Zaria's Footsteps

09/10/2025

✨ Today, on National Su***de Awareness Day (Sept 10), we honor every soul lost too soon. In remembrance, we invite you to join Zaria’s footsteps by lighting a candle 🕯️—a symbol of hope, love, and the light that continues to shine for those we’ve lost. 💜💙

Let this be our reminder: you are never alone, and your story matters. 💌
👉 Light your candle. Share your light. Start the conversation. Together, we can break the silence.
***deAwareness

09/10/2025

🦋Living the Narrative🦋

Just like a book, our lives tell a story. But stories are meant to be lived, not hidden.

Today isn’t just about posting a hashtag. Su***de awareness means turning pages of honesty, empathy, and care. It’s choosing to live openly with no masks, no pretending, no fake personas.

Every chapter we live with authenticity can inspire someone else to keep going. Every story lived with hope can give someone wings.

This Su***de Awareness Day, let’s not just say the words—let’s live the narrative.

To see more of our story, view the comments below. Every story matters. And every life matters.

***dePrevention ***dePreventionDay

08/30/2025

Su***de Prevention is 365 days. However September is National Su***de Prevention And Awareness Month. Here's a source for our youth who maybe struggling 💚

🗣 Introducing Gamma Guardians

Gamma Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. is proud to launch Gamma Guardians, a youth-centered initiative dedicated to protecting, supporting, and uplifting the mental health of our communities. 💚🖤💛

A Gamma Guardian is a symbol of strength and hope. We stand as a shield for youth, a safe voice of guidance, and a reminder that no one has to face life’s challenges alone.

This September, we are opening our Youth Su***de Prevention Warm Line:
📞 Call 1-844-9GAMMAS
📆 September 1 – September 30
📌 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm CT (Mon–Fri)
📌 10:00 am – 10:00 pm CT (Sat–Sun)

Confidential • Free • Youth-Focused

Because every life matters.
Because every voice deserves to be heard.

***dePrevention

07/25/2025

🕊️ Losing a child is an unimaginable heartache that no parent should ever experience. It’s a club no one wants to belong to, and the pain resonates deeply, no matter the age or circumstances.

In these difficult times, it’s important to show our love and support in meaningful ways. Respect their privacy, send a comforting meal, lift them up in prayer, and be there long after the calls, texts, and visits stop. Everyone doesn’t know how to navigate grief, and your presence can be a beacon of light in their darkness.

Speaking as a mother who has lost a child, I have empathy for this indescribable pain. At Zarias Footsteps, we want to extend our services to those who have lost their children. You are not alone; we are here to help you through this challenging journey. 💙💜❤️

Let us honor the memories of those we’ve lost by supporting each other with compassion and understanding.

07/14/2025

Monday's Mental Health Check In

As we acknowledge July as Disability Pride Month,
Zaria's Footsteps wants to take a moment to appreciate the strength and resilience of those within the disability community. Disability is not just a physical condition; many live with invisible challenges that deserve recognition and respect.

Let's come together to show pride, not hide, and remember that a disability does not define us. This month, let’s do something meaningful: reach out to someone with a disability and offer an act of kindness. A simple message, a phone call, or even just a smile can make a world of difference.

Together, we can create a supportive community that champions inclusion and celebrates diversity. Let’s stand united and uplift each other!

07/02/2025

Wellness Wednesday's They say never give up.

Never give in.
Keep fighting that fight
So the devil doesn't win.
Through the hurt and the pain,
The sorrow and the shame,
The one thing you need to remember
Is that tomorrow is never the same.

Hold onto your hopes and dreams,
You are valued and seen
For your fears are less than they seem.
So to all of those who feel like they are losing the fight,
And to those who feel like there is no hope in sight,
Take a minute to look at the sky
Look for the butterfly
And remember that there's something
Out there bigger than you and I.

Just like today,
The sun will shine again.
Through the clouds and the rain,
The sun still remains,
And all the darkness will fade away.

So hold your head high,
And feel the warmth.
It may remind you
What you are truly worth

We are in this together.
Zaria's Mom

05/14/2025

Wellness Wednesdays: Deflect

It’s easy to take on someone else's emotions while trying to deflect my own. I often find myself guilty of emotionally dumping—pouring out my feelings onto others instead of facing them myself. I know that while I may not need everyone, I will always need someone to lean on during the toughest times.

Physicians need physicians. Therapists need therapy. Counselors need counseling. Even those who are supposed to guide others must also seek their own healing. I’m on this journey, seeking therapy through different avenues: journaling, breathing exercises, my own therapist, and spiritual practices.

I find myself taking on others' burdens to distract from my grief. It feels easier to focus on their struggles than to confront my own pain. But does this make me a hypocrite? 🤔 I don’t think so. It simply makes me human, navigating this complex emotional landscape.

As we remember Zaria and honor her memory through Zaria's Footsteps let’s embrace the fact that it’s okay to seek help and to be vulnerable. We’re all carrying our own weights, and it’s important to recognize that we need support, just as those around us do.

Together, let’s create a community where we can lift each other up, share our struggles, and find healing. Each step we take together is a step toward wellness.

05/04/2025

National Bereavement Mother’s Day is Today
Reach Out To A Mother who lost their child.

04/15/2025

What does healing look like for you?

04/14/2025

Monday's Mental Check-In: What Does Being Healed Mean to You?

Healing is a complex journey, often misunderstood. It’s not just about putting on a brave face and saying, “I’m okay,” “I’m fine,” or “I’m good.” True healing is much deeper than mere words; it's an intricate process, much like a wound that might scab over or leave a scar. Sometimes, a single moment can pull us back to a place of pain, reminding us that healing isn’t linear.

What does it mean to be healed? Is it the absence of hurt, or perhaps the acceptance of it? It’s vital to acknowledge that healing encompasses many versions and paths, and it does not happen overnight. We often hear cliches about "time healing all wounds," but the reality is much more nuanced.

Healing is about recognizing and embracing where you are right now. It’s understanding that it’s okay to not be okay. It’s about expressing your emotions—talking about them, writing them down, and sharing your story with others. This act of sharing can be incredibly liberating and can help you realize that you’re not alone on this journey.

Celebrate your small victories, even when they seem minute. Those little steps forward are significant markers of progress. Each moment you choose to acknowledge your feelings, each time you confront a trigger, is a step towards healing.

So, as we check in this Monday, take a moment to reflect on your own healing journey. What does healing look like for you? Embrace wherever you are at, and remember that it's perfectly valid to take your time. You are worthy of patience, love, and understanding, both from yourself and others. 💚💜💙🦋

04/02/2025

Autism Awareness: Stand Up and Support

Autism is a spectrum that encompasses a wide range of experiences, abilities, and challenges. As we raise awareness, it’s essential to understand that every individual on the spectrum is unique, deserving of respect, acceptance, and support. We must stand together to create a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive.

Here are four powerful ways you can be an ally for those with autism:

1. **Educate Yourself and Others:** Understanding autism is the first step in fostering empathy and acceptance. Take the time to learn about the spectrum, the various challenges individuals may face, and the strengths they possess. Share this knowledge with friends, family, and your community to help dispel myths and promote understanding.

2. **Advocate for Inclusion:** Stand up for individuals with autism by advocating for their rights in schools, workplaces, and public spaces. Support policies and initiatives that promote inclusion and accessibility. Encourage environments where their voices are heard and valued, ensuring they have equal opportunities to participate fully in society.

3. **Reach Out and Connect:** Don't hesitate to reach out to someone on the autism spectrum or their family. A simple message or phone call can make a big difference, showing that you care and are there to support them. Building connections can help combat feelings of isolation and create a sense of community.

4. **Pay an Act of Kindness:** Small acts of kindness can have a profound impact. Whether it’s offering to help with daily tasks, participating in events that support autism awareness, or simply being a friend, your kindness can brighten someone’s day and show that they are not alone.

By taking these steps, you can help create a more compassionate world for those with autism. Let’s stand together, raise our voices, and advocate for acceptance and understanding. Together, we can make a difference! 💙