Talking With Dr Toy

It's not new that music has therapeutic qualities especially music that represents and speaks to certain times in history. Hymns, Spirituals, and Gospel Music represents genres of music that have propelled people to hope and to persevere despite the current state of affairs. Lift Every Voice and Sing represents one such song that expresses sentiments of such renewed hope and strength. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com for this special Black History Edition of Talking With Dr. Toy. 

Adversity can be fertile ground for cultivating hope. Adversity is defined as the experience of difficulties and misfortune. When adversity occurs in our lives we may create our own narrative as a way to understand and explained what has happened. However, we may create false narratives that cultivate hopelessness instead of hope and that induces aspects of worthlessness, resentment, and bitterness. Tune into the podcast to learn ways to cultivate hope in the midst of adversity via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

Hope is the expectation for something good but that hope remains an ideal if intentionality and action are not apart of the process. Self-care has been defined as taking action to improve and protect one's well-being and happiness. Community care according to Nakita Valero is defined as individuals "committed to leveraging their privilege to be there for one another in various ways.” It entails a process of collective caring and support for one another which is definitely needed in times like these. Both are needed to build and maintain a balanced and harmonious quality of life. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.  

Well, we're not into a full week of 2021 and already it may appear that 2021 is looking like a repeat of 2020. Before you throw in the  Hope towel and begin preparing yourself for the worst. No one stated that hope would come easy. No a hope that sustains is a hope that perseveres despite the happenings. A passage reads like this, that we glory in our sufferings because it produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character, hope and hope does not make us ashamed. Listen, this season calls for a hope that is not deterred. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

Goodbye and So Long 2020!!! Hello 2021, but with some reservations. Yes although many may be glad that 2020 is outta here, many are apprehensive, fearful, or even dreading what 2021 has in store. Some remember they approached 2020 with so much anticipation and excitement but were disappointed. They have vowed not to repeat that same error in judgment so they enter the new year fearful to hope or to make any positive declarations. Please do not be afraid to hope--The Expectation of Something Good. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.  

As the year of 2020 comes to an end and a new year is on the horizon, it may be beneficial to engage in a review as well as some reflection. Because this year has been filled with many unexpected twists, turns, and tragedies, many are happy to see it go. However, not so fast, there have been some valuable lessons learned this year and only you know what they are from your own perspective. I encourage you to take sometime to sit still and reflect; you may find some golden nuggets that remain with you a lifetime. I share a review of the topics I addressed throughout this year that mirror in ways the various experiences we have encountered and I also share a few lessons I learned. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com. 

Navigating this holiday season during a pandemic will certainly be challenging and some may even experience disappointment. Traditions and rituals will have to be modified or even cancelled and it can be disheartening. Some may be stressed because economically they can't afford the gifts they purchased last year and may feel bad about themselves. There are some strategies in navigating this season and please show goodwill by protecting yourself and others. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com. 

The process of reconciliation has been defined as a completion and wholeness with God, others, and with creation. With that said, it is no wonder that relationships take work. The questions to asked is whether the relationship is worth the work and are you willing to do your own work that aids in the process of reconciling? The process includes not only an inward reflection but one that turns towards the other person(s) in the spirit of collaboration and mutual value and respect. Remember, it takes at least two to reconcile as well as taking the necessary steps to cultivate a space for reconciliation to occur. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com 

Relationships a Gift? The year of 2020 has been a year that has tested some of our relationships. Some relationships have been exposed as toxic and some of us have been wounded by unmet expectations. Please do not give up on relationship, they are a life line to our growth and although they can be sources of pain, they can also be sources of healing. Reconciliation is possible where there's intentionality. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

Thanksgiving may look a bit different this year and so much so I am noticing that people are going straight to Christmas in hopes of good tidings and cheer. It may be a reason for that because some may be struggling with reasons to be thankful or grateful. Whether you are experiencing grief and loss, financial struggles, issues of loneliness, disappointment, or just exhaustion you too may wonder what is there to be thankful or grateful for? Listen, explore those feelings because they are very real but I would also encourage to you think about this aspect of gratitude that has been defined as "gifts outweighing an exchange". Tune into via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.