Therapist Sakina Issa on the Power of Affirmations, Boundaries and Unlocking a Positive Mindset

05/19/21 • 57 min

Sakina talks about finding balance between both Indian and American cultures, and how it ultimately shaped her personal and career journey as a mother (who just gave birth to her 3rd child 2 days ago - Congrats Sakina!), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Co-Founder of the E.L.O. Deck, a children's affirmation card deck and parent resource.
Sakina tells us about escaping an arranged marriage proposal at the age of 18, growing up feeling "different" as an Indian kid, and why it's important to tell our children that they can make mistakes. We discuss cultivating a positive mindset: why hearing affirmations from a young age is so critical, how we can celebrate the beauty of Indian and Eastern cultural values of family and respect, while still questioning the stigmas and irrational beliefs that Asian communities have about marriage, therapy, divorce, and the value and purpose of women.
BONUS: My 3-year-old and I test out the E.L.O. Deck. Get ready for some heartwarming giggles.
About E.L.O. Deck:

E.L.O. Deck is a children’s affirmation deck of flashcards that promote a positive growth mindset and self-regulation in kids developmentally aged 4-7. It’s also a resource for parents to physically and emotionally connect with their children. Founded by mothers and a licensed family therapist, all from minority communities, with the common goal of encouraging a positive mindset, actively impacting the next generation's mental well-being, and bringing back human connection. We’re offering a special 10% discount to Thrive Spice listeners here:

https://elodeck.com/discount/spice10

Each deck of 32 cards includes:

29 carefully selected well-rounded affirmations, as well as a bedtime meditation and affirmation, coloring card, insights into the ELO method, sticker sheet, and magnetic closure box to house the cards. The cards are made of high quality suede-like soft touch for a sensory and luxe feel, and have eco-friendly and non-toxic packaging with acid-free tissue paper, plastic-free and recyclable materials.
Affiliate Link Disclosure: We may receive a small commission through affiliate links, at no added cost to you. At Thrive Spice, our mission is to normalize the conversation about mental health within the AAPI community, and amplify the voices of Asian American leaders and entrepreneurs. This includes promoting AAPI-owned, Minority-Owned and/or Women-Owned businesses in efforts to share, grow and uplift our community. Your purchase helps support the podcast as well as the community.

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https://elodeck.com/discount/spice10

Each deck of 32 cards includes:

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Previous Episode

Kimberle Lau on Positive Parenting, Breaking the "Bamboo Ceiling", and Breast Cancer

Kimberle Lau, mother of 2 and founder of Kimmie’s Healthy Treats, talks about her mental health journey as a Chinese-American parent and clean baking entrepreneur, a professional trying to break the “Bamboo Ceiling”, and her family's battle with breast cancer. We discuss how we parent differently than previous generations, why we feel the stigma of “not burdening others” when it comes to mental and physical health issues, standing up against anti-Asian hate speech and violence, and why Kimberle refuses to let breast cancer define her. Also, we may need one of her plant-based cupcakes after this episode.
About Kimmie's Healthy Treats:
Created by a Chinese-American mom of 2, this social impact-driven clean bakery brand creates healthy custom desserts and cupcakes with 100% natural, plant-based food dyes like turmeric and beets, based in Long Island, New York. Listeners can find a promo code for 10% off in the episode. https://kimmieshealthytreats.com/

Mental Health & Wellness Resources:
iHollagram: Free AAPI Anti-Harassment and Bystander Intervention Trainings for Allies https://www.ihollaback.org

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Next Episode

Holly Raña Lim on Confronting Stereotypes, Imposter Syndrome, and Racial Identity

Holly talks about her journey and ever-changing identity growing up as a Pinay immigrant, and how she found her voice as a self-described introvert to become Student Body President at UC-Riverside and the founder of Holly Lim Strategies, a campaign strategy consulting firm that helps BIPOC and young adult candidates win their first election.

She also shares what it was like to interview former First Lady Michelle Obama (!!!) about Inclusive Leadership & Diversity.

We unpack the stereotypes, sexism and imposter syndrome that can present a challenge for BIPOC and AAPI political candidates, particularly women. Holly shares how we can draw on the power of our ancestors to propel us in moments of adversity. We talk about how to take a break from social media, and why it’s so therapeutic to tap into our creative energy to nurture our own mental health.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting us on Ko-Fi, subscribing, and sharing our podcast episode with a friend.
Mental Health and Leadership Resources:

Wondering how to grow, nurture and strengthen your most authentic leadership areas in life and career? Holly is offering an exclusive discount for personalized 1 to 1 leadership coaching strategy sessions for Thrive Spice listeners. To learn more, enter the promo code THRIVE SPICE on her website contact form, available at Holly Lim Strategies.
Stop Asian Hate / AAPI Community Support:
As we close out AAPI Heritage month and Mental Health Awareness month, I know that so many of us continue to feel angry, traumatized and anxious about the increase in Anti-Asian violence, hate speech and microaggressions in our communities. I’ve been so inspired by how so many have stepped up to organize, educate, and speak up on this, including Holly, who organizes community-based solutions and fundraisers.
For AAPI Heritage month, Holly is giving to the Korean Community Center of the East Bay. One of the ways you can stop Asian hate and support elders is by supporting the most vulnerable local AAPI communities by donating to Bus For Hope.
#mentalhealthawarenessmonth #apahm #aapi #stopaapihate #stopasianhate #endracism
Learn More about the history of the Filipino manong generation:
(source: Advancing Justice LA)
"From 1900 to 1934, Filipinos began immigrating to the California Central Valley, where there was a high demand for field laborers. Filipino immigrants, known as “Pinoys,” worked in the fields of the San Joaquin Valley, Salinas, and Sacramento. Another wave of Filipino immigration occurred after the passage of the Immigration Act of 1965.

Many Filipinos found themselves isolated from the rest

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