AIM October 2022 issue : simplebooklet.com

Authentic Insider | Page 02Dear Readers,October is filled with days of observation, includingDomestic Violence Awareness Month. In this month'sProsecutor’s POV, Kathryn Marsh examines the disturbingstatistics surrounding DV and why we can no longer staysilent.October is also Emotional Intelligence month and in Gen Z’sPOV, Daniela Ghelman researches the difference betweenemotional Intelligence and IQ and why emotionalintelligence may be the key to true success.After enduring childhood sexual abuse and abandonment,Turjemia shares how it took her believing in herself forothers to truly listen. Check out her piece, "Talented &Misunderstood."Always, Lorilee BinstockLorilee BinstockEditor in ChiefSleep is the most restorative action one can exercise.And as Naturapath, Chelsea Azarcon writes, it canalso be the most beneficial time to heal trauma. Many people seeking help often turn to messageboards to meet people in recovery. Michael Barryshares one chat from a man who influenced hisinterest in psychedelics.Children are being faced with challengingcircumstances, with war and Covid, and the toxicstress they are facing will no doubt have long-termeffects. Children's trauma educator Karen Grossshares what we can do to protect the future of thesechildren. As in every issue, Cali Binstock provides a Healingthrough Art Prompt by continuing her series onmapping your parts. We have your AIM Playlist forSongs of Fall, along with my picks for children andadult books. Plus, check out Joy Larkin's Twin FlameReadings to see what's in store for you this month.

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OOctober is Domestic Violence Awarenessmonth, an ongoing and pervasive pandemicwithin in our country and around the globe. In the United States, domestic violenceimpacts approximately 12 million people ayear. This means approximately 24individuals are victimized every minute.When we look even closer, we learn that 1out of every 4 women and 1 out of every 7men are victims of severe domesticviolence. However, when we think aboutdomestic violence, we often overlook ouryoung people. 1 in 10 high schoolers hasbeen the victim of domestic or datingviolence, and studies have shown thatdating violence begins as young as age 12.Domestic violence thrives in isolation, behindclosed doors. But domestic violence doesn’tstay behind closed doors or within thefamily. It slithers out between the cracks ina home’s foundation and impacts everysingle one of us, not just the victim. Fromthe children who witness domestic violencein the home and therefore have AdverseChildhood Experiences (ACES) that can havea long-term health impact on them as theygrow older, in the work force. Domesticviolence has a pervasive impact on thecommunity. 33% of women who are killedon the job are killed by someone with whomthey have a personal relationship, and 78%are killed by intimate partner violence. Kathryn MarshProsecutor's POV"In the United States,domestic violenceimpacts approximately12 million people ayear. This meansapproximately 24individuals arevictimized everyminute." DOMESTICVIOLENCEAuthentic Insider | Page 08

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Domestic violence costs the workforce about 8 millionpaid sick days a year, which is approximately theequivalent of 32,000 jobs and costs employers more that$720 million annually. Domestic Violence in total, coststhe United States approximately $8.3 billion annually.Domestic violence isn’t a family problem, it’s a communityproblem, and a national health crisis. Therefore it is soimportant to shine the light on domestic violence, thismonth and every month. So, what can the general publicdo to help end domestic violence? We need to educateourselves and others. Domestic violence thrives onsilence, and we need to ensure domestic violence is partof the national conversation. We need to call outpoliticians and community leaders who state thatsurvivors of domestic violence should stay in abusiverelationships for the sake of the children, by pointing outthe long-term harm domestic violence causes children.We need to engage our community and religiousorganizations to get involved and stay involved indomestic violence outreach and resources.Individuals wanting to educate themselves more can goto the National Domestic Violence Hotline Webpage(thehotline.org) and the CDC to learn more about thesigns and symptoms of domestic violence, fromcontrolling and isolating behaviors to signs of physicalabuse. Once you are educated, advocate in yourcommunity. Advocate for dating violence and healthyrelationships to be taught in schools and religiousinstitutions. If we teach our young people about whathealthy and unhealthy relationships look like, we canreduce future domestic violence. "Domestic Violence intotal, costs the UnitedStates approximately$8.3 billion annually."Authentic Insider | Page 09

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IntensityPossessivenessManipulationIsolationSabotage Comfortable PlaceTrustHonestyIndependenceRespectThe OneLove Foundation (joinonelove.org) has trainings andresources regarding teen dating violence available online andare willing to work with schools and community organizationsto bring the trainings to you in person. They highlight the 10signs on an unhealthy relationship: They juxtapose these signs with 10 signs of healthyrelationships: When we understand the signs and how they are exhibited inrelationships, we have a better chance of ending therelationship before it turns physically violent or fatal."Statistically, it takes 7 attemptsto leave an abusive relationshipbefore the victim cansuccessfully leave therelationship." Economic dependenceThreatsChild safetyHomelessnessTransportationObstacles to leaving include:If we work together as a community, we can help overcomemany of these obstacles.Lastly, if you see something, say something. Domesticviolence cannot stay in the home and in the family. If yousee or hear something, pick up the phone and call for help.The victim may not be able to. If you’re not sure who to callor are afraid of calling 911 yourself, you can call the nationalhotline at 1-800-799-SAFE. They will ensure the properagencies are contacted.If you believe a loved one is a victim of domestic violencebut don’t know how to have the conversation yourself,contact the hotline of your local health department.Professionals are on staff who can help walk you throughthe conversation. Domestic violence thrives on isolationand silence, we, as a community, cannot be silent anymore.BelittlingGuiltingVolatilityDeflecting ResponsibilityBetrayalEqualityKindnessTaking ResponsibilityHealthy Conflict Fun It's natural for friendships to come and go as you change andlearn more about yourself. If it's time to move on, let yourfriendship drift apart gradually, rather than fighting.Remember, Author Irene Levine, says, “A best friend todaycan easily become a frenemy tomorrow.”“While working with domestic violence, too often I hear, whydid they (survivor) leave? As opposed to asking why did theystay? We need to examine why it may not have been possiblefor a survivor to leave. Statistically, it takes 7 attempts toleave an abusive relationship before the victim cansuccessfully leave the relationship. Lack of knowledge ofavailable resourcesFamily or cultural pressureand fear. Authentic Insider | Page 10

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Emotional Intelligence Awarenesswritten by Daniela Ghelman | Gen Z POV was born on March 14, which means I'm a Pisces, which means I'm the most emotionally intelligentzodiac sign, which means I'm totally and completelyscrewed. I'm not sure if I trust the horoscope(although there are times when astrology has reallynailed it), but I never considered myself anemotionally sensitive being. Until recently. But before Ibore you readers with my own experiences andexistential crises, I suppose we should talk aboutemotional intelligence because it is no coincidencethat there is a month (October) strictly dedicated tocelebrating and raising awareness about it.I didn't know exactly what emotional intelligencemeant, so I asked Google and Alexa and YouTube. Ieven watched Ted Talks, and no, I didn't fall asleephalfway through (well, who am I lying to?). The point isthat I did my homework. In fact, I did not know beforethat, like IQ, there is an EQ that also measuressomeone's level of intelligence, but on an emotionallevel.Emotional intelligence is “the ability to understand ouremotions and those of other people and behaveappropriately in different situations,” so practically Authentic Insider | Page 12 I

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everything we do is driven by our emotional intelligence,just as we understand algorithms and quantum physics. Italso helps us understand how we appreciate and loveothers and ourselves. Needless to say, emotional intelligence is important.However, if you really don’t know why, bear in mind thatit’s simply because it’s the type of intelligence that mightnot get you into college but will make you feel fulfilledand successful in life. Based on your capacity foremotional intelligence, you will go ahead and build yourstrongest relationships. It’s basically what will let you livewith your self for the rest of your existence. In a person's life, too many notable events willoccur that will shape that person's perception oftheir own world. It can be something so wholesomeand beautiful, how can you ever forget somethinglike that? But it can also be something tragic andsad that completely shattered you and that still,every time you think about it no matter how muchtime has passed, you get goosebumps and yourlungs get so small that you can barely breathe.Both situations add to or subtract from your level ofemotional intelligence.For me, being emotionally intelligent is all aboutempathy. Or at least, I guess I consider myselfsomeone with an average level of EQ because Ihave the gift (or curse) to understand what othersfeel. But I guess that's also because I've beenthrough things in my life that have opened up newperspectives and given me an understanding ofhow to deal with particular situations. Over the lastsix years of my life, especially the last one, I havecome to learn that pain is something we mustembrace, no matter how difficult it is for us toaccept. I learned at a young age how to deal withdifficult situations on my own, and it probably tookme four years of my life to come to terms with it,after my kidnapping. Because the truth is that thekidnapping made me vulnerable and weak andeventually affected my levels of emotionalintelligence. The same happened when I wentthrough a breakup last year. It really hurt. But thathurt made me change things about me that now Ifeel grateful for. But do you know what makes emotional intelligenceso significant? We are capable of recognizing ourown emotions. And that is why we must raiseawareness about it. We must recognize when weare struggling, when we carry a very "We must recognize when weare struggling, when wecarry a very heavy load andcan't take it anymore andwhen things don't goaccording to plan."Authentic Insider | Page 13

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heavy load, and can't take it anymore. We mustunderstand that although emotions can becontrolled, we must let them be. If you feel sad,cry. If you feel happy then jump, laugh, dance. Ifyou are angry, scream from the bottom of yourlungs. If you need time alone, isolate. Only youknow what you must do. I learned the hard waythat whenever I feel something, I can't hold it in.One way or another, those emotions will comeback and haunt you when you feel there is no needor space in yourself to feel them. I'm the kind ofperson who isolates when I’m feeling down. It’s sohard for me to be open. But, when I feel ready, Iopen my notebook and write down everything I feel and figure out my emotions. I have come toknow that by doing so, I am allowed to rest, unplugmyself, and make choices and changes.So, what I want to say with all of this, is that weneed to be smart. Emotionally smart. If you findyourself in a toxic relationship, get out of it. If youfeel stuck in your job, find a new one. If you feellike you don't have a social life, get one. And Iknow that is much easier said than done. But if youare able to identify what you are going throughand how you feel about it, then the rest will follow.If your emotions are not aligned to what you wantfor you, then you’ll be stuck. Unable to moveforward. Unable to be happy. One way or another,those emotions willcome back and hauntyou when you feel thereis no need or space inyourself to feel them.Authentic Insider | Page 14

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T A L E N T E DM I S U N D E R S T O O D t a young age, I suffered fromchildhood trauma. It started when Iwas around the age of six. At least,that’s as far back as I can remember.I vaguely remember when it firsthappened; I was afraid and deeplyuncomfortable. There were so manyunfamiliar things happening and Icouldn’t understand why ithappened often. It usually took placewhile I was sleeping. It was a grownadult touching me inappropriately. Itwas disgusting.It went on for about five years. Itwasn’t until I was around nine whenI realized I was emotionally andmentally exhausted from all of it. Iremember the very day and themoment when I had grown enoughcourage to tell my mom. It was on aSaturday morning. I pulled heraside and told her everything. Shecried tensely; it broke my heart tosee her that way. She gave mecomfort and promised me that itwasn’t my fault.Written By Turjemia,Fashion Model, Poet,and ArtistAuthentic Insider | Page 17 A

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I TRIED MASKING MYPAIN BY BEING ACHRISTIAN ANDPRETENDING LIKE IWAS NOT HURTINGON THE INSIDE. I was later adopted and moved out of my biologicalmother’s home. I went to live in a two-parenthousehold afterwards. I had the experience of beingan only child with a mom and dad who legallyadopted me.Biologically, I am the eldest of six children. However,my adopted family was smaller, and I felt safe tohave a father figure in my life. Sadly, when I wasseventeen years old, my adopted father passedaway from cancer. He was a protector and providerwho showed me a daughter’s love as a father. I’m sothankful that he was in my life. He taughtme so many things that I will forever be grateful for.I mourned my father’s passing for a long time and tothis day, I miss him greatly.Several years after his passing, I kept experiencingflashbacks, crying spells, anger, and nightmares. Icouldn’t understand what was happening to me. Itried going to therapy, taking antidepressants, reading the Bible, talking to spiritual leaders, anddiscussing it with personal friends. I was practicingmodesty and living by the Bible’s standards;however, I still felt sad on most days. I triedmasking my pain by being a Christian andpretending like I was not hurting on the inside.There were days that I could barely get throughthe workday. I cried at the workplace; mysupervisor used to send me home early. I had adifficult time with controlling my emotions. I wasall over the place from an emotional standpoint. Ifelt like I was different from others. I thought I wasdoing everything right. I only wanted to feelnormal. I had to figure out a way to express myself.It was the year of 2011 when a psychologist hadinformed me that I had symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. After researching andstudying for myself, I discovered it was true.Although, it wasn’t a topic of discussion that Ibrought up amongst my family. I had to goand seek counseling on my own. I felt that myfamily members were not as supportive as Ineeded them to be. I had to learn how to heal onmy own. Whenever I had mentioned it to them,they were lost and honestly, they wouldn’t take thetime to learn about it. Most soldiers who had goneto war had suffered from the disorder. That’s aboutall they knew. It felt pointless to try and talk tothem about it.Authentic Insider | Page 18

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Depression was real. I couldn’tcontinue to bear with it on my own. Ikept praying for a solution. Finally,one day, I decided to start writing myfeelings into poetry. It was the onlyway to get my family to hear me out.Instead of approaching them andreading the poetry, I started postingand sharing it online. It went viral andgetting so much engagement. Someof my videos were getting as many as440,000 views on Facebook. Itgrabbed the attention of the public aswell as my family members.On the physical side of things, I hadstarted gaining weight from mydepression. I would spend days inbed. I wanted to stay in the dark as Iran away from the sunshine. I had nointerest in hanging out with friends. Idiscovered that my physicalappearance had started changing. Iwanted to feel better about myself. Istarted buying new clothes, wigs, andwearing makeup. I booked myself forseveral professional photoshoots.I posted my fashion online. My photosalso started going viral and gettinghuge engagement. I started my fashionbusiness, “Pretty Kurvz Boutique.” Iwanted to focus on building a fashionbrand for Plus Size Women to uplift andencourage others.I also started drawing portraits andpencil sketches. It was an outlet whichallowed me to express my artistic skills.As I shared everything on social media,my family discovered my hiddentalents. For years, they never really paidattention until I put it there for thepublic to see. I guess it’s safe to say thatsocial media was another outlet. Itliterally changed my life because it wasan opportunity to release my pain,feelings, and inner talents. I can proudlysay I built a fanbase online. My followersare my supporters. I’m glad I dideverything on my own. I refused to giveup on my vision. It took a lot of faithand courage to build myself up. I’mproud of the woman that I’ve become.I REFUSEDTO GIVE UPON MYVISION. IT TOOK ALOT OFFAITH ANDCOURAGETO BUILDMYSELF UP. Authentic Insider | Page19

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By Michael E.W. Barry any people experience psychedelicswithout setting proper intentions. At times theirmental state can go from bad to worse. Thetruth is, without the proper guidance andunderstanding of these sacred medicines,achieving healing through them can bechallenging. I knew Jack from the support boards. We sharedthe insomnia, and a few of the acronyms theyuse to say which parts of you don’t workproperly. Jack had a diagnosis of CPTSD and aDissociative Disorder. ‘That’s a kick in the pants’he told me, ‘I’m not me.’One day, during a usual online chat, someonementioned psychedelics and Jack chimed inwith his experiences. With his permission, I’llrelate a little of what he said.Jack says:‘I was bitching to my mate aboutsymptoms, and he’s an ex-special forcesguy, and he said, “try mushrooms” and Ithought, “hey these guys know a littleabout PTSD,” so what the f---, right? I’mgoing to try it.I remember reading Carlos Castaneda whenI was in my late teens at University. Ok, sosure Castaneda was a fake, but spiritualjourneys are “like looking for a diamond in apile of dogshit,” a mate told me at the time.Even before I knew how deep my woundsran, I was looking for answers. I read lowrent sci-fi and collected undergroundcomics. I was drawn to psychedelia.DOWN JACK'S RABBIT HOLE Authentic Insider | Page 21 M

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"I had my talks with the Almighty. He and I agreed to mindour respective business - unless there was exigent need. "mysterious ways, so does that bird U2sings about.I tried these things for a while out ofyouthful enthusiasm and the idea thatthey were a gateway to a betterunderstanding where I spent late nighthours with bohemian mates watching‘Twinkle Twinkle Killer Kane,’ ‘Salon Kitty’and early Anime. After a bit, I stopped andjoined the real world.Flash forward 7 years. I can’t leave thehouse to go to a business meeting. TheBoss yells. It was all too overwhelming.Over the course of time, I observe peopleinterpreting my inability to do certainthings as a willful disobedience orincompetence.That’s the start of the rabbit hole. And thefirst visit to my therapist, my first questionwas, ‘Why?’I went up North, wandered around in acow paddock with hippies in Nimbin inNew South Wales, picked some bluemeanies and made mushroom tea, and awitchy woman blessed my union. The 90’shad raves; raves had drugs. I picked up afew psychedelics here and there.I watched the curtains breathe, got a bithorny, almost hit on my mate’s girlfriendbut even in my worst state, I wouldn’t gothat far.From the roof of a lower tier high riseacross from Hyde Park, Sydney, Australia, Iwatched the clouds scurry across the skyat an unnatural speed with the lights ofthe city painted on their undersides.I had my talks with the Almighty. He and Iagreed to mind our respective business -unless there was exigent need. He movesinAuthentic Insider | Page 22

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With the psychedelics, I feel like Ihave been able to self-induce astrong dissociative state on ascheduled basis with the ability towork through it until I am functionalwithin it.Breaking the linkage freed me fromthe freezing. On days when I was onthe dosage, things that wouldnormally freak me the fuck out justdidn’t bother me. We’re not talkingabout life changing things here,we're talking about paying thephone bill.Combined with CBT with a therapist,I had found a tool to bypass thehorror system I was too familiar with.I paid my phone bill. I was able tobreak the connections between highthreat assessment and day to daylife.There’s a lot that goes into healing.Psychedelics are not a golden pill.They come with risks and warrantthe shamanic reverence they aredue.As a tool of mental healing, I havefound psychedelics a powerful ally.Flashforward to another lifetime. Thingshad gone from bad to worse. I later gotre-diagnosed, and things started to makesense. I had the symptoms. They weredebilitating. I couldn’t work. I couldn’tsleep. I couldn’t stop crying.My friend says “try mushrooms” andhaving done every other damn thing mydoctors had told me to do, I thought, whynot this? I spent six months reading andresearching what science I could find onmicrodosing psychedelics.Eventually, things aligned, and I woundup with a bag of crumbly brownmushroom powder, thanks to somekindness from an internet stranger. I filleda capsule, swallowed a micro dose down,opened a journal and marked the dosageand date.. Science, right?I made sure to inform my doctor of myintentions and the regimen I planned tofollow.I’ve dosed for three years with regularbreaks. I follow a regimen out of theNetherlands. I work with a therapistregularly. I put strategies in place tomanage my affairs. "There’s a lot that goes into healing.Psychedelics are not a golden pill. Theycome with risks and warrant theshamanic reverence they are due."Authentic Insider | Page 23

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HealingTraumawith Sleep ne of the most overlooked components ofhealing trauma is sleep. As a naturopathic doctor with atrauma history, I know this all too well. Conventionalmedicine recognizes sleep disruptions as a componentof PTSD, but relatively few adults present to their doctorwith this formal diagnosis[1]. Both sleep complaints andtraumatic experiences are much more common thanPTSD[2] [3], illuminating the potential for a nuancedrelationship between trauma and sleep.Sleep is one of our brain’s tools for coping with trauma.During sleep, memories are formed and neuroplasticity(the ability to form new neural pathways) is increased. Thestrengthening of these two things allows us to betteradapt to trauma and create new emotional responses toit. When we dream, our brains try to make sense oftraumatic events by comparing them to past experiencesand using those experiences to interpret trauma. Dreamsoccurring during REM sleep are especially useful tohealing from trauma as they help generate creativeresponses to a crisis and help us respond to trauma in amore emotionally balanced way. Unfortunately, sufferersof trauma may be diagnosed with anxiety or depressionand placed on an anxiolytic or anti-depressive drugs thatinterfere with the REM sleep they need to heal.[4]If the brain perceives an event as too traumatic toprocess and files it away with past memories, it willdissociate from that event. This incompletelyprocessed trauma gets stuck in our survival brains(called the limbic system). The limbic system makesdecisions by processing feelings and impressions andreacting instinctively. When it reacts, it triggers a surgeof cortisol (your stress hormone) and adrenaline tohelp your body respond to danger. Because the limbicbrain is more instinctual than intelligent, it can interpretsafe situations as dangerous and perpetuate a highstress state in the body for years. For example, as avictim of sexual assault, I remembered one incidentoccurring at night. For years, my limbic systeminterpreted night as unsafe and I had difficulty “windingdown.” No matter how many doors were locked orhow many other people were nearby, creating a safeenvironment, my limbic system interpreted night asdanger. When trauma is unprocessed, it can constantlytrigger the fight or flight nervous system, manifesting asemotional responses to non- traumatic stimuli,constant anxiety, and sleep disruptions (includingnightmares). Long-term imbalances in cortisolsecretion and patterns can also cause difficulty fallingor staying asleep. [1] “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).” National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd.[2] ASA Authors & Reviewers, Sleep Physician at American Sleep Association Reviewers and Writer’s Board-certified sleep M.D. physicians. (n.d.). Sleep statistics: Data about sleep disorders. American sleepAssociation, Retrieved September 12, 2022, from https://wwwl.sleepassociation.org/about-sleep/sleep-statistics/[3] Va.gov: Veteran Affairs. How Common is PTSD in Adults? (2018, September 13). Retrieved 12, September 2022, from https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_adults.asp[4]Information reference in this section from Shulman, L. M. (2018). Before and after loss a neurologist’s perspective on loss, grief, and our brains. John Hopkins University Press. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SLEEP AND TRAUMA THE BREAKDOWN OF SLEEP AFTER TRAUMAOBy: Chelsea AzarconAuthentic Insider | Page 27

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[1] Neustadt/ NBI Health, J. (2019, January 10). Sleep as a symptom [PowerPoint]. Delivered at Bastyr University California. As a victim of sexualassault, I remembered oneincident occurring at night.For years, my limbic systeminterpreted night as unsafeand I had difficulty“winding down.”Observational data demonstrates that going to bed atthe same time every night improves sleep[1]. Thiscan also be beneficial for those recovering fromtrauma as the predictability of a bedtime helps thebrain feel safe. A sleep ritual is a nightly routine of certain activitiesthat are performed before bed. These are not only away to further create predictability before bed; theyare also opportunities to shift your brain into restmode by doing activities you find relaxing. •Setting a bedtime:•Creating a sleep ritual:•Setting up a sensate environment: As a naturopathic doctor, I believe healing anything(including trauma) requires an individualized approach.However, here are few tools that different individuals mayfind helpful. All are focused on creating an environmentthat the brain perceives as safe because a safe brain canprocess trauma:The senses are an important part of aiding our bodyto process trauma. The goal of creating a sensatesleep environment is to stimulate the senses in waysthat feel pleasant. This can be achieved through softpajamas, fluffy pillows and blankets, soothing music,or fragrant essential oils. A research backed sensorysupport is the weighted blanket, which shifts thenervous system into its parasympathetic (rest anddigest) mode by simulating touch. Authentic Insider | Page 28

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The senses are animportant part of aidingour body to processtrauma. The goal ofcreating a sensate sleepenvironment is to stimulatethe senses in ways that feelpleasant. •Supporting other avenues of creativeprocessing: In addition to sleep, the brain can also use activities such asjournaling, daydreaming, and imagining to process trauma.Creating time for these activities during the day can help reducethe need to process trauma at night. •Reducing exposure to things that interferewith sleep:It is important to remember that many other factors besidestrauma interfere with sleep. Taking simple steps to improve otherparameters of sleep, such as minimizing blue light before bed andturning off WiFi and phones overnight can help minimize thenumber of obstacles you need to overcome when healing sleep.It may be wise to avoid anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugswhen possible, as these can also interfere with quality sleep. Authentic Insider | Page 29

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Whatever one’s political position,the price of war is high, and itsimpact on youth is one of itssaddest manifestations.Children’s trauma and toxic stressaffect their mental and physicalwell-being and the effects will be feltmoving forward — whether there iscontinued war or peace orsomething in-between. And even ifthe children leave Ukraine for othernations, they travel with theirtrauma. We are increasinglyrecognizing, too, the epigenetictransmission of trauma, an addedworrisome aspect of damage tochildren across the globe.What children experience will bewith us for decades.There have been ahost of recent articlesdetailing the traumaand toxic stress thatwar has had upon thechildren in Ukraine. TI worry about the trauma and toxicstress of COVID on the world’schildren. While my particular focushas been on the impact of thesetwo T’s on US based youth, it is aproblem that knows no nationalboundaries — like a virus.Children have been ill; childrenhave witnessed illness and death;children have seen familydysfunction; they have lostcaregivers (both primary andsecondary); they have been in andout of school, masked andunmasked, online and in person;they have had relational disruption;they have seen political upheavaland natural disasters and foodscarcity and homelessness and jobloss. America’s children — eventhose who have not been illthemselves — have experiencedtoxic stress and many haveexperienced trauma (these two T’soverlap like a Venn diagram)."America’s children — even those who have notbeen ill themselves — have experienced toxicstress and many have experienced trauma."TRAUMA,TOXIC STRESS& CHILDRENCovidBY KAREN GROSS, TRAUMA EDUCATORAuthentic Insider | Page 31

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And, with the passage of time, there aretrauma anniversaries that serve as tuningforks to reactivate the earlier trauma and wehave many youth who are already living withtuning fork orchestras playing in their headsand manifested in their behaviors.I am concerned, as we start the new schoolyear, that folks are thinking we are “goingback to normal.” There have been articlessuggesting just that.But, there is no normal to which to go back.Once the damage of trauma/toxic stress hasset in, we can’t erase it; we can ameliorateit; we can address it; we can create traumaresponsive schools and pedagogy; we canwork to recognize each student and whathe/she/they bring into the school. And, wecan expand our definition of schools so theydo way more than just “educate” aboutsubstance where we test proficiency.Schools can become safe havens(something a risk with shootings) and theycan offer a myriad of services oft-timesconsidered outside the ambit of a school’sobligation to those who attend. It will takesome silo busting to accomplish this but 'bustaway' is my motto.Might we be wise to see the trauma and toxic stressin our world and the damage it is doing to the currentand next generation of children? Can we pleasefocus on how to help our children — for their sakeand for the well-being of our nations?Solutions and ameliorations are not easy to find.There is no one solution. Don Quijote cannot make itall go away as if it were a fantasy. But, withintentionality, we can address these issues, includingthe shortage of mental health workers. the training ofeducators and parents, the access without stigma tosupport systems and a belief — a profound belief —in hope. It is the latter item that help us move forwardrather than being mired in the past or in quicksand.I am reminded in this context of what occurred in arecently ended relationship I had with a fellowwidower. He could not move forward without guilt oranxiety and the presence of these feelings keptretriggering me because the future seemed cloudedor overshadowed with the past. It is not about movingforward with grief as he suggested (see below); it isabout moving forward with memories (both good andbad); it is about processing what happened andfinding rays of hope for a better future. That is not tosay one is never sad about prior losses and what hasbeen; that is perfectly normal and understandable.One misses those who are going or are gone; that isfor sure. But the perennial presence of grief servesas an anchor at the bottom of a pit and drags youdown. It is impossible to move forward if you areanchored so tightly to the past.And so it is with children. Prolonged grief impacts ourmental and physical wellness. We can and shouldnever forget (although our minds cabin some of theworst events and how we open those cabinets istough sledding) but we can move forward and restoresome joy and purpose and sense of wellness. Yes,remember but lift the anchor so one can moveforward.The goal here is to recognize the reality of where weare and have been and then carve a pathwayforward in which we help children feel like theymatter and belong and can take steps (large andsmall) to grow and flourish mentally and physically.We can give them hope.We, the adults of today, owe it to our children andour children’s children to help them — to enablethem to grow up in ways that foster their well-being.Whether it is war or COVID, the need to help all ourchildren is there. We can’t waste time. We need toact now. As in NOW.Think hope. We can’t erase the past, nor should we.We can enable youth (and adults) to see the wonderof the future and the road there, howsoever curved.Let’s not move forward with grief. Let’s move forwardwith hope.Hope"America’s children — even those who have not been illthemselves — have experienced toxic stress and manyhave experienced trauma."SUGGESTIONAuthentic Insider | Page 32

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Fall is in the air and for many, there isnothing better than the sweet smell ofPumpkin Spices and the tastes of AppleCider. All this while enjoying the beautifulchange of colors on trees and the crispAutumn air. So why not tickle all 5 of yoursenses and enjoy some cozy tunes withthe songs of Fall playlist. "Sweater Weather" - Neighborhood "Wake me up when september ends - Greenday"Autumn Leaves" - nat king cole"Autumn in New York" - Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong"Dead leaves and the dirty ground" - white stripes"All too well" - Taylor Swift "Yellow" – coldplay"somewhere only we know" - Keane "memories" -maroon 5"Talk" - Khalid Featuring Disclosure"outnumbered" - dermot kennedy"October " - U2"Autumn sweater" - Yo la Tengo"Cardigan" - Taylor Swift"Clarity" - Vance JoyAuthentic Insider | Page 36

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Mental health affects everyone. Here are just a few books to help kids understandemotional and learning challenges.This is the story of a circle. When we're first born, ourcircle is very small, but as we grow and build relationships,our circle keeps getting bigger and bigger to include family,friends, neighbors, community, and beyond. This picturebook adaptation is the perfect way to start a conversationabout how to expand our worlds with kindness andinclusivity—even if it seems scary or uncomfortable. Thisbook makes an ideal new-baby, first-day-of-school, orgraduation gift, or any milestone that celebratessomeone's world getting bigger. How to teach kids about emotions and feelings?Liketeaching them everything else - using clear words, familiarsituations, exciting pictures and a lot of hands-on activities.This book is an excellent educational source that has is all.The book includes a cute story that kids can relate to,beautiful illustrations that capture children's attention,calming-down activities for kids, instructions to adults onthe follow-up activities, emotions cards, feelings cards,coloring pages and related short stories to teach kidsempathy.*I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.Authentic Insider | Page 38The new children's book series, Ninja Life Hacks, wasdeveloped to help children learn valuable life skills. Fun,pint-size characters in comedic books easy enough foryoung readers, yet witty enough for adults.The Ninja Life Hacks book series is geared to kids 3-11.Perfect for boys, girls, early readers, primary schoolstudents, or toddlers. Excellent resource for counselors,parents, and teachers alike.

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Mental Health, Memoir & EmotionalSupport Books(Adult)In the aftermath of unthinkable loss or catastrophic injury caused by the negligence ofothers, shock, uncertainty, and anger set in. You can't change what happened, but youcan control your next steps with a plan—one that will help your family tackle thechallenges ahead and ease the overwhelming burden. Few understand this more thannationally recognized lawyer Kyle Bachus. With more than 25 years of experiencerepresenting families in catastrophic injury and death cases, Kyle gained firsthandknowledge of his clients’ experiences when his own mother was struck and killed in acrosswalk. In Spirit of a Hummingbird, Felicia Thai Heath, the daughter of Vietnamese and Chineseimmigrants who met in the United States, gives us a disquieting, eventful memoir basedon her early childhood on the run with her father—a notorious Vietnamese kingpin andescaped convict—and her conflicted mother. Clever and mature beyond her age, youngFelicia experienced poverty and witnessed abuse as her dysfunctional family bouncedaround in the United States and Canada. Amid all the tumult and terror, she found waysto love her family, educate herself, navigate her world, and discover her potential.Heart, Mind and Money by Vangile makwakwa is an essential guide to understandingone's emotions and how they influence your financial security. It also deals with themany decisions everyone faces on a daily basis and is the perfect book to help anyonetake control, not only of their emotions, but also of their life.*I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.Authentic Insider | Page 39

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For the month of October, I am picking up several energies. There could be a change within a home, family dynamic or afoundation. There may be ups and downs, but it will get better. Some could be looking to relocate soon.There could be changes with your financial situation. Someone may be getting a new job or an opportunity to bring in moreincome. You will be successful as you work towards achieving your goals. For some, a relationship may have been holdingyou back from manifesting material success but I am seeing someone overcoming an emotional loss. It could have reallyhurt you to lose a person you love but it looks like everything happens for a reason. You want to understand that if therelationship was toxic, you didn't lose anyone that actually valued you in the first place. For a specific person there is someone from the past who doesn't want to let you go. However, most of you are standing yourground and knowing your worth. There could be a person who is in despair because they see your life changing, and they feelthey missed out. The other person needs to know that there is hope for a better future. Many of you will be overcoming a scarcity mindset and there is traveling coming up for some. Unexpected income is comingin but there could be a slight delay. Whatever you are passionate about is going to bring in major abundance for a select few.There could be a person that is feeling guilty about how they treated you in the past, or a person got rejected and they took itpersonally. Understand that rejection is the universe's protection. I do see that there needs to be either a physical oremotional release of the past.Connecting with a higher power will help a lot of you to find peace of mind and to focus on your own life. Self-care is a bigpriority right now. Loving yourself and appreciating what you have to offer to another person is good to know. Even if you aredealing with anyone it's good to spend time alone and get to know what you like. You could try exercising or just spendingtime in nature. Many could be trying to use distractions to stop yourself from doing the innerwork. Be sure to catch yourselfand try to focus on you right now. In conclusion, the advice is to take a leap of faith and to tend to the small things in your life. Be sure to watch your words.Trust in divine detours. Embrace the in between and try to be peaceful or surround yourself with people who are.Monthly Collective Readings for All Signswith Joy Larkin (October 1, 2022 - October 31, 2022) Joy is a Narcissistic AbuseSurvivor who has made it her life'swork to help others through lifecoaching. She is also a healer,earth angel and psychic medium.If you would like coaching servicesfrom Joy and/or get your ownpersonal reading, please scan thebarcode below with yoursmartphone camera.READINGSPersonalINFOCoachingAuthentic Insider | Page 40