bUneke Magazine Issue 10 by bUnekeMagazine

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March 2019 Vol 1 â&#x20AC;˘ Issue 10 b i n s pi re d | b en l i g hten e d | b aut h enti c

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Click & Follow! Our world is filled with amazing people, fascinating places and wonderful organizations working toward building a peaceful and beautiful place to live. We all play a role that may seem small but can make an enormous impact. If U want to learn more about those who are making this world an even better place, read your digital copy (or order a print version). Your digital copy is always free! We are ready to show U how to become a change-maker! We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to meet U! Working today to change tommorrow, bUneke Magazine shares positive information to make U feel good. Founded by industry professionals, this 501c3 tax-exempt organization features charitable organizations and individuals who make our shared planet better. We bring U news about Uneke (unique) humans and corporations with a philanthropic outlook to their business plans and align our brand with advocates for children, animals, veterans, the homeless, our environment and living authentic lives, among a multitude of other fantastic stories! Submit your ideas on our website or email info@peacecoreinc.org. Read your free, digital copy TODAY and start making a difference! www.bUneke.org PEACECORE, Inc. is a 501c3 organization providing a free media outlet for other nonprofit groups and charitable organizations that might not otherwise receive the recognition they deserve. To do this, PEACECORE, Inc. uses a tool called bUneke Magazine, a free, interactive, digital publication. A print verison is avaiable for a small fee. We tell stories about amazing people doing extraordinary things every day and U can help spread their messages. We find these people and organizations with dedicated research, through word-of-mouth and at meaningful events such as conferences, conventions, tournaments, festivals and other celebrations. These gatherings give us the opportunities to showcase our work, and the chance to meet the people and businesses or organizations that are important to U. If U have an upcoming event and would like bUneke Magazine to cover it, contact info@peacecoreinc.org to discuss the best way to give your event optimal coverage and exposure. bUneke Magazine is a monthly publication. We are not responsible for the return, loss of, for damage or any other injury to unsolicited manuscripts, unsolicited artwork, including, but not limited to, drawings, photographs or any other unsolicited material. Those submitting manuscripts, photographs, artwork or other materials for consideration should not send originals, unless specifically requested, in writing, to do so by bUneke Magazine. If you want your submitted materials returned, they must be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope with adequate postage.

bUneke Magazine is an educational resource, based on the personal experiences and opinions of contributing writers and special guest features and is in no way offered as legal advice. It is up to the reader to thoroughly research all suggestions, opinions and offerings presented in the articles. Address all editorial, business and production correspondence to: P.E.A.C.E.C.O.R.E. INC, 4520 Deanna Ct., Suite 111, Merritt Island, FL 32953. For permissions and reprint requests, please email: info@peacecoreinc.org. Copyright 2019. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. Vol. 1 â&#x20AC;˘ No. 10

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Editor in Chief

Mary Brotherton mary@buneke.org

Associate Editor Megan Gravelle

Creative Director Jennifer East

jennifer@buneke.org

Marketing Director Lynn Kinnison

lynn@buneke.org

Writers Amie Lara - USA Amy Conroy - (USA)CR Anna East - (USA)JPN Arnob Ghosh - IN Ashley Paskill - USA Becca Sara Coffey - CA Cami Miller - USA Charlotte Darrell - UK Christina Prokos - CA Dakota Duchaine - USA Dan V. Schaub -USA David Alton - USA Dorothy L. Harris - USA Gary Roen - USA Greggory Winn - USA Jacob Bastian - USA Joanne Rahn - AU Kathryn Kenwood - USA Linda S. Humphrey - USA Manish Kumar Arora - IN Margot Walsh - USA Martin Strain - USA Megan Prowse - UK Michelle Schaefer - USA Paige Seigel - USA P.R. Demerdee - USA Rina - (DE)SKR Sara Chu - (TWN)USA Sharon Black - USA Shauna Kosoris - CA Timothy W. Carroll - USA Trinity J-Mathison - (TTO)USA Uras Gungor - TU Wanda Luthman - USA Yaz Saeed - (GBR)USA Yvonne Mason - USA

info@peacecoreinc.org

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Hello you awesome, authentic humans!

Every month, I wonder how we can top last month’s issue, then more remarkable stories find their way to the pages of bUneke Magazine. I feel like a mother asked to choose her favorite child! It’s just not possible. Each story in every issue has its own outstanding qualities. The month of March has been one of my favorites since my oldest son was born on the Ides of March, and I think this issue of bUneke Magazine is going to affirm that March truly is a remarkable month. I’d love to know, after you read the magazine, which stories resonate with you. We covered NubAbility’s Florida Camp, Woman of Worth Conference, and Spirit Fest 2019. Last month, bUneke was at the St. Augustine Film Festival. Click here to visit our YouTube channel to see what we’ve been up to. We’re planning to visit more locations in the upcoming months. Contact us to cover your event! As much as we like to plan outings, some of the best things seem to happen spontaneously. In fact, our first issue launched when we were able to pull it together at the last minute, because Yvonne Mason gave us her table at the Space Coast Book Lovers Event. For that, we’re eternally grateful. Yvonne also has given us our own slot on her Off the Chain podcast on BlogTalk Radio. The third Thursday of every month is now bUneke UnScripted! We started our series in February, with Carrick Felix, motivational speaker and former NBA player. Listen to the podcast. See his story on page 28. Our March guest is Joe Rock from WMMO Orlando’s Classic Hits. You don’t want to miss what he has to say! Stay authentic and stay in touch! Mary

,,, Dear Awesome Readers, I don’t know about you, but I continue to be inspired by each and every issue that bUneke produces! Whether it’s clean eating, cleaning up the oceans, or clearing out my mind of negativity, I’m always left with positive clarity and hope. I’m so grateful for each and every one of you in my life, even if we will never meet. Because of your support, bUneke is able to continue producing awesome publications. Because of your commitment, the environment is a little bit cleaner. Because of your life, the world is a better place. We all are vital to the world and to each other, interconnected in the beautiful web of life. We share this unity while celebrating our differences. It was the apostle Paul who likened us to being parts of the body. Not everyone can be the ear or the eye; how silly it would be to compare ourselves to another and claim that either we don’t need the other or wish we were the other! If we were all eyes, how would we smell? If we were all noses, how would we see? We need everyone, and everyone needs us, with our different abilities, working together, to create positive energy in the world. You are needed. You are vital. You are so deeply loved and appreciated. Cheers, Megan

This digital issue is interactive! Have fun exploring! Click live, direct links! Check out the photos that have red arrows. Click to view the featured videos!

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Don’t underestimate anyone’s ability. We are all capable of greatness on some level. Cover features Keoni Smith Photo by Jana Kaye Kuhnert

6 Don’t Need 2 10 Manifesting a Dream 12 One Man’s Living Legacy 14 Kids Become Better Givers 16 Sustainable Life 17 Book Review: Just Cool It! 18 Sustainable Fashion, part 1 20 Children’s Innate Abilities 22 Abilities, Realities, Dreams 23 U Can Make a Difference 24 Different Abilities 25 What is Self-Love? 26 Spectrum Has a Special Meaning 28 Motivate, Inspire, Change 29 Nothing Stops Her 30 The Ultimate Disruptors 32 Ashley by Design 34 Chris’ Special Kids 36 Space Coast Therapy Dogs 38 Carrot Surprise 40 Performing Arts & Autism 42 Yoga by Yaz 42 Roen Reviews 44 Next Step 45 Coming to America 47 Build Confidence and Joy 48 Zodiac Predictions by Manish

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“I didn’t give school a second thought. All my concern was sports. I made the grade so I could play sports. But during my freshman year of college, I walked away from God and got selfish. I thought I was doing it all. When I woke up one day and was sick, I called Mom. She took me home. I felt better a day later. After completing the off-season program, I was in the best shape of my life. I

woke up again, weak. Dad carried

me to the ER in his arms. I spent two

weeks in the hospital with fever, liver damage, organ failure. Mom cried, but dad never showed weakness.”

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His dad cried when Sam was diagnosed with acute multi-lymphatic disease, a condition similar to cancer with a short prognosis.

Preparing for death

“At the time,” Sam said, “I was only 19 years old. Preachers came to prepare me for death. I asked God for forgiveness and for a second chance. I promised to live my life for Him. People prayed for me from all over the world. Five countries did a prayer vigil. In those few weeks in the hospital, I lost 40 pounds. Then, in an incredible transformation, doctors could not explain, God had given me a second chance. I realized life is too short to live for yourself.” That’s when Sam founded NubAbility. Not only born with one hand, Sam was born with a loving, beautiful and blessed heart. He chooses not to focus on himself. His focus is on traumatic amputees or anyone who was born with a limb difference.

Don’t

Need

During high school, Sam

Kuhnert had

the opportunity to be the first one-handed pitcher to play in the Dominican Republic. He said he felt like he had won the world series because of the respect he received. By Trinity James-Mathison Photos by Lynn Kinnison He said, “I knew what I was capable of doing. I didn’t limit myself. I had a strong will and a strong heart. I’ve always been very competitive. I play to win.”

Not a support group NubAbility is a nonprofit, athletic foundation, not a support group. This is a camp for children who are limb-different. NubAbility does not focus on medical diagnoses, but on adaptive techniques,

ways to help a limb-different child perform the same skill set as a fully limbed child, but in a different way. “Our coaching staff is the best in the nation. They are collegiate athletes, para-Olympians all limb-different. Upper and lower limb-different coaches,” Sam said. “We do full-on background checks, a three-tier interview process, as if recruiting for a team. These coaches are the heart and soul of our program. They volunteer their time and are 100% a blessing. We recruited through social media. It’s not me doing this. It’s God.”

NubAbility camps have been held in seven states since 2012. More than 90 accomplished limbdifferent athletes coach more than 30 mainstream sports. They offer 18 different sports at a very competitive D1 and D2 levels.

continued...

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W Twelve are focused, six are open to tryout, and four sessions test out sports. “People thank me for what we do. I can’t explain our success. I had 19 kids the first camp. Then 42 the next year. Each year it grows. This past summer, we had 179 limb-different kids from 38 different states,” Sam said.

Don’t Need 2

There is a low registration fee at every camp. However, NubAbility never turns anyone away who may not be able to pay the fee. NubAbility held its first annual #Don’tneed2 Seattle camp for limb-different children and their siblings in August 2018. Funding comes from the camp, donations, sponsors and grants. NubAbility has its own theme song, Don’t Need 2, written and performed by rapper Chazzy B, one of Sam’s high school teammates. Sam’s first book will soon be available for purchase. Visit www.NubAbility.org or @NubAbility on social media.

About the Author A native of Trinidad & Tobago, Trinity James-Mathison proclaimed naturalization in the United States in 2001. She studied tourism and hospitality as well as theology at Eastern Florida State College. She began writing as a child but published her first book in 2017 and is working on her second. She says she thanks the Lord for her gift of life and good health and would not be here otherwise.

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W "

Writing Sam's story without meeting him was incredible, but actually meeting him was miraculous. It was an honor to have been given such an opportunity. At the camp, children were just being children in spite of their challenges. It may seem simple, but there's nothing simple about it. Sam is changing lives by building incredible minds and strong hearts. He knows that these children are our future.

~ Trinity James-Mathison

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On Manifesting a Dream By Emily Murphy I recently had the honor of presenting at the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. It was an enormous accomplishment and a delight to share my passion with that audience. The meeting that led to the idea, that led to the opportunity, cascaded for me as I was simply following joy, as all good manifestation stories start.

EPCOT colors This brings me to these little pencils. On my first visit to EPCOT, when I was around 8 years old, I loved everything about it. I especially loved the colors. I had read an article about color psychology, and how the imagineers and designers used it extensively there. To this day, I will see a particular shade and think, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oh, that's Imagination Purple or Horizons Orange,â&#x20AC;? or just think, "Oh, that's an EPCOT color," in general. I even have two articles of clothing that are representative of my EPCOT feels. That visit is in the foundation of who I am as an artist.

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At the end of that trip, years ago, we hit the gift shop, and I remember wanting so many things! I realize now that I was desperately trying to bring home artifacts of how EPCOT made me feel. One thing I got was a tiny kit of wee, little pencils and a tiny pad of paper in a flip-open plastic case. For some reason, I imprinted on that item. Every now and then, I will have a flash of the memory of those pencils and I'll get a little time capsule jolt of happiness.

I got to do something extremely cool. Speaking at EPCOT was magical. I did a huge thing that I never would have believed was accessible to me. It was not perfect, but it was mine. I had so much support from my family-of-choice. People took off work, drove from far away, one even flew down from NYC! It was astounding to be so supported and loved. I was very emotional, because, no matter how the me-of-now feels about the less-than-perfect parts of my presentation, the 8-year-old me would have flipped her lid to know that I got to do something so extremely cool.

The Universe and I are BFFs.

Since the Universe and I are super BFFs, and we like to send each other secret messages all the time and I happen to have an extraordinary ability to manifest unexpected and amazing opportunities; and the Universe likes to autograph the gifts to me of which it is particularly proud. Of course, there was a pack of tiny pencils smiling at me at the cash register at the Japan pavilion. For a brief second, I could see every glittering connected dot from the little girl who wanted more souvenirs than she could hold, to the woman-of-themoment. I saw an extraordinary flash, realizing how the Universe has been conspiring in my favor all along. , About the Author Emily Murphy is a healer, artist, teacher and entertainer. She helps her clients experience healing through transformative energy and body work, intuitive coaching, and through creative arts. Her physical practice is in Orlando, Florida, but she has been booked to speak, entertain and inspire all over the U.S.A. Connect with her. Instagram @EmilyMurphyCreative and EmilyMurphyCreative.com

Hosted by bUneke Magazine and La Bella Spa

The

Change

There is still time. Align your brand with bUneke like these amazing sponsors did. Show your support for volunteerism around the world. Visit bUneke.org but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t delay! The event is Thursday, March 28th, 2019.

Yvonne Mason Author, Artist, Philanthropist, On Air Personality

FILM

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What makes Mohamed Bzeek Uneke (unique)? • The only foster parent in Los Angeles County caring for terminally ill children. • Won the 2017 CAIR-LA Champion of Compassion Award. • Has fostered more than 80 children. • Still visits the graves of the 10 children who died in his home. • Current foster daughter has lived eight years longer than her predicted life expectancy. • Despite battling colon cancer, is determined to care for his children so they won’t die alone, in an institution. • Eearned Turkey’s International

visited upon their doorstep if they took in these beautiful children even for just a few days before ending their journey here on earth. Most of these children ended up in hospitals, hospice or other medical facilities where they received care, but not unconditional love. Not because the staff didn’t care, but because they didn’t have time to form the bond a child needs.

He forms father-child bonds for as long as the child lives. Mohamed not only saw his path change, he embraced it. He and his late wife offered their home as a haven for the children no one else would take. He brought them to his home and offered them the priceless gift of not dying alone. For the time he had them, they were loved, cherished and told they had a purpose. That is the mantra he lives by. Everyone has a purpose, because God does not create anything that is not good. Mohamed takes this one step further, he makes it known that these beautiful, terminally ill children are his children, not just foster kids, thrown into the system for a time.

M Benevolence Award in 2018.

• Never considers the children in his

care as foster children. They are his children and he is their father.

Many of us travel through life and never know, perceive or understand the journey we have taken. We float through life in a haze, waiting for that next big thing to come along to cause our names to be forever remembered, long after we are gone.

Not so with a gentleman by the name of Mohamed Bzeek who came to this country in 1979 from Libya. He came to get his degree in engineering, which he thought was his path, never thinking his life would take a detour. This detour not only changed his journey, it changed his life, leaving the field of engineering in the rear-view mirror.

Their needs overshadowed his dream.

In 1989, he began to understand there was a need so great, that it had been overlooked and understated because it was so overwhelming. The need was the ability to foster children with no hope of survival because their disabilities were terminal. No foster homes wanted to deal with the inevitable death that would be

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As I chatted with Mohamed, I heard the love, the unselfishness, the unconditional loyalty he has for these beautiful children. In spite of losing his wife to cancer, in spite of him having cancer at one time, in spite of being a full time caregiver with no days off in seven years, in spite of losing much needed sleep, and in spite of knowing that even though his 8-year-old daughter may be at the end of her journey any day, he continues to love her, take care of her and nurture her. As a sister of a brother who is challenged and watching my mother struggle through the years with his disability, I can only imagine what Mohamed is going through.

His faith is the backbone of his life. As we chatted, we both agreed that his faith is the backbone of his life. He knows that God has the big picture and the circle of life is real. From the day we are born, we start to die. Yet, he draws comfort from that because

One Manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Living

Legacy By Yvonne Mason

he understands that his daughter is a gift to be cherished and protected until the end of her journey here. Mohamed Bzeek has left a living legacy. Not just in his community or his city or state, he has left a living legacy throughout the entire world. He did it simply by understanding his purpose, stepping up and embracing that purpose and doing that which was right when no one was looking. He did it by simply loving unconditionally, embracing that which is flawed, and having a faith that is indeed his foundation for his life. His character, legacy and love transcend race, ethnic background, religion and any other labels we tend to use.

Moments of love, laughter and security Mohamed is a man with enough faith to take children no one wants, lose his life to gain theirs, and give them a few moments of love, laughter and security in a world that knows so little of these things. He is a living legacy to those of us who wish to do better, who wish to know our purpose, to act on that purpose and to always look forward, never backward. Mohamed Bzeek, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your moment. You have inspired me to be a better person. U can help support Mohamed and his foster children. https://www.gofundme.com/bzeek

, Thank You Yvonne Mason for writing this great article. Read her bio on page 24.

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Kids become

Better Givers!

Article and graphics by BusyKid

Why does a large portion of the U.S.A. wait until the end of the year to make donations to charities? According to recent reports on philanthropy, 34% of all donations are made in the last three months of the year, including roughly 25% between Thanksgiving and Christmas. BusyKid believes a healthy financial balance includes regular donations all year long, however, getting families to donate will require education. No one really knows how much kids give each year, but with about 73.6 million kids under the age of 18 living in the U.S., imagine how charities would be impacted if just 10% of our children gave $1 a week for an entire year? That’s a $382.7 million game-changer. Children should be learning the importance of giving and how to give on a regular basis. The earlier they learn and practice, the stronger this routine becomes. So, as parents, how do we make our children become good givers? Here are a few suggestions to consider:

Make it Real – You’ve seen the TV commercials from the animal shelter or about the kids in other countries. Those are effective because it makes a cause real to us. If we want our kids to be passionate or supportive of a charity, make it real to them and show them how their money can help.

It’s Their Idea – We all know what

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happens when we try to make kids do anything. When it comes to giving, make it seem it was their idea by exposing them to a particular charity and asking them for ideas how to help.

Be Family Strong – Donate to someplace as a family, especially if you have young children. Once you’ve passed along your words of wisdom and created a plan for your children to give, you need to drive home the message by doing it together. Let them see you and older siblings dropping coins into the bucket of a person ringing a bell or donating online. Either way, being family strong will pay off! Work for It – Instead of parents always reaching into their wallets to make a donation, let the kids pitch in with hard earned allowance. BusyKid is a perfect example of how a child can use modern technology to build a routine of earning and sharing. Children who start a routine of giving will likely discover that giving a small portion of a paycheck as an adult comes with other benefits too.

Money’s good, but don’t forget about time – While kids may not have a problem giving a part of their allowance each week at church, really shake it up a bit. The next time you travel by car on vacation, use a “pit stop” to volunteer for a local organization. Help make breakfast burritos at a Ronald McDonald House or sort some clothes at a local charity. It’s better than a playground at a fast-food restaurant! With Americans giving about 4% of their yearly income to charities, it’s clear that children can make a huge impact on the success of many organizations. As parents, we should get our kids vested in the game much earlier and

more often. BusyKid can help teach your kids to be better life-long givers because it really is better to give than receive. Read how one family uses BusyKid on page 26.

Parents have full control.

Giving options are built right in.

Peacecore/ bUneke Magazine is a BusyKid charity.

Parents assign values to chores so kids know how much they earn.

Use this link to try BusyKid for FREE for 30 days! Find out why parents like Cricket Barrientos rave about BusyKid.

https://busykid.com/bUneke Promo code: bUneke

Chores are done before money is transfered.

15 See how money is spent, saved and donated.

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Exercising for a Happier &

Sustainable

Life

Story and photo by Shauna Kosoris

Back in the fall, I signed myself up for a 30-day fitness challenge. This particular challenge appealed to me because I didn’t need any special equipment for the workouts. My goal for the challenge was to get myself exercising more often because I had fallen out of my exercise habit. I want to live a healthy and sustainable life and I believe that staying active is an important part of both of these goals.

Benefits of exercise The health benefits are numerous: decreased weight, improved mood, improved energy, improved sleep, and prevention of some diseases. In terms of sustainability, exercise can be an alternative form of transportation; it can improve concentration and sleep, giving more energy to make more environmentally sound choices when we might otherwise be too exhausted. When I respect my body, I find myself craving healthier foods rather than processed junk. So, during the 30 days of the challenge, I was emailed a new 15-minute workout every day. The coach who created the program is a huge fan of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), so that’s what most of the workouts were, although sometimes she used other workout styles like yoga, Pilates or ballet.

Not a HIIT fan Over the course of the month, I discovered that I’m not actually much of a HIIT fan; I feel so much better while doing more yoga and Pilates, which is what I’ve been doing since finishing the challenge. There’s nothing wrong with that, because we are all Uneke (unique) individuals with our own preferences. For me that might mean yoga, while for you that might mean HIIT, kickboxing or running. The main thing is to find the activities that we each enjoy doing so we can all live our own happier and healthier lives.

16 About the Author

Shauna Kosoris is a writer who lives in Thunder Bay, the largest city in Northern Ontario, Canada. She started her blog, sustainablynorth.com, out of a belief that while it is challenging to live a more sustainable life, particularly in Northern Ontario, it is both possible and necessary so we can preserve our world for tomorrow. On Sustainably North, she shares book reviews, information on gardening and baking, links to articles and videos, and her thoughts and experiences about striving to live a more sustainable life. Follow Sustainably North on Twitter @SustaintheNorth or Pinterest @SustainablyNorth.

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Just Cool It! The Climate Crisis and What We Can Do By David Suzuki and Ian Hanington Greystone Books/David Suzuki Institute Vancouver https://greystonebooks.com/ 978-1771642590, $12.88 www.amazon.com David Suzuki and Ian Hanington’s Just Cool It! The Climate Crisis and What We Can Do lays out the science supporting anthropogenic climate change before examining the currently available solutions for addressing this very pressing problem. Just Cool It! is clearly biased towards using renewable energy sources like solar or wind to deal with the climate crisis. The book is not without its flaws. Just Cool It! is at times repetitive, and some concepts weren’t properly explained when first introduced. But it is informative and upbeat. I love how Suzuki and Hanington are cautiously optimistic for the future. Thank You Shauna Kosoris for the great reveiw this month! Read her article, Starting to Live A More Sustainable Life, page 16.

Every month on the 3rd Thursday

bUneke Magazine founders host bUneke Unscripted! along with Yvonne Mason

9 p.m. – 10 p.m. EST Discover our next guest bUneke.org Tune in on your favorite device and join the conversation on

Twitter and Facebook http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yvonnemason

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, Sustainably Sustainable Fashion Guide, Part 1

Thoughts Become Things, So Start Thinking By Anna East

How often have you seen a documentary or inspiring video, felt passion to make a change and then gave up two weeks in because you realized it required a true change of habits? You’re not alone. I’m also guilty. Between eating vegan, going plastic-free and becoming more confident in communicating my values, I’ve made mistakes, chosen convenience over sustainability and gone with what’s habit, instead of consciously choosing my actions. Change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s good to keep in mind when we make internal changes, our external surroundings may sway us from our goals. We are usually surrounded by advertising telling us we need more to be happy, and consuming products will cure us of sadness. Even our family and friends can unintentionally influence us to go back to old habits to make things more comfortable for all. It’s often more expensive upfront to make a long term change, even though we save money in the long run!

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Building a truly sustainable life If you make the sustainable choice for your future, your health and for the planet, you can follow through and realize your dream of having a more sustainable, conscious, and healing lifestyle. You just have to get to the root of it. You have to hold yourself accountable for that change. You must create your new habits. No one else will do it for you. You will change your life. Over the next three months, I will share a three-part guide that helped me fix my relationship with clothing, fast fashion and consumerism. Sustainable Fashion. Have you heard of it? It’s purchasing from ethical, environmentally-responsible companies, and mindfully buying what you need. It’s about giving away your clothing responsibly and

Watch The True Cost to learn why it’s important to implement sustainable fashion into our world, today. If you don’t know where/ when/how to start, let this be your guide.

making sure you know what happens with the waste you’ve created. It’s about making a stand for global workers’ rights, environmental policy change, and changing the market to one that doesn’t exploit the world in pursuit of fashion. After polling my online community, reading books and countless articles and talking to knowledgable friends about what to do, I’ve put together my top 10 guidelines for creating sustainable fashion habits. These are all things I have personally found useful in my journey. You can develop them even further. Here are the first three essentials for incorporating sustainable fashion into your life:

1. Quality Over Quantity.

This is true for friendships, food and fashion. Historically, people around the world have owned a small number of clothing items per person, due to price, availability and quality of each item. A woman only needed one or two pieces of clothing for each kind of occasion, and because they were bought sparingly, they were high quality in terms of fabric, design and manufacturing, so they lasted longer. They may have been more expensive upfront, but would remain intact with repair, and timeless for as long as the owner needed the item. Today’s fast fashion has

turned two fashion seasons into 52 micro seasons. The amount of clothing produced, along with the materials used and exploitation of garment workers, has lowered the prices, allowing us to buy more items that fall apart sooner. We spend more money over time on ill-fitting clothing that doesn’t last long and exploits the person who makes it. To implement this idea of buying fewer items of higher quality, I encourage you to ask this about each garment: • How many items of this style do I need? • Is it of higher quality? • How many seasons will this last? • What do I already have that works for this purpose? • Why does this cost so little, versus similar items that cost more? • Is the person who made this getting paid a living wage?

2. Minimalism

This ties directly into the first guideline. Minimalism has been incredibly helpful in my pursuit of sustainability. I keep only what sparks joy within, what is useful and getting rid of the rest. In regards to fashion, we don’t have to incorporate hardcore minimalism into our lives to reap the benefits. My favorite questions about our clothing purchases that incorporate minimalism are: • Does this spark joy? • Am I buying this for the thrill of the purchase? About the Author:

• Do I need it? • Is this piece of clothing being bought to selfmedicate an underlying problem? P.S. The sustainable fashion movement may require you to dig deep! It’s okay, and it’s good to be aware!

3. Who Made Your Clothing?

Your t-shirt didn’t just pop out of nowhere. Who made it? How was it made? These questions re-connect us with our world, allowing us to realize that everything we do is connected to someone else. Every purchase you make affects another’s life, which in turn affects your life. Our world of action and reaction is circular, and it expresses its patterns through our garments. Often, textile and garment workers are underpaid and overworked. They need jobs, but in order to keep their jobs to support their families, they pay a high price. Their safety, health, and respect for their work are compromised to make $10 sweaters, pants and hats. When we buy from companies that condone this exploitation, we inhibit the local work unions from progressing in their case and factory owners continue to figure out ways to stay competitive in the market. • How cool is it to know who made your clothing? • Was what you’re buying made with care and pride? Finding clothing brands that openly connect the buyer to

the craftsman will reward both you and the artisan, elevating both of your lives. If you’re not living your life to elevate those around you, what are you living it for? Be sure to read the next articles. April: What To Do When You Want Something New and in May: Your Clothing Doesn’t Disappear.

I write this from my perspective as a collage student and struggling artist. I gained perspectives from friends from all different backgrounds and cultures. I believe sustainability will not be successful unless it is attainable for everyone. The intention of this three-part guide is creating awareness and giving as many options as I currently have. If you have found a method of sustainable fashion you’d like to share, please tag @anna_eatz_bananas and @bUnekeMagazine in an Instagram post, and we’ll spread the word! We’re all in this together.

Anna East is an actress, dancer, singer and environmentalist. She has passionately lived and worked on stage, in TV, film & national commercials for 8 years in Los Angeles, Orlando, and Atlanta. She has performed in both Tokyo and Shanghai. Anna is currently studying for a bachelor’s in business and plans to produce and direct her own content someday. Instagram: @anna_eatz_bananas and https://www.anna-east.com

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Children & Innate Abilities By Christina Prokos

A child comes into this world with fresh and different perspectives. As children develop, they learn based on what they connect to the most. Children innately gravitate to what makes them happy, even more so, to what their natural abilities have to offer the world. It is sad to see children suffocated by an adultâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perspective of what they think their child should be doing versus what their child innately knows is best. We need to encourage children to use their gifts and abilities and accept how the child expresses them.

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The Sensitive Child This child has an innate ability to understand and support an individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s emotions. When the sensitive child cries, it is because that child feels everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unresolved pain and emotions. This child needs time to process information. What we tend to do with the sensitive child is approach with tough love or try to teach how to get over things and be strong. What this child actually needs is to be heard. Understand that this child may know you better than you

know yourself. Encourage this child to speak truthfully and to be the natural healer that he/she is.

The Intuitive Child This child can see different perspectives and can see what others miss and remembers experiences, thoughts and stories with many details and examples. This child is the teacher. The leader. The encourager. This child can save souls from problems and is wise beyond his/her years. Listen to this child. Let

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need to encourage children to use their gifts and abilities and accept how the child expresses them.â&#x20AC;? these children teach you and allow them to challenge the systems of society.

The Builder This child is the doer. Extremely compassionate, witty and yet very focused, this child is a fantastic listener and can easily put a smile on your face. As well as teaching you patience through working together on learning tasks, building with Lego or crafts, this child can calm an overworked mind and can naturally find the solution to any problem. We should always encourage their innate abilities. These children make wise choices.

The Musical Child This child has the ability to play instruments, sing and has a connection to the soul. These children are the ones who leave imprints on our souls and can awaken emotions and memories deep within us. These souls do not fear to look at the wrong, seeing despair and touching dark areas of life. They are About the Author

the risk takers. If you do not allow them to explore into the depths of your soul, they will go out and seek it in others. The hardest part for these children is that they may get lost in other peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s despair. It is wise to always teach them who they are and allow them the time to come back to themselves. Music creates healing for them and you.

The Artistic Child These children can express themselves through art. They may not have the words but they can paint a picture for you to make a connection. Art, just like music, can touch our souls. This child can paint, draw or use any form of art that can create shifts and changes within us. It is our job to encourage the artistic children and help them find purposes and paths using technique. They can help people get in touch with their emotions.

The Dancer The dancer has an energy of movement. This child wants

to physically express him/ herself and show you the ability to move, to connect through movement, to use it to create and express selflove. The dancing child has a healthy body image and selfesteem. Allow this child to teach you to eat well, to pay attention to your health and to enhance energy around your life.

Overall, allowing these children to express and accept their abilities is essential for both their well-being and your growth.

, Connect with Christina. www.Christinaprokos.com IG:Christina_life_spiritual Twitter:@christinaprokos FB: Christina Prokos - Life & Spiritual - Intuitive Counselor

Christina Prokos, devoted to helping others and blessed with a deep understanding of the spiritual world, has developed her natural abilities through dedicated study and practice. Christina utilizes her gifts as an intuitive counselor, working with different modalities such as life coaching, soul retrieval, intuitive readings, Belvaspata (angelic healings), Reiki, mindfulness and psychic readings to help her clients align with their higher selves and heal areas of their lives. Christina focuses on emotional, physical, spiritual health, career, abundance and relationships. Her ultimate goal is to inspire those around her to awaken to their true potentials.

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Abilities, Realities and Dreams

The start into 2019, despite a wonderful set of New Year’s resolutions, has been tough. My working contract ended in December 2018 and finding a decently paid job as a foreigner in rural South Korea, no matter how well-educated, is nearly impossible. To make things worse, my husband’s guesthouse, like countless others in the country, is not going too well and worst of all, for the first time in my life, I have no social or financial network to rely on. That’s the brutal reality. However, what is a lot more frightening is the creeping loss of self-confidence. I refuse to accept that my dream of making this world a better place through small changes shall be smashed by capitalism. Nothing I desire can be bought by money. However, I do have certain needs that require money. So, how am I to balance my reality with my dreams, needs and abilities? I have always been a good student who likes to learn. But that ability does not help me in the highly-competitive Korean education system where nothing counts but the right crosses in multiple choice questionnaires. I have always been good in expressing myself. I speak three languages and people still compliment my Korean, but it hardly exceeds that of a high school student, so my Korean

By Rina

isn’t sufficient for an ordinary office job. I like teaching and raising awareness. I did environmental campaigning and nature experience education as a teenager, but here, nobody wants to listen. Environmental topics aren’t exciting. We are talking about crises, about damage and deterioration. We urge for limiting our consumption and push for austerity. People don’t want to go back to the lifestyles that will save our planet, especially after recently being introduced into the more exciting world of consumerism. The eco café I opened 18 months ago is a lonely place. People don’t come. Obviously, I failed to inspire them. For me, this is heartbreaking. During the last six weeks, my husband and I have been roaming around the city centre of our rural town nearly every day on a seemingly endless market evaluation. What do people spend their time and money on? What should we

do, to enter into a conversation that eventually can touch environmental issues? We visited numerous places, talked to endless numbers of people and excogitated and discarded countless business ideas. Still we don’t know. How do we fit reality and needs, dreams and abilities into our life here? At times, it feels hopeless. Other times, it feels pointless. Are we, as a couple or as individuals, only talking to ourselves? Is anybody listening? I must believe that someone is. Our world depends on it. Maybe, just maybe, if I can teach by example, someone, somewhere is secretly watching and learning. I must believe this is true or else our home here on Planet Earth is doomed and I refuse to accept that. Please, tag @eco.nari and @bUnekemagazine on social media to tell us what U are doing to help our shared home.

About the Author

Rina is a German-born environmentalist living in South Korea. She lectures on environmental topics, and plans and facilitates environmental education programs in Christian communities throughout Korea. In 2015, she was sent to the rural Kyeongsang Province to oppose the construction of a huge dam and fight for a unique and precious river’s ecosystem. She fell in love with the place, at first sight, and with a young Korean who later became her husband. Read more from Rina at https://bit.ly/RinaKorea

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U Can Make a

Difference! By Amy Conroy

With so many negative impacts to our planet how do we know where to begin and which is the worst? There is deforestation, a hole in the ozone, acid rain, global warming, fracking, over-population, hunger, poverty, countries without clean water, corruption, terrorism, and people starved for more. If you start researching, it seems we are doomed and it’s too late to start making a difference. The planet is at an all-time high with more than seven billion people living off it. We are living much longer and consuming so much more.

Where do we start?

At the top of the list should be plastic pollution. It literally touches everything in our lives, and unlike other pollution problems, it can’t repair itself. We can plant more trees, use less pesticides and hormones in our food, and over time, if we stopped fracking, the land will heal itself. Unfortunately, the true damage from plastic pollution can not even be measured yet. It starts with the pollution from the oil refineries to get crude oil to make the nurdles. These are very small pellets of plastic, which serves as raw material in the manufacture of plastic products. Then, most plastics are made for single-use consumerism. There are already more than 88 million tons of plastic in our oceans and an estimated eight million more items enter every single day. Even if we turned off the tap today, we About the Author

have centuries to deal with what already exists!

We will have a plastic ocean.

We all have plastic inside us. Birds, turtles, whales, and dolphins are dying at an alarming rate from this epidemic. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is growing and more are popping up. Soon we will have a plastic ocean. It’s time to take a look at our consumption. If we stop buying single-use and choose reusable alternatives, there will be a shift from manufacturers.

Consume smarter.

Companies do not want us to consume less because they rely on our money to get richer. So show them we will consume smarter and support companies and organizations making change to better our future for many generations. Also, encouraging deposits for returnable bottles and better recycling facilities for the reusable options will help keep our landfills smaller. Every individual can add to the problem or be a solution. The time to act is now. How will U be a part of the solution? Share what you are doing with us on social media @bUnekemagazine. Many thanks to Small Change NGO for your amazing graphic. https://www.smallchange.ngo/

Amy Conroy is passionate about a plastic-free lifestyle and wants to make a difference in the lives of every living creature on our planet. Amy’s family sold their home and moved to Costa Rica, with only the necessities and realized nobody missed all the stuff they no longer had. Her passion to live more plastic-free every day and spread the word worldwide began after assisting in Costa Rican beach and street clean-ups. Follow the founder of Plastic-Free Living Tips and Tricks on Facebook http://bit.ly/Plastic_FreeTips and Instagram http://bit.ly/CostaRicanConroys.

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Different Abilities By Yvonne Mason Sewell

I look around me and I see so many exceptionally smart people and I smile. At one time in my life, I wondered why I was not smart. Why didn’t I measure up to what I thought I should be? After I watched my brother, who is challenged, and saw him use his abilities without comparing himself to others, it hit me like a brick. Not just one brick but a ton of bricks. I am smart. I am talented. I have gifts that others tried to tap down. I don’t need to be able to do things others can, because my abilities are just as important and needed. That was such a mind freer.

bankers, attorneys, or you name it. We would lose out on the music, the art, the inventions of the world. Being proud of your ability and making that ability shine within you is what makes you successful. No matter what the occupation, the journey or the hobby, it belongs to you and you alone. Yes, others may have the same ability. However, they

We are all Uneke. We spend so much of our lives wishing we were like others, that we forget we have our own set of abilities, our own set of gifts, which we should use and let shine. Hiding them because we are afraid is silly and sad. Silly, because we never should want to be like someone else. We are all Uneke. Sad, because if we don’t tap into them before our time on this earth is done, others will never be able to benefit from them and we leave nothing behind for them to know we were here. We waste our abilities by not using them, by not acknowledging how important they are to life.

do not perform that ability like you do, that is part of being Uneke.

Be proud of your ability. Think of it as a gift. Nurture it, help it grow, own it and make it yours. When I woke up and understood that my ability was mine and it was mine to do with as I wished, no matter the outside judgement, I became free to grow, to take that journey to see where it might lead. The awakening has taken me places I never knew I could go. It has given me a confidence I lacked, it has made me believe that I am Uneke! So, take that journey! Be

Let’s examine just a few. Being a good mother and a good wife or a good friend takes time and talent and it takes hidden abilities. Being a great employee in a world where employees are expendable, because loyalty is a thing of the past, takes courage. Courage is doing what is right even when afraid.

Different abilities are glue holding our world together.

Our different abilities are the glue that holds our world together and makes it a better place. Just think how boring life would be if we were all rocket scientists, garbage collectors, accountants,

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yourself. Be U. bUneke!

, About the Author Yvonne Mason Sewell has appeared on numerous radio shows and now she has her own show on Blog Talk Radio called “Off the Chain” and airs several times per week on the Blog Talk Radio Website. Shows begin at 8:00pm EST. If you visit the website and follow the show you will receive updates on guests and dates. She is also an author of seventeen books including three true crimes. Find her online. bit.ly/YvonneMasonSewell

Self-Love What is

and how do we do it? By Megan Prowse

You’ve seen the posts, the social media hype. Self-love is the new buzzword and it’s becoming a buzz at risk of meaning nothing. Depending on your age, especially in the UK, you may have grown up at a time where being all-about-you is not something to brag about. Until now. Something has happened to bring about our interest in taking care of ourselves and with it, taking pride in putting ourselves first.

Why should we care about self-love? But what is the self-love movement all about and why should we care? After all, isn’t being a good person about putting others first, often at the expense of our own needs and wants? Emerging research has found there may be an association between self criticism and mood. So, you’re allowed to ignore that voice that says, “You should be doing more” or “you must always achieve” and generally that it’s motivating you to feel bad about yourself. In fact, it is healthy to ignore that critical voice. Recent research (Leaviss & Uttley) has also

shown that common mental health difficulties can benefit from treatments that focus on being compassionate to ourselves, practicing kindness and challenging that critical voice.

What is self-love? So how do you know if you’re engaging in self-loving behaviours? Self-love is not all about taking long baths or indulgent lay-ins. Answering your own needs is the main principle. In practice, it can be about putting boundaries where we may usually just say yes. It’s understanding how to listen to yourself and doing what sits right with you. It can also be taking time out from people and things that exhaust you. It’s about going against the rules of putting someone before you every now and again to make sure that your mind, body and soul are replenished.

Check in with yourself. Before you can even start with these behaviours though, you have to check in with yourself and see how you’re doing so far with loving yourself and listening to your needs. One way I suggest, to tell where you are on the self-love scale, is to ask yourself some questions:

• How much time do I put into myself? • When I’m stressed or anxious, do I take breaks and say no to things or people that do not serve me well? • Do I feel guilty if I don’t answer a text in a timely manner? • Do I assert myself in a social situation?

Be sure you love yourself first, so you have more love for others. , About the Author Megan Prowse is a clinical psychologist-in-training and a fully accredited cognitive behavioural psychotherapist. She has worked for the NHS for many years and has a range of experience working with mental health conditions and people of all ages. She writes about psychology, mental health and overall wellbeing in her blog. She also speaks on mental health and wellbeing and advocates for holistic health and self-love. Megan has learned professionally and through her personal journey about how to love herself and shares some aspects of that with bUneke readers so we can continue the journey together. @citypsychchick www.citypsychchick.com

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Spectrum

has a special meaning By Jacob Bastian

Cricket Barrientos and her husband , a Phoenix , Arizona police officer, created the nonprofit organization Sounds of Autism , Inc . to raise awareness by bringing a voice to autism .

Cricket said, “Autism is the leading epidemic among our children. One in 59 people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with autism, according to the CDC, in 2018.” Their son, Landon, has autism, but that was only one catalyst to start the organization.

It started with sesame seeds.

Cricket said, “It’s crazy. My dad was on his journey for death when I first started seeing the seeds.” Cricket was the general manager at Ruby Tuesday at the time, so finding sesame seeds didn’t surprise her. But she noticed a pattern. She found

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seeds where they shouldn’t be, then she’d meet someone with a special message. “Angels surround me,” Cricket said. “After finding all sorts of seeds and hearing more and more people talk about autism, I knew I needed to do something. Then, I started finding the coins.” Each coin held a unique significance to her. She said the quarter represented money and every time she found a quarter, Sounds of Autism seemed to grow.

Two experiences highlighted the need for Responders Unite. Cricket said, “Last year, Landon was going through a mental breakdown at 15 years old. At that same time, there was an incident and the Buckeye Arizona police detained a classmate of Landon’s who also has autism and he was injured. The incident went viral. These two experiences showed us the need for our Responders Unite campaign, training our community and sworn police officers about the autism community and their needs.

People don’t understand that someone with autism processes the world differently. Sounds of Autism’s programs will help educate our society how to respond, especially during a crisis situation.” The name for the organization came from the sounds of music, because Cricket is a musician, but also for the sounds that people with autism make. Some of those sounds may seem aggressive to untrained professionals. People with autism use a method called stimming to help them cope with everyday stress and anxiety. Stimming often involves flapping their hands and special sounds, typically a humming noise, to help naturally calm their stress.

Love and support prepare children with autism for adult society. “People with autism need to have systems and processes that work for them. Our organization helps the families through love and support, in turn preparing the child with autism to have the resources they need when the time comes for them to integrate into society as adults,” Cricket said. Sounds of Autism is working on a program to help police better understand how to respond when they face someone with autism. The program is called Responders Unite. This two-hour training program, given to sworn police officers, teaches them to become ambassadors of the program. These ambassadors will take their training into classrooms to educate students with autism and special needs how to respond during a crisis. In the future, the program will offer mini-video reminders for officers to watch during briefings to continue to bring awareness to autism as the epidemic begins hitting the streets. “Videos are the best and fastest way to reach more people,” Cricket said. “We have launched videos that have gone out to over 600,000 viewers on social media. We are building a team to work around the world and will do what we can to bring awareness and share resources as we grow.”

BusyKid is a vetted resource. One of the vetted resources and community

partners of Sounds of Autism is a company that offers an app called BusyKid. Cricket said, “BusyKid helped Landon stay focused and offered a daily chore routine to get through his breakdown a year ago. Working with the BusyKid program, Landon now works on a horse ranch, caring for 35 horses. We promote BusyKid as a good way to manage money. Landon recently earned money to take his Valentine to the movies. Landon will be using his BusyKid debit card to pay for everything. He doesn’t understand the value of money so we use the BusyKid app to teach him. He didn’t want us to be a part of the date, so we practiced how to pay with his debit card. We are so proud of him taking these steps.” You can learn more about BusyKid on page 15. You can learn more about Sounds of Autism on Facebook, as the website, which is being designed by someone with autism, is under construction. https://www.facebook.com/SoundsofAutism/

About the Author

Jacob Bastian is a freelance writer who is passionate about using his time and talent to make the world a better place for everyone. He works in the service industry to support himself as he travels extensively, enjoying many unique places throughout our amazing universe.

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NBA Player now

Motivates & Inspires Others Former

“Athletes don’t know what their identity is outside of their sport,” Carrick Felix, retired NBA star, said. “We've been competing our entire lives. Sometimes we don’t pay attention to what’s important.” Carrick feels that being a part of the NBA was an honor and a blessing, but he came to the realization that his life’s horizons were bound to expand far beyond just his athletic career. The 28-year-old began a new career after his early retirement, one that was dedicated to positively impacting as many lives as possible on a global scale. “Giving yourself a purpose is what’s really important,” he said. Carrick mentors grade school and college students. Not all of them are athletes, but he has used his philosophy about life after sports to encourage his young audience to set their sights on long-term ambitions. Even for those with natural athletic ability, Carrick stresses the importance of diversifying one’s skillset, or what he calls their “toolbox.” After nearly being removed from the NBA permanently due to a severe bodily injury, he came to the sobering realization that life requires many tools to maintain it. “The greatest thing sports teaches you is the tools of life,” Carrick said, making a point to encourage a strong body as well as a strong mind. “I’m always ready, not just physically, but mentally.” There are many pieces of evidence which prove that Carrick values education, among the most objective of these is his master’s degree in communications. He originally aspired to become a sportscaster after retirement, and even though this is no longer the case, his education remains

By Dan V. Schaub | Photo credit: Carrick Felix

a powerful tool in his toolbox for his long-term goals. Regarding education, Carrick said, “You never know when you’ll need that tool in your toolbox, and it can never be taken away from you.” Many of his pupils had yet to realize the value of having an education before being influenced by his mentorship. This only motivated him to be more proactive in persuading these students and others like them to think differently. Rather than only seeking out those who want to help themselves as much as he wants to help them, he is particularly determined to speak to those who don’t want to ask for help. Carrick knows that those who do not ask for help are often afraid to ask for it. He knows this from personal experience. Stubbornness can be indicative of a desire to improve one’s self that is suppressed, and Carrick sees this as a challenge. Whether his pupils are young and inexperienced in life, or older and unsure of themselves post-retirement, he seeks to leave an impact on everyone. Those who listen and truly internalize his philosophy will have strong character, good habits, and will treat other people well. Where do you see yourself in 10 to 15 years? This is a question Carrick asks his pupils. He has an answer to it for himself as well. “I want to grow as an individual. I want to travel the world. I’ll be doing the same thing, but at a higher level.” Follow Carrick Felix on Facebook at Inspire Motivate Change, on Instagram @ Carrick_Felix, on YouTube, @Inspire Motivate Change and online at https://imcfamily.com/ , Listen and learn! bUneke Unscripted podcast featured Carrick Felix, click here!

About the Author

Dan V. Schaub was born and raised in Orlando, Florida. He has enjoyed literature, art and music since his early childhood. Dan has a passion for writing both fiction and nonfiction, which led him to pursuing a degree in English from the University of Central Florida.

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Nothing Stops Her Yulissa Arescurenaga was a teenager when she attended her first Zumba class and discovered her life’s passion. This isn’t unusual. Beto Perez’ fun workout sensation has been igniting similar passion within people for years. What is unusual is that Yulissa has Down syndrome. Her mother, Marlene Palomino, is justifiably proud of her daughter. So is her dad, Percy. Marlene said, “Yulissa has the spirit to do all kinds of things. She had tried other things but liked Zumba best of all.” Yulissa is proof of just how much people with Down syndrome are capable of accomplishing. You see, she not only loves Zumba, she is the first person with Down syndrome to become a certified Zumba instructor, although it wasn’t as easy for Yulissa as it might be for other people. Yulissa gets it. Marlene said, “Once she practices, she gets it.” For Yulissa, the expression, “Practice makes perfect,” propelled her forward. Her mother said she practiced six hours every day for four years before she tested for her certification. “She knew she could do it,” Marlene said. “She finished high school. We talked about it and she practiced a lot. She never missed any classes and went to more and more classes and training. Monday through Friday and some Saturdays, all with different instructors to learn

By Kathryn Kenwood | Photographer: Reinaldo Medina more and more styles.” San Francisco, California gym. In 2012, four years after her first class, after more than 3,700 hours of practice, Yulissa was ready for her training certification. No special treatment for Yulissa. Marlene said, “She was focused to pass the training. She was treated just like all the other trainers. They didn’t give her any special treatment.” Yulissa wouldn’t have wanted to be treated differently. By the end of the day, she was the first licensed Zumba instructor with Down syndrome in the U.S. She teaches at least three times a week at her local

Once a month, she does a demonstration to those who work with young people with disabilities and teaches Zumba at three different schools. She also does special presentations on weekends for the National Down Syndrome Congress, local events, conferences and by special invitation. “She can be shy, but feels comfortable with the music,” Marlene said. “I go everywhere with her and help with her hair and makeup.” Yulissa, who speaks Spanish and English, has one goal: to share her passion around the world. She wants those working with people with special needs to see there are no limits to what a person do. Nothing is impossible. In Yulissa’s words, “Follow your own dream. Nothing is impossible. Don’t be shy. Life is too short.” Learn more about Yulissa on her Facebook page. https://www. facebook.com/ yulissa.arescurenaga

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Disabled Vegan Activists:

The Ultimate Disruptors By Michelle Schaefer, MA

Ableism. Classism. Speciesism. We sometimes hear ‘ism’ terms thrown around so much we fight to stay focused. But the terms represent whole worlds, entire ways of being, in this case, worlds designed by purportedly neurotypical, able-bodied men for others like them. A disabled vegan may recognize that, much like her own body, the bodies of billions of factory farm animals are forced to live in a system that devalues them as beings with intrinsic rights, joys, and loving bonds. Yet there’s much more to veganism for a disabled person than for an able-bodied person. I spoke with blogger and activist Kaysha Muster, who runs Disabled Vegan, a Facebook group that supports people with disabilities who choose to be vegan, and Lyme-Disease survivor Bridget Dies about living as a disabled vegan.

Veganism is more complicated for people with disabilities.

“Veganism is, without a doubt, more complicated for disabled people,” Kaysha said.

Kaysha lives with schizoaffective disorder, ankylosing spondylitis, and other disabilities. “We face systemic ableism and classism on top of coping with our chronic

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disabilities,” Kaysha said. “Many disabled people are unable to prepare food; [we] rely on caregivers.” Humans with disabilities know they are fighting against a system of oppression that limits how their bodies can move through space, determines their worth based on an arbitrary rubric of movement or intellect, and ignores their voices. Ableism, combined with speciesism, does the same things to non-human animals and their bodies, but with a much swifter final blow. This puts compassionate, disabled people in a difficult position. They may want to be vegan, but with the broken system of ableism taking away much of their agency, their ability to be vegan is limited. “As a disabled person, I often feel excluded from activities because they are designed by ablebodied people for able-bodied people,” Bridget said. Bridget’s Lyme disease has left her exhausted, in chronic pain, and some days, wheelchair-bound. “Some examples would be stairs without ramps, uneven terrain, and tall counters I can’t reach when I’m in my wheelchair,” Bridget said. “Disabled people are told we have to adapt to

the world around us, with very little done to help us, even with laws that are supposed to protect us.”

Vegans with disabilities often must rely on others for their food prep.

If a disability precludes joining the workforce or even if it doesn’t, poverty is often concomitant. That, combined with an almost total reliance on others for food, makes veganism exceedingly challenging for even the most compassionate disabled person. “Both disabled humans and animals tend to be treated as if they are worth less than able-bodied humans,” Bridget said. “I initially went vegan for my health.” She said her digestive health has improved greatly since going vegan, but she quickly understood the connection between her oppressed and abused body and those of farmed animals. She’s terrified of having to someday reside in an assisted-living facility. Kaysha agrees. “I know what it is like to be denied basic dignity. We have a huge systemic abuse crisis happening in mental health facilities and nursing homes.” Kaysha said her experiences have given her a greater amount of compassion and empathy for others. “I think this is a relatively common experience for many complexly marginalized people.” Kaysha went vegan after watching the documentary Earthlings. “I couldn’t help but draw comparisons to my experiences of being treated as less-than, [of being] degraded.”

Happier, healthier vegans encourage others with disabilities to go vegan.

Disabled vegans are the ultimate disruptors to a broken system of ableism. Both Bridget and Kaysha say they are happier and healthier as vegans, and

would encourage other disabled people to go vegan if at all possible. Kaysha said, “We have an obligation to not harm [animals] and respect their interests, as far as possible and practicable.” She believes other marginalized people may experience physical and mental health benefits from going vegan. As compassionate world citizens, we can all stand up for animal and disability rights, even if we do it from our chairs.

, Recommended reading: Veganism saved my life! VegNews, Spring 2019, The Wellness Issue Beasts of Burden by Sunaura Taylor Take action:

Support the disabled vegan in your

life by offering to take up a collection to subscribe them to an easy food

About the Author Michelle Schaefer has her BA in writing, MA in psychology, and is a certified vegan lifestyle coach and educator. Contact her at https://veggiechel.com

delivery system like Daily Harvest. Join the Facebook group Disabled

Vegan to connect with others and effectively advocate.

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Ashley by Design

The Ashley DeRamus Foundation By Rebecca Sara Coffey Photos by Ashley DeRamus Foundation

Even though Ashley DeRamus was born with Down syndrome, she has shown she can do anything she wants to do. I was happy to have a phone interview with her, and it was lovely to talk with Ashley. Ashley is a role model to other people with Down syndrome, and she shows that you can do anything even if you have a disability. Ashley by Design First, I talked with Ashley about how she has made a fashion line called Ashley by Design. She was inspired to start her clothing line because it was hard for her to find clothes that fit her. She wanted to help people with Down syndrome to find nice, cute outfits to wear and feel good while wearing them. It also helps that she’s loved fashion since she was a little girl. Her disability made it hard for her to achieve her dreams. It is hard for many people with any disabilities to achieve their goals. Ashley’s mother and her manager, Gary, have always helped her achieve her goals. Her favourite thing about her job is traveling around the country, giving hope to other people with Down syndrome, and changing people’s lives.

Your disability doesn’t limit you.

Ashley’s advice to anyone with a disability is, “Don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do, show them what you can do, and prove to them that your disability doesn’t limit you to follow and achieve your dreams.” Ashley started the Ashley DeRamus Foundation to help others with Down syndrome. She has helped bring awareness about Down syndrome and the need for more job opportunities.

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Ashley’s goals for the foundation are to advocate and support those with disabilities through fundraisers and education like DSWorks and the National Down Syndrome Society.

People with Down syndrome are essential. She said she wants to show that people with Down syndrome are essential too. Ashley wants to help her community in the best way she can. Her most significant achievement is that she is helping people with Down syndrome. Ashley is changing lives and helping people all over the country by going to many different events. She has given many different interviews discussing Down syndrome. Since Ashley is so busy, she doesn’t have much time to hang out with her friends. Because Ashley has Down syndrome, she can’t drive. Other people take her places. She was bullied at school and her young brother saved her from getting pushed into a pool. Ashley is not ashamed of her disability.

God made me the way I am. She said, “God made me the way I am for a reason. God is the reason I get up every morning.” In her free time, Ashley is on social media, reading and listening to Gospel and country music. Ashley loves Birmingham because that is where her dogs and all her friends are. Visit https://www.ashleyderamusfoundation.org for more information about Ashley and to find the link to her boutique https://www.ashleybydesign.com

, About the Author

What makes Ashley DeRamus Uneke (unique)? • In Chani India, named the 2015 Down Syndrome International Advocate of the Year. • Graduate of The Rise School at University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL. • In 2012, co-founded the Ashley DeRamus Foundation. • In July 2019, will be the first person with special needs to have sung the National Anthem or do the Pledge of Allegiance in all 50 states. • The first person with Down Syndrome five-days certified as a Tall Ship Sailor by The U.S. Coast Guard. • In 2013, Ashley by Design fashion line caught attention around the world. • Created music video, Love is Stronger, with Grammy Award-winning Christian and gospel singer Jason Crabb. • Has been interviewed at the United Nations Speakers Corner about living with Down syndrome. • Featured presenter at the 2014 Alabama Transition Conference in Auburn, AL. • Funded four scholarships for The Bell Center’s programs. • Won 45 Special Olympics medals for swimming. • Named the 2015 National Down Syndrome Society Champion of Change. • In 2016, received the Christian Prichel Advocate of the Year award from National Down Syndrome Congress. • Was named 1 of 35 women in Alabama who Shape the State. • Advocates on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C and around the country for programs like the Able Act, DSWORKS and Law Syndrome. • Received proclamations from the Governor and Secretary of State of Alabama. • Has run in 5Ks at Disney World and Mercedes Marathon in Birmingham, Alabama. • Was named One of Six Entrepreneurs with Special Needs by Disney’s Babble.com.

Becca Sara Coffey was born in and lives in Montreal, Canada. Her Smooth Collie is named Patrick. She has been singing since she was four years old and has had a passion for music and the performing arts all her life. She performed in her school choir and always wanted to be a part of the entertainment industry. This Starbucks and Disney lover was in the ensemble for Beauty and the Beast when she was in grade 12.

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Chris’

Special Kids By Dorothy L. Harris | Photo credit SBSK.org

How does a special education classroom blog become a global sensation? When it starts as an acceptance movement and then goes viral. Former teacher, Chris Ulmer, wanted to give students a voice, but soon found himself leading a movement that revolutionizes inclusion.

Learn what 3 Million People in 115 Countries Know Learn and grow as a human by viewing life from someone else’s perspective. SBSK is a 501c3 organization seeking to normalize the diversity of our human condition under the pillars of honesty, respect, mindfulness, positivity and collaboration. This multimedia movement supports the acceptance and celebration of all members of the neurodiversity community regardless of diagnosis, age, race, religion, income, and sexual orientation, gender or gender expression. Join more than 3M friends in 115+ countries around the world on YouTube. Contact sbskmanagement@gmail.com to share your story.

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“It started as an idea for a book series written by my students.” Chris observed people struggling with how to approach his students and thought the books might help, so he created Special Books by Special Kids “SBSK.” Rejected by publishers, due to limited markets, he created a classroom blog. Chris found students and their families engaged, but feared it would become an echo chamber. He wanted to reach out to others, but wasn’t sure how.

ABC News picked up a classroom video.

In November 2015, ABC News picked up one of the classroom’s videos.

“Shared a couple million times, it went viral overnight,” Chris marveled. Deluged with new viewers,

Chris also received requests from children wanting to share their stories. Alyssa Porter was a curator for a science museum with a background in nonprofit management. She jumped in to help her best friend in the effort. Starting with Facebook, YouTube is now SBSK’s primary platform. With one million viewers, Alyssa explained how their audience changed. “On YouTube, we reach mostly 8 to 14-year-olds who are in the school setting, learning to communicate and form relationships. With neurodiversity, everyone sees the world in different ways, regardless of whether they have a diagnosis. We want to celebrate that.” Managing administration, Alyssa supports SBSK founder and CEO Chris Ulmer, as he handles the interview process and production.

I’m better because of SBSK.

“We are humbled to be a part of something that means so much to so many. Chris has grown and it sounds cliché, but I am a better person because of SBSK,” Alyssa said. Heavily supported by dedicated followers across the globe, captioning is provided in the native language. Reach

has expanded dramatically. Incorporating as a nonprofit in April 2016, SBSK focuses on sharing stories across the diagnosis spectrum. “We want to create a global dialogue in neurodiversity inclusion with new voices and varied perspectives,” Alyssa explained. “Meeting individuals through their stories, we share in the human experience.” Now representing nine countries, they plan quarterly trips. “We want to expand into third-world countries to share unique perspectives from these individuals.”

Families share empowering stories.

Alyssa gives credit to families who share their stories to empower others. “We want to normalize the diversity of our human condition and view it as a dialogue. With no sponsored content, we keep the individual’s story at the forefront,” Alyssa insisted. Stewardship of the stories entrusted to their platform is paramount.

“We can’t interview everyone, but all requests submitted to our website are added to an educational database.” By covering as many diagnoses as possible, over all demographics, SBSK hopes to provide comfort and awareness for those seeking more information. “Type in a diagnosis and see firsthand the struggles and successes of individuals and families. It’s all about understanding.”

Anyone can change the world.

“We’ve grown from booking speaking engagements to cover traveling expenses to now having 3.5 million people engaged in our YouTube series. It is still just the two of us. You don’t need a huge team to make a difference,” Chris said.

platform then equals increasing revenue.” Learn how to help SBSK remain true to its mission of normalizing the diversity of our shared human condition. https://sbsk.org/ , About the Author: A long-time newspaper columnist in central Florida, Dorothy L. Harris, features local business leaders, celebrates remarkable women and covers health and wellness topics while producing her peculiar Harris & Co. column every Thursday at http://highlandsnewssun. fl.newsmemory.com/. A prolific writer immersed in a world of stories, this former Florida State park ranger and selfprofessed nature nerd blogs at www.DorothyLHarris.com and posts random creature photos on Twitter photos at @FlaNatureNerd.

Google AdSense provides the majority of annual support. Viewers watching the popup ads during the videos are providing funding and allow them to broaden their reach. “It’s a small thing, but sharing with your friends and then not skipping ads helps increase our value. Influence within our

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Space Coast By Margarita Walsh

Therapy Dogs

I met Sharon Crockett and Steve Ernest at Cocoa Village Riverfront Park. Steve brought Stella, his excitable twoyear-old golden retriever, who was on the hunt for rocks, her favorite treasure. Josie, Sharon’s Australian shepherd-lab waited patiently under the park bench. “She’ll be 13 in April,” Sharon said, “and she’s been a therapy dog since she was two.”

Different benefits of therapeutic dogs. As we walked, Josie and Stella assumed their respective, and opposite, strides. Their personalities represented the different benefits of therapeutic agency. Stella, the eager puppy, appeared ready to love everyone, while Josie carefully proceeded with poise and gentleness. Stella and Josie are members of Space Coast Therapy Dogs (SCTD). Steve is president, and Sharon is the treasurer of the organization. For almost 30 years, SCTD volunteers have visited healthcare, special education, assisted living and rehabilitation facilities throughout Brevard County, Florida. Their mission is “to bring comfort to those in need, to touch and be touched, and to take away a moment of anxiety, loneliness or despair by way of unconditional love.” Benefits of therapy dog visits for institutionalized persons include a decrease in blood pressure and stress levels. Even simple breaks from daily routines can counter isolation and loneliness.

Trinity was born a therapy dog.

Steve works with a woman who suffered a serious stroke and can barely speak. However, the one word she attempts during their visits is “Trinity,” the name of Steve’s former Labrador retriever, a beautiful dog with an open, friendly temperament—a born therapy dog. Before Trinity,

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Photos by Margarita Walsh/SCTD the woman never uttered a sound. Due to neurological issues affecting one of her back legs, Steve recently lost Trinity. He passed me a business card, bearing Trinity’s name. Alongside a close-up photo, the card notes her breed, her hobbies (swimming and golf cart rides), and states Trinity loved her visit with you.

The nonprofit SCTD is funded through donations and annual membership dues. To reach more patients, SCTD established a membership drive to recruit new members. Currently, 45 ownerdog teams visit 23 facilities a month. Each week, the teams go to different facilities and receive more visit requests than they can provide. To support more visits, the goal is to reach 150 active members. “If you have a dog, it’s such a rewarding thing to do,” Sharon said. The dogs can make a difference in someone’s day, particularly for a patient who otherwise has no visitation. “Everyone who does this with us, does it because they love it. They love dogs, and they love what the dogs can do.”

Dogs and people become therapy teams. For owners and their dogs to become a therapy team, they must obtain certification with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD), which provides the necessary testing and insurance coverage for each of its members. “There’s a special disposition the dogs must have, in order to pass the test,” Steve explained. Before being certified, dogs are screened by ATD and owners undergo background checks. Then, they are ready to volunteer with SCTD. “We go to nursing homes, hospitals, schools, and

libraries to visit with the patients,” Sharon said. A program during exam week at Florida Institute of Technology allows students to meet and play with therapy dogs, relieving stress and tension, which can be overwhelming near the end of term.

Emphatic about their vision. “We really need to get more members, more dog teams, to cover more facilities. We need to reach more people with our dogs.” They believe no one should miss out on the comfort and love the therapy dogs so readily relay. “That’s the whole story,” Steve said, as he fished a rock out of Stella’s mouth. “It’s amazing what they do with the patients. It’s what I love doing. Sharing my love for my dog with other people. It’s the best feeling, to let them pet and just enjoy our dogs. That’s the best thing that brings us to it, and keeps us coming back.” Visit spacecoasttherapydogs.com to learn more.

, About the Author: Margarita Walsh is a writer, dancer, and certified yoga instructor. She received her bachelor of arts from NYU in Political Science and Spanish, and she recently completed her graduate studies in theology at the University of Oxford. She is committed to furthering the causes of justice and human dignity around the world. She has volunteered on a pineapple farm in Nicaragua, taught English and American poetry in China, and served as a tutor for students in Germany. She plans to continue bringing about real change in underserved communities, wherever she finds herself planted.

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Carrot surprise By Hardcore Juices

Category: Juice Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 0 Yield: 2 juices Ingredients: 3 medium carrots 2 medium Granny Smith apples 1/2 medium sweet potato 2 regular Bell peppers (red, yellow, orange) or several small, sweet ones 1/2-inch ginger (your preference) 1/2-inch fresh turmeric root (optional) Directions: • Wash • Chop • Throw in juicer • Strain • Consume! The amounts of each ingredient can vary. It really depends on your preferences. This juice is excellent for energy, immunity, skin, detoxing and digestion!

, Stephanie Hare, of Hardcore Juices, makes wonderful fresh juice for sale and shares knowledge on steps to a healthier life.

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A.D.D. in Poetry, One Family’s Journey with Attention Deficit Disorder, is a collection of uplifting and meaningful poetry paired with delightful color illustrations, that will warm the hearts of its readers and will remind them that there is life after the ADD/ADHD diagnosis. This book is written in a simple, down-to-earth language and offers insight to an ADD/ADHD child’s mind. Each poem expresses thoughts and feelings on how one can live and enjoy today and will inspire one to never give up hope for a better tomorrow. This book can be a wonderful gift to a loved one and/or caregiver experiencing ADD/ADHD first hand.

Review: “If you feel uncomfortable, frustrated, confused about ADD in yourself or a family member, this book offers a healing perspective.” -- Florida Today News

Product Details: Paperback: 20 pages • Language: English ISBN-10: 1412037697 • ISBN-13: 978-1412037693 • Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 8.2 x 0.2 inches Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars

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P erforming A rts

Autism

By Cami Miller Photo Credit: Ron Miles, Kimilee Byrant

remains unconditional. Every day, Kimilee fights on Aidan's behalf to receive the best treatment available, so that he may experience a better tomorrow.

Broadway performer, Kimilee Bryant, devoted her life to performing, yet dreamed of being a mother. Her dream came true, March 2014, when she gave birth to her son, Aidan. At 20 months, Aidan was non-verbal with poor eye contact, walked on his tip-toes, did not "play pretend” nor point and had little sense of danger. After his evaluation, Kimilee was devastated to learn her son had Autism. She is coming to terms with Aidan's diagnosis, but her love

and

After 25 years in NYC, this determined, single mother moved back to SC to be near family as 4-year-old Aidan needs constant supervision. Her mother, Karen, has been a wonderful support.

Children with disabilities benefit from dance class.

Karen, a 50-year-dance instructor, shares Kimilee's passion for the performing arts. Both women agree many children with disabilities would benefit from dance class and exposure to other art forms. They are currently working on forming a special needs dance class to include basic ballet, tap and jazz.

Kimilee said, "The biggest change is how being exposed to the arts has helped Aidan with speech. He listens to songs over and over on his iPad. In the past six months, he's increased his vocabulary. I started working with him on ballet, jazz and cannot wait to start tap! He loves movement. It actually helps him focus. I have also observed an older student’s focus improve because of music and especially, acting." On a similar path, Ron Miles, a performer in Central Florida, learned his son, Ben, was autistic at 14 months. Ben is now 25. Like Aidan, Ben was non-verbal. He immediately began speech and physical therapy. Also, like Aidan, Ben took to music. His first words came from singing along with Disney's The Bare Necessities from The Jungle Book.

It’s a balancing act.

Years earlier, Ron had seen Orphans, by Lyle Kessler, a play about an autistic teenager. Kessler’s play was the first thing Ron thought about when Ben was diagnosed. Ron was terrified when he heard his son had autism and took a 23-year sabbatical from acting to help care for Ben. Now that Ben is older, Ron has eased back into performing, though Ben still needs supervision. It is a balancing act with a much-needed support system. “Like many families of special needs children, my marriage failed but we have maintained a good parenting relationship. I have remarried and have two households to draw from, in terms of daily care. Ben’s mother is a writer and teacher, passionately dedicated to the arts. My wife is also a huge supporter of live theatre.”

Ron has flexible hours as a software architect. Working at home enables him to care for Ben until he dashes to the theatre. This helps manage Ben’s ongoing therapy. Exposing Ben to the performing arts has helped tremendously. “Because of Ben’s fascination with Disney, we moved to Florida, visiting the parks six to seven times a month. Disney performers have been the greatest gift. I feel privileged and inspired to see Ben

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continually growing and becoming more confident in loud, chaotic, public spaces. It can be hard, but the joyful days far outnumber the bad.” Kimiliee continues to perform professionally when she can. She teaches voice in her home studio. “Recently a venue invited me, with Aidan, paid his flight, arranged sitters, even bought his favorite snacks and some toys. I shall never forget that kindness!”

Ten-year romance with Snow White.

In 2013, Ron published 3500: An Autistic Boy’s TenYear Romance with Snow White, which was briefly Amazon’s #1 best-selling biography. It relays how Walt Disney World acted as a giant therapy session for Ben. The performing arts have a positive impact on those with autism. Both Kimilee and Ron agree early detection leads to sooner treatment and a better outcome. Both Ben and Aidan are brilliant, smart humans who see the world differently than others. These brave parents advise others to fight for the best treatment for your child. Take any therapy and services offered. Establish a support system. Accept help when offered. Patience is key. Finally, expose them to the arts. It will make a world of difference! Learn more about Kimilee. http://www.kimileebryant.com Visit Amazon to buy Ron’s book.

Many theaters now offer a

sensory-friendly show during their productions, keeping their house lights on, lowering mic and music volume and eliminating loudness, such as yelling, whistles, pyro and strobe lights. This enables children with high sensitivity to attend a live production and feel at ease. Helpful Sites for Autism: https://thestir.cafemom.com/ https://www.autismspeaks.org/ https://cfl.ucf-card.org

About the Author: Cami Miller is bUneke Magazine’s theatre and arts Liaison, affectionately called the Queen of Arts. This proud member of Actors Equity Association performs professionally for Walt Disney World and has performed for former President George W. Bush and First Lady, Barbara on Disney’s cruise line. Originally from the coal regions of PA, she has toured internationally, is a three-time Irene Ryan nominee/competitor in association with the Kennedy Center. She received a dual honors BA in theatre and music from Kutztown University, before studying at NYU’s prestigious Musical Theatre Grad Program. The self-proclaimed Army brat and Coal Cracker’s resume reads like a Who’s-Who in theatre.

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Yoga by Yaz By Yaz Saeed

Yoga is not a dream

You are dreaming your life right now. When the end comes to what you think is reality, then you will see the ultimate truth. Because of this, there is something you must know. Don’t treat others based on their color, sexual preferences, gender, status, income, age , the clothes they wear, the jobs they have or anything else! Treat others as you treat yourself, as you wish to be treated. Once you conduct yourself with this awareness, you can move beyond this human drama, which goes around you 24/7. Also don’t believe in superstitions. This just creates more drama. It’s not worth it. Keep your life simple, as Nature has made you, or you will suffer from life every day. Human drama will just mess you up. Yoga can help you get back to that simplicity. Yoga helps you find your balance.

Namaskaram. Join me at Yoga the Union on Facebook. http://bit.ly/YogatheUnion , About the Author Yasir “Yaz” Saeed is of East Indian heritage, raised in England and now resides in the U.S., where he continues his quest for truth. He has created a public group on Facebook called Yoga. The Union. He wants his readers to understand that our time on Earth is like visiting a friend’s pleasant home and not wanting to leave. “Living in Union with Nature is like that and cannot be denied. It’s time to truly start to comprehend the true nature of divine.” The yogi writes a monthly column about yoga.

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ROEN REVIEWS

The Royal Dragon and the New Kid Written by Joan Harris Illustrated by Brandy Winston Taylor and Seal Publishing 3408 S. Atlantic Ave Unit 139, Daytona Beach Shores, Fl 32118 www.taylorandseal.com 9781943789702, $15.95 www.amazon.com So often, people judge others by the way they look or talk and never give a person a chance. That is the case in The Royal Dragon and the New Kid, where Maria is the new girl in school who is afraid to speak because of how she has been treated. Billy Bob, the official dragon of the kingdom, establishes a rapport with her that eventually spills over to other children. Harris has written a wonderful tale of acceptance of someone who is different, making this an educational resource for schools and anyone who should wish to teach children tolerance. Adults could also read and learn from The Royal Dragon and the New Kid to gain insights into being more tolerant of others.

, About the Author Gary Roen, is the author of Journey, Slotski’s World, The Forgotten Father, Look at Me World, and is the co-author of Cats, Cats and More Cats. Contact him at gsroen@aol.com or on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Next Step By Timothy W. Carroll

My life was riddled with rash, short-sighted decisions. Decisions based purely on emotion. Decisions based upon what I thought I wanted or needed at that moment in time. As you can imagine, I have experienced many train wrecks throughout my life. All self-imposed. No excuses, no external blame. Simply immature, ignorant and mostly selfish decisions. I lived for many years with shame. Regret and shame can destroy a life or they can cause a person to grow. Poor choices, over time, will instruct and heal the teachable.

That awareness of humanity is what drives many of us to serve others. I am simply a speck upon a speck of dust in this vast eternal universe that I occupy. TRAPPED Poem by Timothy W. Carroll, NOMAD Merlot and a fine cigar Melancholy My life is eating away Dwelling in this self-made prison A prison cluttered with rash self-indulgent choices I am trapped; Trapped like a rat in a cage.

The most difficult result of my poor decisions that I struggled to cope with were the countless individuals negatively affected by my poor choices. That has been the most difficult aspect for me to overcome. Thankfully, I no longer live in regret of my poor decisions. A fool simply repeats the same mistakes over and over again. A wise person not only learns from those mistakes, but is humbled and made more aware of humanity.

My life is so much more significant than I am. This brings me to the point: the next step is always mine. Your next step is always yours. I believe each person has a free-will. I choose the next step in my life. Or rather, I am responsible for the choices I make. I must own those choices. You must own your choices. Remember, the next step is always yours!

44 About the Author

Timothy W. Carroll knows first-hand what it means to live the chaotic NOMAD life. Battling through clinical depression, severe anxiety and unhealthy coping mechanisms, Timothyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest fulfillment comes from writing about those very things that once imprisoned him. Timothyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary style of writing is a combination of poems and prose: Prosetry. In May 2017 Timothy published his first book, NOMAD, Escape the darkness, release your baggage, and embrace a new life of Spiritual Fusion. Find him at http://bit.ly/NOMADEscape or Timothywcarroll@gmail.com.

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Coming to America By Trinity James-Mathison

Leaving America after our summer vacation was certainly a bit sorrowful, for many reasons, but going back home with stories about America, to share with our family and friends brought a tremendous joy to my soul. What an exciting and rewarding feeling! Words could hardly express. If you’re a student, you know what is expected of you after every summer vacation, especially if you are in a composition class. Most students would have to create a composition about what they did during the summer, and believe me, my thoughts were that I certainly had an awesome story to tell. All our friends in our hometown were excited to see my brother and me return from the United States because they were expecting gifts and candies from us. I was overwhelmed with questions from my best friend Christine. “Tell me Trini, how was your trip? I am sure Mr. Calvin was happy to see all of you.”

Before I could answer one question here came another one. “Slowdown, Christine,” I said. “Give me a chance to answer one question at a time.” Our trip was marvelous, and yes, our papa was extremely happy to see us. “Girl, America is huge, so many big highways, tremendous cities, plenty, plenty, food and lots of candies. Girl, I eat so much, I gained a few pounds.” “A few pounds,” she said, “girl, it looks like you gained more than a few pounds.”

About the Author

We both had a good laugh. Then I told her about the swap shop, a grand place on Sunrise Boulevard in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where there are a lot of nice things to purchase, like food, clothes, toys, perfumes and lots more. I also told her about the circus that performed there daily. Performing acrobats, magicians, elephants, and lions; what a spectacular show. The expression on my friend’s face was priceless. She was amazed to hear such wonderful stories of America. “Would you like to move over there to live and go to school?” my friend Christine asked. “Yes, I would like to, someday, but for now, I am just happy to be home.”

Take me with you. “Would you take me with you the next time you go for a visit?” “That would be wonderful, if you can really come with me, Christine. We would have so much fun. I think we should talk to our parents about it.” Another school year passed us by, and here came the summer. Our luggage was packed once again and it was time to go see our papa. Only this time, it would just be my brother and me travelling to America. Our mother had already made her visit to see Papa earlier in the year.

Next month I’ll tell you about when I was a teenager in America. ,

A native of Trinidad & Tobago, Trinity James-Mathison proclaimed naturalization in the United States in 2001. She studied tourism and hospitality as well as theology at Eastern Florida State College. She began writing as a child but published her first book in 2017 and is working on her second. She says she thanks the Lord for her gift of life and good health and would not be here otherwise.

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When Bright Children Struggle to Learn:

What Parents Can Do to Build Confidence and Joy very bright and can learn many things that his classmates would find challenging.

Bright students struggle in school. By Dr. Deborah Ross-Swain and Dr. Elaine Fogel Schneider Dr. Deborah Ross-Swain is a licensed speech-language pathologist and CEO of the Swain Center for Listening, Communicating and Learning. Dr. Elaine Fogel Schneider is CEO of TouchTime and International and bestselling author of “7 Strategies for Raising Calm, Inspired, & Successful Children.” Drs. Swain and Schneider’s new book, “Confidence & Joy: Success Strategies for Kids with Learning Differences” (Crescendo Publishing, Nov. 1, 2018), provides parents and educators with tools to help children with learning differences to realize lifelong success. Learn more at confidencejoy.com.

Noah is a bright thirdgrader who has always struggled to learn. Nothing comes easy for Noah despite his Herculean efforts, outside tutoring and documented intellectual abilities. He gets in trouble in class for not being organized, daydreaming, not completing assignments and not trying hard enough. Noah feels defeated because even with all of the extra help he’s getting, nothing is getting easier. Reading, spelling and math still present struggles. Noah doesn’t learn like his classmates and can’t feel the success they do. He is sad and frustrated. Noah has a learning difference, not a learning disability or disorder. Noah isn’t stupid. Noah is actually

There are many students like Noah in classrooms across America. Bright, with learning differences, these students struggle to learn core subjects like reading, spelling and math. Unfortunately, their lack of success with learning makes them feel bad about themselves and can affect their desire to learn. Without success, they are robbed of experiencing confidence and joy. When children face daily tasks or situations in which they consistently fail, they will feel defeated, frustrated, sad and anxious. Constant academic struggles and lack of success are huge confidence and joy robbers in bright children with learning differences. Every child needs to be supported, encouraged and recognized for individual, unique talents. When learning differences aren’t identified and investigated thoroughly, these struggling students are often misunderstood. Frequently they are told to try harder, listen better or that they have bad attitudes. Comments like these from parents and teachers only make them feel worse. They also rob confidence and joy. All children want to be successful. But if their brains are wired in such a way that they have difficulty focusing, listening, getting organized or focusing for extended periods of time, no consequences, threats or bribes can change the way their brains work. Parents and professionals can help insure these bright but

learning different children experience confidence and joy by using DEAR strategies:

Detect- Put on a detective’s hat and determine the child’s learning style, interests and areas of natural talent. Identify what teaching strategies allow for the child’s learning success. Encourage- Involve

them in activities, tasks and events that allow them to use their natural talents. Encourage professionals working with these children to develop teaching styles that work with the children’s learning styles and natural talents.

Advocate- Go to bat for your child to allow successful experiences, confidence and happiness. Involve professionals working with your child to go to bat as well. Repeat-Repeat activities,

strategies, skills and learning situations that allow for the child’s mastery, sense of wellbeing and feelings of success. Confidence and joy are natural by-products of success.

With success, confidence and joy, the bright but struggling child’s relationship with learning can change from “I’m stupid” to “I can learn,” and from “I can’t” to “I can!”

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zodiac PREDICTIONS by M a n i s h

March 2019 Cancer (21 June – 22 July) You will be turned on Aries (21 March – 19 April) This can be a good month for both love and money. If you work hard and acquire new skills, you will make solid financial gains. Filled with many new ideas, you will have an urge to read more and learn new things. Some of you will find inspiration in the ideas and company of others. You will be mixing with people of standing in the community. You can learn to use your power to help and inspire others. Romance will flourish as long as you maintain the highest ideals and impeccable conduct. Favorable Dates: Mar 4, 7, 13, 16, 22, 25 Favorable Colors: Red & Green

Taurus (20 April – 20 May) There are going to be some radical developments in your life, this month. Pragmatic and goal-oriented, you aspire to positions of power and authority and admire others who attain such positions. This is good news, so you can relax and expect cash, love and your sex life to rapidly expand. You may find yourselves attracted to someone quite different or unusual. Artists and people gifted with spiritual wisdom or insight may play a role in your lives. For those in a relationship, new interests or pursuits may come for you to share. Favorable Dates: Mar 3, 4, 12, 13, 21, 22 Favorable Colors: Yellow & White Gemini (21 May – 20 June) This is a time to learn, grow and flourish making you hungry for something new and intense. Travel, good fortune or advancement could come to siblings. Academics and professional people will be among your associates. You are due to gain recognition in your professional life, and romantic satisfaction will follow close behind. Your public image and professional affairs will demand extra time and responsibilities, but the rewards that follow will be worth it. Your belief system may be tested in some way as something important to you passes from your life. Favorable Dates: Mar 4, 9, 13, 18, 22, 27 Favorable Colors: Yellow & Green

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by your progress in both personal and professional associations. As good as it gets, it is only going to get better. Keys to your success would be the ability to get to the bottom of things. People will love and adore your sincerity. You may be contemplating a new direction, one where you can prove yourself by doing something of real value or interest. Exciting communications and ideas will abound and you enter a new phase of learning or business. You may be travelling because of work commitments. Favorable Dates: Mar 6, 7, 15, 16, 24, 25 Favorable Colors: Yellow & Red

Leo (23 July – 22 August) You are astrologically fated to have your every wish granted during this powerful and prosperous month. You will find that you have more friends than you imagined. You may renew your interest in things that were important in the past. There will be increased activity with friends, short trips and relatives in your home. For singles, someone new may enter your life, offering enticing or unusual prospects. For some, this will intensify or deepen your union while, for others, such things may draw you down different paths. Favorable Dates: Mar 3, 8, 12, 17, 21, 26 Favorable Colors: White & Red

Virgo (23 August – 22 September) You will find March to be an action-packed month and there will be celebrations and other adventures on your personal agenda during this fantastic month for sex and love, which will make you smile. Aspects for romantic partners indicate brief separations followed by intense reunions. The strongest and most meaningful relationships will survive and endure during this ongoing drive. You may renew connections with family members with whom you’ve had difficulty in the past and need to come to terms with in order to diminish the influence it has in your life. Favorable Dates: Mar 3, 8, 12, 17, 21, 26 Favorable Colors: White & Red

Libra (23 September – 22 October) You will be money-conscious, but will need different

Manish Kumar Arora is a renowned KP Astrologer, Numerologist, Tarot Reader & Vastu Consultant. He renders professional advice to clients with a reasonable degree of success. He has been conferred with the title of ‘Jyotish Varahamihir’ and ‘Jyotish Aryabhatt.’ He writes monthly astrological columns for 40 international magazines. For personalised predictions, contacted him at manish@manishastrologer.com

practices or perspectives to carve a new path. Don’t do things in the same old way with regard to financial practices. You may begin to see life differently because of the influence of new people. New opportunities may come with new ideas or communications Romance calls you. For some, your lives may change because of encounters that open you up to someone new. For others, you may be called either by yourself or with a partner into new emotional or spiritual climes. Favorable Dates: Mar 2, 6, 11, 15, 20, 24 Favorable Colors: Red & Green

Scorpio (23 October – 21 November) This will be your most prosperous time for money and your love life. You will be the winner and luck will be evident during these magical days. You could also be on the verge of fame and fortune. You would also bring the gift of humor to all situations A new format or new skills could be just the thing to get you feeling vigorous. Bring different rhythms to daily life and your health will flourish. Interactions and social activities with siblings and neighbours increase; you may find yourself assuming leadership in community affairs. Favorable Dates: Mar 5, 6, 14, 15, 23, 24 Favorable Colors: Blue & White

Sagittarius (22 November – 21 December) This is a period in which you can learn more both about yourself and about the world around you if you find a focus. Some of you will become fascinated with the workings of the psyche and human behaviour. There will be changes in family structure and personnel and some family members may find themselves facing difficult conditions. The health of family members may be a testing issue. It will be a very memorable month featuring beginnings, endings and reunions in your sex and love life. Favorable Dates: Mar 2, 3, 11, 12, 20, 21 Favorable Colors: Red & Green

Capricorn (22 December – 19 January) A transformation in your values is pulling you to explore new ideas. Networking will connect you with like-minded people that resonate with your creative side. Surprises usually occur in your life on a regular basis with regard to work and play. You must also be willing to let go of the past and jump into your future before someone else steals your lover or your chance. Don’t let love escape when it’s this close to you. Renew your efforts where creative projects, romantic matters or children are concerned. Favorable Dates: Mar 1, 5, 10, 14, 19, 23 Favorable Colors: White & Green Aquarius (20 January – 18 February) More ambitious than you appear on the surface and a natural executive or manager, you would set out to accomplish and are determined to succeed one way or another. Getting your budget on track is the first step to a firm foundation. You may meet someone in an official capacity who will change the course of your professional life because of the new ideas or beliefs they introduce you to. You may come to know yourself in a new and different way Romantic matters may be a trifle touchy. Sort out misunderstandings before they gather momentum. Favorable Dates: Mar 4, 5, 13, 14, 22, 23 Favorable Colors: Red & Blue

Pisces (19 February – 20 March) The month will bring a mixed bag of fortunes and directions. You may have to change your associations in order to allow something new to develop for yourself. Some may be drawn to study matters, esoteric or occult. Many will be gripped by new or unusual insights about people and life. Some of you will need to begin a new path with regard to career and life direction. This is a time to be cutting back or putting money aside so that you can improve your situation in the long term. Favorable Dates: Mar 3, 6, 12, 15, 21, 24 Favorable Colors: White & Blue ,

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This superhero is making a difference! What makes Yulissa Uneke (unique)? Yulissa is the first certified Zumba instructor with Down syndrome in the world.

She practiced six hours every day to get the moves perfect.

She has performed on stage with Zumba creator Beto Perez.

Yulissa has found her lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passion in Zumba.

She was invited by the Alaska Chapter of National Down Syndrome Congress to teach in Anchorage, Alaska. See page 29.

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