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    1 month ago #GiveBack, Anti-Racism Matters, BioScience, Chemistry, Money, Science & Environment, Social Justice, Sustainability Matters, Yeppin

    This Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) report is vital because it can support and inform the decision-makers of companies, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, as well as the public each year.

    Photo by Carlos “Grury” Santos

    In the journey of becoming Anti racist, (yes, as a latinx and mix-indigenous/Dominicana, I have lots of decolonization, dismantling of white supremacy, and bias to acknowledge, heal, and to overall change behaviours), decolonizing the mind is not easy work. It’s very deep and personal. And at the same time, fighting for climate change as an environmentalist, writer,founder, single mom and women of color, is on another level. 

    But it is necessary and painful work that I want to do and encourage you to do the same. We all have inner healing, and dismantle colonized mindset, oppressed, gentrified and discriminated traumas to let go and embrace new information and change. I know change is not easy, we are creatures that love comfort and safety-net. However, real life is not meant to be easy. 

    We all must work and learn to find joy through the chaos. _AO

     Earth was not created and all its organisms living on it, without going through painful and destructive experiences. There was a lot that our planet endured and our ancestors had to go through and adapt to a fast changing environment to get to where we are now. It really is up to us, to do something about what was NOT done well in the past. We have to fix it, all of us. We must research, find the truth and educate ourselves from what we all know by now, was a lie. History doesn’t repeat itself, but intergenerational trauma induce and a cycle system built to benefit some and zero for the other does. 

    Honestly, if 10 years ago, someone would have asked me if this was ever a possibility to do all of this… I probably would have said “Heck, no way”!

    This is where we are in a worldwide pandemic: 

    • We are on the rise of coronavirus again, and those who are more affected are trying to promote already their idea of a vaccine (which estimated time for a proper vaccine to developed and certified tested, has to be until the end of the year of 2021), that most probably is just test-runs; and we the healthy (working outside and being exposed to the virus or the survivors of the virus) are the subjects . With no scientific or result evidence that they work, but yet, political leaders are using it as a beacon of”fake-hope” to keep the public calm. 
    • Children and teachers risking their lives for the sake of “education”, parents working are either from home, or out with the public where they are exposed to the Coronavirus because their jobs allow them to feed their families and keep the mental-slave economy going .
    • Some countries and cities are still on lockdown since 9 months ago. The world, is on fire while most of us are getting richer and others are trying to survive injustices by police brutality, racism, misogyny, patriarchy, white supremacist, homo/transphobia, a pandemic, climate change and mental health issues. 
    • Traditional media and those who are in power, are making it very clear and not so subtle anymore, for us to STOP questioning their actions, the status quo, the system that keeps them in power and their so called “laws and policies”; which we all know needs to be re-written and changed. As well, it is not really advertised or spoken of, the long term effects this vaccine can create on our bodies since this virus has no cure as of yet. And the long term effects after getting the virus and surviving is another job on top of everything else going on in the world. Listen to the stories of those who survived. Data and numbers cases of survivors who are still having long term symptoms, and probably prolonged health issues, which were not a problem before they got covid-19.
    • Seniors, Children, Indigenous, Women, Parents, Single parents, Blacks, LGBTQ+, Transwomen and all people of color are suffering and dying faster than our fellow white counterparts during this pandemic. Our white peers are enjoying the privilege that their ancestors left behind (white supremacy, misogyny, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, patriarchy, capitalist/colonial mindset, Zero sum game bs, rapist, child molesters, police brutality, discrimination, segregation, oppression… I can keep going but do your research “on whiteness” ) for all the rest of us to deal. Now, 400 years later, we are demanding and fighting for justice, for our human rights and building equitable and sustainable systems that enhance our nations and our planet. With or without white people help. It will be amazing that our white peers become our allies. Because you do have the advantage of being born with the prefered skin color for now and use it for good; which is what we have been asking for decades. It feels good to benefit and profit from those who are suffering right now isn’t? Or educate yourself about systemic racism and white supremacy instead of experiencing it everyday? How was your vacation in the middle of a world pandemic? How were you treated in the hospital this year? Yep, check your privilege. Because Enough is enough! WE ARE TIRED! It’s exhausting trying to survive in a world designed Anti-black. Which is ridiculous. We are the by-product of multicultural and mixed races for many generations now. 
    • More jobs, the ability to rent a place in a safe neighbourhood, the right to get proper health care, financial assistance and mental health support are becoming less accessible than it was before for people whose skins are different than white. Those who denied this statement, please educate yourself, people are dying and we don’t have the time or the mental strength anymore to applicate to your wounded ego or feelings. 
    • There are those who are not able to find jobs or work right now; at the same time trying to survive themselves and provide for their loved ones with any means or ways they can. How are you surviving these days? 

    Honestly, I say and write thank you every single day, because sometimes I know it is a privilege to meditate or yoga, or take a walk for a few minutes. Without feeling guilty of not being a slave working for an economy and system that’s designed to keep us in control and letting them get away with horrible things done to us, the consumers and Earth, our home. 

    For now, let’s focus on those who need to be held accountable and how to start taking action. Tracking their actions and adding tax accordingly. It’s the fastest and most effective way to get to the core of most problems on this planet right now and making sure our human rights and health are not affected by their corrupted actions.

     We are paying and working, supporting companies and industries that are sick, toxic and twisted controlled by wealthy individuals. They also make sure they cover their tracks by paying enough to traditional media and politicians in order to keep the masses (us) distracted (using our psychological and intergenerational trauma to keep us oppressed and controlled. That’s why it is important to decolonize ourselves.Our minds can be easily manipulated if we don’t work on our mental strength too. ) from political bs, entertainment bs, news (keep us divided by lying and using racist and white supremacy tactics) and media power (them). Because the government and policy makers already knew, and always have known how bad climate change will be for all of us. Especially the most vulnerable and communities of people of color. They have the best scientists and research people on payroll that we pay them from our own taxes. They know the policies and regulations are mandatory for a reason. But humanity got distracted for the past 10–20 years. 

    Here we are. World pandemic, fighting for human rights again! and now, dealing with climate change impacts all in the same year. 

    2020 is not the problem, is what was already designed to benefit those who profit over inequality, and through the oppression of the most vulnerable communities. We see it through how children’s rights are being violated by ICE immigration and concentration camps. Humans rights violated in China, with genocide camps having muslims and other people locked up. The violations of Women’s rights in the ICE facilities recently reported through a whistleblowers (Thank god that you exist, I know is bad what you do because you get the most heat for speaking up and we are so grateful for your bravery. The universe always rewards the most stubborn souls. Especially those who are meant to show the light and truth. Integrity, compassion and honesty are vital these days. Don’t give up). 

    Money can buy mostly everything. But I’m telling you there are three things it CAN’T: Integrity, our mindset and hope. These grow, change over time and for the right reasons, giving the right circumstances and environment. Just like a diamond. 

    However, let’s focus on these corporations and large companies’ gadgets and how they need to report to the population their practises and their initiatives on lowering their environmental and health impact. It’s our basic human rights since we are the citizens paying to live in these countries that are supposed to keep us safe. Let’s start with:

    The TRI Report method can ensure for all of us citizens of the country we reside in, that manufactures and industrial systems, are held accountable in the goal to reduce CO2 emissions by 1.5 degrees celsius for the next 10 years. We all know by now, due to Covid-19 and a worldwide pandemic, that certain areas and locations are more vulnerable and exposed to chemical hazards than others. That climate change impact hasn’t stopped because of the Coronavirus. We can clearly see it through many disasters and now, the fires in California.

    Meanwhile, some manufacturers and facilities operations are still working during these times too. Due to the non-stop work of these facilities, creating a TRI report for the EPA is now more important than ever; to have to produce a TRI report will ensure that these companies and manufacturers take accountability for their actions. It will keep them aligned with the world goals: to reduce CO2 emissions, plus better management of their release of toxic waste into the land, water, and air.

    Image credit: EPA (United States Environment and Protection agency)

    Why is TRI important?

    TRI tracks the management of certain toxic chemicals that may pose a threat to human health and the environment. This report is very important because it must contain these manufactures and facilities year’s- worth of releases to air (fumes, smoke, dust), water, and in the form of hazardous chemical waste. These companies can maintain their credibility and make sure that their actions align with greener standards. They can also create a leadership-type role, which other companies can view as an example for their future environmental protection policies within their organizations. The positive movement by providing this TRI report can create better acquisition opportunities and better advancement for the organization as well as their internal affairs.

    Now, there are three criterias that a facility must meet in the report:

    1. Specific industry sector e.g., manufacturing, mining, electric power generation). Note that federal facilities must report regardless of industry sector if they meet the other two criteria.
    2. Employs 10 or more full-time equivalent employees
    3. Manufactures, processes, or otherwise uses a TRI-listed chemical in quantities above threshold levels in a given year.

    Sources: EPA.

    The TRI program has expanded significantly since its inception in 1987. The APE agency has issued rules to roughly double the number of chemicals included in the TRI to approximately 767 individually listed chemicals and 33 chemical categories. This includes the PFAS chemicals added by the National Defense Authorization Act in December 2019. As a result, the types of chemicals covered by the TRI list of reportable toxic chemicals can vary from year to year.

    In general, the Toxic Release Inventory requirements are to report chemicals covered by the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Program; those that cause one or more of the following:

    • Cancer or other chronic human health effects
    • Significant adverse acute human health effects
    • Significant adverse environmental effects

    image:EPA

    Facilities that meet all of these criteria must:

    • Submit a TRI Form R for each TRI-listed chemical it manufactures, processes, or otherwise uses in quantities above the reporting threshold. (Note: Facilities may be eligible to submit the shorter Form A if they meet certain criteria. See the TRI Reporting Forms and Instructions for details.)
    • Submit each TRI form to both EPA and the state in which the facility is located (or to the appropriate tribe, if located in Indian country).
    • Submit each reporting form using TRI-MEweb, EPA’s online TRI reporting application.

    If a facility does not exceed an activity threshold for a listed toxic chemical, or is not in a covered NAICS code, or does not have 10 or more full-time employee equivalents, it is not required to report under EPCRA Section 313. However, such facilities may still want to keep records of the amounts of listed toxic chemicals they manufacture, process, or otherwise use, in order to defend against any claim that they failed to report.

    The parent regulation of TRI and the general goal of this parent regulation is in order to help with TRI reporting rules. In 1986, Congress passed the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) to support and promote emergency planning and to provide the public with information about releases of toxic chemicals in their community. Section 313 of EPCRA established the Toxics Release Inventory. (source: EPA)

    TRI is for industries primarily including manufacturing, metal and coal mining, electric utilities, and commercial hazardous waste treatment. Most recently, the APE Agency has reduced the reporting thresholds for certain persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) chemicals in order to be able to provide additional information to the public on these chemicals. (Source: Office of Disease Prevention and Health promotion) For example, Mobile sources emissions, which account for approximately 50% of all air toxics, as well as smaller sources such as gas stations and dry cleaners are not included in TRI.

    As mentioned in the Climate Reality Training, “rebuilding with green jobs”, we must put people first, produce green jobs, create a zero carbon society, equity building, and take climate action. Express the need of policy and educational awareness by:

    • Putting people first.
    • Ceasing bail outs for fossil fuels.
    • Fostering a just transition to zero emissions.
    • Focusing on creating careers and economic opportunities in areas with most need.
    • Social, Human Rights, and environmental justice
    • Climate change solutions and greener spaces
    • Embrace companies and organizations that provide services in sustainability and they create equitable, clean and sustainable practices within their organization and brands that inspire their consumers and their communities to thrive and too.

    In other words, TRI properly reporting and including EPA programs can make sure these facilities and companies are held accountable while we are all in the process of creating a greener and healthier sustainable planet. All of this on top of surviving a world pandemic, climate change, human rights and social justice movement.

    In one of the training, we had to read an article and express our solutions for climate action. I loved the article:

    9 REASONS TO HAVE CLIMATE HOPE IN 2020

    For this exercise, I added a 10th reason to have hope for the climate, and something I’ll be potentially presenting in order to create more awareness and hold big polluters accountable for their actions each year here in Montreal, and in the rest of Canada.

    I don’t live in the US, but their EPA program and their TRI mandatory report is something I believe is important to enforce and create more awareness. The need to educate more the YOUTH about these programs, climate change, anti-racism, anti-white supremacy, living more sustainability and give them the tools to also educate their peers and families is vital. I’ll definitely be contributing through writing, art and sharing more educational content about climate change and social justice through our channels and podcast episodes, on why Montreal, Quebec, or Canada doesn’t require this report to be mandatory, yet in the USA is vital for obvious reasons of course…

    Either way, we will be going into more depth about climate change solution, sharing the story of other companies doing the work, sustainability, why is important to build equitable sustainable and cleaner energy systems, Greener cities, build and amplifying Black and BIPOC Wealth in all systems (education, media, health facilities,agriculture, government, justice system,etc) . It is necessary to keep in check or create programs that track big corporations and manufactures that need to be held accountable for their toxic waste release into land, water and our air in areas of minority and most vulnerable communities around the world.

    We want change, and it starts from those who think they have it. The “power to the people” is still very valid and freedom of speech was created in order to defy those in power who we know and clearly can see are not good for our nations and our planet. Our mixed races are beautiful magic and it is time for all of us to embrace our diversity, uniqueness and unconscious inner strength as we unite forces to do what’s right for our planet and ourself. 

    *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.

    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❤

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    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!

    All Rights Reserved to WritersYep ©

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

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

    Originally published Medium

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Thank you for your support!

    Love and Light,

    _AO.

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

    Edited by EP❤

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    All Rights Reserved to WritersYep ©

    2 months ago Entrepreneurship, Health & Wellness, Life Wisdom, Money, Yeppin

    Let go of the old and embrace the good with the bad.

    Originally published Medium.

    It’s a brutal world but I’m grateful for life, resilience, and love. Embracing vulnerability is not a weakness. It’s only a problem to those who are not meant to be in your life, those who profit and benefit from your silent struggles, and those who have power over you.

    We’ve been so conditioned and programmed that even when you know the government and its education, and political system is corrupted with capitalism, white supremacy, the police force, and corrupt corporations, we still believe in our government… even when we know that it’s killing and degrading BIPOC (means Black, indigenous, and people of color), Asians, LGBTQ, women, children’s lives…

    In this blog post today and moving forward, I want to let my readers, subscribers, and followers know that I’ll be writing and creating content on the good and the bad. No BS. Why? Because it is better to be your authentic self than to fake it.

    Because nobody is happy all the freaking time. Nobody is living their “best life” during a worldwide pandemic… unless you’re a billionaire… (*cough*) WORLD’S BILLIONAIRES LIST.

    Jeff Bezos you are a real piece of work man, can you please take some of those billions and reduce the amount of plastic waste in Amazon packaging. To the rest of the humans on this list as well, be kind and start giving to those who need it the most during these times. Human suffering is not by choice, it’s designed, conditioned, and maintained by those with a lot of wealth, greed, lack of empathy and power. Karma is a bitch, those billions won’t save you in the afterlife.

    Keep in mind, even the richest people are f’ed up in the head and they know it. But “don’t rush, nobody is posting their failures”, right? That’s why social media channels have been creating mental health issues for most of us for over a decade now. Especially those struggling with self discipline, working from home, those who choose not to workout everyday, those who binge eat, take drugs or alcohol, watch Netflix, or spend hours scrolling through all channels of social media… just to cope with reality.

    There are a lot of people right now suffering from serious mental illness, health issues, financial depression, going through rough stuff… and we are supposed to ignore all the suffering and pain of others. And because it’s not “social media, news, entertainment, and unrealistic expectations” it’s not ‘aesthetic enough’…

    “We have become ignorant of the truth because it is better to believe in a lie than face the reality.” A.O

    I’m done. No mas. Humans need a reality check every now and then. Not only through showing in the ”news” what’s really going on with the world and us. It’s time to change this and it starts with our platforms and networks.

    There is a section in the book Dare to Lead by Brene Brown (love this book), #12 Armored Leadership. “When worthiness is a function of productivity, we lose the ability to pump the brakes: the idea of doing something that doesn’t add to the bottom line provokes stress and anxiety.” Then she explains the Daring leadership of Armored, as modeling and supporting rest, play, and recovery are essential core values that enhance creativity and innovation.

    This I can relate to by personal experience, and I started to apply this mindset into my daily routines and how I interact with people now. It has helped a lot into listening with understanding, and embracing more vulnerability which as a result, is helping me cope and heal during these times.

    So this “fake mentality” stigma that was trending before quarantine… it’s what I’m breaking here. If you’d like to join me and my team on this journey, awesome! Stay real, not superficial. Let’s create spaces where followers and subscribers feel good, value, understood, encouraged, and inspire others with the right mental and emotional support. That good comes with the bad. Physical support has become harder because of social distancing and wearing a mask! However, we should look at this as a way to relearn how to be more compassionate and empathetic since obviously we can now all agree… we have lost that.

    You are progressing when you are acknowledging your privilege and using it to help those who are voiceless: when you are wearing your mask, keeping your distance, washing your hands (often!) and encouraging others to embrace more solidarity rather than shaming and degrading each other. Remember, it IS a choice to continue not to educate yourself.

    Those who have been doing the inner and outer work, it’s alright, we can find our way back. Together. United and with our inner strength and spiritual guidance from our ancestors. And more importantly, stick with those communities and leaders that embrace the suck and still keep going, learning, making mistakes (we are human) and helping others along the way.

    Staying positive doesn’t mean you need to be happy all the time. It’s remaining strong despite the struggles of life, keeping a happy mindset, and continuing to believe that you can achieve anything when you put your mind, heart, and soul into it.

    Keep those close to you that are ready to make changes, no BS, and are putting out their reality of life with a little spice and flare 😜.

    Man, since I’ve been staying with my sister, writing ✍🏽has come back 🙏🏽❤️. My book is ready and will be published soon.That’s it with writing from notes on my phone while walking in the park near the Lachine canal to the subway. Still looking for apartments. 🤞🏽Wish me luck.

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

    Love, A.O. 🦋

    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❤

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    All Rights Reserved to WritersYep ©

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

    Salud, Dinero y Mucho Amor ❤

    Originally published Medium.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Remember this if you are self-employed too. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Alright, let’s talk about Money! Yay!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Love, A.O. 🦋

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

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    3 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 ©

    4 months ago Health & Wellness, Life Wisdom, Yeppin

    Let’s open businesses and daycares, and not wear masks when going outside because we are doing better than other provinces and cities! Right? Wrong.

    Originally published on Medium.

    The latest news around Montreal, Quebec, has most of us around here questioning the government’s intentions, as well as a percentage of its population’s moral compass at this very moment.

    Here are some aspects to consider:

    • We are viewed as guinea pigs by the people in charge of this province. The majority of the population are falling right into the trap, and believe that they are above this virus. At this point, I do not know which viewpoint is more dangerous. Do you?
    • Coronavirus is spreading like wildfire. People in Quebec, specifically, in Montreal, are not practicing social-distancing. The majority who have the luxury to stay home, are not. Those who must go outside are not following recommendations to wear a mask while out and about.
    • Many during this pandemic are receiving $2,000.00 from the government. Recently, after Prime Minister Trudeau announced that CERB frauds would be legally punished, there was an influx of returns of this allowance back to the government. It makes you wonder if these people who requested the allowance were in fact financially unstable for a short period of time, or did they simply jump at the opportunity to receive free money? Their selfishness has no bounds in this case. They really haven’t done a proper lockdown three months ago. You can clearly see this; It is pretty shameful how people are acting over here, if you ever get to really see what’s going on.
    • Daycares and schools opened in Quebec areas outside of Montreal last month. There have been multiple reports that children and staff have contracted the virus. Prior to the reopening of childcare services and schools, the thoughts and feelings of staff were covered in the news. Now that they are open? No one is checking up on their physical and mental well-being. I have friends who are working in the field, and they clearly have been voicing that they are OVERWORKED and OVERWHELMED! The provincial government is not showing any signs of compassion.
    • The new boom Bill 61: What Is Quebec Bill 61 & Why Is Everyone Talking About It? Here’s What You Need To Know. ; Bill 61: Opposition puts the brakes on CAQ plan to relaunch economy ; Quebec government’s economic relaunch plan blasted at National Assembly hearings.
    • My friends who are nurses and doctors, very specifically told me that, “if you can keep your kids at home, and you can work from home, then do it”. Not every country or city has the privilege to decide whether to give their population the option to stay home and receive a government allowance. Not to mention, provide the essential services that we take for granted in Canada, and especially in Montreal, Quebec.
    • The guidelines for children and staff to follow in childcare services and schools closely resemble those designed for prisoners and guards at a prison, but modified for children’s “safety”.
    • In addition to these guidelines, the capacity of children allowed in a classroom is limited. This is a positive aspect of the reopenings because with a lower amount of children to care for, the staff has a better chance to keep the virus from spreading. However, as of July 2020, some daycares are opening to full capacity. The scientist community is predicting that if things continue as they are in Quebec, we will be in the second wave of this pandemic come September. Without the implementation of proper precautions, strict laws and regulations, their prediction will become reality.
    • Throughout the summer, the government should make it a goal to provide digital courses for children enrolled in public schools and daycares who did not receive any teaching for almost two months. Courses and materials can be charged online, and it can allow daycare educators to receive an income.
    • “More than three million Canadians are out of work thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Statistics Canada, and 2.5 million more had their hours slashed as public health restrictions forced the closure of businesses and sent workers home. In most cases, child-care centres and services have closed for all but essential workers.” on CTV News.
    • This is unfortunate, and I am part of those people that lost their jobs. Another reason why I have developed and worked with my clients and WY Brand. Writing, content creation, copywriting, digital marketing, webinar course, transcripts, script-writing, videography, photography, e-commerce, creating websites, consulting, coaching, mentorships. Tech jobs are so important and essential during these times. Providing support and funding for companies that can provide jobs and at the same time, focus on sustainability and environment, so that we can create a better future. These startups (such as this one) or new companies are being ignored and rejected many times, actually. However, I’m encouraging those working from home and taking care of their children, to make sure that they are educated and keep them safe. YOU MATTER. Those also, working from home and dealing with a mental illness and so much stress, but you still can hold a job online; YOU MATTER. If you spend your timelooking for ways to help your fellow humans. YOU ABSOLUTELY MATTER.
    • In a patriarchal society, women, especially women of color, are not given the same liberties as men to express their concerns and be taken seriously when it comes to business. When women do have the power to speak up, such as vérificatrice générale du Québec, Guylaine Leclerc, said that she is “extremely worried (about accountability)”.
    • Liberal Leader, Dominique Anglade (Yes, that’s right! On May 11, 2020, women of color made history; Dominique is the first female Liberal Leader in Quebec) voiced similar concerns:

    “The premier and his government would create extremely favourable conditions for the emergence of corruption and collusion, and grant themselves extraordinary powers,” Anglade said. They are mocked, ridiculed and prevented from being heard by the privileged Quebec parties. “The impact of this uncertainty is also felt disproportionately by women, who have seen steeper job losses than their male counterparts, and are more often in part-time work. In May, Statistics Canada reported that 1.5 million women lost jobs over March and April, suggesting that women will face different challenges in recovering from the economic effects of COVID-19. “Childcare has always been an issue that has disproportionately impacted women, because women tend to take on the bulk of child-care responsibilities,” Canadian Women’s Foundation spokesperson Andrea Gunraj told CTV News.

    • By keeping the children at home, so that we can contain the spread until the vaccine arrives, will also teach your children to have more self-discipline and count on themselves. Smart-tech coders, scientists, and activists can rise from this world pandemic. Children are the ones we need to focus on and nurture. Not send them to “childcare prison” so that parents can go back to risk their lives outside. With the exception of essential workers, which is not that many, or many that have children. This is a positive outcome and can result in reducing the spread. I mean, parents, our kids will have to eventually rely on themselves and take responsibility for their own lives when they are older anyways. Teaching them now, it’s also vital and essential. From a scientist’s point of view, you need to understand the consequences of risking more children to be with more children; being around other people, and touching and putting things in their mouth. You can’t control that, and expect teachers and educators to control your child’s every impulse. Think about the mental stress that this will put both children and staff through. No money can replace health, especially, MENTAL HEALTH. However, we know very well, we can prevent it.
    • The economic crisis that is already catastrophic, still has room for improvements. But it’s more deadly sacrificing people’s health for money, without a proper vaccine being found for this virus. There are many ways to earn an income online and work for online companies. Get to work! It’s hard because you have to take responsibility for your own habits, and ways to finish and deliver work on time. We have become lazy, that now we are sacrificing our own children and ourselves so that we can go back to “normal”.
    • Also, to the parents of Montreal, think about the traumatic and very damaging experience that sending your child back to school will have on their social-emotional development.
    • The daycares and schools’ guidelines have consequences; it will teach children to be less empathetic towards others in the future. Yes, our kids are being used as an experiment, and those who are not educating themselves are falling right in.
    • The number of deaths have been increasing by 800–900 positive cases per day from just a couple of weeks ago. The warm weather is here, and is increasing in temperatures. Before they started to open some businesses and childcare services, (between May 25th-June 1st, 2020) most of the city’s population decided that they were going to go out and ignore social-distancing rules just because they can. While hospitals and staff were (and still are) overworked, and there is not enough staff or equipment (or even space) for a rapid influx of people within the weeks to come.
    • There is a political and “unknown” agenda to risk people’s lives for the government’s own monetary gain (I will be posting on my YouTube Channel my research). For example, there is a correlation between minorities and those affected with Covid-19. The most vulnerable minority communities are highly affected, while wealthier areas have much lower numbers, and seem to have the spread of the virus more under control.
    • Here is my opinion on this: I am so tired of the government’s excuses, their lack of leadership, and not forcing people to STAY HOME if they don’t need to be outside. This weekend was the first time that I heard on the radio that IT IS mandatory to wear a mask in one borough of the Greater Montreal Area, Cote-Saint-Luc.

    I’m so happy for the countries and cities that after 2–3 months were able to slowly come out of quarantine and have their death tolls go down; or to not have any more positive cases.

    I’m grateful and hopeful for most of the countries that have been able to recover and lower their cases quickly; many of these countries are led by women. Their leadership example, resilience, and ability to restore their countries; while planning ways to create a more sustainable and better future for all, is one of the best markers in history for women.

    It is an amazing example they are leading, and leaving behind for future female leaders. Honestly, It’s good to be alive, survive, and be a woman during times like these. Unfortunately, there are those at home surviving domestic violence; my hope is that you too know that you can fight. You can save yourself. They have been trying to bury us for centuries, but we women and women of color! are rising from the ashes. It’s enough. You are not alone, reach out. If in Montreal, and you are reading this and need help at home or if you know someone who does, click here (this is a hard time for everyone, but for predators and narcissists, it’s the best time. Please be kind to you and others).

    You should never view your challenges as a disadvantage. Instead, it’s important for you to understand that your experience facing and overcoming adversity is actually one of your biggest advantages. -Michelle Obama

    Times like these are an epiphany that is meant to test our limits, beliefs, and values. I’m disappointed in my city. The lockdown has been viewed as pointless by some people. To the people who have been staying home and following the guidelines,I would like to thank you.

    For those who still think that this is a conspiracy, or that we should go out already; those exclaiming “I can’t stand not seeing my family”, trust me, we know! However, we must all do our part. Be responsible and keep in mind that you are protecting those around you by staying home, washing your hands often, keeping your distance and wearing a mask. These are signs of respect. #respecthealthworkers

    FYI: Being at home does not mean that we are “stuck” at home. We are safe at home so that others can be safe too.

    Let’s talk about 4 essential things that we as human beings should all focus on to either improve upon or start progressing towards. But we should also encourage, spread positivity, kindness, support local businesses (if you can), and reach out to loved ones. We must appreciate these moments now more than ever. Our time may be limited if we are not careful. Be more compassionate while also embracing these 4 essential things for yourself.

    These are the ones I’ve been working on (work in progress). I will go more in depth with my team and our communities in the months to come. Feel free to add more to these subjects in the comments. We will also be covering these topics in our podcast #YourStoryMatters on YouTube live on weekends! Make sure to subscribe to our channel ❤

    Adversity

    “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” — Joseph Campbell

    I love this quote, and I’m happy I found it again while reading Dare to Lead by Brene Brown. This book has changed the way I used to think about vulnerability. My family, and those before them, believed that being vulnerable is a weakness not to be encouraged or embraced within ourselves. My mother raised us differently. I’ll always be grateful for her teaching us this at a young age. This book confirms my mother’s lessons even further. Being vulnerable and sharing the good with the bad, have been the key ingredients that have been helping me survive a worldwide pandemic as a single mother, while homeschooling and working from home. Thank you, Brene Brown, for showing us that our super power and what makes us human, is our vulnerability. Love, belonging, and pure inner-joy are born from being vulnerable and being authentic.

    I also strongly believe that using our creativity and imagination in the face of adversity is the gift we give ourselves and others: self love.

    It really is not selfish to take care of yourself, and do what you need to do, your purpose. If it is a full-time job, it is a process that you always keep learning something new about yourself and others too.We are all connected. Just follow your curiosity to discover more of the joy of living while you are here on this planet.

    Tranquility

    “The first step in crafting the life you want is to get rid of everything you don’t.” -Joshua Becker

    It’s time to really think outside the box while we are at home, and ways to move forward together. Do not support those who are spreading the virus either by not wearing their mask, taking pictures in groups outside, and if you clearly can see them not staying home. Lead by example. Check your social media following, they seem to not help themselves and tell the world too how selfish they are. I have muted and unfollowed a lot of people these days that I thought were different. How wrong was I to think that people don’t change? Yes, they do change depending on life circumstances, personal reasons and letting ego take over.

    Instead of breaking social-distancing rules, you are still able to talk through direct messaging, Zoom, and support groups on Facebook or Whatsapp. Keep your distance but stay connected. The actions and things people are valuing now (pay attention). This method will help you clear those that are not good for your growth. These are clear indicators of who they really are. We can clearly see in the news, outside, and through our social networks, that normal wasn’t really working either.

    Your adversity is a blessing in disguise. You may not think so at the moment, but it will eventually make you stronger and wiser. Finding tranquility, developing mental stability, and surviving a world health war are ALL of our main priorities and challenges. We must grow through the negative so we can develop better, positive, sustainable and healthier futures for ourselves plus others.

    Mastering the Art of Self-Discipline

    “The first and best victory is to conquer self.”

     — Plato

    We are all going through heavy and stressful situations; sadness for losing someone we lost during COVID-19, lost jobs, businesses lost, our safety net, going through some form of depression, or remission to bad habits. Adversity is different for each and everyone of us. Remember to be kind, it’s vital for our mental health survival too. No matter what adverse events you are currently experiencing, there is a purpose behind each and every one of them. For most of us, it’s difficult to imagine losing a child, people dying while saving others, or finding out that you have cancer, or losing your job or business, while living through a pandemic.

    The way in which you view adversity will either allow you to be set free from the heartache, confusion, guilt, and fear or allow you to be negatively affected in every aspect of your life. These four proven ways I’ve been using to overcome personal adversity, and I hope this helps you too. This is for one of our followers on social media that has asked how to deal with stress and adversity, while remaining positive. Below are my personal recommendations. To those of you reading, if you would love to add more, please comment on our recent post).

    1.Surround yourself with positive people. Be selective with the people you surround yourself with. When you are in an emotional state of mind, it’s important to surround yourself with people who are supportive and encouraging. When experiencing adversity, it’s crucial in your development to surround yourself with people who are accepting of your flaws, mistakes, and imperfections. The beauty of being human and overcoming adversity can be very challenging; when you have a supportive system helping you move forward, it’s much easier to accept yourself.

    2.Write. There is something so peaceful in writing down your thoughts. However short or long your journal entries are, the process of writing down your emotions allows you to reflect.There are many benefits to writing:

    • Allows for self-expression, heals old traumas and understands your mind.
    • Helps give feedback about your life and if shared, It can help others in the process.
    • Allows you to better understand your current situation and take action at your own pace.
    • Allows you to think outside the box. Helps you plan, create, use your imagination (fiction writers 🙂), and vision your dreams or current goals.
    • Makes you humble; creates your inner joy by growing through your life journey and learning from your written experiences.

    These I know to be true, since my mother asked me to write my bad dreams and thoughts at a young age. Writing in a journal once a day can help you overcome adversity. Whatever emotions, feelings or thoughts come to mind, jot it down. Years from now you’ll be able to reflect and see just how much you have overcome. Writing makes everything nice 🙂

    3. Be in nature. Nature is very therapeutic. Living in a society where we are constantly moving around, we get so disconnected from the beauty of just being in nature. Whether it be walking in the park or gardening at home, taking the time to connect yourself with nature is a good healing process. I’ve been nurturing my plants at home (I don’t have a backyard or a balcony — not complaining. I’m grateful for my little, happy, humble apartment), and I am planning to be a plant mama in the following months.

    With adversity, comes stress and frustration. Taking the time to be outside (wear a mask if you live in the city) is a way for you to nurture your being, and allow yourself to take a deep breath and relax. Both the sun and the air give you a sense of calmness during the face of adversity. Take about 10–20 minutes outside each day, keep your distance, wear your mask, and I promise, you’ll find your stress level decreasing.

    4. Start investing in yourself. There is no greater investment than the investment within your own personal development. Experiencing adversity is a great excuse for people not to take charge of their lives. We all are facing adversity at this very moment in some way. What makes one individual succeed, and another not, is how they handle their adversity. Many of us allow challenges to defeat us. What we need to focus on is developing into a stronger and wiser individual because of the challenges. There is no better way to do so than developing your internal world. Start reading self-help books, podcasts, eat healthy, organize your environment, and exercise daily. Do it for you, and if you can, help others too. ❤

    Growth

    “We grow fearless when we do things we fear”. — Robin Sharma

    Instead of supporting ridiculous ideas, negativity, spreading fear, and continuing to believe that how we used to live, was the right way… nothing should go back to what it used to be. I know for some people they considered it to be the best life. Re-think what was the best of that life — we all had bad traits that were associated as “good”, but now, we come to realise that we needed to adjust accordingly. Also, those who are dying to save us, their sacrifices would be in vain, if we don’t learn and grow from this. We DO NOT GROW by going backwards. We honor those who left this earth by being better ourselves, nurturing and taking care of our environment, and doing good for others.

    Keep in mind that we have to use masks and emotional shields to cover our reality, but we would portray to our friends and families a different digital (social media) story. We essentially became masters of “fake” storytelling and destroying our own sense of self and happiness in the process. Worse, we influenced others to follow through with this too. We learned from the greatest; how to be master manipulators and deceive not only for money, but also for a sense of acceptance. Let’s be real, you used to spend your life before trying to please others rather than yourself. That’s asking for trouble. The mental kind of trouble. Unfortunately, once there, it’s harder to come out or ever “feel” normal. Unless, you are heavily investing in therapy. Then, you should be fine — I hope.

    Point is, if we go back to the way things were, we will have lost the life lessons this quarantine has brought to light.

    If this virus is teaching us life lessons in order to survive and thrive through adversity. It’s a world cleansing and awakening period for a reason. Too bad it is not forgiven for those dying while trying to keep us safe. The people outside, having no business to be outside. I have identified these people as self-centered and greedy, and lack empathy. Do not worry, they will get their karma. In 14 days to be exact. I know it’s hard to watch them enjoy outside and do all the things you wish you were doing too. However, you are respecting and keeping others safe too. Just keep this in mind if you are ever in doubt. Only the strong will prevail. Use this time to prepare yourself mentally, physically and emotionally for surviving a world pandemic.

    “Never ever discourage yourself from doing good and kind things for someone else.” — AO #Blacklivesmatter #LGBTQlivesmatter #indigenouslivesmatter #translivematter #womenofcolormatter #mayweneverbeforgotten #justiceforBreannataylor Click To Tweet
    Black Lives Matter by Angie Abreu Olivo
    By Crystal my camera :). During one of the first protest #BlackLivesMatter that was peaceful and respectful until later that night. When looters and just strange white people (yes, I was there and saw them all in masks and cops watching them paint graffiti on walls and not doing anything). Then, the looters started to destroy property and to make it look like it was the protesters. This is what happens when you think that ignorance is bliss and it is encourage too.
    Montreal. Quebec. May 31, 2020.

    May we rise up and do better than ever before. Be kind to your planet, to you and to others.

    By Angie Abreu Olivo -Founder, Creative Entrepreneur and Environmentalist Single Mom. Edited by Emma Pulice

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