AwareNow™: Issue 45: 'The Face Edition'

AWARENOW

ISSUE 45

THE WORLD'S OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR CAUSES

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW ‘EXPOSURE MATTERS’ W/LAURA SHARPE & ALLIÉ MCGUIRE

ERIN MACAULEY

‘THE BEST WAY I KNOW HOW’

ALEX SEARLE ‘HUMBLE MIND’

JEN HILDERBRAND

‘THERE IS HOPE’ W/KEVIN HINES

JUSTIN HARRINGTON ‘HUGER FOR SUCCESS’

AMY WEINTRAUB

‘HEALING THE DANCER WITHIN’

ETHAN SAWYER

‘SEEKING SERENTY’ W/SONJA MONTIEL

ELIZABETH BLAKE-THOMAS ‘WE ARE ALL LEADERS’

CODY SMITH

‘FROM NEGATIVES TO POSITIVES’ W/EDDIE DONALDSON

THE FACE EDITION

L I V I N G

L I F E

F O R W A R D

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY OFFICIAL EDITION PARTNER ARTISTS FOR TRAUMA

F A C I N G

W W W. A RT I ST S F O RT R AU M A . O R G

ON THE COVER:

THE FACE EDITION

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AwareNow Magazine is a monthly publication produced by AwareNow Media™, a storytelling platform dedicated to creating and sustaining positive social change with content that inspires and informs, while raising awareness for causes one story at a time.

006 HUNGER FOR SUCCESS

062 OUR POLITICAL BRAINS

JUSTIN HARRINGTON

DR. TODD BROWN

014 A MOTHER’S VOW

066 TEMPLE DANCER

ALLIÉ MCGUIRE

016 EXPOSURE MATTERS PER BERNAL

046 THE BEST WAY I KNOW HOW ERIN MACAULEY

048 FROM NEGATIVES TO POSITIVES CODY SMITH

058 WE ARE ALL LEADERS ELIZABETH BLAKE-THOMAS

AMY WEINTRAUB

074 AIRBORNE BURT KEMPNER

076 HUMBLE MIND ALEX SEARLE

098 2023 GLOBAL YOUTH AWARDS TANITH HARDING, ROUND TABLE GLOBAL

104 REGARDING VOLUNTEERING THI NGUYEN

108 THE VETERAN ADVANTAGE KANNON KARES

114 THE STAR BEYOND THE HORIZON SURAYIA RAHMAN

082 STORYASKING

120 THERE IS HOPE

ALLIÉ MCGUIRE

JEN HILDERBRAND

092 SEEKING SERENITY ETHAN SAWYER

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Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you.

Walt Whitman

Face forward.

Let love take the lead.

Go where you’re guided.

From permission, you’re freed.

Face the past and the present, And do not recede.

Into the future, You’re called to proceed.

Look within to find The strength to feed The change that all of us Want and need.

ALLIÉ McGUIRE Co-Director of AwareNow Media, CEO & Co-Founder of Awareness Ties Allié started her career in performance poetry, then switched gears to wine where she made a name for herself as an online wine personality and content producer. She then focused on content production under her own label The Allié Way™ before marrying the love of her life, Jack, and switching gears yet again to a pursue a higher calling to raise awareness and funds for causes with Awareness Ties and AwareNow Media.

JACK McGUIRE Co-Director of AwareNow Media, President & Co-Founder of Awareness Ties Jack got his start in the Navy before his acting and modeling career. Jack then got into hospitality, focusing on excellence in service and efficiency in operations and management. After establishing himself with years of experience in the F&B industry, he sought to establish something different… something that would allow him to serve others in a greater way. With his wife, Allié, Awareness Ties and AwareNow Media were born.

WAIVER/DISCLAIMER

The views and opinions expressed in AwareNow are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of AwareNow Media. Any content provided by our columnists or interviewees is of their opinion and not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, political group, organization, company, or individual. In fact, its intent is not to vilify anyone or anything. Its intent is to make you think.

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Everybody deserves a second chance.

JUSTIN HARRINGTON

DIVISION 1 FOOTBALL PLAYER 6

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‘CHAMPIONS FOR CHANGE’ PRESENTED BY TEAM NILO EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH JUSTIN HARRINGTON

HUNGER FOR SUCCESS SERVING UP PASSION ON & OFF THE FIELD

Justin Harrington is from Raleigh, NC but currently is playing Division 1 football in Oklahoma. While Justin has already graduated college and is currently rehabilitating his injury that unfortunately sidelined him, he’s looking forward to his last season on the field next year and hopes to be playing in the NFL after that. When Justin isn't playing football, mentoring younger teammates, or reading to kids, you can find him cooking. While he’s a Cheetah on the field, he’s a Chef in the kitchen and a Celebrity in kids classrooms. In any of these locations, he looks for ways to do more for others with the gifts he’s been given.

ALLIÉ: Let’s first begin our conversation with ‘firsts’. When did you first fall in love with football and what was it about the game that you fell in love with?

JUSTIN: Growing up, me and my brother we're pretty close in age, two and a half years. So, as far as I can remember, I always seen him with a football. As brothers, we just compete. So when I found out I was good enough to compete with my brother and obviously wasn't old enough to play organized football, that was the only way that I felt

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Any extra that I have, I try to give it.

JUSTIN HARRINGTON

DIVISION 1 FOOTBALL PLAYER 8

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“While I’m able and capable of doing things myself, why not help other people…”

JUSTIN: (continued) like I could beat my brother and get the attention of my dad. And I'm the baby, so I get a lot of attention, but just getting the attention and the respect from my family... that's when I fell in love with it.

Once I started playing, you couldn't get me off the field. It wasn't enough workouts that my dad could do because I was doing it with my dad and I was chasing my brother. So my dad was helping me overcome and beat my brother and stuff. So that's where my edge and my love for football really came from.

ALLIÉ: Football isn’t your only love. Let’s talk about food. Let’s talk about your grandfather's restaurant. When did you first fall in love with the craft of cooking?

JUSTIN: Again, growing up, I was fortunate to grow up while my grandfather's restaurant was one of the top in the city that I grew up from in Raleigh, North Carolina. That was my family's thing. My dad was an athlete, my aunt played a little sports here and there, but my dad sprouted in athletics while my grandfather was booming in business. Me and my brother were my dad's only boys, and we fell in love with sports. But one thing that I fell in love with was another opportunity for me to learn and be with my grandfather.

At a young age, I understood quality time was a great thing because I'd seen how much other people outside of my family loved being around my family. So cooking was another opportunity for me to get around my family and do what they love. I wanted to be just like my dad. I tell him that a lot of times. We have emotional periods in life, life happens and it's like, man, all I want to do is any chance I get, I want to be better than you. I'm going to let you know every day that I'm coming for everything you ever did in the athletic world. But also on the flip side, I want to show everybody all the stuff and all the sacrifice that you put into me is unwavering to what anybody can beat me with any tools that anybody else brings and I don't have to be close to home. Just all the tools that he gave me is just work anywhere in the country and anywhere in the world. I feel like he made me a better survivor and a better journeyman in a sense just by doing that.

So that's where my love really came from with cooking. I like seeing people happy and I know food brings people together. I have a big family, so I've seen that multiple times.

ALLIÉ: There is another ‘f’ word, when it comes to what you love. That is ‘family’. Of all that you’ve learned from those closest to you, what is the best piece of advice you’ve been given from someone in your family?

JUSTIN: It's a funny one, but it kind of sculpted me and my grandfather. He didn't really say it, but I kind of got the gist of it. He told me, "One thing people are going to do in life is disappoint you. So do things on your own. If you want something done right, do it yourself." He's a loving man. Everyone loves him and he loves everyone even if you're not his family. I take that to a next level. While I'm able and capable of doing things myself, why not help other people without hurting or without hindering anybody in my circle, including me. So, any extra that I have, I try to give it.

If you ask my mom and my dad, they'll tell you I'll give you a little friction about certain stuff, but I'll give you the shirt off my back. I'm not very materialistic because I want to see other people happy. I like seeing people feeling comfortable around me because it makes me feel very comfortable. It makes other people get to know me and want to be around me more often. So, that's what I got from my grandfather. A lot of people just love being around him.

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Your day is coming…

JUSTIN HARRINGTON

DIVISION 1 FOOTBALL PLAYER 10

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“I don’t feel like a lot of people would’ve been able to make it without the tools that I’ve been blessed to grow up with…”

ALLIÉ: When it comes to hunger, there is hunger for food and then there is hunger for opportunity. At this intersection, with TEAM NILO you are given the opportunity to feed nonprofits and individuals with your service. Why is giving back to serve and support causes important to you?

JUSTIN: Again, I come from a great family and a big family, and one of the opportunities that was given throughout my family that I've seen is if someone had a home, if someone had a place to stay, if someone had an extra couch to lay on, my dad, my grandfather, my aunt, my grandmother, everyone, they didn't even flinch. That's how I got to meet a lot of my family. People going through rough spells in their life, giving people another chance in life and giving people a break to where they don't have to worry about paying bills and they can just go to work and save their money, and take care of their kids and take care of their priorities. That's why I feel like opportunities are great for everybody, and everybody deserves a second chance.

My journey was as an unprecedented journey. I don't feel like a lot of people would've been able to make it without the tools that I've been blessed to grow up with, the morals and values that I've been blessed to be handed to me and expected to uphold a standard for my family. That's why I'm so warm and welcoming because everybody doesn't get that love.

I didn't come from the greatest place in the world. So just being able to let me go out in the world and go out in the streets and understand that this is my community. I can cover the world in the community that I came from without it being violent, showing that this is my environment, but also this is the love that I got for making people happy and making people more peaceful around where I come from because I don't like being around violence. So, if I bring a child into this world, if I bring my friends around, I want them to be safe around the environment that I grew up in. And that's when I know my environment loves me as well. My neighborhood and my city loves me for what I do and what my city has produced as a person to be poured out into Oklahoma, into California, and everywhere else that I might end up rubbing off against people.

ALLIÉ: We started this conversation talking about ‘firsts’, let’s end with talking about ‘seconds’. Second chances are opportunities to try again. They are gifts that we’re given. For those who have been given a second chance on the field or in life but are afraid of failing again, what advice do you have?

JUSTIN: I would say that somebody's always watching, but prepare and work as if nobody's watching. Because all the work that you put in and everything that you do is based off of what you actually want. If you're going to procrastinate, if you're going to take days off, you're going to get those results. You might get to see success, but you might not be able to accelerate through success. And that's where most people fall off. They get there and it's like, "Yeah, I did everything." But the things that you missed out are now coming back; little holes in the road because you didn't want to pay attention to details and stuff.

So I would say just make sure you take your time, your day is coming. You don't have to be the face of everything.

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HUNGER FOR SUCCESS Exclusive Interview with Justin Harrington https://awarenow.us/podcast/hunger-for-success

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“Love on people and have people around you that love you.”

JUSTIN: (continued) You don't have to be in the front of everything. Your time will come if you just wait and take the small steps that you need to take instead of taking big steps to catch up with everybody else. Because the people that are in front of you may have skipped those steps and that's why they're that far. But they're going to run into that day.

Take the time to do those details and keep your head down, work and not worry about anybody else. Love on people and have people around you that love you. The support will take you exactly to where you need to be. My family is not in the best financial situations. We're okay, but it could be better. It could always be better. And their support alone, whether we've been in bad situations or not, their support alone has got me to this point and it's going to take me to way further where I think I can go by myself.

ALLIÉ: Absolutely. So keep on keeping on.

JUSTIN: Pretty much. ∎

Follow Justin on Instagram: @_showw._ TEAM NILO Creating Authentic Connections www.teamnilo.com TEAM NILO connects student-athletes to causes, capturing the essence of the impact that student-athletes have in and around the communities they represent.

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Every 40 seconds, someone dies by suicide.

Join our Champions for Change as they raise awareness and funds to support suicide prevention with QB United: www.championsforchange.us/40-for-40

In small arms but strong, she righted all the wrong.

ALLIÉ MCGUIRE

CO-FOUNDER OF AWARENOW MEDIA 14

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ORIGINAL POEM BY ALLIÉ MCGUIRE

A MOTHER’S VOW I dedicate this poem, this vow, to my mother who taught me the sanctity of words and the of strength of will. She showed by example that borders of potential are as wide as you push them. Possibilities are as close as you pull them. And in her tireless pushing and pulling with confidence and commitment, she taught me not to fear failure. In loss, there is always something to gain. It is this perspective that preserves something so fragile and yet so powerful. That something is hope. Thank you, Mom, for giving me enduring hope and the capacity to love and trust without fear.

She held me then and holds me now, With this as her devoted vow:

For better or worse, she saw the blessing in each curse.

In good times and in bad, she gave it all she had.

For richer or poorer, she gave reason to adore her.

And adore her, I do.

A vow I daily renew.

To have and to hold, she held me as she told of all that’s possible in life no matter the hardship or the strife.

On occasions when I cried, my tears she quickly dried.

The harder I wept the closer I was kept in arms small but strong she righted all the wrong.

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A MOTHER’S VOW Written and Narrated by Allié McGuire https://awarenow.us/podcast/a-mothers-vow

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I’m so happy that I listened to that voice inside me, and just picked up the camera.

PER BERNAL

INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER Photo Courtesy: Per Bernal 16

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‘FELLOW TRAVELERS’ COLUMN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH PER BERNAL

EXPOSURE MATTERS

AN ICONIC PHOTOGRAPHER EMBRACING LIGHT & DARK IN LIFE Through the darkness, we find our light, if we have the will to fight… or work. And work Per Bernal has done since the age of 13, building a career over the years resulting in international accolades as a photographer. Orphaned at an early age, he faced adversity early on. And yet, the blessing and curse of his early years forced him to focus and fine tune both his skill and spirit. Per now looks at life and himself through a lens of gratitude and grace.

ALLIÉ: We all face adversity in life. You, Per, faced it early on. Let’s go back to your beginning. Please share the story about the first major adversity you faced when you were just 6 years old.

PER: I think like many young people today, it’s when parents get divorced, I think that's a major thing. For me this was a long time ago, and not only did my parents get divorced, we also moved from Peru where we resided, and where my dad's family is. And we moved back to Sweden, to Stockholm, Sweden, where my mother came from, she's Swedish. So, I don't remember too much because my language at the time was Spanish. I spoke fluent Spanish. So, I think when Swedish became my mother language, like my premier language, I think a lot of memories just kind of got stored in the back of my brain somewhere. So that was a difficult time because we came to Sweden and I had three siblings, two sisters and a brother, and they split us up. So, me and my brother were placed in a foster home in the northern part of Sweden. And my sister was placed in another foster home. They were like distant relatives that took us in, but still they were strangers. Yes. So that was like a big shock.

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Photo Courtesy: Per Bernal 18

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Photo Courtesy: Per Bernal 19

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As time goes by, I become more comfortable.

PER BERNAL

INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER Photo Courtesy: Per Bernal 20

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ALLIÉ: When it comes to adversity, sometimes to face it we need only the right tools. Please share the story of your tool of choice, your first camera, that led you down that very path that’s led you to here and now.

PER: I think it's kind of interesting how, if you look back at life, like most people, there is one key moment that kind of changes your trajectory. And what happened is, I remember I graduated from high school, my grandma gave me a small gift, it was about a hundred dollars. And I remember the day after I received it, I took that money, went to the neighboring town that was an hour south, and I bought a used camera, a Pentax, and I don't know why. It just felt kind of important. I remember my foster father, he said, “You should put it in the bank.” But I'm so happy that I listened to that voice inside me, and just picked up the camera because who knows what would have happened. If I didn't do that, my life would probably be different.

ALLIÉ: Well, thank goodness it didn't go into the bank.

PER: Exactly. Maybe if I invested in stocks, I would be a billionaire by now, I don't know. But I do think I feel a lot of gratitude to myself for always following my heart. And I think the way I grew up, I listened to myself a lot. I learned to listen to my gut. I had to make decisions for myself.

ALLIÉ: As a sought out commercial photographer, famous for your brilliant shots with bold, body-building personalities, what room did you have for artistry? Were you able to manifest personal expression in your professional client work?

PER: I would definitely say yes, because I was kind of lucky. I was a very hard worker, I had talent, so it was a great combination. When I started my photography career in Sweden, I started with an internship and that led to more work.

And I got steady, they hired me full-time. And so, I kind of got a lot of opportunities to experiment, and I was also a reporter, a writer, a journalist... So, my job was to produce articles. It could be of people that were interesting or for translation. We translated a lot of material from the US and so I got to practice and put images to those stories. So that's how it started. So, when I came to the US, I had my style already. I think there was always a respect for it. So, I feel like I've been lucky that way. And I think it depends also on my mentor that I start working with. The reason why I came here was because of my mentor, Joe Weider. I think he saw my talent and he just said, go out and do your thing, which I did. And of course, for certain, when you shoot for an article, if there's a specific theme, you have to of course follow the guidelines. But I always felt respected for it because it's very important. And I think it's very important that you as an artist stand up for your principles, your artistry and what you feel is right. I mean, I had times where I said, okay, I remember at one time, I'm not going to mention any names or magazine that I was working for, but the art director was like, you're going to shoot this, this, and this. And I was a little bit short tempered at the time, but I said in the middle of the shoot, hey, take the camera, shoot, I'm not going to do it. But I think sometimes you have to stand up for what you believe in or what you feel… I think people respect that.

ALLIÉ: Over the years, you’ve used your talent to make not only famous talent shine, but fellow travelers as well.

Capturing the beauty and confidence of those overcoming adversity and overpowering trauma, you’ve used your camera to promote diversity and inclusivity of all abilities. Please tell us about your work with Artists For Trauma.

PER: I would love to. I was first introduced to Laura Sharpe in Artists for Trauma in 2016 when I opened my studio here in Los Angeles in Marina Del Rey. And we were putting together a great show. I was working with a gallery director at the time and she strongly suggested we need to work with a non-profit organization. I love Laura, I love Artists with Trauma, and it really clicked when we had our initial meeting, discussing how we could work together for the opening. I just felt it was a way of honoring, because Laura Sharpe told me her story. She had a lot of adversity and her clients that she represents. And I just kind of felt that it’s a very close issue to my heart because everybody faces adversity, as you said before. And regardless of your status in life, whatever happens, you still have your humanity. You're still a person. So, it just felt very natural. And I had the opportunity to work with three of her talents and they were such amazing people with incredible spirit. If I thought I had a tough time, you should meet them. They had incredible stories. Nothing but respect for them.

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Photo Courtesy: Per Bernal 22

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The reason why I came here was because of my mentor, Joe Weider.

PER BERNAL

INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER 23

Per Bernal & Joe Weider Photo Credit: Per Bernal www.IamAwareNow.com

Ronnie Coleman Photo Credit: Per Bernal 24

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Ronnie Coleman Photo Credit: Per Bernal 25

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I feel that color sometimes can be distracting…

PER BERNAL

INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER 26

Tawna Eubanks McCoy & Dallas McCoy Photo Credit: Per Bernal www.IamAwareNow.com

“I do feel like black and white has a calmness, like a peace to it” ALLIÉ: And your shots with Artists For Trauma, they are stunning. Speaking of your shots, not everything in life is black and white. In fact, most things aren’t, and you’re forced to make the call. When it comes to photography, and you need to make the call between the use of color or absence of it, how do you make that call?

PER: To be honest, of course, when shooting for different clients, you don't have a choice. It's got to be color. But personally, what’s closest to my heart black and white photography. I feel it's part of my essence. And as a matter of fact, I'm slightly colorblind. Men tend to be that sometimes. When I look at a charger, I cannot tell if it's fully charged or not. I feel that color sometimes can be distracting for me. There's a lot of energy in different colors, and in order for it to flow, you’ve got to shoot in a specific way. So sometimes, I do feel like black and white has a calmness, like a peace to it. For me, it resonates with my language, the way I want to express things with shapes or shadows. It started with bodybuilding, and now I'm just taking that and applying it to the portraits that I'm doing. Or when I shoot landscapes or cityscapes, I like shapes. I like shadows. I think the black and white medium enhances… and captures in a different way.

ALLIÉ: Being photographed and looking into the lens can be difficult. That said, as a photographer, it’s not only being able to read the light and angles that matter. It’s being able to read people. Can you share a story of when you helped someone uncomfortable in front of your lens feel comfortable?

PER: With this project that we are actually continuing, it's called Faces of Leica, where we are turning the camera around and shooting the photographers themselves, they're the people behind their art, the art they're producing. As a photographer, I know it can be very uncomfortable to be in front of a camera. I mean, most of these people know how to shoot people. But to have the camera on themselves, they're not used to it at all. So, I think the best way, or my way of capturing people, it's to try to make them feel safe and comfortable. So, they are in good hands. I probably have so many examples to share, but it's the overall picture I can give you. I think it's my ability to just make them feel comfortable, not judged in any way, shape, or form. Perhaps a better way to say it, is just letting people be people.

When you’ve been seen by someone… When someone looks at you and really sees you, that's very comforting. Yes? I'm just trying to understand them. I’m trying to read the vibe of the room. If I feel that they're a little bit uncomfortable, I joke a little bit and try to get them to take their shield down and be comfortable to open up. I think that's the trick. If you look at my images, I think that's the magic sauce. I don't mean to be pretentious, but it's just that little bit of the magic. Make people feel seen, be comfortable, and make it fun.

ALLIÉ: Right. And meeting them where they are. Yes? PER: Yes. Photography is amazing. There are so many hats. As I've been doing it for 40 years since I was first published, which is pretty amazing, it's such a gift… I think as time goes by, I become more comfortable. And I think that if they feel I'm comfortable, they can be comfortable too. It is a tremendous experience… for both parties.

ALLIÉ: Yes! I was just about to say for both sides - the person behind the camera and the one in front of it. So, let's talk not about looking through the lens now, but into the mirror, because sometimes it's the person in the mirror that's the hardest to face. My question for you now, Per, when you look at yourself and at your life, what has been the hardest to face?

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…whatever happens, you still have your humanity.

PER BERNAL

INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER 28

Kechi Okwuchi/Artists For Trauma Photo Credit: Per Bernal www.IamAwareNow.com

Artists For Trauma Photo Credit: Per Bernal Project Installation: California Rehabilitation Institute 29

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Steve Bogna/Artists For Trauma Photo Credit: Per Bernal www.IamAwareNow.com

Artists For Trauma Photo Credit: Per Bernal Project Installation: California Rehabilitation Institute 32

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When someone looks at you and they really see you, that’s very comforting.

PER BERNAL

INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER 33

Tamara Mena/Artists For Trauma Photo Credit: Per Bernal www.IamAwareNow.com

Photo Courtesy: Per Bernal 34

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“…a lot of times you see things you’re worried about that are insignificant when time passes.”

PER: I don't know. I think it's accepting yourself. I was very, very hard on myself in different ways, growing up and throughout my career. As a photographer, I think it's been a good thing. I think it's a good medicine against being pretentious or arrogant, because I feel there's always so much to learn about the craft, about yourself, and about others. So, looking at myself… I was very hard on myself. But as time goes, it's more like I'm accepting my flaws. I mean, this is it. If someone doesn't like me, it’s like, God's rejection is my protection. It's not meant to be.”

I think the best solution is just having acceptance. To be hard on yourself and to think this was really hard, that just means that I'm holding onto bad memories, right? So, at this point in my life, I'm just trying to let it go and unburden myself. So that's why, as a matter of fact, if I look at my life, I think I had an amazing life. If I had what we normally call a ‘hard life’, it's more like challenges. And the question is, how do you approach a challenge? I think challenges are there in order for you to grow and prepare you for what's coming next. So, you accept that and say okay, “God, I don't question it. I just go through it.” That's my mindset now. In the past, I was more traditional. They call procrastination a slow death, right? And if you feel hardship, you are just procrastinating. You're stuck in that thing that is bothering you.

Instead of just asking, what's the lesson here? How can I fix this? You’ve just have to own it. Something that is a challenge for you, it's the easiest thing for someone else. And vice versa, right? The pandemic forced me to change.

Holding onto the past doesn't help… You just have to accept what is reality right now.

ALLIÉ: When faced with covid, we were all forced to change. We all had to shift gears. You shifted, Per. What has it been like shifting from commercial photography into artistic photography?

PER: In a way, it was hell, because it’s kind of when you lose everything. And I'm not the only one. A lot of small business owners lost so much through the pandemic. So, it was very hard to go from being busy to... I thought I figured everything out. I thought I figured out the future, and I thought this is going to go on forever. And then suddenly, everything is taken away from you. Of course, it was a huge challenge, a lot of growing pains. But as I said before, I just had to accept my situation. Through therapy, meditation, prayer… I'm a strong believer in that. I slowly changed my mindset. I think we have to fight our ego. It is like we want to hold onto the past, but that creates bitterness, right?

I found myself worrying too much about the future, which I always did in the past. I was always worrying about what's going to happen a week, a month, a year from now because I wanted to have certainty. I guess it’s because I grew up the way I did, and there wasn't a lot of certainty. So, I try to compensate for that by controlling as much as I can. But that is very exhausting, right? So it was that change to just accept reality and have faith that things will work out, which they always do one way or another. I don't mean to sound arrogant in that way, or ignorant, but if you look at your own life, a lot of times you see things you're worried about that are insignificant when time passes. It was nothing to get worried about. Now, the focus is to be here and now. And that helped me to change.

I'm just being very honest. It was very money driven. I made a lot of money with the talent and knowledge that I have, like everybody else, right? There was a big career that was a motivation. So, it was like, unless I get paid, why should 35

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Roman Reigns/Per Bernal Photo Courtesy: Per Bernal 36

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Florian Munteanu/Per Bernal Photo Courtesy: Per Bernal 37

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There is no limit.

PER BERNAL

INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER 38

Dwayne Johnson/Per Bernal Photo Courtesy: Per Bernal www.IamAwareNow.com

PER: (continued) I do something? I think I missed a lot… but I had a chance with the time during the pandemic when everything was closed down to just kind of find my way back to who I was when I began shooting… when I started taking photos when I was 18 or 19 years old. It was pure joy. So, I think I've been able to find that again. And that is amazing because I used to do things because I loved them. I think that's the big change. Commercial photography is great. You make a good living. If you're really, really good, there's no upper limit. But, it comes with all the responsibility. If you have a big budget shoot, you have a lot of responsibility. A lot is riding on your shoulders. So doing what I'm doing now with the artist, I mean, with the Faces of Leica, it's been amazing. I'm just trusting my God, I have a concept, we do this shoot… It's been pure joy. I think photography now is fun. It's not work like before.

ALLIÉ: So let's talk more about the Faces of Leica. Where’s it at, and where’s it going?

PER: Today's the last day of our gallery. We're going to close down the pop-up gallery today, because it was just for a limited time. What we are working on right now is a book of this project. We've been in touch with some publishing companies and there is interest, but I think this was a passion project. I had a dream in the beginning of ‘23. I never had my own show, and I had this vision… I went to an art show, like a gallery opening, and I saw this art, beautiful art on the walls. And I was thinking to myself. I told the universe, you know what? I would love to have my own show one day, like 50 or 60 prints… big prints. I had no idea how it was going to happen, but today, it happened. And this is maybe only eight months ago. Life is amazing. So going back, I think if you have a vision, if you have a dream, you work hard and you take initiative. Because that's what I did. We took initiative and that's what I've learned. You just manifest that and things will come out. So, what we're trying to manifest now is this book we're putting together. We are hoping to call this like ‘Faces of Leica Los Angeles’, because most of the people we shot are local people or have a connection to Los Angeles. Paris Chong, who is the Leica gallery director in LA, and I have our current goal as the book. Next, we’d possibly like to do this as a traveling show. We’d like to travel with this show and do shoots for ‘Face of New York’, maybe ‘Faces of Miami’... The world is big… ‘Faces of Europe’. It could be Asia, South America… There is no limit. So, dream big, and push for it. That's what I'm thinking. And with the work that I've done in the past, I have an idea for doing ‘Faces of Body’, not just of bodybuilding. So, you could go as far as you want with this… And that’s what I’m going to do. We'll see what happens. It's a dream, and we'll see if that dream works or not. But that's not up to me. I'm going to do the work. I'm going to do my best. And then let the universe take care of the rest.

ALLIÉ: Well, with you behind the camera, I have no doubt that it'll be wildly successful. I’m excited just to be along, watching the journey that you're on and cheering from the sidelines. My last thing for you today, Per, is about uncertainty, a word you used just moments ago. For those who live in uncertainty, fearing what lies ahead as you once did, with all you've undergone and all you've overcome, what advice do you have for facing the future?

PER: Most of my life, I've been so worried about the future, with what's going to happen next and how I'm going to survive. So, I've been pretty much running on survival instinct for my whole life. It's amazing, because if you look at a lot of people that made it big, like actors or whatever, a lot of people came from adversity and very tough circumstances. So, they have these survival instincts. I think it's really great because it gives you a trajectory, and you follow it. And then you make something of yourself. I think the problem though is how do you step away from it?

Because with the survival instinct, you are always worried. You always want to have control. This is my experience.

And for me, it was the real piece that I've found… It was actually finding God. It’s kind of having faith and surrendering, to win. Let’s just face it, we cannot control the future. When there's nothing we can do, what can we do?

Start having faith, and for me, it’s God. The universe has always provided for me. Through my meditation and prayer, it took me a couple of months, but suddenly, I found myself in a place where I had such peace that I never had before.

And regardless of tough things, I carry that peace with me. I try to meditate and pray every day. And I just believe in God. That doesn't necessarily mean that I go to church or anything, but I just feel connected, and I have a peace that I cannot explain. And that has been the biggest help for me. So, the best advice is just to learn to have faith. Surrender ego. We have free will, but what do we do with it? I think God wants us to have free will, but ultimately, he wants us to come back to him and trust that he has us. If something doesn't work out, you say “God's rejection is your protection.”

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God’s rejection is your protection.

PER BERNAL

INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER 40

Paris Chong/Faces of Leica Photo Credit: Per Bernal www.IamAwareNow.com

Deborah Anderson/Charlie Lieberman/Brian Bowen Smith/Mynxii White/Faces of Leica Photo Credit: Per Bernal 41

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Another door is going to open.

PER BERNAL

INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER 42

Kwaku Alston/Faces of Leica Photo Credit: Per Bernal www.IamAwareNow.com

Maria Lupu/Faces of Leica Photo Credit: Per Bernal 43

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When there’s nothing we can do, what can we do?

Start having faith…

PER BERNAL

INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER 44

Per Bernal/Faces of Leica Photo Courtesy: Per Bernal www.IamAwareNow.com

AwareNow Podcast

EXPOSURE MATTERS Exclusive Interview with Per Bernal https://awarenow.us/podcast/exposure-matters

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PER: (continued) That's what I learned. So don't take rejection personally, because maybe there's something better.

Maybe that person you are with is not meant for you. Maybe that person is just there to teach a lesson. It's a challenge. When you overcome that challenge, maybe you're done. Move on. Another door is going to open.

I think life is much like a video game. You have different levels. You have to qualify in order to go to the next level. And I think like a lot of people, myself included, you go in circles. You're repeating the same mistakes. It's like new people are coming in, but it's just the same actors with a different face. So, learn to see what's going on. Get to the bottom of the problem. What is triggering you? Why is that triggering you? Deal with it, and you heal. I think it’s the people you meet that give you an opportunity to heal. The trigger is there in order for you to grow. I think that's the message. And I think the future is going to be fantastic. Manifest as much as you can, and just leave it to someone else to fix. That's all we can do. ∎

Follow Per on Instagram: @perbernalphoto

LAURA SHARPE Artists For Trauma Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Trauma Survivor & Artist www.awarenessties.us/laura-sharpe LAURA SHARPE contributes to AwareNow with her exclusive column, ‘Fellow Travelers’. Trauma, tragedy and miracle are all part of the life process. They do not discriminate nor are they fairly distributed. Simultaneously they occur across all diverse cultures, countries, colors, ethnicities, genders, religious beliefs, and dimensions of time and thought on planet Earth. In this process of life, birth and re-birth; decay and destruction are integral to creating new life. As fellow travelers, we are mindful, compassionate, and intentional through our attitude and actions to one another. We share our authentic personal story of survival or service to offer relatability, respect and hope to others who are navigating intense physical, mental and emotional life impact. Uncomfortably or joyfully, we share the range of human emotions related to our personal trauma or miracle. In the end or the new beginning, we learn we are all fellow travelers.

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I don’t want people to see this side of me…

ERIN MACAULEY

MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE 46

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PERSONAL STORY BY ERIN MACAULEY

THE BEST WAY I KNOW HOW

TO THE FRIENDS WHO DON'T UNDERSTAND MY DEPRESSION To the friends who don’t understand my depression, I am sorry. I am sorry I am not the friend you deserve sometimes.

I am sorry I go weeks without answering your calls or calling you back. I am sorry I disappear from all forms of social media and become uncontactable. I am sorry this frustrates you and makes you annoyed. I am sorry my apologies and explanation that I’ve been out of contact because of my head space isn’t something that sits well with you.

I am sorry I have to write this, but you need to understand. The truth is, when I get so low like that, I physically can’t respond or talk to you… to anyone. My brain is so fuzzy and clouded that I can barely remember to eat, drink or bathe. My body feels like led, and my stomach is in constant knots from anxiety and tension. I am exhausted yet can’t sleep because my mind doesn’t switch off. It is like being stuck in a really shitty Groundhog Day. I can’t even tell you when I will feel like this or how long it will last because I don’t even know myself. Yes, I am on medication that helps.

But no medication helps me when it gets bad.

When you tell me I never say I am good and happy when you ask me how I am, please know it is because I am not wanting to burden you further with my problems or the dark side of my depression. This is another reason why messages and calls go unanswered. Yes, I try meditation. Yes, I try to be mindful. Yes, I listen to Eckhart Tolle and other motivational things. Yes, I try and do something instead of lay in a dark room alone. But please understand that when I do this, it is because I do not have the mental, physical, or emotional strength to do anything else.

I try really hard and I fight every single day to keep my head above water — particularly at the moment. I don’t want people to see this side of me, which is why I don’t let anyone know when I am in so deep I feel like I can’t breathe.

Maybe this is where I’ve gone wrong. To the outside world I am always happy and making jokes. But inside I feel like I am dying and a fraud. So please try and understand. Please don’t berate me or ignore me. This makes me feel worse.

Please understand. And just be there when I come out of it. Because it isn’t personal. And it isn’t intentional. It is my life with depression and anxiety. And I am dealing with it the best way I know how. ∎

AwareNow Podcast

THE BEST WAY I KNOW HOW Written and Narrated by Erin Macauley https://awarenow.us/podcast/the-best-way-i-know-how

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Follow Erin on Instagram: @egmx

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Some of the relationships were transcending and others became toxic.

CODY SMITH

GRAFFITI ARTIST, MUSICIAN, AUTHOR AND FILMMAKER Photo Courtesy: Cody Smith 48

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‘THE WRITING ON THE WALL’ EXCLUSIVE COLUMN BY EDDIE DONALDSON

FROM NEGATIVES TO POSITIVES A LOS ANGELES GRAFFITI ARTIST’S JOURNEY

Where do I start? Cody, aka Bleek, has been a member of the graffiti community in Los Angeles for as long as I can remember. The graffiti community can be magical at times, but not without its faults. It takes a lot to sustain amidst the pressure of the life of an LA Graffiti writer. None of us are perfect. For me, at the end of the day it’s about intentions. It’s my opinion that Bleek has good intentions. I’m pretty sure after reading this interview and hopefully his book, ‘From Negatives To Positives’, you will agree. It’s truly inspiring to read how he has navigated through the good and the bad and come out on the other side.

EDDIE: Who are you? Not what’s your name, but who are you?

CODY: I’m a graffiti artist, musician and filmmaker from Los Angeles. I think the lack of structure as a child who lost his mother as a 6 year old and then had to endure child abuse propelled me into expressing myself in my art/work.

Graffiti crews became surrogate families for us kids looking for the nurturing and the brothers we never had. This family like structure was intriguing and being apart of something bigger than you was appealing. Graffiti and rap music entered my life and became my calling. My passion for documenting the craft pushed me to work diligently on a film for over ten years that has recently been released called ‘Can’t Be Stopped’.

EDDIE: When did you know you were a graffiti writer?

CODY: The RTD 434 line would become my means of transportation and where I’d grow into a teenager in the early 90’s. Catching the bus would become my proving ground with older kids catching tags in the back of the bus. By the time I was bussed into Santa Monica in 1991, I attended a high school that was surprisingly and unexpectedly hood.

Gangs, graffiti writers, rappers and break-dancers infested Samohi. This was the pre-gentrification era where it became a write of passage to do graffiti. The clandestine movement of graffiti writers was rampant in the area, to the point that the janitor told me, “Don’t stand in one spot for too long because they’ll tag on you too.” The desks were marked with different crews abbreviated by 3 letters and different names I’d have to learn to decipher in order to survive. Being a scrawny kid displaced from a rural town made my life futile in comparison to the locals who knew the landscape and how to navigate the different gangs. It became evident that if you can’t beat em’, join them. I had to prove myself amongst my peers and learning to do graffiti and rapping in the football locker room became my calling.

This was the golden era of hip-hop and became our passion. Magazines like Can Control would get passed around in our classrooms and I was instantly hooked on the art form because of artists that were featured like Mear, Mek, Xpres, Rob*One and Circus. Heading up to Melrose in that era was the epicenter of CBS crew and the amazing murals we would photograph. This influence and then eventually befriending Mek, Rob*One and Circus would eventually get me immersed in CBS for the next 25 years.

EDDIE: What’s your book about?

CODY: The book I just wrapped, From Negatives to Positives, is piggybacking on the documentary and digs deeper into my involvement in the art movement and includes a photo archive of over 30 years. My childhood obsession was 49

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I’d lost all my “blood” relatives by the time I reached 40 so it’s hard to always stay positive.

CODY SMITH

GRAFFITI ARTIST, MUSICIAN, AUTHOR AND FILMMAKER 50

Photo Courtesy: Cody Smith www.IamAwareNow.com

My crew was one of the most influential crews in the world and is still relevant.

CODY SMITH

GRAFFITI ARTIST, MUSICIAN, AUTHOR AND FILMMAKER 52

Photo Courtesy: Cody Smith www.IamAwareNow.com

“Graffiti crews are essential as a young artist but as you grow older those structures and rules become debilitating.”

CODY: (continued) collecting sports cards and would eventually evolve into photographing graffiti. I spent a year writing and developing the book with help from a designer and others and aims to really expose the fraternal subculture we congregate. I piece the story together by including concert fliers, memories of the early days of our rap group The Shape Shifters and my traveling the world to paint and the characters I’ve met along the way.

EDDIE: Why Bleek? I got my name from Rage KSN TCF. We’re you named or did you name yourself?

CODY: I chose this name in 1993 not because of my mentality but I like the letter structure and how the E’s connected catching tags on the RTD. It was when MC Breed was rapping about being the “E Double and I proclaim my name.”

I’ve definitely had bleak outlooks on life but I’m a realest.

I’d lost all my “blood” relatives by the time I reached 40 so it’s hard to always stay positive. People do think it’s kind of an ironic handle with all the great fun I consistently have though.

EDDIE: How important a part of your life was crew in the early days?

CODY: My crew was one of the most influential crews in the world and is still relevant. It helped mold me into the person I am today. Some of the relationships were transcending and others became toxic. Graffiti crews are essential as a young artist but as you grow older those structures and rules become debilitating. Young artists need a foundation and members to paint with but as relationships flourish outside of a “crew” you just want to enjoy the people you want to paint with outside of that dynamic. Just returning from Art Basel in Miami made me once appreciate being part of the community and the hospitality of everyone there. I traveled the world doing graffiti art and have slept on many couches and been hosted by some of the greatest people I’ve ever met. Graffiti has given me most of my friendships.

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Photo Courtesy: Cody Smith

EDDIE: What do you want people to take away after reading your story?

CODY: My book is titled From Negatives to Positives because my story is definitely a redemption story and a coming of age story. Through the film negatives I shot and digitized I was able to assemble my swan song. I want to show that through art, passion, perseverance and even struggle you can exceed the odds.

My life started with struggle, that’s what I think of my childhood. I feel bad for that little boy but just as a psychologist said, embrace that inner child and work as hard as you can at what you are passionate about. I’ve had suicidal thoughts before, and I’ve had to fight through it and my work helps me temper depression. I’ve had extreme highs and lows and things have all really come together lately. I’ve had many passion projects from albums to films and now a book. I want my story to influence the next generation. I had a lot of mentors and a lot of skeptics. People should follow their interests and purse their dreams. ∎

Follow Cody on Instagram: @bleek_mayhem EDDIE DONALDSON GuerillaOne x The Seventh Letter www.awarenessties.us/eddie-donaldson Louisville, Kentucky native Eddie Donaldson moved to Los Angeles in 1986 and became involved with the graffiti movement as an alternative to the turbulent gang activity of his generation. Immersed first as an artist amongst diverse L.A. crews like TCF, AWR, and The Seventh Letter, Donaldson had the vision to develop their homegrown graffiti movement into something beyond the streets. His loyalty and business sensibility transformed the graffiti scene and he evolved into the point person for producing art events and exhibitions that inspire and spread the stylistic of southern California art into the world.

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Leading does not mean making it obvious and forced.

ELIZABETH BLAKE-THOMAS

STORYTELLER, PHILANTHROPIST & OFFICIAL AMBASSADOR FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS 58

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‘MEDICINE WITH WORDS’ EXCLUSIVE COLUMN BY ELIZABETH BLAKE-THOMAS

WE ARE ALL LEADERS CONTINUING TO LEAD BY EXAMPLE

“A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.” - Lao Tzu What makes a leader? It used to be that it was one person in charge. They dictated what they wanted to happen and it didn’t really matter what anyone else wanted or needed. They were the one in charge and they convinced other people to follow them. Nowadays leadership has become more collaborative and people-oriented. The authoritative way of leading has lessened, with flexibility, adaptability and creativity becoming important qualities to possess.

The true role of a leader is to inspire, coach and guide. To motivate teams through challenging times and to guide individuals through their job. It’s about fostering a collaborative culture and leading by example.

So if some of us naturally follow leaders, how are we also leaders ourselves? We are all the leaders of our own lives.

We can be influenced by outside people and forces, but at the end of the day, almost all of us have free will to lead our lives the way we wish. We can all think proactively and take responsibility for the way we choose to live our life and how much we impact the people and world around us.

Before we jump too far into how we are all leaders, think of a few leaders who have been impactful to you.

For me, the first ones I think of are teachers. In school, teachers can have a profound impact on children, positive or negative. The most successful school teachers are often confident communicators and storytellers who engage the hearts and minds of our kids. Do you remember the teacher who made school interesting and fun? Did a teacher inspire you to choose a certain career path or hobby later on in life? Even the teachers who were more authoritative, you may have had a negative experience, but you still were impacted/led to perhaps act or think a different way.

Let’s turn it around now and imagine we are the teachers. We have the power to influence people who are all around us. When we leave the home, people we meet on our way to the coffee shop, people we work with, family or friends we interact with; these are all people we can lead in a positive way.

Leading does not mean making it obvious and forced. It is not proving a point to belittle someone into submission. The most impactful leading is simply having empathy with others and leading by example. More people will try something if others are doing it too.

Leading by example is a positive way of practicing what you preach. Naturally guiding others through our behavior, instead of our words. A good leader’s intention is to inspire others to copy their behavior, to then have others stand on their own and furthermore inspire others along the way to do the same. Leading is a natural butterfly effect when it is done with positive intentions and actions. Leading by example is crucial to showing how to behave when things go well, but it is even more important to show what to do when things don’t go to plan. It’s all well and good being happy and positive when things go your way, but what happens if frustration or defeat occurs? We all experience ups and downs in life, so show others how you can get through both on the other side okay.

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AwareNow Podcast

WE ARE ALL LEADERS Written and Narrated by Elizabeth Blake-Thomas https://awarenow.us/podcast/we-are-all-leaders

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“The butterfly effect will take hold.”

Try to look forward and influence the world in a positive way with your leadership. Recall my previous articles this year with each topic and reexamine your life today. Are you still telling your story? Living your purpose? Being grateful and giving? Are you exploring and remembering that you and everyone around you are all human?

If you are living your truthful, purposeful life, being grateful and giving, you will be a positive leader to those around you. The butterfly effect will take hold. Empathy and purpose will expand, creating more positive leaders in the world.

Don’t give up, keep going. Let’s continue to lead by example, and in turn, make the world a better place. ∎

ELIZABETH BLAKE-THOMAS Storyteller, Philanthropist & Official Ambassador for Human Trafficking Awareness www.awarenessties.us/elizabethblakethomas Elizabeth Blake-Thomas is a British award-winning storyteller and philanthropist based in Los Angeles. She is the founder and resident director of entertainment company Mother & Daughter Entertainment, whose motto is “Making Content That Matters”, putting focus on each project starting a conversation amongst viewers. She is also the creator of the healing methodology Medicine with Words which is designed to help “spring clean” your mind and help free yourself from unnecessary noise so that you can live a more purposeful, peaceful life. She is the author of Filmmaking Without Fear which is a multi-medium resource curated for indie filmmakers. Her FWF podcast is available on all streaming platforms, and the book of the same name is available on Amazon. She is a regular on panels at Sundance, Cannes and Toronto International Film Festival, Elizabeth mentors wherever possible, ensuring she sends the elevator back down to all other female storytellers.

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Persuading conservative and liberal supporters isn’t only about logical arguments.

DR. TODD BROWN

FOUNDER OF THE INSPIRE PROJECT & CO-FOUNDER OF OPERATION OUTBREAK 62

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‘THE INSPIRE PROJECT’ EXCLUSIVE COLUMN BY DR. TODD BROWN

OUR POLITICAL BRAINS UNDERSTANDING THE NEUROCOGNITIVE BIASES

As we move closer to another pivotal election in 2024, the gravity of the choices looms large, potentially influencing national and global prospects. The approaching clash of political parties once again promises to be one of history's most divisive battles. With stakes potentially elevated to unprecedented heights, the imperative for both conservatives and liberals is crystal clear: we must do whatever it takes to prevent the other party from winning.

Currently, the polls depict a near deadlock between another Trump and Biden election, presenting not just an opportunity but, some would argue, a moral duty to steer the nation away from the bleak abyss that a Trump or Biden victory may represent. It just depends on which side you sit on and how you view the opposing party. Yet, the real question emerges: How can we effectively reshape voters' minds on the other side?

One might initially assume that persuasion hinges on crafting an impeccable argument, fortified with irrefutable facts and impeccable logic, delivered with unwavering clarity. This has often been the preferred strategy, but we've all witnessed the limitations of this approach. We live in a world where ‘facts’ are no longer important to people, and experts have sometimes become the enemy. It has become absurd how learned people who dedicate themselves to a course of study and career are corrected or ignored because someone ‘Googled it.’

However, what if the very structure of our neural circuitry might determine our capacity to evolve our perspectives?

What if science pointed to the fact that conservatives, who seem inclined to vote that way down the ballot, are more likely to possess rigid cognitive systems, rendering them less adaptable and, by extension, less prone to adopting fresh viewpoints when their existing paradigms falter?

A groundbreaking study by social psychologist David Amodio and his colleagues at New York University offers a fascinating glimpse into this dynamic. It suggests that conservatives aren't easily swayed by the sheer force of a logically persuasive argument. In reality, for some people, it’s like asking them to change the length of their arms. The fixed predisposition is not because they are stubborn but because it is deeply ingrained within their worldview. It is constructed at a cellular level and underpins their cognitive framework. It implies a sort of locked cognition that entrenches biases and will not allow them to consider alternative viewpoints.

To understand the study’s significance, we must explore the realm of neuroscience. The "error-related negativity" (ERN), a surge in brain activity following the commission of an error, serves as an internal alert system within our minds. It resides in the anterior cingulate cortex, which guides us when established patterns or behaviors fail, necessitating adjustments. For instance, when someone is learning to play a musical instrument and hits a wrong note, the ERN spikes, prompting a correction. These ERN spikes fade as they practice and adapt, illustrating improved proficiency with fewer mistakes.

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“It is about understanding and navigating intrinsic attachments to stability, tradition, or progressive changes.”

Equipped with this knowledge, Dr. Amodio and his team ventured into politics. Their widely cited 2007 study unveiled a connection between one's political orientation and the intensity of the ERN response. Liberals, it turns out, exhibit a more prominent ERN, suggesting a heightened sensitivity to error signals. These people have a cognitive system that is more receptive to the need for perspective and strategy adjustments. They possess a neural tendency to recognize the need for change and growth.

On the other hand, conservatives displayed a less pronounced ERN. This indicates that their cognitive system is more resistant to change or reevaluation, reflecting a preference for stability, tradition, and consistency. Essentially, the attitudinal differences are shaped by genetics and formative experiences. For conservatives, longer-held beliefs and established norms provide a refuge. Any transformation occurring in society is equivalent to an uncertain future and discomfort. Liberals' worldviews tend to be more accepting of radical shifts, and abrupt upheavals do not appear as threats but as opportunities. Conversely, people on the ‘right’ or conservative side of the scale embody a neural tendency to preserve the status quo.

So, knowing this, where do we stand? Can anyone alter the ‘other side’s’ viewpoints as the election season quickly approaches? Well, someone could assume that the focus should be on ensuring their ideological allies turn out to vote. However, as both sides have experienced, solely relying on this strategy is risky. Liberals should not abandon the mission of spreading a progressive worldview because history has shown that resistance to change and evolution leads to societal decline. Conversely, conservatives should use history to illustrate that major issues that jeopardize society will arise if the change is too drastic or too quick. Adaptability is the key to individual and collective survival, which imposes an ethical responsibility to advocate for progress and sensible change.

Persuading conservative and liberal supporters isn’t only about logical arguments. It is about understanding and navigating intrinsic attachments to stability, tradition, or progressive changes. Rather than directly challenging the other side's core beliefs, effective persuasion requires empathy resonating with the fundamental values of each side’s neural makeup. Narratives and stories aligning with these values while incorporating facts reinforcing core beliefs can be more compelling. For liberals speaking with conservatives, change should be presented as a moderate evolution of the existing order rather than a rupture. On the other hand, conservatives say to liberals that stability and consistency should be presented as dynamic, leading to progress and change over time.

To influence liberal and conservative voters, we must balance empathy, communication, and understanding the neurocognitive biases that shape the opposing party’s perspectives. In the end, the election's outcome may hinge on our ability to navigate the labyrinth of one another’s thoughts. We are all in this together, after all. ∎

DR. TODD BROWN Awareness Ties Columnist www.awarenessties.us/todd-brown Dr. Todd Brown is a winner of multiple education awards, including the U.S. Congressional Teacher of the Year Award, U.S. Henry Ford Innovator Award, Education Foundation Innovator of the Year, and Air Force Association STEM Teacher of the Year. Dr. Brown is the creator and founder of the Inspire Project and cocreator of Operation Outbreak, which was named the Reimagine Education Award for Best Hybrid Program in the world. He is also an Education Ambassador for the United Nations and an Educational Ambassador of the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

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You have that ability within yourself to find that place that’s whole and healed.

AMY WEINTRAUB

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH AMY WEINTRAUB

TEMPLE DANCER HEALING THE DANCER WITHIN

What happens when a successful television producer, suffering from chronic depression, finds yoga? She finds herself. For Amy Weintraub, it was yoga and writing that saved her life. After a successful career in television broadcasting, Amy found the work she did and awards she received could not alleviate her chronic depression. It wasn’t until practicing yoga daily that she was able to get off medication by getting on the mat. Finding joy in the world once again, she began writing for magazines and then writing books of her own.

Today, Amy is passionate about sharing what helped her heal with others who suffer.

ALLIÉ: Generally, I like to start at the beginning of a story, but today, let’s start a chapter or two in. Even with a successful career as a talented tv producer, you suffered from chronic depression. Please share your story of getting off meds by getting on the mat.

AMY: Oh, that's a beautiful way to put it, Allié. Well, I had a successful career in television. You're right. And then I gave that up and was writing fiction, and you know the amount of rejection that can involve. So that didn't help things.

But even before, in that career that seemed, on the surface, successful, I was having cocktails at lunch, smoking cigarettes, living a lifestyle that was almost like a generation later, of Mad Men, that kind of commercial television life.

I really went downhill and was on antidepressants and was in psychotherapy for many years. At one point, I discovered a catalog. I was collecting mail for a friend who was in the Canary Islands and I found this catalog for Kripalu. And even though I had meditated years before that and I'd even been with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi doing transcendental meditation at WEINTRAUB the University of Massachusetts for a month and it helped, but I sort of fell off the wagon EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH AMY

BY ALLIÉ MCGUIRE with that.

TEMPLE DANCER

What I needed was a physical practice. So I saw this catalog and I said, "Oh, there's programs." It's only three hours from where I lived at the time, which was in Rhode Island, Newport. I can go up to the Berkshires. So I went up there and they were using fluffy pink blankets. There were no yoga mats at the time. This was a while ago. And I started doing the yoga practice, and I came home feeling radiant and alive. Then I thought, "Well, I'm going to go back up CLICK, TAP OR SCAN there." So I went back up. There were no yoga classes in Newport at the time. So I went back up and I started volunteering, and then I started buying their DVDs and CDs and started practicing at home. And that made a huge difference. I practiced every day with a tape or a videotape or some prop that helped me get to the mat. And I started feeling better and better. And I talked to my psychiatrist as I talk about in Yoga for Depression, my first book, and said, "I am feeling so good. I wonder if I need to still be on this medication." And God bless her. She thought that the medication was what was making me Tfeel better, that I was finally stabilized on that medication.

And she refused to O WATCH NOW titrate me off of it.

So I really felt so much better that, even though there's transference in a relationship like that because we did talk therapy as well, I ended up terminating with her and starting with a friend's psychiatrist. He saw me for a couple months and he said, I don't see you as a candidate for this medication. And we slowly titrated me off of it while I was doing a daily practice. And that, I think, is really key for anybody who's considering going off medication. You don't go cold Turkey, especially with SSRIs because you get worse before you get better. There's even that little black box code on the products that say the risk of suicide is enhanced when you go off the medication. So you really need to titrate slowly and with supervision, which is what I did. That was in 1989 and I have not been on medication since. I manage my mood with my daily practice, which at first, was not about meditation. I needed that physical aspect of 67 www.IamAwareNow.com yoga.

I needed that breathing practice and sound, not a yoga. I needed all of those things before I could still the mind enough to meditate.

What I needed was a physical practice.

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“I manage my mood with my daily practice…”

AMY: (continued) I really went downhill and was on antidepressants and was in psychotherapy for many years. At one point, I discovered a catalog. I was collecting mail for a friend who was in the Canary Islands and I found this catalog for Kripalu. And even though I had meditated years before that and I'd even been with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi doing transcendental meditation at the University of Massachusetts for a month and it helped, but I sort of fell off the wagon with that.

What I needed was a physical practice. So I saw this catalog and I said, "Oh, there's programs." It's only three hours from where I lived at the time, which was in Rhode Island, Newport. I can go up to the Berkshires. So I went up there and they were using fluffy pink blankets. There were no yoga mats at the time. This was a while ago. And I started doing the yoga practice, and I came home feeling radiant and alive. Then I thought, "Well, I'm going to go back up there." So I went back up. There were no yoga classes in Newport at the time. So I went back up and I started volunteering, and then I started buying their DVDs and CDs and started practicing at home. And that made a huge difference. I practiced every day with a tape or a videotape or some prop that helped me get to the mat. And I started feeling better and better. And I talked to my psychiatrist as I talk about in Yoga for Depression, my first book, and said, "I am feeling so good. I wonder if I need to still be on this medication." And God bless her. She thought that the medication was what was making me feel better, that I was finally stabilized on that medication. And she refused to titrate me off of it.

I really felt so much better that, even though there's transference in a relationship like that because we did talk therapy as well, I ended up terminating with her and starting with a friend's psychiatrist. He saw me for a couple months and he said, I don't see you as a candidate for this medication. And we slowly titrated me off of it while I was doing a daily practice. And that is really key for anybody who's considering going off medication. You don't go cold turkey, especially with SSRIs because you get worse before you get better. There's even that little black box code on the products that says the risk of suicide is enhanced when you go off the medication. You really need to titrate slowly and with supervision, which is what I did. That was in 1989 and I have not been on medication since. I manage my mood with my daily practice, which at first, was not about meditation. I needed that physical aspect of yoga. I needed that breathing practice and sound. I needed all of those things before I could still the mind enough to meditate.

ALLIÉ: Thank you for sharing all of that, Amy. Let's switch gears specifically to yoga for a moment. Of all the benefits and all the poses that yoga offers, what is your go-to? Is there one specific position, one specific pose that you find the most beneficial?

AMY: That's a really good question because it depends on my mood. If I'm feeling a little bit low energy, I want a heart-opening pose. It'll be a go-to backbend. So it could be camel or it could be Cobra, lifting my heart, opening my chest. But I include with that some breathing practice. It's not just the asana of a heart-opening pose. It also has sound. So, for example, when you're on your belly in something like Cobra or Baby Cobra, Sphinx pose, you have the opportunity to activate that second chakra, which is often dormant in depression. The sound, as we know, for from the chakras, is mmm-aum. If we use it in a repeated way like we're revving a motor, it actually energizes the second chakra, grounding it and energizing it, which if anyone has ever been on an SSRI, you know that it affects your sexual response. if we want more energy, if we're depressed, we want more energy in that second chakra. Pose, I would say a backbend like Cobra, or even bow pose, or a hard opening pose like camel. The other thing, if I'm feeling revved up, then I want to do a forward bend to calm me down. So my one pose would be something like pigeon. That's very calming and soothing. And I would use a calming tone with it. Like, ooh, for this first and second chakra, or if I wanted to do the whole series of calming tones, oh-uh-ah-eh-ee-mm, as I practice the pose to enhance the benefits.

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It depends on my mood.

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ALLIÉ: That is so fascinating just to say that it's not just which pose is taken, but how it's taken. As you say, it’s what sound you're using to amplify it. So awesome, Amy. In addition to practicing yoga, you write about it. You've written books, as you mentioned, entitled ‘Yoga for Depression’ and ‘Yoga Skills for Therapists’. You've also written cards, ‘Yoga For Your Mood’ - a card deck. What is it that these cards contain that help people shift depression and anxiety?

AMY: Well, first of all, it's a system, this card deck. If you have a revved up mood, like you're really anxious or just nervous. Given what's happening in the world, we all have a level of anxiety. So if someone says to you, just take a deep breath or watch your breath coming in and out through your nostrils, it can rev you up even more. So, the premise of the card deck is to first pick a red card, an indication of meeting the mood, meeting that anxious mood, so you do something more active, and then take a blue card to calm the energy down. And even in the active cards, and the instructions are on the back, when we're doing something active, it then gives you two more tools. One is to do a mini body scan so that it grounds the energy so you're not just continuing to rev the energy up more, but it grounds the energy. And then to do a grounding breath, which is, if you're seated, inhale from seat to crown, "I am," exhale to your seat, "Here, grounded, ready."

That system also would meet depression by starting with a blue card that meets that more lethargic mood, and then pulling a red card that increases the energy. So someone who's a couch potato, who can't get up to change the batteries in their remote or whatever, can't get out and off the couch, they're not going to do 108 sun salutations. It might be great for them. They're also not going to go for a run around the park. They're going to want to do a practice that is simple and easy, and they can do in bed or on the couch. And then that gives them enough energy to begin to move, to begin to think about doing something more active.

ALLIÉ: I am excited to explore that deck to see and feel what it's about. Let's talk about the writing side of things. You are a writer of poetry, short stories, articles, many articles, books as we mentioned, but there's more. A novel of awakening and connection, ‘Temple Dancer’ is a lush read and a richly atmospheric journey deep into the history and magic of female sacred sexuality and spiritual transcendence… Yes, please! Instantly on my reading list. I'll just say that right now.

AMY: Well, the core story, which is set between 1938 and 1947 in India, was at the very end of 2000 years of Sacred Temple Dance, the Devadasi tradition. They were sacred dancers. They did lifecycle rituals like tying the gold Thali around the bride's neck. They were responsible for putting the deities to bed and changing their costumes and the sculpture in the temples.

They also were trained as sacred dancers, which meant they had more education than most women who were married off at 13, 14 puberty, and were pretty much slaves in their mother-in-law's homes because that's just the way the culture went. So one way out was the Devadasi tradition. They were empowered. They received gold and cattle and land from their patrons.

They were like Geisha, so they were consorts to often wealthy men. And they considered each man they were with, and usually they weren't with a number of them, they were with a person who sort of supported them. Each one was their God. They were dedicated to the goddess. And they looked at their work, both their sexual work and their dance, which was what we know of now as classical Indian dance, Bharatanatyam.

They looked at it as sacred work. What happened for me was that I was in a feminist's office a number of years ago in India. She's a fiction writer and an academic, and she was part of a collective of women who were raising funds for the Beedi Rollers in Karnataka, which is very poor women often, who are still, even though it's illegal, dedicated to the Goddess Yellamma, to become Devadasi, which now simply means sex workers because they had been thrown out of the temples in 1947. That's a whole other story. So, they had put together a calendar of photographs of women and girls who had been or were about to be dedicated to the goddess. Do you know how sometimes you see a painting like maybe of Jesus and the eyes follow you or you feel like no matter where you are in the room, the eyes are looking at you? So, this picture of a girl with early knotted hair, which was a sign that you were supposed to be dedicated to the goddess, was about to be dedicated. Now, that doesn't mean she would have sex, they would wait till puberty, but she was about to be dedicated. And her face just spoke to me. I was standing in my friend Lakshmi's office with tears rolling down my face.

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“Women who have this sense of sacred, spiritual sexuality has been tamped down by the patriarchy in so many cultures…”

AMY: (continued) When I got back to the US, I started researching Devadasi culture. I lived near Wesleyan University that has the largest world music program in the country, And with plenty of master's thesis and dissertations on the Devadasi and the tradition. And I pored over those. What happened was I had this sense, now, many authors will say this to you, but when you're really in the zone of writing fiction, I felt that this story of Saraswati was channeled through me. An 8-year-old voice just came through me. She was adopted by a Devadasi when her mother died, and she was trained in the tradition. She went into ecstatic trances when she danced and felt herself lifted up and connected to the divine.

I have always loved dance, and I think when I was eight years old, I had experiences like that just dancing outside.

And so whatever, it felt like it was received. So that story came through me, and I've written a number of American frames around it. This current one, which seems to be successful, is about a clinical social worker going through a divorce and deciding to go to India on a pilgrimage. And she meets an elderly person on a train who's kind of wispy and mystical, and she disappears and in her place is left a diary. So the contemporary story is woven together with this story from the end of the Devadasi era.

ALLIÉ: It sounds fantastic. And to have that personal inspiration from so long ago, to now resurrect that and be able to pour that story not just by you, but through you.

AMY: That's what it felt like. And at the end of ‘Temple Dancer', I have author's notes and I tell that story and other stories that pointed me in this direction. I won't go into them, but they happened in India. It just felt like I was pointed in the direction of writing this story. Actually, my next meeting today is with my executive producer because it's now a screenplay. Although the frame is very different, it doesn't mean it's going to get produced as most screenplays don't.

But the attempt is to see Saraswati on the big screen because one of the things she tells Wendy in the book is, "You need to tell the world how we danced with God." Currently, if you look up Devadasis or Temple Dances in India, they're basically shunned as whores. And most of the generation of girls who were in the hereditary chain of Devadasi have no idea what their ancestral lineage or their matriarchal lineage has been. Social groups try to save these young girls and train them in math and science, which is great, and computers… Great, but there's no honoring of their gifts and no dance classes or music classes. So, it's a mixed bag over there, and in this country too. It always has been.

Women who have this sense of sacred, spiritual sexuality has been tamped down by the patriarchy in so many cultures, not just in India.

ALLIÉ: Perhaps it's this book that will resurrect that fire and that need to say, "Let's take a look at the narrative that's been written, and perhaps there's a different version we need to explore.”

AMY: Yes. That was the whole reason for that book. It's not that I hadn't written novels before, all unpublished, except for some of them have been chopped up and sold as short stories and also have won awards as short stories. But my novels, except for this one, have never been published. And the whole journey for me at this point is to see Saraswati on the big screen so that the Devadasi culture and tradition is honored.

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AwareNow Podcast

TEMPLE DANCER Exclusive Interview with Amy Weintraub https://awarenow.us/podcast/temple-dancer

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“It can be two to five minutes to clear your space, to remove the obstructions so that you can invite in what you want to enhance in your life.”

ALLIÉ: I’m excited to dive in and to read this story. Let's close this conversation with a question about advice that you might have. Let's go back to the subject we had started with, which is that of depression. These days it's ever present.

For those who deal with chronic depression as you did, and who want to write a new chapter in their life with less anxiety and more ease, what advice do you have? Where should they begin?

AMY: Well, I would say either find a yoga teacher or yoga therapist who you trust. I mean, it's not about promoting my deck, but these are two to five minute practices that can transform your energy. So, finding something, it doesn't have to be rolling out a yoga mat and practicing for an hour or an hour and a half. It can be two to five minutes to clear your space, to remove the obstructions so that you can invite in what you want to enhance in your life. So whether it's peace or clarity or joy, you clear the space so that you're, you're able to feel that which is who you truly are, your own true nature, which is unsullied by the traumas and everything that's happened to you. You have that ability within yourself to find that place that's whole and healed. ∎

Follow Amy on Instagram: @amylifeforceyoga Purchase her book ‘Temple Dancer’: https://awarenow.us/book/temple-dancer

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I hope his trust is still mostly intact…

BURT KEMPNER

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‘JUST BURT STORIES’ EXCLUSIVE COLUMN BY BURT KEMPNER

AIRBORNE

When my son was very young I used to pick him up after school. The moment he spotted me he would race across the playground and launch himself joyously into my arms. It broke my heart open in the best possible way each and every time and was the purest example of trust and love I’ve ever known. He never entertained the slightest doubt that I would fail to catch him and cover him with kisses. If he attempted the same feat today at age 31, he would knock me into the next county, but I hope his trust is still mostly intact and his love undimmed.

I’ve been told that my spiritual development hinges on my being able to love myself. I sometimes struggle to separate the concept of self-love from that of narcissism, but I think I’ve come to understand the difference. I’ve seen and learned too much to be able to leap into my own arms with the level of innocence of my airborne boy, but to borrow a line from Paul Simon, “I have reason to believe that I will be received.”

So may we all. ∎

AwareNow Podcast

AIRBORNE Written and Narrated by Burt Kempner https://awarenow.us/podcast/airborne

TAP/SCAN TO LISTEN

BURT KEMPNER Writer & Producer www.awarenessties.us/burt-kempner BURT KEMPNER is a writer-producer who has worked professionally in New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Florida. His work has won numerous major awards, and has been seen by groups ranging in size from a national television audience in the United States to a half-dozen Maori chieftains in New Zealand.

Spurred by his love for inspiring young people, he started writing children's books in 2015. Learn more about Burt and his books at his website: www.burtkempner.com.

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I’ve found that something like curiosity is really a skill.

ALEX SEARLE

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ALEX SEARLE

HUMBLE MIND

THE STORY BEHIND THE STORYTELLER A dad of 2, serial road-tripper, lover of music, player of guitars, reader of books, nature adventurer, yogi and enjoyer of Indian food, Alex Searle is a storyteller who helps others tell their story. He is also the founder of Humble Mind. Today, we hear the story behind the storyteller.

ALLIÉ: Let's start with the story of Alex Searle. From the beginning to now, please share if you were to draft a summary of your life, how would it read?

ALEX: Well, it would probably have unexpected adventure in there somewhere, somewhere in the ChatGPT summary. I was born in South Africa. My mom is originally from Spain. My dad had some European heritage as well, but some South African mainly. I'm an only child.

My parents are musicians. They still play music. They've been playing together as part of a band, a really good band for 40 years. So being creative and being on an adventure and being around people has always been part of the DNA from day one for me. I traveled a lot with them as a kid. I used to go with them when they used to go for work, for

HUMBLE MIND EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ALEX SEARLE BY ALLIÉ MCGUIRE

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TO WATCH NOW

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The exchange of energy instead of the one direction of energy is so much more interesting…

ALEX: (continued) music, for their creative arts. I used to go with them and go to school in different places. I went to school in Egypt, in Spain, lived in Qatar for a little while, all of that before I was about 12 or 13. And then it was inevitable in a way that I would also follow music. So music is also a massive passion of mine. I suppose until I was about 25, I was sort of a serious musician, if you want to call it that with big quotation marks hanging in the air. I was part of bands and music, and really loved the creative process of making music. But I also felt that there was something missing from only being in a band or only playing music. Even though it's a beautiful, creative spiritual path, I don't think it was my only path. I also found out a little bit later that I had entrepreneurial skills and I had different kinds of business skills and relationship skills that I found myself wanting to cultivate in some direction. And what started then ended up being four different businesses that I've started. Since then, now I live in Spain. I've got two kids, seven and four, and one on the way. Lots of kids, lots of fun. In five days, I'm turning 33. So pretty busy, I suppose, keeping life interesting. And life continues.

It's certainly a fun existence. I also have learned over the last couple of years that the more I trust my own curiosity and go with it and go with my gut on what interests me, the easier things seem to come and gravitate opportunities towards me, instead of trying to chase them, trying to push them. I don't know if that's a complete answer.

ALLIÉ: That's a fabulous summary. I love how you ended that summation to say just learning to trust your curiosity.

So many people say, "Trust your instinct. Trust what you know to be true." But you are trusting what you're not sure to be true and remaining curious to figure it out. That's awesome. We talked previously about storytelling. I feel that the art of storytelling is contingent on the science of story-asking. So my question for you now is, as a professional interviewer, which is one of your many hats that you wear, what most inspires you about the craft of the interview?

ALEX: It's actually a recent sort of discovery, if anything because I've always loved stories and hearing great storytellers as we all do. But I've also found that what has attracted me to podcasting and listening to podcasts, enjoying the process of also creating podcasts, even though I'm still figuring my way out on that, is this conversation element. The fact that there's not something being told from one voice, but rather you're listening in, you're the fly on the wall into a conversation that's unfolding between two people. And the exchange of energy instead of the one direction of energy is so much more interesting and so much more live and extemporaneous. It's sort of happening before your eyes. It's almost like watching a high-speed video of a construction site.

It's taking place in front of you rather than something that's learned and just repeated. So there's something really special about that. And also it's the thing that I think brings out truth much more easily. When you've prepared something, and now you're going to go and deliver a speech or whatever it might be, you know what you're doing, start to finish, you know the message. And it's going to be a sort of one-way street. And obviously, there's value to that. But in that conversational element or interview situation, you don't really know how things will come out, which means normally when they come out the first time, you're going to have an interesting answer. People are less prepared to shield what might be a lie or what might not be the way they want it to come out. It's just going to come out, especially if the questions are good and if they're incisive. So there's a real art in not only interviewing, but also being interviewed because it gives you all of these wonderful things. And story-asking is a nice way to think of it too, because it relies on the back-and-forth, a kind of question and answer to create meaning together.

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ALEX: (continued) I love listening to interviews. I love listening to podcasts and I also like doing it. I'm certainly not a professional interviewer. I fell with my ass in it, as I did with a lot of things, and then just ended up following my curiosity and seeing what happened. It's an amazing medium for sure and a very revealing one too.

ALLIÉ: I completely agree. And to your point, it is a dialogue. I think in society we're so used to monologues or dialogues that are so rigid and so predefined as to what message should be scripted as opposed to one that just sort of flows and reveals itself in real time. Let's talk questions. If there was one universal question, one thing that you could ask that would best tell the tale of a person, what would that be?

ALEX: That's an interesting question. It's always going to be dependent on what you want to know. As an interviewer, or when you're conducting a conversation or a discussion of some kind, you're asking questions, but you're also not doing it blindly. You're going somewhere with it, and you're sort of testing hypotheses. Maybe you're thinking about a problem and asking for comments. So there are different types of questions, different things that you can find out by asking different questions.

I don't know if there's a single question that you can just throw out, and then you're going to get everything you need to know. That's the beauty of having different kinds of questions— ones that are softer, ones that are harder, ones that are more detailed, ones that are more open. To give you a partial answer, I think it's nice to ask people about a very small specific thing. And this is something I'm actually trying to still learn and get better at. Often in conversations with people, if you're going too big and too broad and too general and too what's the universe all about, then chances are it's such an impossible expectation. It's really hard to come up with anything meaningful or entertaining. It's just a big question. But if you go in small, like, tell me about your favorite place in the world and why you like it, or when was the last time a piece of music made you cry? Something like that where it's sort of specific and takes you right down to a moment. The chances are that someone's going to be able to relate to that much more quickly and much more personally, so that then they can describe what it felt like, the colors, the sounds at the time, who they were with, all of these things. And you get a better story that you're asking of them, back to story-asking, rather than something that's too large. Finding the general and the specific, I think, is way more interesting than asking everyone to be a philosopher. In fact, that's the way to be a philosopher.

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ALLIÉ: I quite agree. As opposed to the big question, it's the right question.

ALEX: Sometimes big questions are too big for their own good. So you find more interesting things by taking a detour or taking a road a little bit less traveled.

ALLIÉ: Absolutely. So, storytelling then is really all about learning, interacting in hopes of thriving in this life, in this world. Here enters Humble Mind. Please tell us about this platform that you founded and the community that you're leading to prepare humanity for the future of work.

ALEX: I just love the word humble. It's an interesting word. I like also the way that it looks. I'm a bit of a word nerd, and sometimes it's not just about the meaning of a word, but the way it looks or the way it sounds actually affects how you form an attachment to it. And I just like the word, the way it looks and the way it sounds. Obviously, I like how it's defined as well. For me, being humble is kind of like having an open heart while also keeping an open mind. It's being present in a small role that you might play in a big world, but a big influence that you can have in a small way as well.

So it relates to quite a few different pieces.

Humble Mind, the community I'm building, is a place for entrepreneurs, curious digital professionals, mentors, even creative freelancers and founders, small business owners, people who often I find need support and need a source of learning, but don't really have the right space for that, the right container for that. But there's a community there that goes wide, but also goes deep. There’s a weekly format where we have a different topic. We get some featured speakers that come in and it's all online. And for 60 to 90 minutes, that's your space, that's your container where you can learn about intuition, about enlightened leadership, about the world of AI and navigating the truth in AI, how to start a podcast, how to build a business, how to grow internationally, all of these different topics. Sometimes it's a knowledge deep dive, sometimes it's a skills exchange. It's different kinds of things. But the idea is to go wide so that you're exposed to different kinds of opinions and perspectives and speakers, maybe sometimes even those you might not agree with, but also to go deep, to invite your own curiosity. That's why there's a very active facilitation element to these as well. It’s not just about sitting on a webinar and being on mute, but I will always engage and get everyone on the session to get involved. What do you think? What's your opinion? Share your perspective, tell us. It doesn't matter if you're an expert or not. It doesn't matter at all. It's about what your perspective is. Something in your wording, something in your answer, something in your experience might come out and someone else goes, "Wow, I resonate with that," or, "I don't agree at all with that, and here's why.” You get this beautiful, organic conversation that starts to emerge. And when that happens, when people begin to talk to each other, which is the real formation of a community, not just one-to-many, but a network effect of everyone else interacting. Then you begin to get these beautiful bonds that start to emerge between people that otherwise would just have been strangers. And that's actually starting to happen on this platform. It's learning. It's skills development. It's connection, and it's curious inquiry all rolled in one big fat sandwich. That's Humble Mind. It's still growing, it's still pretty early. I started it this year, but I'm really proud and really happy of where it's going. The sky's the limit.

ALLIÉ: That sounds amazing. I love that word that was used – curiosity. I love the invitation to be and to stay curious.

ALEX: What I've found in this things like ‘curiosity’ and ‘intuition’, and big words, ‘empathy’. I've really tried to sit with it and think about it. What do those mean? And I don't have an answer for it, but I've realized at least the start of it is that they're actually skills. They're actually things that you can do. You can do something with them. It's not just this big, beautiful cloud that hangs in the air. Words like ‘curiosity’ and ‘intuition’ are these big words that mean nothing and everything at the same time. But with the group element and what we do at Humble Mind as a collective, is to open up these things and to talk about them and create knowledge around them. And I've found that something like curiosity is really a skill. It's like a muscle that you go to the gym and you work out. And the better you are at spotting it, noticing it, and having space for it, the better it can serve you. Like I said, if you start to follow up and notice it a little bit more often and make a habit of that, then you find that curiosity actually brings opportunities and it makes you more open and supple to learn new things. And this is the same for all of these other things as well.

Being humble is a set of skills. It's a thing that you can do, not a thing to be performed or a thing to live outside of your integrity, of course not. But you have to learn how to do that, be that, or to be better at it. That's a central thing that we're exploring in Humble Mind.

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AwareNow Podcast

HUMBLE MIND Exclusive Interview with Alex Searle https://awarenow.us/podcast/humble-mind

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ALLIÉ: That's awesome. What also is awesome is poetry. Let's end our conversation today on a bit of a poetic note.

There's this poem I'm very fond of, ‘Maud Mueller’ is the title. It's penned by John Greenleaf Whittier. And he says this: “Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these, 'It might have been.” So, my last question for you is this…

For those who hesitate with telling their story, a tale that might be told but hasn’t been yet, what is your advice?

ALEX: It's a beautiful piece… I love poetry, and it's so true, isn't it? We might have been living a life of regrets or missed chances or missed opportunities. I think one of the things that people convince themselves of too often is what stops them before they start. They think that there could never be an audience that would be interested in listening.

That convinces them that their story is not worth telling or hearing. But obviously, that's not the case. Firstly, we live in such a massively diverse world that there's an audience for everything and everybody. For every subcategory, every niche, every ridiculous fetish, it's there. So, if you've got something to share or to say, no matter how ridiculous you might think it is, chances are somewhere there will be some audience for it.

Now, of course, this may change depending on if you're doing this as a business or if you have a story to share of a personal nature or if you're being artistic. But ultimately, it's getting rid of that belief that it's something that is either too niche or too small or too personal or too ridiculous or too emotional or whatever it might be to not share. Because chances are, if something's touched you, then there's a really strong chance that someone else will benefit from that message. That's maybe a philosophical piece of advice. Maybe a more practical one is really to find a way to practice.

It sounds funny, but how do you get to Carnegie Hall? The way to develop any great habit, great ability, or any great skill is by doing it repeatedly and continuously trying to make progress on that. Great poets, great writers and great musicians spend decades doing that. They're not just great from the get-go. And it's exactly the same with a craft like storytelling. You've got to get better at it.

When I started interviewing and speaking to people and hosting people on Humble Mind, I sucked at it. I don't really like the way I do it now anyway. But the point is that you learn, you see what you do, you get better, you put that in and you try again, and you get better. And that's the messy part. It’s the messy, ugly part that no one likes, but it's so essential. It just has to happen. And with that comes a confidence in your voice. And a voice is central to telling a story, because you have a story and then you have the storyteller. And sometimes we're more intrigued by the storyteller than we are with the story, and that's fine. That's part of the package, that's part of the experience. So, I suppose first it is to get rid of the false belief that there might not be an audience for it, because there always is. And secondly, it is to practice. Get good at it. Because one day when that person finds you and they want to hear your crazy story about wasabi peanuts and birds or whatever it might be, whatever crazy combination you have, it really helps if you're as good as you can be when you tell that story, if you're doing it in a video or a podcast, or you're writing poetry or however you're doing that. Make it as good a vehicle as possible so that it carries the intention of your message in the best way. ∎

Learn more about Alex and the Humble Mind: humblemind.co

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What question brought you here?

ALLIÉ MCGUIRE

CO-FOUNDER OF AWARENOW MEDIA 82

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FEATURE STORY BY ALLIÉ MCGUIRE

STORYASKING THE ASKING IS TELLING

There’s that scene in The Matrix where Trinity whispers to Neo in the noise of a loud crowd…

“You’re looking for him.

I know because I was once looking for the same thing.

And when he found me, he told me I wasn’t really looking for him.

I was looking for an answer.

It’s the question that drives us, Neo. It’s the question that brought you here.”

Let’s pause there.

What question brought you here?

When it comes to questions, I remember the basics in this order: Who, What, Where, When, Why & How

STORYASKING FEATURE STORY BY ALLIÉ MCGUIRE VIA 2023 CREATIVITY CONFERENCE

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TO WATCH NOW

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I can ask nothing more than to help turn the water to wine.

ALLIÉ MCGUIRE

CO-FOUNDER OF AWARENOW MEDIA 84

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Who is Allié? (And does she pronounce if Alley or Alley-ay?)

What is ‘storyasking’?

Where is ‘storyasking’ used?

When is the right time to ask for a story to be told?

Why is this talk ‘Storyasking’, not ‘Storytelling’?

How do I apply ‘storyasking’ to my life?

Who is Allié?

Well, my real name is Alisha, but it’s Allié for short.

And while I love France, French food and especially French wine, the French acute accent over my é came early on with my pen & stage name when I found poetry and the stage.

I asked myself what I loved most.

My response to myself was ‘words’ and ‘wine’.

So, when I found a poem entitled ‘In Praise of Wine’ by John T. Baker, I asked myself another question.

Why not combine your two loves?

And so I decided to educate and entertain with wine, in a program named after the poem, which went like this…

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When I'm no longer here

All the times that I strayed,

How I'd hunt high and low

and am called to appear

all the errors I made,

for that special Bordeaux;

up on high on that last judgment day

while I wondered which way I should go,

I'd pursue every new Beaujolais;

and our maker begins

of those toilsome travails

and I'd spend money, Lord,

to examine my sins,

I forget the details,

I could then ill afford

I can truthfully then only say:

but the wine was a fine Merlot.

when the wine was a fine Chardonnay.

"I do not," I'll exclaim,

And my deeds on that date

So I humbly report

"now remember the name

when, sad to relate,

all my sins to this court

of the girl or the village that May;

I succumbed to unworthy desire,

and I pray for Your pardon divine;

I but dimly recall

as you well might expect,

as you add up my score,

the encounter at all,

I cannot recollect,

I can ask nothing more

but the wine was a fine Cabernet.

but the wine was a fine Pinot Noir.

than to help turn the water to wine.

www.IamAwareNow.com

I am an answer to my own questions.

Had I not asked what I did, my story wouldn’t be what it is.

Questions create stories…

What is ‘storyasking’?

Because I created this word, I suppose it’s appropriate that I curate its definition.

‘Storyasking’ is the science behind the storyline.

It’s the navigation of nuance.

It’s the art of inquiry that invites truth, providing a safe space to be honest.

It’s not baiting a hook, setting a trap or leading a witness.

It’s asking the right questions to get the real answers.

‘Storyasking’ provides a framework one that’s not templated or copied and pasted.

It’s a structure designed to serve the story with authenticity and integrity.

It’s a way to help people find their way, through the things they want to say.

Here enters the interview.

In its highest, purest form, it’s a series of questions with intention to not force a confession but to allow a conversation.

It’s using engagement to support a wide arrangement of emotion that’s embodied in the sharing of past moments preserved in memories and present dreams of future realities.

At the end of the day, it’s mindful Q & A.

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Where is ‘storyasking’ used?

In the pages of AwareNow Magazine, with over 1,000 stories shared, in every interview we publish, ‘storyasking’ is used.

Rated ‘O’ for original and organic content to raise awareness for causes, the intentional asking is required for producing stories that will sustain positive social change.

This change can only be sustained and scaled if it’s rooted in truth, not trends.

This applies not only to the publication of stories but to the making of stories your story, my story and at their intersection.

When used at our intersection of stories, ‘storyasking’ can change lives.

I remember an interview I did with Cecelia Baker…

I was just diagnosed with MS. After losing vision in my right eye, an MRI revealed lesions on my brain and spine along with an official diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis.

I did what anyone would do.

I got online and Googled more than I should then connected as much as I could with people who had been there and done that.

On Instagram I searched #ms, and I quickly connected with a community of people living with multiple sclerosis.

One was Cecelia Baker.

She and her husband had MS. They also had a daughter.

In every photo of Delilah, a description came with along with the post that included #rett and #rettsyndrome.

I asked Siri, “What is rett?”

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When I wake up in the morning, I’m not sure that she will.

CECELIA BAKER

MS WARRIOR & DELILAH’S MOTHER 88

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Siri responded, “Rett syndrome is a rare genetic neurological disorder that occurs almost exclusively in girls, more rarely in boys, and leads to severe impairments, affecting nearly every aspect of the child’s life: their ability to speak, walk, eat, and even breathe easily.”

I then asked another question, not to Siri but to Cecelia.

I asked her if she wanted to share Delilah’s story.

I had never heard of Rett, prior to seeing Cecelia’s posts.

I thought perhaps others hadn’t either.

Cecelia was thankful for the request and looked forward to the interview.

Of the questions I prepared, there was one that I asked, for which I’ll never forget her response.

I asked Cecelia, “What is the hardest part about being Delila’s mother?”

This was her response…

“When I wake up in the morning, I’m not sure that she will.”

She then told me that they call Rett ‘the silent killer’, as it’s common to take young people in their sleep.

Now, I don’t have Rett.

My husband, Jack, doesn’t have Rett.

None of our six children, Forest, Easton, Phoenix, Ethan, Aurora or Espen, have Rett…

How much do you want to bet that the question asked and answer given didn’t change my life?

Every day, I wake up, I remember that others didn’t… other mother’s children didn’t.

Every day, I remember that question asked and answer given.

Where is ‘storyasking’ used?

It’s used every day in our everyday lives when we are curious enough to care.

It happens in places where we’re found seeking answers only to find ourselves asking questions resulting in answers that we never knew we needed.

‘Storyasking’ is used in places of learning, where we speak not to be heard and get notoriety, but to then hear and gain knowledge.

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When is the right time to ask for a story to be told?

Now. I would say now.

In alignment with our platform, AwareNow Media, we have a saying, a motto, a ‘proverb with purpose’.

“We will no longer ask for permission to change the world.”

And while we’ll no longer ask for permission, we will ask for people to share their stories to create the change that is wanted, needed & required in order for our humanity to be sustained.

“We will no longer ask for permission to change the world.”

My husband, Jack, wrote these words in white chalk on our black chalkboard wall.

We pulled them off the wall and pushed them out into the world to rally society with an invitation to stand in solidarity in support of the human cause that connects us all.

Yes, we’re all tied to different causes, but it’s the human cause that ties us all together.

It is the universal thread of empathy that stitches all our stories together.

Why is this talk ‘storyasking’ and not ‘storytelling’?

As the question comes before the answer, since we’re always only beginning with each day being a new day, It makes sense that the asking precedes the telling.

While Q, comes after A in the alphabet, in life questions always come before the answer.

As we’ve just begun, we are in the asking phase, and may we always stay there.

The asking comes with dynamic inquiry; the telling comes with a static response.

With the asking being the verb, the telling is the noun.

Both important for structure and cohesion of knowledge followed by applied understanding, the asking is a catalyst of thought.

The telling is the endpoint.

Nowhere to go from there, with the exception of asking another question.

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Last question is this…

How do I apply ‘storyasking’ to my life?

Let’s begin with biology.

Two ears. One mouth.

It seems that in our human design we are meant to listen more than speak.

(Forgive me. Today, I am defying our design’s intention.)

When we pause and reflect about how we connect, let’s be honest.

Dialogue is often a masked monologue.

We pause only long enough to catch our breath and speak again.

Seldom do we sit, get silent and give space (i.e. grace) for others to speak without thoughts of our own interrupting.

Too often we react, as opposed to interact.

We’re a short fused society, quickly lit.

We move and talk fast or call it and quit.

Focused too much on the coveted destination of the answer, we’ve glossed over the discounted journey of the questioning.

It’s the wondering that holds possibility and the asking that supports probability.

The asking invites the infinite.

The telling supplies the finite.

From the asking that invites variables to the telling that informs with constants, the equation of a story is masterfully balanced.

So, again, I’ll ask what brought you here today?

I ask not for you to answer, but to keep asking yourself along the way. ∎

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There’s a lot of noise in the college admissions space.

ETHAN SAWYER

FOUNDER OF COLLEGE ESSAY GUY 92

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‘THE DECIDED HEART EFFECT’ EXCLUSIVE COLUMN BY SONJA MONTIEL

SEEKING SERENITY

FINDING STILLNESS IN A NOISY (COLLEGE ADMISSION) WORLD Growing up as a missionary kid, Ethan moved around a lot. Like a lot, a lot. He attended 13 different schools in Spain, Ecuador, and Columbia. Often being the new kid, Ethan was constantly practicing the art of creating belonging for himself.

By the time Ethan was in high school, he fell in love with three things: asking questions, theater, and writing. He would soon discover that these interests would overlap in exciting ways.

It was through theater that Ethan learned about the power of vulnerability. Not only did this discovery help him as a developing writer, but it also became a powerful tool when connecting with people. Ethan said, “Learning how to share my vulnerability with someone felt empowering. Once I developed the courage to share first, I noticed how that often led to creating psychological safety—both for myself and within groups.”

Ethan attended Northwestern University, creating original works of theater, while continuing to develop as a writer.

After college, he moved to Los Angeles with a friend who was attending University of Southern California. As Ethan pursued his dream of becoming a screenwriter, he helped students with their college essays to earn income. “Helping students tell their life stories using screenwriting tools was incredibly gratifying,” Ethan shares. Yet, it wasn’t long before Ethan began to see the inequities in access to resources for college-bound students. That didn’t sit quite right.

As a result, he and his friend decided to partner with a local charter school, Los Angeles Leadership Academy, helping first generation students through the essay writing process as volunteers. During this time, Ethan wondered about designing a more equitable model of helping every student, despite their socio-economic status, gain access to higher education.

Ten years ago Ethan founded College Essay Guy. He created online courses on how to write college essays under a “pay what you can” model and started the Matchlighters Program, which pairs low-income students with college counselors for free one-on-one support. This was the beginning of something much larger than writing college essays.

Aside from offering support to help students apply to college, Ethan’s purpose has fundamentally been about creating connections. He shares, “The core of what I do is help students make deeper connections—yes, with their counselors, but primarily—with themselves.”

In a recent podcast episode, “Self-care for counselors, leaders, and professionals in helping roles,” Ethan spoke with the CEO of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), Angel Perez. In one of the most vulnerable conversations in the industry of higher education, they reflected on the heavy weight that counselors and higher education staff carried on behalf of students and their families. Many who work in college admissions tend to have caregiving characteristics, are servant leaders, and often prioritize others over themselves.

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AwareNow Podcast

SEEKING SERENITY Written and Narrated by Sonja Montiel https://awarenow.us/podcast/seeking-serenity

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In their conversation, Ethan and Angel discussed burnout they both experienced, and the practices—including mindfulness and unscheduled time—as they each work to create more ease, purpose, and joy in their own lives. Of late, Ethan has been inspired to turn inward through daily meditation and reflection, which has led to more creativity and more connection with both colleagues and family members.

Ethan’s role has evolved over the years, from writer/teacher to organizational leader, as the College Essay Guy website has grown to reach over 4 million unique visitors this past year, with a full time staff of 17. “The question I’m present to lately,” Ethan notes, “Is how can we be the best stewards of that attention and energy?”

Ethan and his team spend a lot of time thinking of ways to better serve the students they support one-on-one, while also considering how to increase access for the students they work with pro bono through their Matchlighters Program.

“There’s a lot of noise in the college admissions space,” Ethan notes, “An essential part of my and our job is to help students cut through the noise and find stillness. But I have to find it in myself first.” ∎

Learn more about working with Ethan's team here: https://www.collegeessayguy.com Spots available for high-achieving low-income students. Learn more here: https://www.collegeessayguy.com/matchlighters

SONJA MONTIEL Co-Founder of PEQ Performance Consulting www.awarenessties.us/sonja-montiel SONJA MONTIEL has served more than twenty-one years in the college admissions profession, having extensive experience in the areas of freshman, transfer, and international admissions. During her time working with thousands of teens and young adults worldwide, she began to witness many societies creating an unhealthy college-bound culture that misguides our young people in their pursuit of living a life of fulfillment. In 2021, Sonja met Hilary Bilbrey to begin something amazing. They created The DH Effect – The Decided Heart Effect with a mission to guide individuals, schools, and organizations to build high-trust relationships and belonging through self-discovery and personal accountability. Sonja and Hilary offer their services at PEQ Performance Consulting (www.peq-performance.com).

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Miles to go before we sleep…

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Photo Credit: Adil www.IamAwareNow.com

2023 GLOBAL YOUTH AWARDS

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‘GLOBAL GOOD’ EXCLUSIVE COLUMN BY TANITH HARDING

2023 GLOBAL YOUTH AWARDS

INSPIRING YOUNG PEOPLE PASSIONATE ABOUT CHANGE The Global Youth Awards, delivered as part of RoundTable Global charity, The Legacy Project, showcase extraordinary young people aged 11-25 around the world who are leading inspirational projects for a positive impact. The awards provide support, experiences, personal development and a global network of opportunities for all winners. This includes an invitation to become a RoundTable Global Youth Change Ambassador with access to projects, events, mentoring and training. Winners are also invited to support the design and delivery of the awards in the following year.

Here are the winners of the 2023 Global Youth Awards in the categories of education, empowerment, environment and creativity:

EDUCATION

ENVIRONMENT

Chido Munyaka

Srijanita Maurya

Keith Richard Kwagala

Arjya Srestha Aich

Helena Donato-Sapp

Saksham Bansal

EMPOWERMENT

CREATIVITY

Remarkable Mary Akpan

Ally Zlatar

Simone Sharma

Faith Dickinson

Chiteu Kasongo

Dhaani Singhal

With nominations from nearly 70 countries, congratulations to all 2023 Global Youth Award Winners! ∎

Learn more about the Global Youth Awards: www.roundtable.global/global-youth-awards-2023

TANITH HARDING Director of International Development, The Legacy Project, RoundTable Global www.awarenessties.us/tanith-harding Tanith is leading change management through commitment to the RoundTable Global Three Global Goals of: Educational Reform, Environmental Rejuvenation & Empowerment for All. She delivers innovative and transformational leadership and development programmes in over 30 different countries and is also lead on the international development of philanthropic programmes and projects. This includes working with a growing team of extraordinary Global Change Ambassadors and putting together the Global Youth Awards which celebrate the amazing things our young people are doing to change the world.

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2023 GLOBAL YOUTH AWARDS

Education Award: Leadership in Education Name:

Helena Donato-Sapp

Location: United States Age: 14

A 14-year-old scholar, activist, artist, fierce feminist and sought-after keynote speaker in the field of education. As a child with multiple learning disabilities, her main focus is on Disability Justice and she seeks to lift up disability pride. She has published on confronting ableism in scholarly peer-reviewed journals and is a globally sought-after speaker on Disability Justice. Working with the National Education Association – the United States’ largest labor union – she has partnered on a campaign titled Become a Champion for Disability Rights and Inclusion. The campaign’s goal is to reach every educator in America, and beyond, with the message that disabilities are super-powers. https://www.helenalourdes.com

Award: Innovation in Education Name:

Keith Richard Kwagala

Location: Uganda Age: 23

This young man works on a portable medical device that helps in the early detection of stroke and heart conditions. The device sends a notification immediately to the doctor and caretaker of the person at risk so that proactive preventive treatment is started. This enables doctors to keep track of their patients out of hospital, safeguard patients from sudden attacks and also help in fast triaging at hospitals in low resource settings where doctors are heavily outnumbered by their patients which reduces the quality of healthcare. http://novitasdiagnostics.com

Award: Change in Education Name:

Chido Munyaka

Location: Zimbabwe Age: 22

Chido has led the development of evidence-based sport programs that go beyond physical training. These programs focus on holistic development, incorporating life skills education, leadership training, and values-based training to install a sense of discipline, teamwork, and self-confidence among participants. These programs are embedded in children and youth rights and advocacy work covering rights such as education, health, play and life among others. She has consistently prioritised community engagement and participation. Chido actively involves community members, local leaders, and stakeholders in the planning and execution of initiatives. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095665801990

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2023 GLOBAL YOUTH AWARDS

Empowerment Award: Leadership in Empowerment Name:

Chiteu Kasonga

Location: Zambia Age: 23

Chiteu is an extraordinary Global Youth Activist deserving of recognition for his outstanding contributions to various spheres. Despite growing up in a marginalised community his indomitable spirit and determination have propelled him to make a lasting impact. As the founder and executive director of EasyZambia, an accredited member representative of the youth democracy cohort of the Council of Europe, he spearheads initiatives that empower Zambian youth for sustainable development. https://www.facebook.com/ppmediaimpact

Award: Innovation in Empowerment Name:

Simone Sharma

Location: India Age: 17

At just 16 years of age, Simone started her non-profit in the hope of empowering the youth and promoting equal opportunities for youth via Youth Grow Youth. Through their online platforms YGY successfully impacted and helped over 60,000+ youth globally avail opportunities from internships to volunteering to mentorships from professors and alumni of several reputed institutions, to Ivy-league webinars all free of cost. https://www.instagram.com/youthgrowyouth

Award: Change in Empowerment Name:

Remarkable Mary Akpan

Location: Nigeria Age: 25

Remarkable Mary’s initiative called “forher” is aimed at addressing the issues of illiteracy and poverty confronting girls in Nigeria, especially in rural communities, using education and skills as its key apparatus. By providing education and skills training, she aims to equip girls with the tools they need to break the cycle of poverty and contribute to the development of their communities. Her project is tackling two interconnected critical issues in Nigeria – illiteracy and poverty, especially among girls in rural areas. By targeting these problems, she is addressing root causes of gender inequality and lack of opportunities. Through initiatives like the scholarship examination and skills training, she is directly contributing to girls' education. http://www.forherorg.com/

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2023 GLOBAL YOUTH AWARDS

Environment Award: Leadership in Environment Name:

Saksham Bansal

Location: India Age: 17

During the pandemic people were urged to wash hands regularly for twenty seconds as part of covid safe behaviour. This frequent hand-washing would place further stress on areas with scarce water. This young man came up with the idea of designing a faucet that could save water and following persistent debugging, He was able to bring together an automatic timer faucet. His start-up Stayive was installed at a worker facility, where it saves approximately 96,000 litres of water per month. https://www.instagram.com/bansalsaksham13

Award: Innovation in Environment Name:

Arjya Srestha Aich

Location: Bangladesh Age: 19

When he was 12 years old this young man saw how tremendously an entire village suffered from the lack of pure safe drinking water. This raised a question in his mind and thinking about the affect on his own village six years ago he started working on a research project to improve the water quality of the area. His solution was to build a robot that purifies every single source of water including ponds, rivers, canals, salty sea water and even drainage water into pure drinkable water. Today, more than 125 robots across the country are serving nearly one hundred thousand people with pure drinking water every single day. https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjya-srestha-aich-b640b3225

Award: Change in Environment Name:

Srijanita Maurya

Location: India Age: 18

Srijanita is 18-year-old Founder of 'The Animal Patronage,' a youth-led organization dedicated to animal welfare. Recognized as a TEDx Speaker, TED-Ed speaker, and Youth Animal Activist, she has made significant strides in her advocacy work and has tirelessly fought for the rights of animals, aiming to protect them from human cruelties and extinction. https://mauryasrijanita.wixsite.com/website

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2023 GLOBAL YOUTH AWARDS

Creativity Award: Leadership in Creativity Name:

Dhaani Singhal

Location: India Age: 18

She is the founder of Young Artiste, India's largest online Arts education platform. As a student of music from a young age, she strongly felt the absence of structure and motivation in the Arts and initiated the idea of a National competition and scholarship program. Unlike academics or sports, she felt that the pursuit of Arts is lonely and arduous and in dire need of structure, support and a sense of community to take artists further in their quest for excellence. In its very first season in 2020 Young Artiste received over 15,000 entries across 20 different classical and contemporary music and dance forms from over 300 Indian cities. https://www.youngartiste.com

Award: Innovation in Creativity Name:

Faith Dickinson

Location: Canada Age: 20

Faith is the Founder of Cuddles for Cancer and a member of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust. She created Cuddles for Cancer with the hope that cancer patients going through chemotherapy, would feel warmth, comfort and love from signature blankets. More than 10,000 Cuddle blankets have been made and they’ve been sent to over fifty countries worldwide. Cuddles is very active throughout the UK and are currently working on opening a branch in England AND Scotland this year.

She has personally delivered blankets to children in numerous hospitals in England and Edinburgh. She is continuing her work on a global outreach project for youth in the UK, Australia, US, Greece, India, Switzerland and several countries in Africa. http://CuddlesforCancer

Award: Change in Creativity Name:

Ally Zlatar

Location: UK Age: 25

Ally has made exceptional contributions as an artist and activist through 'The Starving Artist'. Her visionary approach to art-based education and its commitment to fostering systemic reform have had a profound and positive impact on individuals worldwide. At the core of The Starving Artist is the belief that art has the power to facilitate civic reform and improve mental well-being, address climate change, and explore migrant identity. By utilizing creative arts and individual voices, She has created an academic art initiative that redefines narratives and treatment surrounding these issues. Through publications, exhibitions, workshops, and artist talks, The Starving Artist empowers individuals to process and share their own experiences through visual arts, fostering self-reflection, verbal communication, and literary competency http://starvingartist.cargo.site

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The beautiful thing about being in character is watching the kids light up when they see you.

THI NGUYEN

NONPROFIT CONSULTANT, ENTREPRENEUR & PHILANTHROPIST Photo Credit: Volunteers @ Kids Can Cosplay 104

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‘GO GREEN DRESS’ EXCLUSIVE COLUMN BY THI NGUYEN

REGARDING VOLUNTEERING EVERY HUMAN CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE Counting down to Christmas...

I spent some time this month volunteering with Kids Can Cos Play, partnering with a local food bank to help families in need. Some of us decided to dress up in hopes of bringing extra smiles and holiday cheers to these individuals.

Aside from food, we gifted additional treats like flowers for the families and toys for the kids.

The beautiful thing about being in character is watching the kids light up when they see you. Excitement and pure joy oozes out of their little being with laughter and the feeling of meeting their favorite characters in real life.

Do you know what my character is and my superpower?

Consider volunteering... Every human can make a difference. ∎

Photo Credit: Volunteers @ Kids Can Cosplay

THI NGUYEN Nonprofit Consultant, Entrepreneur & Philanthropist www.awarenessties.us/thi THI NGUYEN brings with her over 2 decades of non profit experience as a participant, advisor, board member, consultant, volunteer and research and development specialist. Her expertise combining technology to further advance the vision and mission for philanthropic causes has allowed her to serve as a trusted partner with many notable organizations large and small. Thi has experience working with organizations focusing on combating various global issues such as: human sex trafficking, homelessness, poverty, fair wages, global warming, malnutrition, gender equality, humanitarian assistance and human rights. She's currently developing an app to connect individuals and corporations to assist nonprofits in furthering their vision and mission.

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I feel we need to do a better job of getting the word out about ways we can help.

KANNON KARES

MORTGAGE LOAN OFFICER, HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK 108

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH KANNON KARES

THE VETERAN ADVANTAGE A LOAN OFFICER SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE

Kannon Kares is a mortgage loan officer at Huntington National Bank, an institution he proudly calls home as he’s been given the opportunity to be of service to those who have served with special VA loan programs. While he never served in the military, many in his family have and still do. This fuels his commitment to finding the advantage for veterans through finance.

ALLIÉ: Can you tell us about yourself first and then your role as a loan officer offering VA mortgages for veterans?

KANNON: I am a married man with 7 children and 4 grandchildren. I have been in the Mortgage industry for over 20 years as a loan originator and in management, but my primary focus has been helping customers obtain Mortgages for purchase or the refinancing of their home. Veterans and active-duty military have a special place in my heart! My Grandfather served in WW11, my wife Jen’s grandfather served in the Air Force as an aircraft mechanic and actually worked on the Enola Gay, Jen’s father was also an aircraft mechanic for the Air Force, my step father served in the Vietnam war, my sister Kristie was in the Michigan Army National Guard and met her husband Nick while they were

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When I came to Huntington National Bank 4 years ago, one of the primary reasons was being able to offer the closing cost discount to the veteran’s and active-duty military.

KANNON: (continued) both serving in the Army and have been happily married for 25 years! My second oldest son Kurtis was in the Army and my youngest son Kolton is currently serving in the Army as a Captain. I have a niece and nephew who are currently serving our county as well. So, I didn’t serve, but a lot of my family has and still does!

ALLIÉ: Beyond banking, you love fishing. Please tell us about the program you’ve been involved with to support veterans through fishing.

KANNON: 5 years ago, I was approached to volunteer as a walleye fishing captain in the VETs with Nets Charity Walleye fishing tournament event in Monroe, Michigan. In the first year we had around 70 active duty and Veteran fisher persons, and last year in the 5th year we had over 100 volunteer captains and took out over 300 Veterans and active-duty military fishing in a one-day Walleye fishing tournament on Lake Erie. We launch from Sterling State Park in Monroe, Michigan. It is an amazing event, and I am so proud to be able to donate my time, boat and gear every year for 5 straight years. The support we receive for this event is amazing, many large corporations give thousand s of dollars for prizes, food, and a giant tent to eat under and get out of the sun under, it’s amazing. Two years ago, a 35year Navy Veteran who was in her 80s drove herself all the way from southern Texas to participate in the event, veteran’s come from all over the US to come get treated to an amazing day on the water. Last year, I believe we caught 2,500 walleye during the event, volunteers filleted the fish immediately and then we cooked them for dinner and had all the side fixings during the award ceremony. Nobody left hungry I promise you that!

ALLIÉ: Back to banking, what inspired you to focus on assisting veterans with their home financing through VA loans?

KANNON: Well, I have always done VA purchase loans, but it is a little specialized loan for the loan officers to do, I have studied and became an expert doing these VA mortgages. When I came to Huntington National Bank 4 years ago, one of the primary reasons was being able to offer the closing cost discount to the veteran’s and active-duty military. This savings can sometimes make the difference for the Veteran to get into their own home. VA Mortgages do not require a down payment, so its 100% financing of the purchase price, and then Huntington reducing closing costs.

These two things combined can make a huge advantage and is a way to say ‘Thank You’ for your service to our great county and become a homeowner. Veterans and active duty can also take advantage of using the VA mortgage program to refinance their home and Huntington will limit closing costs on these as well.

ALLIÉ: Can you share a personal or professional experience that highlights the impact of VA mortgages on veterans and their families?

KANNON: I recently did a purchase VA mortgage for a veteran and his wife. They had been renting for over 40 years!

They didn’t think they could afford to buy a home as they didn’t have funds for a down payment and closing cost. I explained to them that on the VA loan they didn’t need a down payment, and with the Huntington VA loan discount they only needed a small amount for the closing cost. We actually negotiated that the seller pay the closing costs and a 110

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KANNON: (continued) a little seller credit for the escrow account, the veteran and his wife got into a home with almost nothing out of their pocket! This is the biggest advantage for Veterans, teaming a VA mortgage with Huntington banks closing cost discount while using a expert in VA lending.

ALLIÉ: What challenges do veterans commonly face when it comes to securing mortgages, and how does the VA loan program address these challenges?

KANNON: VA Mortgages at Huntington bank only require a 580 credit score to potentially qualify for the mortgage, of course they need the ability to repay the loan debt to income wise. A lot of veterans and active duty don’t know they can get into a home potentially with NO down payment and very little if anything out of their pocket.

ALLIÉ: Are there any changes or improvements you hope to see in the landscape of veteran housing support?

KANNON: I feel we need to do a better job of getting the word out about ways we can help. Veterans need to know about credit score requirements, no down payment requirements and, when working with Huntington, the reduced closing cost.

ALLIÉ: What advice do you have for individuals aspiring to become loan officers, especially those interested in supporting causes such as veteran housing?

KANNON: Just do it, find a lender that is reputable, has a strong financial rating that will show stability in tough times.

Find a lender that supports you both personally and financially and will allow you to grow as a loan officer. Huntington has done that for me. ∎

Connect with Kannon: www.huntington.com/mortgage/kares-kannon Kannon Kares – Mortgage Loan Officer – NMLS ID# 131264 Lending products are subject to credit application and approval.

VA loans require a VA certificate of eligibility. Huntington is not acting on behalf of, or at the direction of, the VA, FHA, the USDA, or the Federal Government. The Huntington National Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC.®, Huntington®,Huntington.Welcome.® and Huntington Heads Up® are federally registered service marks of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. © 2023 Huntington Bancshares Incorporated.

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He doesn’t just gather stories; he masterfully crafts them into a heartfelt tapestry…

SURAYIA RAHMAN AUTHOR 114

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FEATURE STORY BY SURAYIA RAHMAN

A STAR BEYOND THE HORIZON UNCOVERING MURSHIDUL’S MUSING SOUL

In a world often engulfed by self-interest, a shining star emerges—the likes of Murshidul Alam Bhuiyan. He doesn’t just gather stories; he masterfully crafts them into a heartfelt tapestry of human connection that spans the globe—an unwavering testament to compassion in its truest form.

From his early school days to the pinnacle of his humanitarian journey, Murshidul's story radiates with the powerful force of empathy and the thoughts that gather around it. Just as he collects stories from around the world, I made an attempt to unveil his own, engaging in conversations with the individuals who hold a special place in his starlit heart.

Helal Sir and Mojumder Sir (all-time guidance): Helal Sir, Murshidul's scout teacher, recalls his inquisitive nature since childhood and his passion to help people. A dedicated scout enthusiast, Murshidul effortlessly balanced academics and scouting, emerging victorious in his personal battles. Seeking life guidance from Helal Sir post-SSC, he embraced this simple principle, "Be a good human being." Their bond remains strong, with Murshidul's updates and nostalgic gestures like sharing his lunch in childhood.

Helal Sir aspires to witness Murshidul's tenacity in all his students. Similarly, Mojumder Sir, who's known Murshidul since primary school, echoes these sentiments, expressing pride in his international recognition. Seeking Mojumder Sir's counsel for various projects, Murshidul's journey continues to shape.

Ludmila (non-blood twin): Ludmila and Murshidul's magical, non-blood, twin-like depth is rooted in their shared inquisitiveness, aligned perspectives, and mutual appreciation for each other's genuine nature, forming a bond that thrives on relatability, humor, and profound understanding. From unlikely beginnings to now playfully dubbing each other 'twins', their connection was sparked by a shared set of probing set of questions on ‘human analysis’ crafted by Murshidul. Their nearly identical viewpoints led to a strong rapport, fueled by relatable thoughts. A matched philosophical inclination and the special term 'Partho' bind them further. In this amazing duo, “Murshidul's penchant for cracking and defending cheesy jokes is a constant source of amusement”, Ludmila points out as Murshidul quotes, “Nobody knows me better than her.” She holds in high regard Murshidul's gift for enveloping any space with a warm aura, his authentic smile serving as a conduit to spread joy among others. This authenticity, she emphasizes while recapitulating, defines Murshidul as a true embodiment of genuineness.

Risad (soulful kinship): Risad, and Murshidul's friendship traces back to their grade 1 classroom, where they found their own corner to forget about the bustling distractions of the world which later aspired the duo to become the human beings they are today.

The experience of Murshidul engaging with larger groups through scouting facilitated a transformative shift, ultimately dissolving that barrier of blending into casual conversations- Risad recalls. Despite their contrasting tastes in movies and music- their matched perspectives about life couldn’t overshadow that. And on top, their friendship reverberates with laughter and long discussions about Murshidul’s human-life centric projects. Risad’s words, 'Caring and unique, Murshidul's creativity stands unmatched.' He concluded on a note, remembering a talent of his friend, "As life unfolded, Murshidul's gifted voice of singing found itself on a temporary pause.”

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Yasmeen (unbounded echoes): In their distinct pursuits- their worlds intertwined two years ago. Different corners of the world, time zones, or cultures couldn’t impede their tie. Their first online conversation sparked a destined connection, touching on philosophy, poetry, and music. She focused more on what they had in common which nurtured their fellowship. She also points out that a huge chunk of their friendship is all about having a blast discussing all sorts of books. He possesses the gifts of a ‘sage’ to evoke emotions in people, which describes his identifiable trait: altruism. “If I had to choose one word for him, it’d be ‘kind’. I believe that everyone can be nice but not everyone can be kind. It’s something deeprooted in the heart. I hope his mark in the world is seen,” Yasmeen adds. Yasmeen concludes by suggesting an idea: ‘Murshidul should pen a poem about himself, as a way to delve deeper, showcasing his story to the world.’

Sazid (bonds beyond measure): The genesis of their friendship blossomed after high school- initiated by a short film discussion, their fellowship grew.

Sazid's perception of Murshidul as straightforward and friendly forged a spark that ranges from movies, music, and warm camaraderie, along with matched mindsets, to backing each other amidst heated debates. Murshidul's affable nature and conversational skills, born of contemplation, seamlessly interlace with his ability to connect with others.

“Murshidul is a person who thinks a lot”, Sazid comments. He thinks that another thing that deepened the friendship is the common fascination for studying individuals and delving into their thoughts and minds. A plethora of inside riddles brings meaning to their friendship. Well, if you haven't figured it out yet, one of Murshidul's love languages is basically all about dishing out those quirky nicknames! A shared delight in analysing movie characters remains a testament to the delightful synergy between Murshidul and Sazid.

Prang (nurturing souls together): Initiated by a speaking invitation that showcased Murshidul's compelling persuasion, Prang from Thailand found herself stepping out of her comfort zone as Murshidul encouraged her. United by a fervour for humanitarian efforts, they share a common dedication to social change. Prang admits that she sees him as a ‘source of tenacity’. On one quiet evening, Murshidul showed a treasured notebook to Prang where he wrote down his own depictions of the people he has made acquaintances with. Seeing something so unique, Prang commented that he’s a peoplewhisperer with the power to make instant connections and spot details that others might miss. She also recognizes an ‘easy-going yet impactful individual’ and a ‘master observer who invests energy to comprehend the human mind' in Murshidul.

Faiaz (determined souls): Friends since grade 1, their journey intertwined with Team Bertho. Their shared perspectives fuelled Team Bertho's evolution from humour to a profound collection of stories. Murshidul's quiet but friendly nature in class caught Faiaz's attention. Despite differences, he connected with everyone. Faiaz noticed that Murshidul excels in professional conversations, but casual chats make him hesitant. He recalls their memories, such as how they persevered through a video shooting in a scorching Ramadan, or their collaborative photo series on Valentine's Day- which showcased Murshidul's determination and ability to lead under pressure.As founders drifted due to work-life balance, Murshidul expanded the joint projects, updating the circle from time to time. "Even now, he beckons us to leap into spontaneous projects and ideas," Faiaz fondly emphasizes.

Faria (a friend of all seasons): Murshidul and Faria's paths converged in high-school. However, it was within the corridors of Team Bertho, that their connection thrived. Faria, an adept scriptwriter, breathed life into the stories they gathered, and their discussions flowed like a melody. The camaraderie birthed a psychological connection that kept resonating. “Murshidul creates an atmosphere of ease that draws people into his orbit, even though he hesitates to share his own challenges”, Faria states. Him playfully christening Faria with playful names is something that she can never get tired of, alongside the wholesome stories they were a part of, and the memories they are still creating together. Through ups and downs, Murshidul and Faria showcased the resilience of true companionship.

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Shejuti (moonlit connection): A fun word being spoken whenever they see each other, originating from a moon-shaped photography pose, tells us about the close friendship that Murshidul and Shejuti share. Their deep conversations span psychoanalysis, life lessons, and people's behaviors- and these deep conversations somehow creates a work/life balance while at the same time gives Shejuti the chance to observe how true of a person Murshidul is. Their shared amalgamation of storytelling via poetry and music only proved that they are bonded creatively as much as they are bonded together mentally. The laughter on the most random things will always be a memory to be cherished by her. Murshidul's ambition impresses Shejuti, and his thoughtful book gifts endear him to her. ‘He is different in a way that is unexplainable in the language of today’s world”— Shejuti concludes.

Jawad (the unlikely comradeship): Initially taken aback by Murshidul's casual attire and early bedtime during the university's residential semester, Jawad's scepticism evolved into an unexpected friendship as Murshidul became his second companion, replacing busy friends. Despite differing interests – with Jawad favouring video games and Murshidul leaning towards poetry – an implicit trust enabled them to share their personal lives openly. Murshidul’s brainchild would open up diverse viewpoints of viewing life. Their hour-long conversations still surprise Jawad; he says that Murshidul has a ‘boundless capacity for discussion’. Jawad could practically set his watch by the endless stream of the life stories he knew would come from Murshidul! Murshidul's boldness was highlighted through daring, fun challenges thrown by Jawad. While their preferences diverged, their friendship remained rooted in a sense of understanding that transcended such disparities and defied preconceptions.

Adiba (alliance of insights): “He’s more human than most people.” —Adiba’s testament. Acquainted with Murshidul for 3 years during the pandemic, joined as an editor for the book "Fueling Hope." Their connection sprouted, eventually leading to a collaborative role as colleagues on a project that radiated both of their love for Spreading good vibes through community magic. Adiba noted their profound discussions, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Murshidul's penchant for tossing in random quotes and analogies into conversations along with mind-bending arcs added a unique dimension. She concluded by noting how she got totally caught onto Murshidul's emoji game – he's like the ‘virtual gardener’, planting sunflowers and leaves at the end of his messages to sprinkle some of that real-life sunshine into the digital world.

Nadiya (benevolent bonds): Knowing each other for about 1.5 years through a charity program, Nadiya and Murshidul discovered shared interests and perspectives on life. Murshidul's unique ability to connect with people drew Nadiya's attention, leading to a friendship built on mutual care. Thoughtful gestures, like Murshidul's small gifts and letters, are something that endears him most to her. On that note, Nadiya recalls Murshidul’s seriously impressive memory game—he'll pick up on things that they might have talked about ages ago, even if she’s totally forgotten about them herself. Murshidul likes to surprise people with unexpected treats if he remembers them talking about them liking something in passing, “That’s just how he cares,” Nadiya says on an ending note.

Elsa (soulful connection)s: UK's Evergreen Elsa finds Murshidul incredibly caring and thoughtful, a rare trait in his extent of attention to detail. He is down-to-earth, approachable, and ensures regular catch-ups. Their conversations make Elsa perceive the notion as if he's addressing the entire world. Whenever they chat, Elsa feels that Murshidul is this ‘whimsical viewfinder’ of viewing the shebang from a completely different angle. Murshidul's talent for spinning tales transformed ‘mundane instances into enthrallment’, Elsa beautifully describes. While their souls dance in integrity, they interestingly bond over their shared interest in dancing.

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Murshidul In One Word Narrowing down Murshidul to a single word? Quite the challenge! Through these amazing souls’ lens, Murshidul emerges as an intelligent, multidisciplinary, and dedicated ‘Mr. Bhuiyan’, exuding optimism, occasional endearing annoyance, steadfastness and a passionate, kind humanity.

Whispers Of Hearts I asked the lovely interviewees to deliver some anonymous messages for Murshidul which will keep him going. One plea "Control your emotions, save your energy from needless hurt.", and a close friend's three sacred words, "I love you," encapsulate the depth of their bond. Another earnestly implores him to “remain unchanged”, to remain his goofy, thriving self, an innocence that brightens lives. Gratitude blossoms in a message that acknowledges, "You unearthed my hidden uniqueness." Yet, a common aspirating thread weaves through each sentiment—may dreams be realized, and dedication rewarded in Murshidul's journey, where he believes, “Our stories may be different, but our destination is the same.” ∎

About Surayia Rahman Surayia Rahman, a passionate 22-year-old born in 2001, possesses an insatiable love for writing, reading, and learning. Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in computer science, she's honed the valuable skill of problemsolving (both in the digital and real-world) by emphasizing the importance of identifying the issue at hand. Her creativity extends to amateur photography and poetry, where she captures the beauty within darkness. Surayia aspires to become a data engineer and firmly believes, "There is no such thing as a mistake when you have the ability to create something beautiful out of it.”

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I am a direct example of what therapy does. I would not be here without it.

JEN HILDERBRAND

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH JEN HILDEBRAND BY KEVIN HINES

THERE IS HOPE

GIVING THE GIFT OF MENTAL HEALTH Jen Hilderbrand went through terrible trauma as a youth, and what saved her was therapy. Today, she’s on a mission to give free access to therapy to as many people throughout Arizona as possible. First Arizona, then the world!

KEVIN: Jen, what is Hope Mental Health Foundation?

JEN: We are a 501(c)3 non profit foundation and we literally do one thing and that is pay for therapy for people that cannot afford it. So they get to choose their own therapist. We do not contract with any therapists. Someone who has an eating disorder is going to want to see someone versus someone who has PTSD, not every therapist fits every person and so you get to choose your own therapist and through Hope sponsorship we go in and award the ability to go see that therapist, and we just pay for the cost.

KEVIN: You are getting people to get to the root of their problems like you did in therapy. So, you’re kind of the case study if you will. You’re going to get people to get to the root of their problems to find ways to defeat their problems, defeat their traumas and overcome their issues one day at a time and it’s an ongoing process. It is not something that is going to happen overnight, but it is something that is going to get them to potentially and hopefully a safe place.

JEN: I think as I have been a part of this work and we have a lot of conversations with different therapists, I had no idea how much hope there is. Very cliché, our name is ‘hope' and hope is everywhere, but that is what I feel when I sit with these therapists and I learn about different treatments and different resources and I think ‘Oh my gosh. So you know that kid that has anxiety and hasn’t been to school for a year that that’s just what their life is going to be?’ There are all of these options and all of these things to help them get through it, overcome it and to get back out and to live life. People just don’t know, and there are not the resources to be able to pay for it, it’s expensive.

KEVIN: How did the Hope Mental Health Foundation begin?

JEN: Back in 2012 it was opened by some therapists who ran an office and what they realised was that their clients that were either in treatment or people seeking services, there was a huge gap, either their insurance didn’t cover their therapists or their co pays were so high they couldn’t ever really afford it. And so the therapists got together and came up with this idea to come up with a foundation to help bridge that gap of funding. But what happened was that these therapists didn’t realise they didn’t really have time to run a foundation, they were too busy offering therapy services and so it never really did anything until right before Covid when they made a decision to bring in a public board. And that was where I was asked to come in and serve on Hope’s board. We had just gotten started and Covid hit and everything shut back down. I sat and watched as we were putting together this foundation to help people access therapy, Covid hits, and the entire board quit except for me and a couple of other people. So here I still am!

KEVIN: And you’re the president now of the Hope Foundation?

JEN: Yes, I am the president.

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Every single person deserves the ability to thrive in life…

JEN HILDERBRAND

PRESIDENT OF HOPE MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION 122

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“It’s worth that first step…”

KEVIN: That’s incredible. So in your opinion, Jen, why do you think everyone deserves mental health help?

JEN: I think that just comes down to the fact that every single person deserves the ability to feel joy. Every single person deserves the ability to thrive in life, to have a family, to have a career and have a job. We talk about the American dream and everything that is possible in the United States of America. If everything is possible then we need to be giving every single person the access to the ability to heal and to thrive and to overcome. Life is hard, you know it, I know it. It’s not the things I went through as a kid or the family relationships that I have are just better and everything is magical and better because I went to therapy. It’s not but I have the tools, this tool belt that we pull out that I am still setting new boundaries or I am doing breathing exercises or I just spent 24 hours in nature and I went and sat in a cabin and I was quiet and didn’t listen to music and I stayed off social media. All of those things came from my time in therapy and every single human being deserves the ability to have those tools.

KEVIN: I couldn’t agree with you more. What are your words of advice for someone who wants to begin therapy but is anxious or nervous about it?

JEN: I get it can take an act of bravery sometimes. Some people are like ‘oh you see a therapist’ and I think that’s getting better and that is going away. I think there are a couple of things. One is everyone needs to remember that not every therapist is for everyone. There are all different sorts of resources that you can get on google therapists in your area. Look at their picture, see how you feel and then contact them. Do a phone interview and see if it’s a good fit for you. It took me four therapists to actually get to that therapist that was able to dive in deep with me and I responded to her. I had saw a male therapist prior to her and clearly from the trauma that I had as a kid I didn’t do well with a male therapist at all and I caught that on pretty quickly. So if you go to see a therapist and it doesn’t feel right, give it a little bit of time and then pick someone different. They are not all the same. But when you find the right one their ability to connect and give you those tools is so worth every ounce of effort. And when you do decide to do therapy, do the work. If you’re going to go in and tell them your problems and expect the therapist to just side with you and say ‘yeah your family is horrible’, ‘you did great’, and you walk out and you don’t change then you don’t try to change any of your behaviours then you won’t benefit. But if you dive in and you do the work and you do everything you can to find healing during that time it will change your life and it’s worth it. It’s worth that first step, it’s worth that tiny bit of bravery that it takes to get in that office and find the right person.

KEVIN: I think it’s about getting in there, doing the work and getting to the root of the problem and finding out how to change your perspective and perception so you can move forward. If people currently live in Arizona, one how can they apply for sponsorship for therapy, and two, will you ever consider providing sponsorship to other states?

JEN: So in the state of Arizona right now you can go to hopefoundationgives.org, there is a button up the top that says apply now. Because of the amount of applications we are getting we have changed the way we do it. So we now are opening in cycles. So we will open for 30 days and take applications through those 30 days. We will close and then award as many people as I can possibly give a sponsorship to with the funding that we have for that block and then we will email everybody else and say hey you didn’t make the funding this time but please reapply on the next cycle date. Our hope with doing it that way is that people aren’t just sitting and waiting like are you going to fund me net week, like they get a therapist to cut their rate or just something so they are still actively trying to get into therapy and make it work or maybe they get them to cut their sessions. So we award in cycles. If you get in and put your email when that cycle opens it does matter how quickly you apply. It’s based on financial need but if you apply on the very last day the chances of getting a therapist is much smaller than if you apply in those first few days. And your second part, we could open in another state tomorrow if I had funding from another state. Right now all our funding efforts have been in Arizona so the fact that we still have so many people waiting for sponsorships I just can’t give the 123

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JEN: (continued) Arizona money out to somebody that isn’t from Arizona. But hey, if somebody from California or Utah or anywhere wants to come in, our system is built that we could award anywhere around the nation, we just need the money.

KEVIN: So we need to get you connected to the right people to expand. Final question Jen, since Hope Foundation began awarding sponsorships do you know how much good Hope has done.

JEN: So we just did an awarding cycle and for the one we just did we gave away $31,669.00 in sponsorships which put about 32 people in six months of therapy. In the last year, so since the beginning of 2022 we have given away $267,610 or 2676 hours of therapy. And what I can tell you Kevin is the event that you came to that you spoke we were able to raise enough money to cover all of our expenses next year which we keep as low as we can. All of our expenses are covered and we have funded a couple of cycles. So every single penny that I can bring in now until the end of next year will turn around and go right back in to added sponsorships. And that is the magic of Hope. I can’t wait to look back at the end of next year and hope I double that number and that many people have gotten the therapy they need. It is life changing.

KEVIN: Jen, you are giving hope where hope is needed, you’re changing lives where it is needed. What do you say to that person not just in Arizona but the person who is going to read this article or listen to this podcast who is scared of therapy but needs to get the help to change their lives. What do you look at them and say?

JEN: I can look at them and say I can promise you it is worth it. I am a direct example of what therapy does. I would not be here without it. I was devastated inside and falling apart and angry and sad and I literally hated myself and those two years gave me the ability to heal and to forgive and to find love for the things I am good at and forget about the stuff that I am not. We are not all going to be good at the same things, and now I have been able to embrace what I am good at and I turned it into Hope and what we are doing and I love people, I love spreading this message. Be brave, it is worth it. That’s what I want to tell them.

KEVIN: We will leave it there, we’re a thousand times greater than our worst situation, Jen thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me today. Your story is incredible, your work is amazing and we are thankful you are part of this world. ∎

Learn more about Hope Mental Health Foundation: hopefoundationgives.org

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