Just Dream Literary Magazine November 2021

JUST DREAM A Literary Magazine November 2021 Volume 7

The Power of Staying

STRONG

Through the Storm

JUST DREAM Copyright © 2021 by Marquita Antoineá All rights reserved. This magazine or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a review.

In This Issue...

Permanent Fixtures A Letter From the Editor - Tony Henderson 7 A Little Extra Motivation - Marquita Antoineá 8 Talecia Izlar's Therapy Tips - Talecia Izlar 9 Spirituality Corner w/ Miss Benita - Benita Henderson 37 Meet the Authors - Author Biographies 44 Support Black Business - Black-Owned Business Ads 48

Extras

Dream of a Better Me - Marquita Antoineá 13 SEVEN - Marquita Antoineá 14

A Letter from the Editor

​ ello fellow Dreamers! As we celebrate the seventh issue of this H publication, I am reminded of the special and spiritual meanings associated with the number seven. Historically, the number seven has been significant since the beginning of time: God chose to make seven days in a week. And, there are seven colors in a rainbow. Also, the world has seven continents and seven seas. ​ he number seven represents spiritual completeness, inner wisdom, T intuition, thoughtfulness, and collective consciousness. In the Bible, number seven represents the creation of all things and is the foundation of the Word of God. The word “created” is used seven times in the Bible.

It symbolizes the bridge between the human world and the angels. It is believed that people who are born on the 7th, or the 16th(1+6=7), or the 25th (2+5=7) day of the month have a special connection with the angels who are watching over them and their lives. This angel number 7, as it is commonly called, sits on your left shoulder, and protects and guides you through your life, connecting you with your spiritual side.

I​n contrast, the number seven represents negative issues in your relationships. In love, the number seven represents the difficulties you encounter in your relationships. Your emotions are leading to conflicts and you should try to tone them down. The angel number 7 serves as a reminder that you must open the lines of communication in your relationship, so you can work through any difficulties and maintain the relationship. ​ s you read through this issue of the magazine, keep in mind that A whatever you have been building in your life, your guardian angels want to help you. Use your newfound knowledge, and let the support from your angels help you reach your full potential. Happy reading!

Tony Henderson

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Just because everybody needs

A Little Extra MOTIVATION Marquita Antoineá

In life, there are many times when I feel overwhelmed or like I'm drowning in all my responsibilities. But I find peace in the fact that this unrest is simply preparing me for what God has in store for me in the future. In other words, I have to practice patience and wait for the storm to run its course. The rain will end when God says so, and the sun will come out shining brighter than ever before. But for now, I'm asking God to bring on the rain! The rain is watering the seed (heart) that has been planted within me. The rain is strengthening me from my roots (soul), so that once the plant grows and the flowers bloom, I will be the sturdiest plant with the most beautiful flowers anyone has ever seen. Without rain there is no growth, and without growth there is complacency. I refuse to become complacent by settling for anything less than what God has promised me.

I am not ordinary, so I will not settle for an ordinary life.

I'm saying all this to say that the day you became a Christian, a seed was planted inside of you that will help your life to flourish. You must go through many trials and tribulations in order for that seed to grow, blossom, and become strong. Once growth begins, more rain will come to further promote the growth. And the resulting "plant" will be so strong that it will go through the subsequent storms without wavering! Go outside in the rain (weather the storm) with no umbrella (reservations) and let God water the seed inside of you. Ask God to BRING ON THE RAIN!!!

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Talecia Izlar's Therapy Tips

Tools for everyday Mental Wellness 9

Being Called A Strong Woman

A Gift or A Curse?

As a mental health therapist, the majority of my clients are women. They describe wearing many hats - sometimes mothers, wives, professionals, business owners, and family members and friends. Women are typically viewed as “nurturers” and therefore, can be depended on by so many people in their lives, which can leave less room for them to be “in need” of anything. Women are constantly praised for being strong. Unfortunately, however, due to demands (some evolutionary), women have shared that they find a decreased ability to actually be vulnerable. Is being called “strong” a gift or a curse because of the unrealistic expectations? Here are some ways to be strong without feeling pressure.

1. Be very mindful of ways to alleviate the pressure by finding a balance where you embrace your STRENGTH while still also embracing VULNERABILITY. Forgive yourself for not being able to accomplish a MILLION things at once! Talk about your insecurities, fears, and stressors with people who make you feel emotionally safe to do so.

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Being Called A Strong Woman

A Gift or A Curse?

2. Get healthy boundaries with individuals who do not allow you to feel safe! Affirm yourself that you can be STRONG and have EMOTIONS at the same time! Strength comes from the ability to perform AMIDST struggles it doesn’t mean to not have any!

3. Be aware of your capacity and set healthy limits of what you can do and better yet, what you WANT or NEED to do. We are typically expert multitaskers by nature but anyone doing 100 things will struggle somewhere! Being strong does not equate to perfection! – NONE OF US ARE PERFECT! 4. Embrace your strength Queen but give yourself a break!

So, is being strong a gift or a curse? I believe it’s a GIFT, but a precious one that we must value, by giving ourselves grace!

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Dream of a Better Me

Knowing better but still not doing better is conceptually perhaps one of the most underrated detriments to human success. If we try a new task and we fail, we must use the lessons learned to improve our chances of success on the next attempt.

Food for thought: If we fail to learn the lesson(s) in our failures, and consciously make the necessary adjustments, how can we expect different results?

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SEVEN Written By: Marquita Antoineá 14

The number SEVEN means so much. Biblically, the number seven (7) represents so much completeness and/or perfection. For example, it took God SEVEN days to create the world; there are seven days in a week; the Bible was originally broken into 7 main categories [1. the Law; 2. the Prophets; 3. the Writings, or Psalms; 4. the Gospels and Acts; 5. the General Epistles; 6. the Epistles of Paul; and 7) the book of Revelation]. The number SEVEN is referenced about 860 times in the Bible when you include "seventh" and "sevenfold". I say all this to say that SEVEN is really important in God’s eyes.

Applying the same importance of SEVEN to life, let's consider normal development. From birth to age 7, we learn to sit, crawl, walk, talk, feed ourselves, clothe ourselves, tie our shoes, and read/write just to name a few.

By 14, we are coming into our independence as a teenager, exploring the world through more mature eyes. At 21, we are considered adults by law and must begin to learn how to manage on our own. By the time we turn 28, something typically clicks within us that it's time to settle into adulthood.

Many people want to settle into a career and make long-term commitments such as buying a house or getting married and having kids. Between 28 and 35, many people spend a great deal of time correcting the mistakes they made in their early twenties. When you reach 35, clarity sets in for some of life's long-term goals. By 42, most people are in their prime - living the life they want, the life they have been striving for. At 49, after being here for nearly half a century individuals begin thinking more consciously about their health and what their legacy will be when they are gone. And the saga continues.

The point is that basically every seven years there is a drastic change in our development - mentally and physically. Don't run from these changes.

Embrace them. Figure out how to survive with the new mindset and the maturity you have gained. It's never too late to start something new or begin a new chapter because as humans we naturally continue to evolve until the Heavenly Father sees fit to bring us home. So, enjoy these SEVEN categories of SEVEN things. It is my sincere hope that you feel a sense of completeness after reading.

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>>PEACE

Dear God,

I come to you the humblest way I know how asking you for internal peace. Help me to find strength in knowing that You are you with me and won’t let me down. Help me to acknowledge the cause of my unrest, but not dwell there. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

>>STRENGTH

Dear God,

I come to you the humblest way I know how asking you for the strength I need to make it through the day. Your word says you will never give me more than I can bear. So, please help me to see a way through my paralyzing thoughts of weakness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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>>ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION

Dear God,

I come to you the humblest way I know how asking you to remove this spirit of anxiety and depression from my heart. It seems like no matter what I do on my own, I can’t shake these debilitating emotions.

Please heal me from within. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

>>PHYSICAL HEALING

Dear God,

I come to you the humblest way I know how asking you for physical healing. The world is aching right now Father God. Your word says that we healed by Your stripes. So, please send your healing angels to touch every person who is experiencing any form of pain or sickness. May the be healed instantly. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Keep praying!

>>FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Dear God,

I come to you the humblest way I know how asking you to watch over my family and friends.

On their behalf, please help me to guide them closer to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

>>GRATITUDE

Dear God,

I come to you the humblest way I know how thanking you for all you have done in the past, all You are doing now, and all You will do in the future. Without Your help and guidance, I would be lost. Thank You Father. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Write it down…

>>FORGIVENESS AND REPENTING

Dear God,

I come to you the humblest way I know how asking you for forgiveness for all the sins I have committed both knowing and unknowing. You know my heart unlike anyone else. Please continue to show me the way. In Jesus’ name.

Amen.

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2 Seven Days to Make a Habit

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>> Day 1: Identify the habit you want to create or change and describe how the habit will help you in the long run. Processing the details behind the importance of forming/changing this particular habit will help you to be able to create a path forward. >> Day 2: Add the task/habit to your daily to-do list. (If you don’t have a daily to-do list then perhaps that is the first habit you should try to change.) If the habit is an old one that you want to change, identify what you would like to change specifically. If the habit is a new one, describe the specifics: what you will do and what area of your life it will affect. >> Day 3: Perform the action and journal about how it made you feel. Journaling is a great way to keep a daily records of your thoughts and process any negativity over time. >> Day 4: repeat day 3. Is this habit helping you or hurting you?

Why or how? Reflect and make any necessary adjustments. >> Day 5: repeat day 4. It’s not rocket science. Consistency is key.

Reflect and make any necessary adjustments. Hey e km of m >> Day 6: repeat day 5. Other than the main area of your life you previously identified as being affected by this habit, what other areas of your life do you think this habit may affect, both negatively and positively? Reflect and make any necessary adjustments. >> Day 7: Repeat day 6. Reflect and make any necessary adjustments. Make yourself a promise to keep the habit. Forming and keeping positive habits has a way of helping people to achieve their goals. After all, you are the only one who can make your dreams come true.

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3 Discover Your Passion in SEVEN Days

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Passion Questionnaire 1. What was your dream job as a child?

2. Are you doing that job now? If so, does your highest level of education “qualify” you for that job? If not, what made you change paths?

3. What do you love to do more than anything else in this world?

4. If money was no issue, what would you do even without compensation?

5. If your answers to questions 1 and 2 are the same, describe your current level of talent in this area. If the answers are different, determine which area you are more talented.

6. Do you have the education or other requirements necessary to make your passion work for you? If not, are you willing to get it?

7. If the opportunity to change careers came and you could choose to live off of your true passion or more money, which would you choose?

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>>Just because I’m not talking doesn’t mean I don’t have anything to say. (I want to talk to you, but feel like I can’t or like I won’t be heard anyway) >>If you really listen, I will talk. >>I’m growing up, but I still need you more than you know. >>I’m NOT you, so I probably won’t make the same mistakes you made. >>I see you, and I appreciate all that you do even if it doesn’t always seem that way. >>I will never truly leave you. I may be physically gone but emotionally I will always be there. >>I’m glad you don’t hid me from things that I will need in the real world.

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My Daugher Told Me A Secret

By: Marquita Antoineá and Kaiyah Dotson

COMING SOON 27

5 My Sons Taught Me SEVEN Lessons

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>>Children are real people too. Children have voices that deserve to be listened to. Think about it. If you refuse to listen, they will eventually refuse to talk. >>Height doesn’t matter. It’s the heart that counts. The short stature of my youngest son is so much smaller than the size of his heart. He will accomplish whatever he wants because of his heart. >>Children are creatures of habit just like adults. The sooner they learn positive habits and manners, the more likely they will carry the positives with them. >>Respect is a learned behavior. Children will learn to respect their elders when they see and hear respectful interactions around them. Be careful about what you allow them to take in from you and others you allow in their space. >>Kids take everything literally. Because figurative language is usually understood at an older age, it’s important to remember that kids will take your words very literally. So, choose your words wisely. Only say what you mean and mean what you say. It will save some time with misunderstanding or misperception. >>Kids have to learn lessons for themselves. As much as we would like them to learn from our shortcomings, it is an undeniable fact that our children will have to make their own mistakes. They will feel the consequences and make adjustments if necessary. They will surely learn to exhibit more positive behaviors on their own but with proper attention and guidance. >>Kids need to feel like it’s okay to ask for help even when promoting independence. If a child is made to feel isolated and unsupported when asking for help from parents, he or she will likely begin to ask outsiders who could potentially lead them down a wrong path. Be careful not to downplay their need for help or attention.

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Oh the JOYS, of Raising BOYS

Written By: Marquita Antoineá

COMING SOON

6 SEVEN Steps to S.U.C.C.E.S.S.

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>>Self-exploration. >>Unlearn negative habits. >>Cut ties with negative people. >>Commit to the dream daily. >>Enjoy small victories. >>Surround yourself with other successful people. >>Smile.

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7 SEVEN Tips for STAYING STRONG Through the STORM 33

>>Pray. Prayer has a way of shedding light on our true thoughts and emotions. By opening ourselves up to and being vulnerable with a higher power, we can gain clarity we may not have gained otherwise. >>Practice Patience. Whew! Even the word patience can seem daunting at times. However, we have to remember that things won’t always happen in our time. Things happen just as they are supposed to - in God’s timing. Be patient and keep moving in the right direction. >>Find an outlet (not a mall). If you feel lost or overwhelmed, finding an outlet such as exercise, reading, writing/journaling, singing, painting, etc. can be a good way to help you put things into perspective. >>Always have a backup plan. You know how the saying goes: never put all your eggs in one basket. Having a backup plan (and then a backup for that plan too) is a great way to ensure you won’t become stagnant when things don’t go the way you originally thought they would. >>Keep the end goal in mind. If you start with the end goal in mind, you have a clear destination. Working towards a goal, as opposed to just randomly working, can be the difference between motivation and a defeatist mindset. >>Learn the lesson. We all fail at times. Those who learn the lesson and make the necessary adjustments are the ones who typically continue to move forward. If you fail to learn the lesson and continue to do things the same way, you will undoubtedly continue to fail. >>Take time to reflect and adjust. Slow down! Sometimes, it’s better to take a break to reflect and adjust rather than to overload your schedule.

Reflection provides insight into failures and the adjustments will eventually lead to success. Keep going, but take your time!

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Remember, no matter how beautiful something is on the outside, it can be poisonous on the inside - just like this oleander plant.

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Spirituality Corner

Benita Henderson Spiritual Enlightenment for the Everyday Human 37

The past 16 months have been unlike anything we have ever seen! It’s been very challenging and very surreal. It has also been very tragic, very gut-wrenching, very scary, very confusing and quite anxiety-ridden. And even with all of the upheaval, it is still extremely comforting to know that we serve a God who is there for us at all times. A God who promises us that He will never give us more than we can bare. A God who lets us know at every turn that we are not alone. As things begin to return to ‘normal’ there are lesson learned during this time of isolation that I always want to remember. We’ve all changed this year. We’ve lived through historic times, and it’s nearly impossible to experience something of this magnitude without it having an impact. The time-out from regular life forced us to reexamine our values, our relationships and our lifestyles, while determining whether we are living a life of design or one of default.

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Let’s take a few moments to reflect on some life lessons we can learn from living under lockdown.

There’s not much in life that is truly essential. When federal and state governments mandated that all businesses close their physical stores unless they were deemed essential, many of us were forced to confront the reality that there are very few things in life that are actually essential. The raging pandemic turned reality upside down. Suddenly, that weekly manicure, daily latte from our favorite coffee shop or Friday night sports bar we thought we could never live without seemed silly, frivolous and completely unnecessary. Forced into our own homes with just our immediate families, we quickly learned what is truly important in life: Family. Friends. Health. Happiness. Everything else is really secondary. Now that many businesses are reopening, we can use the opportunity the lockdown presented to reevaluate the things in life we call necessities, wants and needs. In practical terms, this can mean rewriting our monthly budgets, changing our daily habits, deciding to donate more money to charity or shifting our financial priorities in another direction.

There’s wonder in everything. When daily rituals and routines we’ve always taken for granted are disrupted for an indeterminate period of time, it lends a new sense of appreciation for the small things in life: sending kids off to school, hugging our parents/children, going to work, shopping in crowded malls, having an adequate supply of toilet paper, eating out, attending weddings and so much more. Let’s not lose the sense of wonder this surreal time lent to the everyday blessings of life or take for granted the important work of teachers, nurses and those who work in service industries.

Nothing compares to an in-person interaction. At first glance, the lockdown was an introvert’s dream. There was no longer an antisocial element with missing out on various events, from graduations to birthday parties to baby showers. During lockdown life, you could even attend a black-tie affair in your sweatpants; all you needed was a nice39

looking top and a Zoom link. But the lockdown was also one of the loneliest times for many people. It highlighted the universal need for social interaction, even if it’s as small as a few words exchanged with the clerk while at the checkout counter or the pizza delivery person.

And when it was over and people began having in-person visits with family and friends again, there was a newfound appreciation for faceto-face interactions that was previously lost in a social world gone virtual. Let’s not forget that initial excitement at seeing our family and friends in person again after months of virtual visits. We can let the lessons learned in lockdown continue to impact us positively by resolving to be fully present when spending time together. Whether that means resolving to turn our phones on silent or to put them away completely, this mindfulness can help strengthen our relationships forever.

We are stronger than we know. The first week of the lockdown brought many of us to the edge of panic and despair. No leaving our homes unless it’s absolutely essential? Work from home for the foreseeable future? It all seemed so impossible, and many of us wondered if we’d make it past that first interminable day. As the days passed, we realized we hadn’t lost it. As more days passed, we realized that somehow, we were doing it. We were rolling with these strange new circumstances, adapting to a new routine, a new way of life, without falling apart. And many of us were even thriving under the newer, relaxed routine. We were riding out the lockdown like champions! Of course, there are those with especially trying circumstances and some who have suffered mightily. Be mindful of this and empathetic as we encounter and interact with others. Let’s not forget what the lockdown taught us about our own resilience, strength and courage. When pushed into a challenging situation, our true colors shine. 2020 was unlike any year we’ve ever seen. Let’s use these unique circumstances to grow in ways we never have before.

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Finally, gratitude is everything. This time taught me to have an attitude of gratitude through everything. Starting with finding one simple thing to give thanks for, and writing it down, started a chain reaction. I found another, and another. I began, inch by inch, to move away from the void and into a place of relative OK-ness, then hope, and finally joy. Gratitude, celebration, giving thanks – even for the smallest of gifts – became a new way of living, a transformative way of being. Giving thanks for the seemingly microscopic, made a place for God to grow within me. This newfound gratitude allowed me not to let any outward circumstance influence my inner peace. I learned to look for the best in everyone and everything. Anger, disappointment, failure, and frustration are parts of life, but they are not my default emotions. Choosing to live from a place of gratitude brings peace.

This year was truly a year of revealing. Romans 8:19 (NIV) says, “For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.” I was revealed. I learned so much about myself. As God showed Himself to me, sustained me and provided for me I gained a renewed faith, strength and assurance in His promises. In the most difficult times I held onto His promise in Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV), “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” In Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) - "For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV) “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” What an awesome feeling to know that we serve a God who is always with us, who goes before us, and knows the plans He has for us – a God who we can depend on in all situations.

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As the world reopens, please remember...

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A e u h t t h t ors e e M

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Talecia Izlar is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who is trauma informed, and is experienced working with clients to process and heal from trauma. She also has experience working with clients that present with anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioral issues, relationship conflict, stress and anger management, self-esteem issues, mood stability, and psychotic disorders. Talecia's goal for her clients is to guide them towards Hope, Happiness, and Healing through self-exploration, analyzing thoughts and beliefs, and making positive behavioral changes.

Talecia is a Rehabilitation Specialist for a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program, supervising Direct Care Staff. She is also a therapist at both a mental health clinic and for her very own private practice - Guided Journeys, LLC, in Lanham, MD.

Benita Henderson, a “closet writer" for years, has devoted her life to her family. She is a proud wife, mother of four, and grandmother of ten. She has always believed that following your dreams is of the utmost importance, and she proved this when she received her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration at the age of 50.

Her newest feat - becoming a published author - has given her a newfound hope that she will be able to continue her mission of expressing her love for God through her writing.

She considers herself to be an encourager to all. There is a silver lining behind every cloud.

Aside from the importance of family and education, Benita also values honesty, love, peace, spirituality, and friendship. To know her is to love her. In her book "From the Depths of My Soul," Benita allows readers to take a glimpse into her life by sharing some of her innermost thoughts in journal-style snippets each complete with vulnerability and humility.

Benita is sure to be a promising author as she succeeds at whatever she puts her mind to.

Marquita Antoineá was born and raised in Prince George’s County, MD. She is a single mother of three beautiful children and a two-time published author. For the majority of her life, Marquita has enjoyed helping other people in whatever way she can.

Alongside her brother, in 2012, she co-founded The Just Dream Foundation, Ltd., a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering children, teens, and young adults through mentoring and tutoring.

Marquita has big dreams of owning her own literary agency one day where individuals will be able to learn creative writing skills and enhance story-telling capabilities. She has hopes of creating a platform for people everywhere to share their stories of strength and perseverance. Writing has always been a hobby for Marquita, but now she realizes that her writing is therapeutic and healing for both her and those around her. With this in mind, Marquita plans to continue writing for as long as she can.

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