Helpful Living Magazine Issue XIII

Copyright © 2023 Helpful Living Magazine

No portions of the publication can be transmitted, reproduced, or distributed in any form without contacting Founder Jamie Rockymore-Bess.

All articles have been reviewed and approved by Founder Jamie Rockymore-Bess. To contribute or to be interviewed contact info@helpfullivingmag.com

Disclaimer: Helpful Living Magazine does not take the place of therapy or any mental health services. Some of the articles and stories may be triggering. If you or someone you know has a mental health emergency please call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

LETTER FROM THE FOUNDER

New Year, new me? That was the common statement I heard growing up. This statement can be true for some of us even today. There’s so many things I want to accomplish in my personal and professional life. I am sure I am not the only one feeling this way. In 2022, I had to learn how to confront my fears. We have a tendency to come up with so many ideas, some good ones, and some that may need some tweaking, however, the thoughts come and the excitement comes right after. But at some point the excitement leaves and the desire we once had vanishes. Why is that?

For some of us we don’t know, but to be honest I think it’s our environment. It’s also us comparing ourselves to others, having expectations with no push, no consistency and at times when you look on social media, you see results but not the process.

Despite how many views you see, how many likes, or shares your post receives (if any) just know consistency is KEY. We have to be consistent with everything and that also includes our mental health.

We want to be happy, live our best life and enjoy the pleasure of being around the people we love. But some days are not as good as others, and it depends on what we do on those rough days to get us through to enjoy the good ones. Remember, the journey is just as important as the outcomes.

In this issue you will read about stress, parenting, personal stories about getting through, and so much more to enhance and educate yourself on mental health and wellness. There are mindfulness activities you can engage in independently or with a friend. This year I want you to

mental health day, but do we really know how to? It’s more than just taking a day off to relax, it’s making sure you RELAX and enjoy things you have put on the side due to the overwhelming environment. This doesn’t mean taking time off of work to focus on work, or checking your work phone and emails for that ONE email to answer. It’s critical to pencil ourselves in, our mental health depends on it. Make yourself a priority because…YOU ARE. This year we launched our self-care toolkit to provide you with the tools you need for a productive mental health day. This toolkit will get you on the right track, be sure to home!

I look forward to seeing you take more mental health days and getting back to you this year.

Helpful Living Magazine displays articles and stories from the perspectives of the writer. They are used for advice and not for the primary use of treatment. Stock photos are from Belle Imagery Portraits, Canva, Freepik.com Pixabay. Shutterstock, & Unsplash. Logo created by Passion Designzz

Jamie Rockymore-Bess

Founder, Helpful Living Magazine

The Artist On The Cover

Sayna Behkar grew up in a small family in the city of Tabriz, Iran. She is a 22-year-old dental student at Ankara University. Art has always inspired her to get along with her life’s challenges, and this is a way of living for her. Working as a painter in her free time, she mostly paints medical, dental, and anatomical works. Although her mother is a painter, too, she learned many of the techniques by practicing and started her business while on lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. From an early age, piano became another true passion for her. She is also eager to write blogs about her life and share them to give a hand to people who need mental support and motivation in their life. To connect with Sayna, you can follow her on Instagram: @sayna.r.t or send an

Rediscover Me

By Tina Cook aka Poetic Healer

When you awake daily.... be willing to get to know me... discover me... ask me what makes me laugh... makes me cry... my favorite movie...

The process of life will allow you to experience the magical moments.... the moments of discovery allow you to take a peek into my soul....

I’ll gracefully touch your soul and ignite a flame that you have to be present in the moment to actually feel....

When the sun sets and you take refuge to rest your body....

Sleep sound and rest the body and soul....

Prepare your space....

embrace me with a sensual and strong hug that represents protection and loyalty..

Touch me slowly and gracefully as if you are seeking for my most sensual and sensitive spot... Rediscover me over and over...

Create and support a space of enjoyment that leads to a satisfaction so deep that you will want to prepare for the next new experience immediately!

Discover my passion. Rediscover my likes and dislikes as we live our best selves through the magical moment called LIFE. Rediscover me....

I’ll discover you... only to rediscover you daily .... Poetic Healer

Tina Cook is owner and founder of Tea with Tina. Tea with Tina focuses on mindfulness practices that promote self-care. Tina primarily works with women to cultivate discovery of self. Tina is a poet and author who enjoys sharing her experiences through storytelling.

Her book, I Poured into Myself can be purchased on Amazon

About Tina Cook:

A New Year Overview

By Johnnie Geathers, MSW, LSW

When we are in the beginning phases of a new year, we question what to do next in our journey of life.

The popular phrase that we all hear in January is, “New Year, New Me.” When hearing this phrase, you have to ask yourself, what do you consider to be new? Most of the time when the phrase “New Year, New Me” comes about, we set goals and do all the things in preparation to meet our target. We do the vision boards, the goals list, and we may tell our friends all about it, so they can hold us accountable. After a few months, we either fall off or return to old habits. Sometimes, this happens due to lack of motivation, timing, and being realistic with setting our goals. It is not uncommon for us to follow trends we see on social media, to keep up with the “in crowd.”

In the beginning of the year, a lot of us are encouraged to do something new and fresh. A burst of energy comes from wanting to try something different. It’s like a start over in life. In the beginning, we see growth and potential. After a few attempts of trying it, we lose focus because the motivation is gone. For example, going to the gym is a common trend in January. We get

excited and tell people about our epiphany in working out. There is always that desire to get the body nice and tight for the summer. After a month of going to the gym, one day is missed because and that’s when it starts to go downhill. Your motivation is lost because you don’t see the progress happen quick enough for you.

That is why timing is key when we want to change or start a good habit. At the start of the new year, we think about everything that we want to accomplish. Starting something is only the beginning, we have to stay consistent and for many of us, it’s hard when you have to let go of some bad habits, for example, going to the gym is one thing, but changing your eating habits is another. This requires consistency, patience and time. Whenever things do not go as planned, we make an excuse to say that we do not have time. The reason why we don’t have time for the things we want to accomplish in the new year is because we don’t prioritize the time to make it work.

There are many trends that come and go every season. When the trend is popular on social media such as on Tik Tok, we all want to hop on to be in with everyone. What normally happens when a

trend is not happening anymore? We end up waiting for the next trend. With our goals, we have to not fall into a trend because everyone else is doing it. You can see if you are capable and holding yourself accountable by sticking with it.

Have you thought about goals that you didn’t get to finish or put on the back burner? This year make it different and revisit what you started and stopped. This time evaluate what worked or what needs to change. After making the changes, your goal can be new for you for 2023. No one will have to know that it is an old goal. Only you will know and it will be new for you to master for the year.

Here are some encouraging statements to help you this year.

Don’t Be Afraid to Fail: there are moments

Keep on trying and never give up on it.

Don’t Try to Fit In: do things that you love to Be Open to Change: if you need to change something on what you want to accomplish, accept it, and continue with your goal.

No Need to Be Perfect: perfectionism will kick in for most of us. We have to realize that mistakes, mishaps, setbacks, and other things will happen, and it is okay. Those moments will lead us to where we want to accomplish for the year.

Setting goals does not have to be daunting. And you don’t necessarily have to start

them at the beginning of the year like everyone else. Be sure they are realistic yet challenging. Sometimes making short-term goals can help you get closer to long-term goals. Also be sure to celebrate small victories. If you didn’t eat takeout and brought your lunch to work for a day, congratulate yourself on that. Those small wins lead to bigger victories.

About Johnnie Geathers MSW, LSW:

For Hand in Hand Counseling Services, he provides individual therapy to different populations from children to adults. Johnnie’s personality and passion for helping others make him go above and beyond to help the clients under his care.

Johnnie takes a stand to help others outside of his work environment by participating in different speaking engagements, podcast interviews, published articles in Helpful Living Magazine, and through his work of “JG Mental Health Fridays,” which are video segments that he does on social media and on YouTube, discussing topics that affect everyone and providing coping exercises for individuals to practice on their own time. Johnnie is a member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.

Johnnie Geathers is a Licensed Social Worker and Mental Health Therapist for Familylinks, Inc. and Hand in Hand Counseling Services, LLC. For Familylinks, he works with children in a therapeutic classroom environment under Pittsburgh Public Schools providing individual and group therapy.

He has received numerous honors for his work in the profession as well as with his fraternity such as the 2020 Pitt Social Work Rising Star Alumni Award, 2022 New Pittsburgh Courier FAB 40 Award, and 2022 Leader Alumni Achievement Award from Penn State Black Alumni Reunion. He is a member of the Pitt Social Work Alumni Advisory Board and a board member for the JaQuan Lavender Foundation. To connect with Johnnie you can follow him on these platforms

FB: Johnnie R.M. Geathers Twitter: IotaMastermind1 IG: jgthemastermind LinkedIn: Johnnie Geathers, MSW, LSW and website: jgeathers122.wixsite.com/jgeathers

Breaking The Silence

with Darnell Rice

Darnell Rice is a native of St. Louis, Missouri, by way of Pine Bluff Arkansas a social entrepreneur, sexual assault survivor speaker and mental health advocate, community organizer, disability rights advocate. Mr. Rice is passionate about students with and without disabilities. Mr. Rice is the Founder

Program Initiative which targets the communities of Color which includes students, black men and black boys. Mr. Rice has over ten years in Behavioral Health Sciences in Arkansas. Mr. Rice has overcome overwhelming odds as a student and a professional to fight for equal rights and justice. Mr. Rice is a Start Bloc Fellow in 2019 believes the students are the future and the next generation to be great and well-equipped for this world. Mr. Rice has higher education experience as a Coordinator and a College Professor. Mr. Rice taught at Shorter College on a Research Development Program The 2nd Chance Grant where he instructed students to use life skills and be better for society.

HL: How challenging is it for individuals to come out to break their silence?

DR: It could be a matter of where they are mental and emotional. Sometimes we feel many different emotions and we feel guilt, shame, depression and hopelessness and damaged goods. We see the world especially with black men and black boys where they aren’t brave spaces where we can validate and be heard.

HL: What are some ways your organization

DR: We have a wellness guide and also have partnered with The University of Arkansas Medical Center in partnership with the School of Public Health to create a survivors advocacy guide. We currently have a Private Support Group on Facebook called Embrace You. Survivors can access the group and get support and ask questions and therapy services can be provided if needed.

HL: What programs do you offer, and are there virtual support groups?

DR: We provide trainings and offer technical assistance to victims and individuals who are impacted by sexual violence. We provide training to clergy and how to avoid scandal and equip your church members with resources and tools to help heal from trauma.

HL: What successes have you experienced with Embrace & Elevate?

DR: We traveled to various college campuses to provide the message of healing and restoration for survivors. We help young black boys and young black men have a voice to be heard, valued and appreciated. We provide education on sexual violence, rape, consent and what all of it looks like? Our goal is to break the stigma of sexual violence in our black communities. We trained educators on how to be advocates against sexual violence in the classroom. We helped survivors seek healing through storytelling and meeting people where they are. We had several meetings where we had panel guest and other professionals who work in the field of advocacy, prevention and sexual violence.

HL: What are some tools you can offer someone who is experiencing sexual abuse but don’t know where to start or seek help?

DR: Find a trustworthy person so they can have a conversation. It’s critical to really build trust and a foundation with someone. Join us and learn about our wellness and advocacy guide. We also have a monthly zoom meeting with survivors: Embrace You Support Group.

HL: What are some ways individuals can have this conversation with their parents or trusted friend if they are experiencing sexual abuse?

DR: Start by believing you are worthy to share your experiences. Find you an advocate in your city or your local state agency that helps survivors of color and also use us (Embrace) as a resource

Quote:

HL: Do you think there is a stigma against males being sexually abused? If so, why, and what should we do to change this narrative?

DR: Yes! We have concerns about our sexuality and masculinity. A lot of males are hesitant to have a medical exam or report to law enforcement about an incident because we (black men) have a

are trained on advocacy against sexual violence. To change the narrative we have to tell others and find resources available for black boys and black men. We have to start by believing and having conversations with survivors and our different organizations who work with BIPOC to assist in continue the advocacy and awareness against sexual violence. We have to start by education and awareness in the community, especially our parents and community leaders and start to have those tough conversations because the phrase pray about isn’t enough, however, start the healing by telling your story and having the support system around to honor you and your truth. Thousand of men are raped each year and Embrace is here to change this negative narrative about black men and boys.

Quote:

“I am a champion and not a victim

- Darnell Rice

HL: How can readers support your mission and what are the steps individuals can take to get involved with your organization?

DR: Follow all social media handles and donate to our website and stay connected and let us know how to help survivors of color and black men and boys. We are breaking the stigma against sexual violence. You can start by following us on Instagram: Embrace_ Elevate or join our Facebook Group: Embrace You.

Mental Moment: This is where you can say anything you want readers to know. Some people use this space to say their mantra or talk about the importance of their services. Survivor’s Creed

I am a champion and not a victim but a victor.

About Darnell Rice:

“We have to start by believing and having conversations with survivors and our different organizations who work with BIPOC to assist in continue the advocacy and awareness against sexual violence,”

- Darnell Rice

but a victor,”

Darnell Rice is passionate about social issues and the social justice lens that affects the community. Mr. Rice is a 2022 American Social Justice Fellow and a Stand Together Caylast. He has also been awarded the 2022 Barber Humanitarian Award and The 2022 Heart Award for being the Heart of the