The perpetuated picturesque view of the holiday season may seem contrary to some individuals' lived realities consumed by violence, the death of loved ones, economic struggle, and loneliness. We may fall into the trap of feeling pressured to choose one or the other instead of creating a path to simultaneously hold both.  This path may require more emotional energy, but it also may produce more valuable lessons and reflective experiences to not only initiate individual healing but communal healing. Tune into the podcast www.talkingwithdrtoy.com 

Stress is a key ingredient of prolonged survivor mode. We have the option to either manage stress or continue to allow stress to manage our lives. A vital anchor in stress management is self investment and internalization of one's worth and value instead of harsh judgment. After assessing the prevalence of stress in our lives, it's time to take the next step of taking action to effectively manage the stress. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.  

Prolonged survival mode does not afford individuals the time nor the desire to assess their well-being. We may think that pausing to assess our well-being is a luxury we can't afford, but in reality, it is a necessity our holistic selves can't afford to negate. An awareness and assessment of our well-being may indicate how much stress is ruling and overtaking our lives. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com. 

Do you know when you're stressed? When was the last time you paused to assess your stress level and how it manifests in your body, mind, and behaviors? Many of us have lived with stress so long that its not only become a lifestyle but an identity. Be mindful that stress shows up differently for individuals and its important to be aware of how stress shows up and shows out in your system. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com. 

Stress has been defined by the American Institute of Stress as "A condition or feeling experienced when a person perceives that the demands exceed the personal and social resources the individual is able to mobilize." Stress has been deemed as the silent killer and according to various resources many diseases and illnesses are stress related such as diabetes, hypertension, strokes, etc., Although we've normalized living with prolonged stress, the effects on the body are unhealthy and not so silent. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

Stress has been defined as "A feeling of emotional or physical strain or tension." Stress is inevitable and everyone experiences it. Our bodies are designed to manage small doses of stress but what happens when the stress becomes chronic? Our bodies were not designed to handle chronic stress which is why it can have damaging effects on our bodies. The way we respond to stress will determine the state of our well-being. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com 

We celebrate and honor survivors, especially those who have overcome many obstacles to say with boldness; "I'm Still Here." So many cannot say the same so it is something to be praised. However, what happens when you stay in a perpetual state of survival where your body remains in a stress response mode? Is it possible to transition from surviving to holistic thriving? Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com. 

Just as ruptures within relationships are inevitable, repairs must be intentional. As someone stated, repairs are a process and not a performance. Attempting to repair too soon, may minimize the effects of the ruptures thereby inducing resentment. However, repairs that are intentional and thoughtful may set the stage for restoration and healing within valued relationships. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

Have you or someone ever made this statement after a conflictual interaction? "It happen, no need to discuss it further, let's just move on." Yes, that can be the ultimate exit strategy out of a disagreement, etc., but it may also breed resentment and more shallow and unfulfilling interpersonal interactions. According to Braham, "When we engage rupture, it can help us to understand and change our patterns of being in relationship" and help us to move towards repair. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com