WOMAN ON THE RISE

236 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE : OCTOBER/NOVEMBER EDITION 2021

WWW.HEALTHYKIDNEYS.ORG

HELLO, MY NAME IS ACE

BY ACE

I’m Cold.

It’s getting cold again. That warm August summer day when my advocates brought me to Against All Oddz Sanctuary and I got to walk trails and eat ice cream?? That seems so long ago. Winter is coming, and already, stuck in this junkyard… I’m getting cold. And I’m still alone.

My advocates get here when they can and take me for walks, but sometimes those walks just remind me of the world as it passes me by as I see the homes that everyone else has. I have a junkyard and a couple bowls. The mean streets of Rochester outside my junkyard might as well be Disneyland compared to my world.

Rochester Animal Control and Lollipop Farms say that my “shelter,” is lawful and legal. It’s not but they don’t care about dogs like me. Rochester Police Department is too busy with other things, and noone seems to care about dogs like me. I’m just a big black pit bull, and not a priority. There’s no money to be made off of me. This world, this system isn’t designed to care about a dog like me. But, I’m cold. I wonder if I ever won’t be. Even those that care about me like my advocates and AAO would be lying if they

didn’t wonder the exact same thing. Time is beginning to work against me. I’m a good dog… I am! I can walk well. I can listen. I do listen. But, there is so much I don’t know and haven’t seen… How could I? This junkyard is both my home and my prison. It’s all I know and all I’ve seen.

Whoever takes me would have to work with me. They would have to be patient. They would have to teach me things. They would have to let me decompress. But I know in my cold bones that I can do it… that I can be the best dog anyone can ever ask for.

Against All Oddz will pay for a three-week board and train for me as well as continued training sessions. I’m two years old. I’m not yet fixed or up to date… my owner won’t let me in the house, yet alone take me to the vet. And I live in a junkyard.

BUT, AAO will cover everything for me and will get me fully vetted by the time I’m ready to move in. I know there might be a lot of easier dogs out there than me. But more than anything, I know I’m cold and getting colder.

I know that without a hero… this winter could be my last.

30 FREE WAYS TO PRACTICE SELF-CARE

BY DR. ANIKA SIMONE JOHNSON

September is self-care awareness month and my 41st birthday month. I honored my own desires to do absolutely nothing. I took time to relax, rest, sleep and enjoy home cook meals. It was absolutely invigorating. Then I realized how happier and more healed we would be if we gave ourselves permission to indulge in a self-care birthday practice. I am excited to share 30 free ways to practice self-care. Let this be your nudge to take better care of yourself or think about your birthday as a soothing celebration rather a loud busy day.

1. Make your bed. It takes two to four minutes and makes you feel infinitely more put together.

2. Stand in front of the mirror and recite your affirmations. Positive self-talk is key. Try these .1. I will only compare myself to myself. 2. I love myself. 3. I believe in myself. 4. I am on a journey, growing, and developing. You can find “I AM AFFIRMATIONS” videos on YouTube.

3. Celebrate yourself, even your small wins. Simply eating 3 healthy meals a day is an accomplishment.

4. Go for a walk, hog, hike, or bike ride in nature.

5. Rest always - take a nap or go to bed earlier than normal. 7. Eat raw vegetables every day. My favorite homemade salad: butter lettuce, spring mix lettuce, pico, guacamole or avocado, black beans, cucumbers, red onions, sweet peppers with olive oil or balsamic vinaigrette.

8. Stretch your body. Who says you must do a whole workout to show your muscles some love?

9. Drink lots of water. At least 64 ounces a day. Add lime and it will change your life!

10. Create a gratitude list. Write down 10 things you’re thankful for and it will make you appreciate them even more. 12. Take a long, luxurious bath. Listen to a jazz playlist.

13. Read an uplifting self-care book. A best seller by Lalah Delia, Vibrate Higher Daily: Live Your Power.

14. Play with your cat or dog for at least 10 minutes when you arrive home.

15. Watch a motivational TED Talk. Anything with Brene Brown should do.

16. Watch a Netflix movie or comedy show that always makes you laugh. Might I suggest David Arnold and Michelle Buteau.

17. Cook or Bake. Many find joy and de-stress in the kitchen preparing a lovely meal for themselves or their family.

18. Dance for at least 30 minutes.

19. Curate a self-care, self-love playlist. Listen to Dr. J. Beauty Self-Love & Meditation Music on YouTube.

20. Paint your nails and your toes. Take your time. It’s cheaper and often longer lasting than a salon manicure.

21. Turn your phone off Friday night to Saturday night and enjoy a relaxing Sabbath.

6. Meditate morning, midday, or before bed. 11. Cry it out. The best ones are in the shower after a long day. 22. Practice yoga. Try Aarianna Elizabeth and Yoga with Adrienne on YouTube.

“ Let this be your nudge to take better care of yourself or think about your birthday as a soothing celebration rather a loud busy day.”

your clothes. Donate the old, make a list for the new.

24. Create calming morning and nighttime routines. Think about the things that set you up for a happy day and a restful night and turn them into habits.

25. Grab your adult coloring book, colored pencils or crayons and just let your creativity flow. any pictures, stay in the present.

27. Start journaling. You’ve been meaning to do it for ages, now’s the time.

28. Give yourself a facial. Pamper yourself and enjoy your skin silky softness.

29. Clean up your social media follows. That model whose filtered beauty always sends you into a downward spiral, you officially have permission to unfollow her. Or even just mute her posts. 30. Do absolutely nothing. Stillness is a virtue, beautiful people. Need more help? I’m thrilled to open the doors, windows, and chimneys to assist you with elevating your beauty, wellness, and self-care lifestyle.

Available for bookings via info@drjbeauty. com. #KeepWinningOnPurpose With Gratitude All Things Dr. J. Beauty. www.drjbeauty.com Follow socials IG @ allthingsdr.jbeauty FB: All Things Dr. J. Beauty