1 00:00:04,360 --> 00:00:07,760 Speaker 1: Welcome to the Therapy for Black Girls Podcast, where we 2 00:00:07,880 --> 00:00:12,119 Speaker 1: discuss all things mental health, personal development, and all the 3 00:00:12,200 --> 00:00:15,120 Speaker 1: small decisions we can make to become the best possible 4 00:00:15,240 --> 00:00:19,520 Speaker 1: versions of ourselves. I'm your host, Dr Joy Harden Bradford, 5 00:00:19,840 --> 00:00:24,680 Speaker 1: a licensed psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia. To get more information 6 00:00:24,960 --> 00:00:28,960 Speaker 1: and resources, visit the website at Therapy for Black Girls 7 00:00:29,000 --> 00:00:31,800 Speaker 1: dot com. And while I hope you love listening to 8 00:00:32,240 --> 00:00:35,159 Speaker 1: and learning from the podcast, it is not meant to 9 00:00:35,200 --> 00:00:38,400 Speaker 1: be a substitute for a relationship with a licensed mental 10 00:00:38,400 --> 00:00:47,199 Speaker 1: health professional. Hey, y'all, thanks so much for joining me 11 00:00:47,320 --> 00:00:51,760 Speaker 1: for session thirty seven of the Therapy for Black Girls Podcast. Today, 12 00:00:51,840 --> 00:00:54,400 Speaker 1: I want to talk with you about ten ways that 13 00:00:54,520 --> 00:00:57,120 Speaker 1: you can optimize your mental health for the new year. 14 00:00:57,760 --> 00:01:00,320 Speaker 1: And I'm definitely gonna jump into that in justice. I can't, 15 00:01:00,680 --> 00:01:03,000 Speaker 1: but I do want to take a second just to 16 00:01:03,560 --> 00:01:05,679 Speaker 1: um tell you guys about the week that I've had. 17 00:01:06,040 --> 00:01:08,680 Speaker 1: So I want to send a very special shout out 18 00:01:08,720 --> 00:01:11,560 Speaker 1: to a sister by the name of Charnee Graham on Twitter. 19 00:01:12,240 --> 00:01:15,920 Speaker 1: Um So, on Thursday, Sharney sent out a tweet um 20 00:01:16,040 --> 00:01:20,640 Speaker 1: letting people know about the Therapy for Black Girls therapist directory, 21 00:01:20,800 --> 00:01:24,440 Speaker 1: and somehow this tweet picked up so much steam by 22 00:01:24,480 --> 00:01:28,919 Speaker 1: you guys sharing it that both Solange and Gabriel Union 23 00:01:29,600 --> 00:01:33,560 Speaker 1: both share their tweet. So I am affectionately calling this 24 00:01:33,680 --> 00:01:37,320 Speaker 1: the tweet that launched a thousand sign ups because I 25 00:01:37,400 --> 00:01:41,800 Speaker 1: have gotten a flood of new therapists added to the directory, 26 00:01:41,959 --> 00:01:44,720 Speaker 1: and so many more people have been able to find 27 00:01:44,840 --> 00:01:48,560 Speaker 1: good therapists in the directory because of you guys sharing it. 28 00:01:48,800 --> 00:01:52,080 Speaker 1: So I really really appreciate it, um, and I'm just 29 00:01:52,160 --> 00:01:54,280 Speaker 1: so happy that so many people are being able to 30 00:01:54,320 --> 00:01:57,320 Speaker 1: get connected to the resources that they need. So thank 31 00:01:57,360 --> 00:02:00,560 Speaker 1: you so much for all of your support. Before we 32 00:02:00,600 --> 00:02:03,000 Speaker 1: get into the continent today, I also want to tell 33 00:02:03,040 --> 00:02:06,240 Speaker 1: you about one of my favorite podcasts, so if you're 34 00:02:06,240 --> 00:02:09,000 Speaker 1: looking for a new podcast, then I would encourage you 35 00:02:09,240 --> 00:02:13,920 Speaker 1: to check out Dreams and Drive. Dreams and Drive Podcasts 36 00:02:14,080 --> 00:02:18,280 Speaker 1: is hosted by your chief dream driver, Raina Campbell. Each week, 37 00:02:18,720 --> 00:02:23,359 Speaker 1: Raina interviews top creatives and lifestyle entrepreneurs who share their 38 00:02:23,400 --> 00:02:27,640 Speaker 1: personal stories of triumph, keys to success, and tips you 39 00:02:27,639 --> 00:02:30,360 Speaker 1: can use in your own life to stay inspired and 40 00:02:30,400 --> 00:02:34,560 Speaker 1: motivated as you push towards your goals. She has over 41 00:02:34,600 --> 00:02:38,440 Speaker 1: one twenty episodes and has had some amazing guests on 42 00:02:38,480 --> 00:02:43,519 Speaker 1: the show, including the Budget Nissa, Trent Shelton, Kim Cole's, 43 00:02:43,960 --> 00:02:48,880 Speaker 1: Nicole Caine, Ursula Stephen and more. One of the things 44 00:02:48,919 --> 00:02:52,200 Speaker 1: I love most about Raina's podcast is that it is 45 00:02:52,240 --> 00:02:57,160 Speaker 1: the perfect balance of both practicality and inspiration. So her guests, 46 00:02:57,240 --> 00:03:00,560 Speaker 1: as well as her in her solo episodes, will share 47 00:03:00,600 --> 00:03:04,440 Speaker 1: lots of information about things that have inspired them. Um 48 00:03:04,520 --> 00:03:08,280 Speaker 1: different triumphs also will give you very practical tips about 49 00:03:08,320 --> 00:03:11,079 Speaker 1: how to take your dreams to the next level, so 50 00:03:11,120 --> 00:03:13,640 Speaker 1: please make sure you check it out. You can listen 51 00:03:13,680 --> 00:03:18,200 Speaker 1: to the show on Apple podcast, SoundCloud, Google Play, or 52 00:03:18,280 --> 00:03:21,360 Speaker 1: your favorite podcast app. Make sure to check out her 53 00:03:21,400 --> 00:03:24,520 Speaker 1: website at dreams and Drive dot com and follow her 54 00:03:24,600 --> 00:03:28,760 Speaker 1: on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at dreams and Drive And 55 00:03:28,800 --> 00:03:31,000 Speaker 1: of course, all of this information will be included in 56 00:03:31,040 --> 00:03:33,640 Speaker 1: the show notes. So, as we are preparing for the 57 00:03:33,720 --> 00:03:37,840 Speaker 1: new year eighteen, I did want to spend some time 58 00:03:37,960 --> 00:03:40,320 Speaker 1: talking with you all about some of the way you 59 00:03:40,400 --> 00:03:43,840 Speaker 1: think that you can optimize your mental health for the 60 00:03:43,920 --> 00:03:48,840 Speaker 1: new year and beyond. So the first tip is to 61 00:03:48,960 --> 00:03:52,440 Speaker 1: get better sleep. So do you have anything that even 62 00:03:52,480 --> 00:03:56,960 Speaker 1: remotely resembles a sleep routine? If not, then it's time 63 00:03:56,960 --> 00:04:00,760 Speaker 1: to get serious about establishing one. Those late nights and 64 00:04:00,840 --> 00:04:04,400 Speaker 1: early mornings may have felt sustainable in college, but as 65 00:04:04,400 --> 00:04:08,000 Speaker 1: we get older they definitely are not. When we don't 66 00:04:08,000 --> 00:04:11,880 Speaker 1: get enough quality sleep, we can see drastic impairments and 67 00:04:11,960 --> 00:04:17,160 Speaker 1: things like our mood, our ability to concentrate, and overall alertness. 68 00:04:17,839 --> 00:04:20,239 Speaker 1: I want you to work on getting a routine together 69 00:04:20,480 --> 00:04:22,920 Speaker 1: that will work for you, and in the show notes, 70 00:04:23,000 --> 00:04:24,840 Speaker 1: I will link you to a blog post that I've 71 00:04:24,839 --> 00:04:31,359 Speaker 1: written previously about establishing a healthy sleep regiment. Tip number 72 00:04:31,400 --> 00:04:35,280 Speaker 1: two is to tighten up your circle. You know, those 73 00:04:35,320 --> 00:04:37,920 Speaker 1: friends that you've been hanging onto just because you've been 74 00:04:37,960 --> 00:04:41,279 Speaker 1: friends since second grade, are the ones who never seem 75 00:04:41,320 --> 00:04:45,039 Speaker 1: happy for you, but expect fireworks anytime they accomplish something. 76 00:04:46,000 --> 00:04:48,560 Speaker 1: It may be time to reevaluate the role of these 77 00:04:48,560 --> 00:04:52,480 Speaker 1: people in your life. Sometimes we get so caught up 78 00:04:52,520 --> 00:04:55,520 Speaker 1: and just moving along that we don't really pay attention 79 00:04:55,560 --> 00:04:59,320 Speaker 1: to whether our relationship continues to be healthy or beneficial 80 00:04:59,360 --> 00:05:02,839 Speaker 1: to us. Pay attention to the dynamics of the people 81 00:05:02,880 --> 00:05:06,080 Speaker 1: in your circle, and make decisions based on things like 82 00:05:06,160 --> 00:05:10,320 Speaker 1: reciprocity instead of history. Her tip is to get a 83 00:05:10,360 --> 00:05:14,200 Speaker 1: mental health check up. We commonly go to our primary 84 00:05:14,200 --> 00:05:18,680 Speaker 1: care doctor or O B G y N for yearly exams. 85 00:05:18,680 --> 00:05:21,520 Speaker 1: But what if we started doing the same thing with 86 00:05:21,600 --> 00:05:25,640 Speaker 1: our mental health. You've heard me and other guests discussed 87 00:05:25,680 --> 00:05:29,360 Speaker 1: this on the podcast, but it bears repeating. You don't 88 00:05:29,360 --> 00:05:33,120 Speaker 1: have to and frankly, should not wait until a crisis 89 00:05:33,160 --> 00:05:37,159 Speaker 1: to seek mental health treatment. Maybe you've realized that you're 90 00:05:37,200 --> 00:05:40,880 Speaker 1: often giving more in relationships than others, or maybe you've 91 00:05:40,920 --> 00:05:44,960 Speaker 1: noticed that your reactions to situations don't quite match the 92 00:05:45,200 --> 00:05:49,560 Speaker 1: intensity of the situation. These and pretty much any other 93 00:05:49,600 --> 00:05:52,400 Speaker 1: thing that you would like some feedback about, are great 94 00:05:52,440 --> 00:05:55,200 Speaker 1: ways to use therapy. I think many people would be 95 00:05:55,240 --> 00:05:58,880 Speaker 1: surprised by how much you learn about yourself and how 96 00:05:58,920 --> 00:06:01,960 Speaker 1: your life might feel or fulfilling with even just a 97 00:06:02,000 --> 00:06:07,159 Speaker 1: few sessions of therapy. Tip number four examine your relationship 98 00:06:07,240 --> 00:06:12,320 Speaker 1: with food, sex, and substances. All of these things, of course, 99 00:06:12,320 --> 00:06:17,159 Speaker 1: are incredible, but sometimes our relationships to these things are not. 100 00:06:18,160 --> 00:06:21,480 Speaker 1: You heard Lisa talking session thirty three about how our 101 00:06:21,520 --> 00:06:26,000 Speaker 1: relationship to food is sometimes rooted in trauma, and next 102 00:06:26,080 --> 00:06:30,000 Speaker 1: year we'll also have episodes exploring our relationships to both 103 00:06:30,040 --> 00:06:34,320 Speaker 1: sex and substances and how sometimes our decision making in 104 00:06:34,360 --> 00:06:39,360 Speaker 1: these areas comes from a place of lack, trauma or dysfunction, 105 00:06:40,440 --> 00:06:42,920 Speaker 1: So I think it's important that we explore how we 106 00:06:42,960 --> 00:06:46,640 Speaker 1: feel about food, sex, and substances and determine if our 107 00:06:46,680 --> 00:06:50,160 Speaker 1: relationship to them is healthy or are we using these 108 00:06:50,200 --> 00:06:53,760 Speaker 1: things to avoid dealing with something else. Tip number five 109 00:06:54,240 --> 00:06:57,120 Speaker 1: is to get physical, and this is definitely at the 110 00:06:57,160 --> 00:07:02,240 Speaker 1: top of my list for getting a daily physical activity. 111 00:07:02,400 --> 00:07:05,400 Speaker 1: There are lots of research that indicates that a moderate 112 00:07:05,480 --> 00:07:10,760 Speaker 1: level of physical activity every day significantly improves mood. It 113 00:07:10,840 --> 00:07:15,640 Speaker 1: can help to manage symptoms of depression and anxiety, relief stress, 114 00:07:15,920 --> 00:07:19,120 Speaker 1: and help you feel more connected to and powerful in 115 00:07:19,160 --> 00:07:22,960 Speaker 1: your body. To have the best chance of success at this, 116 00:07:23,720 --> 00:07:27,160 Speaker 1: make sure you choose something that you think you will enjoy. 117 00:07:27,280 --> 00:07:31,680 Speaker 1: If you've always loathed then hated running, joining your local 118 00:07:31,720 --> 00:07:34,440 Speaker 1: Black Girls run club might be a hard thing for 119 00:07:34,480 --> 00:07:38,240 Speaker 1: you to stick to, but you might really enjoy something 120 00:07:38,280 --> 00:07:42,720 Speaker 1: like kickboxing classes or swimming. And since this is often 121 00:07:42,840 --> 00:07:45,560 Speaker 1: one that is on so many people's list for the 122 00:07:45,640 --> 00:07:48,640 Speaker 1: new Year, I wanted to dig a little deeper into 123 00:07:48,720 --> 00:07:51,600 Speaker 1: what makes it so hard for us to stick with exercising, 124 00:07:52,320 --> 00:07:56,120 Speaker 1: So I found an article from the American Psychological Association's 125 00:07:56,240 --> 00:08:01,120 Speaker 1: Monitor on Psychology that states, of all the questions that 126 00:08:01,200 --> 00:08:04,920 Speaker 1: remain to be answered, perhaps the most perplexing is this. 127 00:08:06,040 --> 00:08:09,320 Speaker 1: If exercise makes us feel so good, why is it 128 00:08:09,440 --> 00:08:13,160 Speaker 1: so hard to do? According to the Centers for Disease 129 00:08:13,200 --> 00:08:17,880 Speaker 1: Controlled and Prevention in two thousand and eight, some of 130 00:08:17,920 --> 00:08:23,920 Speaker 1: the US population reported zero leisure time physical activity. Starting 131 00:08:23,960 --> 00:08:27,240 Speaker 1: out too hard in a new exercise program maybe one 132 00:08:27,280 --> 00:08:32,360 Speaker 1: of the reasons people disdain physical activity. When people exercise 133 00:08:32,480 --> 00:08:37,320 Speaker 1: above their respiratory threshold, that is, above the point when 134 00:08:37,360 --> 00:08:42,319 Speaker 1: it gets hard to talk, they postpone exercises immediate mood 135 00:08:42,320 --> 00:08:47,720 Speaker 1: boost by about thirty minutes. For novices, that delay could 136 00:08:47,800 --> 00:08:51,560 Speaker 1: turn them off to a treadmill for good. Given that 137 00:08:52,040 --> 00:08:56,040 Speaker 1: the author recommends that workout neophytes starts slowly with a 138 00:08:56,080 --> 00:09:00,560 Speaker 1: moderate exercise plan. So that speaks to the idea of 139 00:09:00,600 --> 00:09:04,800 Speaker 1: both um choosing something that you think that you will enjoy, 140 00:09:04,840 --> 00:09:08,440 Speaker 1: but also giving yourself time to ease into the routine. 141 00:09:08,800 --> 00:09:11,120 Speaker 1: You don't want to act as if you are training 142 00:09:11,120 --> 00:09:14,160 Speaker 1: for an iron Man competition when you're just starting out, 143 00:09:14,520 --> 00:09:17,120 Speaker 1: give yourself some time to get into the group. Tip 144 00:09:17,200 --> 00:09:22,480 Speaker 1: number six assess your social media patterns. How much time 145 00:09:22,520 --> 00:09:27,120 Speaker 1: are you spending scrolling, liking, and swiping. I know we've 146 00:09:27,120 --> 00:09:30,240 Speaker 1: talked about this in previous episodes about the impact that 147 00:09:30,360 --> 00:09:33,440 Speaker 1: social media has on our mental health, as too much 148 00:09:33,480 --> 00:09:37,079 Speaker 1: time on here can lead to feeling as though you're 149 00:09:37,120 --> 00:09:39,800 Speaker 1: not doing as well as other people. It can make 150 00:09:39,840 --> 00:09:42,280 Speaker 1: you anxious, and it can really do a number on 151 00:09:42,400 --> 00:09:46,920 Speaker 1: your self esteem and feelings of self worth. So much 152 00:09:46,960 --> 00:09:51,000 Speaker 1: like we discussed in terms of exploring our relationship to food, sex, 153 00:09:51,040 --> 00:09:54,600 Speaker 1: and substances, i'd also encourage you to pay attention to 154 00:09:54,679 --> 00:09:57,800 Speaker 1: when you're grabbing for your phone. Is it when you're 155 00:09:57,840 --> 00:10:01,360 Speaker 1: feeling anxious? Is the fear of missing out kicking in? 156 00:10:02,160 --> 00:10:04,560 Speaker 1: What else could you be doing with that time that 157 00:10:04,679 --> 00:10:08,840 Speaker 1: might improve your mood or increase your productivity? Tip number 158 00:10:08,840 --> 00:10:13,480 Speaker 1: seven look at your boundaries. Y'all know, boundaries are like 159 00:10:13,559 --> 00:10:16,719 Speaker 1: my favorite thing in the world. Where do you need 160 00:10:16,760 --> 00:10:20,640 Speaker 1: to tighten yours up? Are you saying no to yourself 161 00:10:20,720 --> 00:10:23,720 Speaker 1: way too often because you're too busy saying yes to 162 00:10:23,760 --> 00:10:26,920 Speaker 1: other people? Make sure to go back and listen to 163 00:10:26,880 --> 00:10:31,440 Speaker 1: session fourteen to remind yourself why boundaries are important and 164 00:10:31,480 --> 00:10:34,640 Speaker 1: how you can set better ones. And if you haven't 165 00:10:34,640 --> 00:10:37,680 Speaker 1: listened to this episode, yet I highly recommend that you 166 00:10:37,760 --> 00:10:44,880 Speaker 1: do so. Tip number eight stop participating in celebration procrastination. 167 00:10:45,760 --> 00:10:49,520 Speaker 1: So tell me if this sounds familiar. You get amazing 168 00:10:49,600 --> 00:10:53,400 Speaker 1: feedback on the recent presentation you did at work, then 169 00:10:53,800 --> 00:10:57,559 Speaker 1: you start worrying about your performance evaluation, only to get 170 00:10:57,600 --> 00:11:01,400 Speaker 1: a glowing review. Then it's time for decisions to be 171 00:11:01,440 --> 00:11:06,120 Speaker 1: made about annual raises, and you're stressed out about that. Sis, 172 00:11:06,400 --> 00:11:09,000 Speaker 1: when are you going to stop and celebrate all of 173 00:11:09,040 --> 00:11:12,199 Speaker 1: your awesomeness. I think we often get so caught up 174 00:11:12,200 --> 00:11:15,400 Speaker 1: and worrying about the next thing, or we're moving so 175 00:11:15,480 --> 00:11:18,520 Speaker 1: fast in our lives that we don't take enough time 176 00:11:18,600 --> 00:11:22,520 Speaker 1: to really celebrate ourselves. That a on the stats final 177 00:11:23,000 --> 00:11:27,160 Speaker 1: was a big deal. Losing ten pounds was a big deal. 178 00:11:28,120 --> 00:11:31,760 Speaker 1: Publishing your first piece for your dream magazine that was 179 00:11:31,800 --> 00:11:35,720 Speaker 1: a big deal. Defending your thesis that was a big deal. 180 00:11:36,679 --> 00:11:40,960 Speaker 1: Slow it down and basking your own glow and invite 181 00:11:40,960 --> 00:11:46,160 Speaker 1: others to celebrate you as well. Tip number nine stay 182 00:11:46,240 --> 00:11:50,920 Speaker 1: in the moment. Let's work on staying more in the moment. 183 00:11:51,920 --> 00:11:55,520 Speaker 1: Anxiety is given space to creep in when we focus 184 00:11:55,600 --> 00:11:59,480 Speaker 1: too much on what was or what might be instead 185 00:11:59,520 --> 00:12:03,640 Speaker 1: of what is. Challenge yourself to do what you can 186 00:12:04,040 --> 00:12:07,680 Speaker 1: in this very moment, for it is indeed all we have. 187 00:12:09,160 --> 00:12:13,960 Speaker 1: Pay attention to your breath, feel the ground beneath your feet, 188 00:12:15,640 --> 00:12:20,239 Speaker 1: notice the sights you see in front of you. Engaging 189 00:12:20,280 --> 00:12:23,640 Speaker 1: with your surroundings in this way is what we call grounding, 190 00:12:24,280 --> 00:12:27,760 Speaker 1: and it's what lets you know that everything is okay. 191 00:12:28,400 --> 00:12:31,120 Speaker 1: Challenge yourself to be in this space as often as 192 00:12:31,160 --> 00:12:34,600 Speaker 1: you can, and especially when you feel like everything else 193 00:12:34,679 --> 00:12:38,480 Speaker 1: is out of control, for this is something you can control. 194 00:12:39,640 --> 00:12:43,640 Speaker 1: And finally, tip number ten for optimizing your mental health 195 00:12:43,679 --> 00:12:48,760 Speaker 1: in ten, get better at letting go now. This is 196 00:12:48,880 --> 00:12:52,520 Speaker 1: one that too many of us struggle with. Some things 197 00:12:52,559 --> 00:12:55,240 Speaker 1: are meant to be with you for a lifetime, and 198 00:12:55,360 --> 00:12:59,760 Speaker 1: many other things will only be temporary. You have to 199 00:13:00,000 --> 00:13:04,400 Speaker 1: earn when it's time to let go. Pay attention to 200 00:13:04,520 --> 00:13:08,080 Speaker 1: when you're staying in spaces simply because it's what you've 201 00:13:08,120 --> 00:13:12,760 Speaker 1: always done. Y'all have been dating for three years, but 202 00:13:12,840 --> 00:13:16,160 Speaker 1: you're not really happy and your needs aren't being met. 203 00:13:17,080 --> 00:13:20,160 Speaker 1: You probably don't need another three to figure that it's 204 00:13:20,200 --> 00:13:24,560 Speaker 1: probably time to walk. You're afraid to go after your 205 00:13:24,640 --> 00:13:28,400 Speaker 1: dream job, so you're sticking with the safe job while 206 00:13:28,520 --> 00:13:32,360 Speaker 1: quietly beating yourself up about it. You've got to let 207 00:13:32,400 --> 00:13:36,960 Speaker 1: that go. Many times we hold onto things so tightly 208 00:13:37,040 --> 00:13:41,520 Speaker 1: because it's comforting, it's familiar. But I invite you to 209 00:13:41,600 --> 00:13:45,000 Speaker 1: remember that you can't catch what's coming to you with 210 00:13:45,040 --> 00:13:48,120 Speaker 1: a closed hand. You've got to let that thing go. 211 00:13:49,360 --> 00:13:52,400 Speaker 1: So one way that I am hoping to optimize my 212 00:13:52,559 --> 00:13:57,800 Speaker 1: mental health for is um to choose a short phrase 213 00:13:57,920 --> 00:14:00,560 Speaker 1: that I'm hoping to kind of be my leading a 214 00:14:00,640 --> 00:14:03,560 Speaker 1: mantra for the year. And the phrase that I have 215 00:14:03,679 --> 00:14:07,880 Speaker 1: chosen for eighteen is show up. So I am really 216 00:14:07,960 --> 00:14:12,720 Speaker 1: wanting to challenge myself in ten to stretch myself and 217 00:14:12,800 --> 00:14:15,240 Speaker 1: to get out of my comfort zone in some ways. 218 00:14:15,800 --> 00:14:19,000 Speaker 1: I'm really wanting to make some videos for you guys 219 00:14:19,040 --> 00:14:22,120 Speaker 1: to talk more about mental health topics. So I am 220 00:14:22,200 --> 00:14:28,560 Speaker 1: really challenging myself to be um comfortable with discomfort and 221 00:14:28,600 --> 00:14:31,280 Speaker 1: really just showing up in all areas of my life. 222 00:14:31,960 --> 00:14:34,680 Speaker 1: And so if you have chosen a word or a 223 00:14:34,680 --> 00:14:38,080 Speaker 1: short phrase for eighteen, I would love to hear it um. 224 00:14:38,080 --> 00:14:41,000 Speaker 1: And if you haven't, then I'd invite you to choose 225 00:14:41,000 --> 00:14:43,880 Speaker 1: a word or a short phrase for ten so that 226 00:14:44,000 --> 00:14:48,160 Speaker 1: you can be more intentional about UM. Creating a space 227 00:14:48,200 --> 00:14:50,760 Speaker 1: that looks like what you wanted to look like by 228 00:14:50,800 --> 00:14:55,720 Speaker 1: your own rules, disregarding anybody else's ideas about what your 229 00:14:55,760 --> 00:15:00,080 Speaker 1: life should look like. So we also have two on 230 00:15:00,120 --> 00:15:02,400 Speaker 1: the porch with Dr Joy questions that I want to 231 00:15:02,400 --> 00:15:05,920 Speaker 1: address before we wrap up the new year. The first 232 00:15:05,920 --> 00:15:09,520 Speaker 1: one says, Hello, Dr Joy. I'd like to start by 233 00:15:09,560 --> 00:15:13,480 Speaker 1: expressing how grateful I am for this podcast. I'm twenty 234 00:15:13,520 --> 00:15:15,720 Speaker 1: six and I currently live in New York with my 235 00:15:15,800 --> 00:15:19,240 Speaker 1: fiance and our dog. I love my man, but lately 236 00:15:19,280 --> 00:15:22,640 Speaker 1: I've been feeling off about him. We met when I 237 00:15:22,720 --> 00:15:26,720 Speaker 1: was twenty years old at the university. The love hit 238 00:15:26,760 --> 00:15:30,520 Speaker 1: me like a brick and I was smitten. Ever since then, 239 00:15:31,040 --> 00:15:35,200 Speaker 1: one of my main priorities has been our relationship. We 240 00:15:35,200 --> 00:15:38,720 Speaker 1: were long distance for a few years, and nearly every 241 00:15:38,800 --> 00:15:42,240 Speaker 1: major decision I've made in my life was in service 242 00:15:42,280 --> 00:15:46,520 Speaker 1: to him and our relationship. I've moved several states to 243 00:15:46,600 --> 00:15:49,600 Speaker 1: be closer to him, and finally I was able to 244 00:15:49,640 --> 00:15:52,200 Speaker 1: obtain a job at the same school he was getting 245 00:15:52,240 --> 00:15:56,840 Speaker 1: his masters and moved with him in New York. Soon after, 246 00:15:56,920 --> 00:15:59,160 Speaker 1: I was let go from the job, and my shame 247 00:15:59,240 --> 00:16:03,320 Speaker 1: overwhelmed me. At my lowest point I was introduced with 248 00:16:03,440 --> 00:16:07,880 Speaker 1: the law of attraction and self care. This has truly 249 00:16:07,960 --> 00:16:12,800 Speaker 1: changed my feelings about myself. I've since gotten a decent job. 250 00:16:13,440 --> 00:16:17,200 Speaker 1: I'm way more confident and comfortable with my body. I'm 251 00:16:17,240 --> 00:16:20,600 Speaker 1: finally proud of myself and I now hold myself to 252 00:16:20,720 --> 00:16:24,920 Speaker 1: higher standards and my priority is me. I've also been 253 00:16:24,920 --> 00:16:27,480 Speaker 1: getting back to my true passions and I'm going to 254 00:16:27,560 --> 00:16:30,400 Speaker 1: pursue the dream that I buried inside of me when 255 00:16:30,480 --> 00:16:34,000 Speaker 1: I left for college. I'm learning more about myself and 256 00:16:34,160 --> 00:16:37,960 Speaker 1: what I want out of life. For several months, I 257 00:16:38,040 --> 00:16:41,440 Speaker 1: haven't been interested in my fiancee. He gets on my 258 00:16:41,560 --> 00:16:45,400 Speaker 1: nerves more than he doesn't. I avoid sex and intimacy. 259 00:16:45,960 --> 00:16:48,920 Speaker 1: I barely even want to kiss him. I don't miss 260 00:16:48,960 --> 00:16:52,200 Speaker 1: him when he's away, and I fantasize about my future 261 00:16:52,240 --> 00:16:56,280 Speaker 1: without him. I've been pushing back getting married, and I 262 00:16:56,320 --> 00:17:00,720 Speaker 1: tried to avoid the subject altogether. I've also been struggling 263 00:17:00,720 --> 00:17:03,200 Speaker 1: with figuring out if I want children in the future. 264 00:17:03,880 --> 00:17:07,720 Speaker 1: I'm leaning more towards no, and he definitely does want children. 265 00:17:08,600 --> 00:17:11,359 Speaker 1: He's a great man, but he definitely has his faults 266 00:17:11,400 --> 00:17:15,760 Speaker 1: as a partner, as we all do. We share the 267 00:17:15,800 --> 00:17:19,200 Speaker 1: same morals and values, and we have fun every now 268 00:17:19,240 --> 00:17:22,520 Speaker 1: and then. I do love him, but I'm not sure 269 00:17:22,520 --> 00:17:25,679 Speaker 1: if I'm still in love with him. My question to 270 00:17:25,760 --> 00:17:29,480 Speaker 1: you is is this a relationship law that most couples 271 00:17:29,520 --> 00:17:32,320 Speaker 1: go through, or am I changing so much that we 272 00:17:32,400 --> 00:17:36,119 Speaker 1: are no longer compatible. I'm worried I'm wasting his time. 273 00:17:36,840 --> 00:17:39,119 Speaker 1: Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. 274 00:17:41,800 --> 00:17:44,240 Speaker 1: So I want to first thank you so much for 275 00:17:44,320 --> 00:17:48,080 Speaker 1: writing in for some feedback about your situation. As I 276 00:17:48,160 --> 00:17:52,359 Speaker 1: read your email, several things jumped out to me. The 277 00:17:52,480 --> 00:17:56,479 Speaker 1: first was the ways in which you described yourself before 278 00:17:56,560 --> 00:17:59,679 Speaker 1: you found the law of attraction and self care. You 279 00:17:59,720 --> 00:18:02,960 Speaker 1: said that you're now way more confident, more comfortable with 280 00:18:03,040 --> 00:18:07,520 Speaker 1: your body, proud of yourself, and hold yourself to higher standards. 281 00:18:07,560 --> 00:18:10,600 Speaker 1: So if you feel this way now, my question and 282 00:18:10,680 --> 00:18:14,479 Speaker 1: concern is, how did you feel before? It sounds like 283 00:18:14,560 --> 00:18:17,040 Speaker 1: you felt the opposite of all of these things you've 284 00:18:17,080 --> 00:18:21,679 Speaker 1: just described, which means you likely made decisions consistent with 285 00:18:21,800 --> 00:18:24,639 Speaker 1: the way you saw yourself then, and it could be 286 00:18:24,680 --> 00:18:29,480 Speaker 1: the case that those decisions no longer serve you. The 287 00:18:29,560 --> 00:18:32,840 Speaker 1: way you've described your relationship with your partner sounds like 288 00:18:32,960 --> 00:18:35,879 Speaker 1: someone who has pretty much checked out and really just 289 00:18:35,960 --> 00:18:39,080 Speaker 1: hasn't told their partner yet. So you asked if this 290 00:18:39,160 --> 00:18:41,959 Speaker 1: is a lull that all couples grow go through, and 291 00:18:42,000 --> 00:18:45,760 Speaker 1: to that, I say, yes, lots of couples go through lulls, 292 00:18:45,760 --> 00:18:48,440 Speaker 1: but I'm not so sure that that's what's happening here, 293 00:18:49,119 --> 00:18:51,440 Speaker 1: and i'd invite you to reflect on whether you are 294 00:18:51,480 --> 00:18:54,919 Speaker 1: continuing in the relationship because you see a future with 295 00:18:55,000 --> 00:19:00,320 Speaker 1: this man or simply because of the history. It's totally 296 00:19:00,400 --> 00:19:04,320 Speaker 1: fine if what you desire now is different than maybe 297 00:19:04,320 --> 00:19:07,399 Speaker 1: what you wanted six years ago, but it's not okay 298 00:19:07,440 --> 00:19:09,800 Speaker 1: to have all of these feelings about your partner that 299 00:19:09,880 --> 00:19:13,080 Speaker 1: have not been addressed with him. I don't know if 300 00:19:13,119 --> 00:19:15,280 Speaker 1: this is the case of changing so much that you're 301 00:19:15,320 --> 00:19:19,200 Speaker 1: no longer compatible it's pulling a couple's grow and change together. 302 00:19:20,400 --> 00:19:23,200 Speaker 1: But it definitely seems as though something is amiss here, 303 00:19:23,840 --> 00:19:25,800 Speaker 1: and it seems like you have a lot to perhaps 304 00:19:25,880 --> 00:19:29,280 Speaker 1: discuss with him and to figure out for yourself. So 305 00:19:29,320 --> 00:19:32,080 Speaker 1: I definitely wish you well and trying to make sense 306 00:19:32,119 --> 00:19:37,040 Speaker 1: of all of this for yourself. Here's our second question. Hi, 307 00:19:37,200 --> 00:19:39,600 Speaker 1: Dr Joy, I would like to say how much of 308 00:19:39,640 --> 00:19:42,280 Speaker 1: a blessing it has been to find your podcast. You 309 00:19:42,359 --> 00:19:45,200 Speaker 1: touch on issues that affect many women of color today, 310 00:19:45,520 --> 00:19:47,840 Speaker 1: and you have truly helped in many more ways than 311 00:19:47,880 --> 00:19:52,320 Speaker 1: you know. Thank you. My question is I recently broke 312 00:19:52,440 --> 00:19:55,399 Speaker 1: up with my boyfriend of almost two years, and he 313 00:19:55,480 --> 00:19:59,320 Speaker 1: continues to contact me. My friends and family have told 314 00:19:59,359 --> 00:20:02,520 Speaker 1: me to ignore him and basically keep it moving, but 315 00:20:02,640 --> 00:20:05,240 Speaker 1: I still feel connected to him, and I wonder if 316 00:20:05,240 --> 00:20:08,440 Speaker 1: it has anything to do with me feeling lonely and 317 00:20:08,480 --> 00:20:12,400 Speaker 1: wanting someone around who wants me. I think we may 318 00:20:12,440 --> 00:20:16,119 Speaker 1: have had an emotionally abusive relationship because I felt that 319 00:20:16,200 --> 00:20:18,359 Speaker 1: he always wanted me to do or treat him in 320 00:20:18,400 --> 00:20:22,960 Speaker 1: a certain way, and when I didn't, he complained. I 321 00:20:23,000 --> 00:20:27,280 Speaker 1: am twenty five, currently in grad school, and I'm very driven. 322 00:20:28,040 --> 00:20:31,040 Speaker 1: He is thirty one and did not finish high school 323 00:20:31,160 --> 00:20:34,600 Speaker 1: but does have a g e. D. Oftentimes he would 324 00:20:34,680 --> 00:20:37,400 Speaker 1: be upset at me if he felt I emasculated him 325 00:20:37,400 --> 00:20:40,199 Speaker 1: in public, and he would be really angry if I 326 00:20:40,240 --> 00:20:43,040 Speaker 1: talked to other guys around him, even if it was friendly, 327 00:20:43,840 --> 00:20:47,199 Speaker 1: or if I took another man's side over him. I 328 00:20:47,280 --> 00:20:49,399 Speaker 1: really felt he was a good man to me because 329 00:20:49,400 --> 00:20:52,320 Speaker 1: he always talked to me when I had problems. If 330 00:20:52,359 --> 00:20:55,560 Speaker 1: I were struggling financially, he would lend me money, and 331 00:20:55,600 --> 00:20:58,520 Speaker 1: while we were long distance, he always visited me and 332 00:20:58,560 --> 00:21:01,679 Speaker 1: made me feel secure. I wonder if I made the 333 00:21:01,760 --> 00:21:05,160 Speaker 1: right decision leaving him. We had a lot of issues, 334 00:21:05,440 --> 00:21:08,560 Speaker 1: but I wonder if it's worth working out. When he 335 00:21:08,640 --> 00:21:11,439 Speaker 1: contacts me, he always tells me how much he was 336 00:21:11,480 --> 00:21:13,879 Speaker 1: good to me and how he helped me out. But 337 00:21:14,000 --> 00:21:19,000 Speaker 1: now he feels I used him for two years. Sometimes 338 00:21:19,000 --> 00:21:21,080 Speaker 1: I wonder if I was really that bad to him, 339 00:21:21,320 --> 00:21:24,520 Speaker 1: why does he continue to contact me. I feel like 340 00:21:24,600 --> 00:21:27,679 Speaker 1: he can be controlling at times and the power dynamics 341 00:21:27,720 --> 00:21:31,679 Speaker 1: are off, which is why I left the relationship. I 342 00:21:31,760 --> 00:21:33,879 Speaker 1: wonder if you can help me understand whether or not 343 00:21:34,040 --> 00:21:36,879 Speaker 1: this relationship is healthy and if I should try to 344 00:21:36,960 --> 00:21:40,000 Speaker 1: work it out with him or move on. If I 345 00:21:40,000 --> 00:21:42,159 Speaker 1: should move on, how can I do that if he 346 00:21:42,200 --> 00:21:45,560 Speaker 1: continues to contact me. He has even come to my 347 00:21:45,640 --> 00:21:48,919 Speaker 1: house and announced begging me to speak with him. I 348 00:21:49,040 --> 00:21:51,320 Speaker 1: also wonder what I can do to help him move 349 00:21:51,359 --> 00:21:56,239 Speaker 1: on if he's not ready to. So again, thank you 350 00:21:56,280 --> 00:21:59,040 Speaker 1: for writing into the podcast to get some feedback about 351 00:21:59,040 --> 00:22:02,320 Speaker 1: your situation. Some of the things that I picked up 352 00:22:02,320 --> 00:22:04,679 Speaker 1: on in reading your email are the ways you have 353 00:22:04,800 --> 00:22:07,680 Speaker 1: described your ex. So you said you think you may 354 00:22:07,680 --> 00:22:10,840 Speaker 1: have had an emotionally abusive relationship with him because he 355 00:22:10,880 --> 00:22:13,800 Speaker 1: always wanted you to do certain things and he complained 356 00:22:13,840 --> 00:22:16,520 Speaker 1: if you didn't. You said he would be upset if 357 00:22:16,520 --> 00:22:19,719 Speaker 1: he felt you emasculated him in public, and I wonder 358 00:22:19,760 --> 00:22:23,119 Speaker 1: whether this was actually emasculation or his resistance to you 359 00:22:23,200 --> 00:22:27,240 Speaker 1: being assertive, because those are not the same thing. He 360 00:22:27,400 --> 00:22:29,840 Speaker 1: was angry if you talked to other guys, and he 361 00:22:29,840 --> 00:22:31,920 Speaker 1: helped you out while you were in school, but now 362 00:22:32,000 --> 00:22:35,240 Speaker 1: holds that over your head. So I'm not sure if 363 00:22:35,280 --> 00:22:37,679 Speaker 1: you heard such and thirty of the podcast when I 364 00:22:37,760 --> 00:22:41,000 Speaker 1: discussed some of the red flags in relationships, But if 365 00:22:41,040 --> 00:22:43,520 Speaker 1: you haven't, i'd encourage you to go back and listen 366 00:22:43,560 --> 00:22:46,840 Speaker 1: to that episode because much of what you're discussing here 367 00:22:47,240 --> 00:22:50,320 Speaker 1: I definitely would consider to be red flags, and I 368 00:22:50,359 --> 00:22:54,200 Speaker 1: would encourage you to be very cautious about resuming this situation. 369 00:22:56,040 --> 00:22:58,399 Speaker 1: You asked how you can move on if he still 370 00:22:58,440 --> 00:23:01,880 Speaker 1: tries to contact you, and that may involve either blocking 371 00:23:01,960 --> 00:23:05,560 Speaker 1: his number or changing your number, But first it might 372 00:23:05,640 --> 00:23:08,240 Speaker 1: start with you being very clear that you no longer 373 00:23:08,359 --> 00:23:11,600 Speaker 1: want to have contact with him, as it seems unclear 374 00:23:11,680 --> 00:23:15,280 Speaker 1: whether this has happened from your email, so you made 375 00:23:15,920 --> 00:23:20,040 Speaker 1: a reference to maybe still entertaining him because you feel 376 00:23:20,040 --> 00:23:23,280 Speaker 1: lonely and want someone around who wants you, and so 377 00:23:23,440 --> 00:23:26,320 Speaker 1: in some ways you may be continuing to invite contact 378 00:23:26,400 --> 00:23:29,399 Speaker 1: from him because you enjoy that he gives you attention. 379 00:23:30,800 --> 00:23:33,400 Speaker 1: And finally you asked what can I do to help 380 00:23:33,480 --> 00:23:36,879 Speaker 1: him move on if he's not ready? And I would 381 00:23:36,880 --> 00:23:40,040 Speaker 1: invite you to think about why you feel responsible for 382 00:23:40,080 --> 00:23:43,359 Speaker 1: helping him to move on. So if you decide that 383 00:23:43,400 --> 00:23:46,840 Speaker 1: you're done with this relationship, then you are responsible for 384 00:23:46,920 --> 00:23:50,760 Speaker 1: your own healing and he is responsible for his. So 385 00:23:50,800 --> 00:23:52,840 Speaker 1: I want you to be very careful of taking on 386 00:23:52,960 --> 00:23:55,880 Speaker 1: things that are not yours to carry and make sure 387 00:23:55,920 --> 00:23:59,199 Speaker 1: that you're taking care of yourself. Again, thank you so 388 00:23:59,280 --> 00:24:02,080 Speaker 1: much for writing in, and good luck with whatever decision 389 00:24:02,119 --> 00:24:07,160 Speaker 1: that you make. If you have any situations or questions 390 00:24:07,200 --> 00:24:09,920 Speaker 1: that you like feedback about, please go ahead and send 391 00:24:09,920 --> 00:24:12,680 Speaker 1: those over to me at podcasts at Therapy for Black 392 00:24:12,720 --> 00:24:17,320 Speaker 1: Girls dot com, and remember to share your word or 393 00:24:17,359 --> 00:24:19,520 Speaker 1: the short phrase that you will be using as your 394 00:24:19,640 --> 00:24:22,760 Speaker 1: mantra for two thousand and eighteen. Go ahead and share 395 00:24:22,760 --> 00:24:24,800 Speaker 1: that with us on social media and make sure to 396 00:24:24,880 --> 00:24:29,200 Speaker 1: use the hashtag tv G in session. Of course, continue 397 00:24:29,240 --> 00:24:32,399 Speaker 1: to share everything that you're learning from the podcast in 398 00:24:32,440 --> 00:24:36,159 Speaker 1: your Instagram stories and on Twitter. I always enjoy hearing 399 00:24:36,200 --> 00:24:38,600 Speaker 1: what are the highlights of the episodes from you guys, 400 00:24:38,880 --> 00:24:41,359 Speaker 1: so please continue to do that. When you do that, 401 00:24:41,440 --> 00:24:43,359 Speaker 1: it makes it so much easier for other people to 402 00:24:43,400 --> 00:24:46,960 Speaker 1: find the podcast and for them to join our community. 403 00:24:47,200 --> 00:24:49,840 Speaker 1: If you're not already following us on social media, please 404 00:24:49,880 --> 00:24:52,080 Speaker 1: make sure to do that. You can find us on 405 00:24:52,119 --> 00:24:55,879 Speaker 1: Twitter at Therapy for the Number four be Girls, and 406 00:24:55,960 --> 00:24:58,760 Speaker 1: you can find us on Instagram and Facebook at Therapy 407 00:24:58,840 --> 00:25:02,600 Speaker 1: for Black Girls. If you are looking for a therapist 408 00:25:02,680 --> 00:25:05,439 Speaker 1: in your area, please make sure to check out the 409 00:25:05,440 --> 00:25:08,240 Speaker 1: therapist directory. You can find that at Therapy for Black 410 00:25:08,280 --> 00:25:12,359 Speaker 1: Girls dot com slash directory. Earlier in the episode, you 411 00:25:12,440 --> 00:25:15,040 Speaker 1: heard me talk about how many new therapists have been 412 00:25:15,040 --> 00:25:18,200 Speaker 1: added to the directory. So even if you've checked before 413 00:25:18,280 --> 00:25:21,240 Speaker 1: and haven't found someone in your area, please check again, 414 00:25:21,320 --> 00:25:24,359 Speaker 1: as it's likely that there are people in your area now. 415 00:25:25,359 --> 00:25:28,720 Speaker 1: And if you are interested in um participating in the 416 00:25:28,800 --> 00:25:31,399 Speaker 1: group therapy sessions that I will be offering in my 417 00:25:31,480 --> 00:25:34,800 Speaker 1: practice here in Atlanta, please head on over to Therapy 418 00:25:34,840 --> 00:25:38,000 Speaker 1: for Black Girls dot com, slash shift s h I 419 00:25:38,200 --> 00:25:41,000 Speaker 1: f T to get more information about the groups and 420 00:25:41,080 --> 00:25:43,000 Speaker 1: to sign up so that you will know when the 421 00:25:43,040 --> 00:25:47,160 Speaker 1: group's launched in January. I hope that all of you 422 00:25:47,200 --> 00:25:51,040 Speaker 1: have an incredible rest of the year and a phenomenal 423 00:25:51,119 --> 00:25:54,240 Speaker 1: beginning to your two thousand and eighteen, and I'm looking 424 00:25:54,280 --> 00:25:57,280 Speaker 1: forward to continue in this conversation with you all real soon. 425 00:25:57,760 --> 00:26:23,520 Speaker 1: Take it care FI doctor pactor I actor actor I 426 00:26:24,000 --> 00:26:34,560 Speaker 1: doctor actor, actor