Dear Subscriber First Name,

Along with #APAHM, May also marks Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States. Did you know this national movement began in 1949? I had no idea, and am so grateful for the shift I’ve noticed in discussions around mental health, especially within the AAPI community.

When considering the value of mental health for the AAPI community, it’s important to look at the big picture. Our experiences, just like our identities, are layered, nuanced, and unique to us. Unique to you.

Beyond the stigma around mental health and therapy, there’s also generational trauma, and the reality that many of us straddle two or more cultures. What did your family endure to get here, to make the life you’re living possible? What have you endured? In the interest of survival, what ideas around race and playing model minority, success, money, love and relationships, familial roles, and preservation of resources did you learn? Do they still serve you today?

As important as unpacking our past and present can be, I’d like us to also hold space for #asianjoy. By making time for celebration, laughter, connection, and lightness, we validate our own existence, worthiness, and humanity—especially with the hostile environment facing Asians today.

Here’s our invitation to you: this weekend, make time for what makes you happy, with whomever makes you happy (even if this means solo time). Do what you want to do, not what you think you ought to do. You’ll know because it’ll right in your soul.

With love,
Haemee

P.S. - If you’d like to suggest a theme for an upcoming issue, message us at: newsletter@asianbossgirl.com.

Seeking therapy, let alone finding the right therapist as an Asian in America, comes with unique cultural challenges and stigma. Read how some young AAPI are navigating their own mental health.

Known on Instagram for helping to make mental health conversations and resources more accessible, therapists Dr. Jenny Wang (@asiansformentalhealth) and Sahaj Kohli (@browngirltherapy), are now writing books! I really believe their books will help the topic of mental health feel more open and less daunting for Asian and immigrant communities.

Writer Alexander Chee reflects on the lessons he learned from his Korean father on self-defense, his childhood encounters with racism, and thoughts on today’s rising anti-Asian violence.

How Western imperialism & colonialism affect(ed) the Southeast Asian American community. Here’s a concise summary of how history, immigration, and present-day must be understood as a whole, including ways to support and learn more.

The Israel-Palestine conflict has been important to follow, especially these past few of weeks. Though getting more airtime lately, this conflict is decades old, and both emotional and triggering for folks directly and indirectly affected. We found this infographic helpful with its tips on how to navigate the topic with sensitivity, awareness, and empathy. Also, a reminder that the choices of one nation’s government isn’t reflective of a whole religion or group of people.

This interview with Yuri Kochiyama’s granddaughter about the solidarity and friendship between Yuri and Malcolm X. Fun fact, they shared the same birthday. Malcolm X would have been 100, and Yuri would have been 96.

For many growing up in the 90’s, Friends was a regular Thursday affair. At long last, the Friends reunion is coming to HBO Max on May 27. Where’s the tissue box?

For a good laugh - how elephant seals sleep on land.

Reading: Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Francesc Miralles and Hector Garcia. Do you know your ikigai, your reason for living? Through interviews with 100-year-olds in a Japanese village, the writers learned how their lifestyle hold the keys to their longevity and happiness.

Watching: Warrior on HBO Max - Set during the 19th century Tong Wars in San Francisco’s Chinatown, Warrior follows Ah Sahm, a martial arts prodigy who ends up kicking ass for a powerful Chinese organized crime family. Our team is LOVING this show.

Cooking: Matcha Mochi Cake with black sesame pumpkin seed filling. Low sugar, gluten-free and vegan. A healthier way to satisfy my sweet tooth while working to bid ‘adieu’ to these quarantine pounds? Heck yes. For something more summery, here’s a version with coconut (pictured).

Introducing our NEWEST collection, “As I Am”

We’re wearing our hearts on our sleeves this APAHM. Created in collaboration with Alyssa of @atnndesign, these limited-edition unisex pieces are meant to serve as a way to express your strength and identity. Dress it up or keep it casual; your personal style is a vehicle for expressing how you want to show up in this world.

A portion of our sales will be donated to the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging.

GET YOURS TODAY

At ABG, we’re huge advocates for mental health, and proud to partner with brands that share that value:

Therapy is a wonderful way to take care of the mind, because you can unload thoughts and feelings in a safe space. BetterHelp makes it easier to find a therapist that’s right for you—when and how you’d like to communicate. Get started today with 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/ABG.

Integrating the practice of meditation into our daily lives has made a quiet but profound difference in our lives. We’re proud to partner with Calm, which has a variety of guided meditations that are so helpful. I personally love their daily meditations, that end with a quote and food for thought. Begin your practice with 40% off a premium subscription at calm.com/ABG.

Ned offers a range of CBD and magnesium products that focus on aiding Calm, Sleep, Balance, and Relief. I find each of those four categories so essential to everyday life, and love that there are simple and natural remedies to help people “feel better and live better”. Go to helloned.com for 15% off your first one-time order, or 20% off your first subscription order + free shipping.

*Some of the above links are affiliate links - this means that if you purchase through them, we earn a small % and it does not cost you any extra.

Interested in having AsianBossGirl at your event? Email: book@asianbossgirl.com.

To talk brand partnerships, email: partner@asianbossgirl.com.