Self-care used to be one of those topics that I didn’t know of but found out that I practiced frequently.  I found myself happier, more rested, and balanced in every area of my life.

Right now I am experiencing burn out.  I try to practice some self-care but scheduling the “me” time seems like more work.  This needs to change and will change. Scheduling “me time” will be a priority.

image source: https://pixabay.com/en/gear-mechanics-wheels-transmission-408364/

There is a self -care wheel from OlgaPhoenix that suggests we have 6 areas on the wheel.  The areas are physical, professional, psychological, emotional, spiritual and personal.  Within each area there are several examples of what self care looks like. Upon closer reflection I will need to revisit the wheel and start again in order to relieve burnout. I hope you join me on the journey of self-care. 

For more information on the self-care wheel see http://the-psychology-blog.tumblr.com/post/80565755635/therapybros-becauseiamawoman-the-self-care

I had the pleasure of talking with Mary Reed, the host of Hair, Head and Heart.  Mary is a hair stylist and expert in hair care. Her show features guests with discussion on all things related to the topic of hear.  “It is a safe zone for all ages, textures and backgrounds to explore issues related to hair”. (hair, head & heart)

The show is broadcast on AM 1570 Wellness Radio in Minnesota every Saturday at 3pm. It is available on podcasts as well, along with other wellness shows.  Find out more here http://twincitieswellnessradio.com/content/all/podcasts
To reach Mary, email hairheadheart@gmail.com

Black seed also known as Nigella Sativa has been used as a flavoring and Arabic, Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. According to The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, it has the components “thymoquinone, thymohydroquinone, dithymoquinone, thymol, carvacrol, nigellimine-N-oxide, nigellicine, nigellidine and alpha-hederin”.  It also has antihypertensive, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory as well as anti-cancer properties.

I use black seed oil for allergies.  A few times during the year, I go through bouts of sneezing, sore throats, and sniffing.  I take 1 dose of black seed oil (1 tablespoon) twice a day and in a few hours the allergies are gone.  As a school teacher this is also important for me to have in my regimen to keep me from being sick which will lead to absence from my students.

image source: https://pixabay.com/en/nigella-black-cumin-oil-fixed-oil-216510/

If you are curious and want to give black seed oil a try just know that it has a strong earthy taste sort of like turpentine. Depending on the manufacturer it varies in color from light brown to a deep rich dark brown.  The taste range to from a mild earthy taste to a strong taste.  To cope with this you can add a little pure honey and little freshly squeezed lemon or citron lime juice to your tablespoon quantity.

Prophet Mohamed was know for saying that black seed was a remedy for everything except death. A search on the web will give you a multitude of ailments that black seed oil can help with. There are 833 medical articles regarding the healing properties of this natural remedy.  To find our more go to http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=nigella%20sativa .

referenceThe American Journal of Chinese Medicine can be found at the following link.  

This is a poem I wrote in 2011 after I was invited to share my skills and gifting with students. It was a season in my life where I was trying to sort out the next steps professionally. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect to share.  I hope it encourages you.

Acceptance

Being too high for mountains
Being too low for valleys
Looking for a soft place to land
I found solace in the arms of an invitation.

It is also in my self published book of poetry. Check it out here http://www.lulu.com/shop/yvette-r-toko/breath-eyes-memory-in-me/paperback/product-22529331.html or click on the Literature tab at the right.

If you love fragrances and are looking for a way to unwind with aromatherapy, try scented candles.  These candles are 100% soy and mildly scented. Order here https://store9769054.ecwid.com/

Wedding Trends: Marriage tips with Yvette #1: This is a guest post by Yvette Toko. Image from Life Changing Faith. Now that you are happily married, I am sure you would…

The following is a post I wrote on Facebook in response to the various emotions that are flowing through me at this time. Seeing what is going on in our nation with Black people being murdered by law enforcement is very disturbing.

We pray, we protest, we sing, we cry, we dance, we enforce, we retreat, we kill, we are killed, we talk, we give birth, we make love, we fight, we mobilize, we vote,we expatriate, we bear arms, we revenge, we ignore, we unplug, we blame, we love, we hate, we get angry, we calm down, we go through all the motions of what we know is humanely right and respond accordingly, we just be who we be… and it still ain’t enough. The invisible force still finds a way to seep in. On my Facebook page I posted a few musical selections that came to mind (there were many more) but I wanted to cover everyone with something that might speak to you and where you are at mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually.

There are better ways to do this. There has to be. Praying for Peace and Justice.

With the increasing number of Blacks dying daily at the hands of law enforcement this has left society with a lot of unanswered questions coupled with pain and sorrow, sometimes on both sides.

There are no words that can truly fill in the brokenness. Yet, I will strive to offer comfort to those who mourn.

The Bible tells us for those that mourn, God will give us beauty for ashes. I’m here for you. Hugs. I sympathize with you. I stand with you. I know it’s not enough.

Let’s pray with our feet. Take action. Get involved. Offer comfort. Love on one another. Make changes. Offer support.

Lastly, there are no words to bring back the dearly departed. It also takes time to forgive and then a measure of healing can take place. Let us remember the names of those who we are standing in the gap for.