Issuu

JULY - AUGUST

2 0 2 1

UNITED CHANGE Coming Together for the Next Generation

Why Are We Working Togetther To Create United Change ? •

To Save Lives

•

To Help People Understand Mental Health and Stop the Stigma

•

To Provide Access To Care

•

For Our Future Generations Mental Wellness

•

Mental Health Effects Every Area of Our Lives

MENTAL WELLNESS

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

WE NEED HELP WITH:

Interested in joining us?

Fundraising Outreach Mental Health Awareness Suicide Prevention Iniatives Mental Wellness Campaign

Youth Leadership Training

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET

Writers

Our Team. Founder- Gwen Schrank Photographer-Brittany Schrank Graphic Design- Juan Carlos Food Contributor- Chef Marcel Writer- Antonia Rose Writer- Lisa Van Groningen Writer- Alizae Humphries Writer- Ibree Williams Writer- Ginesa Robinson

Partners Starbucks Tulare County Visalia Unified School District Kaweah Delta College of Sequoias His Heart Beats Heal Project California Health Collaborative National Institute of MentalHealth American Cancer Society United Way The Source LGBTQ+ NAMI Visalia Wellness Center Porterville Wellness Center Suicide Prevention Task Force ACES Aware WE WANT TO PARTNER WITH YOUR ORGANIZATION. VISIT www.breathemagazine.net for more information SUBSCRIPTIONS Please subscribe to our magazine by visiting www.breathemagazine.net Breathe You Matter Magazine is published bimonthly in 2021 and is available online for free digital download. It is also available in print upon request. Views expressed in columns are not necessarily the views of Breathe You Matter Magazine , Partners, or advertisers. Our goal is tto provide mental wellness resources and stop the stigma associated with mental illness and save lives. Our magazine is a platform for people who suffer from mental illness to share their journey and to self advocate for access to care. If you have any questions please contact Founder Gwen Schrank via email gwenschrank@gmail.com

FOUNDER GWEN SCHRANK

United Change Founders Note:

I created it to help provide a platform that will provide information, resources, and a place for people who suffer from mental illness to share their stories, journeys, and how they heal and cope with day to day life. It is a platform to stop the stigma associated with mental illness, save lives through suicide prevention and awareness, and again save lives. This magazine was created by us and for us, so we welcome your stories, feedback, and participation.

As we continue to open up our community and become more connected again after Covid 19, we want to encourage people to come together and continue the process of creating United Change. In this issue you will read articles that will encourage and motivate you to get involved by working with your family, neighbors, and community leaders to make the most of every opportunity. We will be providing mental health awareness on Trauma Informed Care and why it’s going to change how we heal from mental illness in the future. You will also get to help us celebrate some of our 2021 graduates who are some of our future leaders in the community. You will find a new column that we are starting from Chef Marcel who will be providing us recipes from around the world, the history of the dish, and how we can use food to come together in peace and love.

We would like to invite our community faith leaders to join us in our next issue of Breathe Magazine that comes out September 1, 2021. The Theme is “ Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month”

As many readers know, I created Breathe Magazine YOU MATTER, because I have personally suffered from mental illness with depression, anxiety, and I’m a survivor from a suicide attempt.

We would like to thank all of our current partners, writters, and photographers who have helped us voluntarily provide this resource to our community. We appreciate you!

Thank you for spending time with us while you read and engage. We believe that we are all connected and we are committed to creating United Change together for the future of our communities.

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET

CONTENTS United Change What happens when we start with the inner work of our lives ?

Why Trauma Informed Care Will Change the World What happens when we start to deal with the trauma that has caused our mental break?

Which Are The Most Famous Scaloppine? If you enjoy eating and learning about food, culture, and gatherings, Chef Marcel has something in store for you.

www.breathemagazine.net 6

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET

CONTENTS Slowing Down Enough To Breathe What we can do when life begins to get overwhelming.

Part 1- In The Beginning There Was Peru. What happened when Gwen Schrank decided to travel to a place where she didn’t know the people, the language, or the area?

A Daughter’s Love How grief can change dissappointment into love and understanding.

www.breathemagazine.net 7

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET

ANNOUNCEMENT! CONGRATULATIONS!

NOAH WHITAKER Force, and Administrative Specialist II for HHSA.

The Tulare County Board of Supervisors announced ON June 16, the appointment of Noah Whitaker to the position of Homeless Initiatives Program Coordinator, effective June 21, 2021. Whitaker fills the Homeless Coordinator position formerly held by Charles Felix. Whitaker has over 12 years of experience working for Tulare County and has risen through the ranks of Tulare County Health & Human Services (HHSA) most recently serving as the interim Homeless Initiatives Program Coordinator. Whitaker previously held the positions of Community Outreach Manager and Director of the Tulare County Suicide Prevention Task

Noah served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Continuum of Care on Homelessness, now called the Kings-Tulare Homeless Alliance, and as a coordinator for the Tulare County Suicide Prevention Task Force from 2008-2011. Prior to that, he worked as a Recovery Specialist III Team Lead for Kern County Department of Mental Health where he provided leadership to a team serving the homeless community. He has worked as a consultant for Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health, a contractor for the County of Santa Cruz Behavioral Health Division, and as a consultant with Your Social Marketer Inc. for communitybased suicide prevention efforts.

and implementing innovative programs and strategies. Most recently he has assisted in the development and implementation of a multidisciplinary team serving the homeless population with a multi-faceted approach toward personal outreach and engagement while providing connections to needed services. Whitaker holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Theatre and a Master of Business Administration degree from California State University, Bakersfield. Noah resides in Tulare with his wife, Lindsey, and their children. Congratulations Noah! We look forward to continuing our work together!

Whitaker has contributed to improving all aspects of HHSA’s community outreach efforts, strengthening stakeholder connections between both governmental entities and community organizations, 9

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET

United

C H A N G E

The outer work can never be small if the inner work is great. And the outer work can never be great if the inner work is small. MEISTER ECKART

14th-century Christian mystic.

This quote by Meister Eckart is a really good example of where we all can start in the process of creating united change in our communities and in the world that we live in. The process starts with making sure that we spend time focusing on the inner work of our lives which will then automatically create a space to work in peace with others as the outer work manifests through the healing and knowledge that we gain from starting within.

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET UNITED CHANGE

THE BOOK POWER VS. FORCE presents a logical compelling anatomy of consciousness that lays out the arch of human spiritual evolution from its lowest expression (shame) to its highest (Enlightenment). It illumines the oneness of all creation by revealing the energy essence of everything that exists- human and non-human, seen and unseen. All of life is revealed to be a pulsating symphony of interplaying energies: The mutual dependence and interpenetration of all things is observable as one leaves duality. Oneness is central to all of the major religions and spiritual systems as the ultimate reality underlying and within all forms. Creating an environment and world that builds from the inner work that we do within our spiritual awareness helps to bring love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. It gives us the opportunity to work on the traumatic events in our lives in a way that we can find comfort in sharing, self advocating, and problem solving the unfortunate results of living in pain, shame, guilt, envy, jealousy, and greed. It also helps us to practice and learn how to be interdependent instead of codependent with

those who are the closest to us. Creating united change puts each individual in the drivers seat of their lives by owning their actions and reactions to how one deals with tragedy, disappointments, failure, and challenges in their lives. Creating united changes provides a community and support systems to walk along side each other without judgement, but with encouragement to keep moving forward while learning from each experience.

BREATHE YOU MATTER

JULY-AUG 2021

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET

As we continue together on this journey of creating United Change

we want to encourage you to do the following:

Create

a list of passions that you have in your life.

Write

down challenges that have kept you from pursuing your passions.

down 3 things you can do consistently to start practicing and working towards that passion.

Recruit

Have

a conversation with someone that you trust about those challenges. Ask them if they have seen any patterns in your life that has kept you from succeeding with that passion.

If you

are a praying person, pray for wisdom, direction, and revelation for you to start walking in your passion without fear, but with a courageous and faithful determination in your heart.

a trusted famly member or friend to walk with you, encourage you, and hold you accountable for doing that inner work.

Remember

to love yourself during the process. Don’t beat yourself up for challenges that may come along the way. Keep moving forward.

Celebrate

every little step that you accomplish. They are important!

We would like to know how you are creating space in your life for inner work and what you hope to manifest as the outer work takes hold?

We live in a world marked by physical, mental, and emotional suffering. What can we learn about our untapped inner resources? What exactly is the effect of a person or group that radiates love, acceptance, and compassion? Is it really possible that our own consciousness holds the power to uplift not only ourselves but also the world? I BELIEVE THE ANSWER IS YES! (Fran Grace, Ph.D) The beauty of everyday life and the sacredness of each interaction: “Our love for each other is not different than our love for God” The radical reality is to understand the essence of anything is to know God!

Visit us at www.breathemagazine.net to share your journey. We will choose some answers to go in our next issue in September 2021. Written by Ginesa Robinson

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET

My Mental Health: Do I Need Help? First, determine how much your symptoms interfere with your daily life. Do I have mild symptoms that have lasted for less than 2 weeks? • Feeling a little down • Feeling down, but still able to do job, schoolwork, or housework

• Some trouble sleeping • Feeling down, but still able to take care of yourself or take care of others

If so, here are some self-care activities that can help: • Eating healthy • Exercising (e.g., aerobics, yoga) • Engaging in social contact (virtual or in person) • Talking to a trusted friend or family member • Practicing meditation, relaxation, • Getting adequate sleep on a regular schedule and mindfulness If the symptoms above do not improve or seem to be worsening despite self-care efforts, talk to your health care provider.

Do I have severe symptoms that have lasted 2 weeks or more? • Difficulty sleeping • Appetite changes that result in unwanted weight changes • Struggling to get out of bed in the morning because of mood

• Difficulty concentrating • Loss of interest in things you usually find enjoyable • Unable to perform usual daily functions and responsibilities • Thoughts of death or self-harm

Seek professional help: • Psychotherapy (talk therapy)—virtual or in person; individual, group, or family

• Medications • Brain stimulation therapies

For help finding treatment, visit www.nimh.nih.gov/findhelp.

If you are in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741).

National Institute of Mental Health

NIH Publication No. 20-MH-8134

www.nimh.nih.gov Follow NIMH on Social Media @NIMHgov

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET

¿Necesito ayuda para mi salud mental? Primero, determine hasta qué punto sus síntomas interfieren en su vida diaria.

¿Tengo síntomas leves que han durado menos de dos semanas? • Se siente un poco decaído. • Tiene cierta dificultad para dormir. • Se siente decaído, pero aún puede • Se siente decaído, pero aún puede cuidarse a sí trabajar, hacer tareas escolares o realizar labores mismo o a otros. domésticas.

Si es así, las siguientes son algunas actividades de autocuidado que pueden ayudarle: • Hacer ejercicios (por ejemplo, aeróbicos o yoga). • Participar en actividades que incluyan contacto social (ya sean virtuales o en persona). • Dormir de forma adecuada, manteniendo un horario regular.

• Comer saludablemente. • Hablar con un amigo o pariente en quien confía. • Practicar actividades de meditación, relajamiento y contemplación.

Si los síntomas anteriores no mejoran o parece que están empeorando, a pesar de los esfuerzos de autocuidado, hable con su proveedor de atención médica.

¿Tengo síntomas graves que han durado dos semanas o más? • Tiene dificultad para dormir. • Hay cambios en su apetito que originan cambios no deseados en su peso. • Tiene dificultad en las mañanas para levantarse de la cama debido a su estado de ánimo. • Tiene dificultad para concentrarse.

• Ha perdido interés en cosas que por lo general le son divertidas. • No puede realizar sus actividades y funciones diarias. • Tiene pensamientos sobre la muerte o de hacerse daño.

Busque ayuda profesional: • psicoterapia (terapia de diálogo), ya sea virtual o en persona, individual, grupal o familiar;

• medicamentos; • terapias de estimulación cerebral.

Para ayudarle a encontrar tratamientos, visite la página de ayuda para enfermedades mentales: www.nimh.nih.gov/busqueayuda.

Si está en crisis, llame a la Red Nacional de Prevención del Suicido al teléfono gratuito en español 1–888–628–9454, o bien, envíe un mensaje que diga “HELLO” a la línea de crisis para mensajes de texto en inglés al 741741.

National Institute of Mental Health

www.nimh.nih.gov Síganos en las redes sociales @NIMHgov

Publicación de NIH Núm. 20-MH-8134S

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET UNITED CHANGE

WHY TRAUMA INFORMED CARE WILL CHANGE THE WORLD By Ginesa Robinson

There has been some huge gains in services, programs, and support for people who suffer from mental health and substance abuse experiences that people deal with on a daily basis. These gains have come from the professional world going deeper into the lives of those who suffer by getting to the root of the illness which usually come from a trauma related experience.

BREATHE YOU MATTER

JULY-AUG 2021

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET

UNITED CHANGE

Trauma-informed care is an approach to engaging people with histories of trauma that recognizes the presence of trauma symptoms and acknowledges the role that trauma has played in their lives. This is a huge gain in mental health because people who suffer are often stereotyped, stigmatized, and are often asked or asks themselves questions that makes them feel less than and inadequate in every area of the lives. Why can’t I keep a job? Why can’t I find love? Why do I get angry so fast? Why can’t I control my actions? Why don’t I have friends? These questions that people ask themselves over and over again weighs a person down to the point that they have a hard time functioning and many times leads to some form of addiction or even death. The Trauma-Informed Care approach helps a person understand where it began, why they react the way they do, and gives the person the ability to self advocate and become the driver in their own care towards bringing everyone involved in their care together in a way that benefits the care they need in order to heal. It also helps people have hope in knowing that it is possible for them to heal. Organizations who work with people who have suffered from a trauma are now learning how to conduct business in a way to help them understand how a trauma survivor might perceive what is happening to them and make modifications in the way they conduct business with survivors. This type of care also helps people who don’t suffer learn to understand and have compassion for those who have experienced trauma. It’s important for this type of understanding to take place in order for stigma’s and stereotypes to be broken.

BREATHE YOU MATTER

JULY-AUG 2021

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET

Some important questions to ask yourself when dealing with a difficult family member, friend, neighbor or coworker: Is it possible that this person has gone through a traumatic experience that they are dealing with? Is it possible that this person is currently going through a traumatic event that I don’t know about? Is it possible for you to conclude that you don’t know what the person is going through to cause them to behave the way they do, but instead of judging them, you can treat them the exact opposite way they are treating you when you can safely do so? Unfortunately we live in a culture where people are divided in so many ways that is causing a whole different level of trauma in individuals because of the unwillingness to empathize and understand the issues that their fellow man is going through.

It’s become an overwhelmed system that doesn’t have enough support to provide care for those who need it most. Trauma-informed care has the ability to help create a community that is self-advocating for mental wellness while also understanding and making changes that will help create a lasting and united change in the world of mental health. We encourage you to stop and take a moment when you’re having a difficult moment with someone and ask yourself those questions that we gave you before responding to them. If you are the person going through a trauma, we encourage you to stop and take a moment to “Breathe” and know that you are important, you do matter, and you are not alone. Please check out your local Mental Health, Mental Wellness, and Substance Abuse program services in your area. If you come across a service or program that helps you or someone that you love, please share that information with us.

We want to make sure people have access to the right care they need. Everyone needs a support system but not every support system is for everyone. Visit www.breathemagazine.net to share your information or story. This magazine was created for us and by us so that we can heal together.

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET

class of CONGRATULATIONS!

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET

HELPING A LOVED ONE DEALING WITH MENTAL AND/OR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS You may suspect or discover your loved one is dealing with a mental illness, drinking too much, or using drugs. As a family member, you can play a central role in getting them the help they need.

REMEMBER MENTAL AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS ARE TREATABLE People can, and do, recover. Family support can make all the difference. For more information, visit www.SAMHSA.gov/families.

TALK TO YOUR LOVED ONE Express your concern and tell them that you’re there to help. Create a judgement-free and loving environment to foster conversation and openness.

BE OPEN Discuss your family history of mental illness or drug and alcohol use, if relevant. It may help your loved one feel less alone.

SEEK SUPPORT If you or a loved one needs help, call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free and confidential information and treatment referral.

BE SURE TO CARE FOR YOURSELF TOO Being a caregiver can be highly stressful and emotionally draining.

SHOW COMPASSION Be patient as you help your loved one locate resources and treatment services.

SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities. 1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727) • 1-800-487-4889 (TDD) • www.samhsa.gov

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET

SUPPORTING A LOVED ONE DEALING WITH MENTAL AND/OR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

STARTING THE CONVERSATION When a family member is drinking too much, using drugs, or struggling with a mental disorder, your support can be key to getting them the treatment they need. Starting the conversation is the first step to getting help.

How You Can Help AN APPROPRIATE TIME AND 1 IDENTIFY PLACE.

Consider a private setting with limited distractions, such as at home or on a walk.

2 EXPRESS CONCERNS AND BE DIRECT.

Ask how they are feeling and describe the reasons for your concern.

THEIR FEELINGS AND 3 ACKNOWLEDGE LISTEN.

Listen openly, actively, and without judgement.

4 OFFER TO HELP.

Provide reassurance that mental and/or substance use disorders are treatable. Help them locate and connect to treatment services.

BE PATIENT.

Recognize that helping your loved one doesn’t happen overnight. Continue reaching out with offers to listen and help.

What to Say “I’ve been worried about you. Can we talk? If not, who are you comfortable talking to?”

“I see you’re going through something. How can I best support you?”

“I care about you and am here to listen. Do you want to talk about what’s been going on?”

“I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed like yourself lately. How can I help?”

For more resources, visit www.SAMHSA.gov/families. If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free and confidential information and treatment referral.

SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities. 1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727) • 1-800-487-4889 (TDD) • www.samhsa.gov

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET

Meet Chef Marcel Chef Marcel will be providing us with wonderful recipees and information about each dish that will help us understand the culture of foods from around the world. His gift of cooking is just the tip of the iceberg. He has the gift of bringing people together and making them feel welcomed at his place of business called “Coffee Notes” in Peru! Welcome Chef Marcel!

Meet Juan Carlos

PERU CREW Juan Carlos is not only a master barista at Coffee Notes, but he has the amazing gift of graphic design. He is part of our Breathe Magazine You Matter Magazine. He also creates beautiful designs in lattes. He spoiled me with surprises every morning! Juan has joined our team to help with creating a magazine that will be welcoming, beautiful, and easy to read. Welcome Juan Carlos!

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET UNITED CHANGE

WHICH ARE

THE MOST FAMOUS SCALOPPINE? We are not only going to explain what schnitzel is, we are also going to talk about the best known around the world today. The most famous recipe internationally is the one that comes from French cuisine and has the name of “Cordon Bleu”, another of the specialties that we have in scaloppine is pork loin fillet with a slice of cheese, with breaded and battered egg to be finished in the fryer. The breaded fillet or escalope as known in Spain has as many variants as there are names. In Italy this type of meat is called Saltimbocca or Scaloppine, the Vienna style is called Wiener Schnitzel. Another of thenames by which it is known is ‘Milanesa’, although it has the name of the Italian city, its origin is unknown, however, it is the nickname by which it is named in South America. To these names we can add San Jacobo, the name by which it is known in Spain and Switzerland, from where it originates. In escalopes we review all these ways of cooking schnitzel and according to your tastes you can taste the variant you want the most. From the chicken

or tenderloin escalope of a lifetime, to the ‘Cordon Bleu’ with blue cheese or sobrasada. In addition to other specialties in batters such as onion rings, cheese or vegetables. You can enjoy all this in many different restaurants or without leaving home by ordering through take out services. Since you know now what escalope is, always try and buy the best quality meats that you can find in your local butcher shop in your area and take advantage of the healthiest fast food you can enjoy.

BREATHE YOU MATTER

JULY-AUG 2021

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET UNITED CHANGE

BEEF SCALOPPINE WITH BALSAMIC VINEGAR By Chef Marcel Bruzual Alvarado

INGREDIENTS 500 gr. of veal Scaloppine cut into thin fillets. 2 cloves of garlic 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley

300 ml of balsamic vinegar 100 ml of water or meat broth Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste) 40 ml of extra virgin olive oil BREATHE YOU MATTER

JULY-AUG 2021

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET

THIS IS ONE OF THOSE RECIPES THAT EVERYONE LIKES

for its simplicity and above all for its flavor. So I bring to you LaTagliata all’aceto balsamico (Beef)nScalopes with Balsamic Vinegar) which is an Italian recipe that is usually prepared with beef tenderloin. I wanted to make a quick recipe but at the same time very tasty, for which I used scallops from yearling, from the behind part of the animal, cut very thin and can be easily cook in less than 2 minutes. But you can also adapt the recipe perfectly with sirloin or with other meats depending on your local offer, they will be just as rich since the sauce is the best part of the recipe. These steaks in balsamic vinegar sauce are a very tasty and easy to prepare as a main course dish, the sauce gives the dish a sweet and sour taste and goes well with meat in general. I have not put an accompaniment because I think it is best to use a good piece of bread to dip in the sauce and accompany with a side salad of lettuce or endive. I hope you like it, you will tell me.

PREPARING THE FILLETS IN SAUCE: 1. To obtain the best flavor in this recipe, it is to cook the meat at room temperature, for this we must remove the meat from the refrigerator an hour before cooking it. Season with salt and pepper on both sides and reserve.

2. We start by passing the scallops in a pan or low casserole with extra virgin olive oil, round and round, no more than a minute on each side, we do not want them to be hard like stones. The meat should be juicy, and it will also finish being made in the sauce that we are going to prepare next. We remove from the pan to a plate and continue with the recipe.

3. We prepare the balsamic vinegar sauce, for this we peel the two garlic cloves and toss them into the pan with the same

oil where we have made the meat. The best to have the flavor of garlic is to crush it in a mortar or with a garlic crusher, so you will not find large pieces at mealtime, although this is to the taste of the staff. Once they get a golden hue, add the finely chopped parsley and add the garlic.

4. Add the balsamic vinegar and the meat broth or water. Let it reduce for 5 minutes over high heat until a thick sauce

is formed as if it were syrup. We turn off the pan and once it is off the heat we add the meat and the juice that it has released. We go round and round so that it soaks up the flavor of the sauce, so that it sits in that sauce for a minute is more than enough. In Italy, some juniper berries, some cinnamon stick and some cloves are usually added to the sauce to flavor it a little more. Even the touch of a spoon full of honey would do very well. This sauce is perfect for barbecues or for grilled meats. You can keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days (3 or 4, no more).

5. Now we can plate, I recommend adding fresh parsley, fresh cilantro or a basil leaf in the presentation to give a touch of

color to the dish. We can accompany it with some fried potatoes or a good tomato or escarole salad, I leave it to your choice.

6. Do not forget a piece of bread (any bread choice will do) to dip the sauce, it is glorious!

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET

Slowing Down Enough To Breathe By Antonia Rose

just a few. These are ques that can remind you to stop, slow down, breathe. When I meditate it gives me a sense of mind and wellbeing. My soul feels uplifted and free. It gives me peace and the opportunity to pray, feel hope, and experience hope and joy. As life starts to change again and our communities start to reopen, it gives us the opportunity to connect with others, but also remember to take care of ourselves as well.

I use my meditation time to breathe slowly while envisioning my intentions and letting go of my frustrations so that I can feel my life from within.

Our lives will start to get busy again and we will be able to socialize the way that we used to. I want to remind you that it is important for you to remember to slow down, be mindful, and take time to breathe, It’s should be part of your self care routine.

I encourage you to stop and breathe deeply. Invite a family member or friend to meditate with you. It is a process that you can come together to create united change from within.

Meditation is great for self care. It can also be a great way to focus on good energy. Sometitmes going back to work, seeing friends, and getting back into the swing of things can bring on anxiety after the long pandemic. It’s important to manage your mind, body, and physical reactions to some things that might be uncomfortable again. Some examples of stress in your life includes headaches, anxiety, and sleepless nights are

Visit Antonia’s Guided Meditations on YouTube Channel.

“A Rose Enlightened Meditattions.”

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET UNITED CHANGE

IN THE BEGINNING THERE WAS PERU! PART 1 By Gwen Schrank

It all began with these lyrics.

“I wanna read your mind, know your deepest feelings, I wanna make it right for you. Baby show me, Let me share the mystery, oh. Come on, come on, come on, listen to your heart tonight. Here in the garden, where temptation feels so right, passion can make you fall for what you feel. In the garden, we can make it come alive; every night oh, woman. Your secret garden oh oh yeah in the garden.” These are part of the lyrics to a song that came out in 1990 called “ The Secret Garden by Quincy Jones and featured American R&B singers Al B. Sure, James Ingram, El DeBarge, and Barry White. As the music started to play I could feel the melody deep inside my bones, except I wasn’t in the garden, I was in the desert.

I didn’t know what the signs said, and I certainly didn’t know if I was going in the right direction or not, but I kept going anyway. I had one carry-on bag and my backpack as I went through the long immigration line to get into the country legally. Then I kept following the others which took me through a beautiful assortment of candies, drinks, alcohol beverages, perfumes, and many other items that were displayed as if they were about to be filmed perfectly for a commercial. The Peruvian airport was definitely ready to make money from the very first contact point of entering the country. Now I can go on and on about the many different things I saw, witnessed, and experienced that night, however the only thing that really stands out in my memory about my first night being there was; I Made It!

The desert was Peru in South America and began on May 1st, 2021. I remember getting off the plane without a plan in place to get me to my hotel. It was just after 8pm central standard time when I arrived. The sky was dark, my palms were sweaty, and I could hear people speaking fluently in their native tongue of Spanish. I couldn’t understand what they were saying, however the excitement and fear that was running through my bones at the same time was electrifying. As I walked off the plane I followed in the same direction that everyone else was walking. I remembered something my friend told me before I left. She said, “ When in doubt, do what the natives are doing.” So that’s exactly what I did, I followed the people.

BREATHE YOU MATTER

JULY-AUG 2021

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET UNITED CHANGE

“I’ll take good care of you. That’s what a man is supposed to do. And I’ll be there for you all the time. Let your hair down, let me get you in the mood. Come on, come on, come on. Take me with you. Into the garden, where temptation feels so right, passion can make you fall for what you feel. In the garden, we can make it come alive, every night, ohhh, woman, Here in the Garden (Desert!)” Lyrics to The Secret Garden song Quincy Jones BREATHE YOU MATTER

JULY-AUG 2021

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET

I COULDN’T BELIEVE THAT I WAS IN PERU. I WAS ALONE IN PERU. I was alone in Peru without a plan, and without help. Yikes, wait Yes I was Alone in Peru.

This was the first time in my life that the Lord had my complete attention. I couldn’t think of anyone else that could help me, direct me, guide me, or that I wanted to hear from other than God. After all, I came a long long way to get to this point and it took 46 years, 2 months, 3 weeks, 6 days, 5 hours and 42 minutes to get there. Up until that very point, I had someone or something that I thought that I could count on to get me through life in a meaningful way and was highly disappointed with the results. Don’t get me wrong, I knew, believed, and trusted the Lord the majority of my life, but this was different. I didn’t have any of my normal strategies to fall back on. I didn’t have my family and friends. I didn’t have food to eat. I didn’t have anyone there to fight with. I didn’t have a familiar place that I could run and hide out of fear, and I definitely wasn’t in any position to lay in a forbidden bed with an unknown source if you know what I mean. The regular four F’s were off the table for me when I arrived in Peru but in Its place was Faith, Faith, Faith, and more Faith because that’s all that I could afford. After getting my last piece of luggage from the baggage claim area it was now time for my second faith call to God. “ Lord, I’m going to need a way to my hotel. A safe ride to my hotel. A safe ride, water, and some food too please.” I prayed, expected, and waited. I felt like a sitting duck in the dark outside the airport. When I walked out, the doors automatically locked behind me, so there was no going back in at that point. “Habla English, Habla Enlish” I kept saying to people outside with lots of nods as people walked by. I couldn’t even get the word English right at that time because I was so nervous. I stood there and kept praying and I kept saying, “ I BELIEVE GOD, I BELIEVE, that you are going to get me safely to my hotel tonight.” I kept watching people enter cars, get on buses, and walk towards a direction that was headed out of the airport area. I decided that I wasn’t going to follow the locals that way. So I just waited. It felt like hours were flying by because I was so impatient. Then I looked to my left and saw a man opening the door of a car which appeared to look professional, for a little old lady. She got in and he put her luggage in the trunk as I ran quickly over to ask if he belonged to a Taxi company, and to my surprise, he did, and the Airport Employee who arranged it was standing a few steps away answered, “Yes.” I said in a loud voice, “Thank You Jesus!” She asked me where I was going and then told me to follow her as she led me back into the airport building, to a desk in the airport where I gave her information, paid, got a receipt, and then finally she walked me out to a beautiful car, and the driver was holding the door open for me, took my luggage, put them in the trunk, drove me to my hotel, where I was able to check in, get food, water, shower, and look out my hotel room window that was on the very top floor, and thanked God that I had made it to the desert! Then I turned on my Amazon Music and played, “The Secret Garden” song on repeat until I fell asleep.

This faith journey that I took to Peru lasted 28 days and has so much goodness, that I couldn’t fit it all into one article. Please visit www.breathemagazine.net for Part 2: For the Love of Coffee: How I found family right across the street! Who Knew?

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET UNITED CHANGE

How grief can change disappointment to love and understanding By Ibree Williams

Through all the years and trips to the hospital, on May 2nd 2021 at 10:59pm, my father finally lost his fight against cirrhosis of the liver. As many of us face addiction everyday, my fathers choice of addiction was alcohol. It was a rare sight to not see him with a 211 can of beer in his hand. My father wasn’t really around most of my childhood, for various reasons I’m sure. I definitely feel that his addiction to alcohol was high on the list for his absence. I’m my fathers last child of five. I am a little jealous because my relationship with my father was not as close as the relationships he had with my other siblings. He was the first man I’ve ever loved and he was the first man who broke my heart. To many people (and myself for a good portion of my life) my father was what they call “a dead beat.” During my childhood, I resented my father because I used to wait up late hoping that he would come and get me. I was always excited at night and would go to sleep thinking the faster I fall asleep, the faster I could see my dad in the morning. The mornings that he came were very rare. As I got older; I felt like I needed him the most during my high school years, but he still didn’t come around. I remember begging him to come to my high school graduation, and he didn’t make it. I was very disappointed and hurt. After that I no longer begged him to come around. BREATHE YOU MATTER

JULY-AUG 2021

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET

It seemed like me becoming an adult, and not giving him the ability to have that much power over my feelings brought us closer. I used to listen to what other people said about my dad until recently I really began to understand his addiction. It gave me the opportunity to learn and create my own opinion about him. Addiction is a disease that tears families apart and also breaks the hearts of everyone who knows and loves the addict. My family and I went from planning my 21st birthday to planning a proper service for my father in a matter of days. He passed away 18 days before I turned 21. There was a piece of me left in that room after the look in his eyes and his tears that came after seeing me walk into his room. I know that some of my dad’s pain comes from the times I spent telling him how much he didn’t love me and how much he wasn’t there for me. If there was one thing that I could change about this situation is that I spent more time telling my dad how much I loved him. My nights have been restless and my days have been long. I haven’t slept much. I talk to God and pray to him. I know he hears me, he loves me and he has a plan for me. I’m not sure who wrote that quote but I can relate. I take it day by day. Some days I’m healing. Some days I break again. Even something as simple as showering, eating, or making my bed shows that I’m making progress. My advice to you is to never skip out on the opportunity to tell a loved one how much you love and care about them. Life is not promised to anybody. Make the most of the time you have left and always remember that God places events in your life when change or lessons are meant to occur. We are forever blessed and loved by the man above all.

“Grief never ends. But it changes. It’s a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith. It is the price of love.”

I love you daddy.

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET

WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE: The behaviors listed below may be some of the signs that someone is thinking about suicide.

TALKING ABOUT:

FEELING:

Wanting to die Great guilt or shame Being a burden to others

Empty, hopeless, trapped, or having no reason to live Extremely sad, more anxious, agitated, or full of rage Unbearable emotional or physical pain

CHANGING BEHAVIOR, SUCH AS: Making a plan or researching ways to die Withdrawing from friends, saying good bye, giving away important items, or making a will

Taking dangerous risks such as driving extremely fast Displaying extreme mood swings Eating or sleeping more or less Using drugs or alcohol more often

If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, get help as soon as possible, particularly if the behavior is new or has increased recently.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK National Institute of Mental Health

Crisis Text Line Text “HELLO” to 741741

www.nimh.nih.gov/suicideprevention

SEÑALES DE ADVERTENCIA SOBRE EL SUICIDIO:

NIMH Identifier No. OM 19-4316

Los comportamientos que se mencionan a continuación pueden ser algunas de las señales de advertencia de que alguien está pensando en suicidarse.

HABLAR SOBRE:

SENTIRSE:

querer morirse, sentir una gran culpa o vergüenza, ser una carga para los demás.

vacío, sin esperanza, atrapado o sin razón para vivir; extremadamente triste, ansioso, agitado o lleno de ira; con un dolor insoportable, ya sea emocional o físico.

CAMBIAR DE COMPORTAMIENTO, COMO: hacer un plan o investigar formas de morir; alejarse de los amigos, decir adiós, regalar artículos importantes o hacer un testamento;

hacer cosas muy arriesgadas como conducir con una rapidez extrema; mostrar cambios de humor extremos; comer o dormir demasiado o muy poco; consumir drogas o alcohol con más frecuencia.

Si estas señales de advertencia le son pertinentes a usted o a alguien que conoce, busque ayuda lo más pronto posible, especialmente si el comportamiento es nuevo o si se ha intensificado recientemente. Red Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio 1-888-628-9454 (español)/1-800-273-TALK (inglés)

National Institute of Mental Health

Línea de crisis para mensajes de texto Envíe la palabra “HELLO” al 741741

www.nimh.nih.gov/prevencionsuicidio NIMH Identificador No. SOM 19-4316

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET

HEAL PROJECT HEALING EQUITY ADVOCACY & LEADERSHIP

HEALPROJECT CALIFORNIA HEALTH COLLABORATIVE

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET

Action Steps for Helping Someone in Emotional Pain In 2018, suicide claimed the lives of more than 48,000 people in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Suicide affects people of all ages, genders, races, and ethnicities. Suicide is complicated and tragic, but it can be preventable. Knowing the warning signs for suicide and how to get help can help save lives.

Here are 5 steps you can take to #BeThe1To help someone in emotional pain:

1. ASK: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” It’s not an easy question but studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts.

2. KEEP THEM SAFE: Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this is not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference.

3. BE THERE: Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide may in fact reduce rather than increase suicidal thoughts.

4. HELP THEM CONNECT: Save the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number (1-800-273-TALK) and the Crisis Text Line (741741) in your phone so they’re there if you need them. You can also help make a connection with a trusted individual like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.

5. STAY CONNECTED: Staying in touch after a crisis or after being discharged from care can make a difference. Studies have shown the number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the at-risk person. For more information on suicide prevention: www.nimh.nih.gov/suicideprevention www.bethe1to.com

National Institute of Mental Health

NIMH Identifier No. OM 20-4315 Revised 2020

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET

medidas que puede tomar para ayudar a una persona con dolor emocional Según los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC, por sus siglas en inglés), en el 2018 el suicidio cobró la vida de casi 48,000 personas en los Estados Unidos. El suicidio afecta a personas de todas las edades, géneros, razas y etnias. El suicidio es complicado y trágico, pero puede evitarse. Saber cuáles son las señales de advertencia del suicidio y dónde obtener ayuda puede servir para salvar vidas.

A continuación, planteamos 5 medidas que puede seguir para ayudar a una persona con dolor emocional:

1. PREGUNTE: “¿Estás pensando en suicidarte?” No es una pregunta fácil de hacer, pero los estudios muestran que preguntar a las personas en riesgo si tienen pensamientos o deseos de morir o de matarse no aumenta los suicidios ni los pensamientos suicidas.

2. MANTÉNGALA A SALVO: Reducir el acceso de la persona suicida a ciertos objetos o lugares sumamente letales es parte esencial de la prevención del suicidio. Si bien hacer esto no es fácil, preguntarle a la persona en riesgo si tiene algún plan y desactivar o eliminar cualquier medio letal puede marcar la diferencia.

3. ESTÉ PRESENTE: Escuche atentamente para enterarse de lo que la persona en riesgo está pensando y sintiendo. De hecho, las investigaciones sugieren que reconocer y hablar sobre el suicidio puede reducir los pensamientos suicidas en lugar de aumentarlos.

4. AYÚDELA A ESTABLECER UNA CONEXIÓN: Guarde el número de la Red Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio (1-888-628-9545) y la línea de crisis para mensajes de texto (741741) en su teléfono celular para que lo tenga a mano cuando lo necesite. Usted también puede ayudar a la persona suicida a establecer una conexión con una persona de confianza, como un miembro de la familia, un amigo, un asesor espiritual o un profesional de la salud mental.

5. MANTÉNGASE COMUNICADO: Mantenerse en contacto con la persona después de que tuvo una crisis o después de haber sido dada de alta de su tratamiento puede marcar la diferencia. Los estudios han demostrado que el número de muertes por suicidio disminuye cuando alguien da seguimiento con la persona en riesgo.

Para más información en inglés sobre la prevención del suicidio, visite: www.nimh.nih.gov/suicideprevention www.bethe1to.com #Bethe1To

National Institute of Mental Health

Identificador de NIMH Núm. SOM 20-4315 Revisada en el 2020

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET

Date:

For Your Journal Dear ___________ Write a letter to someone. It could be a friend, a relative, a classmate, or even someone you barely know. What do you want to tell the person? Why are you writing to him/her? Try to fill one page with your letter. You don't have to write the person's real name, but try to be honest in your letter.

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET

Daily Planner Kids Activities for today: 9:00AM

_________________________________

10:00AM

__________________________________

11:00AM

__________________________________

12:00PM

Lunch time! :)

1:00PM

________________________________

2:00PM

________________________________

3:00PM

Snack & nap time!

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET

ALL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES OFFERED VIRTUALLY YOUTH PROGRAMS • HIV SERVICES • TRANSGENDER RESOURCES • EDUCATION • ADVOCACY THESOURCELGBT.ORG 559.429.4277

SERVING COMMUNITY SINCE 2016

WWW.BREATHEMAGAZINE.NET

RECOVERY STARTS HERE What is the SUD 24/7 Access Line? SUD’s 24/7 Access Line, 1-866-732-4114 or TTY: 1-800-735-2922 is a confidential, free, 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year information service for individuals and family members facing alcohol and drug addictions (substance use disorders). What types of information will be provided? How to access needed services

24/7 ACCESS LINE

1-866-732-4114

Referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations Will my information be kept confidential? Yes, this service is confidential.

United Change- July-August 2021 Issue