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Health is Wealth, Pearls!

Amara, a 35-year-old black woman, has been experiencing a concerning issue with her bladder. The urgency and frequency of urination have significantly increased, causing discomfort and disruption in her daily life. Worried about her health, she seeks medical advice at a local hospital. Scene : Hospital Examination Room Amara sits anxiously on the examination table, waiting for the doctor to arrive. She notices that the hospital staff, including the nurse and doctor, are white. She hopes that they will listen attentively and take her concerns seriously. Nurse Johnson enters the room, glancing briefly at Amara's chart before beginning the examination. Nurse Johnson: "Good afternoon, I'm Nurse Johnson. What seems to be the problem today?" Amara: "Hello, Nurse Johnson. I've been having some issues with my bladder lately. I've been experiencing frequent urination and a strong urgency to go, even if my bladder is not full. It's becoming quite bothersome, an...

2023 Pearls: MOY Summer Working Plan

Happy Mid-Year Point of You in 2023! It's July 1, and we are at the midpoint of the calendar year for you and your goals. I know we are in the seasons of weddings, graduations, family, and vacations, but have you been on point with your goals? If you haven't, let's not panic but work to get back on track. While developing that plan to get on track, including some aspects of softness into your life by implementing my 4 Cs  this summer. BIPOC women can showcase their Strength, Resilience, and Sparkle!  while embracing Confidence, Charm, Compassion , and a sense of Completeness this summer through the following actions: Cultivate Compassion and Connection: Research published in the Journal of Positive Psychology titled "Compassion-focused reappraisal, benefit-focused reappraisal, and rumination after an interpersonal offense: Emotion-regulation implications for subjective emotion, linguistic responses, and physiology (Witvliet, 2010) indicates that engaging in compassio...

Celebrating Juneteenth 2023: Seven Inspiring Activities for Black Women and Moms

Juneteenth is a significant day in American history that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. The celebrations take on an even deeper meaning for us, Pearls, whose strength and resilience have contributed immensely to the progress and development of their communities. As we look forward to Juneteenth 2023, let's delve into seven inspiring and meaningful activities that Black women and mothers can engage in to celebrate this crucial day in American history. Storytelling Sessions It's essential to share and preserve our history for future generations. Organize a storytelling session with your children or community, recounting the tales of Black history and the significance of Juneteenth. Consider including stories of powerful and influential Black women who have made remarkable contributions throughout history. Culinary Exploration Food has always been a central aspect of culture and celebration. Use this day to explore and share traditional African and African A...

Happy Memorial Day, Pearls!

Memorial Day is about Courage. Courage is the willingness to act despite fear. Courageous Armed Service Members overcame their fears to protect this country from enemies, foreign and domestic. So we celebrate courage and how to embrace courage. For women, this can mean having the courage to challenge social norms and expectations, finding those safe spaces to express her thoughts and feelings openly, asserting her rights, and pursuing her dreams even if they seem daunting. In the face of sexism or any other form of discrimination, courage involves standing up for oneself and others. Being Strong, Resilient, and Sparkling is the best way to embrace courage. Pearls, you can embody Being Strong, Resilient, and Sparkle! through courage. Here's how you can achieve these qualities: Developing Strength : Strength isn't just physical; it's also emotional, intellectual, and moral. Women can develop emotional strength by managing their feelings and reactions effectively, especially i...

7 Things to Do this Summer!

 Happy Mother's Day, Pearls! I know it's been a minute, but I am still here with you. Life has been life-ing since being in graduate school, new staff in my department, and of course, my baby girl-pearl graduating from college.  Now I want to remind you, as I have had to remind myself, that life is about living out your dreams and working toward your goals. But now the season has changed, and the sun is out. Here are some ideas I want you to remember this Mother's Day, which is the typical marker for the Summer Time while focusing on your  Strength, Resilience, and Sparkle! You should spend the summer months embracing your strength, resilience, and accomplishments in a way that nourishes your well-being and celebrates your identity.  Here are some suggestions: 1 . Self-Care and Wellness: Prioritize self-care to recharge and rejuvenate. Engage in activities promoting mental, physical, and emotional well-being, such as meditation, journaling, exercise, or leisure time...

Keep On, Keeping On!

Hey Pearls! The day has arrived when my solo writing project is complete. It is your pathway into my circle and my village. Grace Under Pressure: A Southern Belle in the City has arrived and is ready for purchase.  This labor of love took reflection, self-critique, dedication, and self-actualization. So, today, we will acknowledge how this process can result from pearl-forming activities. I took the past 22 months to write the first installment of my journey as a village keeper. Traveling down this road of reflection required a lot of soul-searching, speaking truth to those things that held mental manipulation in my life, and building my knowledge about the behaviors and psychological attributes that impact my perspective and outlook on life.  Grace Under Pressure helped me build my strength as a woman because I learned a lot about myself and truly understood my pieces. Reflection and Self-critique allow one to seriously consider one's thinking, how it originated, and how on...

Why Wait On It?

  Good day Pearls, It’s the Summer Time! The dreariness of the Winter has rolled on away, and now we are ready to see the sun.  I want to be honest with you today. I have been on a mission to get my goals completed, and I can see the finish line. In this work, I identified deadweight situations that just refused to shake me loose until recently. Yet, here I am...revitalized and excited about what the exciting new season will bring me. Pearls, it’s great when you can be you unapologetically.  Being me is actually one of the most satisfying experiences I have ever had in my life. Even though it can intimidate others when you are unapologetic about being yourself, I have learned not to be so quick to dim my shine just because someone can’t handle the focus. But there is also a matter of my being that can negatively affect my progress. The past 19 months have taught me that one true thing is that procrastination is my kryptonite. It can cripple all of my efforts if I allow i...