Victim mentality has come to be so stigmatized that it is often used to minimize and shame individuals' traumatic life experiences. Some prefer not to even use the word victim because the connotation is synonymous with weakness. In fact, some even deny that they were ever a victim and attempt to bypass such aspects of their life as if the past is nonexistence. Some are so entrenched in the past/present of victimization that they do not know or afraid to come to a realization of a path forward. Some have learned to adapt to victimization because it has become a cornerstone of their identity. In other words, they are comfortable but miserable! Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

Self Preservation has been defined as "The protection of oneself from harm or death, especially regarded as a basic instinct in human beings and animals." While self preservation is a protective mechanism utilized to protect, it can also simultaneously imprison individuals. Self preservation is often enacted when individuals have experienced trauma and it is utilized as an attempt to control one's world. It becomes an adaptive coping skill for functioning. However, it may also serve maladaptive purposes that may prevent one from truly living and even thriving. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com 

Time waits for no one. We even ask the question, "where did the time go?" Towards the beginning of the year, we think time is on our side to work towards our goals and to improve some areas of our lives.  However, one day we look up and discover that it's the eight month of the year and time has flown by. Another important question to ask is where are we in relation to the goals, plans, dreams, and the visions we imagined for ourselves? It may be a good time to pause and reflect on this question. Tune into the podcast www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

The decision making process can induce so much anxiety that individuals either experience procrastination or paralysis. The fear of making the wrong decision may stop people from making any decision which may produce unintended consequences. Sometimes the process entails gathering information and facts to ensure the decisions are well informed; however, some may forsake the faith factor. Where or when does faith factor within the decision making process? Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com. 

A portion of Talking With Dr. Toy's mission statement is to provide a holistic approach to emotional healing. Although some individuals desire the outcome of healing, it's the process that deter them from doing the work. Some may employ protective strategies of avoidance, denial, or even resignation that their current predicament is terminal so they forsake the process. Healing entails a process of exposure, vulnerability, perseverance, courage, as well as community. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com. 

I was invited to read the poem "The Guest House" by Jalaluddin Rumi and I encourage you to read it at your leisure. The premise of the poem is to invite instead of resist our emotions. We often try to suppress, deny, and resist those emotions that may be uncomfortable for fear they will be overwhelming or impair our functioning. Emotions that are buried alive may re-emerge during inopportune times. Have you ever wondered, what may happen if you invite and even welcome these emotions? Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

One portion of the mission statement for Talking With Dr. Toy is to provide a holistic approach to those who desire to improve their quality of life. There may be a negative assumption regarding the reasons some people do not desire to change. However, there may be various reasons for extinguishing that desire. Some may be fearful of further pain, disappointment and discouragement so they give up the notion of improving their life. What is known has become the norm and the fear of the unknown paralyzes them so they remain stuck or just give up. For an alternative narrative tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

Happy Father's day may mean different things to people, for some it's an opportunity demonstrate their gratitude for all the things their father has done throughout their lifetime. For some, it's a day to remember and yes even grieve the absence of their fathers. Finally for some, it brings forth emotions that have remained buried because of the pain of growing up without a father. Psalm 68:5 proclaims that He is a "Father to the Fatherless". Whatever your situation, I hope you can anchor in this truth that you have a heavenly Father that simply adores and unconditionally loves you. Tune into www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

The usage of Post-Pandemic may be a bit premature since the effects and its impact are not past, but are very present. Living through a pandemic has been and continues to be a traumatic experience for many especially concerning this aspect of loneliness. Individuals can experience loneliness even in the midst of a crowd of people. They feel others do not care about them, their voice is not welcomed, or what they offer in relationships is not reciprocated. Some are even ashamed to admit they are lonely. Loneliness--It is okay to say it and seek connection. Tune in via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.