"This joy that I have, the world didn't give and the world can't take it away." If we're honest, at times it does seem like life and this world can extract our joy due to the targeted attacks, microaggressions, and cruelty. However, joy is not solely based on external circumstances, it's an internal well of resourcing that resides in our soul and spirit. Joy is defined as "an abiding, deep-seated state of peace and inner stability rooted in the divine." Joy is also a fruit of the spirit that is nurtured by grace and sustained by an eternal hope in the divine presence and active involvement of Emmanuel (God with Us). Let's talk about it. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

Black women, do you have emotional safe spaces? Secondly, do you use those emotional safe spaces? An emotional safe space is where we can show up as our authentic selves with our vulnerabilities and limitations and receive nurture, care, love, and validation. Such spaces provide healing where we bask in visibility, are encouraged to take off the masks, speak our voice, and reframe from shrinking and code switching. To be honest, such spaces are few and far between for Black women which is why we must cultivate our own spaces where we no longer remain silent about our mental health. Speak up! Let's talk about it. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

This is for us! Black women need rest too. Contrary to what culture may negatively believe about Black women, we are human and deserve, rest, care, love, and nurture. The past couple of years have intensified the disenfranchisement of Black women in areas of employment, opportunities, and even in the church. It is nothing new for Black women, but the intensity is more insidious, blatant, and unapologetic, from the perpetuation of negative stereotypes to the stripping of our dignity. Black women may seem to have shields of power to withstand the attacks, but do we not bleed when we are pricked. Let's talk about it. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

Emotional wellness is a part of our holistic health. Many are very aware of their physical health, but may take for granted other aspects of their health. Emotional wellness is a foundational aspect of how we function and show up in the world, our communities, and our families. However, we may often neglect our emotional health because it is not as visible as other aspects of our health. Remember, our emotional health is just as important as other aspects of our health. Check yourself! Let's talk about it. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

"Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be" is a powerful quote that may resonate with many of us during these tumultuous times. As I sat listening to the opening speeches of the Obama Presidential library, I sat as one who was a receiving a much needed cool drink of water. Sometimes you don't know how much you miss or need something until it shows up and then you're like awww that's it! Inspire comes from the "Latin inspirare, which literally means "to breathe into." In this parched land, may we desire to be inspired and to inspire others--it's a lifeline. Let's talk about it. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

June is men's health and mental health awareness month with the theme, "It's not weak to speak". Emotional wellness is defined as "the ability to successfully handle life's stresses and adapt to change and difficult times." It's unfortunate that when discussing men's health, we often neglect to mention or include emotional wellness. Our mere humanity includes assessing our emotional health. NIH provides an emotional wellness checklist that may be beneficial for men to improve their mental health. Let's talk about emotional resilience. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

June is men's health and mental health awareness month to increase the normalization of discussing and addressing stigma regarding men's health and mental health. "According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, men are almost four times more likely to die by suicide than women, and more than 6 million men in the U.S. experience symptoms of depression every year", yet many do not admit or disclose such symptoms. They opt to suffer in silence which is why it has become the "silent crisis." Let's help the men in our lives embrace, "it's not weak to speak." Let's talk about it. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

Although Mental Health Awareness Month is ending, please make sure to continue prioritizing your mental health. Investing in the lives of others is important, but that does not mean neglecting your life. Remember, "there's no health without mental health" and one way to invest in your life is to remember the circle of concern vs. the circle of control. Radically accepting that somethings are out of your control and to invest energy within your sphere of influence may lead to a more fulfilling life. Let's talk about it. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! "Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn and work well, and contribute to their communities." "There is no health without mental health." However, that message doesn't always seem to resonate due to the negative stereotypes and misconceptions about mental health. Mental health stigma prevents people from receiving the help they really need because they attribute mental health issues as a weakness, when it is simply apart of being human and living this human experience. Let's talk about it! www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

The circle of control is a powerful concept that may assist in focusing your energy on things and situations within your sphere of influence. Focusing your energy on situations and things you can control instead of those you cannot may be liberating and empowering. Some examples of things within your control include your choices, your actions, your effort, your words, your attitude, asking for help, learning from mistakes, and where to direct your energy. However, identifying and acknowledging these aspects entail stillness, reflection, and implementation. Let's talk about it. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com