October 2021
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Changing of The Seasons
Expressions Of Inspiration: Their Voice. The Future. The Why. page 6
News • Community • Lifestyle • Food and Drink • Health and Wellness • Active Living (55+)
V I E WPO I N T When I think about October, I think of the leaves changing, the crisp air, and quietness. It feels like the world calms down and gets into a routine of school, work, and everyday life. This issue is about women being expressions of inspiration. There are generations of young girls and ladies coming up that are our future. We have to educate, empower, and inspire these young people to grow their community and be a part of something good. To be honest, when I was growing up I wasn’t guided to look for people outside my family for ways to live and do things. This is not the case anymore. There are many avenues for young people
to follow and admire. They do have to be careful with the voices they listen to and hopefully make an informed decision as to which way they want their life to go. We will highlight a few women who talk about their roles in helping to shape the mind of he future generations of powerful women. Don’t forget to fight for our right as women to control our own bodies and not allow the government to tell us what we can do.
Embrace Your Community Damita Miller-Shanklin EDITOR IN CHIEF Damita@Ujimamagazine.com
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Self-Care
6 Signs You’re Running on Empty Source: Kara Jillian Brown, Well + Good
Ujima and Friends Podcast is another way to reach out to people around the world and share our voice. This podcast is about Ujima Magazine stories, people we interview, and our take on different issues and topics. The podcast is hosted by Damita MillerShanklin and Eliza Edwards. We hope you join us by listening to us talk about stories and our take on different topics. We have chatted about health and beauty, voting, hope for our future, and organizing our work. But we have many exciting topics and interviews to come. Please go to our podcast page at https://www.podpage.com/ujimamagazine-and-friends/. You will find all of our episodes in one place. Subscribe to our site, so you will know when a new episode is uploaded. We hope you join take a listen in the future.
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I recently took a staycation because I was running low on energy. I didn’t want to get up in the morning, I couldn’t focus at work, yawned a lot, and my energy was low to none. That was my body telling me to slow down and take a break. We hear the word “self-care” all the time. But there are signs you are running on empty. Kara Brown shares those signs with us. 1). You are easily irritable 2). Your breathing becomes more shallow 3). It’s hard to concentrate 4). Your workouts feel way harder than usual 5). You are carrying excess tension 6). You are not sleeping well How many of these signs do you see in yourself right now? I see 4 out of 6 for me. I may need another vacay!! If you have these signs, consider taking a break or if you can’t take a vacation, try a long weekend. To read the full article for more information, click here. https://www.wellandgood.com/signs-youre-running-on-empty/ UjimaMagazine.com
BEAUTY AND LIFESTYLE
SEASONS CHANGE, SO SHOULD YOUR SKINCARE By Contributing Writer, Jacquie Parish
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all is a season of change, a season of preparing, a season of eager anticipation for the incredible changes that are coming. Fall is a time of brilliance. A time of rich harvest. A time of rich smells, spices, and tastes. A time of pumpkins and apples, a time of warming by the fire at night and basking in the sun during the day. A time of contrasts and brilliant colors everywhere you look. Just as the seasons change, it’s important to change your skincare too to ensure you are providing your skin with everything it needs. Temperature changes, differences in sun exposure levels and other environmental stressors that change seasonally all have an impact on your skin so tailoring your skincare seasonally gives your skin the tools it needs to perform at its best. We should look to increase levels of hydration and moisture as our skin can
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astringents as they strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness.
become dry and dehydrated due to the changing environmental factors. Skincare in the cooler months is all about nourishment and protection. Look for nutrient rich plant based oils, and vitamin B, as these will all strengthen the skin barrier. Don’t skimp on the SPF in winter! Your skin is susceptible to sun damage all year round and SPFs also protect against other environmental stressors as well including pollution. Avoid stripping products containing SLS, alcohol or
There is a downside to not changing your skincare routine. The downside is that you won’t be giving your skin everything it needs to protect you – its main role! Your summer routine might not be rich enough in winter and lead to dryness and dehydration. On the other hand, your rich winter oils might wreak havoc in summer when your skin is already overproducing oil. So, change is good all the way around, skincare included! Contributing Writer Jacquie ooh Johnson is the creator of the Glow Collection, an organic skincare line that is good for your skin and the environment. They package their products in high quality reusable glass bottles/jars and use certified organic ingredients in all products. No animal testing. Made in Texas. For more information on the Glow Collection visit www.jacquieooh.com and find them at the Tarrytown Pharmacy in Austin, TX.
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Bullying Prevention Month A Different View Source: MentalHelp.net Bullying is the one thing that hasn’t change in schools. I want to focus on schools because that is where it can start for some children. I want to be transparent by saying, I was bullied and it began in elementary and didn’t stop until high school when the person who bullied me could not return to the campus due to hitting me in the head. Yes, this happened to me. We know how bullying can cause young people to commit suicide and have long-term effects that are not discussed. Cyberbullying has caused more trouble for people who are being bullied. I can say I’m thankful I didn’t have that tool that could be used. I really don’t know what would have happened to me. But I want to talk about the effects that stay with you and frame your personality and how you see other people. The MentalHelp research has found what the effects of bullying can have shortterm and long-term. We understand the short-term effects being things like depression, suicidal thoughts, anger, anxiety, and more. But it’s the long-term effects that I want to point out. In the long term: • Reduced occupational opportunities • Lingering feelings of anger and bitterness, desire for revenge. • Difficulty trusting people • Interpersonal difficulties, including fear and avoidance of new social situations • Increased tendency to be a loner • Perception of self as easy to victimize, overly sensitive, and thinskinned p4
• Self-esteem problems (don't think well of self) • Increased incidence of continued bullying and victimization Out of the eight on the list above, I suffer from five. Bullying shapes how you deal with the world as an adult. It’s skin deep, the feeling and anxiety do not go away. I know there are people who don’t have issues with bullying, but I would guess there are more adults who live with side effects from being bullied than not. My hope is parents be more aware of their children and ask questions when they see significant changes. Check their social media, emails, etc. Be proactive in stopping the possibility and make sure your child will come and tell you. The long-term effects are not worth the suffering and pain it causes in their life and relationships. For more information, please read The Long Term Effects of Bullying. https://www.mentalhelp.net/abuse /long-term-effects-of-bullying/
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Damita’s Podcast Recommendations
lifestyle
Being A Woman. Being A Black Woman. By Damita Miller-Shanklin
I’m a lover of podcasts. I like learning things and listening to people who have passions that are similar or different from mine. I enjoy conversations about productivity, organization, culture, and murder mysteries. I want to give you a few recommendations of what I’m listening to right now. 1. Catenya McHenry- F**k Fear 2. NBC News-SouthLake 3. Erika Monique- Natural Soul Conversations 4. Luvvie Ajayi JonesProfessional Troublemaker 5. TV Podcast-Court TV I choose what I listen to by my mood on that day. I’m always looking for new and interesting topics and suggestions. What podcast are you listening to right now?
I am not a political person. My way of thinking has always been “live and let live.” For me this meant, you live your life how you choose and I will live mine. I stayed away from causes and spending time on what is really happening around me as far as specific issues. Don’t get me wrong, I do have thoughts about things and care about people I just never talked openly about those choices. On September 1, 2021, the Governor of Texas passed a bill that basically says women could no longer have an abortion and any doctor who assists with the termination could be sued by citizens. Citizens? Really? This is when I realized I can’t be silent any longer. I’m a woman and then I’m a Black woman. As a Black woman, I fight for equal rights, equal respect, equal everything every day. This bill made me think about how this impacts the rights of all women. For me, this is about having the ability to make choices about my body. I don’t think anyone, especially the government, has the right to control what I decide to do with my body. I’m now listening to what is happening and I’m concerned about how rules are being decided and there are not any women at the table. I’m going to do my part to support the fight against this bill. We cannot allow this bill to hold. We are women who have the right to make decisions just as any man can. We are not setting a law that men have a Vasectomy for a woman that doesn't want children after marriage. It's totally ridiculous. What are your feelings about SB 8?
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Ujima FEATURE #1
An Ordained Clergy Guiding Women through The Word of God Sonya Hosey, Contributor
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will start the foundation of this interview by stating two scriptures that are important to me. First, Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron Sharpens Iron as one person sharpens another.” Second, Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (Message Bible) - “It’s better to have a partner than to go it alone. Share the work, share the wealth. And if one falls the other help." These scriptures demonstrate one woman helping another through the journey of life.
You asked the question, “What are the common concerns women or young ladies share today?” During this pandemic, we have encountered the most traumatic times in our lives. I have met many women who are dealing with the issues of the heart. The issues of the heart retain our emotions, beliefs, images, and feelings. They have clearly expressed isolation, depression, anxiety, fear, stress, and other challenges. They are concerned about not knowing when the pandemic will end and fearful of the uncertainties. In my role as clergy, I support women to spend time with God
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to reevaluate, rebuild, refocus, and renew. I do this by leading them back to the foundation of God’s Word. Romans 12: 2 suggests, “but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” Our feelings change every day,
“I guide [women] to align with the truth of God's Word. Guidance empowers them to create the solutions, strategies, and opportunities that best align with God's plan. “ and we are unstable and inconsistent. Therefore, we cannot allow the world situation to take away our quality of life. Regardless of what we feel, they must ask the question. What does God’s Word say?
Therefore, as clergy, I support women through God-given strategies and scriptures to empower them to do God’s plans. To close, as referred to in the beginning scripture. Iron Sharpens Iron illustrates two blades rubbed together; each becomes sharpened and refined. Therefore, when two women are engaged and supported by each other, each is empowered and strengthened in their life journey. Thank you for the opportunity to inspire and empower our women. Sonya Hosey, Ordained Clergy Founder, Iron Sharpens Iron – 4MySisters Network
I guide them to align with the truth of God's Word. Guidance empowers them to create the solutions, strategies, and opportunities that best align with God's plan. I have shared techniques and resources to work out a daily and spiritual plan. Strategies have included a plan for self-care, meditation, nutritional and physical health, and sometimes counseling for overall wellness.
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Ujima FEATURE #2
What You See is Not What You Get… Tiffany L. Burleson-Predom, Contributor
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rom as early as I can remember I was labeled as Self-Confident, Bold, Smart, Strong. I faintly recall my adolescent mind wondering, “What does that mean?” But, since I never asked anyone I never gained a true understanding of my characterdescriptors until well into my adulthood. I was a ‘normal’ child. I did what I believe children my age normally did: playing, reading writing, listening to music, hanging out with friends, going to school and to church. Somewhere between adolescence and the journey of life, I developed an inner voice of self-doubt that cultivated a foundation for me to like me less. I believe it started with the labels: selfconfident, bold, smart, strong. As a child, I was defined without given meaning. As an adolescent, I defined me through the characters and people that I read about in books, watched on tv and learned about in school. In comparison, I was nowhere near as selfconfident, bold, smart, or strong as them. As a young adult, I liked me less. But, as far as I knew, if ‘they’ said it, it had to be true. So, consciously, or not, I worked hard to live up to the label of being self-confident, bold, smart, and strong. Although I did not feel like what they said was true, I walked with a confidence that I did not possess; I spoke with an assurance that veiled my uncertainty and I dressed in attire that concealed my wavering esteem. As an adult, I struggled with me believing in me.
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In-spite of my personal successes, I struggled. I made good grades in school. I bought my first home, became a wife and mother, earned a master’s degree, landed great jobs, traveled abroad, and climbed the career ladder as I desired. I also met and made friends with some amazing people along the way. By the time I realized that my struggle with liking me, defining me, loving me, and believing in me existed outside of me, I was as a middle school
I encountered many young people in the whirlwind of life; acting out against their peers, parents, and/or teachers; likely because they were struggling with liking themselves, loving themselves, defining themselves and/or believing in themselves. teacher. For many years, I encountered many young people in the whirlwind of life; acting out against their peers, parents, and/or teachers; likely because they were struggling with liking themselves, loving themselves, defining themselves and/or believing in themselves. As a teacher, I sensed a little bit of me in them. The little girl in me empathized. So, despite their behavior, I was often moved to look beyond the surface of their external behaviors to talk to them to say the one word or make one comment that would reach them to encourage them and help them in whatever way they needed it. Often challenging, I recall feeling exhausted and exhilarated after almost every encounter.
I don’t know when I turned it on; but, I do know that in-spite of my own insecurities, for my own child and for every child I have ever encountered in a professional and personal setting as a teacher, mentor, aunt or friend, I became determined to find a way to teach and encourage our youth how to build themselves from the inside out. The message, Love The Ten You’re In, was birthed in January 2020, in the midst of a prayer. I was transitioning through some changes in life. Although, at that time, I was not working with young adults, I have always believed God purposed me to work with youth. In my prayer, I asked God to help me to create ‘a something’ for our youth utilizing the skills I already possessed using the tools and resources I already had access to, to continue moving forward in fulfilling the purpose He had for me and my life. Although my initial target audience began with youth, “Love The Ten You’re In,” a message of self-love, serves to empower all people so that we can all exist in our truth: liking ourselves, loving ourselves and believing in ourselves. Over the years, I have learned that my story is a story of many, quietly rooting within; so, I work to ensure that the encouragement of self-love to resonates when anyone sees or says, “Love the Ten You’re In!” It is more than a slogan. More than merch. It is a commanding statement of self-love to reach the women of all ages to motivate them to be themselves and love themselves more and more each day! Tiffany L. Burleson-Predom Founder & Executive Director of Love THE TEN You’re In www.lovethetenyourein.com
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FOR SENIORS | ACTIVE LIVING BY MARY LINNEN | EDITOR
FALL WEATHER HAS ARRIVED!!! As of Wednesday, September 22, 2021, the first day of the fall season started.
Winter Emergency Essentials Getting ready for winter is really important for someone that may not be able to get out in bad weather. I think the last Texas winter snow has us wanting to be ready. Here are some things you may want to get now, and you will be off to a good start. - Flashlights - Batteries - Battery operated radio - Back-up energy sources like portable power banks and solar chargers - Can opener - First aid kit - Thermal emergency blankets - A propane or kerosene space heater that is rated for indoor. p8
Each new season brings its own change and sometimes challenges. Fall is time to start preparing for the winter
months that can sometimes be very hard for seniors to accomplish certain goals.
Autumn Safety Tips for Seniors - Rake the leaves and maintain your home. ... - Remember daylight savings time. ... - Test and replace batteries and light bulbs. ... - Stock up on warm clothes. ... - Get a flu shot. ... - Exercise and sleep. ... - Maintain your vehicle. ... - Don't leave candles unattended.
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food
The Benefits of Peppermint Tea Peppermint tea is a popular herbal tea that is naturally calorie- and caffeine-free. Some research has suggested that the oils in peppermint may have a number of other health benefits, such as fresher breath, better digestion, and reduced pain from headaches. Peppermint tea also has antibacterial properties.
How to Make Peppermint Tea Boil 2 cups of water. Add 15 to 20 fresh mint leaves. I like to rub them a bit in my
hands to get the oils flowing first. Turn off the heat, and steep 10 to 15 minutes or until desired strength is achieved. Strain leaves (or chew them if you don’t mind the texture and they are small) and serve warm with a drizzle of honey and squeeze of lemon. (2 tea bags can be used in place of fresh mint). Courtesy of feastandfarm.com