In a recent conversation about emotions with a close friend, I realized that when certain emotions appear, we are quick to shame ourselves for feeling what we feel. Why do we do this? In that moment, I encouraged my friend to ride the emotion wave. This concept teaches us how to embrace our humanness and the feelings we naturally feel. Although human emotions exist, riding the emotion wave requires awareness. Meaning, if the wave of emotion does not dissipate within a reasonable amount of time, it is time to seek support with processing that emotion. For instance, if an emotion puts one in an ..read more

When the Coronavirus lockdown started in mid-March, I was gripped by anxiety and confused not knowing how I would survive [mentally, physically, and financially] amid a global crisis. I watched the news religiously hoping coronavirus would leave the United States just as quickly as it came. But the news reports remained unchanged and the unsettling reality was millions of people including myself were at the mercy of a relentless virus. My survivor instincts went into overdrive. If nothing else, I made up my mind to come through this pandemic with my health and sanity intact.  “Survival ..read more

Our nation as a whole is affected by the outbreak of the Coronavirus also known as COVID-19. Spread of the virus has forced us into isolation evoking feelings of fear and anxiety. This pandemic is indeed traumatic and mentally taxing. It is important to do a mental health check-in with your child(ren), spouses, family members, co-workers, and friends to detect signs of psychological distress. A decline in mental health, substance and alcohol use, and worsening of chronic medical conditions will rise as people face job and financial losses, education concerns, or render medical care to othe ..read more

On The Wings Of Freedom – Birds Flying And Broken Chains – Charge ConceptI recently read a book by R. Dandridge Collins, Ph.D, entitled the Trauma Zone. This book provides clear insight on how trauma adversely impacts psychological functioning. Specifically, Dr. Collins explains why many trauma survivors feel trapped or unable to carry on with normal life because their emotional pain keeps them locked in the past. I recommend this book to anyone suffering with trauma-related disorders such as Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Here is an excerpt from a chapter ..read more

I want to be among the few who share their experience with mental health in effort to promote awareness and the end the stigma on mental illness in the black community. Before sharing my story, here are a few facts proving the prevalence of mental health in the United States. Based on statistics reported by NAMI (National Alliance Mental Illness): 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, 1 in 25 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14 ..read more

Have you ever been wounded and your ability to fly was compromised? Good news, you can fly again and soar to great altitudes. Wounded wings do heal. A painful circumstance may make it hard to thrust your wings but know that your ability to soar can be restored. It takes strength and commitment to heal. But those who hope in the lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 Picture yourself as an eagle. An eagle is a powerful bird. It is innate for them to fly; therefore, when wounde ..read more

Remove yourself from people who treat you like your time does not matter, like your feelings are worthless or like your soul is replaceable – S. McNutt Are you engaged in relationship that is draining your energy and leaving you depleted? It may be time to set boundaries/ or and learn how to love from a distance. This can be difficult to do in relationships where there is an unhealthy emotional attachment and codependency issues. In such relationships, boundary setting can seem unachievable, but it can be done. The initial step is understanding your own personal boundaries and the i ..read more

A garden is a space set aside for the cultivation of plants/ flowers in different heights, colors, textures, and fragrances to create interest and delight the senses. In this meaning, the word cultivation stands out the most – meaning growth, planting, harvesting, and raising. When I think about a garden and its meaning, my sisters come to mind. Black women growing together and cultivating each other while sowing seeds of inspiration, kindness, acceptance, and strength into the world. We encourage one another to flourish amid weeds, thorns, and  moments of drought. Like actual flowers, we a ..read more

Are you facing a circumstance that seems insurmountable? Lift your head my friend. Trouble does not last always. I can personally attest to this. Three years ago, I endured a painful divorce. My heart was shattered along with my self-esteem. I hung my head for weeks in shame and despair.  In the moment, it was easier to look down because to look forward meant seeing the raging storm in front of me.  It was tragic in every meaning of the word – a loss that felt like a death. I had no strength to fight, pray, or even cry. I asked God why repeatedly and he was seemingly silent. I felt ..read more

Can our community withstand another candlelight vigil? Gun violence in the United States results in tens of thousands of deaths and injuries annually. The ownership and control of guns are among the most widely debated issues in the country. According to the Gun Violence Archive of 2019, there has been 40,835 shooting incidents; 10,823 deaths in total (2,247 teenagers 12-17 and 504 children 0-11) and 306 mass shootings. Wikipedia and Gun Violence 2019 Archive Today, I received news that another person was murdered. So, sad! It has become increasingly hard to watch the news due t ..read more