Hi Mamas,

We are back after a bit of a hiatus... one that has been much needed... to reflect, to reassess, and pave the way forward on a wholistic lens. A lens where every voice is heard and shared. A platform where every story is heard and felt.

The last few months have been months of reflection in light of the global pandemic, the #BlackLivesMatter movement and revolution, and much more. These last couple months have meant learning to take radical ownership toward being anti-racist, taking a step back to check my privilege while unlearning and relearning so many sociocultural narratives and dialogues, and truly creating a space for BIPOC voices to be heard, felt, and understood.

Today's episode is special for so many reasons. This is a promise that no longer will I be silent, no longer will we be silent. This is a promise to honor the voices that have been oppressed for too long and hold space for their experiences. Today, we connect with Samantha Monpetit-Huynh, who is a mother of two beautiful girls, a core and pelvic floor rehab specialist who has been been in the fitness industry for almost 20 years. Samantha helps women take back control of their health, get off the hamster wheel of dieting so they can re-connect with their bodies, feel strong and build confidence once and for all at samcoretrainer.com

Samantha is known extensively in her field and has appeared on several television shows as well as print media and was the resident fitness expert on the Marilyn Denis Show, a national award winning lifestyle show across Canada, from 2013-2017.

However, today, we are not talking about any of that. Today's episode discusses the very real, raw, and vulnerable and much-needed conversation that is anti-racism. Today's conversation will crack your heart wide open because anti-racism work doesn't end within one week, one month, or one year. It is the work of a lifetime so that future generations of BIPOC will never have to experience the overt and covert oppression that still pervades our modern society.

Samantha discusses how growing up in a biracial household often left her wondering, "Where do I really fit in?" In light of the Black Lives Matter movement that came to a collective uproar, it really has brought to light the racism that still permeates the daily facets of our lives. We don't see it, but it is there. And the only way to do away with it is to have a constant dialogue, unapologetically.

We don't know about you, but we have been in a metamorphosis, we have been in a cocoon and our hope is that we, as a humans, emerge stronger and much wiser and empathetic than before.

Sabrina and Samantha discuss certain key takeaways on creating a healthy, openhearted, and honest dialogue about White privilege, anti-racism, and the systemic oppression that takes place:

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• Staying silent is worse than saying the "wrong" thing. Speak from your heart, own what you're being called out on, and do the work. Yes, it's hard. Yes, it's uncomfortable AF, but it's so crucial to all of humanity.
  
• Understand the privilege you hold in society, and use that to pave the way for positive change, for anti-racism. Being anti-racist isn't a preference, it is a way of life. We have the ability as mamas to raise children who are empathetic, completely self-aware, and inclusive while respecting and honoring the diverse cultures around them.
  
• Stand in your truth. Speak up when you notice someone being racist - overtly or covertly. You won't always get rewarded for speaking your truth, but you will be creating the impact of a lifetime. Your littles are watching, listening, and feeling into everything you do and say.
  
• Allow your children to BE the change in this world. Children have hearts that are pure and full of love. Educate them on the differences within each culture.
  
• Now more than ever, the discourse on systemic oppression and racism needs to be shared, talked about, and changed. Never underestimate the power of a collective uprising. For far too long, oppression has flowed into all aspects of life for BIPOC - be it professionally or socioculturally.
  
• If you have a voice, a platform where you can amplify and elevate other diverse voices, do so. If you own a business, make that your activism - hire diverse team members, have diverse speaker and guest trainer panels. Shop from other BIPOC owned businesses. Diversify your newsfeed. Showcase BIPOC voices within every industry. Use your voice to pave change, if not you, then who? And if not now, when?
  

We know Mama, this might be a lot to take in, but we urge you to go within and also learn from those around you. Mama, you have the power to change the status quo, change the dialogue, have the uncomfortable conversations - we promise you, you are changing one life at a time by doing so.

Never underestimate the power you have in shaping your world or the world of your kiddos, Mama. Change starts here - in our hearts, at our dinner tables, at our community gatherings, and within our platforms.

To learn more about Samantha and her work, or to connect with her, reach out to her on her social media platforms listed below.

Website

Instagram

Facebook