#brettney

Does the title look somewhat familiar? I’m sure you’ve come across ads or websites with this topic and it’s a LIE. Maybe you’ve noticed they haven’t actually utilized the suggestions they are promoting and earning $500 from their suggestions is often a lie. Once I see the bingo or casino style game apps it’s pretty clear. I read the reviews in the app store where there’s hidden costs or worse they are an outright scam! Avoiding scams, knowing if you have to shell out money, or when and how you can get the returns promised are crucial considerations. Which are important when struggling and in dire need, yet this is something that tends to be entirely overlooked by the typical “Need Money Fast?” style posts. Lets change that! Not only have I used and tested these apps, I will give you the details on what to expect and strategies to leverage multiple apps together to gain the best earnings!

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Realistically you could to earn between $100 to $300 within your first week. The catch: you need to use the links I provide and get the bonuses! Yes they are affiliate links where we both benefit!

This article is in 5 parts:

Shopping Apps Make or get money back on your purchases! Survey Apps Earn money for your opinions, insights, and more. Investment Apps Earn while you learn about investing! Other Options Here’s some other ways to generate income. Strategies Some ways to get the best gains and earn more!

Shopping Apps

Social Nature

Social Nature lets you try natural, eco-friendly products for free in exchange for reviews. From organic snacks to eco-friendly cleaning supplies or makeup, you can explore healthier alternatives by signing up, receiving free or rebates products, and sharing your feedback.

How it works:

There isn't a smartphone app for this yet; you access the webpage through your browser and receive updates through text message and email. There are a few ways this works:

You receive a voucher coupon for the product.

You purchase the product and upload a receipt for a full or partial refund.

How does it payout?

If you are getting a voucher, it can take about a week or sometimes longer to receive it in the mail.

For the cash-back option, after uploading the receipt, you will usually receive an email from [email protected] within 72 hours. Follow the prompts for the payout.

Social Nature Common Complaints & Fixes

Long Wait for Approval

Fix: Complete your profile and apply for various products to increase your chances. Being consistent with reviews will improve product selection. Not Receiving Product or vouchers

Fix: Double-check your shipping info and contact support if needed.

Receipt Issues

Fix: If the WiFi or data connection is slow there will be errors or issues with uploading. Connect to a working WiFi or move to an area with better signal. Refresh the website and upload again.

Fix: If the receipt is not clear, get another one from the store. If the receipt is clear but not processing, reach out to support. Didn't receive the cash-back email from Tremendous? Go to My Products from the Menu, Click on the product and contact support.

No Products To Try

Fix: Sometimes there are not products available to try, come back in a week or two for updates.

Currently the affiliate link doesn’t provide a bonus at this time when you sign up and share you link you are entered into a raffle. Join Social Nature Here: https://www.socialnature.com/friend-referral/?referrer=friend-146442-74ea825c-link

Fetch Rewards

Fetch Rewards lets users earn points by scanning receipts from everyday purchases at grocery stores, restaurants, and more. You can redeem these points for things such as gift cards to popular retailers like Apple, Barnes & Noble, Lowes, Sephora, Ulta, The Vitamin Shop and many more!

How it works:

With Fetch, you can:

Photograph and upload physical receipts

Scan your email for applicable e-receipts from select retailers

Use the app to purchase from online retailers and earn points

Play games/try out other apps to earn points

Points can be redeemed as gift cards, join a raffles to win prizes, or donate to a cause of your choice within the Fetch app

How does it payout?

Starting around 100 points you can join the raffles.

With 3,000 points, you can donate.

At 5,000 points, you can redeem gift cards.

To redeem points click on your point balance in the upper right corner of the screen, then click on the amount of points you have or want to redeem, and follow the prompts.

Fetch Common Complaints & Fixes

Not Receiving The Right Amount of Points for Receipts *This can be prevented by taking multiple pics of your receipt before swiping up to submit it.

Fix: Check the details of the offer to see if the store you got the product from and/or the product qualifies. If it does, there are two ways to fix this Go to your profile, click on points activity, select the receipt, in the upper right corner there is the pencil edit icon, you can add the item manually.

Fix: Go to your profile, click on points activity, select the receipt, in the upper right corner there is the pencil edit icon, you can add an item if the initial scan didn't pick it up, or you can click on the mislabeled item and scan the barcode or select find product. Then submit it for review.

Fix: Go to the home page and look for the item offer. Select the item then scroll down to where it says "Missing points from this offer?" And click on "Correct receipt." Select the receipt with the item and click correct receipt or contact support. Then follow the prompts.

Play Points for playing games through Fetch are Missing or Incorrect

Fix: Refresh the app, contact support. The catch...you can be rewarded the missing points, but...read the email support message and note this is a problem and using the play aspect can be risky.

App Freezing or Crashing

Fix: Close and reopen the app, update it, or clear the cache. If needed, reinstall the app.

Slow Point Redemption

Fix: Ensure your email is verified and check your spam folder for gift cards.

It takes a long time (1 month+) to build up points to redeem a decent amount!

Fix: Keep up on the higher point incentives and featured incentives as they change frequently! Games will net you better points too but you do need to enable app tracking. Invite friends to the app especially when the bonus is high.

Despite some hiccups, Fetch offers an easy way to earn rewards from everyday purchases, and most issues can be quickly resolved.

Using this link https://referral.fetch.com/vvv3/referraltext?code=7P2KJN or Code: 7P2KJN to get started with 2000 points!

Upside

Upside is a free app that gets you cash back on gas and other errands!

How it works:

Download the app and link your payment cards.

Browse for nearby offers on gas, restaurants, and more.

Select the business you will be making a purchase from and Claim the offer

Make a purchase at a participating location.

Complete the offer in the app by selecting the card used or uploading a receipt

Earn cash back that is typically credited to your account within 10 days.

How does it payout?

Payouts have minimum requirements, I have only utilized the Paypal payout option, it can take up to 24 hours to receive the payout and you can add multiple Paypal Accounts to payout to!

Gift card withdrawals: $10 minimum

PayPal: $1.01 minimum but they take a percentage if you don’t have a withdraw amount of $15 or more

Upside Common Complaints & Fixes

Offers Not Always Available or Change Frequently

Fix: Check the app frequently for updated offers, especially during promotions.

Slow Cashback Processing

Fix: Ensure your payment card is linked correctly and that the purchase was processed successfully.

Fix: Wait 10 days as they confirm with the payment processor of the business that the transaction went through.

Didn’t get cash back

Fix: Read the fine print on the offer as some gas stations may have a limit to redemptions. Example one gas station in my area limited the offer to cash back on 50 gallons of gas.

Fix: Contact Support, click the 3 lines i the upper right corner you will see your profile, other options, and “help.” Click on help and then click in the upper right corner to use the chat and submit a request. Check your email for a response if no one is immediatly available.

Limited Availability in Some Areas

Fix: Check if there is availability in your area go to the menu and select Help to put in a request or see how you can improve availability in your area.

Join using this link: https://upside.app.link/BRETTNEY2562 or use promo code: BRETTNEY2562 to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus on your first purchase!

SURVEY Apps

AttaPoll

AttaPoll is an easy-to-navigate app that pays users to complete short surveys. It’s simple straightforward and user-friendly.

How it works:

Take and complete surveys, or “AttaPoll Tasks” to earn a bit of cash. AttaPoll Tasks are typically downloading and trying out apps. Most are games, but sometimes to complete the task it requires a purchase.

How does it payout?

Once you earn $2.50, you can withdraw, with the exception of PayPal, you will need a balance of $3. I've only utilized PayPal to do withdraws with no issue. You can earn $5 within a few hours. Withdraws are limited to 1 every 24 hours.

AttaPoll Common Complaints & Fixes

Low Survey Availability

Fix: Complete your profile, enable notifications, and check the app at different times of the day.

Frequent Disqualifications

Fix: Answer screening questions honestly and ensure your profile is up to date. Pay attention to questions as they screen for bots, give thoughtful and detailed responses in text boxes. Regardless disqualifications do happen a lot, simply move on to the next survey.

Not Receiving A Payout Or Disqualified On Completing A Quiz

Fix: Contact Support by clicking on your profile select “Help” then select “Surveys” or “Other” and follow the prompts.

Payment Delays

Fix: Give it 30 minutes for the payout to complete. Make sure you have WiFi or a good data signal to complete your payout. Check that your account is linked correctly, and that it meets the payout threshold ($3 for PayPal). If all else fails, contact support.

AttaPoll can be a convenient way to earn a little extra, especially with the know how to navigate common issues. The advantage with AttaPoll is that surveys are plentiful.  Get a $0.50 boost to start https://attapoll.app/join/rqfvc or Use Code: rqfvc

Eureka

Eureka is one of the best survey apps! It has a great design, easy to navigate layout and most of all if you start a survey and get disqualified they still give you $.02 for your time.

How it works:

Eureka Survey offers users the chance to earn cash by completing surveys or by downloading and trying out apps. Sometimes to complete the app trial it requires a deposit or purchase. With a fun easy-to-use interface and frequent surveys, it's a popular app for making extra money. However, like any rewards app, there are common complaints. Here's a breakdown and how to fix them.

How does it payout?

Earn $5 to be eligible for the payout, and you are limited to one payout every 24 hours!

Once your payment is processed, take the feedback survey to immediately earn $1.25

Eureka Common Complaints & Fixes

Closed Surveys

Fix: This happens a bit and you dont get the $.02 reward! The way to navigate this is to do surveys Monday to Friday!

Survey Disqualifications

Fix: This happens quite a bit, lessen the chances of this happening when you fully complete your profile, answer screening questions honestly, and frequent the app to have more recent surveys show up.

Low Survey Availability

Fix: Ensure your profile is detailed, turn on notifications, and check the app at different times. Close or refresh the app frequently. Eureka will only show a limited amount of surveys as you complete surveys, more will appear. However, during the weekdays is the best time to have ample survey availability.

Payouts Problems

Fix: Ensure your app is up to date, check that PayPal is verified, make sure your internet connection is working well as low or no signal areas will cause problems. Contact support if delays persist longer than 30 minutes!

Survey Issues

Fix: Restart the app, check for updates, and clear the app's cache.

Eureka can be a simple and fun way to earn cash Use my code UPT7QB or the link below for Eureka Surveys and unlock an entry $1 survey just for signing up!  https://eurekasurveys.page.link/Z9g6ahbWsd2nXcn27

INVESTMENT APPS

Coinbase

Coinbase is a leading platform for buying, selling, investing and earning cryptocurrency.

How it works:

For this, you will be using Coinbase's learn-to-earn based Rewards program, where you can earn free crypto simply by completing educational quizzes or tasks. Cryptocurrency can be a profitable investment! By earning while you learn the basics, you can gain valuable insights into the realm of investments in digital finance. Coinbase has some international limitations see those here I'm going to be honest, Coinbase can be very complicated, especially if you are brand new to cryptocurrencies! Take your time and have patience as you go through some of the tasks! Also several of the tasks may require money to complete! Also do not withdraw the currency earned until all steps of the task are complete, as that may go towards completing the task! For example, with a task you may be rewarded learning about a cryptocurrency, then rewarded for downloading and installing a wallet connected to that currency. Another reward for transfering the currency earned to the wallet and then earning more with using some to do an activity through the wallet to then complete the task. Feel free to reach out via the comments below this post or to me directly for support.

How does it payout?

Coinbase often gives you the option to receive your sale proceeds as USD (deposited to your cash balance) or as USDC (a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar). Here's the clarified "Payouts" section:

Payouts (Getting Cash from Selling Crypto):

When you sell your cryptocurrency on Coinbase, you'll want to get that money into your bank account. Here's how it works:

Sell your crypto: You tell Coinbase you want to sell your Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other crypto.

Choose USD: Coinbase might give you a choice between USD (US dollars) and USDC (a digital dollar). To get real money in your bank, you MUST choose USD. This puts the money into your Coinbase USD balance.

Withdraw to your bank: Once the sale is complete and the USD is in your Coinbase USD balance, you then tell Coinbase to send that money to your linked bank account. This is called a "withdrawal."

Wait for the money: It usually takes 1-3 business days for the money to show up in your bank account.

Important Note about USDC: USDC is a type of cryptocurrency that's designed to be worth the same as a US dollar. It's useful for trading and other things within the crypto world, but if your goal is to get cash in your bank account, you need to choose USD when selling your crypto, and then withdraw the USD to your bank.

Common Complaints & Fixes

Rewards Not Showing After Quizzes or tasks

Fix: Ensure you completed the quiz, log out and back in, or contact support if the issue persists. I have experienced delays between 5 to 10 minutes on rewards.

Account Restrictions on Rewards

Fix: Verify your identity, ensure your country is eligible, and reach out to support for further help.

Fix: Coinbase has some international limitations see those here

Fix: Sometimes your ability to earn rewards just disappears or they change the menu configurations frequently. Take a break from the app and usually the issue will be resolved later.

Sign up for Coinbase and make a deposit in your account using my link and we can each get $20 in BTC. https://coinbase.com/join/RH5F3K3 Use Code: RH5F3K3 *If you have a hard time navigating tech, this may not be for you.

Webull

Webull makes it easy for beginners to start investing, offering new users up to 12 free stocks for signing up and depositing. This gives you an instant portfolio with no risk.

How does it work?

Create a Webull account and make a deposit.

Claim your free stocks you need to claim them or you wont get them.

Start investing in stocks, ETFs, or options (with caution).

How does it payout?

You can sell your stocks through the Webull platform and withdraw the proceeds to your bank account.

Note: The offers change frequently, some require adding in one cent, others $100+ read the fine print. But this is still a great way to start getting into investing! You can withdraw what you deposit.

Common Complaints & Fixes

This can be a confusing interface

Fix: Be sure to start with options for being new to trading. When I joined it gave me the option o that. You can start with paper trading and use educational resources.

Slow Customer Support

Fix: Use the help center or detailed in-app messages for faster responses.

Tax Confusion

Fix: Learn about capital gains taxes and use Webull's tax tools to stay informed.

Webull's free stocks, educational resources, and easy-to-use tools make it a great platform for new investors to start growing their wealth. Happy investing! Use this link: https://a.webull.com/3Dba18HsZwZiNAQzF7 to get 3 or more stocks for signing up and depositing $100 or more when you create your account.

Other Options

Poshmark

Sell clothing, jewelry, and decor on Poshmark it works best using your smartphone! Poshmark is a user-friendly marketplace that allows you to sell clothing, shoes, accessories, and even home goods. Whether you're decluttering your wardrobe or flipping thrifted finds, Poshmark makes it easy to earn money from unwanted items.

How does it work?

Sign up and set up your profile it’s completely free.

List Your Items – Snap clear photos, write a detailed description, and set your price.

Ship with Ease – Once your item sells, Poshmark provides a prepaid shipping label. Simply package the item and drop it off at the post office *TIP - make sure you get a drop-off receipt from the post office!!

How does it payout?

Once your item has been received from the person that bought it, you will be able to access your funds. there can be a 3 day delay from when the buyer receives it and when funds are released. You can use it to buy items or withdraw.

Withdraw funds with Direct Deposit (ACH Transfer) Instant Transfer (there may be some limitations on this) Paypal, or Venmo. Fees may apply.

Mailed Check – If you prefer, Poshmark can mail you a check instead.

Common Complaints & How to Resolve Them:

Slow Sales:

Fix: Enhance your listings by using high-quality photos and detailed descriptions.

Fix: Share your listings frequenlty to your network on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and to friends on the Poshmark app to boost visibility

Fix: Engage with other users by following, sharing, and commenting to increase exposure.

Fix: Add items often.

Fix: Do live shows if this interests you it can be best to go all in on it! You do need to meet some criteria before going live.

Fix: Ship items within 3 days!

High Selling Fees:

Fix: Poshmark takes a 20% commission on sales over $15 (or a flat $2.95 on sales under $15). To maximize profits, factor in fees when pricing your items. Poshmark makes this easy and will display what you will receive when you post your listing.

Returns & Cancellations:

Fix: While Poshmark generally has a no returns policy, disputes may arise if an item is misrepresented. Be transparent in descriptions and disclose any flaws.

Fix: If a buyer requests a cancellation before shipment, respond quickly to avoid penalties.

I enjoy Poshmark and I use it as a passive income generator by reposting listings and adding more items as I can. The hassle-free shipping with prepaid labels where I just pack print the label and ship, keeps it easy. The ability to negotiate and accept offers to boost sales is great too.

Turn your unwanted or unused items into extra cash while building a sustainable side hustle follow me there and comment here so I can follow you back! https://poshmark.com/closet/yewenchie Click to checkout my shop on Poshmark and Use Code: YEWENCHIE to get $10 OFF *Code is only good for new users to Poshmark.

Wag

WAG is a great way to gain some income without having a car! It’s best in dense urban cities! Wag is the perfect app for pet lovers looking to earn extra income by walking dogs, pet sitting, or offering drop-in visits. If you enjoy spending time with animals and want a flexible side hustle, Wag provides an easy way to get paid while staying active.

How It Works:

Sign Up & Get Approved – Create an account, complete a background check, and get verified.

If I remember correctly you will need to pass a test as well as the background check.

There is a fee associated it may be $65 with signing up for the background check etc. You can make part of it back with using my link to get a sign up bonus of $25 https://wagwalking.com/dog-walker?code=BRETTNEY29322 then you will get the rest back with your first few walks/boardings.

Payments go through Stripe, so you must link a valid bank account or debit card.

Set Your Availability – Choose when and where you want to work.

Accept Walks & Pet Care Requests – Browse available dog-walking, sitting, or boarding jobs in your area. Take photos and videos, follow the owners directions

How does it payout?

Complete a Service – Finish a dog walk, pet sitting, or other service.

Receive Payment Held in Earnings Tab – Earnings are typically processed every Friday for completed services.

Choose Payout Option – Use Instant Pay for quick access or wait for the weekly direct deposit.

Instant Pay – You may need to meet criteria before you can use the Instant Payout option. Fees are applied to this with minimum pay fee of 1.99 below $60 or 3% fee above $60 per transaction (this is subject to change), the benefit is it allows to receive funds within minutes via debit card.

Standard Payout – Free, but funds may take 3-5 business days to be deposited into your bank account. For me the money that is attributed to the standard payout happens weekly with the money going out of Wag Earnings on Thursday.

Your Earnings will display what is available with the weekly payout and the instant payout. If you opt for the instant payout it will include the weekly payout and 0 out your earnings.

Common Complaints & How to Resolve Them:

Low Pay for New Walkers:

Fix: Increase your earnings by accepting repeat clients and focusing on doing 30 min and 1 hour walks.

Fix: Offer additional services like pet sitting or boarding to boost income.

Scheduling Challenges:

Fix: The competition for walks can be high in some areas. Stay active on the app and enable notifications to grab new opportunities quickly.

Fix: Expand you radius for walks

Fix: Head to an area with higher demand to do on demand walks.

App Glitches & GPS Issues:

Fix: If the app isn’t tracking your walk properly, ensure your location settings are turned on and update the app regularly to avoid bugs.

Fix: Low signal areas may be challenging, get to spots with signal, use WIFI when available, contact support after the gig is complete.

Lots of fees

Fix: Be aware and prepared for the fees use the bonus link Wag charges a one time fee could be $65 for the background check with joining. Joine using my link https://wagwalking.com/dog-walker?code=BRETTNEY29322 apply and earn $25!

Fix: Avoid using the Instant Pay feature

Fix: Avoid paying for boosting your account but I could work starting out to get more work or higher paying walks.

It’s a learning curve and the upfront fee may be a barrier to begin. Yet once you get established and set-up recurring walks it can be a decent side gig. Want to try this out? Apply and earn a $25 bonus when accepted! (Terms apply.) https://wagwalking.com/dog-walker?code=BRETTNEY29322 Use code: BRETTNEY29322

Strategy

HOW I MAXIMIZE MY EARNINGS

Start with Social Nature look for deals that can be used at grocery stores that offer cash back through Upside then upload the receipt to Fetch. You not only get reimbursed through Social Nature you actually make some money.

Fetch is useful as you will earn points on any and all receipts that you can combine with points offered through credit and debit cards. As a hack you can use friends receipts, found receipts and double receipts like when you go get an itemized receipt and a separate credit processing slip.

Upside can combine with cash back offers and Fetch high point offers at grocery stores, and cash back credit or debit card offers with specific restaurants.

Attapoll and Eureka can give you bonus offers for JOINING apps like Upside Webull and Coinbase You can try to maximize the offer by seeing if you can use my affiliate code on top of the offer through the poll apps! I found Upside through Attapoll.

Enjoy using and combining these suggestions and let me know how it goes or if you have questions in the comments below!

☕️Buy Me A Coffee ☕️

Click the link above to Buy me a coffee OBSCURAM costs money to keep it running! Even $1 supports on the website expenses! Thank you - Brettney

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“Your Trauma Talks: Pioneering Women’s Resilience Together”

Brettney Perr’s recent feature in Women’s Journal highlights her as a powerful voice in the “Your Trauma Talks: Pioneering Women’s Resilience Together” movement, celebrating her work in helping people transform pain into purpose.buzzsprout+1[youtube]​

Honoring a Voice for Resilience

In the Women’s Journal spotlight, Brettney Perr is recognized for her role in the Your Trauma Talks community, where she helps cultivate spaces for honest conversations about mental health, healing, and accountability. Today, Brettney is widely known as The Illuminator, transforming fear into fortune and chaos into clarity, also channels that mission into her newest offering, the Resilience Journal.​ This phase of her work highlights not just her story, but a tangible tool that helps others move from survival into intentional healing and self-empowerment.​

Who Is Brettney Perr?

Today, Brettney Perr is recognized as The Illuminator, transforming fear into fortune and chaos into clarity as the visionary founder of Obscuram.com. She draws from her multifaceted background in entertainment, live production, tech, and gaming, along with her experience as a single mother, to connect with people from all walks of life in an honest, relatable way.​ She has been featured on stages at mental health conferences in New York City, where she leads audiences through interactive experiences that illustrate how fear and trauma show up in the nervous system and everyday life. Beyond the stage, she expresses her healing work through art, movement, and creative projects, reflecting her belief that transformation is both emotional and deeply creative.[youtube]​ As a coach Brettney focuses on creating safe, grounded environments where people can explore their stories without shame. This recognition underscores her growing impact as a guide for those navigating trauma, self-discovery, and empowerment.[youtube]​buzzsprout+2

From Feature to Movement

The Women’s Journal highlight marked a powerful moment in Brettney’s journey, showcasing her as a voice for women who are ready to alchemize trauma into strength and self-trust. Now, she is building on that visibility by inviting her community into daily, practical work with the Resilience Journal—bridging inspiration with consistent inner work.​

Brettney’s Approach to Healing and Empowerment

Brettney’s work centers on recognition, emotional awareness, and reframing, helping people identify when they are in a trauma response and guiding them toward greater agency over their inner world. In her talks, she often uses interactive exercises like, call-and-response experiences, to demonstrate how hypervigilance, fear, and old patterns can be triggered and then consciously shifted. She emphasizes human-to-human connection, encouraging people to examine the stories and labels that have hurt them and transform those narratives into sources of strength and clarity.[youtube]​

Why the Resilience Journal Matters

The Resilience Journal is a natural extension of Brettney’s mission to help people reclaim their power, establish boundaries, and cultivate personal sovereignty. It offers a dedicated space for reflection, emotional processing, and conscious choice-making, supporting the same themes of courage, healing, and self-ownership that she speaks about on stage and in her coaching.​

How This Elevates Her Work

Into the Unknown National Recognition for a Local Voice with Global Purpose

When your mission is clarity, resilience, and truth it shows! This month, it showing on a national scale!

Brettney Perr, founder of Obscuram, has been officially featured in Benzinga for her role as a speaker at the Your Trauma Talks: Into The Unknown conference, taking place on Broadway, in Times Square, June 12th.

This isn’t just a talk. It’s a movement. A mental health event bold enough to take the stage in one of the most visible, influential places in the world and Brettney was chosen to be a part of it.

Hosted by global mental health advocate Rahul K. Maharaj, this year’s event brings together international voices committed to breaking the silence around trauma. Benzinga highlighted the lineup and the impact of these speakersand Obscuram’s own Brettney Perr is among them.

Her topic? The raw truth of self-awareness and the radical strength it takes to face your pain and still keep going.

Why This Matters

Recognition in a top-tier outlet like Benzinga isn’t just media fluff—it’s third-party credibility. It confirms what our readers and clients already know: Brettney’s voice matters in the national conversation about healing, trauma, and how we move forward as individuals and communities.

This is the kind of platform that changes lives—and opens doors for others who are still stuck in silence.

Attend the Event

Want to be in the room?

This Broadway conference includes:

Powerful speakers and healing experiences

A mental health fashion show called “Moods”

VIP Gala with awards for leadership and advocacy

June 12, 2025

The Theater Center, Times Square, NYC

🎟️ Get Tickets Now https://www.eventbrite.com/e/your-trauma-talks-into-the-unknown-a-mental-health-conference-tickets-1301196958129?aff=BrettneyPerr

If you’ve been walking through fire lately… this is where we sit together in the ashes, and remember we can rise.

And if you want to do more than just listen—if you’re ready to process, heal, and rebuild—let’s work together.

Bring a copy of the Resilience Journal with you. It’s more than a notebook. It’s a daily system I created to help you develop mental clarity, healthy boundaries, and emotional strength—even when life won’t slow down.

Let this be the moment you start again—with tools that actually help.

With courage and clarity,

Brettney Perr

Recently I was on a trip and the classic song "You're So Vain" by Carly Simon kept coming on the radio with the catchy chorus:

"You’re so vain / You probably think this song is about you…"  -- "You're So Vain" by Carly Simon

Although I’ve heard this song hundreds of times something it hit me a bit different this time.

Because what if that line isn’t just clever irony? What if it’s psychological warfare in satin and sequins?

Let’s Unpack the Linguistic Trap

That chorus is not just a “gotch-ya” wrapped up in a chart topping pop song. It’s a linguistic trap. What she’s done is genius… and perhaps diabolical. Carly sings that “you're vain for thinking the song is about you,” but it is about you. That’s the psychologically manipulative plot twist. Even worse it’s like a narcissist inspired mental trap. Plus this has become hardwired within the culture of the United States; especially as it seems to be slipping into a dictatorship at the time of crafting this article. It’s the perfect double bind, the song is about someone and if you are that someone, you’re vain. If you deny being vain, you look defensive, but you’re still vain. That’s gaslighting wrapped in a melody. Either way, you lose, and there really is no way to escape a chart-topping song that has played so heavily in public spaces for decades.

Going deeper on this, there are concerning behaviors and verbiage we mistake for fact or don’t really take the time to consider it with discernment.

Welcome to the Mind Maze

Lets call it rhetorical warfare.

Accusations are now reflexive, circular, and weaponized. Its being guilty the moment you're named or your ethnicity is considered; not based on action, qualifications, or who you actually are. You could fit the full definition of a moral and good human being, but the false perception hammered in is almost like a hypnosis. If you’ve watched to a hypnosis stage show, you will watch the hypnotist guiding a participant into a trance-like state through focused attention, relaxation, and repetition. Once the participant is in this state, their critical thinking is bypassed, making them more open to suggestion or programming. At this point the hypnotist will assign a “trigger word” or cue for an action or response, known as a “suggestion,” that the participant will perform. Later, when the hypnotist uses the trigger word, it “activates” the participant to act out the suggestion. An example is instantly making someone cluck like a chicken, forget their name, or fall asleep on command. Afterwards, the hypnotist will bring the participant out of the trance and remove the suggestion. Often the participant will have no memory of what they just did, nor what consequences this could create. There is no consideration to critical thinking; only automaton like compliance. I’ve been fascinated by these shows, but uncomfortable with the fact that so many will volunteer to not only lose their self control, but as to how easisly it appears to make it happen, and how highly suggestible people can be.

Just like that chorus, accepted enjoyed, leaving you with a smug feeling of superiority against the vain, while ignoring the vanity in that and explicitly that of the singer. To have a hit song, perform in front of people, have a music video; these are acts require a level of vanity. As I listened to the song for the third time on this trip, I questioned, “when did we stop asking questions, and become spoon fed from a pulpit of projections moonlighting as righteousness?” From politicians to activists and social media influencers to the everyday person, at one time or another we exchanged our insights for a pop song and dance.

Gaslighting, Projection & Psychological Puppeteering

Let’s call it for what it is. We live in a culture of compulsive projection. We are being trained to react to narratives with feelings, instead of logic.

If the person in Carly’s song isn’t actually vain, then Carly is gaslighting. Basically, she’s shaping the story to control, both your reaction and that of someone who may be the sufferer of the projection. Does this sound familiar? It’s the default mode of those employing narcissistic tendencies, and it happens in political discourse often in these ways:

Gaslighting: Rewriting reality, dismissing your feelings, countering your perspectives, until you doubt your own thoughts, and have no sense of self-trust.

Projection: Accusing another of performing the behaviors you have done.

Cognitive Dissonance: Feeling threatened when truth, facts, or data contradict beliefs so you spin, deny, scapegoat or perform mental-gymnastics to offset the discomfort.

These are power plays used to diminish another, instead of actually doing the work to become a person who is respectable.

Consider these as examples:

Gaslighting: Trump gets called a “meltdown maniac” by media source, but compare that to the actual clinical markers of an emotional meltdown source its false retoric.

Projection: Democrats are accused of being violent, despite substantial evidence showing otherwise source.

This engineers and controls the narrative that you are expected to believe and many fall for it enjoying a catchy tune and none the wiser.

Language Is the First Weapon of Control

A lyrical package wrapped in pop-culture can make you a narcissist’s henchperson. It’s the same with the political theatre. Words are chosen to inspire harm, suspend critical thinking, or bend belief. One example consider the difference between “immigrant” and “invader.” Using the word “invader” instead of “immigrant” creates more of a fear response and therefore a justification for provocation against someone who has traveled to make a better life for themselves, their family, or make a positive impact in society. That’s not a coincidence or a slip-up, it’s done by design, consider practices such as neuro-linguistic programming. source

These tactics have manipulation moonlighting as charisma, control cloaked as conviction, and too many play the tune with no idea they’re being played.

Words have power

By this point you may be thinking, “calm down it’s just a song, just politics, or just how the world works.” Perhaps you are considering it a bit triggering, because you’ve experienced narcissistic abuse. Or maybe you are wondering, “what can I do about this or with this information?” How do we counter the narratives? Words have power, it’s been said “the pen is mightier than the sword.” With that it’s important to question everything, listen closely, and consider the words you chose to share, or react to, wisely.

Getting curious is the foundation of critical thinking, ask:

Is this real, or emotional bait?

Am I reacting or am I thinking this through and considering the broader implications?

Am I being recruited or rage-baited into supporting someone’s projections?

Who benefits from my silence, my shame, my confusion?

Did I research or consider both sides before unintentionally perpetuating a lie?

Have I taken the time to think about cause and effect, down the road am I creating overall betterment or harm?

Stop giving your power away!

A final thought, “You’re so vain,” isn’t just a clever piece of song history. It is a psychological power play, the kind we now see across media, culture, and politics.

But here’s the truth:

You’ve been psychologically trained to override your instincts, to doubt your perceptions, and apologize for your own awareness. If you're here it’s time to stop playing chorus to something that may not be in your best interests.

Are you ready to take the next step, reclaim your power and your identity? It takes resilience to make that happen, to stand unshakable in who you are. The only question left is, will you take that next step?

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Choose Resilience

In today’s world, it can feel as though the ground beneath you is shifting constantly—whether it’s personal trials, social unrest, or global uncertainties that leave you feeling overwhelmed and out of control. From navigating the pressures of daily life to the constant barrage of news and media that can leave you feeling paralyzed, the weight of these challenges often becomes too much to bear. Yet, the truth is, you don’t have to face these trials alone or unprepared.

The Resilience Journal is here to guide you, offering more than just an outlet for your thoughts—it is a structured, empowering system designed to help you take control, find clarity, and cultivate a deep well of emotional strength. This isn’t just a journal; it is a comprehensive roadmap to transforming fear into fortitude, chaos into clarity, and uncertainty into action.

Why You Need The Resilience Journal Right Now

We’re living through a time of significant upheaval—political tensions, environmental concerns, economic shifts, and a world grappling with the complexities of change. The energy of the collective seems uncertain, and you might find yourself questioning your place in it all. Perhaps you’re feeling an undercurrent of anxiety, wondering how you can stay grounded in a world that often feels anything but stable. But here’s the truth: you were born with an incredible capacity for resilience, and this journal is designed to help you tap into it.

With 90 days of carefully crafted prompts and exercises, this 383-page resource is more than just writing—it’s a transformational tool that will help you develop an unshakable mindset in the face of adversity. The world around you is unpredictable, but your ability to respond with clarity and control can be honed with intention. This journal offers you just that.

Here’s how the Resilience Journal will help you:

Develop Emotional Mastery: Life isn’t about avoiding challenges; it’s about learning to navigate them with grace. Through daily reflections and prompts, you’ll learn how to respond to life’s toughest moments with emotional strength and calmness, rather than reacting from fear or overwhelm.

Find Clarity Amidst Chaos: The uncertainty of current events can leave you feeling scattered. This journal guides you in focusing your energy, aligning your thoughts, and finding direction in the midst of confusion and turmoil.

Strengthen Your Adaptability: As global events continue to evolve, adaptability is key. Through reflective exercises, you’ll become more resilient to external pressures and develop a mindset that thrives on flexibility and resourcefulness, helping you stay ahead when things change unexpectedly.

Reframe Challenges as Opportunities: With each day’s prompts, you’ll shift your perspective, reframing obstacles as opportunities for growth. The practice of looking for silver linings will help you uncover new solutions and remain hopeful, even when faced with difficulty.

A Time to Prepare, a Time to Thrive

There’s a shift happening—a subtle, yet powerful undercurrent that is shaping the world’s direction. The current state of the world is urging us to let go of outdated patterns and build new foundations based on inner strength, balance, and self-sufficiency. This time calls for individuals who are ready to rise to the occasion, to claim their power, and to lead themselves through adversity. Whether it’s personal turmoil or a collective crisis, the need for resilience has never been more pressing.

As you work through the 90-day journey, you’ll come to understand that resilience isn’t something you simply “have”—it’s something you can build, cultivate, and grow. Through this journal, you’ll create the mental, emotional, and practical framework needed to not only survive what’s ahead, but to thrive in the face of it. The act of writing, reflecting, and processing each day will build your inner strength, help you clarify your goals, and align your actions with the life you want to lead.

This is more than a journal. This is your path to transformation—a tool designed to guide you through life’s most challenging moments with clarity and confidence. The world is unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. You have the power to reclaim control and resilience.

Your Future Self Will Thank You

Don’t wait until life forces you to adapt. Equip yourself now. The Resilience Journal is your first step towards an unshakable foundation. The time to invest in your emotional and mental well-being is now—before the next storm hits.

Your future self, calmer, stronger, and more prepared, will thank you. But only if you act now.

Start your journey today with The Resilience Journal and unlock the strength you were always meant to have.

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Understanding Yourself Through Healing and Values

In an age dominated by social media and constant bombardment of information, it's easy to lose touch with who we truly are. We're inundated with anxiety, fear, and cultural narratives that often don’t serve us. How then do we sift through the noise and connect deeply with ourselves? The answer lies in self-awareness, healing, and the values we hold dear.

To embark on this journey of self-discovery, we first have to acknowledge how trauma shapes our behavior. Often, we carry unprocessed experiences into our present, much like a bear lurking in a child's story, evoking fear anytime it’s mentioned. This metaphor serves to illustrate how triggers can hijack our emotions, sending us into a tailspin of anxiety or stress. For instance, if a certain word or situation evokes anxiety, a simple exercise to counter this is through deep breathing techniques. By consciously controlling our breath, we alter our physiological responses to stress and begin to recalibrate our state of mind. Breathing deeply allows us to shift from a state of panic to one of calm, enabling clearer decision-making.

Understanding our triggers, however, is just the beginning. To truly heal, we need to delve into our value system. What do we stand for? What do we find unacceptable? Often, a good starting point is the inverse exercise: if you're unsure what your values are, list what you dislike. Gratitude, respect, honesty—these might emerge as core principles after some exploration. It’s vital to articulate what these values mean to us personally. For instance, love could mean a lack of disrespect; what does respect look like in your relationships? This clarity arms you with an internal compass that guides your decisions in dating, work, and friendships.

Yet healing is rarely a linear process. It requires sustained effort and action. The work doesn’t stop after a single session or insight; it’s an ongoing commitment. Like a startup, you must iteratively refine your approach based on active feedback. Founders need to understand their vision and mission, just as we must understand ours to avoid toxic dynamics in our relationships or workplaces. By aligning our actions with our values, we create boundaries that protect us from emotional disturbances inflicted by others.

Moreover, addressing anxiety and healing from trauma is not just a personal endeavor—it also involves recognizing the larger environment. In a workplace where toxic behavior abounds, understanding the underlying motivations of others can offer perspective. Is a colleague acting out due to personal struggles? This insight can help you navigate dynamics more effectively, transforming adversities into opportunities for compassion, rather than conflict.

As we engage in the work of understanding ourselves, we gain tools to react thoughtfully rather than impulsively. Healing from trauma or toxic relationships requires both introspection and action—reflecting on what we value while taking proactive steps to create environments that support our growth.

In conclusion, the journey of self-awareness, healing, and value-based living is profound and transformative. It involves breathing through anxiety, defining our values, and actively reflecting on our relationships with others. This pursuit is not merely for personal benefit but serves to enhance our interactions with the world, fueling a more compassionate and authentic version of ourselves. By embracing this ongoing process, you cultivate a life filled with intention, direction, and deeper connections.

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