Talking With Dr Toy

"Let us lay aside or let go of every weight...that so easily entangles us and run with patience the race before us." At first glance we may think it is as simple as putting down the weights, however, the issue may be limited insight regarding the weights we bear. For example, you may be able to name people pleasing as the issue, but what about the core belief the lies beneath such as, "I'm unlovable or unworthy of love and care", therefore you utilize accomplishment as a shied for validation and acceptance. It may be time to identify what lies beneath to move towards liberation. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

Mental health issues are a reality and nurturing and cultivating protective factors are very important in preventing and improving mental health issues/symptoms. Protective factors have been defined as something that prevents problems and influences that make it less likely for individuals to develop mental health issues. There are various types of protective factors such as: Biophysical, psychological, social, and spiritual. For more information tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

Mental health issues are a reality and awareness and attending to risk factors are very important in improving mental health. Risk factors have been defined as anything that creates problems and make it more likely for the development of mental health issues. There are various types of risk factors such as: Biophysical, psychological, social, and spiritual. For more information tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

So many emotions, thoughts, and memories emerge when acknowledging particulate dates on the calendar. Mother's Day represents one of those days whether it be joy, love, admiration, inspiration, grief, disappointment, hurt, rejection, betrayal, hate, unadulterated heartache and pain. Hallmark may provide some beautiful expressions but somehow, it doesn't quite capture the complexity of this day that many experience. Motherhood and relational dynamics are complicated and it's okay to acknowledge the good, the bad, and the ugly. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

May is Mental Health Awareness month which makes for an opportune time to address mental health prevention. To solely utilize therapy when experiencing crises is underutilizing this service. Some view attending therapy similarly to going to the ER for a temporary fix to an issue. However, therapy may be used as a form of prevention where risk factors are reduced and protective factors are cultivated. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

Connecting has been defined as "joining or linking things together, especially so as to provide access and communication." Some may struggle allowing others access to their authentic selves and erect walls instead of bridges. Disconnection may occur more often than connections leaving individuals feeling isolated, withdrawn, and alone. Disconnection may appear as the norm but it may breed further disruption and perpetual exile from self and others. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

A passage reads, What is your life? You are a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away. Life appears so fragile at times especially when experiencing the death of loved ones. We often contemplate our own mortality in such moments and explore existential musings regarding the meaning of life and ponder what our lives may mean to others when we die. Don't allow anyone or anything to steal a moment of life from you because life is precious. So my question to you: How are you living? Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

There's a scripture verse that states, "There's a time for everything, and a season for every activity...A time to weep, a time to mourn, and a time of heal." There are just no words regarding the mass shooting that took place at the Covenant School in Nashville, TN. I'm extending my condolences and holding space for the precious lives affected by this tragedy. Many are struggling with cognitive dissonance and various emotions in the effort to return to some sense of normalcy when in this environment there's no anchoring definition for what normal is or what it will be from this point forward. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

Someone stated, "Imagine if we measured success by the amount of safety that people felt in our presence." I absolutely love this quote because safety is often one of those unspoken and hard to obtain core values. You may know it when you experience it and you absolutely react to it when you don't experience it. I believe many women desire to experience intrapersonal and interpersonal safety and I so appreciate those women who have cultivated that for me. I want to express gratitude for those who strive to be safe spaces for others. Thank you! Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

"The most painful thing is losing yourself in the process of loving someone too much and forgetting that you are special too." Sometimes as women, we serve the role of being the super heroes in the lives of others while being the villain within our lives. The needs and wants of others often take priority while aspects within our lives become collateral damage. Why does this happen? Someone stated that it is out of necessity, cultural norms, and self-esteem issues. This process becomes the norm, to the point that anything contrary is viewed as deviant. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.