April / May 2020
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A LIL’ BIT OF INSPIRATION From The Ujima Team We all need some inspiration. I asked my team what inspires them. These are their responses: Eliza Edwards
Chiquitta Harris
Mary Linnen
What gives me hope and inspiration for the black Austin community is the black own businesses and publications sustainability. It’s truly amazing the talent that is expressed within this city that continues to be viable against all odds. Also, the potential growth that is still yet to come but is on its way through the expression of the progressive arts and sciences that continues to be developed within the community.
What gives me hope?
I get inspiration and joy from our youth of today.
My inspiration comes from the divine faith of the flowing character of YWHW; that I am able to express through traveling and explorations in natural. This year I am devoted to quieting my mind through meditation for the purpose to be able to grow stronger in gaining clarity on what will best serve me to serve those around me. I have to gain wisdom on how to love myself. This in return I will give that which I am practicing to those I greet along the way.
Setting an example for others in regard to personal health and self-care. Watching those you mentor or inspire achieve a goal or overcome a difficult situation.
Positive thinking and believing there’s good to be found in every situation. Learning, reading and exploring different cultures knowing something new will be discovered every time. Helping others when they are in need. Unyielding commitment to health and wellness. Individual inspiration:
Young entrepreneurs give me hope for the future. Mikaila Ulmer is one that keeps me inspired. She is the 14-year-old CEO of Me & the Bees Lemonade. Year-after-year, Mikaila sells-out of her Me & the Bees Lemonade while donating a percentage of the profits from the sale of her lemonade to local and international organizations fighting hard to save the honeybees. That is why she touts: Buy a Bottle…Save a Bee. The Lemonade is truly delicious and she also has a variety of flavors.
NE W S • ART • CULTUR E • EN TERTAI N MEN T • H EALTH & W EL L N E S S • T RAV E L • F OOD
PUBLISHE R ' S J O U R N A L These last months have been difficult. Our
This issue is about staying positive, focused and
future may be a challenge. Life is a mystery.
fearless. It’s about having faith. I understand the
We have seen people lose their life and family.
world is struggling economically and many people
A lot of significant changes have occurred.
are trying to make ends meet, but we all can use positive and inspirational stories.
COVID-19 has made us think about our lives and how despite this terrible time, we can still
Ujima wishes everyone peace and serenity
live our lives safely, focused and without fear.
during this time of change.
Damita Miller-Shanklin FOUNDER/PUBLISHER Damita@Ujimamagazine.com Ujima Magazine is a free news publication. Visit online at UjimaMagazine.com. For Advertising Opportunities email us at UjimaMagazine@gmail.com
What Is Your
LOVE LANGUAGE? By Damita Miller-Shanklin
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hen you deal with a mental health issue, such as Depression and Anxiety, the last couple of months has possibly caused some serious pressure on some people. Feeling good mentally is very important during these changing times in our lives. When the COVID-19 became real to me, I continued to do my job, saw my family and was around friends. However, I felt like a “blue cloud” was following me every moment. I knew I had to do something immediately because I had to be available to others. I have had a very difficult time focusing. I even had a hard time p2
getting this issue together because my mind would not let me focus on words and sentences and I thought I would not make sense. Thank God for my team members that brought me back to reality. I thank all of my Ujima Team members for their help. I want to share what helped me get back to being myself and feeling good mentally. There may be something you may like to try. • I journal and get my inner thoughts out of my head. Once that is done, I feel clean and clear. I don’t have to keep re-thinking about it.
• I rest for at least an hour after I get home from work. I talk with my husband, my family and play with my dogs.
Feeling good mentally will take focus and energy. You will have to put tools in place to keep the blue cloud away and ensure you feel good mentally.
• I sketch or read. • Focus on what is important to me in order to keep myself feeling good. UjimaMagazine.com
COURAGE By Ana Garza I forget how much people with courage inspire me. I love to see someone stand up and only with their deeds declare to the world how courageous they are, sometimes unintentionally. People who overcome all sorts of adversity, hardship, suffering, yet rise above it all and do something extraordinary. Getting up in front of a microphone and singing, the world watching and sometimes even laughing. You go, little mama, sing like you’re taking your last breath and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Going to school after years of thinking about it and finally getting your degree. Grandkids waiving and cheering you on from the seats as they yell out your name. Be
proud and show off, you deserve it. Losing a loved one and getting up to do the day’s work, putting one foot in front of another and making it work, getting it done. Having courage is hard work and inspires people to do challenging and sometimes exciting things. The next few days, weeks, months are going to be a test and people who have the courage and strength to withstand what is happening in our world right now will show the rest of us how to keep moving and how to keep smiling. Courage is a powerful and intense action and it gives me hope.
ART OF
INSPIRATION By Damita Miller-Shanklin
T
he definition of inspiration is “the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative and/or a sudden brilliant, creative, or timely idea.” Many things inspire our creativity every day. The Art of Inspiration for some means looking at life around us and being inspired by what we see, feel, hear, and taste. At this time, it is not clear how the world will look when you read this, but take time to find the beauty in things. Capture the moments that inspire you. These moments can be added to your journal, memory board or vision board for future reflection and inspiration.
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Inspiration leads to creativity. Inspiration leads to other people. Inspiration leads to great learning. We should all look for Art of Inspiration every day and at every moment. Life is short but you can make it the best life. Social Media is a way to share your inspiration. This is where you can learn from others and see their inspiration. Don’t be afraid to share.
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Mary Linnen | EDITOR
SENIOR CAREGIVERS
Envelope Budgeting: A Simple and Easy Approach By Damita Miller-Shanklin
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anaging finances in any situation require focus, prioritizing, and monitoring. Envelope Budgeting is a way to manage your money in a simple and easy way. Putting money in the bank is always the first choice for most people. However, years ago, I tried the system and I found it worked. My family used the system for about 6 months and then life happened. But it is a good system to give a try to see if it will help you manage your money and stay ahead of the financial game. The way the Envelope system works is: 1). Decide which categories you will need for the envelopes, i.e. Mortgage, Utilities, Car Note, Entertainment, etc). When creating your categories, don’t forget items like clothing, gas for the car, a savings envelope. The categories need to reflect on where you spend your money. 2). Label each envelope. You can put the amount inside the envelope if you choose. 3). On payday, place the amount of money for each category in the designated envelope i.e. Food $100, Mortgage $2000, etc. 4). Find a safe place to put your envelopes for easy access. You can purchase a pretty box or a simple brown accordion file. Whatever works for you. 5). As each bill comes due, get the envelope and pay the bill. It’s understandable that the Envelope system is a hands-on system. Most of us are used to paying with credit cards and being done. But if you want to take a hold of your money and budget where you can see it and put it where you need it, it may be worth a try to use the Envelope Budget system. Of course, there are apps and online budget systems you can use but consider the Envelope Budget system as another option to manage your finances. p4
Are you a senior? Are you taking care of your parents? There are days when this can be a hard task to perform. Here are a few tips that may help you get through the hard days: • Keep a daily routine • Only do what you are able to do for that day • Get assistance as needed i.e., physical therapist, nurse to assist with hygiene or someone that can come and sit with your parent if you have prior appointments • Take care of yourself • Make your doctor appointments and take your medications • Go to your exercise class – if you don’t have one find one or take a walk in the park or around your neighborhood. Change up your environment. Taking care of yourself is not selfish. The reason why it is important is that you must be healthy in order to take care of your parents and your family. Remove all guilt and do what you can. Remember you are a Senior Citizen Caregiver UjimaMagazine.com
Social Distancing with Yoga Staying In Shape By Damita Miller-Shanklin
S
ocial Distancing has caused many gyms and yoga studios to close. You are now ready to get back to exercising and getting your body back to moving. There are many ways to exercise including walking but some people are isolated and have not yet got back to their routine. Even if you have gotten back to work, you may want to look for ways to slowly get back to exercising. Youtube is a favorite place to watch or learn anything you can think of. Check out this list of the top 5 Yoga channels you can use: • Adriene Mishler – Yoga With Adriene. • Lesley Fightmaster – Fightmaster Yoga. • Juliana Semenova & Mark Spicoluk – Boho Beautiful. • Corrina Rachel – PsycheTruth. • Kino MacGregor – KinoYoga (neoreach.com) With all the hustle and bustle and trying to keep things panic-free, make sure you carve out a moment to get back to exercising to keep your body healthy.
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Helping Others Through
VOLUNTEERING By Damita Miller-Shanklin Volunteering is a way to give back and support others in your community. Volunteering can make a big difference in your life as well. Years ago I volunteered at AIDS Services of Austin in their Food Pantry. I found the experience rewarding and I learned about myself and others. Volunteering gives you a new perspective on life. When you live your life a certain way, you may not see the difficulty or hardship others may go through. So how do you find volunteer opportunities that work for you? 1). What do you care the most about? 2). Research the different opportunities that support where you want to help 3). Contact the volunteer coordinator and discuss how you would like to assist and where you might fit into the organization? 4). Go through the training 5). Choose your shift and start Volunteering is a way to inspire yourself and others to make our world a better place. All you need is time and a need to help others. Your volunteering will help someone and give someone hope and inspiration.
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8 Simple Ways to Relieve Stress and Anxiety Courtesy of healthline.com 1. EXERCISE — Regular exercise can help lower stress and anxiety by releasing endorphins and improving your sleep and self-image. 2. CONSIDER SUPPLEMENTS — Certain supplements can reduce stress and anxiety, including ashwagandha, omega-3 fatty acids, green tea, and lemon balm. 3. LIGHT A CANDLE — Aromatherapy can help lower anxiety and stress. Light a candle or use essential oils to benefit from calming scents. 4. REDUCE YOUR CAFFEINE INTAKE — High quantities of caffeine can increase stress and anxiety. However, people's sensitivity to caffeine can vary greatly. 5. SPEND TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY — Having strong social ties may help you get through stressful times and lower your risk of anxiety. 6. LAUGH — Find the humor in everyday life, spend time with funny friends or watch a comedy show to help relieve stress.
There are lots of ways we
7. LEARN TO AVOID PROCRASTINATION — Prioritize what needs to get done and make time for it. Staying on top of your to-do list can help ward off procrastination-related stress.
can stay connected &
Have a
STORY IDEA?
share ideas! Just send your tips, story ideas, questions & more our way!
8. SPEND TIME WITH YOUR PET — Spending time with your pet is a relaxing, enjoyable way to reduce stress.
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3 Ways to Stop Stress Eating and Why You Should Here's why stress causes people to overeat and what you can do instead to avoid overeating Article by Susan McQuillan, MS, RDN | psycom.net Do you turn to food when you feel stressed out by work, family, or social obligations? You’re not alone! In order to get control of stress eating, you have to control your stress levels. The best way to deal with stress is to address current situations head-on and, at the same time, learn to be prepared to handle stressful situations in the future before both the problem and your eating behavior get out of hand. These steps can help you manage stress and avoid stress eating: 1. KNOW YOUR STRESSORS — Identify the circumstances and emotions that lead you to stress-eat. These are your emotional eating triggers, and once you recognize them, you can take steps to avoid them or at least be prepared for them. 2. REACH OUT FOR HELP — Talk out your feelings and your unhealthy responses to stress with close friends and family who can give you the support you need to get through tough situations. If you often feel guilt, shame or regret over your eating habits, you may want to speak with a professional counselor.
3. LEARN INTUITIVE EATING — This means paying more attention to the natural, internal hunger and fullness signals sent between your brain and your gut. These signals help you determine when, what, and how much to eat. It’s also about trusting those signals. Once you understand and trust your own natural eating cues, unless you have dietary restrictions, you can give yourself permission to give in to a craving for, say, chocolate cake just as easily as you give yourself permission to eat vegetables, without guilt or shame. You’ll know intuitively when to say “enough!” Your decision is based on hunger as well as the appeal of certain foods at certain times, but not on how stressed or emotional you feel in the moment.
JOURNAL PROMPT FOR
SELF REFLECTION WHAT WOULD I DO IF I DIDN’T FEAR ... ?
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Tasty Cookbook By Mary Linnen
Meal prep, one-pot, no-cook, slow cooker or Instant Pot®— BuzzFeed’s Tasty has something for everyone with 75 time-saving, taste-tested recipes that make cooking easy and fun. Tasty is the world’s largest social food network, reaching people around the globe with its signature fun, easy, and delicious video recipes. Having the cookbook is like having a little extra help in the kitchen!! Books.com