Maryann Clark

Hi! If you are a regular here, I know you are silently wondering 𝔀𝓱𝔂 I've become less active on this public platform. While I know I am not 🆁🅴🆀🆄🅸🆁🅴🅳 to give you an explanation, I want to be transparent as possible because I understand many suffer in silence and shame. As a self proclaimed mental health advocate, its important for me to speak my truth about the struggles I am currently facing.⠀ ⠀ It's been a rough 2020 for our family behind the scenes. While I have shared the repercussion of invalidated feelings/incidents/emotions of my teens around racial discrimination from the school system, I have not shared the intensity of how its lasting effects have affected my daughters. Whatever you think it is, multiply that by 10 and that's only the tip of the iceberg. While what they experienced is nothing near what POCs have faced specifically the Black community, trauma is trauma and we need to address it, heal from it, and learn how to move forward with resiliency.⠀ ⠀ So I decided to pull back from this platform to 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙯𝙚 my family's mental health. It takes an extreme amount of energy to support those you love unconditionally. As a recovering people pleaser and codependent, I want everyone to be happy all the time and if they are not, I am very very uncomfortable with that.⠀ ⠀ Here are the realities of life that I've learned:⠀ 『1』All people really want is to be validated and accepted 𝕒𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕪 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕣𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕟𝕠𝕨.⠀ 『2』It is 🄽🄾🅃 🅈🄾🅄🅁 🄹🄾🄱 to make other people happy. They need to do that for themselves. [read that again]⠀ 『3』To support other's in a healthy manner, you must 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒛𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇.⠀ 『4』There are blessings and celebrations even in the midst of anguish. Celebrate.⠀ 『5』You are stronger than you believe. Keep moving forward. You got this!⠀ ⠀ When I am in deep despair, I look to scripture for truths about my life. I will transform the scripture as a statement about myself. Changing 'we' for 'I am' is extremely powerful. If you haven't done this exercise before, I highly recommend you try it. ⠀ ⠀ Swipe ▶️ to see how this scripture transforms. Thank you for being here!

Would you rather be right OR have a relationship?⠀ ⠀ This thought provoking question is from a sermon I listened to recently. It also was a question that I've been asking myself as the citizen of this nation and how polarized perspectives are breaking down relationships within our homes, families, communities, and throughout the world. It seems as if being 100% 'right' is the only option.⠀ ⠀ But what if it isn't?⠀ ⠀ What if we choose to be compassionate towards each other and listen to what they have to say. Let's be real, when anyone has an opposing perspective to yours or vice versa, everyone will stand their ground. No one truly hears what the opposing party has to say and we are only listening to react NOT respond.⠀ ⠀ Here's what I've learned as a certified Mindset Coach.⠀ ‼ All anyone wants is to validated.⠀ ‼ There's always hurt behind a raised voice.⠀ ‼ Everyone has inner work to do.⠀ ‼ Anger is a defensive reaction and not the true feeling behind a enraged response. Hint: It's usually fear.⠀ ‼ Boundaries are important.⠀ ‼ A compassionate listening ear serves as a gentler vehicle to changing perspectives and opinions.⠀ ⠀ We so desperately need radical compassion and empathy if we want to survive these pandemics, coin shortages, mystery seeds 🤷🏻‍♀️ , and murder hornets.⠀ ⠀ Sooooo....do you want to be right or have a relationship?

Happy 18 to us! It's been quite a challenging year for our family. We have been pushed out of our individual comfort zones, rebuilt our communication style, went after our dreams, gone to therapy, and placed boundaries around our relationship/family life. What people don't see is the amount of work and pure grit it took to get this far in our marriage. We've come a long way from recovery meetings, relapses, screaming matches, and threats of divorce. I'm proud that we never gave up on US because we wouldn't have the relationship we have right now - even in this exact moment in time. I am so proud of US. We are where we are today because we decided years ago to put God first, be team players, and create space for both of us to be individuals. I am forever grateful I am able to build this life and family with you. We've done so much with so little. We continue to move forward even when it seems absolutely impossible. Thank you for loving me like you do. You are my favorite. Love you forever and a day. 😘 📷 circa 1999 = 22 years together

Challenge accepted. ⠀ I appreciate you, @mrszlsmith. ⠀ ɪ ʀᴀɪꜱᴇ ᴜᴘ ᴍʏ ᴠᴏɪᴄᴇ, ɴᴏᴛ ꜱᴏ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ɪ ᴄᴀɴ ꜱʜᴏᴜᴛ, ʙᴜᴛ ꜱᴏ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴛʜᴏꜱᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜᴏᴜᴛ ᴀ ᴠᴏɪᴄᴇ ᴄᴀɴ ʙᴇ ʜᴇᴀʀᴅ. ᴡᴇ ᴄᴀɴɴᴏᴛ ᴀʟʟ ꜱᴜᴄᴄᴇᴇᴅ ᴡʜᴇɴ ʜᴀʟꜰ ᴏꜰ ᴜꜱ ᴀʀᴇ ʜᴇʟᴅ ʙᴀᴄᴋ.⠀ - ᴍᴀʟᴀʟᴀ ʏᴏᴜꜱᴀꜰᴢᴀɪ⠀ ⠀ 📸 : @philamer @azasianchamber

I've taken some time to prioritize my mental health and the mental health of my family. It hasn't been an easy last few weeks and to be honest 2020 just plain sucks. I am thankful to I have my faith to stand on, all of the tools/exercises that I learned in therapy, and that I am medicated during this season. If you are struggling just like me, please read all that I have complied and share in today's post.

Love learning new things about my Filipino heritage!!! #Repost @filamlearners (@get_repost) ・・・ Today in the U.S. we celebrate the 4th of July, the day we gained Independence from Great Britain. But did you know there is also a connection between the U.S. and the Philippines on July 4 as well? I truthfully didn’t realize there is a Philippine-American Friendship Day — it was not highlighted in my studies at school nor do I recall any of my relatives celebrating this day in my lifetime . . I learned that July 4 was initially considered the Independence Day of the Philippines from U.S. rule. It was considered to be so from 1946 up until 1962, when President Macapagal changed the official date to June 12, when independence was declared against Spain in 1898. . However, with the long-standing relationship between the Philippines and the U.S. at the time, 4th of July was later celebrated as “Philippines Republic Day” and later renamed “Philippine-American Friendship Day” to honor the political & historical ties between these 2 countries. 🇺🇸🇵🇭 . It piqued my curiosity for sure and is amazing to uncover so much from history.

Creating this therapy garden has been a way for me to not only help my family mentally by getting them outside for some Vitamin D and fresh air; physically with fresh produce; AND trying to do my part by upcycling items that others are selling via online selling apps. About 80% of the items I have sourced are from there because well I'm cheap and I am always looking for a good deal. Well TODAY was my ultimate bargain and upcycle. The best FREE garden item was delivered today via Chip Drop!!! AN ENTIRE TRUCK LOAD OF MULCH 🤯🤯🤯😂😂😂 Chip Drop will match you up with an arborist in your area that will drop off an ENTIRE truck load of mulch for FREE. Instead of going to the dump. THE CATCH: You don't know when it'll be. Well that was TODAY 🤯 and I wasn't ready for it. I had a 15 minute window of notification.🤦🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️ Thankfully we live in an amazing town and our FRAMILY next door volunteered to help me move it to our side yard in 100° heat. They didn't leave until the entire mountain of mulch was moved over and the driveway was cleaned. Which took us about 4 hours to move with 4 people working. 😭 On top of that, a teenage boy in our neighborhood came by and asked if he could help as well. Blessed to live in a community where people just step up and help. Also if you want mulch or wanna start composting. I have enough brown and green items for the rest of my life. Come by and take as much as you want! #notsponsored

THIS GROUP PROJECT SUCKS!!!! To the people who have decided to not participate in physical/social distancing or mitigating in solidarity of the human race - PLEASE participate in this group project. As a family with members who have compromised immune systems, we are tell you to HELP US. We cannot do this alone! We must work together on this group project called SOLIDARITY/SAVE THE HUMAN RACE.⠀ ⠀ For those who are continuing to Shelter-In-Place, I'm sorry. I know this is emotionally and physically taxing. Hopelessness has taken over your mind. Anxiety is at an all time high. People have lost their jobs and have no source of income. Relationships are strained. You didn't get the stimulus check. You are depleting your savings at a rapid rate. Your retirement accounts have tanked. You are tired of entertaining the kids day in and day out. Cabin fever is extremely high and you feel like a caged animal. I am right there with you! My family of seven is not doing well mentally and we are doing the best we can - everyday. It is not easy but we are trying.⠀ ⠀ Keep trying.⠀ Keep moving forward.⠀ Do the best you can. Know that is enough.⠀ Reach out if you need someone to talk to. You are not alone.⠀ ⠀ "I CAN'T BREATHE" is not a viable excuses for not wearing a mask. Healthcare professionals have to REUSE their personal protective equipment because there is a shortage - you CAN wear a mask for 30 minutes while you run to the store. If you can't wear a mask/neck gaiter/bandana/scarf, do not go out in a public space. I know so many nurses and people who work in hospitals that tell me their hospitals are becoming overrun by COVID positive patients. THIS IS REAL.⠀ ⠀ WORKING FROM HOME is a PRIVILEGE. There are many in this world that have no choice but to come in contact with people because it's part of their job description. Respect their health and wear a mask. They have family at home who are at risk but can't stop working because they have no other option of how to provide for their family. ⠀ ⠀ The only way we will get through this is TOGETHER.⠀ ⠀ Praying for you all. Please pray for us.

Over the past few weeks, the family and I have begun to transform our side yard into an urban garden. Since the Arizona COVID-19 numbers have increased dramatically, we have continued to shelter in place. As a family with multiple members with compromised immune systems, we have made the decision that it is better to be cautious. ⠀ ⠀ This self isolation has posed numerous mental health challenges for each person in our family. Along with helping the teens heal from bullying in the form of racial discrimination with a therapist that specializes in trauma and PTSD. I knew I needed to be creative in finding something everyone could benefit from while still being home. So I began to research garden therapy. This began an enormous amount of research on gardening in Arizona. I've learned so much in a short amount of time! I cannot wait to show you our progress and how it's already helps our family in the last few weeks.⠀ ⠀ If you have a garden in the desert, what have you planted successfully and what are you planning for fall? As a newbie urban gardener, I wanna hear all your tips!

I've known @danielleemorgan for a few years now. Her faith is Our Father is deep. Her leadership is what I aim for. When she spoke about The Brave Collective digital magazine, I knew I had to partner with her and her amazing team. She asked me to share one of the darkest times in my life and I bravely agreed. I pray this article brings hope to those who suffer in silence. While questioning why they feel broken and alone. YOU ARE NOT BROKEN. YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE FIXED. YOU ARE WORTHY OF HEALING. You just need a little bit of help with hard feelings and emotions. Asking for any type of help is EXTREMELY brave. Facing the dark parts of yourself isn't easy but it is absolutely worth it. Jesus' love and daily mercies are what I held onto in the depths of my depression. Know you can take courageous steps forward towards the light and feel free from the shame of mental illness. I am testament that He takes your trials and turns them into your testimony. #Repost @thebravecllctv (@get_repost) ・・・ Self care isn't just important, it's necessary for our health and our ability to thrive.⠀ ⠀ But how do you know when your stress is something worse?⠀ When is it time to ask for help?⠀ ⠀ This week, we have a special guest, @thefilipinomom, sharing her incredible story of an unexpected pregnancy in her 30's followed by the realization and acceptance of depression and her journey toward healing.⠀ ⠀ You can read her story over on the blog now: LINK IN BIO

Three years ago, I began a journey of finding out who 'Maryann' was besides a mom of five and a wife of 18 years. My girls were becoming young adults, my husband started chasing after his dreams, my son was climbing on everything, and I was a shell of myself. I was lost. I didn't know who I was anymore. I fell into a deep depression. With the help of my doctor, I increased my meds and began to look within myself. Therapy was painful, scary, and filled with so much emotion. I was dark and hopeless. Thankfully, I was able to find an amazing acupuncturist who worked with me weekly until I began to come out of my darkness. Weekly appointments turned into bi-weekly appointments then every three weeks. I threw myself into things I had never done before - I joined MOPS at our local church and started to look for things that I was interested in. Yes this is when I began to hoard all the houseplants! #plantlady In the middle of all this healing, family tragedy happened and I knew I couldn't be silent about my struggles with mental health anymore. I was tired of the shame I felt because I had depression and anxiety. So I began to write and write and write. The Filipino Mom blog launched over a year ago and I felt FREE. I wasn't hiding behind a fake smile anymore. I could just NOT be ok and be sad and struggle without fear of judgement. I felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit that I needed to do more. This nudge became extremely persistent. I knew I wanted to serve my community but I didn't know how - until I met Nicole. She helped me free myself from what was holding me back and I knew I wanted to do the same for others. So I went back to school to get my certification for Transformational Life Coaching and graduated at the beginning of this year. Long story - long, today I am announcing my life coaching business - Radiate Life. I am extremely proud of this company and all that it stands for. Please read my latest blog post [link in my bio] for the reason behind the name and how you can get on my inaugural GROUP COACHING PROGRAM waitlist!!! WWWWWHHHHHHAAAAAAAA.... Who's life is this??????

🅂🄿🄴🄲🄸🄰🄻 🄰🄽🄽🄾🅄🄽🄲🄴🄼🄴🄽🅃 🅃🄾🄼🄾🅁🅁🄾🅆 🄰🅃 🄽🄾🄾🄽 𝕁𝕠𝕚𝕟 𝕞𝕖 𝕠𝕟 𝕀𝔾 𝕝𝕚𝕧𝕖

If you have a dream/goal/aspiration/idea, GO FOR IT. SIX months ago, this was an idea I pitched to these extremely busy boss moms. TOMORROW is our launch!! #Repost @lynnesays ・・・ |[ WE LAUNCH TOMORROW! ]| Over the past 6 months, I have been working with these incredibly, amazing ladies in the nooks and crannies of life to help bring light to the unique experience of motherhood, especially within the Filipino community. • I'm excited to announce that tomorrow, we launch the Filipino Momcast! 🇵🇭🎙 • It's an honor to share the mic with Roanne (@kalamansijuice4u), a 1st generation Filipino-American immigrant, mom of 4, and psychotherapist based out of Solano County in CA. She brings such compassion and wisdom to the conversation that really helps bridge the gap between the Filipino and western culture. She truly has a gift and I can't wait to share her with you! • And, it's always been a blessing to walk life with Maryann. Others might know her as @thefilipinomom, but for the past 2 decades, I've only know her as my best friend. As a prayerful wife and mom of 5, she has not only been instrumental in my development as a wife, mom, and friend, but over the decades we've been able to cultivate a low-maintenance as-is friendship that has been powerful beyond measure. There's no doubt about the impact it has played into who I am today. Sharing the mic with her is such an honor and I cannot wait for you to hear from her! • So, if you feel led to lend us your ear, we'd love to extend the conversation to you as we take the mic and tackle this journey together. • Here we go! ☺️ • • • @filipinomomcast #FilipinoMomcast

Happy Juneteenth! I know it may seem like my content has changed. Please hear me out - this is not a trend. This is allyship. ✊🏽 I am continuing to educate myself. The latest book I'm reading is White Fragility. I hope you offer yourself the same openness to learning about a different perspective. ✊🏾 I will continue to use this platform to educate others on how this country was built as well as give mental health support for the Filipino community. ✊🏿 I will begin to supporting local black organizations and businesses. As a member of the AZ Asian Chamber of Commerce, I would highly recommend you check out our latest business spotlight. If you are in the Valley, please also follow BLM Phoenix. Thank you for being here. While it may seem like this is because of the current climate of our world, know that I am also living this in real life. Racial discrimination and biases are real! I have seen it through my own children and I cannot stand by and do nothing. I have to do the right thing - treat everyone like human beings.