Quarantine Thoughts

So, one thing that I have been doing in a time like this is, first and foremost, staying as calm as possible.

Now we can meditate, journal our fears, thoughts, and concerns. We can learn to do something new, read a book, go for a walk (maintaining our distance). We can learn to sit with ourselves and relax when life and work impeded us from doing that. We can sleep for 12 hours!! Call the friends you've forgotten to call because you were too busy, and catch up on life. You can even take fun online quizzes that test your knowledge and remind you how much you don't really know, but can learn. Or, what about learning cooking recipes, gardening, or arts and crafts. You could start writing that book you've been meaning to write for a while now, but had every excuse in the book why you hadn't (no pun intended).

But, the most important thing to remember to do is connect with those you live with. Most importantly if you have a spouse and or children. We get so caught up in our routine that we fail to stop and really connect with those who truly matter the most.

I personally have been journaling, meditating, working out from home, going for jogs, cooking more, spending a lot more quality time with my husband, watching my favorite TV Series, grocery shopping but very limited, I'm calling friends and talking for hours, reading articles to stay informed about the virus, sleeping in, and trying to remain as relaxed as possible. I know that this is a serious situation, but worrying myself to death about it, is not going to help me or anyone. "It is what it is and it's not what it's not, and everything is the way it's supposed to be."

Written by

Beatriz Herman

How to stay at peace during the pandemic

"Faith over fear,..." - someone wrote. It caught my attention in the midst of worry and panic, that this pandemic is causing. During this sensitive time that we're living in, I have to admit that it's been really hard for me to grasp my emotions. I've been contemplating back and forth what to say about it all. But if there's one thing that I'm certain about, it is that I want to share hope and inspiration with you all. As a human race, we should all take responsibility and isolate ourselves, if that helps the spread. I also think it's important that we stay connected with each other as much as possible and don't let fear control and take over our minds to make drastic and selfish decisions. Make this quarantine time an opportunity to take care of yourself, to be creative and to become the best version of yourself. Fear does weaken the immune system. While it may be difficult to stay strong in situations like these, which we've never experienced in our lives before, I choose to have faith that this shall pass and that it'll even make us more mindful of what is actually important to us.

With that said, I'd like to share some things that help me stay at peace. These are my own strategies that work for me, and I encourage you to comment and share what works for you because you never know who you might actually help by sharing your thoughts. Remember, we're all in this together!

Create a clean and harmonic space for yourself

It's very important for me to keep it nice and clean around me, especially if I'm going to stay at home now more than ever! For those reasons I've been deep cleaning and getting rid of things that I no longer find useful in my life. I also love having plants around me - they're beautiful to look at, they clean the air, and they're also proven to reduce stress.

Light candles and incense

I'm a candle hoarder! I've been collecting them for as long as I've lived in California. I love candles that are pretty and that smell good. Incense is something that I discovered more in recent years. There's something about certain smells that takes me back to memories, especially memories back in The Gambia when we'd sit by the bonfires at night, telling stories. Smells basically comforts me, especially in today's day and time.

Laugh

We all have different things that make us laugh. I believe it's true that laughter is the best form of medicine. What helps me laugh are comedies, funny memes, animal videos, and looking at old pictures. Being a photographer, I've captured many photos from trips around the world in laughing moments.

Talk to friends and loved ones

Being able to talk to someone is essential, someone that you feel will not judge you. Just having someone listening to you can help. And if you find it hard to talk to someone, writing is another good option. It will clear your thoughts and help you process things easier, at least it does to me.

Blessings your way

EIC, Amina

CELEBRITIES ARRIVE AT THE 2019 BREAKING BARRIERS AWARDS GALA

Celebrities hit the red carpet for the 2019 Breaking Barriers Awards Gala at the Los Angeles Convention Center on August 4 in Los Angeles hosted by actor/producer Obba Babatunde’. The awards gala was produced and presented by fashion designer Stormyweather Banks. Celebrity attendees included Ogom “OG” Chijindu (VH1’s Basketball Wives; Lingerie Football League), Tonya Banks (Reality TV Star “Little Women LA”), Aaron Frazier (HBO’s Ballers), Jordyn Curet (Disney Channel “Raven’s Home”) and many others.

This year’s event highlighted the achievements of those who have broken barriers in the fashion industry. Honorees included Academy Award Winning Costume Designer Ruth Carter, Supermodel Beverly Johnson, and Cross Colours Clothing Line Founders Carl Jones & TJ Walker. Beverly Johnson received the “Icon Award”, Carl Jones & TJ Walker received the “Influential Award” and Ruth Carter received the “Triumph Award”. Walker received Carter’s award on her behalf in her absence. Actress Kellita Smith was in attendance to present the “Icon Award” to Supermodel Beverly Johnson.

Left to right on top: Beverly Johnson, Ogom "OG" Chijindu, Tonya Banks, Kellita Smith, Aaron Frazier, Jordyn Curet

Immediately following the awards gala, LA’s emerging fashion designers showcased their ready-to-wear pieces during the gala fashion show to a crowd of fashion goers and enthusiast, hosted by 102.3 KJLH Radio Personality Adai Lamar.”

Photos on top: Beverly Johnson, Thomas "TJ" Walker, Obba Babatunde