My L.O.T.U.S. Moments
You may have noticed the lotus flower as the website icon as well as a part of the Hope In Her logo. That isn’t by chance. The Lotus is the only flower that has roots in mud, at the bottom of streams and ponds. It’s the only flower that blooms in spite of the darkness that surrounds it. Just like a lotus flower, we have the ability to rise above our dark moments and bloom into the beautiful beings we’re meant to be. My L.O.T.U.S. (Lessons in Overcoming Trauma and Understanding Our Strength) Moments podcast and blog is a reminder that you can grow beyond and learn from your dark moments.
Blog.
Black Women in Leadership Reflections
It was also equally disappointing because outside of DSW classes, there are real consequences for speaking out against oppressive systems whether its in the workplace or not. All of those consequences can negatively impact my wellbeing but in the workplace, those consequences are oftentimes aligned with personal bias and stereotypes- all in which, I have to fight against. It's exhausting and sometimes it feels like the better option is to just, "play the game."
Black Women and Social Anxiety
Since moving to Korea, I've met more professional black women who struggle with social anxiety (SA) than I ever have before. From teachers to military professionals, social anxiety has been an increasing obstacle. I’ve even found myself in some anxiety-inducing social situations. Some people find it hard to believe that we struggle with social anxiety because we've become so conditioned to always "being on" but that's simply not the case. Like everything else, we've learned to function with anxiety. Two things black women have become masters at- compartmentalizing and avoidance.
Don't get me wrong, almost all of us get a little anxious or embarrassed in front of other people every now and then and some of us are shyer than others, but for those who struggle with social anxiety, the distress can be so intense, it stops people from doing the things they enjoy. The anxiety can even interfere with our daily lives, making it feel like it's difficult to cope. Oftentimes, the overwhelming feeling occurs when just thinking about a social situation- or the memory of a previous one.
Can you relate?
Molly STILL Isn’t a Toxic Friend -Insecure S4E5
The word “toxic” has been quite a buzz word since 2018. I often roll my eyes when people throw it around on social media. Its been so overused by people who choose to not properly work through conflict or lack the emotional intelligence to effectively articulate their feelings.
Signs You Might Be Struggling With Depression
It’s natural to feel down or anxious from time to time. What’s not natural, however, is prolonged feelings of hopelessness and despair. When these emotions grab hold, and won’t let go, it is likely you may have depression. Depression makes every day a constant challenge. You no longer enjoy life as you once did. Just getting out of bed can feel overwhelming.
But, with education and therapy, you can overcome depression and get back to the life you were meant to live.
Bianca Bonnie, Childhood Trauma, & Trauma Bonds
If you are into celebrity television, then you may have seen the latest episode of Marriage Bootcamp: Hip Hop edition. In last week's episode Bianca Bonnie (Chicken Noodle Soup Song) of Love & Hop Hop New York, opened up about her past childhood abuse.
Youtube.
What Randall Tells Us About Unresolved Trauma.
In this video I talk about @nbcthisisus and how Unresolved Trauma affected Randall during the latest episode.
A few things I discuss:
1. Ways we respond to stress/fear
2. How unresolved trauma will continuously show up in our lives
3. How Jack played set the foundation for Randall's lack of proper coping skills during his childhood.
Are You Sad?
In this first #BlackGirlTalkInSession, I wanted to help you all understand what Seasonal Depression AKA Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is, how you can recognize is, and provide you with some realistic ways to manage it. Items mentioned in this video: Light Therapy Portable Lamp: https://amzn.to/33SUcxj Nature Wise Vitamin D3 Supplements: https://amzn.to/2rZ5ItF
Podcast.
Check out this very special Podcast Episode with some classmates and I for a class project
Therapy Resources
Are you looking for help to begin your therapeutic journey? See the list below for some amazing resources.
Start your journey of healing
If you are looking to work with me, click the link below. I look forward to working with you.