Although Mental Health Awareness Month is ending, please make sure to continue prioritizing your mental health. Investing in the lives of others is important, but that does not mean neglecting your life. Remember, "there's no health without mental health" and one way to invest in your life is to remember the circle of concern vs. the circle of control. Radically accepting that somethings are out of your control and to invest energy within your sphere of influence may lead to a more fulfilling life. Let's talk about it. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! "Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn and work well, and contribute to their communities." "There is no health without mental health." However, that message doesn't always seem to resonate due to the negative stereotypes and misconceptions about mental health. Mental health stigma prevents people from receiving the help they really need because they attribute mental health issues as a weakness, when it is simply apart of being human and living this human experience. Let's talk about it! www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

The circle of control is a powerful concept that may assist in focusing your energy on things and situations within your sphere of influence. Focusing your energy on situations and things you can control instead of those you cannot may be liberating and empowering. Some examples of things within your control include your choices, your actions, your effort, your words, your attitude, asking for help, learning from mistakes, and where to direct your energy. However, identifying and acknowledging these aspects entail stillness, reflection, and implementation. Let's talk about it. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

The circle of control helps individuals focus their attention and energy on things within their control. The circle of control "symbolizes the areas where we can take meaningful action and make positive change." As someone stated, "some things are within our power, while others are not." Radically accepting things that are not within our control is easier said than done because of our need to control. However, embracing such a concept may be liberating and allow individuals to experience more empowerment in their lives. Let's talk about it. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

Many believers celebrate and commemorate the resurrection as one of the most important demonstrations of power. The Christian church certainly emphasizes it as a distinguishing factor from other religions. The journey entailing the trauma of the Crucifixion and the renewed hope of the Resurrection is an emotional roller coaster. However, the pivotal anchor of these events is the sacrificial love of God through His son Jesus Christ. Although, everyone is not believer, I believe there is an essential and common thread that unites us all, the desire to be loved, to know you are loved, and to see that love in action. Let's talk about it. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

In celebration of Women's history month, it's wonderful to acknowledge that we are masterpieces and significantly unique. However, we must also embrace our past with grace and compassion. There are some who continue to live in their past mistakes and failures. We may be angry, regretful, and unforgiving towards our younger selves that has induced shame and embarrassment so much so we may be experiencing fragmentation. Instead of solely judging our younger selves, it may be more helpful to understand, seek healing, and restoration. Let's talk about it. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

March has been designated as Women's History Month which serves as a reminder of the contributions women have made in this nation. Although recognizing women's contributions are significant, we should also remember, that our very nature and humanity is just as significant. A passage states, "We are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." That word handiwork has been translated as "masterpiece". I encourage women everywhere to remember, you are a masterpiece. Let's talk about it. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

Resistance is powerful especially when it's enacted in the face of injustice and immorality. Resistance is also powerful within our personal lives and at times it can be a double edged sword. On one hand, we resist things intent on damaging our personhood and on the other hand, we may resist things that could enhance our lives. The goal is not to judge resistance, but to understand it. We seek to understand to increase self-awareness and more ways to enrich the quality of our lives. Let's talk about it. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com