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Echoes Within

Support for All — No Cost Barriers, Just Healing

Author: Daniel Belum

  • I feel like I’m not good enough

    I feel like I’m not good enough

    I’ve had people say this to me…

    “I feel like I’m not good enough”

    Now, I could respond with the short answer of:
    “You are good enough”.

    But rarely does anyone say “Oh, thanks, I’ll just move along then”! So let dig in a bit.

    “I feel like I’m not good enough”
    Answer: “You’re thinking about this all wrong”.

    See, I’ve worked with lots of people struggling with self-confidence. And you know what separates the ones who stay stuck… from the ones who break through?

    They don’t try to control every single thought or outcome in their lives.

    Instead, they learn how to roll with whatever challenges show up. They get comfortable being uncomfortable with uncertainty.

    Granted, building confidence is not easy. Life throws curveballs. Big setbacks happen. Situations you’ve never faced before show up.

    And maybe you’ve frozen in a moment and that your inner voice screamed “I’m not ready for this!”.

    That just means your human.

    It might help to realize that you are not as far away from deep self confidence as you think. Truly confident people…

    • Don’t have all the answers. They just take the next step.
    • They have learned to stop overthinking every decision.
    • No more researching “what if” scenarios for hours.
    • No more wondering if you’re capable enough.

    You are capable enough. You just need to learn some tools.

    -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

    Need Assistance with your mental wellness?

    Find out how Echoes Within can assist you.
    Click here -> https://www.echoeswithin.org/services/

    Want to keep up with all the going ones with Echoes Within?

    Newsletter link – > https://www.echoeswithin.org/newsletter/

    Help us help our community

    Donate here – > https://www.echoeswithin.org/donate/

  • Hug or Kick?

    In 1989 I was arrested for the second time for ‘possession of a controlled dangerous substance’. My previous arrest was a month before that.

    As I faced the reality that I was an addict and started the process to be a recovering addict, I had a number of mentors (sponsors) along the way helping me to learn to live a life free of drugs.

    Throughout the years I had two primary types of people that helped me. One was the ‘hug’ style. These were the people who, whatever was going on, responded to it with compassion and kindness and reassurance that everything would be ok. This was very valuable when I felt like things were falling apart and that, in my mid 20’s, life was totally screwed up beyond repair.

    The other type was the ‘kick’ style – as in, a kick in the ass. These folks were more ‘Ya, like is hard, get up and fix it’. They were all about me taking responsibility for what I could and staying focused that if I want change, I needed to change.

    Both are valid. If you are aware of 12 Step programs, then you will likely know one of the creeds is ‘Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference’. It is a pretty wise creed as these things go.

    As I have developed my own mentoring and therapeutic approach to others, I’ve tried my best to be balanced between these two styles. Because I do believe that sometimes we all need a hug, a cuddle from a dog, a warm word and assurance that it will be ok. And sometimes we need that person who reminds us to get up and get cracking, that if we don’t do anything then nothing will change, that we are the stewards of our own path.

    (certified human content)

  • Echoes Within Secures 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Status

    Echoes Within Secures 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Status

    Press Release

    For Immediate Release

    Echoes Within Secures 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Status to Expand Inclusive Healing and Growth Programs

    Yuma, AZ – August 22, 2025 – Echoes Within, a nonprofit dedicated to providing affirming, accessible support for emotional healing and personal growth, has been recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization by the Internal Revenue Service.

    This milestone enables Echoes Within to expand programs that remove financial and systemic barriers for marginalized, alternative, and underserved communities, and to receive tax-deductible donations and grants.

    “This recognition validates our mission to ensure anyone—regardless of background, identity, or means—can access the support they need to thrive,” said Daniel Belum, Director of Echoes Within. “We meet people where they are, and help them build the resilience, confidence, and inner peace they deserve.”

    How Echoes Within Supports Communities

    • People excluded by traditional mental health/spiritual services
    • Immediate relief + long-term tools for stress and anxiety
    • Safe, affirming support for sexual challenges
    • Self-confidence building and lasting behavior change
    • Non-standard identities/relationships (including LGBTQ) seeking nonjudgmental care

    Programs & Offerings

    • Peer Mentoring – community-driven, affirming support
    • Workshops & Presentations – for groups/events of any size
    • Personal Growth Programs – stress & anxiety relief, sexuality wellness, self-confidence, identity exploration
    • Accessible Care – no financial barriers

    About Echoes Within

    Echoes Within creates safe, inclusive, affirming spaces for healing and growth through peer mentoring, workshops, and individualized support. Learn more at www.echoeswithin.org.

    Media Contact:
    Daniel Belum, Director
    Echoes Within
    Yuma, AZ 85365, USA
    Phone: ‪(269) 849-9067‬
    Email: in**@**********in.org

  • 5 Things I Learned About Myself at the 5 Day IO intensive

    I recently completed the Summer 5 Day Intensive (August 11th – 15th, 2025) at the IO Theater in Chicago, IL. I was teamed up with 11 other improv people from around the world (yep, international students as well) and wow, what an experience! Our instructor was Clayton (and my fault, I didn’t record his last name) and he was terrific! I’ve had good and bad improv instructors and this guy was just so damn skillful!

    I learned tons and tons of things about the art of improv and how to hone my personal craft. But this post is about 5 things I learned about myself.

    1 – I’m pretty good

    I’m not great, I’m not going to headline at Annoyance or Second City…but I do have a sense of humor and don’t hurt any show I’m in. The reason this is on the list is I spent a week around 11 other people doing the same stuff I was doing (some who were much more skillful than me) as well as watching shows at night (where I was constantly wow’d by how good everyone is). Friday I woke up with a strong case of imposter syndrome, but I got over myself and…well, I was pretty good!

    2 – I have room to improve

    So much room to improve! But I don’t mean that in a negative way, but instead just seeing what people do and thinking ‘wow, that is a great move!’. And although I do enjoy reading about improv, live practice is the way.

    3 – 5 Days is a long time

    As an introvert (someone who is recharged by time alone), being on stage, learning, hanging out, for 5 days straight was straining. I would do it again, but I would be careful to manage my energy as well!

    4 – Zoom is a fine vehicle but…

    I have taken a lot of Zoom classes as well as done improv on Zoom online sessions, and those a skill. But it is a different animal than in person by far. I know that improv went ‘online’ with Covid and that has a place but for me, interacting with an entire person in person is a favored skillset.

    5 – I get to/need to be me!

    In our group, we had a few people who had solid powerful surgical lines; others who were Big Energy; others who had other mixes and skills. And we were all doing it ‘right’. I am one of the big energy people and I don’t need to change that. Play into my strength instead of trying to be someone else.

  • Party Guest

    Party Guest is an improv game where one or more players act as guests at a party, each embodying distinct characters or characteristics. The host then tries to guess those characteristics or quirks. The scene typically involves:

    • A host who facilitates or interacts with the guests.
    • Each guest bringing a unique persona, quirks, or agenda, as suggested (in secret from the host) by the audience.
    • Interactions between the guest might reveal conflicts, secrets, or humorous situations.

    As stated above, the goal, when played as a game, is that the host is trying to guess each character or trait.

    BUT here is a key part. Sometimes the “host” just doesn’t know. Either they don’t pick up on the clues or a specific character game eludes them. That is where the other players have to help out.

    This clip, from the Shoot from the Hip, is a great example of how sometimes the host can forget a common character (Bugs Bunny) and the other ‘guest’ can assist him.

  • New Board Member

    We are happy to announce that Donovan (he/him) has been promoted from Treasurer Advisor to Board Treasurer!

    Donavon is an experienced financial leader with over six years of progressive responsibility in public sector auditing and financial program management. He holds an MBA from Franklin University, where he specialized in financial management, strategic operations, and organizational leadership. Donavon has a strong background in overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets, streamlining financial systems, and ensuring compliance with GAAP and state regulatory standards.

    Donavon brings his expertise in fiscal oversight, cash flow analysis, and internal controls to help strengthen the organization’s financial health and sustainability. His previous roles include Auditor at the Department of Youth Services and Financial Program Manager overseeing software implementation and reconciliation processes. Currently works as an Accounting and Finance Manager for a non-profit. He is passionate about mission-driven work and is committed to transparency, accountability, and impact in nonprofit finance.

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  • Echoes Within Welcome Saffron Mai!

    Saffron Mai (https://www.echoeswithin.org/saffron-mai/) is a trauma-informed guide, healer, and mentor devoted to holding sacred space for growth, embodiment, and deep reconnection. Her heart-led approach in somatic holistic practices are guided by compassionate and intuition. She works at the intersection of emotional healing, spiritual practice, and alternative relationship pathways.

    With more than a decade of experience in alternative lifestyles and conscious community-building, Saffron gently supports each person’s path with tenderness and curiosity as they navigate life’s tender edges—grief, trauma, identity, intimacy, and the ongoing return to self. Her offerings center authenticity, consent, and deep listening, creating a sanctuary where all parts of you are welcome.

    Whether you are seeking grounding touch, energy attunement, mindful reflection, or affirmation in your journey, Saffron walks beside you with warmth, reverence, and care.

    Why wait? No financial barriers to your mental wellness! Reach out today!

  • Sexual Assault Awareness Resource

    Recently we added a new resource to our existing Resource page called Helping Survivors

    “Our mission is to assist anyone who has been victimized by sexual assault or abuse. Our website is a compilation of information around different instances of sexual violence. We offer resources to assist survivors and their families, and we will continuously be adding more. To see our organization and some of the helpful information we have made, check out the link below:

    Helping Survivors – helpingsurvivors.org“

    a group of women posing for a photo

    We will continue to share resources that can assist our community.

  • Wellness for the body as well

    Wellness for the body as well

    Did you know that fitness training can significantly reduce anxiety? It does so by releasing endorphins—natural mood-boosting chemicals that help lower stress levels.

    Regular physical activity also improves sleep, enhances focus, and provides a healthy outlet for built-up tension. Structured movement, like strength training or cardio, can create a sense of control and accomplishment, helping to counter feelings of helplessness that often accompany anxiety. Over time, it builds both physical and emotional resilience.

    Need guidance on creating a fitness routine that is right for you?

    Contact us! We have providers who specialize in just this!

  • Echoes Within Welcomes Anthony M!

    We are happy to welcome Anthony as our newest provider!

    “My passion is to enable people to be empowered in their space, that bubble which goes with them everywhere they go”

    Anthony brings a variety of expertise to us, including stress reduction using yoga, fitness training, and visualization.

    Find out more about Anthony