Story & Lesson Highlights with Mariangela Abeo of Seattle

Mariangela Abeo shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Mariangela, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I have made an effort in the past few years to be very intentional about the first part of my day. Routine has become very important. No matter what my day looks like, and what time I have to get up to make it happen – I always try to take a bath. Put my body in water, and soak. I can feel it regulate my nervous system. I also like to follow it up with some stretching before I start my day. I try to keep any screens to a minimum or listen to a book during that time.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Mariangela Abeo but I like to be called M. I am a TEDx speaker, published author, photographer and storyteller. In 2017 I began an ongoing art installation called Faces of Fortitude, after experiencing the suicide loss of my brother Jimmy. In the past 8 years I have learned so much about grief and how we process it through storytelling and art. That work has lead me to sharing what I have learned through speaking and writing. I believe it is through the doors of our wounds and pain points, that we are able to find our super powers. I hope to be a support for people who are learning to move through grief, by reflecting the things I see in them. In essence, helping people see what they already have inside and don’t yet recognize in themselves.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I think we have been “taught” that individualism is important, and I couldn’t agree less. I feel like our constant need for it breaks the bonds between people. To be better, happier, skinnier, prettier, stronger, richer, etc. We have forgotten how to just exist and BE. Our constant need to do more, be better and consume – has taken away the power that connection, sharing and collaborating has. I believe community is the power that can restore bonds between people.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
My art has really helped me use my pain as power. It began as me taking my own self portrait and sharing my story. People came out of the woodwork asking me to share their stories and take their photos. I wasn’t even a photographer! But I wanted to learn to be able to properly cherish these peoples stories, so I went to Youtube and took a few free classes. I learned to use photo lights, to edit and even to do social media marketing. I learned later about Post Traumatic Growth and believe its what I experience! My life completely changed trajectory and I was so focused on making sure I could properly share the stories of the people trusting me with some of their hardest moments. I wanted to create a space of safety, in a world that increasingly feels like our safety is being questioned.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
That our vulnerability is a weakness. I think its the exact opposite. I feel like it is where our superpowers live. Our ability to show our vulnerability and have the courage to share that with others, is major in my opinion. Human beings need connection to exist. And where do we connect? Usually at our biggest wins and deepest pains. If I go to a party and meet someone who has also lost a brother to suicide, I will undoubtably give them my contact information. When you connect with a part of someone’s storyline, it so quickly connects to your own.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing? 
I will always regret not speaking out. Being silent right now during genocides, famines and fascism is simply complicit at this point. Speaking out about the issues marginalized people at every intersectionality are dealing with right now is vital. Free Palestine, Free Congo, Free Sudan. Peace in Ukraine. Stop consuming. Watch where you are putting your money. The people have the power. It’s time we start using it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://facesoffortitude.art/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facesoffortitude/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mabeo/