Hitting a slump?

Are you losing motivation? Have you recently hit a slump and become complacent or even depressed? Burned out from the stressors of work, life, political tragedies, and become desensitized?! MUST READ! This week’s blog is for you! Mi gente, as humans, we must not allow ourselves to become numb to everything that is happening in the world. As a second generation Chicago Boricua, it is my humane duty to spread that contagious joy to into the world. What happens when our “motivational and active lifestyles” slowly start coming to a halt? What happens when the bright light that shines within you starts to dim? Mi gente, in order to mitigate any sort of change and movement in the world, you must take care of you. Fight for you and find what brings you genuine happiness and joy.

Queens, whatever the battle is, you got this! Whether you’re experiencing trouble staying motivated, going to the gym consistently, making an appointment to see a therapist, becoming more involved in the world, or even getting out of bed, it is time to wake up! There is too much shit happening in the world for us to go about our day as if families are not being torn apart. Life can be quite the challenge, especially having to endure such a hateful political system where legislation allows the separation of families and children from their loved ones. Mi gente, do not become desensitized to the violence that is occurring within our very own cities. Whatever the battle is that you are facing, this slump is temporary and you do have strength to fight and persevere. Mental health awareness & self-care activities are crucial tools for overcoming these dreadful bumps in the road!

How to stay motivated?

Keep it moving, stay busy, get involved in extracurricular activities, and never forget to chase what makes you truly happy! Even if you don’t know exactly what that is, déjate llevar. Be the difference you want to see in this world! For me, that happiness is channeled most when I dance Bomba!

Pride Fest!

Pride fest this weekend was lit! My job, a community center in Lakeview, came out loud and strong in the parade representing all the beautiful LGBTQ+ folks out there! To my surprise, my amiguita, Anaïs and I were featured on the Chicago Tribune as we marched in the Pride Parade!

Dance: Try new things!

My cousin, Zeke, introduced me to an amazing hip hop dance class at Visceral Dance Center. It was there that I met the dopest, most humble hip hop dance instructor! If you want to hear more about his classes, check out his Instagram @imdrew87. If you’re into dance and are up for the challenge, classes are high energy and super dope! The class definitely challenged me and kept me on my toes!

Yoga at Sat Nam

As I continue my weekly practice of yoga for both physical and spiritual purposes, I attended the Soulstice Workshop. During my last class, I had a revelation with a heavy heart. I quietly entertained the thought that I would like to become more politically active; I feel a certain type of way about children being stripped away from their families. We should all feel some type of way about that. That same night, my best friend calls to inform me about the march/protest “Families Belong Together” at Daley Plaza. Funny how the universe likes to work in mysterious ways.

Families Belong Together March

What a wonderful, exciting, thought-provoking protest. I met so many awesome people and bumped into friends and fellow yogis. I have absolutely no words to describe the feeling when I saw the black Puerto Rican flag (representing independence) being waved in the air while a whole group of diverse people of color sang and shouted in unison! My beautiful Latino, Black, Muslim, LGBTQ+, gender non-conforming peeps, and everyone celebrated their identities while fighting for a common cause.

Cuba:

Separation of families and complicated policies brings me to my next topic: my most recent phenomenal trip to Havana, Cuba. As beautiful as it was, I couldn’t help but feel guilty that my incredible stepdad/papastro could not go and see his family after 9+ years. You see, our current political climate and terrorizing Fascist political party are currently prohibiting beautiful people of color from seeing their families! Due to some application delays and complicated Republican policies, shit got complicated and my stepdad wasn’t able to go to Cuba to see his familia. William me dijo, “Tu tienes que ir en mi nombre.” “You have to go in my name.” Throughout my short week there, I felt like I was a part of the family! I definitely gained a new familia and beautiful stepsister. I learned so much about Santería, Afro-Caribbean dances such as Rumba & Orisha, and the significance of Santos. I made many connections between Rumba and Bomba. Next Gordita’s Way blog will draw connections between Afro-Caribbean practices in both Cuba and Puerto Rico, which are both heavily influenced by a religious practice, Santería.