and hoping that people are different and I am always hopeful. I’m a big believer in change. That’s why WritersYep community is still strong and its growing at it’s own pace despite Covid-19. Because we focus on listening, learning, caring more about our remaining clients and finding ways to pivot, grow and help others along the way. We are a working progress, but so am I.

    It is because of this pandemic, I’ve come to realize that change only happens for those with privilege, color preference, economic and political gain that is accessible and sustainable. Those systems are designed to benefit those who sacrifice money, integrity, honesty and are willing to sacrifice their loved ones for money… Yes, don’t pretend it is not your problem while you are angry and lashing out at people because you have to wear a piece of cloth over your face to protect people from your disgusting germs.

    Oh, so you’re tired of your children being home while you’re working. Well your kids are risking their lives in the middle of a pandemic so you can go to work or stay at home “looking for jobs”. ✊🏾Yep, it’s brutal out there. But right now, children who live with abusers wish schools were open. Those are the kids we should be paying attention to, and the moms who are running away from their abusers and trying to keep their kids safe too…

    Single moms and parents who want to progress and make it through alive in this era — you need to be wealthy and own your own network. You can’t depend on others. Because that will also be your downfall.

    As much as they love you and care for you, people will help you until their own energy or their space feels compromised. So the only way that you can be your own free person, is to work on being financially independent and stable. Because if you don’t, then you are a burden to people when you are in need of help.

    Yeah, privileged people don’t have to even think about what I wrote in this blog.

    God and the universe are taking me through this road as a writer, creative spiritual seeker of truth and knowledge, and journalist because that’s what I am and always will be.

    Whether this city, country, or planet approves or not, I’m going to continue to be me. Yep, now writing in the metro after seeing a beautiful apartment shown to me by a beautiful artist. Told her the truth and what I’ve been dealing with… it’s a sublease. So I’ll have to pay extra, but I don’t care at this point. I need a home for my girls and I. Hopefully, this is the one. Until next time, another note from the streets of Montreal, Quebec. Trying to find a place to live.

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

    Love, A.O. 🦋

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

    All Rights Reserved to WritersYep ©

    8 months ago #GiveBack, Health & Wellness, Life Wisdom, WritersYep, WritersYepper's Journeys

    Change your mindset and let go of the old…back to normal doesn’t exist anymore. Change is unavoidable.

    Originally published Medium.

    This is a little reminder that I think is best to keep in mind. Especially when the whole world and people you admire are constantly reminding you that you are not doing enough. I needed to write this today, because I believe those big world leaders and motivational speakers who were the beacon of light before this quarantine happened, are trying to keep the same mindset as before. I’m here to tell you that their way of living, coping with adversity, or whatever they are doing to survive, was already built way before all of this. Their financial success is the byproduct of that. What they used to do to keep that stream of income was working, but at the expense of a lot of people suffering from mental health issues trying to meet or match these well-known leaders of “success”. I bet while you read this sentence, you can picture them in your head.

    They are not that many, but they have absolutely left their mark. I’m not saying don’t keep following them and listening to what they have to say. Their life lessons are guidance for us to keep moving forward. However, be selective of what you hear and learn from them. The tactics they used before were toxic at the same time. You have to learn to recognize when it’s good to consume their content, products, or services, and when it’s not. For example, I won’t mention names, but there is a writer I’ve admired and followed for many years now. His writing is amazing. His style and the way he reaches his audience is making him big money right now. At least I hope he does. However, he is using the same habits and styles that are not working anymore for some of us trying to survive in quarantine. Surviving a worldwide pandemic and also making sure you are sane, safe and financially stable; these are different spectrums that should be treated with care and understanding.

    Not everyone has a marketing team that can work day and night, so that their main leader can post and emphasize “tips” like “Waking up at 5am for 30 days, will change your life!” Or “you won’t be successful if you don’t do this..”, “unproductive behaviours and procrastination are traumas we must let go of”… I mean for some, this is great motivation and inspiration — those living their best life, with no financial stress. That’s okay, you did the work before this pandemic happened. Good for you! But if you are reposting and curating the same content as before, you are creating a mental health problem for those who look up to you and are trying to literally survive right now.

    Remember, words have power and we as writers, bloggers, media and creatives should take responsibility for our actions. Also, if you see the people you admire, constantly on social media and posting, they have teams and they have built a routine and ways to make money while they are asleep, before all of this happened. If you didn’t do that, please! Do not feel like you are a failure or not enough, and that you can’t start building your career now. You can, but you have to put in the hours, the sweat, the tears, the sleepless nights (not recommended for people who suffer from insomnia or have family history of Alzheimer’s and dementia. You need your 7–8 hours sleep, don’t waste it.) and just work smart, do one thing at time. They have completed each step of the “success ladder” which is a process that you can’t lie about or fake. Are you ready?

    So for all writers and creatives out there:

    Your work this month is to understand the difference between feeling truly alive and being constantly in danger _AO

    I’ve challenged myself to write at least two articles per week. There have been drastic changes here in my city. Basically, they are beginning to re-open businesses when the Coronavirus is still in full force and people haven’t been doing what they are supposed to be doing… The increase in positive cases is up by 2000 instead of 1000 per day. Here are the stats for Quebec.

    Results and data don’t lie. This is a population that thinks they are above the virus, selfish lab rats from a province in Canada with the highest taxes. They at the moment, are not paying for our necessities and rent, or food. They are the definition of a bystander and leaching system. They know and are fully aware that the population, IF they really pay attention, don’t need them in the end. Taxes can actually go where they are supposed to… There is a silent corruption, segregation and alienation that has been very well known for years in this province. Before all this pandemic started, Montreal taxes were spent on fixing streets, communities, advancements, resources, commercial, research, schools, wages for teachers, staff and etc. However, essential workers were taken for granted. Now, the whole population has acknowledged that and they are demanding more. Thanks to Trudeau (a Canadian — not Quebec initiative) who is raising all wages for essential workers this month. They deserve the utmost respect ✊🏽 This city does not value them at this moment. It’s very clear and straightforward that the government is giving people the option to choose whether to live or die.

    The people in charge of this province and the poor souls who are suffering because of their poor leadership skills, will get their karma, so will the radio stations and news broadcasts. They think that this is going to be forgotten. I will never forget and I’ll document so we don’t forget. They are thinking of opening schools in the next two weeks and asking parents, who cares. Because yes, there are parents here who are very vocal, “I can’t wait until my kids go back to school already!” Even though they know very well the stats and that the situation here is out of control.

    No judgment, but that’s selfish if you ask me. Kids should not be some experiment to test, especially when the outcome is death. Parents like these, don’t really have a need for their kids to be in school. There are essential workers with kids who are absolutely not okay with this… however they don’t have the luxury of having that choice. They have been leaving their kids with special daycare services which are being offered by daycares here. I can just imagine those kids dealing with strict distance regulations, waiting for their parents… now, they have to share the space with more kids next week…

    This is a disaster for the mental health practitioners, because this absolutely means more people infected and more hospitalizations, putting teachers, daycares, at risk… And parents who have been working from home this whole time and have found stability with their routines, their kids, and work. So these are the kinds of things that have been happening around here and why writing was put on pause last week. Just being real. And I finished writing this on Mother’s day while waiting for my girls to come home from their dad.

    Either way, here I am, to give you some positivity and happy tips that have been working so far with me and my girls. I hope I can help, please stay home if you are living in my area; this virus has not been slowing down. If you see the numbers of infections and deaths increase, please for your sake and others’… Stay home! Wash your hands (for at least 20 seconds), keep your distance, and only go out if you need to and WEAR A MASK (IF YOU HAVE KIDS, THEM TOO). We need to buy more time. Let’s flatten this curve and let’s do this together. Unity it’s our only solution. Community and collaboration can save lives right now. Other cities and countries are celebrating that they have lowered their number of cases, and they can start visiting their families first, then opening businesses and schools… not the other way around.

    Alright, enough of the negative. Let’s embrace the suck and dive into positivity and happiness! So how do you find these things while you are in quarantine at home? If you’ve been quarantining for the last two months and doing what you’re supposed to, you’re a superhero! You got this, and you will come out stronger because of your kindness, compassion, and patience. Now, here are some tips to endure another month.

    1. Wake up with an intention and gratitude.
    2. Plan the night before > Routines/schedule/list
    3. Play, self-care, and use your imagination.
    4. Creativity, exercise, meditation, yoga (sleepy yoga) My girls favorite ❤
    5. Writing/reading/music/movies/documentaries
    6. Love every day. Keep in contact with your loved ones.
    7. Help your community/support local businesses.
    8. Do not listen to the news or radio. Read real stats and legit news.
    9. Dance 💃🏻 do something you love after you’ve done your tasks for the day!

    I hope this helps. Keep up those positive vibes and that healthy mindset. Plan for your future and if you have kids, their future. Put together a savings plan, start seeing where your money can be invested and where it can be of better use for your community and those in need. Be happy that you get to stay safe at home and spend this precious time with your loved ones and yeah, yourself. Love yourself more, let go of toxic habits and people that are not good for your personal growth. Invest in your wellbeing and your passions.

    Until next time…Stay safe. 

    Be kind to your planet, to you, and others.

    What have you been doing that has helped you stay positive and focused on your goals these past two months? Let me know in the comments 🙂

    Edited by Vanessa Hasid. <3

    All Rights Reserved to WritersYep ©

    8 months ago Health & Wellness, Life Wisdom, Science & Environment, WritersYep, WritersYepper's Journeys, Yeppin

    Note #450 … Day in quarantine #58 …Outside of my place: #2 (not without a mask or gloves). 

    Originally published on Medium.

    It’s a beautiful Saturday morning in the suburbs of Vaudreuil-Dorion. Chilly, but promising. Today I woke up and was blessed to see my mother whom I haven’t seen for the past 3 months since quarantine life started. My sister, who has been taking care of my mother with my stepdad, came to pick me up the night before. I showered before leaving my place and we used hand sanitizer before entering my mother’s house.

    My mother’s health is critical right now. My family are superheros and my mom’s guardian angels helping her through this very painful, difficult and slowly passing over journey. I’m grateful for being able to see her laugh and be so happy to see me and our family together. We bathed her and fed her together. Shared memories with her, and gave her as much love as we could. The clock is ticking and our time with her is diminishing by the hour. I know she doesn’t remember me anymore, but today my sister asked her who I was, and she mumbled (losing her ability to speak): “I don’t know… but I know I love her”. And that made all the painful things I’ve been feeling over the past few days settle — and honestly, it was good enough for me.

    I’m writing this post while she’s napping, because I wanted to remind you all out there, that we must remember, there is only one Mama. If you are lucky enough to have her in your life right now, treasure her. Love her as much as you can. Answer the phone when she calls! Trust me, you will wish she would do it all the time once she stops calling…

    This article was written between holding my mom’s hand and using my other hand… on my phone. When you’ve been working on and also being able to master the ability to write, create and keep building relationships through social media for the past 5 years now. It’s incredible what experience, consistency and never giving up can do. So, if you’re planning on starting anything new during this time. Build writing, design, anything creative and work on your personal development. Now is the time. Go for it. It’s never too late and you are never too old.

    Grateful for my mom eating today. For moments of happiness, for moments of her dancing and laughing while we give her food she loves. These are hard moments for us. We are just enjoying every last moment and minute that we have with her. Even though she’s leaving us soon and we are grieving while she’s still here fighting, we are praying for her peace. It’s the worst disease I believe; you forget all your happy moments, and your mind becomes your own worst enemy while your body deteriorates a little more each day… It’s really true that you must think positive and beat those negative thoughts, because your own emotions and thoughts can become your biggest enemy. Be kind to your mind, be gentle with what you say to yourself and to others too. It does matter. Mental health matters.

    For those that want to prevent getting this disease earlier, because it sucks and we are not as lucky to find family members that can take care of you and all your needs and basic necessities until your last breath on this earth. There are a lot of caregiving people and caregiving places. But these services are very expensive and in Quebec only for 65 years old and over or you get locked up in a mental institution. Getting this earlier is the worst way to die. My advice that we’ve learned through all of this. Prioritize sleeping. I know it’s harder these days at home, and having all kinds of problems and stressors. But I’ve been prioritizing sleeping (which I wasn’t, developed insomnia and working through burnouts before quarantine started and it was getting worse) doing that lately, and has been a life changer. Feel more energy and more sense of purpose and happiness while I work from home, help others and take care of my girls. Save this link page somewhere, if you have heritage history or that you’ve noticed the symptoms but would like to work on slowing it down and building better mental stability around this. Start now. There is no cure and it’s worse than COVID-19…And sleep deprivation is one of the main causes. 

    Today, I also wanted to mention someone I’ve encountered in an awesome writing group on Facebook, The Ninja Writers. Marla Bishoparticle: A Man’s Gotta Do What a Man’s Gotta Do — I really resonated with this article. But also I felt the need to remind courageous and brave mama Marla and her son, that she deserves better and much more. This is my response to her article:

    Marla I can understand this. 👏💯 I’m doing the same with my toddlers. Single mom, and my ex is starting essential work this week. He takes care of the girls half the week. He leaves at 5 am, though. So I travel 20 minutes by foot so I can take care of our kids and he goes to work. We are good friends and we are keeping our children safe. 💞 Yes we will do anything for our kids, to keep them safe and sane… it’s not easy for kids during this pandemic and not being able to see their friends… so I completely get it. But I’m going to tell you something. I was your son once…. I feel guilty every day but I’ve forgiven myself and my mama too… She’s dying.. she’s in her last few days…not from Covid-19 😔 but worse… Alzheimer’s and dementia at 55 years old… my point is, I was that daughter. When I was younger I would not answer the phone when my mama would call. She would call almost every day, on my travels, when I moved to New York… I knew she was worried.. but I still didn’t answer.. I know… dick move. After living on my own after a while, I started to answer. We would talk everyday and I could tell she was happy just to hear my voice. I remember telling her, “so sorry for not answering” and her telling me, “I would always keep on calling you either way, I knew you would answer..’’ Little did we know that a year later she started showing signs and one of those signs was that she stopped calling. Not because she didn’t want to… but because she was forgetting. So my point is, it’s not fair to you either. You are the mom that gave birth to your grown up son and had to travel all that way because he wouldn’t pick up the phone and you had to go all that way… and he was home… but couldn’t answer your calls… that’s F$@& . So tell your son my story. I wish I had more phone calls with my mom now, I wish she would show up on my balcony and risk her life for me. But now, she’s in a death bed, suffering, waiting to be at peace… 😔 so please, it was brave what you did, but seriously next time tell your son to pick up the phone… And remind him that there is only one Mom. And that can be taken away any moment. Tell him he should treasure a brave and courageous mother that will do anything for her son. Happy Mother’s Day, you deserve a day off and lots of love. ❤️Stay safe 💞

    Thank you Marla Bishop for also recommending that I write this for other parents feeling this way. This article is also for you. You are an amazing mama or papa. Parenting it’s not easy and now homeschooling is a different ball game. Trust me, living through it and not easy at all. But, is a process to adjust and you work on it everyday. Honestly, teachers should get a massive raise, day spa once a month and wine on weekends. Either way, Parents you’re all doing the best you can while surviving a world pandemic. Never ever forget that. Our teenagers phase we all go through, will pass. But the goal is not to stay stuck there and grow. Not responding to your mom or dad, will come to haunt you when you least expect it. They won’t be here for long. You were their purpose and they love you no matter what. They fought many battles, they went through a lot so that you (yes, you future generations of young teens in quarantine) can have what you have, and enjoy your life.

    Remember, successful mothers are not the ones that have never struggled. They are the ones who never give up, despite the struggles! Happy Mother’s day every day to you and our Mother Earth❤

    Here are some books that have helped me while we are safe at home, working and homeschooling my toddlers. I hope they help you too. 

    Books for kids and Parents during quarantine:

    Books for kids: (Toddlers — 6 years): 

    Books for parents: 

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

    Thank you Vanessa Hasid. <3

    If you like this blog post, thank you 🙂 share it with someone who might need to read this and get some parenting love appreciation. Leave me in the comments if you’ve read other books or homeschooling books or activities during quarantine? Let’s help each other through these times <3

    This Blog post contains some affiliate links. This means if you choose to purchase one of these items we will make a very small commission at no extra charge to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.

    All Rights Reserved to WritersYep ©

    10 months ago Entrepreneurship, Health & Wellness, Life Wisdom, WritersYepper's Journeys, Yeppin
    Yep, it’s possible to overcome all you put your mind, heart, and soul into.

    Originally published on Medium.

    The best and most beautiful things cannot be seen or touched, they must be felt with the heart — Helen Keller.

    Artist: Annie Tarasova aka. @dreamy_moons

    I know the title of this blog is intense, but before I dive into more, you need to remember that in order for this to work, you need to prepare your mind and spirit for it. As I’m writing this, in a library, after a long shift working at a restaurant, with my eldest toddler sick for 3 days, I have gotten virtually no sleep. However, the need to help others dealing with a similar situation to mine, is stronger than me.

    There are days when it feels easier, but most days feel like climbing the hardest mountain — with a huge load of weight, and heavy sadness right next to you as you climb. A clear reminder that, you still have to deal with pain and hurt no matter how much you try and avoid it with other distractions…

    Yep, it’s really easy to ignore the pain with work, Netflix-binging, the social media universe, alcohol, drugs, sex or whatever you do to avoid the big, heavy, not so comfortable emotions. Pain and grief.

    Positivity and changing your mindset every day can be exhausting at times. But, for our brains to stay sane, it is necessary to stay positive. If you cannot, that’s okay too. The moon has its good and bad days. She still shines beautifully when she can. And even when she can’t, we know she will shine again eventually. So, don’t forget to recharge, but keep shining your light. Remember, we are all here for a reason.

    Now, go ahead and write down three things that make you happy. [leave them in the comments below — I’d love read them :)]

    No worries if you haven’t found them yet. Keep looking and the answers you’ve always asked yourself are right within you or within your circle of friends and colleagues. Do not hesitate to ask for help. That’s part of what I’ve been learning throughout the grieving and healing process. You do not have to go through this alone.

    If you want to keep the positivity going on days you really need it, I highly recommend exercise. Not just exercising the body; meditate, write down what you are grateful for in this life, eat healthier, go to sleep early (working on this one – — taking naps whenever I can!) and keep in touch with your loved ones.

    My other heavy weight is responsibility for others — my kids, my clients, my team, my family, and trying to stay sane while paying bills and working multiple jobs.

    (Aside from working on my writing (my first love) and social media presence, I am also in the midst of publishing my first book, creating a podcast, and organizing my first fundraiser event this year. I also work full-time in a vegan restaurant and once a week in a gym. This is in order to pay bills, put food on the table for my two toddlers, and continue to build my startup and my unfranchised business partnered with shop.com) All this while walking on broken glass. My mother is in her last stages of Alzheimer’s at 55 years old, so I am dealing with family drama. Oh – — and entitled writers gone bad.)

    I try my hardest to keep a positive outlook because I know there are little ones watching.

    Positivity is like a muscle that must be taken care of, nurtured, and recharged. (You are not going to be happy everyday and that’s absolutely fucking fine!)

    Let go of what you cannot control.

    Here are 4 things I’ve learned so far. I hope they’ll help you too:

    1. Be okay with being super duper sad, and learn not to numb or ignore this feeling.

    It’s uncomfortable to even write this. I’m still deep in my healing journey. But I’ve come to understand that we must let the feeling of hurt, hurt us. We must acknowledge it, come to terms with it, and be brave enough to live with it, every single day.

    Sadness has a purpose just as being happy does. There are lessons hidden in pain and loss. We need to learn how to live with our grief. It never goes away. That person you lost or are losing in a horrible way, was/is here for a reason. They have impacted your life in some way. You loved them so much, and it’s okay to grieve and be sad about their not being here anymore. However, I don’t believe a soul is ever completely gone. It lives through us.

    When you honour that person and do something they used to love or when you do something for someone else, just remember your loved ones. That’s how you keep them alive. The lessons and values they passed down to you and what you learned from them while they were here – — that’s what will always stay alive in your heart and in the hearts of others.

    It’s even better when you take those values and lessons, and use them to teach others, to pass them down either through writing, creating a workshop, webinar or podcast. Anything that keeps their message and their purpose alive. That’s usually the best way I’ve come to learn to cope with not having your loved ones here physically (my mom’s body is still here degrading each day, but what she used to be is not). But know that in spirit and through you, they are always here.

    For example, my mother always wanted to be a health practitioner. She wanted to help those in need. She helped me a lot when I got leukemia at 15 years old. I’m alive today because she never gave up on finding solutions and an anonymous donor to save me. I pray every day that I could do the same for her. She was always so giving and always wanted to do more for the planet and those she cared about.

    Now, these lessons and values she has passed down to me and my sisters are our mission to keep her love alive.

    I’ve come to the realization that Alzheimer’s and dementia were bound to happen to her. She knew it too but didn’t want to accept or admit it. I believe there would have been a lot we could have done for her, if she would have talked to us. However, she had a communication problem. She would keep hurtful things to herself. I started to do that after my first break-up when I became a single mom. But thanks to my sisters and friends, I was able to recognize this and break the pattern. I am still trying, for my girls’ sakes.

    My mom wouldn’t voice it if something was wrong. She maintained a happy demeanor even when things were not okay. She didn’t want others to feel her pain.

    My mother learned this since infancy; her family was not very cooperative of people saying what they really felt or meant. It was considered weak and useless to even speak within the family. Even “I love you” was hard for her to hear. It would make her uncomfortable. The lifestyle she was raised in was more ‘fake it until you make it’…Meanwhile, she grew up in a household that was unhealthy and abusive towards her. Until this day, they have not come to see her or help her in any way. Another lesson: family is not always blood-related. Do not let family members take advantage, abuse and treat you badly just because they are your family. My mom’s coping mechanism was to silence those hurtful things and keep going. She would help others more, in order to avoid helping herself or asking for help.

    She grew up to be self-reliant and did things as best as she could to leave her family home and do her own thing. She met my father, they got married and had me before she finished university. Then she went through a horrible divorce and met my step-dad within months of this. Never wanted to talk about hurtful or painful things. Again, a ‘just keep going’ mentality and not recognizing that something was not right. In other words, my mom’s life lessons are beacons of light for my sisters, myself, my two daughters, and perhaps for you too, as I share my story with you. #yourstorymatters (podcast coming soon)

    2. Death is a part of life, learn to see the good even when life is at its worst.

    Good or bad, our story and life lessons can help someone else. We come into this world with a purpose. It’s up to us what we do with it.

    We all have the same 24 hours in a day.

    Let’s not keep silent and start voicing what we really mean. Regardless of the consequences. My mother’s disease is terminal, but she didn’t voice her feelings and talk to someone. She didn’t exercise much and worked a lot. She didn’t get much sleep and always stressed about other things, unrelated to what she wanted to do with her life. These are things that accumulated and I know that she would have done things differently, if she knew better and knew that she wasn’t alone.

    I miss her talking to me, especially going through mom life with not much support. I remember most of our conversations. That’s why 7 years ago, I was the first one to notice when something was wrong. She would tell me everything, and I, to her. She was my best friend and I was hers.

    Thanks to social media, I’ve learned to reach out to other mamas and women entrepreneur leaders that have been helping me heal, get the help I need, and deal with mom entrepreneurship.

    I’m creating a fundraiser event in Montreal, Quebec for child cancer patients and Alzheimer’s research. It’s in honor of my mother’s love, being kind and what she has taught us, so we can now create a safe space and help others through mindful art & creativity.

    3. You are enough.

    Yes! You have to remind yourself of this, even when others or other things in life make you think you don’t deserve happiness while you are in pain.

    That is just ridiculous.

    So please let go of that and start believing that you deserve everything that this world has to offer. Do not stay in a state of sadness and think thoughts like, “I can’t help myself because I’m sad and I can’t deal”… Of course you can!

    Everything in this life is a choice. You are choosing to stay in that state of sadness, depression, anxiety, and fear. This is all just a by-product of thinking you can’t or stressing about a future that hasn’t even happened yet.

    Take one step, one day at time, and slowly you will gain your strength and your willingness to do better than yesterday. Progress is a milestone process that requires time. Take your time when it comes to healing past versions of yourself, childhood trauma, fears, breakups, abusive behaviours and the loss of someone you love dearly. Seeking healing by speaking to a therapist or life coach can also help. Do not let pride make you neglect the power of someone who is trained to deal with your pain and grief. Remember, you are enough, you are loved and you deserve to be heard.

    For parents who are reading this:

    Parenting is freaking hard! However, as I’m in the last stages of publishing my parenting book, I’ve come to appreciate the co-parenting rules and boundaries that me and my ex have built over the last year.

    We are better parents now (not perfect, but better) because we have built a good communication system, we take our time seriously, and we value our work and our time with our kids more. But more importantly, when it comes to our girls’ well-being, health, education and values, we want them to learn. We speak to each other in a kind and respectful way in front of our girls.

    We want them to also value that just because we are not together, it doesn’t mean we have to be unkind towards each other. We are also teaching them that just because you disagree or something doesn’t work out with someone, it does not mean that you have to cut them off or be rude with them (well, with the exception of some crazy, unsound people. It’s life, it happens. Some people must be cut off in order for you to be happy. Just do it with grace okay?). Either way, we are human and we are not perfect! We make mistakes and some people are on your life journey to teach you a lesson, whether it’s bad or good. Anyway- more parenting tips in my book soon 🙂

    4. Love yourself and say NO when you must.

    Even if it makes others uncomfortable. You are your first priority.

    I know you’ve probably heard this many times in books, motivational quotes on social media, and other loved ones telling you, but it’s really the truth. Self-love is a discipline and it is absolutely necessary. I wouldn’t be able to do most of everything I do (!) if I didn’t take time for self-care and serious alone time. Writing, blogging, creating content, satisfying clients and giving value to others, as consistently as a single mother can, would not be possible if out of my 24 hours, I don’t take 15 to 20 minutes to recharge (my work hours are usually 64–72 hrs a week, but hey! Building two sustainable and mindful businesses and raising 2 children at the same time is not easy. However, that’s my choice to build a space so others don’t have to 🙂 ).

    I hope this helped you to be okay, and that you took a nap or put your phone down for a little “you” time.

    It’s necessary.

    Happy working, make sure you nurture your wounds and be alright with them being around you. Just don’t let them consume you. Life is short and we are here to make the most of it.

    As always, be kind to your planet, to you (seriously) and to others.

    By Angie Abreu Olivo. Edited by Vanessa H.

    All Rights Reserved to WritersYep ©