Many people in this country are enduring struggles seemingly on various fronts in their lives. Whether it be financially, relationally, mentally, physically, or spiritually, individuals are experiencing some hard times. Someone said, "just looking at the news induces anxiety and worry so how can I really believe in a scripture that says, "do not worry about tomorrow"? Many would love concrete answers to such questions, but what if the answer is another question? Have you pondered, what's taking place in me while I'm in this process? This question may not alleviate the pain of the process, but it may provide some insight and the motivation to keep going until your change comes. Let's talk about it. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

I was talking to someone who questioned her value and worth because of the past trauma and present microaggressions she experienced. Some of us may struggle with life scripts written by others that may haunt and hinder us becoming our authentic selves. Cole Arthur Riley states, "Remind us that our dignity does not wane or bud in relations to anyone's belief in it, including our own. Let us rest with the knowledge that we have nothing to prove; our dignity, perpetual as it is divine. We will not shrink. We expand...For we too contain the divine." Let's talk about it. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

I was reading a devotional that contained the following statement: "The fruit of the Spirit isn't produced through striving; it grows through surrender." Another verse says it this way; "Cease Striving and know that I am God." To cease striving and to surrender maybe the antithesis of what women of color have been instructed to do because for many, 'all our lives, we've had to fight." That posture of fighting maybe so prevalent that the concept of surrender, waving the white flag, is viewed as a weakness. However, whom we surrender too makes all the difference. Let's talk about it. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

Emotional wellness is a part of our holistic health. Many are very aware of their physical health, but may take for granted other aspects of their health. Emotional wellness is a foundational aspect of how we function and show up in the world, our communities, and our families. However, we may often neglect our emotional health because it is not as visible as other aspects of our health. Remember, our emotional health is just as important as other aspects of our health. Check yourself! Let's talk about it. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

I've often said that this podcast is not a substitute for therapy and I would like to encourage us to consider this as an option to improve our overall health. Some people may view receiving help as a weakness but I consider it as wisdom. We are not meant to be lone rangers in this world but oftentimes we move that way as a form of protection which eventually becomes imprisonment. Therapy could be a safe and conducive space for really working on your well-being. Some have not had positive therapeutic experiences, but I encourage you not to give up on finding that person who comes alongside you to assist you in your journey of healing and restoration. You so deserve it. Let's talk about it. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

Congresswoman Maxine Waters popularize this saying several years ago, "Reclaiming my time" and many Black women echoed that statement as a resounding mantra to protect their time and energy. The current conditions of our nation warrant a reminder to restate this mantra not only in word but also in deed. We do that by practicing the art of saying no and saying yes to ourselves. I encourage Black women to make themselves a priority in their own lives and practice balance. It's difficult due to an innate unction to save and be all things to others, but it's possible and needed for self-preservation and thriving. Let's talk about it. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

June is men's health and mental health awareness month with the theme, "It's not weak to speak". Emotional wellness is defined as "the ability to successfully handle life's stresses and adapt to change and difficult times." It's unfortunate that when discussing men's health, we often neglect to mention or include emotional wellness. Our mere humanity includes assessing our emotional health. NIH provides an emotional wellness checklist that may be beneficial for men to improve their mental health. Let's talk about emotional resilience. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

Work and productivity have been promoted as the ultimate indicators of success and achievement. At times we internalize our worth and value are tied to our productivity and work. So as long as we can produce, we're worthy and we're good enough to belong. However, there's more to you than your work, your title, and your position. Affirmation of your authentic identity anchors you in your place work because you "own your voice and your career." I encourage you to Remember WHO you are not what's told ABOUT you. "Focus on stepping into your power, take calculated risks, build a life and career you don't need to escape from." Let's talk about it. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com