As I reflect on Black history, I recognize several aspects that have kept Black people moving despite all the ills of colonization, slavery, discrimination, living in a world where brown skin has historically not been celebrated. Our sense of humor. We have a way of making difficult situations humorous. Our sense of community. We love to come together for everything and anything, to share good food,…
Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: It is easier to say, ‘My tooth is aching’ than to say, ‘My heart is broken.’ —C.S. LewisDepression is marked by sadness, emptiness, and/or irritable mood. You lose the pleasure you once felt in doing things you…
I recently asked people the question, “What topics would you like to see addressed on African Mind Healer blog in 2021?” Someone’s response was “living happily,” which made me think “it sounds so simple, but it can be hard for us adults to be happy.” I wish I had a formula to compute what I need to be happy, but I don’t. Nobody does. What makes…
As you think about ending 2020 and beginning 2021, here’s something to consider. Rest to work rather than work to rest! Many people take time off work during the holiday season, but many of us don’t know how to rest. I mean truly resting by letting go of the pressures in your mind that you need to be doing something or going somewhere, and simply allowing yourself…
Relationships are challenging. Even more so during the holidays. We are reminded of our relationships with family and friends, those with whom we get along and those with whom we don’t get along. It can be hard to navigate our relationships with those who have hurt us. Will forgiving them mean you are accepting what they did as okay? Does it mean you should allow them…
Grieving is hard and 2020 has brought us many losses. With the holiday season, grief can become even more intense because holidays are usually spent with loved ones. While many of us may be grieving the loss of the normalcy of life as we knew it, those who have lost loved ones from the Coronavirus and other causes are also grieving the loss of a life.…
Can you believe it's already mid-November? The holiday season is fast approaching and it's going to feel weird for many of us, being that it's the first time we are advised to stay away from family and friends. But then, it could also be a relief to some that have a hard time with family. The holidays usually come with stress, but this year's stress is…
Too much is going on and I don’t know what to say. I could write about what has been going on in Cameroon for the past 4 years aggravated by last week's attack on school children. Or I can write about police brutality and protests in Nigeria and in Philadelphia. I could write something to prepare us for the U.S. presidential elections next week. Or I…
Wherever you find yourself today, it's time for the FRESP check in! I wrote about it in this post. Here's a refresher: Food - Eat nourishing food and drink water Relationship - Have restorative connection Exercise - Do physical activity Sleep - Get 7 to 9 hours, could be more or less depending on the person Pray - Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17) And I will…
Journaling has gotten me through a lot. I have books upon books and several word documents filled with my thoughts and tear stains. I have gained deeper understanding, clarity, resolve, and transformation through writing. Some of my best times in prayer have been through journaling. It is a great and accessible tool for most of us. But, many people wonder how to start journaling or they…