Rebirth Magazine Limited Edition Self-Care Issue

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ReBirth

NO.1 SELF CARE| EDUCATE. EMPOWER. INSIPRE

SIMONE HIGGINBOTHAM

JOURNEY BACK TO HER! WRITTEN BY: VERNA GORDON

DR. CYSTAL M. CONSONERY

EMBRACING YOUR WORTH TUNDRA ALFRED

VACATIONING AT A SPA

ISSUE#1 | VOL.1 | DECEMBER 2021

LIMItED EDItIOn


GOOD HEALTH IS SELF CARE...


S ecial ContriButors Dr. Crystal M. Consonery

Shawlonda Harris 3L Health SPA

C.H.A.N.G.E S h a n te ' G a rd e re August & Co. T i ffa n y F o rd F r a n k l i n TMoniques Naturals

T u n d r a A l fre d CMK Travles

T i ffa n y J a m e s Vikki Lee Wilbon Rosebud Health Care

Wayne A. Holland A s h l e y B e n n e tt

Cover Credit:

Oonarissa Bernard

Ashley Bennett Realtor

Corset

Petal Beatee Wax Bar Sonia Rene' Octavia's Bling M.U.A

Photography

Accessoreies

August & Co. Hair


The B Side: Greatest Hits...To Come By: Verna Gordon Venture with us as we tell you the amazing journey of Simone O, Higginbotham

"As far back as I can remember I have been on the journey to where I am now. Always have marched to the beat of my own drum. Never felt like I had to fit or conform to fit in. In many instances, others either didn't understand or found it a problem. As a child, I was mainly a liner because I again lived by my own rules. Of course, I didn't realize that’s What I was at the time. One of the worse parts of my journey was my marriage.

Being green when it came to relationships I was easy Pickens’s was verbal, mentally, and emotionally abused by my exhusband. This lasted for nearly 10 years. I suffered in silence due to guilt and embarrassment. The funny thing about it was it didn't realize what I had endured for nearly a decade was a form of domestic violence until 8 years post divorce


The B Side: Greatest Hits...To Come When did you come to the realization that it was "Time to Live"? During Pandemic I was 1 year out from turning 50. And it dawned on me that I had taken care and put everything and everyone before my own needs. COVID19 gave me the push I needed..

Wisdom to your younger self. Never allow people that have no real clue about who you are to make assumptions and force them upon you

How are you navigating your new normal? -----Taking each day as it comes. And seeing the good in it all

Greatest joy thus far ----My granddaughter Harper Florida-Marie. She gives me confirmation that all I endured was not a waste


The B Side: Greatest Hits...To Come What's on your B Side playlist? He has his hands on you -Marvin Sapp This is me -Fantasia Just Fine- Mary J Good as hell Lizzo

Where do you find inspiration to keep it moving? ----My daughter, granddaughter and the family I share no DNA with.

Living your life backward is not the norm, nor is it easy. Usually, we are just getting to the part in our lives where our children are grown and our parents have aged and we’re starting to take care of them. No, that was not and is not how it went. Learning me has been hard but it’s been an amazing journey. The new you may be the better you, but who’s to say it’s really better, maybe it’s the same, just a different journey of the same path. Embrace it...live the reality and complexity of change. – Pamela Boudreaux Vessell


The B Side: Greatest Hits...To Come

What are you most excited about in the future? To live by my own rules and regulations.. to see my business continue to grow. And hopefully to fall in love

What are you most looking forward to? More personal growth enjoying life and trying new things

Do good by people and God will do good by you – Simone Higginbotham


Unlocking Your Beauty is Self Care

https://augustandco.net/


VACATIONING AT THE SPA By Tundra Alfred CMK TRAVELS

If you are like most women, you want a getaway that includes peace, relaxation and a spa included but consider it a luxury. The thought of a spa is usually the local spa. Most often as women we settle for and schedule a simple manicure/pedicure. Why not consider a Spa vacation? This could be a weekend getaway to a destination not far from home, stateside or international. We all deserve some “me time” from time to time. Spa vacations should be a time to reset the mind, body, and spirit, look at it as an essential part of your healthcare. The pandemic has changed a lot of things and now requires us to think a bit more carefully. One should consider the resort and spa safety protocol for COVID-19. Are they following the current CDC (Center for Disease Control) guidelines? What is most important is your level of comfortability and keeping your health and safety first.

According to Fodor’s Travel, the following tips are suggestions for spa vacations, opt for basic and or shorter treatments, consider booking short stays at hotel spas close to home, treatments or programs that offer short- and long-term benefits, All-Inclusive destination spas which include meals, accommodations, and spa treatments. While there are many types of spa choices to consider here are a few of the most common consider: Day Spas offer a variety of massages, facials, saunas, and other health and relaxation treatments. Destination Spas provide treatments, exercise, educational programs along diet programs. Most stays are 2-3 nights, and some may even offer up to a 7-night stay. Hotel or Resort Spa offers healthy options to relieve everyday stress with activities such as facials, massage, saunas, scrubs along with other spa luxuries. Medical Spa offer treatments supervised by a physician such as Botox Cruise Ship Spa provides a similar service as Hotels and Resorts such as fitness and spa treatment you would sign up for them through the health center. Mineral Spring Spa the most unique of them all provides a variety of hydrotherapy treatments that utilize seawater, natural mineral water, or thermal water.


VACATIONING AT THE SPA By Tundra Alfred CMK TRAVELS

The questions to ask oneself is what type of spa vacation are you looking for, where do you want to go, who will your travel with (solo, couple, girl’s getaway), when do you want to plan your spa vacation, why is a spa vacation important to you? Have you properly planned and budgeted for your ultimate spa vacation? In my personal experience with day spays and destination spas, I have found that planning your spa vacation ahead and either going solo or with someone who vibes with my idea of unwinding assisted with my overall experience. I learned by asking lots of questions and research not to eat heavy meals prior to treatment, drink plenty of water (hydrate) before and after treatment, communicate before services begin if you are getting a massage how you are feeling (stress, tension, soreness) and during your service. I often ask that the room not be too cold. The most important thing I learned was to be calm and leave my cares and concerns out in the parking lot. I know sometimes easier said than done, but in order to relax and enjoy the full experience of your spa vacation or day it’s an absolute must. Would you like to learn of specific destinations or begin the planning and booking process? Contact me at 225-296-9004. of body text


The Journey of Empowerment From the outside looking in, she seemed to have her shit together. If 'FAKE IT TIL YOU MAKE IT' was a person, it would be her. She was raised with a mentality that just gets it done, and with a smile as often as possible. Her Mom and Grandma were strong women and they taught her well. She was proud of them both and of self. Each of them, in their own rights, prided themselves on being strong black women. It wasn't until she was in her late 30's that she began to feel...off. As if, all of a sudden, everything was just not right. Her reflection showed back to her in the mirror with what was becoming a permanent scowl, the creases along her forehead pronounced. The lips, full though they may be, pressed together in a thin line, tight against her teeth as if attempting to hold back a scream or curse. Her almond-shaped eyes narrow slits on her face. She was startled! When had these changed taken place and what had caused them? She still looked the same, technically, but drawn. She looked...weary. Tired. Sad. That was the beginning, and it was hard. Harder than anything she had attempted to conquer up until then, and she had been through some things! It was painful to realize that neither she nor Mommy or Gran were EMPOWERED! Strong, but not operating from a place of power. It hurt to have to acknowledge the chink in not only her own armor but the armor of her sheros as well. It was quite devastating! She found herself in a place where she truly had to unlearn so much of what she thought she knew and allow for new thought, new understanding, new perspective. Not just for self, but for those she cared for too. She would like to tell you that it gets easier, but that would be a lie. Empowerment is not about ease! Not just strength or standing up for yourself and others. Empowerment is also an awareness and ownership of self and ALL that has happened to you, because of you, despite you. Empowerment is acknowledgment and acceptance. It is holding yourself accountable. It's rising to the occasion. It's paying it forward. It doesn't look the same on everybody. It isn't something that is achievable, like a destination. You never 'arrive' at empowerment. Each new awareness brings another thing that you must be made aware of! As if making room for enlightenment! She liked to think of it that way. At first, it would frustrate her, this stacking of better. For a perfectionist to never actually reach the goal is maddening! But she came to the realization that life is. Empowerment IS! Just like happiness or strength. You have to choose it EVERY SINGLE DAY! You take a bit of your control back every day and once you have that piece back, you realize that the piece that fits next to it is missing, so off you go to find it! The search ends when you do. Empowerment, in ANY form, is not a goal! It is a journey. Happy Travels Darlings! December 15, 2021 Shante' Gardere aka The Poetess


G a z i n g I am gazing out of my window Watching the rain make everything new Knowing that it is cleansing and refreshing Thinking of a time when it symbolized sadness Pain Hurt and dismay. I am gazing, gazing into the ending of what was Gazing into a now that is filled with hope. And as I gaze, there are no tears sliding across my face Like before

Running into my ears and silently strangling me. No As I gaze, there is no heartache, no horror at what I have become. As I gaze, there is no trepidation, no fear and surprisingly, no regret Instead, I see the past washing away, I feel the newness deep down in my bones! I know the sun is peeking out from between the clouds at ME! RIGHT AT ME!! Whispering, serenading me, drawing me in. I smell freedom! I taste redemption! and it never tasted so sweet. I am gazing, sun gazing, star gazing, moon gazing, ME gazing!!! Not longingly, for in this instance, I have already arrived. My sabbatical is over, my journey complete. The pane of the window now serving as my mirror. So, for a moment, I close my eyes and imagine Those cleansing drops falling on me, On my heart On my soul On my battered body And I visualize the healing, the renewing of ME! So that when I open my eyes SHE is there The girl I once knew so well. She is scarred, and she is broken, but she is here and she is free!!!! She is, I am, the girl smiling, gazing back at me Shante' Gardere aka The Poetess 3/24/16


HOUSING IS SELF CARE

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SEA MOSS IS SELF CARE

What is Sea Moss Sea Moss is algae called Condrus Cripus also known as Irish Moss. Irish Moss is considered to be a superfood that has been around for centuries. Irish Sea Moss is located and found on the shores of the North Atlantic surrounding Ireland, Europe, and North America. This amazing algae has been used for a long time for medicinal uses. It actually got its name and notoriety because of its major source for food and nutrition during the infamous Ireland Irish Potato famine in the 1800s. Just like a lot of other algae, Irish Sea Moss contains high amounts of nutrients including iron, iodine, magnesium, and calcium just to name a few. This miraculous super seaweed that has been dubbed by Shalonda Harris the owner and operator of 3LHEALTHSPA as “God’s Answer To Everything” is composed of 92 of the102 minerals that have been needed in the body.

The benefits of Sea Moss are endless. It strengthens the immune system, improves the digestive system, it also adds a glow to the skin. It’s even said to be great for colds, inflammation, sexual deficiency, thyroid issues, energy, and again so much more. Let’s face it, too much of anything isn’t good for anyone, so I suggest that you take only the recommended amount which is 2 tablespoons daily. Some take 1 but I wouldn’t take less than 2 tablespoons daily but to each his own. Anything more could cause thyroid issues like hypothyroidism and even thyroid cancer. Make sure you have your doctor know that you’re consuming Sea Moss if you have any concerns. Too much iodine can be harmful to children because iodine toxicity can lead to nausea and diarrhea. Sea Moss is not only great for ingesting, but it does wonders for the largest organ of the body your skin. Yes, that’s right it helps your body produce collagen.


Sea Moss has been nicknamed “vegan collagen”. Of course, you can ingest it and glow from the inside out, but you also have the option of applying it directly to your face for even more of a flow. Simply mix 3 tablespoons of sea moss with a teaspoon of turmeric powder and there you have it “a face mask” Apply the face mask to a clean face. Let it sit on your face for at least 15 minutes, but you could absolutely letit rest there even longer. Once it has dried up, rinse it off with warm to cool water. The Sea Moss helps to moisturize your skin. The turmeric is antibacterial and has antiinflammatory properties which helps to clear or reduce breakouts. It’s the perfect combination to give your skin a beautiful glow.

Shawlonda Harris 3LHEALTHSPA was established in March of 2020 during the historic COVID-19 Pandemic. 3LHEALTHSPA is a company that thrives off helping others reach their optimum health and wellness goals through this wonderful sea vegetation called Sea Moss. It literally benefits the whole body inside and out. If you are interested in purchasing any of our (3LHEALTHSPA) amazing products head over to our website 3LHEALTHSPA.com. To contact us you can reach us at 225*228*8195.


Y FACTOR

Spot Light WAYNE A. HOLLAND


Wayne is born out of Orange, NJ and raised in the New Jersey and New York Metro area. I am a multitude of experiences that has contributed to my life’s testimonies: I am a black man, father, brother, friend, husband, state investigator, professional DJ, community activist, scout leader/eagle scout, youth mentor, physical fitness trainer, business network CEO and most of all a child of GOD

What is your position on the Black Male today? My position on black males today is that we as black men need to embrace our place as leaders in society by leading by example with more positive & empowering actions. There are so many black men that don’t understand their self-value and importance to our communities, families and even self because as black men, we are consistently met with so many challenges daily in this nation that can include :racial profiling/modern day lynching, emasculated within relationships/family/community, mental health challenges, childhood manipulation (about fatherhood, manhood and etc), lack of employment/advancement opportunities and so much more that there needs to be open conversations needed to address many concerns like this within the black male community.


Are you visible in your community? To borrow a saying from hip hop legend rap group LOX artist Jadakiss from his appearance on the national famous show “Verzuz”. He stated “I’m Outside….always come see me”. When I was asked this question, Jadakiss words immediately hit me. Being from Jersey and growing up in some tough environments, this is something that many from our New York & New Jersey hoods would say because it lets people know whether good or bad that you have a presence, you’re not hiding and that if you need “come see”. For me it has always been both worlds …good and bad, having the experience of growing up in these environments has taught me a lot and with these life lessons has enabled me to know how to address concerns in the community from youth mentorship, community empowerment in the crime affected areas, operating a scout program that is the oldest New Jersey African American scout troop, food distribution for community families in need, provide music/event support for the community and provide podcast shows that gives a platform for the community, entrepreneurs, organizations and entertainment. So availability is a part of part of my presence and again like Jadakiss said “I’M OUTSIDE…COME SEE ME”


Tell us a little about ShadowWorldz Incorporated? Well Shadow Worldz Inc is the birth organization from my original crew/business out “U.F.E” out of New York & New Jersey. Shadow Worldz started in 2000 with me and co-founder/best friend “Mike Real” who is presently deceased. We originally started as a DJ organization with squad of DJ’s, music producers, performing artist and followers. We traveled and performed throughout the east coast but mainly in the tristate area of NY/NJ/PA. As time passed, two additional partners came aboard “Big Daryl” who also is deceased, “DJ Hassan Black”, Simone Higgabaum (CEO of Rebirth Inc) as network partner. Shadow Worldz eventually started to evolve into music production, starting an internet radio station, producing nationally syndicated podcast shows (Man Up Talk Show, Relations Talk Show, Every Woman Talk Show, Another Perspective Talk Show and the Unconcealed Talk Show). In recent years we have seen there was a need to address concerns within various black communities and have decided to use our platform and organization as a network to empower & support our communities of color, empower our men/women, youth mentorship and business development. We have had our share of failures but it’s the losses that we have learned from in order to set up for present and future wins

What can we do as men and women to make a world a better place? Just some immediate factors come to mind when it comes to men and women making the world a better place. First factor: we as humans need to have more love for one another. The second factor: we as men and women need to learn, work and network better to build a better economical/wealth building for our families through financial education and financial opportunities through jobs, better business opportunities for entrpeneauers/ small/black owned business that will take away the big companies creating monopolies and third factor support youth empowerment because they are our future. These are just a few factors that come to mind when there needs to a starting point to make a better world.


What is the biggest threat to the existence of a black man? The biggest threat to the existence of black man is the lack of knowledge. I know this is a generalized answer but the facts are real….if we as black men are able to have knowledge of self that we have been placed on this earth for a purpose, understand that we can value and importance for ourselves, family, communities and world. Also, we as black men need to obtain knowledge of our environment good or bad that will help us as men know how to approach and deal with various situations or relationships. In addition, we need to better educate ourselves so that we are knowledgeable enough to compete in this world, mentor our youth, take care of ourselves and our respective families. Lastly have knowledge of self to also be humble enough and respectful enough to understand that education never stops

What woman inspires you and why? There have been so many women that has inspired me as a man but the women that has inspired me has been by phases in my life. The first woman would have to be my mother “mommy” because at an early teen age she had me and without no form of parenting training or support she was the first to teach me love, sacrifice and faith. The second woman would be my sister “Keisha” because she is my friend and she always kept it “real” with me and wasn’t afraid to call me out on my BS especially during my earlier womanizer days (SMH). It was her love, faith and honesty when she told me on the block “the sins of the father will wear upon his son”. From there….her comments hit hard and my life changed forever with her giving me my first bible and walking with me down that isle during an alter call at Abundant Life Church in New Brunswick, NJ.


Lastly, I saved the best for last, and that woman would be my wife, we met at a time when I was running the streets, out in the clubs, heavy in the music industry but things happened and we had a child. Unfortunately time passed and we didn’t have a relationship during our daughter earlier years but as time passed and we going through our own life experiences….I eventually reached the point in my life that I needed to reconnected with God. It was during rough period in my life that I needed to reinvent myself and was able to link up with a strong community church and get counseling from the now deceased pastor Wheeler out of East Orange, NJ… it was after one of our meetings when I came out of the church and by faith I literally ran into my daughter’s mother. I never knew she went to the church, nor did we have contact for years. Pastor Wheeler never knew our connection, but he told both of us that “God” always has a plan. It was from there we reestablished our friendship and relationship and merged our family of five. Since then, she has been my peace and faith support to be a better man. So, 20 plus years later…we are still here!! Lastly,I have to say I have been inspired by the women that I have had past relationships with because it is the relationships whether “good or bad” that has taught me and “humbled me” of my prior ways to be a better version as a man for my sons and daughters.

How can you be contacted and what’s your social media handles? I can be contacted at Email: shadowworldzmedia@gmail.com Website: www.shadowworldz.com (you can fill out the contact us page_ Facebook Page : Mr. Naz of Shadow Worldz Facebook Page: Unconcealed Talk Show Instagram: Shadow Worldz Radio Please like my pages, tune in to our shows, I’m available for bookings (DJ, shows/event hosting and podcast productions) and don’t be afraid to just say “hi”


Embracing Your Worth Dr. Crystal M. Consonery The dream. We all desire it and, on the surface, some of us appear to attain it. The perfect spouse, the kids, the career, the community. However, like any good dream, there is a point when reality steps in and for some that reality brings about an unsalvageable scenario. Often many of us are faced with having to accept that what we thought was the dream was just a beautiful illusion. So, what happens once the dream dies? When that perfect dating relationship ends, or we find ourselves sitting across from our once loving spouse in divorce court. How do we move forward? How do we find the strength to pick up the pieces and dream again? As a Counselor and Life Coach, I work with women on varying issues. However, a large percentage of my clientele are women who are hurt and disillusioned. They have given their all to relationships and now they are unsure of who they are outside of that relationship. It is a tough place to be in. We have all experienced it. I will share with you a fundamental principal that I share with my clients. You must make the intentional decision to embrace your worth. Below is an acronym that will guide you step by step through the process that I call W.O.R.T.H.

Step 1 (W): Welcome the Opportunity to Explore Your Emotions Allow yourself to feel the emotions. When you feel sad or angry pause and ask yourself why. Why are you experiencing this emotion at this moment? Trust me it goes far beyond the fact that the relationship ended. 1. Are you sad because of the loss of the hopes and dreams that were attached to the relationship? If so, how can those hopes, and dreams still be fulfilled in your life? 2. Are you angry? Anger is often a result of an unmet or uncommunicated personal desire. Going into the relationship did you clearly communicate your wants and desires?

Step 2 (O): Own the Role You Played in the Demise of the Relationship When you hurt it is easy to look around and place blame. However, to heal in a healthy manner it is important to be completely honest with yourself and ask the tough questions: 1. What could I have done better in this situation? 2. Were there signs that I disregarded because I simply wanted what I wanted? 3. Were my expectations clearly communicated? 4. Did I truly want the person or was I holding on for what the person could provide? 5. Was I afraid to leave? If so, why? By asking these questions you begin to gain an understanding of what motivated you throughout the relationship. It also provides clarity to a path forward regarding what not to do when entering a new relationship.


Embracing Your Worth Dr. Crystal M. Consonery

Step 3 (R): Relax into Your New Normal This is the point where you accept that the relationship has ended. There may still be some lingering hurt, after all healing, true healthy healing takes time and is unique to everyone. This is where you look around and make the choice to rejoin life. Things are not as they were and that is OK. It is during this part of the healing process that you begin to rediscovery who you are outside of the relationship. You begin to gain a sense of awareness of your true wants and desires in life.

STEP 5 (H): Hone In On Healthy Habits Merriam Webster defines hone as sharpening or making smooth. As you move forward after a breakup resist the urge to indulge in habits that are not beneficial for you physically as well as emotionally. This is a great time to take up exercising or practicing clean eating. As you heal your heart also spend time revamping or sharpening the physical.

STEP 4 (T): Thank God for the Experience Romans 8:28 (NIV) tells us that, “…in all things God works for the good of those who love him…” You must believe that while painful, this experience has brought growth and insight into your life. Take the positives from the relationship and build upon them and count the negatives as lessons to propel you forward.

Breakups are hard, but hard does not have to break you. By implementing the W.O.R.T.H. practical’s you will not only attain emotional healing, but you will begin the journey along the path of discovering who you are meant to be during the next amazing season of your life.


WH A T ’ S IN H A RRIET ’ S W A LLET ? In 2009 , the freedom bell rang when Bitcoin (BTC) arrived on the scene , disrupting the current financial system. Giving the people of the world an alternative to using Government controlled FIAT Money. The crypto currency Bitcoin was adopted by masses of people across the globe as a form of payment for goods and services.

By J O N D I DESIGN

10-years prior to the Bitcoin Evolution; Our world went from analog to digital, in what seems like overnight. Those that were awakened and were privy to the new digital world, they invested and capitalized on the gains seen from Technologies such as Google in 1998.

By that definition alone... a “currency” is accepted by the people as a form of payment for a good or service. Countries, nations, States, also deem their own fiat “country” money. The word crypto means “hidden” in which this crypto- currency term is a pseudo-anonymous Form of payment accepted by enough people throughout the world already—which gives to its rise in value from 2009-2019. Pseudo-Anonymous meaning applies to the sender information or any info recorded in the transaction. The information can be traced but yet the owner's personal data is anonymous.

We all watched as Innovative programs developed and communicated through an invisible system that was enabling a “world wide web of connected data”; allowing the human race to impede on time and space. Operations sped up and turned hustlers, entrepreneurs, at-home businesses, and startups to elevate into household brands and/or large corporations. And The train tracks running this digital train was applications created for us to be able to utilize money as “digital currency”. We use digital currency daily when we transact using our bank linked debit and /or credit cards. No physical money is exchanged or transacted, yet the transaction is recorded on the merchant’s ledger journal and the funding bank ledger and if deposited into merchant’s bank account the transaction is recorded on that banks ledger too Accounting in general requires you to create a “accounting ledger” for all incoming and outgoing activities, with each transaction written as a “line item”


WH A T ’ S IN H A RRIET ’ S W A LLET ? Allegedly, The Federal Reserve is a privatelyowned business contracted by our US government to manage and, exchange, and hold our entire country’s supply of assets and fiat. This Federal Reserve Bank disperses the money supply to your state banks and your state banks send funds to all the local banks , which in turn , gives out loans and financing or even holds the funds from your government and private owned businesses and corporations to in turn pay employees, and those employees pay citizens and the citizens support their communities by transacting at local businesses and pay utilities and also return a portion of their income back to the Government in the form of taxes.

The flow of currency is vital to having what we call “liquidity” and this is where you have your assets on hand. Digital currency allows Banks to in a way “front” like they have the liquidity, even if they really don’t. The process of sending and settling the transactions we as consumers conduct daily, usually leaves the banks in a situation where they have the credit applied as a line item on their ledgers but the actual valuable asset whether fiat or property, or a precious metal is not actually present.

However, we the people “trust” the banks enough to put our wealth, assets, cash etc into bank accounts, not thinking about the fact that if you and I never put our earnings into these accounts within these establishments, they simply wouldn’t exist. However, do you notice now how every store allows you to pay digitally, or online, and your job offers direct deposit? You willingly participate in their financial system, even though their system at times is “worthless”, you as an individual are priceless. Do your own research to confirm what I am saying here.


WHAT’S IN HARRIET’S WALLET? If you understood the message then you can inner-stand how the Current Banking System works, and you will over-stand how the New System of decentralized finance works using >Blockchain Technology,[the technology that Bitcoin is built upon] For example, “The Banks use a ledger system to record transactions, balances, etc; Blockchain Technology is basically a digital ledger system , the difference is it is infinite, and cannot be changed or deleted , used cryptography , and also records transactions, balances, etc. Therefore, each time a Bitcoin is sent or received it’s recorded on the blockchain pseudoanonymously.”

Within the confines of the Digital World and the evolution of e-commerce, Bitcoin became digital gold for those that invested in the coin prior to 2017. In the crypto culture an investor uses the term “HODLER “and many of the Bitcoin investors have seen a return on their investments up to as much as 10,000%. These types of gains have never been seen before. No investment physical or digital has ever in the history of the world topped that high. The entire market alone has seen 2M% in profit returns since its introduction to the world. This became the catalyst for the “transfer of wealth” from the “haves” to the “has nots” a disruption to the world's current financial system.

Present day 2021— Bitcoin (BTC) is more valuable than the USD and the technology has been used to create multiple blockchains, more crypto currencies, and crypto utility tokens. The evolution of this digital ecosystem led to the innovation of developing smart contracts creation using the crypto token Ethereum’s blockchain. Other decentralized applications created all lead to what is termed a “Decentralized Financial System” ..a whole New World! A world with a level playing field and unlimited opportunity to generate wealth. . At this point you may be asking what does any of this have to do with Harriet Tubman or if she had a wallet?


WH A T ’ S IN H A RRIET ’ S W A LLET ? My answer… Harriet Tubman was freeing the slaves, and the system applied was called “the underground railroad”, meaning a road or method used that was “hidden.” Hidden from the government or anyone attempting to control or drive interference in their efforts and goals to “free the slaves” , particularly from the hell and bondage they were in. Even though, that system of slavery was abolished, and times have changed, the fact remains that the enemy now hides in plain sight! Hiding behind Big Bank names and financial practices that lead most of the citizens to debt and struggle.

And if Harriet Tubman did have a “wallet”, in my version of “herstory” ; once she realized that the US Banking system and the truth in what and how fiat money and financial markets work was given to her ; She would have had invested in Bitcoin early on and taught millions how to do it too! Then use those Bitcoin profits to purchase the standard of the future of all the money .. the XRP crypto currency coin and free more and more of her people.

Since, Bitcoin was introduced the opportunity to not only accumulate wealth; but to create new opportunities, existed more abundantly for anyone to expand their professional business; compound on earned interest and maximize returns on investments particularly with-in the crypto space and culture. Also, to know what coins like XRP is used for , would help you make the best long term investment decisions for yourself. It’s not hard to understand why you should enter this decentralized space, but if you have doubts , or If you want to learn more or to get started learning the basics about crypto currency and what blockchain technology really is, please go to www.jondidesign.com/challenges to participate freely in the crypto culture; setting yourself up to start investing in yourself. If you join JONDI’S World there are pre scheduled Classes and Events available for you to book at your convenience.


WH A T ’ S IN H A RRIET ’ S W A LLET ? I am Jonnika Allen , a.k.a. JONDI, the co-owner of JONDI DESIGN INC. and our mission is to inspire just one new desire, through design, education, and technology. We empower businesses and brands to create, invest, and manifest by staying ready and doing your own research. I am not a financial advisor; nothing contained in this article is not to be regarded as financial advice , all the information and my opinion written and stated in this article is based on my personal experiences and research.


VIOLENCE INTERRUPTION C.H.A.N.G.E. is dedicated to developing solutions that interupt and/or prevent the cycle of violence.

Boots on the ground visibility is essential to meeting people where they are. We show up, listen, and work with the community to connect them with available resources .

VIOLENCE/LOSS SUPPORT GROUPS (COMING SOON) Many members of our community are negatively impacted by the trauma inflicted by violence. It is important to create safe spaces and opportunity to heal. Providing our community with a tools to help process, cope and overcome violence is a part of the strategy necessary to restore the health and strength of our communities.

YOUTH OUTREACH & INTERVENTION Many of our members have lost children to violence. We are vigilant about connecting with our youth to help them find alternative solutions to violence.

C.H.A.N.G.E. specializes in identifying solutions that bring our community together. We realize that fostering UNITY is the key to preventing & solving the cycle of violence.


WOMEN BALANCING WORK AND LIFE: IS THERE TRULY A BALANCE BETWEEN WORK AND LIFE FOR CAREER WOMEN? By Tiffany James Work and life balance are defined as “an equilibrium With a shift in the work environment, between paid work activities and unpaid work activities many are balancing multiple priorities that creates a feeling of satisfaction and minimal conflict and increasing challenges as they for the individuals personal and professional obligations. navigate the new norm of working Also, paid work and unpaid work activities do not remotely while working from home. interface, and there are clear boundaries between While this may not be a new profession, career or business versus other aspects that adventure, it is worth discussing for make up your personal life (e.g., family, friends, hobbies, many. Specifically, it may not be new and wellness” (Dhuru, 201 ). The term itself implies to women who have juggled optimal achievement and minimum competition in an competing priorities inside and individual’s personal and professional life. While work outside of the home. However, how and life balance can affect anyone, it is typically framed do you balance it when the competing in a gender-specific dialogue towards women because priorities of work and life are inside they are significantly impacted if they are the primary or your home 24/7? What type of only caregiver within the family unit (Borah & Bagla, barriers can be implemented to 2016). As such, women are more susceptible to ensure there is a balance between experiencing challenges in this area. each sphere?

While different family units vary, women often experience the brunt of work and life imbalance because of other factors. These factors include lack of familial support, personal obligations, professional obligations, time management, and organizational culture. So, just what can women do to balance such competing priorities? While there are no one size fits all solution, there are strategies that can be implemented if women and organizations work collaboratively. For example, taking time off and enjoying a mental health day or days benefits the emotional and physical being. Often termed "self-care," which could mean a variety of possibilities for anyone, ranging from extra needed sleep, enjoying alone time, or reconnecting with

family and friends (Thomas, 2021). If this is not feasible, then begin to explore companies that offer family-friendly policies. For example, search for organizations that normalize sufficient time off for women that do not penalize or promote a negative stigma when using personal or sick time. If possible, become an advocate at your organization that educates and encourages work and life balance strategies for all employees. In return, organizations will understand their corporate responsibility to empower employees, specifically women, inside and outside the workplace.


TMONIQUE Naturals /BY TIFFANY FRANKLIN Good Hair. Good Mood. Good Day

Growing up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana your life consists of three things for sure, great spicy food, laughter and music wrapped in priceless memories you cherish for eternity. As a child, I enjoyed helping others especially my older brother. Born with a natural flavor of style and pizzazz everything was perfect except my disrespectful mane. At the tender age of 10, my mother decided she would no longer endure the hours of maintenance and straighten my kinky coils using what most call “creamy crack” a relaxer. After high school, I pursue my dream of becoming a certified cosmetologist and helping hundreds of women celebrate their natural beauty by not altering their crowns. Shortly after working in the field of cosmetology, I got theitch to accomplish another dream.

My life mantra is go hard or go home. My faith guides my decisions to never give up regardless to what it “looks like”. In 2014, my transition to my natural hair was complete. The stones called life are the stones I used to build my foundation for T Monique Naturals, my nursing degree, and my cosmetology license. My legacy is to create generational change for my family and others. I believe in people and want to see everyone become successful in their own way. As a Wife, a mother, an aunt, and a friend I am Tiffany Monique of T Monique Naturals.

As a natural helper and cheerleader to others, I wanted to become a Registered Nurse. I attend Southern University A & M university to acquire my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Remaining true to my calling, I needed to help people get healthy and nursing was the perfect fix. As a Registered Nurse, I see the good and the bad of life’s decisions. I am grounded in my belief that anything is possible if you keep moving toward your goal. Life is a melody that is written note by note, day by day until it is an original sympathy of joys and sorrows.


ReBirth Magazine EDUCATE- EMPOWER-INSPIRE

A Publication For Women Of A Certain Age


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