Truth be Told!
Expressing Honesty
MIRACLE MOMENT®
“Truth is always the strongest argument.”
Sophocles
A MESSAGE from Founder/Director, CYNTHIA BRIAN Cynthia Brian
We are fortunate to live in a country where the First Amendment of the United States guarantees five fundamental freedoms. According to Congress.gov, this amendment of the Constitution states:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
This means that we are afforded the liberty of religion, speech, the press, assembly, and petition without retaliation from our government. Of course, this does not mean we can incite a riot, defame others, be obscene, fraudulent, or perjure ourselves.
Sadly, during this special season of celebrating the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, we have seen many of these freedoms ignored, trampled upon, and even revoked. We must be vigilant and persist in living and speaking our truths. We need to stand up for honesty, kindness, and inclusivity. We must talk with those with whom we don’t agree to understand different perspectives. We must seek cooperation to resolve conflicts. We must engage our sense of consciousness and push back against intolerance.
It’s never too late to express yourself with love, light, and laughter. Let’s remember the words of Mark Twain as we go about our daily routines:
“If you tell the truth, you don’t have
to remember anything.”
Misinformation is fueled by fear. Be aware that the algorithm of social media posts leans towards deceptive, inaccurate, and false narratives because those types of posts garner more views and clicks. It has been said that there are three sides to every story…yours, mine, and the truth. The most misleading misinformation has a kernel of truth, and that’s why it is effective. Woven within the portrayal is the conspiracy. Do your homework to discover the accuracy of the accounts.
Truth be told, we are all humans in training, doing our best to enjoy the abundance America offers while avoiding the roadblocks. Perhaps we can strive to live by the motto of Be the Star You Are!®:
Communicate, collaborate, innovate.
Happy summer! Stay cool and safe. Express truthfulness and honesty.
Cynthia Brian
Founder/Executive Director
Be the Star You Are!®
PO Box 376
Moraga, California 94556
https://www.BetheStarYouAre.org
DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504
DONATE: https://givebutter.com/BTSYA
“I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality.” Martin Luther King Jr.
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
by Gowri Kamatchi
There’s something powerful about being able to share your thoughts. Whether it’s through speaking, writing, art, music, or even the clothes we wear, expressing ourselves helps us connect with others and better understand who we are. Freedom of expression gives people the opportunity to share ideas, tell stories, and inspire change.
One of the best things about freedom of expression is that it allows different perspectives to be heard. No two people see the world in the same way, and listening to a variety of opinions can help us learn, grow, and challenge our own assumptions. Even when we disagree, respectful conversations often lead to greater understanding.
Freedom of expression has also played an important role throughout history. Many writers, artists, journalists, and activists have used their voices to stand up for fairness, expose injustice, and encourage progress. Their willingness to speak out has helped shape societies and protect the rights that many people enjoy today.
Of course, freedom of expression also comes with responsibility. Sharing our opinions should never come at the expense of someone else’s safety or dignity. Choosing our words thoughtfully, checking facts before sharing information, and listening to others are all important parts of communicating responsibly.
No matter how you choose to express yourself, your voice has value. Whether you’re writing a story, creating art, performing music, or simply sharing your opinion in a respectful conversation, freedom of expression allows us to contribute to our communities and better understand the people around us.
Hi readers! My name is Gowri Kamatchi. I am a content creator volunteer with Be the Star You Are!®, and I am a 17-year-old rising senior. I have a deep interest in global issues, journalism, and climate policies. My hobbies are reading, listening to music, and rollerblading!
“Seek not greatness, but seek truth, and you will find both.” Horace Mann
HOW TO SCATTER KINDNESS
by Karen Kitchel
If you asked most people if they want to scatter kindness, I believe you would hear a resounding “sure!”
If you need ideas on how to begin, here are a few simple ways to start scattering kindness.
Interrupt the ordinary
Think about the people who help you get life done (trash collector, mail delivery person, etc.) Interrupt them on an ordinary day with a bottle of sparkling water or candy bar and a “Thanks for what you do.”
Ice cream scattering
While at the grocery store, pick up a box of popsicles or ice cream bars and drop them off at a local shelter. All you have to say is “Enjoy!”
Pennies for wishes
Save up your pennies and spread them out near a fountain where kids will find them so they can make wishes.
Take the sting out of sorrow
Add to your calendar the birthday and anniversary dates of friends who have recently passed away. Then do something to remember the loved ones left behind on these difficult yet special days.
A line to say to make someone’s day
“You are really good at what you do!”
Magazines for the homeless
If you enjoy reading, gather your used magazines or ask your doctor or dentist’s office to save some for you, and take them to a homeless shelter.
Kindness cards
Make up a few note cards to keep in your car or purse to randomly give to those wonderful folks who keep restrooms clean or the person who fills your water glass. Cards can say things like: “You are appreciated” or “Thanks for all you do!”
Kindness is contagious. What are some of your favorite ways to scatter it?
Karen Kitchel is the Kindness Coordinator volunteer with BTSYA. She purchased the book No Barnyard Bullies as a gift for every kindergarten student at the school where she volunteers as a teacher. www.scatteringkindness.com You can read more about Karen’s adoption story in the book Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers. https://www.bethestaryouare.org/book-gift
“There is no other way to guard yourself against flattery than by making men understand that telling you the truth will not offend you.” Niccolò Machiavelli
WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST TEEN RADIO REPORTER
Be the Star You Are!® is thrilled to announce our newest teen reporter, Allison Lu, on Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio broadcasts. Allison is a rising senior in Houston, Texas. Besides running her non-profit organization, Allison can be found swimming competitively, playing the violin with her orchestra, and listening to her favorite artist, Noah Kahan. She also enjoys co-leading her school’s Student Affairs Council and East Asian Affinity Group. In her segment, The New Classroom, she will be reporting on educational equity in the United States, with a primary focus on refugee and multilingual students. Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220 and https ://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/express-yourself/. Allison will debut on our July 26th program hosted by Saanvi Phaneedra, talking about the future.
“A lie has speed, but truth has endurance.” Edgar J. Mohn
OUR RADIO BROADCASTS INSPIRE AND COMMUNICATE
Every week, under the auspices of Be the Star You Are!® charity and produced by StarStyle® Productions, LLC, listeners are encouraged and inspired on our two international radio broadcasts, StarStyle®-Be the Star You Are!® and Express Yourself™ Teen Radio. StarStyle® is a lifestyle program bringing information and innovative ideas that will help with daily living while Express Yourself!™ is hosted by teens, for teens, with discussions about everything and anything that interests youth today. Both programs are unedited, uncensored, and unapologetically authentic.
Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® on your favorite platforms:
Voice America: https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/starstyle-be-the-star-you-are/
Libsyn: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617
Apple iTunes:
Tunein: https://tunein.com/podcasts/Motivational/StarStyle---Be-the-Star-You-Are-p46014/
Stitcher/Pandora:https://www.pandora.com/podcast/starstyle-r-be-the-star-you-are-r/PC:78074
IHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-starstyle-be-the-star-you-31083110/
Pocketcasts: https://pca.st/mjw2ng5n
Spotify:
Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows on your favorite platforms:
Voice America: https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/express-yourself/
Libsyn:https://sites.libsyn.com/560220
Apple iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id481894121
Tunein: https://tunein.com/podcasts/Young-Adult/Express-Yourself-p401071/
Stitcher: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/express-yourself/PC:74325
iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-express-yourself-31136273/
Spotify:
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/show/1001492171
“Truth is what stands the test of experience.” Albert Einstein
BOOKS AND MERCH
Books: A great way to support Be the Star You Are!® and give a gift that continues to give is to buy books as a donation through our portal. Check out our Book Package: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/book-gift
Amazon Store: Be the Star You Are!® has a book shop on Amazon with the lowest prices available. Check it out at http://www.amazon.com/shops/be_the_star_you_are_charity
Book Reviews: Books read by youth for all ages and honestly reviewd. https://www.bethestaryouare.org/book-reviews
Merch: Find well-made clothing and hats with the Be the Star You Are!® logo at https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/. Numerous colors and styles are appropriate for all ages. A percentage of the proceeds benefits Be the Star You Are!®.
ABOUT BE THE STAR YOU ARE!®
Be the Star You Are!® is an all-volunteer organization that operates through contributions, in-kind donations, and proceeds from fundraising events. Be the Star You Are!® does not receive state or federal funding and is solely dependent on contributions from the community and corporations. Be the Star You Are!® is consistently honored as a TOP NON-PROFIT (https://greatnonprofits.org/org/be-the-star-you-are-inc) by Guidestar and Great Non-Profits.
Be the Star You Are!® supports all ethnicities and has no religious or political agendas or affiliations. Be the Star You Are!® is proud to have been serving the community, country, and world since 1999.
DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504
DONATE: https://givebutter.com/BTSYA
“Honesty: When your outer expression matches your inner belief.
Truth: When your inner belief matches reality.” Alan Cohen
Nicely put. I am so filled with grief at the murders. I had hope "Four Dead in O-hi-o" would be the last time the military would aim guns at citizens. But here we are. Yes, be kind where we can... regardless of the person's bumper stickers. Ha ha.