Issue Nine

Radical – November/December - 2018 Click something BOLD below for things that make you feel good....

Honorable Mention: Daisy Salinas Featured Creator: Iris Orpi Writing: Would You Beleive It by Inissa Fajra Writing: Silence by Jasmine Farrell NEW Writer: The Delicacies of this One Life by Erika Reyes NEW Artist: Pumpkin Pals by Wendy Rodriguez NEW Artist: Creative Block by Irene Lam/Asterick Press Special Share: My Recovery Story by Jolly Writing: Uprising by Leah Oviedo D.I.Y. Therapy: Declutter Your Mental Closet New Things & Great Things!

List of Healing Resources Free Book: #CultivatingBook Ending Affirmation READ previous issues and discover healing resources: ImpowerYou.org/Radical

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Honorable Mention Daisy Salinas Daisy Salinas is a Xicana feminist punk zinester (Muchacha Fanzine), musician (Frijolera Riot), activist, curator, and poet (Wake-Up!). She started the quarterly decolonial feminist punk fest "Xingonas in the Pit” with the purpose of promoting punk as an act of resistance and selfsufficiency for people of color. Her goal for the third Xingonas in the Pit: "Black and Brown Punk Fest TX" is to build a safe space for punks of color to reclaim their identities, their art, and their collective liberation.

She recently made history/herstory with the first Black and Brown Punk Fest in San Antonio, Texas, USA.

“I am very proud to share that after only 3 days of fundraising, "Black and Brown Punk Fest TX" has reached its target goal! This is the power of community! The support has been truly unbelievable.

I want to dedicate this success to my younger self. Growing up, everything about punk excited me. Not just the aggressive music, mosh pits, mohawks, tattoos, and cut & paste zines and flyers, but it’s rebellious attitude – it’s non-conformist disobedience against authority and it’s feminist, African & Indigenous roots.

But I also had my doubts. ...I was 20 years old and it was around the time I was bullied by older white punk dudes in Nashville who called me a “scene slut” when throwing my first benefit for sexual assault survivors. White women took their side & they tried to drive me out of the scene.

I was completely broken. The punk scene is what I lived & breathed - it was my life. I became disillusioned with trying to fit into a music scene that claimed to be inclusive while also shaming women & being racist towards people of color.

I almost gave up on punk altogether & it took me a long time to realize the irony that punks of color have always played a huge part in the formation of punk but that we are not given credit for our contributions to punk subculture as much as white punks are. Our music, art, & DIY ethics (which we have used for hundreds of years to resist our oppression) are culturally appropriated by white folks who reduce our struggle to trends and profit off of our art without crediting us, paying us, and without giving two shits about black & indigenous lives.

Black and Brown Punk Fest TX is for the youth who were lost like me. We are joining DIY poc punk movements across the world as a reminder that people of color are the backbone of punk and we refuse to have our contributions die in a white man’s footnote. We don't need your permission or approval. We lit as fuck, we run this shit & we are unstoppable. I’m glad that my younger self didn’t give up on punk and that I never stopped reclaiming it for myself and for my people.

Thanks again to everyone who has helped to make this dream a reality! Until then, I'll see you in the mosh Pit!” Check her out: www.daisysalinas.com She has a zine!: Muchacha Fanzine patreon: www.patreon.com/muchachafanzine Get in contact: muchachafanzine@gmail.com or xingonasinthepit@gmail.com

Featured Artist Interview

Iris Orpi

What is something good that showed up for you in the last 24 hours?

Fall officially started two weeks ago, but it was only yesterday that I became acutely aware that the days have become noticeably shorter. That was also the time I finally connected the shift in season with my sullen mood and decreased productivity. I came from a country where we didn't have four seasons - the sun set around the same time all year round, and the only difference of seasons was some months have more rain than others - I only moved to Chicago five years ago, and it always undermines my circadian rhythm, and that of my muse, when the seasons shift. Sometimes it happens before I become aware of it, but awareness is power.

When I know what is interfering with my body and my thoughts, I can address it directly, and use the awareness to my favor. By focusing on the beauty of fall, and the sense of being in the center of change, I can redirect my energy from gloom and foreboding to grace and understanding.

What are 7 words that describe your essence?

Ambitious, romantic, naked, rebellious, natural, purposeful, faithful

Do you remember what inspired you to write your first book of poetry, screenplay or novel?

When I read this question, my instincts immediately pointed to my first published novel, The Espresso Effect. But afterward I remembered a novel that I wrote much earlier, as a high school student, which wasn't published, but which I also devoted my time and passion to for a whole summer, and of which I realize I should also be proud. It's called Myrtle. So I will give two answers referring to both novels.

Myrtle (1998) is a young adult fantasy novel about the friendship between a young mermaid and a little girl undergoing chemotherapy for brain cancer. It was inspired by the seaside vacations my family would have in Calatagan, Batangas twice a year, and the legends of mermaids I grew up listening to.

The Espresso Effect (2010) is an illustrated novel documenting the "dialogue" between a woman addicted to coffee, and the universe. The inspiration to that idea was the catalysis between the boom of popularity of coffee drinking in the Philippines, and my serendipitous encounter with two young women who have nearly identical appearances and parallel life stories. I decided to weave a metaphysical "explanation" for the phenomenon and turned it into a novel.

What struggles have you faced or still face as a Filipina and a woman writer?

I think one of the biggest hurdles I had to overcome was to stop measuring myself against Western, male writers. For the longest time, I was under the mindset that they were the "standard". Like if a lit mag rejects you, the common thinking was it's because your style isn't American or European enough, and is possibly too feminine. But after being exposed to a more diverse lineup of writers, many of whom have also achieved success, I realized that my own voice, culture, and style were just as worthy as anyone else's. I am grateful now that there are more publications that specifically seek out works from writers and artists who are women, LGBT, colored, and/or have disabilities. We need to read and hear all of those perspectives.

Will you share one or two of your favorite self-care tools?

I really treasure my alone time. I am currently a housewife and a stay-at-home mother to a four-year-old. I love my husband and son but it can take a toll on my mental health and my creativity if I go for long periods with a pre-schooler attached to my hip 24/7 and talking nonstop! So every couple of weeks I go off on my own for a day; I take long walks, eat at a restaurant alone, go somewhere with a nice view like the lake shore or downtown, sit, peoplewatch, and do some personal writing.

Who is one of your women role models and why?

The former FLOTUS Mrs. Michelle Obama. She is classy, fiercely intelligent, strong in her convictions, a very engaging writer and public speaker, and she was able to rise to the

demands of a very challenging role in the country and the world at a time in history plagued by intense division and bigotry, while still being a good wife and a good mother to two phenomenal young women. She's an amazing woman in her own right, and I sincerely think her courage and character were big factors that helped former President Barrack Obama achieve what he has achieved.

Will you share with us one of your favorite poems?

“I will not Sell my Days for Gold”

by Ashley Laframboise

They deem me mad because I will not sell my days for gold; and I deem them mad because they think my days have a price. -Khalil Gibran I will not be around for another sunrise, for another muffled morning in your sleepy house, your cinnamon buns and Earl Grey, bathed in a seven o’clock glow, your cantaloupe and polka dots, with all that breath wafting out French doors. I will not be there for your hardwood floors, your forest walks and outdoor showers, your towels of the plushest whites and greens, and the pearls in your silken hair, neatly tied into a knot, a bed for a sacrificial crown made of blood.

Do not speak to me of dead prophets, books of the dustiest thickness, tombstones, and all of those heavy blankets and cushions you have in your coffin for bones and rosaries.

Instead, find me in the aisles between churches and brothels, communing with beggars and whores– find me in downtrodden alleyways, scrawling transient verse on cement and stone, my signature to be whitewashed by men in blue coats who know very little about what it means to be a breathing soul with a pulse and a purpose and the understanding that decades slide by like traffic on slick streets, and that if you don’t make your own reckless rhythms, if you don’t sleep in your tap shoes, or run barefoot, if you keep tracing well-defined lines, you won’t know what it means to be living in this corner of the galaxy at this time.

I will not be around to connect the dots, everything you’ve worked for, will not be there to inherit your Plasticine jewelry or gold-studded gramophones because art is worth the struggle, and because I’d rather spin like a drunken top in the rain than watch all the fun from my wicker bench on the veranda, knitting arthritic speculations about how it must feel to be one so crazy, so broken, so foolish, and so free.

Find Ashley Laframboise on

Amazon.com

Iris Orpi is a Filipina writer living in Chicago, IL. She is the author of the novel The Espresso Effect and two books of collected poetry, Cognac for the Soul and Beautiful Fever. She was an Honorable Mention for the annual Contemporary American Poetry Prize in 2014. Her work has appeared in over two dozen online and print publications around Asia, North America, Europe, and Africa. Follow Iris at Sheisiris.wordpress.com

Radical Service Announcement: You deserve to practice self-care daily.

Read past issues of Radical for free self-care lessons or create your own methods of healthy living!

Would You Believe It

by Inisa Fajra Women thinking they should live as a stereotype that is bland, conforming and unreal That they first need to be attractive, second - non-provocative and third - seductive, but yet passive Women being told they should talk less, smile more They should ask less, listen more They should cover up more and think less That they should rather be ashamed, than walk around with pride That they should weigh less, but carry more That they should colour their lips and wear shoes, not made for walking That they should hide their nips and have boobs with pre-measured shape and also size That they can't be small nor heavy, aesthetics doesn't like them hanging low That we're evil for making men fall weak right between our thighs and we should keep our legs crossed, unless we're giving life That we should act as if we don't bleed and we don't fantasise of passion That we can't fight with strength, but can take abuse and beating That we can't touch, unless we're asking for undressing That we can't cry, unless we act as victims That we can't look the future in the eye, without being called out for "stressing" Would you believe it?

Women thinking they should look down, for fear of being intimidating Believing they should have a body "type" to be deserving of loving That they should hide their wings for being too beautiful, light, too natural That they should apologise for being loud and taken advantage of for being silent Would you believe it?

That as women, were made to take small steps, while our souls only know flying.

-----Inisa Fajra is a fire woman, a believer in the transformative powers of fire and everlasting change. She has traveled and worked in countries across the world, igniting her passion for the new and unknown. Recently abandoning her biggest passion and dreams of a career, Inisa decided to pursue a life, where careers are of no importance, but spiritual exploration, uplifting and love give life a meaning. We often seem to have it the other way around. She currently resides in Vietnam.

As her priority in life, Inisa puts believing & dreaming (both carrying the same meaning) - into making yourself and your world into whatever you’d like it to be and being part of the energies that shift, move & travel through time. She writes by ‘translating poetry in people talk’, silencing external distractions with real food for the soul through her poems and short stories.

Follow Inisa at Instagram.com/inisa.fajra.poetry

Silence

by Jasmine Farrell Indulge the silence like it was your lover under a blue light at a basement party.

Grip the hips of the noiseless curves, surrender to the rhythm of stillness.

Your answers are found in the bass line of quiet.

Embrace the silence you have been attempting to fill with everyone’s opinions and tasteless strobe lights.

Go where you could hear your heart beating a drum, you once played.

Remember who you are.

Go where affirmations grind slow to serenity and true love is rooted within the crevices of the Divine.

Go where the answers are awaiting your questions and the surrounding beings don’t faze you.

(From the book Long Live Phoenixes)

Jasmine Farrell is an author, poet and blogger. With the passion and drive to inspire others, Jasmine has utilized her words to uplift and inspire others from the age of 9. She had a way of painting pictures with her unique style of poetry which led her to connect her audience through her performances and written work by encouraging and reminding people that they aren’t alone.

In 2014, she released her first book, ‘My Quintessence,’ then later added, ‘Phoenixes Groomed as Genesis Dove,’ which was inspired by her major life experiences that triggered her consciousness and allowed her to blossom into her true self. The book embodies her current style and shows her commitment to encourage others on similar paths by allowing herself to open her heart and share her personal experiences with the world. In addition to graduating Nyack College with a Bachelors in Communications in 2014, she has performed and shared her works with many.

Website: JasmineFarrell.com Twitter: Twitter.com/justbreathejas

Facebook: Facebook.com/justbreathejasmine Instagram: Instagram.com/JustBreatheJasmine

The Delicacies of this One Life

by Erika Reyes There is no louder voice than the one telling you to wake up.

It flaunts life and beauty in your face.

You decide to ignore it here and there.

But the flavor of something new becomes too abundant to ignore.

The flavor of what doesn’t grow becomes sour and the wind no longer blows a new song.

You watch a toddler look into your eyes and ask to play.

One more throw, one more run around the block, playing tag.

Love flows easily.

You drive through the mountains while the sun sets on another day of surprises.

Your life is full and the red sky momentarily fills the void that your life creates.

You watch your parents grow older in their skin.

They look at you as if to remind you they’re dying, and so are you.

They remind you to love as if nothing they did hurt you. And you try.

You try to remember the delicacies of life that make you feel alive again: Sleep.

Good food.

Love.

Beauty.

Sex. Music.

-----

Erika Reyes is a word-enthusiast based in Los Angeles, California. Background is Mesoamerican, Mexican, and Angelin@. With Spanish and English writing, she focuses on short stories. But you can also get a copy of her plays, poetry, and prose, or zines about travel and erotica +++ if you direct-message or email. She also does freelance translations between English and Latin American Spanish.

Please contact her for comments or questions at IG: Iinstagram.com/artificialaltar or email erikaisreyes@gmail.com

Interesting Fact What do the fish, horseshoes, and the lotus symbols have in common? They were born of female worship.

This article shines a light on different symbols that we use today, which were all representing and honoring the feminine. http://hobbithills.blogspot.com/2013/11/female-genitalsgenitalsymbolism.html?m=1

Pumpkin Pals

by Wendy Rodriguez

Wendy is an animator and illustrator following her love of cartoons and storytelling. Wendy’s work focuses on her personal experience with mental illness, while also making work focused on themes of childhood and friendship. Her love of all things Halloween and creepy has heavily influenced the development of her animation style. Wendy holds a Bachelor's in Visual Arts Media from UC San Diego and is currently working on a collection of zines about her hometown.

Website: Wendyandthevoid.com Tumblr: Wendyandthevoid

Instagram: Wendyandthevoid

Creative Block

by Irene Lam/Asterick Press

Irene Lam is a zinemaker and artist based in Oakland/Los Angeles. She self-publishes overly honest comics and illustration zines under the name Asterisk Press. She makes a variety of zines that are colorful, multimedia, sometimes goofy, and all ages/kid-friendly. They tend to be humorous, sometimes critical, and often nostalgic. Many of her zines are illustrated with a limited color palette, which comes from a background in printmaking and love for the style of risograph printing.

Website: www.irene-lam.com & www.asterisk-press.com/catalog Instagram: @Asterisk.press

My Recovery Story

by Jolly (I am honored to share this amazing, pesonal story by a dear friend who inspires me everyday with her strength, her warmth, and her study habits. I hope her experience also inspires you.)

I enlisted in the U.S Navy in March 2012. I was eager to serve my country the way both my mother and father had once done before me. I was a mechanical engineer. I was stationed on the U.S.S New Orleans in sunny San Diego, CA and deployed to places like Bahrain, Singapore and the Philippines. I had made it up to E-4, a third class petty officer, with my surface warfare pin before December 2015 where I was medically discharged. I was discharged with a diagnoses of PTSD and depression from military sexual trauma.

After the assault I experienced debilitating panic attacks, felt humiliation, shame, disgust and was angry with myself and the world around me. During deployment I was denied leave because of misbehaving. I had problems with authority and would lash out because of the anger and pain I felt. During and after deployment I had constant suicidal ideations. I numbed myself with alcohol and sleep medication. Anything to avoid feeling. At that time I had lost all faith in my higher power. I avoided socializing with others and had refused mental health treatment because I felt embarrassed. When my fellow shipmates found out that I was seeking treatment. I was referred to as “crazy�.

My rock bottom was when my boyfriend at the time had decided to end our relationship.

Devastated by the end to the one relationship I had at the time I then proceeded to take a whole bottle of medication wanting to end my life. Even during my rock bottom there was a moment. One moment where I had thought that I could no longer avoid what was truly going on. I wanted to be happy and live a life of fulfillment. I desired to no longer feel shame, disgust and angry. I owned up to the difficult reality that if I was willing to commit suicide that I needed serious help.

After my attempt I was admitted to the Balboa inpatient clinic where I had met a peer. She was caring and saw potential in me. She showed me empathy and compassion for my experience and filled me with hope for a better tomorrow. She is part of the reason why I began to work vigorously towards my recovery. I utilized counseling, recreational therapy, community, prolonged exposure, and pursed an education out in San Diego. It was a slow and rigorous process for me.

Once discharge from the military I experienced similar trauma symptoms that I had felt while enlisted. If I had to describe the feeling it was like the movie, Alice in Wonderland where I was falling down an endless hole. Except I wasn’t as calm as Alice. I was fumbling to grab onto anything. Anything that gave my life meaning. I then connected with the VA. With VA resources I connected with a community called Shakti Rising. A social change organization that aids in the transformation of the lives of women, girls, and the larger community by utilizing

meditation, journaling and a 24 hour commitment to personal growth through a holistic manner. I utilized the VA Mental Health, the Shakti community, yoga, and meditation full-time.

I went from just surviving day to day to thriving. I was not going back to who I was in the military or who I was before the military I was discovering who I was destined to be, my true self.

Nowadays, I introduce myself as Jolly. A nickname I was given as a small child for being a happy baby. I have recently started embracing myself and my nickname as who I truly am.

Today, I have a Bachelor’s in Psychology. I have completed wellness recovery, peer support, and other mental health trainings. I have a certification in teaching yoga. I have volunteered in various organizations and am part of the yoga and holistic community. I look forward to starting my Master’s in Integrative Health Care in January of 2019. I am an eager student at heart and love to read philosophical spiritual mental health books, like The Alchemist.

Why am I telling you all this today?

As a peer support specialist at the VA I want to embody similar characteristics as the women from the inpatient clinic many years ago. As a peer I am devoted to helping those veterans that are struggling with similar experiences. I would not call myself an expert but I will walk besides our veterans and help him/her find a way from surviving to thriving. By letting all know that the feeling they are experiencing is not something they have to experience, or have to experience alone. I am a person that displays empathy, compassion and hope, to veterans for a their better tomorrow.

I would like to end with a quote by Kute Blackson from his book You Are The One. “I spent most of my journey by myself. My commitment is to no longer walk for myself. My commitment is to be of service and love others on the journey. I’m walking for you…and for all of the travelers who feel a call in their heart to walk. The real journey is to live love.”

Thank you.

Radical Idea If you feel uncomfortable in your skin and always feel the need to cover yourself in decorations, what if you stopped wearing makeup for a whole week?

If you avoid makeup because it feels fake, what if you choose to wear makeup for a week?

Uprising

By Leah Oviedo Wombs rising out of ash covered war zones Wounded, but not broken, bleeding out only love Hungry for peace, they lead a new direction in V formation Weaving their stories together into one intersectional narrative Vibrant colors reveal a new pattern Rising They sing from mountaintops Rising They demand peace Rising They stand firm, planting roots that dive deep into the earth A new era is rising

(From her book of poetry and illustrations Start From The Root)

Leah Oviedo was fortunate to be raised in a mashup of cultures between her mothers Midwestern German-American and Miscellaneous roots and her fathers Californian Mexican American immigration. This pushed her to have an intersectional interest in the world and she fell in love with art, writing and activism. Unfortunately she suffered violence at a young age and was stuck in depression for 17 years, barely functioning and hating life. Eventually she decided enough was enough and began her search to discover how to heal. Through research and reaching out to family and friends she formed a healthcare plan based on self-love.

A lifetime writer she records all her new tools and experiences with healing on her blog and has published books about healing from grief and depression. Her current focus is smashing the patriarchy and eradicating colonialism through self-care and radical ideas with the help of a diverse group of creators sharing their stories and their magic.

Website: ImpowerYou.org Twitter: Twitter.com/mpwru

Instagram: Instagram.com/impoweryou

D.I.Y. Therapy: Declutter Your Mental Closet I spent a lifetime gaining stuff, not nice quality stuff, just stuff to fill my closet. Things cluttered up my life along with millions of thoughts that I never had enough. Does this sound familiar? Below are my most common thoughts that have cluttered my brain and pushed out the loving, clear and innovative thoughts I really believe.

Thoughts to get rid of: • • • •

“I’m Not Good Enough.

“If Only I Had….”

“Why Am I Such a Failure?”

“Why Is Everyone Happy All the Time?”

Now be still and be mindful. Are these thoughts helping you or holding you back? While it’s important to be realistic, negativity, doubt and anger are clutter that keeps clear and innovative thoughts from shining through.

One trick to changing your thoughts is using proactive and kind words. You need to train your brain to think positively. “Positive” does not mean you need to be a constant ray of sunshine. Teach yourself to steer clear of thoughts that fill you with doubt in regard to areas of your life where you thrive. Negative thoughts that devalue your characteristics, natural talents, skills and accomplishments are not helpful.

Action: Write the following statements in your journal: •

CHANGE “I’m not good enough” to “I’m great at (insert your strengths/skills).” or “I may not be an acclaimed author yet, but I’m learning how right now and that’s good enough.”

•

CHANGE “If only I had…” into “I actually do have (insert item/action).” or “I know that I can work towards what I need.”

•

CHANGE “Why am I such a failure?” to ” I’m successful at (insert your accomplishments).” or “It’s okay to fail, even as often as I do. What matters is that I will keep moving forward.” or “I believe in myself, I trust myself, I love myself.”

•

CHANGE “Why is everybody happy all the time?” to “I won't compare myself to others.” or “It’s okay to feel unhappy sometimes.” or “How can I bring joy into my life?

*Another trick to change your thoughts is to ask if the thought is valid. If it’s not than remind yourself what is true. A fun practice is to write down negative thoughts on a piece of scrap paper and either tear it up into the recycling bin or burn it in a safe manner.

For more self-care check out the free online Healing Journey course.

NEW THINGS & GREAT THINGS! This new section will feature books, zines and services offered by contributors to Radical. Everytime you purchase from independent artists, you are supporting local and small businesses as opposed to large corporations who often think they should have the same rights as people. Shopping small is a powerful act.

Phoenix Law #7 No one has the power to determine your worth, to make you curtsy at mediocracy, to determine how high you can soarunless you give it to them.

Buy it on Amazon.com.

My review of this book: Jasmine Farrell's Long Live Phoenixes is a raw and honest lyrical journey of self-discovery. She asks readers to ponder the darker side of their days and the underbelly of their beliefs while encouraging them to stretch and grow into their best self.

Readers get a glimpse of memories of who she was molded to be amidst the preordained destiny of family lore,, but she doesn't wallow in those early days. She swiftly catapults into her roughly strewn journey to burn out of that mold with a fiery belief that she desired and deserved more. I'm a sucker for words that are charged with creative imagery and she delivers that in each stanza. This is what poetry books should be. Buy it. Read it.

To all the families everywhere setting up your own rules, learning, loving and leading the way to a better life. Forgive yourself as your forgive others. Love yourself as you love others. Dare to create your own values and live them every day.

Families consist of both our biological connections and our chosen families– people with whom we share common values, resources, and vision. Families look all sorts of ways, but what I have found is that the most important ingredient to a family is love and acceptance. When we are loved within our family structure, we are each allowed to expand over time. When we are accepted, we can be our true and authentic selves free from performance, guilt, and shame.

Featuring original artwork by my sons, Meditations for Radical Families is my family’s way of offering grace, kindness, humor and truth to the world. We hope you find gems, laugh, share, and connect with your inner values. Join us as we detox from the modern world, stripping down our egos to reach a place of purpose, joy, and peace.

Want a copy? Send book payment of $10 to paypal.me/afrofuturesociety.

Gia M. Hamilton is an applied anthropologist who employs Social MagicTM methodology to investigate land, labor and cultural production while examining social connectivity within institutions and community. As a model builder, Hamilton co-founded an independent African centered school, Little Maroons in 2006; later, she opened a creative incubator space- Gris Gris Lab in 2009 and designed and led the Joan Mitchell Center artist residency program in New Orleans as a consultant from 2011- 2013 and director from 2013-2018. Currently, Gia is the architect of her latest projects Afrofuture Society and Dark Matter Projects. Her current innovation, outcomes, musings and practice can be explored by visiting www.giahamiltonstudio.com.

Find all of Iris's books on Amazon.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Things I Didn’t Know How To Say” is a collection of poems from 2013-2018 written by Wendy Rodriguez.

Buy it on Amazon.com.

“Queerotica and Other Delicacies� by Erika Reyes delves into the ecstasy within love, sex, and also through mysterious encounters.

You can send payment of $5.00+shipping & handling to paypal.me/erikaisreyes for a copy. Please include your address, or email erikaisreyes@gmail.com when you've made a payment. Thank you.

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WEL-being is an empowerment and support group for women, currently residing in Hanoi and worldwide. Its main focus is on promoting self-love and self-care.

Facebook: Facebook.com/welbeing369/ Instagram: Instagram.com/wel.being

PLEASE SHARE: Healing Resources Nationwide Suicide Prevention crisis line: 1-800-273-8255.

Don’t want to call? Use a text help line. Text 741741 anywhere in the USA for a live trained counselor.

The Trevor Project – Suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth, 1-866-488-7386 or TheTrevorHelpline.org There are apps that support mental health. The My3App connects someone who is feeling suicidal with their three main support contacts. My3app.org Mental Health America offers free mental health first aid training, Mentalhealthamerica.net NAMI – Alliance of mental illness has a program called Peer to Peer, similar to Big Brother/Big Sister, which is a way to socialize and give support for those who are feeling isolated. Nami.org DBSA– Depression, Bipolar, Anxiety. Dbsalliance.org Survivors of Suicide Loss. SOSLSD.org The Love Warrior Community focuses on helping people work on self-love and body acceptance. Lovewarriorcommunity.com Try the free Healing Journey e-course on Impoweryou.org/healing-depression.

(KEEP READING)

FREE BOOK: Cultivating Radical Self-Love: A Collaboration of Healers, Artists & Writers By cultivating radical self-love, you are choosing to believe in the radical idea that you are whole and valuable as you are.

Loving your imperfections is one of the bravest things you can do.

Featuring work by Michelle Minero, Kiyoshi Shelton, Jaz Gray, Corry Lang, Natalie Small, Rae Lawrence, Jason Freeman, Jasmine Farrell, Anaid Garcia, Donovan Cheney, Vidya, Katrina Mendoza and Leah Oviedo. These amazing people are different genders, skin tones, sexual orientations, abilities, and hold various spiritual beliefs. What they all share is knowing that selflove is an important aspect of everyone’s journey. Choose your complimentary e-book format or PDF on Patreon.com/Loviedo.

Like this zine?

Become a supporter with $1 each month and receive advanced access along with other rewards including e-books and art.

Patreon: Patreon.com/LOviedo

I REMEMBER THAT I AM A PHENOMENAL PERSON I DESERVE EQUAL RESPECT I DESERVE EQUAL PAY I DESERVE EQUAL ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE I DESERVE EQUAL RIGHTS I DESERVE INNER PEACE I DESERVE TO BE LOVED AND SUPPORTED.

What is Radical zine?

Radical is a healing through creative arts zine supporting the idea that we should live our journeys on our own terms. It is moving beyond expectations and limits to see what we are made of. Choosing to be radical is a way for us to forge our own paths and create an accepting, compassionate community along our way.

I created this monthly e-zine to spread a message of sustainable self-care and to promote independent artists, writers, and healers, especially those who face oppression and exclusion.

I was depressed for seventeen years and now am thriving! Healing my trauma has been an epic journey. I’m still learning, still healing the little things. Choosing to love myself unconditionally and heal is the reason I am still alive.

Peace and hugs, Leah