Year 2020: Covid Pandemic, Vision, and Determination

 

      The year 2020, unexpectedly brought a pandemic Covid-19, which forced individuals to wear a mask, maintain 6 feet apart, frequently wash your hands for 20 seconds, virtual online schooling, work from home, furloughed and unemployed. We all had plans of vacation in the spring, summer, fall and winter to visit new places, celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, new beginnings of launching your business, spending time with family and friends. In March 2020, all those plans, and celebrations were placed on a halt. Centers for Disease Control mandated individuals to stay 6 feet apart during outings such as shopping for household items, place of employment, wash your hands often, if you sneeze cover your mouth with a tissue, cloth or your hands, carry a hand sanitizer with you. Try not to go outside unless you need items, stock up on groceries, toiletries, water, non-perishable foods, hand sanitizers and masks. Once the virus began to spread, in the month of April we were mandated to wear a mask every where we go.

      We had to order a month worth of masks for our household and soon enough they were low at the local grocery markets. I had to find the nearest gas station which were selling one mask for $15 dollars. The prices of gauging on individual masks were outrageous and I was on the hunt to find a local store in my neighborhood or online. I searched online for masks that were sold in bulk, to my surprise those prices were $50 for a box of 15 masks. I was upset that the regular businesses online were charging individuals higher prices for masks. The prices had upset individuals and they began to create masks with different fabrics to sell to their community. The community came together, found prices on safe masks, and sewed them inside the fabric for individuals to wear during their shopping.

      Business CEO’s began to hire individuals with skills on creating face masks, they began to distribute them to families who were unable to afford. Businesses began to blossom during this pandemic, everyone’s creative vision was brought to life. Individuals from high school, began to create candles, sell bow ties, canvases with artwork, boutiques from different states opened, and chefs were created. Individuals became certified personal trainers, designers created masterpieces, photographers, influencers, public health speakers, and many other black entrepreneurs began to shine. They did not allow the pandemic to place a halt on their business, determination to succeed was at the top of their list. The vision, motivation, creative side began to shine individuals in their community reposted, spoke about the businesses to individuals and began to profit. Once you begin, there is no stopping to what you have created for your business and individuals to support. The support from the community helped businesses to continue to thrive during the pandemic.

     The unemployment rates began to rise over 778,000 individuals and counting are unemployed due to the companies placing them on furlough or termination. Countless hours, years spent with a company placed individuals who were climbing to the top with excelling in their position to show case their skills, were stripped away. I am one of the individuals placed on furloughed due to the company I previous employed made the drastic decision. When I found out, the news had shattered my vision, I was confused, lost, and upset about this decision. I spoke to family and friends for guidance and support during this drastic time. I remained focused on my studies, children, and household to avoid the depression that was sneaking upon my life.

      I say to anyone who is reading this story, do not give up on your dreams or vision, stay the course, remain positive, reach out to family, friends, co-workers or seek professional guidance. This pandemic affected everyone around the world, your life is in your hands to make the right conscious decision to continue pushing through the good, bad, and the ugly. Speak to someone about your fears, what angers you, what makes you happy and or sad, no one is perfect. Find new hobbies that may peak your interest, read new books, watch new shows or movies, take a walk in your neighborhood, the park, beach, be safe while going outside. Schedule Zoom, Teams or FaceTime parties with individuals in your life to keep in contact. Wear a protective mask every where you visit, such as the local grocery store, gas station, movies, museums, visiting loved ones, hospital, the gym, restaurants, and other areas that require a mask. Follow the guidelines of your district, if you prefer to stay home, order from the local delivery companies to bring your items safely to your home. Contact the local health departments if you feel sick with a fever, cold, and chills to get tested for Covid. There are Free testing sites in your neighborhood, call your local hospital or search for Free testing sites for additional information.

     We must follow the guidelines of the CDC to lower the chances of contracting, spreading and to make this virus disappear. The continuing of attending gatherings of more than ten people in a room, the constant going out to eat at local restaurants, clubs, or any public areas will not decrease the chances of spreading. We must think about our loved ones, the individuals who have pre-existing health conditions, and the children who may contract this horrible deadly disease. Spread awareness to everyone, wear a mask before you leave the house, take your hand sanitizer, and follow the guidelines of businesses. Everyone wants to continue to live a healthy, prosperous life, venture out to new countries to enjoy different cultures and foods. We must quarantine, pay attention to the local and world news, receive updates from the president, CDC, and health officials who have knowledge on this pandemic. Continue to stop the spread, check on your loved ones, continue to support black businesses, stay safe in your home, try your best to be confident, determined, and grow your vision for your future.

For more information on guidelines below is the link to Centers for Disease Control 

www.cdc.gov

                                   
                                  Suicide Awareness 

      Have you checked in on your loved ones, friends, colleagues, associates, co-workers? According to the World Health organization, “One person dies every 40 seconds” “Nearly three times as many men as women die by suicide in high-income countries, in contrast to low- and middle-income countries, where the rate is more equal”. Suicide is said to be the second leading cause of death among people in the age group of 15-29 years old. The most common methods individuals use are hanging, self-poisoning and firearms. 

   Contact your loved ones, friends, co-workers to make sure they are doing well. You won’t know what a person is experiencing at the moment because he or she prefers not to be a burden to anyone. They may vent to others, take notes on their feelings, speak to a physician therapist. None of the professionals may not understand the level of pain they maybe experiencing or experienced. Physicians will listen try to offer advice and after your session write a prescription that will last months. In turn you will schedule follow up appointments, refills from the local pharmacy and complete questionnaires. 

    They may not want to use pharmaceutical medicines, they are seeking a compassionate listener, guidance, assistance, and someone who can relate to their past and current issues. We should reach out to our friends family co-workers colleagues to ensure they are doing well. Too many reports of individuals committing suicide due to a loss of a loved one, job, compensation, children, depression, lack of confidence, appearance, relationships, education and no one to help. 

    Let’s break the cycle of suicide, and spread awareness to everyone in our community. We are losing too many good people who have lots of creativity, compassion, empathy, love towards others with no one returning it back to them. 

The World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/09-09-2019-suicide-one-person-dies-every-40-seconds

                                          YOUR TIME

      This has been a long time since I wrote any positive and inspiration stories on my blog. The few past years, I have been busy with work, school, motherhood, and self-care. I am sharing with you on how I spent my Time trying to get my Life to stay on the right path to achieving my goals. There were times I felt like giving up, I was trying to organize my calendar with doctor appointments, registering my kids and I for school, working full time Monday through Friday, with a part-time on the weekends. I really did not take the time I needed for myself. Once you are a mother or father, children need your undivided attention. The children want to join sports, after school clubs, dance classes, go to the museums, parks, bowling, ride their bikes, watch a movie, go to the water park or pool any activities that does not involve staying in the house. They do not realize parents need the weekends for relaxation from the stress of work, school, owning a business, starting a business, meetings, attending seminars, back to school nights, or just dealing with individuals who try to make their day stressful.

     

      I decided to go back to school in 2018 to finish my degree with a Bachelor of Science in Human Services and Youth/Family Administration and services. I had taken evening classes to fit in with my Monday through Friday work schedule, my son school schedule and taking my daughter to daycare. At first the schedule was chaotic because I had to adjust to this new journey with school work and taking care of my children. I spoke to my adviser about my work schedule and my children’s schedule. She informed me that there are evening classes available for the entire semester for my degree. I was excited to sign up not realizing, I am placing more stress onto my schedule. I had a plan and I decided to create my calendar with adding on my new evening classes. The calendar consisted of evening classes on Monday’s and Wednesday’s for the first semester, spring semester the evening classes switched to Sunday’s and Thursday’s, summer classes consisted of Wednesday’s and Sunday’s and fall semester consist of Monday’s and Wednesday’s. My son’s school schedule was 9:30 a.m until 4 p.m Monday through Friday, my daughter’s daycare 7 a.m. until 6 p.m and work is 8 a.m until 5 p.m. On the weekends I had studied for quizzes, tests, completing discussion boards, assignments. My son had school projects that he needed supplies and my expertise on proof reading and helping him organize for his presentation. My daughter was in the beginning stages of learning her alphabets, numbers, colors, and writing her full name. On the weekends my children wanted to go outside to play at the park, ride their bikes, swim at the pool, watch a new movie, play at the arcade. The issue I was dealing with was taking time for myself without school, work and children. Once I started taking the time for myself, my spirit felt good, my health was better, and I was able to focus on myself. 

      You should set some time for yourself, mark it down in your calendar, either in your phone, notebook, email, laptop, computer, sticky notes, or any other method you prefer. Take at least an hour to yourself every day after you are settled at home from picking up your children, pets, friends, family, or colleagues. Mark that time in your calendar, discuss with your family, this is your time for yourself alone. Self-care is very important, especially if you have a busy schedule every day. Once you start taking time for yourself, you will feel happier, relaxed, less stress, energize and overall accomplished. Use that time for a nice shower or bath, listen to music, read a book, yoga, exercising at the gym or home, meditate, sing, dance, walk, go to the movies, Spa, nail salon, massage parlor or the beach. Make the time for yourself to relax, enjoy the moment away from the stress you experience every day. You should not feel guilty when you must take a break from the everyday routine. I guarantee once you start taking an hour break for yourself, your spirit will feel so good and rejuvenated that you will make this part of your schedule.

   Please feel free to comment below with feedback and questions. Thank you

       BREAST CANCER AWARENESS 

     October is the month of Breast Cancer Awareness  around the World. Ladies have you checked your Breasts as part of your daily  routine every month? Do you know how to properly examine your breasts? Have you scheduled a visit with your Physician? Do you have a Family history of Breast Cancer? Do you know the long term risks of not getting tested?   

     We often forget to take care of ourselves because we put others first. Remember to put yourself first before others to better care for yourself. There are steps to properly check your breasts for lumps. Below are steps I have found that maybe useful to properly examine your breasts. 

 🎗 Step 1: Habitual Routine 

       

        Make it a habitual routine to examine your breasts at least once a month. This step will become easier as you remember to examine. While standing in front of the mirror. Familiarize yourself with the way they look and feel. Raise your hands in the air to see if there is a difference in the way your breasts look. Look for any signs of watery, milky, yellow fluid or blood. While your lying down in bed, use your right hand to feel your left breast and your left breast to feel your right breast.

        Use a firm smooth touch with first few fingers, keep fingers flat and together using a circular motion. Take a few minutes out of your day before, after shower, while your getting dressed for work, brunch, date, night out in town, or vacation.

 🎗 Step 2: Knowing your Breasts

         Take time to know your breasts from the shape of your areola's, nipples, under your arm pit, to search for any unusual lumps. You should look for changes in your breasts before and after your period. They will be swollen or tender during that time, examine them a few days after your period. 

  🎗  Step 3: Document  

        Have a journal, calendar, notepad, to write down the day and month you last examined your breasts. Keeping a monthly record of the day and month when you checked helps. In case if you feel something unusual in area, you will be able to tell your physician. 

  🎗 Step 4: Listen to your body

     In a situation if you feel a lump that was not in a certain area, immediately schedule an appointment with your Physician. Bring your journal with you to the appointment and inform your physician of your monthly routines so they are well aware of when you noticed a change in your breasts and where you located the lump. 

    Discuss with other woman about information about Breast Cancer and how you should properly examine, listen, inform your Physician. Spread the knowledge and information to woman who are not on a monthly routine. 

                     SAVE THE TA-TA'S 🎗