Diversity

    Hello dear reader, and welcome back to my fellow returning readers. I know it has been some time since my last post, and I do apologize I have been recently dealing with some medical issues, however I'm doing a lot better now; and I'd just like to say thank you to all of the viewers who continued to check my page for updates!. Alright guys lets jump in to what I want to discuss today. The topic of diversity What does diversity mean to you? What makes us diverse, and how can we be more inclusive in our daily lives. I'll be delving into alot of textbook definitions, and giving you the low down on what many professional opinion say, however this is a community and feedback is so important within a community, so feel free to talk about you, your qualities that make you unique, and diverse !. And with that said let's get started. 

   di·ver·si·ty

/dəˈvərsədē,dīˈvərsədē/

noun

1. the state of being diverse; variety.

   "there was considerable diversity in the style of the reports"
2. the practice or quality of including or involving people from a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds and of different genders, sexual orientations, etc.

      Establishing security and a sense of belonging:

    

      In order for any individual to bring their best self forward a sense of security, and belonging must first be established.

Being comfortable within yourself and making connections with an organization or small group of people where you can open, and explore your talents without not only results in better mood, and creativity, but it's also a psylogical need. 

Maximize joy and connection > Minimize fear and isolation:

  The human brain is wired to react with fear, and distrust when someones believes their beliefs or opinions have been challenged;

and fear like we learned in one of my previous blogs can be a powerful motivator, and manipluator it causes people to narrow their prospective. Finding ways to take your challenges, and elevating the power of shared experiences and communication-- we can all create a greater potential for positive change.

Mindful Communications: listen more, talk carefully:

  Communication is the first of many aspects that we can all work on in our daily lives. Often we use our words inappropriately,

and in doing so our words can express wrong intentions or create misunderstandings. 

                                                                    

                                                        Here are some examples:

1. when addressing a group of individuals AVOID using gender specific words such as "ladies" "dudes" "men" "guys" 

appelations may turn out to be misplaced, cause misgendering and cut off group members. 

2.  LISTEN--DONT INTERRUPT.  DONT TALK OVER. Respect the time of the individual in front of you, holding eye 

contact and truly listening is a key factor in a good communcation style. 

3.  Use correct pronouns always ask which pronoun the individual you're getting to know prefers to be called. 

Asking is a sign of care for the individual you are getting to know, and a way to give them a SAFE space to feel comfortable

with their idenitity.

4. AVOID ASSERTIVE OR OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE.  Try to introduce your contribution to the conversation with "according to my experience" or "based on what I've read" and most important rule of all make sure not to lecture when you get involved in a

conversation to maintain the productivity for all individuals involved. 

5. AVOID weird facial expressions-- Making faces while interacting with others may, discourage or make the individual

uncomfortable. Try to remain neutral with your expressions while interacting with others. 

Challenge Stereotypes:

Diversity without inclusion is Tokenism - the risk of losing sight of the word "inclusion" in the acronym "D&I" proactively pursuing 

actions and attitudes that promote not only a culture, but also a sustainable modus operandi for all.

If diversity is a fact, Inclusion is an action. 

                                                  Here are some Question's we can all ask ourselves:

1. What are my expections of the other person?

2. Can I recogize stereotypical or unconciously biased aspects in these expections? 

3. What is the goal of the meeting, confrontation or conversation? 

4. What is a common interest that brings you together? 

  If you can start with these questions in mind to become more vulnerable, and aware of your own 

biasism and try to deconstruct it. In doing so, you will see that it will be easier to interact in a more conscious 

and inclusive way!.

                                                                    *****AVOID ASSUMPTIONS*****

   one of the most commonly made mistakes in day-to-day interactions is to make assumptions here are some examples: 

1. Avoid assuming the gender of the individual and/or group(s) you're speaking with. Try to always use gender 

inclusive language. 

2. Avoid assumptions about one person's identity based on accessories, famaliar relationships or social

economic backgrounds.

3. When meeting someone never assume they are able or not able to do something based on age, sex, gender,

disibility OR race!. 

     Stay curious, don't fear mistakes remember, every process is not immediate, but change and growth are worth 

it's weight in gold. The path to change is not always linear, especially when you're putting in the work remeber its okay 

be afraid to make mistakes, just  don't don't be afraid to accept feedback from trusted friends and supportive members of 

your life their feedback is also important on your journey towards healing, growing and becoming a more inclusive member of society. 

I hope today's blog has informed, moved you, and motivated you to ignite that passion inside that I know we all have.

Take good care of each other, and be kind to not only yourselves but to the ones around you. We never know 

another person's day-to-day fight, so just be nice.. 

---PS I will be editing this with a photo that my husband is working on, the topic inspired him to draw so check back 

for that update!--

Abundant Blessings 

-A

Bullying

Hello dear reader, and welcome back if you're one of my fellow returning readers; Today I really want to focus on bullying. while October is national bullying prevention month I feel as if this topic really truly needs to be brought to the forefront. Bullying does not descriminate, it has no bounds, and it can travel through many modes of transportation. I personally have been bullied, and while I cant sit and think of an exact situation where I was a bully I know there must have been a time in my life where I was on the other side of that fence, and for that I am very sorry for ever being that peron it was one of my biggest regrets as a matured adult with empathy, and understanding. Now let's get down to some facts about bullying, and how we can hopefully help ourselves or someone else in need. 

    Bully

  /`boole`/

verb

gerund or present particle: bullying

seek to harm, intimidate or coerce (someone perceived as vulnerable).

Warning Signs for Bullying 

There are so many warning signs that might indicate someone you know may be affected by bullying-- and this can include being bullied or bullying other. Knowing these signs is the first step in taking action against bullying everywhere. Not all children who are bullied or are bullying others ask for help. 

It's important to talk with children who show any of signs of being bullied or bullying others. These signs can also indicate other problems, such as depression or substance abuse. Knowing is always half the battle the other is talking, Talking to your child can help you, and them identify the root of the problem. 

Signs a Child Is Being Bullied 

*Unexplained injuries 

*Lost or destroyed clothing, books, elcotronics or jewlry.

*Frequent headaches or stomach aches. feeling sick or faking illness

*Changes in eating habits, like suddenly skipping meals or binge eating. Kids may come home from school hungry because they skipped school lunch. 

*Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares

*Declining grades, loss of intrest in schoolwork, or not wanting to go to school

*Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations 

*Feelings of helplessness or decreased self esteem 

*Self-destructive behaviors such as running away from home, harming themselves, or talking about suicide.

Signs a Child is Bullying Others 

*Get into alot of physical or verbal altercations 

*Have friends who bully others 

*Are increasingly aggressive 

*Get sent to the principal's office or to detention frequently 

*Have unexplained extra money or new belongings all the time. 

*Blame others for their problems 

*Dont accept responsibility for their actions 

*Are competitive and worry about their reputation or popularity.

If you notice any of these signs in your child, friend, loved one or coworker say something. Reach out to them you never know when it might be too late for someone, and if you personally are a victim of bullying please speak up! the world needs you here and the world needs to hear your voice. it is never too late to turn the able around, and start anew you just have to start somewhere, so start wherever you are today. reach down deep and grab that courage where it rests in your little lion hearts, and stop bullying! one post at a time. one voice at a time. one share a time. There's strength in numbers. 

if you or someone you know is in crisis please reach get help 

StopBullying.Gov

phone 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) 

Let's Grow through what we go through until we are a beautiful garden. 

Abundant blessings - 

Averi 

Fear

fear

/ˈfir/

noun

an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.

"he is prey to irrational fears"

Hello again dear reader, and welcome if you're a first time viewer. Today's topic is fear, and I think we can all relate to this one. Whether it's something we are currently dealing with in our daily life or if it's something we have triumph over I would like to take this time to look over some facts about fear and a list that I have made to hopefully help some of my current readers who may be dealing with fear in their own lives; So read on, and let's learn about this strange mysterious occurance of the brain. 

 Fear and Where it Starts:

  Fear starts in the part of the brain called The Amygdala according to Smithsonian magazine a threat stimulus, such as the sight of a predator, triggers a fear response in the amygdala, which then activates areas involved in preparation for motor functions involved in flight or fight responses. 

How to Overcome Fear:

  Whatever is scaring you right now I have compiled a list of some things to help you cope with your day-to-day fears and worries. However-- this list is for people who are currently coping with everyday fears and/or phobias. If you have been diagnosed by a doctor with an anxiety-related condition please follow your doctor's procedures for coping or techniques. 

1.  Create A Day Just For You 

    I personally have 'self care Sunday' on my calendar whatever you need to do to find time out of the bustle, and busy week for a you day. Work on that. 

2.  Breathe 

   You've probably heard this one before, and you might even be tired of hearing it, but breathing is one of the most important tools to have in your coping toolbox! 

3.  Talk 

   Sharing about your fears can help take alot of the scariness and weight of the fear away. If you are in a situation where you feel like you can't talk to your partner, friend, or family member this is always a safe place for people to feel openly welcome to speak about whatever they're going through, and feel heard. Also there  are helplines that will talk to you one on one such as  --.  "BetterHelp | Professional Counseling With A Licensed Therapist" https://www.betterhelp.com

You can also reach them 24 hours  Mon-Fri by phone:  866-467-0580 

4.  Get Adequate Rest

   Simple everyday things like a good night's sleep can make a world of difference when you're healing. So make sure you're catching them zzz's, and getting your beauty sleep. 

5.  Reward Yourself 

    Finally celebrate you! Give yourself a pat on the back for the work you put in, go on you deserve it! 

 I hope in reading this topic today, you're able to at least find one thing you can take away from this. Feel free to comment or reply, with any questions if you have any. I hope in writing this I may have helped someone. 

Abundant blessings.

-A 

Flux

Flux

noun: flux; plural noun: fluxes

   the action or process of flowing or flowing out.  

Hello Dear Reader, and if you are returning welcome back. We are currently in September, and like September I am personally going through a time of my own flux. While I stop to take a moment this morning with my coffee to reflect on my own life, and how far I personally have come and how far I need to go I want to focus on the changing seasons that are happening within myself and around me right now. 

I have noticed I am not the only person going through changes, alot of my own family and friends have decided it is time in their own lives to make changes, and grow personally. I think seasons just like the ocean tides, or the phases of the moon also affect us. You see the leaves suddenly changing, and you decide maybe it's time you wanna make a change within. I mean I can't be the only one, right? 

 If you are going though a time of flux in your own life, dont fear it. Embrace it. 

We grow through what we go through! I'm here to tell you that as a person who is in their own state of flux it is okay to be scared, it is okay to not be okay, but feel it... Really feel it. 

 I promise that change is hard, but it is worth it. 

Keep fluxing.

Keep fighting. 

Abundant blessings. 

-A 

    

A Long Year

Here I find myself.. 24 mom of 3 cats, wife to an amazing loving wonderful husband.. and yet here I am barely able to get out of bed in the morning. The depression is heavy she rests on me weighing me down like a weighted blanket, but in this case a very unwanted weighted blanket. As I try to pull back the covers and open my eyes each morning the consuming thoughts of my friend anxiety then meets me with a hello. I slowly slip into overthinking everything until I become too overwhelmed to move then I succumb to grabbing the all too familiar blanket of depression and letting her weigh me back down. Another day lost in the abyss of my own dark lonely mind. 

  Why do I allow myself to go to these places you ask? Why do any of us. I've been told so many times "just snap out of it" only by people who have never understood the demons that claw at you deep in your soul. Where it's so gut wrenching you can't make a scream, all you can do is hold your breath, and hope tomorrow will hold a better day. And maybe, just maybe tomorrow will. I'm writing to you dear reader hoping that after this long, hard unbearable year I may be able to touch the lives of someone with my own words. 

  This life has been hard on me, and like me so many others out there have had trauma, struggles and they also deal with demons that make them feel alone. I'm here to create a safe place for you, for me, for us. 

Let's make this next year count together. 

Let's live a little more.

Laugh a little longer. 

Love a little harder. 

And be a lot more gentler on ourselves. 

Abundant Blessings 

-A