Talking With Dr Toy

Racial trauma is very Real! Much of what we are experiencing is tied to a larger context of intergenerational trauma which is a trauma that has been passed on through generations stemming from slavery, Jim Crow Laws, etc. This trauma is in our bodies and our psyches. It's painful, but to look away is to deny it's existence and it's very pervasive and burdensome! We must continue to pray, fight, and rise in this moment. In the words of the late Maya Angelou: "Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I Rise, I Rise, I Rise!" Please check on your people, even if you do not understand what's happening. A compassionate heart and having a ear to hear instead of judge can be very encouraging. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com to hear ways to navigate this tumultuous time in our nation. 

There has been some losses during this season of dealing with Covid-19 and it is beneficial to acknowledge how you are experiencing those losses, identify and make allowances for what you need. Grief has been described as a natural process, however, have you ever considered it a healing process? Grief can be laden with such pain that one may be apprehensive in considering it as a process that brings about healing, but it does just that. How can experiencing something so painful be healing? Grief is healing because it allows for an openness and acknowledgment of one's authentic emotions and it provides an opening to receive comfort. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com. 

Talking With Dr. Toy Show: Mental Health Check-In and Check-up Part 2! Tools for your Mental Health Tool Box. Please Make sure to be kind to yourself by allowing time and space for a Mental Health Check-In. I would encourage you to start your check in with the following questions:  How Am I Doing? What Am I Experiencing? How Am I Experiencing? What Do I Need? Please take care of your mental health! Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com I look forward to connecting with you. Dr. Toy.

Are you taking care of your mental, spiritual, and emotional health? May is mental health awareness month and I want to encourage you to consistently enact a mental health check-in and check-up. What's in your mental health took-kit? Let's talk about it, tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com. I look forward to connecting with you! Dr. Toy.

To Know God is To Know Thyself! The lens by which we view ourselves has been informed by aspects of socialization and life scripts that have been written by others. Sometimes we view ourselves solely through others' expectations and views of us. Therefore, we never truly discover aspects of our authentic identity. There is another perspective or another view that if you're receptive may be transformative and revelatory. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com. 

Theology as therapy is a concept that encourages one to engage in a process of studying God and thereby learning of His ways which can be very therapeutic. One aspect of God that may be overlooked is His desire to be known by His Creation. We are finite beings and for such a powerful God to desire that type of relationship with His creation is very powerful. However, one way to know God is truly to learn about His son, Jesus Christ. Jesus stated that when you have seen Him, we have seen the Father. If you desire to be known, then you are not alone, God desires for you to know Him and to invest in a relationship where you are authentically known by Him. Tune into via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

Theology (Study of God) is therapy (process of personal interaction to assist in overcoming life's issues and change behavior). Who do you say God is? Some of our answers may mirror others' experiences instead of our own. God wants you to know Him because we need to! However, in order to cultivate that relationship we have got to put in the work. God is relational and He is waiting for you! Who is this God that desires to be in relationship with you? Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com. 

The death of loved ones can be so sobering and reflective. Especially, in times like these. I have personally experienced the death of a gentleman who is a legend in radio, Clarence Kilcrease. When I learned of his death, it really hurt and I pondered the intensity and gravity of the loss. One thing I truly valued about my interactions with Clarence was how I felt when I encountered his presence. I felt seen, heard, valued, and really supported. I felt as if he was truly for me and honestly that seems like a rarity these days. In this age of self-preservation for someone to be so secure as to be giving of themselves is a precious gift. I would encourage us to become such people in the lives of others. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.  

During distressing times one may enter into survival mode where the goal is to function whether than to live an abundant life. One may become neglectful of things that brings and breeds life to one's spirit, mind, soul, and body. During these times of separating ourselves and staying at home, it becomes necessary to take care of your holistic self which includes spirit, mind, soul, and body. Please be mindful and intentional of what you feed yourself during these times because what you take in can either bring life or breed despair and hopelessness. Please take good care of you and those around you! Dr. Toy

I know I'm not supposed to be afraid, but I am. We spend more time and energy fighting the fear than cultivating the faith and hope needed to bring a sense of peace, assurance, and calmness. How do I pivot from fear to faith? In times like these, we need an anchor for our soul and a source higher than our human limitations. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com. I look forward to connecting with you. Dr. Toy.