HIATUS

For months now I've been toying with the idea of starting this digital book club in the hopes of reigniting my own love of literature. Books, for me at least, were always a tool I used to temporarily escape the anxiety and sadness in my own world, in favor of hundreds of others I could afford to get lost in. Reading books taught me how to see the bigger picture in what seemed to be a small, inconsequential existence. It gave me the imagination and hope necessary to dream of a bigger and better reality for myself. Books taught me the importance of advocating for oneself, leading with love and chasing one's dreams fearlessly. Now, in a time where there seems to always exist more good than bad in this world, I want to help myself and those like me find that sense of escape; that healthy coping mechanism that might have just enough power to remind us to keep hoping, keep dreaming big and keep pushing forward. With that being said I hope you all take a few moments to ...

By choosing to share her personal experiences with us regarding her struggles with acknowledging and seeking treatment for her mental illness, Gabbie sheds light on several positive mental health and self care practices. Read on to find a personal account on why acknowledgement is only ever the first step in getting better.  My name is Gabbie and I am empty. Empty? What does empty even mean?  I am filled with thoughts and organs; my body takes action and yet, somehow I am feeling...empty? I mean, sure I struggle to be content from time to time, but I’m 21 and that’s how life is supposed to be right? I’ll admit it, sometimes the slightest annoyance will cause me to have severe angry outbursts! But I’m Italian and Mexican! I was just born with a fiery personality, right? And yes I like to drink alcohol in excessive amounts until I blackout but that is solely because I’m young and still learning my limits! That all has to be true, right?  Nope. Not at all the cas...

As a gentle reminder, we are all different people. Self care has no clear cut set of instructions/actions. What works for me or you may not work for everyone else. This is not an instruction manual, rather, a perspective. Transition can be difficult. Fall is here, which means school, work and all of your responsibilities are probably hitting you full force. While it may be a generally exciting time, it can also be mentally and emotionally draining. In consequence, it could be straining your relationship with yourself and others.  Self care is the answer, but what does that look like? Self care isn’t (as the internet might have you believe) all bubble baths and face masks. It is a choice you have to make every day to respect yourself and your purpose on this earth. You are the first person who needs to love, value and respect you. That is a standard you have to establish. Establish a Routine: A sense of consistency and regularity can work wonders for some...

Poetry Sessions 001: From A Whisper To A Scream It is so difficult to ask for help when you feel like your feelings or troubles will impact your loved ones in a negative way. Sometimes, their response might even make you feel worse than you felt when you decided to confide. This in turn makes it even more difficult for you to try again, which creates a vicious cycle. Oftentimes I think it's easy for us to feel as though we are burdening other people with our feelings or our issues. Even though we know we need help, it's hard to ask it of people who can't necessarily empathize or don't particularly understand. It's also difficult when we have people in our support systems who might personalize our issues and be offended or hurt by them. I know for me personally, (someone who has been diagnosed with depression and anxiety for years), it's hard to feel as though the people in my support system should have to deal with what seems to be my never-ending neg...

“...Understanding the necessity of each experience.” - Fantôme Duality. The third and latest solo collection in Fantôme’s repertoire emphasizes the importance of accepting each event intended for one’s life. Tonight, join us as we embrace existence on a larger scale; shedding futile gender-based restrictions and receiving fashion as the true art form it is. Duality, reconciling an invariable past, a tenseless present and the imminent nature of the future awaiting us all. Tickets available: Duality.