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Juneteenth

Jaclyn Baker
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By: Tanya Kramer

On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger and 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas.  

They delivered the message that all enslaved black individuals were free by executive decree.  At the time, it was believed that there were about 250,000 enslaved people in this area who were informed of their freedom.  

This message of freedom came to Galveston almost two years after President Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation and two months after the Civil War ended.  

Juneteenth, considered the oldest African American Holiday, is a blend of two words, “June” and “nineteenth”.

Opal Lee, who is 95, is considered the “grandmother of Juneteenth” because of her lifelong mission to bring national awareness to this important date with the desire for it to be a federal holiday.

On June 17, 2021, she completed this mission when President Biden signed into law Senate Bill 475 (S 475) making “Juneteenth” a federal holiday.

For more information, you can visit the following links: 

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Embracing The Present Moment

Jaclyn Baker
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Do you ever catch yourself thinking about something you wish you had done differently years ago?

Or what may or may not happen at work 3 weeks from now?

Reflecting on events that have happened in the past or that may happen in the future isn’t uncommon. 

Those types of thoughts can often pull us away from the present moment.

Embracing living in the moment can help us focus on what matters most and make the most out of every experience. 

Notice The World Around You

How often do you take in your surroundings and appreciate the little things?

Taking the opportunity to look at the world around us can show us the beauty of life. 

Who knows – you may end up seeing something beautiful you never noticed before in your own backyard.  

Do One Thing at a Time

When we have so much on our plate, it’s easy to want to knock everything off the list as fast as possible.

However, doing too many things at once can be very distracting and take us away from the enjoyment of each task.

Here’s an example. Have you ever attempted to study for a test or catch up with a friend on the phone while making dinner?

Doing two or more tasks at once that require a good amount of concentration is not easy.

Every activity or task we do matters and should be enjoyed.

Accept Things As They Are

Learning to let go of what has happened and accepting who we are today can get you one step closer to embracing the present moment. 

We may not be able to know where life will take us – but we can learn to accept things as they are today and enjoy life.

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Mastering The Art Of Conversation

Jaclyn Baker
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Do you ever feel intimidated in social situations?

Have you ever wanted to walk up to someone new but didn’t know what to say?

Do you ever have a tough time holding a conversation? 

Mastering the art of conversation is possible. 

The following steps can help you feel more confident and comfortable during your next social interaction.

Get Ready

Not all of us can jump right into a conversation, and that’s okay! 

Sometimes all we need is a little mental preparation.

Before diving in, you can practice deep breathing or repeat positive affirmations. 

Instead of worrying about what the other person may say, you can think about what you may learn or gain from the conversation. 

Keep It Light

When meeting someone new, keeping topics light can be a lot less intimidating. 

Starting simple is the way to go. 

You can ask the other person where they are from, compliment their outfit or ask how they know the event organizer. As time goes on, you can dive into deeper topics when/if you feel comfortable. 

Listen And Learn

We can get to know others through active listening and taking an interest in their opinions. 

We may not agree with everything other people say, but we can listen and learn from their perspectives.

Don’t be afraid to dive in and ask them how they feel about certain topics. Their answers may surprise you. 

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Jewish American Heritage Month

Jaclyn Baker
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By: Christina Bein – LCSW 

When honoring Jewish American Heritage Month, it includes the consideration of the resilience and fortitude that is held to exist as people and practice their religion and culture without conviction. 

According to National Today, Jews arrived in what is now known as the U.S. in 1654, New Amsterdam. 

They sought to escape racism and start a new life, like many who have immigrated to the Americas, where they can freely celebrate their culture and traditions. Throughout history, this has been a challenge this community has faced, especially with the most well-known atrocity of the Holocaust between 1941-1945. 

There is a continued effort to fight against antisemitism, and they have built strong roots in the U.S. to promote awareness and a life that is full. 

One of the best ways to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month has been to celebrate their achievements and uplift the names of several Jewish influences and contributors to society within realms such as science, film, theatre, and literature. 

A few famous Jewish people include Albert Einstein, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sarah Silverman, and Adam Sandler. There are many Jewish people as the face or behind the scenes in the media which also means they have a big role in cultivating the American culture.

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Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Jaclyn Baker

By: Christina Bein – LCSW 

“Stop Asian Hate.” This phrase has become more present in our society since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. At the beginning of this pandemic, the world went through trying to understand the origin of the virus and how it came about. 

Prominent figures in society went on to nickname covid-19 as the “China Virus”. Whether it was purposeful or not, it caused violent consequences for a whole race. News stories popped up of Asian people being targeted with racial slurs and being condemned in association due to the coronavirus. It took the stereotype of “they all look the same” to a dangerous level for many people in this community. 

What would it look like to practice what is preached when the saying goes, “Be kind to your neighbor?” It would be to celebrate and open our mind to the different rich cultures that exist within a vast array of different peoples. Beyond the delicious cuisine, things that can be noted include tea and Chess originating from India, paper and fireworks being invented by ancient China, LED lights from Japan, and who doesn’t know about the globally famous K-Pop (South Korea) group BTS by now? 

Just as it has become mainstream to know about and tell the difference between the people and what they’re known for–like the confections from France, the architecture of Italy, the bespoke fashion from England – so too can we open ourselves to know the beautiful differences of the many countries, ethnicities, and cultures of Asia and how we have been experiencing these aspects since the great migration during the Gold Rush in the 1800s. 

We can often look to movies to get better insights into the intricacies of cultures. In the U.S. it is a beloved pastime to sit down in front of a television screen with a bowl of popcorn and explore other experiences. So why not add some of these titles to your next movie night? 

There are virtual and in-person events happening through the month of May to learn and celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month. 

Check out the links below for more information.

Asian Pacific Heritage

AARP

APANO

Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration 2020

Asian Celebration

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International Day Against Homophobia

Jaclyn Baker
,

The annual number of anti-LGTBQ bills has grown alarmingly in the past few years, going from 41 in 2018 to 238 in the first three months of 2022. This includes restricting the discussion of LGBTQ issues in school curriculums, permitting religious exemptions to discriminate against LGBTQ people and limiting trans people’s ability to play sports or receive gender-affirming health care. 

Political experts say the increase in state bills is more about lobbying on behalf of conservative groups and politicians looking to score support with their base than it is about public sentiment. The reality is, according to a Public Religion Research Institute survey, nearly 8 in 10 Americans support laws that protect LGBTQ people from discrimination in jobs, housing and public accommodations.  Additionally, nearly 70 percent of Americans support same-sex marriage.

But despite the public support, these bills serve to make those in the LGTBQ+ community feel unsafe in their communities and feel like their own states and communities do not want them or accept them.  These feelings of alienation result in an increased incidence of suicidal ideation.  According to The Trevor Project, their “ 2021 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health found that 42% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth. “

On May 17th we observe the International Day Against Homophobia, which is a time to recognize the violence and discrimination experienced by the LGBTQ+ community. 

This date was chosen to commemorate the World Health Organization’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. 

A positive way to recognize this day is to learn about being an ally to LGTBQ+ friends and community members.  A very helpful resource for information and ideas is The Trevor Project.  They provide guides for being an ally to transgender and non binary youth and bisexual youth, how to have conversations about intersectional issues for those with multiple marginalized identities, and many more resources.  You can also volunteer your time or make a donation.

For more resources, you can check out the links below:

Resources for LGBT Youth and Friends/Supporters

Get Support | Anti-Violence Project

Stories | Out & Equal

Online Resources | LGBT Youthline

Reach A Counselor | The Trevor Project

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Mental Health Awareness Month

Jaclyn Baker
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Mental illness is a condition that affects a person’s thinking, feeling, behavior or mood.  It can significantly impact the activities of daily living and may also affect the ability to relate to others.  Mental illness is no one’s fault or the result of weakness.  It is the result of a confluence of factors including genetics, brain structure, biochemical processes (such as how your body produces or is able to use dopamine), environment and lifestyle influences (high stress, trauma experiences).   Mental health conditions are very common and nothing to be ashamed of.  According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 

  • 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
  • 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
  • 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
  • 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24

Unfortunately in many communities, the stigma of having a mental illness persists and discourages people from getting treatment because they are ashamed. The stigma around mental illness and treatment prevents 40% of people from reaching out and can create serious barriers to finding a diagnosis or treatment. 

At Vista, we view going to therapy as a general self-care task that everyone can benefit from, similar to getting a massage or going to the doctor to make sure your body stays healthy.  As there is a strong correlation between mental health and physical health, working on your mental health can benefit you in more than one way.  For example, people with serious mental illness are nearly twice as likely to develop cardiovascular and metabolic diseases than the general population.

During May, we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month. It is a time to bring awareness to mental health issues and help to decrease the stigma around mental illness and treatment in our communities. 

Mental Health Awareness Month was first established in 1949 to highlight the importance of mental wellness and effective treatments that help people live full lives.

To reduce the stigma and emphasize the importance of treatment and recovery, we can educate ourselves about mental health and mental disorders. Being aware of our actions towards others allows us to place ourselves in someone else’s shoes.

This month’s goal is to provide a foundation for knowledge about mental health and give those the resources needed to seek help. 

Check out more resources below:

People Seeking Help | CDC Mental Health Resources

People Matter, Words Matter

Help For Mental Illnesses | National Institute of Mental Health

We All Have Mental Health | YouTube

Talk About Mental Health

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Understanding and Embracing The Highly Sensitive Person

Jaclyn Baker
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Have you heard of the term “Highly Sensitive Person” or HSP? 

Those who are HSPs are thought to have an increased central nervous system and have a sensitivity to physical, emotional, or social stimuli. These people are attuned to their inner state of mind and usually to the feeling or behaviors of those around them, 

HSPs can often feel overwhelmed by noises, colors, or temperatures. 

Here are some ways we can understand this term further and embrace ourselves or someone we may know who is an HSP.

The Thought Process

Have you ever felt rushed or that you had a short period of time?

Do you feel sensitive to bright lights?

Can you tell what someone is feeling from the tone of their voice?

These are just some scenarios that highlight what HSPs commonly experience. 

By acknowledging these traits and knowing what to look out for, we can get a sense of the thought process of an HSP and approach everyone with more empathy!

Acknowledging Strengths 

It’s important to also highlight the strengths of HSPs.

Highly sensitive people are able to be deeply moved by beauty and can feel strongly connected to themselves and others. 

Embracing these strengths, especially in our society, shows that there we can accept ourselves fully for who we are.

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Arab American Heritage Month

Jaclyn Baker
,

By: Christina Bein – LCSW 

What a momentous occasion! Arab American Heritage Month passed permanent legislation to be recognized in the month of April by three states (Illinois, Oregon, and Virginia). More states are following in this effort to celebrate the culture and contributions to the community. 2022 may be the first year for these states to honor Arab Americans with this legislation, but it has been celebrated in schools and communities decades before.

Many Arab Americans have been part of the U.S. nation for multiple generations. Countries recognized as part of the Arab heritage include Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

To learn more about Arab American culture, check out the following links:

Setting Stronger Boundaries

Jaclyn Baker
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Setting boundaries is so important – but more often than not is easier said than done.

Saying yes can open the door to new opportunities.

But saying no can help you establish a healthy relationship with yourself which in turn can help you maintain an appropriate work-life balance. 

There will be times when you may not know if you should say yes or no to something. 

Often our emotional response can help lead the way. 

If a specific request makes you feel tense, frustrated or uncomfortable, that is a common sign that a boundary is needed.

Keep on reading for a deeper dive into those emotions.

Tension

Some of us perform better under a little bit of pressure or tension – but too much of anything is not good.

Unresolved and/or intense tension can make it very difficult to relax, recharge and be productive throughout the way.

The next time you catch yourself experiencing tension, take some time to reflect and ask yourself if any event or person may be triggering that feeling.

If you can list one or more, that may be your body’s way of telling you something needs to change. 

Frustration

We all feel frustrated from time to time – whether it be at ourselves, someone else or an event.

Some examples include being stuck in traffic, having a disagreement with a friend or being unable to find a solution to a problem.

Feelings of frustration can sometimes be a sign that your current game plan may need some adjustments.

We may not be able to control everything.

But, we can often control more than we give ourselves credit for.

You can control how you approach things. 

You can control what you say yes to. 

And you can control your thoughts and behaviors. 

Discomfort

Feelings of discomfort are often followed by our gut communicating to us that something isn’t right.

Mild discomfort can be a positive thing and push us to step outside our comfort zone and persevere.

But moderate-severe discomfort can be exhausting and help us realize that a certain situation may be making us unhappy.

Final Thoughts

Our mind and body and very powerful and often have their own uniques ways of communication with us.

Deep down, if something doesn’t feel right to you, you have the power to flip the switch.

You can create new rules that can help protect both your emotional and mental energy.

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Equal Pay Day

Jaclyn Baker
,

By: Tanya Kramer, LPC

This year Equal Pay Day lands on March 15 and represents how much longer women need to work in order to earn the same amount as men in the United States.

The most recent statistics from “The National Committee on Pay Equity” reveal that in 2019, women earn 82 cents for every dollar earned by their male counterparts. 

The Equal Pay Act of 1963 clearly states that this act “prohibits sex-based wage discrimination between men and women in the same establishment who perform jobs that require substantially equal skill, effort and responsibility under similar working conditions.”

It is important to take Equal Pay a step further to examine the intersectionality of equal pay based on both gender and race. 

The impact is compounded from the US Census Bureau which was included in the article “Women of Color and the Wage Gap” written by Robin Bleiweis, Rose Khattar, and Joscelyn Frye.

The women’s workforce was negatively impacted by COVID as many women had to adapt to different jobs or quit in order to care for children at home 

Women are coming together through various ways to push back on this system.

But there is an impact that needs to be addressed. 

Some recent issues you may have heard about include the following:

  • Women’s Soccer settles lawsuit for $24 million dollars after a 6-year fight to guarantee equal pay. 
  • Anita Hill has a new podcast called “Getting Even” that covers the confirmation of Supreme Court Judge Clarence Thomas along with other equality issues including pay.
  • The news of Brittney Griner being detained in Russia, regardless of the drug charges, should raise awareness of why Brittney might have even been in Russia. 

For many female athletes, they don’t make enough money during their regular season in the United States, so they travel abroad during the off-season to play in other countries that actually pay them more money. This is an Equal Pay issue at the core. 

The Equal Pay for Team USA Act was introduced in July 2021. This bill, if passed, would “require that all athletes representing the United States in global athletic competitions receive equal compensation, benefits, medical care, travel, and reimbursement expenses, regardless of gender.”

New York Times Article “In 25 years the Pay Gap has Shrunk only 8 Cents” by Fracesca Donner and Emma Goldberg 

As the New York Times article listed above suggests, women may need to ask their colleagues who do the same job how much they make and if there is a gap, to advocate and negotiate. As this article stated, many people feel more uncomfortable pushing for equal pay since the pandemic. 

But it is a movement that happens through many smaller moments, along with bigger campaigns. Let us all play a role in change!

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International Day For The Elimination Of Racial Discrimination

Jaclyn Baker
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March 21st is known as International Day For The Elimination Of Racial Discrimination. It is observed annually on this day to commemorate the time police in South Africa opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid “pass laws” in 1960. 

Since then, it was decided that a week of solidarity would call to light racism and racial discrimination. Although many racist laws and practices have been abolished in some countries today, we still need to fight against racism that still is present. 

It’s important to remember that we are all human beings and born free and equal. To celebrate this day, we can challenge the discrimination in our society by supporting those who are marginalized. 

This year’s theme is “youth standing up against racism” to foster a culture of inclusion and anti-discrimination. It emphasizes the work that youth across the country are doing to stand up to racial injustice. 

Together we all have an opportunity to make progress and continue to fight against discrimination so we can build a safer community where everyone feels respected. 

Check out the resources below to learn more:

Youth Standing Up Against Racism – A Future Of Race Equality Is Within our Grasp | YouTube 

Anti-Racism Resource Library

10 Organizations That Support Racial Equality

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