AFFIRMATIONS: WHAT ARE THEY?

14 Comments / Health, People /

Affirmations are phrases or statements that, when you repeat them regularly (either out loud or to yourself), can shift negative thought patterns and promote positive thinking, self-esteem, and motivation. Affirmations, also referred to as positive affirmations, are phrases that, when repeated regularly, can change negative thoughts and behavior patterns, per the Cleveland Clinic.  They can be said aloud or to yourself. These statements are usually intended to help shift thinking from negative to positive, motivate an action, reduce stress, persevere through difficult times, and increase self-confidence and well-being. “Affirmations help build and improve your self-esteem. They can also act as a way of challenging and replacing your negative and anxious thinking when it comes to stress, depression, physical pain, and anxiety,” says Lee Phillips, LCSW, EdD, a psychotherapist.  Affirmations do this by replacing negative self-talk, explains Dr. Corey Yeager; author and marriage and family therapist.  For example, if you made a mistake and then think, “I’m so stupid,” Yeager says, you’re unintentionally using a negative affirmation. But if you can spot the negative affirmation, there’s an opportunity to change it to a positive one. In this case, you might tell yourself: “I can learn from my mistakes.” One psychological theory of self-affirmation comes from research on the self-carried out in the 1980s by Claude M. Steele, PhD, a social psychologist. His theory is that when people have thoughts or experiences that threaten the way they think about or perceive themselves, they are motivated to restore their self-image. Steele suggested that people generally want to have a positive image of themselves, so when they experience a threat to that image (such as somebody telling them they’re not good at something), they tend to affirm their sense of self — which, in turn, allows them to handle these threats in a more secure, balanced way.  The affirmation is a strategy to help navigate that stressful situation. Read More From This Writer All Post Art Books & Poems Business Community Education Entertainment español Food & Culture Health Interviews Media Military & Veterans Music Peace People Politics Sports AFFIRMATIONS: WHAT ARE THEY? December 18, 2023/No Comments Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Read More… Read More MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS October 4, 2023/1 Comment In this edition, I hope to educate and inform about medicinal mushrooms, specifically about lion’s mane mushrooms. Lion’s mane mushrooms,… Read More CALL FOR ARTISTS! July 1, 2023/No CommentsRead More Load More End of Content.

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THE ONGOING STRUGGLE FOR LATINO REPRESENTATION IN LOCAL MEDIA

Media /

About a month and a half ago, I had the opportunity to be a guest on the WBFO podcast, “Buffalo, What’s Next?” hosted by Lorenzo Rodriguez. During my visit to the Buffalo Toronto Public Media studios, where WBFO is located, we delved into discussions about my upbringing on Buffalo’s Lower West Side and explored the narrative behind my documentary film, “Boricua Soy Yo.” The experience was fulfilling, but it also sheds light on the stark reality of Latino representation in Buffalo’s local media landscape.  A Farewell to a Much-Needed Voice: After the podcast was completed, Rodriguez revealed that he had just submitted his two weeks’ notice and that he was leaving his position as Producer/Reporter at WBFO. Although I respect his reasoning behind his decision to leave his position at the station, out of respect a conversation I will not share here, Rodriguez’s departure was disheartening, as his voice and unique perspective were precisely what our community needs in local Buffalo media. There aren’t too many of us telling our stories to the public and this unfortunate truth became even more evident as I toured WNED Studios, the home of WBFO, witnessing a noticeable lack of diversity within the building and being reminded of the lack of diversity on the other local news outlets here in Western New York.  Diversity Deficiency in Buffalo Media: A deeper investigation into Buffalo Toronto’s Public Media’s social media pages only underscored the scarcity of diversity in their staff. It became clear that our local media outlets were failing to adequately represent the rich tapestry of the Buffalo/Western New York Latino community. The lack of genuine interest in our stories and the tokenistic approach to diversity left me frustrated and disappointed. Although I found myself disappointed in what I saw at Buffalo Toronto Public Media, this isn’t a recent or new occurrence, as there is quite a history of neglect when it comes to how the Latino community of Western New York is covered and represented in our local media stations.  When I reflect on my time as an Operations Engineer at WKBW News Channel 7, I recall how Puerto Ricans were only ever featured in the news when they were in handcuffs or participating in events like the Grease Pole Festival. This historical neglect and misrepresentation fueled my determination to leverage my background and media experience to bring attention to our community, our stories, and our unique perspectives, through my films and my writing within this very publication known as The Buffalo Latino Village.  It would be disingenuous if I were to write that the coverage of Latinos in local media has been completely lacking in recent years, especially with recent stories covering The Hispanic Heritage Council’s Niagara Street project, this coverage, however, seems to be solely exclusive to a small club of Buffalo Latinos.  This realization is especially frustrating when one looks at how diverse our Latino community is and how many more stories there are that seem to go all but unnoticed.  Taking Charge of Our Narrative: The frustration stemming from the perpetual oversight of the Latino community by local media outlets motivated me to take matters into my own hands. It became clear that we cannot rely on external entities to accurately represent our interests or share our stories.  In response, I’ve committed to using my platform and skills to amplify our community’s voices, ensuring that our narratives are told authentically and with the nuance they deserve.  My experience on the WBFO podcast was a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for Latino representation in Buffalo’s local media.  As I witnessed the departure of a valuable voice and observed the lack of diversity within local media organizations, the urgency to tell our own stories became even more apparent.  It is time for the Buffalo/Western New York Latino community to take charge of our narrative, using our voices and experiences to fill the void left by a media landscape that consistently falls short of representing our vibrant and diverse community.  We cannot rely on others, we have to “do for self.” Read More From This Writer All Post Art Books & Poems Business Community Education Entertainment español Food & Culture Health Interviews Media Military & Veterans Music Peace People Politics Sports THE ONGOING STRUGGLE FOR LATINO REPRESENTATION IN LOCAL MEDIA December 18, 2023/No Comments Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Read More… Read More THE SWEET AND BRAVE SOUNDS OF SON JAROCHO MUSIC November 10, 2023/No Comments On the crisp evening of Friday, October 20th, I had the pleasure of experiencing the beautiful sounds of Son Jarocho… Read More ENTERTAINING, INSPIRING, AND INFORMING  THROUGH FILM October 1, 2023/1 Comment  On Monday, September 25th, I had the great pleasure of presenting my film, “Boricua Soy Yo” at a free public… Read More Load More End of Content.

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The Good Friend – El Buen Amigo: SANTIAGO MASFERRER

1 Comment / Business, Community /

For the final issue of the year, I wanted to spotlight an individual who has a business that we all can get behind and support for the holiday season, a business connected to an organization that helps the Latin American community – and we found the perfect one!  So as the title of the article might have clued some of you, I’m going to place the spotlight on Santiago F. Masferrer, founder and executive director of El Buen Amigo/Latin American Cultural Association (LACA), and a long-time community activist. Mr. & Mrs. Masferrer I met Santiago many years ago. I was living in Tonawanda at the time, but I believe I learned of his organization and had the pleasure of meeting him during Buffalo’s Elmwood Arts Festival. So if you’ve been lucky and been to the place, you already know it is much more than just an organization. It is a place to shop for Latin Arts and Culture.  AND YOU STILL CAN SHOP – while supporting this nonprofit organization (Latin American Cultural Association), involved in education and culture in the Buffalo community while supporting Latino artists from other countries.  I remember the first time I visited El Buen Amigo. I felt “The Good Friend Energy” as soon as I stepped in the doorway. It was like I had teleported to a time when I could still be with my Abuelo y abuela.  The place was arranged by regional area at the time. So you might have a section where traditional Mexican items occupy a space. You will also see an area where you can purchase Brazilian or other areas with items unique to the culture!   You could get a sense of the similarities of items based on the area it was acquired from. And you can see where some areas of Central and South America and The Caribbean have influence in other areas of the world!  Santiago has operated and managed El Buen Amigo for over 30 plus years. Prior to El Buen Amigo, Santiago was a member of PODER and PRCC, and he worked as a Correctional Officer at Attica where he went out of his way to be of help to the inmates, especially introducing them to their culture and education.   El Buen Amigo was established by LACA to help promote and market a fair-trade price for authentic items crafted in many Latin American and Caribbean countries. When you shop there for your Holiday Gifts and future gift-giving times – for your entire family – you’ll be assured that much of the proceeds go directly back to the artists and artisans who created them – many by hand! Many will not have an identical pair. Leaving you with the awesomeness of buying and gifting the most unique items to everyone you know!   Shopping at El Buen Amigo this season and beyond, helps to continue the effort of teaching Spanish to the non-Spanish speaker. As well as, availing Santiago, go and others that work/volunteer the ability to professionally translate for other people, organizations, and companies!   Santiago is a loving husband, adored father and Abuelo! He is one of the most beautiful people I know in Buffalo! He has dedicated many years to the Elmwood Village area. Any time you see him you can be sure your conversations will be eye-opening!  If you want to know more about Santiago Masferrer and El Buen Amigo, visit them at 144 Elmwood Avenue, right off Allan Street. You will walk out knowing that LACA gives a beautiful, cultural face to Buffalo’s city of good neighbors, including yours as you walk out the place with a satisfying smile.  Enjoy the season with family and friends and have a Prosperous 2024! Read More From This Writer All Post Art Books & Poems Business Community Education Entertainment español Food & Culture Health Interviews Military & Veterans Music Peace People Politics Sports The Good Friend – El Buen Amigo: SANTIAGO MASFERRER December 18, 2023/No Comments Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Read More… Read More AGELESS NINJA November 1, 2023/No Comments Many of you may know, watched, or have heard of the show American Ninja Warrior. For those who have never… Read More LEADING WITH LOVE THROUGH DANCE October 4, 2023/4 Comments Thinking of the first time I met this fantastic human – my first thought was that she looked like she… Read More Load More End of Content.

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