Not only is Black History 365 days of the year; so is African Americans' mental health. The systemic health disparities regarding the state of mental health within the African American community is cause for pause, concern, and tangible action. No longer must we solely anchor in our resilience as a shield of protection from the targeted assaults on our lives. We must also acknowledge that arrows leave wounds and if unattended, those wounds not only infect and affect us, but our families, communities, and future generations. Let's talk about it for real! Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

I'm personally pausing from my regularly scheduled programmed life to acknowledge and experience the collective grief and outrage regarding the traumatic beating and murder of Tyre Nichols. I appreciate the powerful words of Dr. Thelma Bryant's, APA president, response to this horrific and brutal tragedy. I encourage you to view her response which is posted on Youtube: "How to Process the Killing of Tyre Nichols." We honor the life and legacy of Tyre Nichols and hold space for his entire family. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

When was the last time you made time to sit with yourself? I know for some that question may seem targeted to those who appear to have the luxury of doing so. However, in getting to know you, it requires really taking a look at yourself and asking some crucial and insightful questions. I would encourage you to carve out just a little time to engage in a self interview that requires asking yourself some poignant questions that get to the heart of rediscovering aspects of your identity. Sharon Martin poses some powerful questions. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.  

Getting to know you takes energy and time, however, so many neglect themselves. I hope this may be a season for you to invest in yourself because you are worth it. When I say invest, it includes nourishing your soul and cultivating aspects of curiosity regarding "being" instead of "doing". We're more than our actions and our achievements. My hope is that you take a moment to breath and explore aspects of yourself so that discovery becomes a goal for you this season. Tune into the podcast www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

Aspects of our humanity and identity evolve over time due to experiences, time, etc. However, sometimes as a result of disconnection, trauma, etc. we may feel lost and have no clue of who we really are. It happens because life happens. So what do we enact in order to reconnect with ourselves and cultivate a sense of curiosity and exploration of self?  Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com. 

Well, Happy New Year!! The first day of the year may garner various emotions, some may experience excitement, anxiousness, or even be relieved that another year has arrived. Whatever, the emotion, my hope is the realization regarding the power of choice and connection that lies within this year for you. Some say, this is the year of choosing you, however, it will be difficult to make informed and healthy choices in the midst of disconnection. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.   

Anne Cetas stated, "Much like a mom comforting her child, God bends down low to tenderly care for us in our pain." The humility and care of a God bending down low to comfort and extend us compassion, paints a beautiful but yet complex picture of God, because instead of comforting us, why won't God just take the pain away?" It may be beyond our finite minds to adequately answer this question. Perhaps the solace is not in what we believe God should do or how it should be done, but in the fact that whatever plight we are anchored in, we don't have to face it alone. His name is Emmanuel--God with us. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com. 

One of my mentors once told me that even the oak tree, one of the strongest trees, has a root system that anchors and sustains it. I've always remembered that and conveyed that to my clients because whether we accept it or not, we all need support. Social support has been defined as, "the physical and emotional comfort given to you by your family, friends, co-workers and others. It’s knowing that you are part of a community of people who love and care for you, value you and think well of you." Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com  

Shouldn't I feel happy during this festive season? It depends, if that's what you truly feel. Sometimes we fall into this trap of requiring ourselves to feel what we think we should feel instead of authentically experiencing what we are actually feeling. Gulino expressed that allowing ourselves to experience the highs as well as the lows helps us to process and pass the emotion. The expectations we hold regarding our emotions may also be a blessing or a burden. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

Brook Lane wrote an article entitled, "Managing Expectations During the Holiday Season." The article provides some insight into how expectations of ourselves and others contribute to the stress and burdensomeness experienced during the holiday season. She posed some powerful questions that are worth pausing to explore regarding the why, how, and ways we experience expectations during this season. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com