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…
"I’m everything and I am nothing. Nigeria is quietly begging me to remember while America slowly urges me to forget" Bassey Ikpi quotes in her Def Poetry Jam piece. Born in Nigeria and growing up in the U.S., Bassey talks about the pull of living in two different worlds. She remembers her grandmother speaking to her in her native tongue while she is only able to…
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…
You know how, many African cultures have rituals involving dancing and chanting? They are done on many occasions including after births and deaths. It turns out that the Western world is catching up to these along with other art forms as beneficial ways to heal from trauma. Well of course, everything originated in Africa 😉Anyway, last week I wrote about Black American trauma: 3 important concepts…
Trauma is the response to a disturbing or painful experience. We’ve all been through some type of trauma in our lives. Many times when we hear trauma, we think of situations like car accidents, attacked at gun point, rape, mass shootings, natural disasters, and domestic violence. However, traumas can also occur from break ups with significant others, losing a loved one, undergoing surgery, living in an…
Disclaimer: This is easy in theory but not always in practice. Stress is a part of life. We all experience it to varying degrees. Some stress keeps us motivated and productive, while too much stress can lead to burnout. We’ve been in a pandemic for about 28 weeks now and it’s changed our normal way of living. It’s changed the way we work, educate our kids,…