In a moment of deep contemplation about some of my life experiences, I thought about the act of forgiveness and what it means to me. I have always believed that true healing required forgiveness. I also believed that forgiveness should be given to those who are truly remorseful and with boundaries. Both can be correct I suppose. The question then remains, can one truly heal without forgiveness?
Continue reading “Can You Heal Without Forgiveness?”
Being a parent can be one of the most joyful experiences of your life, and it of course comes with great responsibility. That responsibility can wear even the most prepared parent to the point that your mental health may be in question at times. It can all become too much so quickly.
Continue reading “5 Self-Care Tips for Parents”
This week has been difficult. I feel like my consciousness is frequently violated by horrible news, and the humanity of those who look like me is frequently being questioned. I don’t have the luxury of ignoring the news even if I wanted to, because it affects me and everyone who looks like.
I have wanted to make this space one that doesn’t not delve too much into the political climate, but to do that is to disregard my very existence. Amanda Gorman the youngest inaugural poet titled her 2020 TED Talk, Using Your Voice is a Political Choice, and she is so right. You may slump back into your chair thinking, “Really?” Yes really.
When you watch anyone with a social media presence, you’re not just looking at an individual, but you’re engaging in how that person takes up space in the world. Capturing yourself in photographs and using language is making a statement about how individuals wants others to perceive her very existence. Everything translated through pictures and words is a political statement.
Today, I am using my voice to say:
I am Renata “Bre.” I am a mother of two. I recently graduated with a BA in Psychology with a concentration in industrial/organizational psychology. I love painting, writing poetry, crocheting, knitting, reading and seeking adventure that involves nature. I am an introvert and I am passionate about humanity. I love making people around me feeling ten feet tall. I never intentionally hurt people and I am thoughtful. I am an only child, I love my mother dearly, I am a great friend and mother.
You don’t have to know all of these things about me to respect and extend to me human kindness. My very existence requires that of you.
For the black people especially who may see this post, and those who understand what we go through, I want you to take care of yourselves. Set the bar high for doing something that helps you have some inner peace and come to terms with all that is happening around us.
Get together with like minded individuals. Talk to a friend, a therapist or a family member. Engage in some serotonin boosting activities. Hug on your partner. Light some candles and put on some music that soothes your soul. Just anything that helps relieve the stress and frustration that you may be harboring.
We need to find ways to channel all that hurt in a way that brings us closer to healing our generational and collective trauma. I don’t have the answers, and like many people, I am processing myself. I just want those of us feeling this assault to take a moment to breathe and work on healing ourselves.
We will get there. Namaste.
I have been on hiatus for some time now. In that time, I have really been focusing on self-care and stress management.
This pandemic has been doing a number on my overall well-being, which I am sure many of you can relate to. Continue reading “4 Ways to Boost Serotonin and Overall Well-being”
Happy Friday.
We made it to the start of the weekend. As you go into me time mode, I just want you to remember that you are one of a kind. You’re amazing, and that your gifts, talents and abilities add to that beautifully, flawed and perfect package that you are.
Your actions not only impact you, but a lineage. Your healing can be your legacy.
Hugs from Brooklyn. 🤎🤎🤎
