Backpacks at the University of Md. were part of a traveling visual exhibit called Send Silence Packing, which hopes to raise awareness about mental illness and suicide.

Along the busiest sidewalk cutting across McKelding Mall at the University of Maryland, about 100 backpacks dangled along racks. Impossible to miss, they weren’t waiting to be taken to class or to a dorm. In fact, they didn’t belong to anyone at the school.

The backpacks were part of a traveling visual exhibit called Send Silence Packing, which hopes to raise awareness about mental illness and suicide. Created by a nonprofit called Active Minds, those who walked through the exhibit could see each backpack told a story.

Coming from the Campus Drive side of the mall, students were hit with stories of how suicide has cost people a friend or family member. But next to those were other backpacks, featuring the stories of survivors — those still struggling with mental health and working to find help: stories of those who got themselves to a better place.

Scattered about the exhibit on Thursday and talking to fellow students, were members of the Maryland football team.

“The masculine way of handling things is, we don’t talk about it,” said quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa. But that exhibit, he said, “helps people, guys and girls too, open up about if they’re having bad days, or not feeling good, or holding on to something … that they can talk to people they can relate to.”

“It’s hard for us to reach out and speak to someone about our problems, rather than dealing with [it on] our own,” said Jaquan Smith, a cornerback with the Terrapin football team. “We all have that problem, that difficulty with just introducing the topic.”

Another Terp, Robert Smith, said he hit a low point in life a few years ago when his mother passed away from breast cancer. He admitted there were times he wasn’t sure life was worth living.

“Your body is like a water bottle. If you keep filling the water bottle all the way to the top, the water is going to fall out,” said Smith.

“Same with your body. If you keep stuffing your feelings and stuffing your feelings, eventually they’re going to have to come out somehow, some way — and you may not know why.”

He found help and support from others, in part, by allowing others to open up to him.

“As I’ve seen other people be vulnerable, it’s allowed me to be vulnerable,” said Smith. “I do believe if I show somebody that I can be vulnerable with you, I think it makes it that much easier to be vulnerable with me.”

The backpacks on display at University of Md. are part of a traveling visual exhibit called Send Silence Packing, which hopes to raise awareness about mental illness and suicide. (WTOP / John Domen)

With mental health experts and support staff also on hand, that was the whole point of the exhibit.

“The journey is everlasting,” said Joy Sheppard, the director of community programs with Active Minds. “We want them to know that it’s OK to slow down. It’s OK to take care of themselves. It’s OK to put boundaries up and ask for self care, get self care and get resources.”

The exhibit kicked off the school year in College Park, but will travel to college campuses throughout the country. Robert Smith said walking through the backpacks had an impact on him, and it was important to see those other stories of success.

“When you see that somebody is in the same place as you, and was in the same position as you and came out of it better and came out of it a different way … it allows you to think ‘well OK maybe that could be me,’” said Smith.

Walking through the exhibit between classes, Emily Pena, a junior at Maryland, stopped to read some of the stories meant to offer hope.

“Just seeing these kind of made me feel less alone,” said Pena, who mentioned she’s had her own battles with mental health. Reading the stories of success, she admitted “it makes me feel like there’s a way out of those states of where you feel hopeless … things, at one point, will get better.”

“It’s OK to have bad days,” said Sheppard. “A lot of people take everything internal. We want to make sure they know it’s OK to reach out for resources, to break the stigma.”

Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

© 2023 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

Source link

The post Backpack exhibit, Md. football players encourage tackling mental health appeared first on Minds Valley.

The San Diego Union-Tribune will host its own Festival of Books this August, giving many authors a chance to share their voices and expand their reading audiences. It’s very much a great opportunity for newly published author and entrepreneur Jamaal Wesley. He had arranged an exhibit of his book “Authentically Authentic” with its uplifting message of self-honesty and self-acceptance.

San Diego, CA – WEBWIRE – Friday, August 11, 2023

“To be nobody-but-yourself-in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting.” – E. E. Cummings.

At the San Diego Union-Tribune Festival of Books, there are plenty of exhibits with newly published books meant to inspire readers and help those searching for themselves.

And for Jamaal Wesley, that search is exactly what he wants to help with his book “Authentically Authentic: It’s a Journey, Not a Destination.” It will be displayed by the self-publishing and book marketing company at the festival with the hope that its message will continue to encourage more people to be true to themselves.

“Authentically Authentic” is both Wesley’s self-help guide as well as his own brave decision to be vulnerable and tell his life story.

For 15 years, Jamaal worked in insurance despite wanting to pursue more creative passions. But in 2020, he experienced a cancer scare that changed his life and his priorities. Today, he is in the middle of developing his own jewelry line and also hopes to relaunch his life coaching company.

The impact of his 2020 cancer scare really made him realize it was time for him to embrace his own fears, desires, and unconventionalities without judgment. He came to grips with where he was living inauthentically and began consistent work to transform his life to live authentically. In his book “Authentically Authentic,” he provides a roadmap to anyone looking to do the same.

Readers can discover this empowering guide by checking out “Authentically Authentic: It’s a Journey, Not a Destination” at the ReadersMagnet exhibit at the San Diego Union-Tribune Festival of Books. The festival will take place on August 19, 2023, at the University of San Diego, 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA. Get the book on Amazon. For updates about Jamal Wesley’s future projects and publications, visit his website at https://myauthenticbook.com/.

“Authentically Authentic: It’s a Journey, Not a Destination”
Author | Jamaal Wesley
Published date | June 6, 2023
Publisher | Independently Published
Genre | Self-Help

Author Bio
Jamaal is an entrepreneur that is developing a jewelry line called Aheri. The jewelry line is from a queer perspective catering to the themes of inclusivity, self-expression, acceptance and pride. He decided to further his creative passions after a cancer scare in September 2020. Before that, Jamaal spent 15 years working in the insurance industry prioritizing stability and comfort. Little did he know how loudly his heart would speak after his life changing experience in 2020. Since the theme of the jewelry line is rooted in self-expression and staying true to one’s self, Jamaal decided to share his own story of self-discovery with the world. “Authentically Authentic” is his story of transforming imposter syndrome, traditions, and societal pressures which empowered him in embracing his sexuality, forgiving others and living unapologetically. In addition to the jewelry company, Jamaal looks forward to relaunching his life coaching company, Living Enlivened, in the coming months.

( Press Release Image: https://photos.webwire.com/prmedia/55089/309335/309335-1.jpg )

Related Links
Get to know more about the author.
Order a copy of this book on Amazon.
2023 San Diego Union-Tribune Festival of Books

WebWireID309335

 
Jamaal Wesley Sdutfob
Jamaal Wesley
Authentically
Self-help
Sdutfob 2023

Contact Information
Chane Enghog
Author Relations Officer
ReadersMagnet LLC

authorrelations@readersmagnet.com

This news content may be integrated into any legitimate news gathering and publishing effort. Linking is permitted.

News Release Distribution and Press Release Distribution Services Provided by WebWire.

Source link

The post Queer and Self-Empowerment Author Jamaal Wesley to Exhibit Inspiring Book on Authenticity at San Diego Union-Tribune Festival of Books 2023 appeared first on Minds Valley.

The San Diego Union-Tribune Festival of Books is another opportunity for ambitious authors from across categories to showcase books and connect with the audience who needs their message and their stories. That goes for the CEO of Helping Hands, Sasha D. Clayborne, who recently came out with her new book “Glow.” It is a book that not only shares plenty of motivational advice and ideas but also combines them with age-old spiritual truths.

San Diego, CA – WEBWIRE – Monday, August 7, 2023

“This book is for YOU. To focus on you. Master YOU. Learn YOU. Inspire YOU. Grow YOU and just become a GLOW.”

For many new authors across America, events like the San Diego Union-Tribune Festival of Books are a great opportunity to share their work and find more of the audience that needs their message. It’s why even a CEO like Sasha D. Clayborne is eager to hold her book exhibit there (with the help of self-publishing and book marketing company ReadersMagnet).

In her case, she had arranged to exhibit “Glow: The Ingredients & Formula to Winning, Succeeding & Glowing in This World, Without Being Perfect”, the first volume in her “Glow” series of motivational books. Its central focus is the idea of succeeding, winning and glowing without the anxiety of being ‘perfect.’

Like many books in the self-help category, the first volume of “Glow” aims to help people looking for a better direction in life. A lot of the advice is about focusing on the self in a way that will eventually transform the presence one has in the room.

However, aside from helpful advice on mental and emotional development, the book also blends a lot of ideas from various religions, spiritualties, and philosophies to show how universally applicable they are.

Clayborne attributes many of the ideas she shares to her experience as CEO of Helping Hands of Ohio as well as its affiliate foundations. She’s also worked in the areas of theatre and fashion, showing that she is no stranger to the pressures that comes with achieving success. On top of that, she has a strong educational background in psychology and behavioral health.

Visitors to the San Diego Union-Tribune Festival of Books 2023 can learn more about Sasha D. Clayborne’s “Glow: The Ingredients & Formula to Winning, Succeeding & Glowing in This World, Without Being Perfect” goes on display at the ReadersMagnet exhibit. The book festival will occur on August 19, 2023, at the University of San Diego, 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA. Get the book on Amazon.

Author Bio
Sasha is the CEO of Helping Hands of Ohio, Helping Hands Glow Foundation, Sasha D’Nise, GLOW Fashion Wear and Glow Network. She also holds the title of Artist, Actress, Writer, Director, Designer, and Project Creator. With an educational background in Early Childhood Education, Psychology, and Qualified Behavioral Health, she holds a wide range of skills, understanding and having great interests in people’s well-being.

“Glow: The Ingredients & Formula to Winning, Succeeding & Glowing in This World, Without Being Perfect”
Author | Sasha D. Clayborne
Published date | 7/8/2023
Publisher | Amazon
Genre | Self-Help

( Press Release Image: https://photos.webwire.com/prmedia/55089/309136/309136-1.jpg )

Related Links
Amazon
Event

WebWireID309136

 
S.d. Clayborne Sdutfob
Sasha Clayborne
Glow
Self-help
Sdutfob 2023

Contact Information
Cherry Pepito
Author Relations Officer
ReadersMagnet LLC

Contact via E-mail

This news content may be integrated into any legitimate news gathering and publishing effort. Linking is permitted.

News Release Distribution and Press Release Distribution Services Provided by WebWire.

Source link

The post Sasha D. Clayborne’s Guide to Glowing Success Soon to Exhibit at the San Diego Union-Tribune Festival of Books 2023 appeared first on Minds Valley.

Victoria Rader’s book will become everyone’s go-to guide in creating a life filled with abundance, prosperity, and joy.

San Diego, CA – WEBWIRE – Wednesday, May 17, 2023

ReadersMagnet will exhibit “Prosper mE: The 35 Universal Laws to Make Money Work for You” by Victoria Rader at the Hong Kong Book Fair on July 19-25, 2023, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.

ReadersMagnet will exhibit the self-help book “Prosper mE: The 35 Universal Laws to Make Money Work for You” by Victoria Rader at the Hong Kong Book Fair on July 19-25, 2023, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.

The Hong Kong Book Fair is one of the largest book fairs in Asia and a grand event in Hong Kong in the summer. Apart from the chance to own quality books, book lovers will enjoy the diverse cultural activities of the fair. The event features various quality books, brings together global storytellers, and hosts cultural events, making the affair a melting pot of literary wonders.

“Prosper mE” contains 35 Universal Laws that provide practical steps to help its readers create wealth and abundance in all areas of their lives. It teaches people how to manage their finances, receive inspired guidance, and gain knowledge to thrive. The book highlights the idea of breaking free from limiting beliefs and living the life they have always dreamed of by tapping into the power of abundance.

Everyone desires wealth and abundance, but does everyone have the tools to create it? Does everyone have the knowledge and skills to transform their lives from mundane to miraculous? The answer to these questions can be found in “Prosper mE” by Victoria Rader. The book is well-written and replete with compelling information and thorough explanation. It also contains essential exercises and activities that readers can use daily.

Victoria Rader’s book will become everyone’s go-to guide in creating a life filled with abundance, prosperity, and joy. “Prosper mE” will make its readers’ journey easy and enjoyable. It will unlock all possibilities to attract prosperity into every person’s life.

Order a copy of “Prosper mE: The 35 Universal Laws to Make Money Work for You” by Victoria Rader on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Learn more about Victoria Rader and her works by visiting her website: https://yu2shine.com/.

Take advantage of the book’s display at the Hong Kong Book Fair on July 19-25, 2023, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.

Author
Victoria Rader is a Possibility Coach™ and transformational speaker. Victoria is a Ukrainian-born, internationally best-selling author of 6 books and founder of YU2SHINE.com. She has created the Empower-mE app and Free mE EFT and Quantum Freedom techniques to help her clients achieve peace, purpose, and prosperity. With a Ph.D. in Metaphysical Studies and certifications in various energy healing modalities, Victoria empowers her clients to shift their mindset and overcome subconscious limitations to achieve physical healing, financial success, and improved relationships. She also teaches the practical application of universal/God’s laws for people of faith and spiritual seekers. In 2022, along with Richard Branson and others, Victoria received the CREA GLOBAL AWARD for her creative and innovative ideas, adaptability in business, and contribution to sustainability and mental health projects.

“Prosper mE: The 35 Universal Laws to Make Money Work for You”
Author | Victoria Rader
Genre | Self-help
Publisher | Ignite Publishing
Published date | June 21, 2022

( Press Release Image: https://photos.webwire.com/prmedia/55089/305173/305173-1.jpg )

Related Links
Order a copy of this book on Amazon.
Order a copy of this book on Barnes & Noble.

WebWireID305173

 
Readersmagnet
Victoria Rader
Prosper Me
Self-help
Hong Kong Book Fair 20

Contact Information
Herolen Pestolante
Author Relations Officer
ReadersMagnet LLC

Contact via E-mail

This news content may be integrated into any legitimate news gathering and publishing effort. Linking is permitted.

News Release Distribution and Press Release Distribution Services Provided by WebWire.

Source link

The post ReadersMagnet will Exhibit Victoria Rader’s Book at the 2023 Hong Kong Book Fair appeared first on Minds Valley.