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My Power Nap Rebellion: Decolonizing Rest for Pain-Weary Warriors

My Power Nap Rebellion: Decolonizing Rest for Pain-Weary Warriors The sun rises, and like a warrior facing another battle, I brace myself for the familiar ache that binds my body. Chronic pain – it's a constant dance partner, stealing snatches of sleep and whispering doubts about my every move. But listen, fellow warriors, even with pain gripping your joints and bones, there's a weapon in your arsenal that whispers freedom:  the power nap . No, not just a midday snooze. This is a strategic retreat, a defiant act against the limitations pain tries to impose. It's reclaiming our right to rest, not as a concession to weakness, but as a power move, a rebellion against the hustle culture that thrives on our exhaustion. Here's how I wield this weapon: First , the   phone gets banished, emails, text messages, and deadlines left to simmer. This 20-minute oasis is mine. Pain may loom, but in this haven, it loses its edge. Comfy couch, meet weary warrior:  I surrender to my cushi
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Taming the Stress-Eating Beast: Bite Back Without Bites

We've all been there: deadline looming, anxiety skyrocketing, hand reaching for the nearest cookie or potato chip. Stress eating - a vicious cycle of stuffing our faces, then hating ourselves for it. But hey, guess what, warrior? You're not alone! This emotional rollercoaster is as real as the crumbs on your keyboard and on your chiny chin chin 😅. So how do we break free o? How do we break free? Here are five tips I've discovered on my own hunger-games-esque journey: 1. Chew the Crunch, Not Your Feelings: Ice cubes can be surprisingly satisfying. The cold bite distracts, the crunch is oddly enjoyable, and you won't pack on the pounds (just don't go full-on chomping – your teeth will thank you). 2. Sweat the Fat, Not the Stress: Exercise is an stress-slaying superhero. Crank up the endorphins, tire yourself out, and suddenly that brownie will seem less appealing than a hot shower and a cozy, warm bed. 3. Walk it Off, Not to the Pantry: Craving that chocolate fix

Turning Hope into Action: Addressing the Migrant Crisis in NYC - An Open Letter to Mayor Eric Adams

(updated 9/4/2023) August 11, 2023 Dear Mayor Eric Adams, I am deeply grateful for your unwavering leadership in addressing the migrant crisis in our city. I offer the following thoughts and suggestions to further enhance our response and allow New York City to remain a beacon of hope for those seeking a better life, consistent with the status as a sanctuary city. The Right to Shelter mandate, which dates back to the 1970s, was created to house homeless New Yorkers, American citizens. However, as winter approaches, we must protect the lives of all New Yorkers, including undocumented migrants. This country is a country that welcomes immigrants, but we are also a country that respects laws in order to create order. 1. **Urging National Emergency Declaration:** I recommend continuing your efforts to encourage President Biden to officially declare the migrant crisis a national emergency. This designation would unlock crucial resources and support, enabling us to address the challenges more

Critical Consciousness and Critical Race Theory as Tools for Minoritized, Racialized, and Immigrant Families

In memory of our immigrant fathers, the late  John Kunle Awokoya and Taverekere "Kanti" Srikantaiah. Navigating your journey: Critical tools and resources for immigrant families is a two-part blog series , dedicated by Dr. Janet Awokoya and Dr. Deepa Srikantaiah to their first-generation immigrant fathers.   The blogs highlight how racism and xenophobia remain a cause of concern for immigrants in the United States, particularly in terms of financial security and access to resources and opportunities.  The blog also mentions specific examples of violence and discrimination faced by immigrants of color, and emphasizes the ongoing nature of this problem, illustrating how systemic racism affects the lives of immigrants. The series intends to explore different perspectives and resources for immigrant families to navigate their journey in the U.S. The blog also gives parents important critical tools to help them deal with racism and xenophobia in the US. Part I:  Navi

PART II - NAVIGATING YOUR JOURNEY: Critical tools and resources for immigrant families

In this blog, we want to continue our tribute to our fathers for their dedication to providing better opportunities for their families. As daughters of immigrants who grew up in the US, we strongly advocate for immigrants, especially those of color, to have a comprehensive understanding of how racism operates in our country, both historically and currently. We also recognize that our nation still faces significant challenges in addressing racism. In this blog, we aim to provide practical tools and actionable steps that parents and co-conspirators can use to combat racism across different settings, including the family, school, community, and the media. Dr. Awokoya, while she was a graduate student at the University of Maryland, College Park, was introduced to Critical Race Theory (CRT) by her professors, Dr. Marvin Lynn and Dr. Christine Clark. CRT provided her with the foundation to understand and challenge the anti-immigrant sentiment and racism she and her siblings faced in the US

PART I - NAVIGATING YOUR JOURNEY: Critical tools and resources for immigrant families

Are you aware of the ongoing problem of racism in the United States, particularly as it relates to immigrants?   14% of immigrants in the United States live below the poverty line, compared to 13% of native-born Americans. This means that an immigrant family's income is below the official poverty threshold of $27,500 for a family of four with two children. Immigrants in the United States face higher rates of poverty than native-born Americans, even after controlling for factors such as education and work experience. This is due in part to racism and discrimination, which can make it difficult for immigrants to find good-paying jobs, access housing and healthcare, and participate fully in society. But this is just the beginning of the problem. Immigrants often get stuck at the bottom of the economic ladder, held back by systemic racism and xenophobia. For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual earnings of White employed persons were $72,705 in