The Daily Glow: An E-space for Healing and Growth

The Vibes on Instagram are Treacherous and Here's 3 Reasons Why

The Vibes on Instagram are Treacherous and Here's 3 Reasons Why

Sincerely Sanguine

'How to delete instagram account' is my top search often and the thought sits comfortably at the brim of my mind. Every time I open instagram, a little voice inside of me is asking "how do i delete an instagram account" more specifically, how do I delete my instagram account?   Living without instagram seems like a utopia in comparison to remaining connected to people that we should have disconnected from long ago. With an increase in META and data farming, I wonder if social media is still a place for us to share and connect with others freely.  Instagram must be amongst the list of worst social media apps out there, which is unfortunate because when it was first developed, Instagram served as a method to remain connected to friends and family, similar to Facebook. Now, social media feels less social and more like the only way to stay connected to people within our immediate sphere. We rarely talk about the negative impacts of instagram and the dangers of instagram for adults. Here are a three inferences as to why we believe the vibes on Instagram are treacherous and living without instagram feels ideal.  Let the stragglers go: people you should have disconnected from ages ago still have access to you  Many of us have followers from high school, elementary school, preschool, old coworkers, old flings, and failed talking stages. There are people that we should have left behind, but somehow we are bringing them along for a journey that they should have lost access to long ago. There are also those that live by the philosophy of "letting my haters see me win", but that mentality might be counterproductive and holding you back. With Instagram, we are consumed by follower counters and likes. Instagram runs on engagement and when your followers are intentionally not engaging with your content, this can hinder your comfortability with sharing aspects about yourself that are authentic. There are people who will not miss a story, but will scroll past your posts. The negative impacts of instagram unfortunately can impact your self-esteem, forcing people to compare, suppress, and create false identities to appease others and the algorithm. Go where you are loved and appreciated! Get rid of the stragglers and post that sandwich that you loved. Remember when people would post food with those deep-fried filters on Instagram? That's the instagram I miss! Did I consent to this: There are countless uses for Instagram, but you opt into an unofficial dating app, Linkedin, Facebook, WebMD, and class reunion all combined every time you open the Instagram app: Picture this, you just did your makeup perfectly, I mean face BEAT down, you even pass the flash test. You know you look goodt and you feel compelled to share your beauty with the world. You post with the intention to share without expectations, but somehow that action invited unsolicited DMs, heart-eyes, and often times vulgar remarks. There are those that want and long for the attention, but then there are others who want to post freely without objectification.   Many of us utilize Instagram as a method to document our lives, somewhat like a virtual time capsule. However, there are other users who have different ideas. Instagram for them is a dating app.  Then there are the pseudo instagram doctors and professionals that knowingly provide misinformation. The vibes are clashing and there is minimal space for imperfection. Once upon a time we only interacted with our followers, now we rarely see the content from our followers!  The social culture of Instagram is not rooted in community, but pay-per-view at the palm of your hand  There are those that utilize Instagram as a job and means to pay their bills and then there are those who just want to vibe! In the words of Joseline Hernandez, "can I live? I mean WTF!" The shift from consumer, to commodification of the human and human experience was a gradual one, but we are navigating the ramifications of the change and negative impacts of instagram currently. When we wanted to escape reality we would watch a movie or TV show, now we tune into the lives on complete strangers. The parasocial interactions have convinced us that we are close to people that we have never seen before. We seen this briefly with celebrity culture, but the everyday person can become an "influencer" overnight through virality.  When the Tik Tok Ban began, never once did we consider moving to Instagram full-time. Moments before the official Tik Tok ban, we posted a photo thread titled: Life after deletion: how to continue to grow and heal outside of Tik Tok. Within the post we provided our Tik Tok community with tips to navigate life post the ban. For many of us, social media was our way to cope with the pandemic and build community amidst such an isolating global event. Social media served as that vessel, but it's important to return to our roots. Roots related to connecting with people authentically, being creative, and sharing freely, and unfortunately Instagram is no longer a safe space for that.    Disclaimer: The contents of Sincerely Sanguine's (SS) Site, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the SS Site (“Content”) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the SS Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 or local emergency number immediately. SS does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Site. Reliance on any information provided by SS, SS employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of SS, or other visitors to the Site is solely at your own risk. The Site and the Content are provided on an “as is” basis.

The Vibes on Instagram are Treacherous and Here's 3 Reasons Why

Sincerely Sanguine

'How to delete instagram account' is my top search often and the thought sits comfortably at the brim of my mind. Every time I open instagram, a little voice inside...

Navigating & Combating AI and ChatGPT For Your Mental Wellbeing

Navigating & Combating AI and ChatGPT For Your Mental Wellbeing

Sincerely Sanguine

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) begins to dominate and become widespread, it's important to consider a few things. There are pros and cons in reference to the utilization and normalization of AI within multiple industries, and our everyday lives. However, how can we navigate and combat the overconsumption and distribution of AI and ChatGPT for our mental wellbeing. The Jetsons portrayed AI and futuristic living as one of simplicity and advancement. Within The Jetsons, humans employed technology to make their lives easier, but there was still a sense of connection and community. On the contrary, The Flintstones lived within a more pre-historic depiction of living, but the sentiment of community remained.  While the two fictional cartoons show the evolution of life within an imagined reality, we are now living within the age of technology. The Jetsons thought that we would have flying cars, but instead our reality is heading towards one with parallels to the hit movie I, Robot (2004), but there's hope.  With the rise in AI there is an uprise in the spread of mis- and disinformation. There is a constant struggle in determining if the content we are seeing is factual or riddled with fictitious beliefs with a hidden agenda. Between artificial intelligence books, artificial intelligence news, artificial intelligence movies, and artificial intelligence pictures, one can ask, will we be safe from an AI generated reality?  The headline "Tyler Perry Puts $800M Studio Expansion on Hold After Seeing OpenAI’s Sora: 'Jobs Are Going to Be Lost'," caught our attention because Tyler Perry's work is safe from duplication. At least, that is the assumption. Can AI truly capture the essence of a Tyler Perry movie? Tyler Perry's plays may have survived the reign of AI, but Madea goes to... for the 500th time can possibly be duplicated utilizing AI, due to the formulaic plot points. Unlike his more recent work, spontaneity, originality, and authenticity within his plays correlate to Black Psychology and how Black people could survive AI supremacy. While an AI generated Madea film sends chills up our spine, there's a lesson in how we can combat the over-consumption and reliance on AI for our mental wellbeing as Black individuals.  In our opinion, the only way to beat AI is human connection, but how does this relate to Black people?  Did you know that Black Psychology inspired Positive Psychology?  During my therapy with couples course, my professor threw in the fact that Black psychology inspired positive psychology as a quick fun fact, but I wanted to learn more. He emailed me 'Black Psychology: A forerunner of Positive Psychology', an article by Aaron Bethea that provides insight into the theoretical approach.  Upon reading the article, my biggest takeaway was "the seven psychological strengths of African-Americans (Bethea, 2020)." These seven psychological strengths have contributed greatly to the survival of Black individuals within racist systems and cruel circumstances.  Seven Psychological Strengths of African Americans By: Dr. Joseph L. White Improvisation  AI thrives on pattern recognition, systems, and consolidated information provided through user engagement. We are AI, but AI is not us. Meaning, every time you ask ChatGPT a question or provide a prompt you are training the machine to act and think in a manner related to the humans contributing to it's capability, but there are limits. There are cultural limitations and nuances to the Black experience that AI is incapable of duplicating. Think of the Black church, the spontaneity related to praise, song, and dance is unmatched.  Resilience  Black people have managed to survive the most heinous of experiences. Positive Psychology was inspired by the resilience and attitudes of Black people and their capability to cope with oppressive and racial strife, while living in America. AI is incapable of emulating the Black experience cocktail of resilience and success.  Connectedness to Others  Black people often adopt a more collectivistic and community based mentality contributing to our strengths and survival. AI feels individualistic and person-centered. AI gives the individual information based on their needs, with minimal wiggle-room for imagination. Many people have expressed that they have utilized ChatGPT to supplement therapy. Can ChatGPT truly challenge and understand the complexities of the human experience? There is an emotional component associated with community, and one can argue that emotional intelligence serves as an area of lack for AI. Connectedness to others and one's innate need to feel safe and belong also correlates to Maslow's hierarchy of needs.  Spirituality  The strength of spirituality is a protective factor and a cumulation of the three previous strengths. Spiritual relationships, practices, and beliefs may vary across religions, but one can argue that spirituality universally is one's connection to the intangible rooted in faith. With cultural considerations there are many cultures that believe in spiritual gifts, such as clairvoyance. ChatGPT and AI cannot mimic one's spiritual gifts, ability, and connection to the intangible.  Emotional Vitality  Black people are "full of life" in the midst of adversity. Rooted in our laughs, tears, and pain there is an emotional energy of positivity and light that is comparable to gold that AI is incapable of replicating.  Gallows Humor  "Playing the dozens", "roasting", "Black people don't take nothing serious" are a few of the great practices and attitude associated with Black humor. We can make light of the most unfavorable circumstances, which is a practice that AI is incapable of capturing. The comedic genius of Bernie Mac, Richard Pryor, Dick Gregory, Wanda Sykes, Martin Lawrence, and many others is unique to their personal Black experience, one that cannot be emulated with a machine. Many of us "laugh to keep from crying," which has served us well in our survival.  Healthy Suspicion of you know who  Lastly, the final strength is our healthy suspicion of "you know who." You know who, and this is a great closing strength. Who created AI and ChatGPT and who are they exploiting to maintain and develop this new device? Remind you of something? Black individuals have been strategically excluded from various advancements and implementations within "the new world." Yet, we are used to maintain and create these same entities.  Understanding AI What is Artificial Intelligence by John McCarthy within the article 'What is Artificial Intelligence', defines AI as, "it is the science and engineering of making intelligent machines, especially intelligent computer programs. It is related to the similar task of using computers to understand human intelligence, but AI does not have to confine itself to methods that are biologically observable." AI is not all bad and here are a few of the advantages of artificial intelligence. Accessibility, customer service, generating information, and simplifying information, to name a few. However, AI further contributes to the idea of perfection and perfectionism within our larger society. AI lacks creativity and bases information on previous information, many believe that AI will impact employment and will "steal our jobs," and there is room for potential bias based on programming. Also, not to mention AI contributes to global warming due to the amount of water required to sustain the machines, energy consumption, and electronic waste.  Black Psychology With more information about Black Psychology, strengths of African-Americans, and the connection to AI, we would love to hear your thoughts on the subject. As many embark on their healing journey and/or attempt to heal their mother wounds with the support of our workbook, continue to think about the strengths of African-American and how that relates to your journey.    Disclaimer: The contents of Sincerely Sanguine's (SS) Site, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the SS Site (“Content”) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the SS Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 or local emergency number immediately. SS does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Site. Reliance on any information provided by SS, SS employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of SS, or other visitors to the Site is solely at your own risk. The Site and the Content are provided on an “as is” basis. Keywords: Ask artificial intelligence, Artificial intelligence definition, Artificial Intelligence Book, Artificial Intelligence News, Artificial Intelligence Movie, Artificial Intelligence Benefits, Advantages of Artificial intelligence, Artificial Intelligence Article, Artificial Intelligence Pros and Cons, Artificial Intelligence examples, Mental Health AI Chatbot, AI mental health diagnosis, AI mental health therapy, Artificial Intelligence Therapist, Black Psychology, Positive Psychology 

Navigating & Combating AI and ChatGPT For Your Mental Wellbeing

Sincerely Sanguine

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) begins to dominate and become widespread, it's important to consider a few things. There are pros and cons in reference to the utilization and normalization of...

10 Things Every Free Woman Should Know From The Book 'What Looks Like Crazy On An Ordinary Day'

10 Things Every Free Woman Should Know From The Book 'What Looks Like Crazy On An Ordinary Day'

Sincerely Sanguine

"I sat down at the kitchen table, picked up a pen, and wrote in the margins: to nurture free, independent, women who can take care of themselves, choose their lovers wisely, and raise their children right." (Cleage, 1992, p. 157) Have you ever wanted someone to tell you how to live your life as an adult? Have you longed for someone (anyone) to provide you with the cheat code to happiness? We're all attempting to figure out this thing called life, but what helps is having the resources and advice from those before us.  Our reparenting and inner child healing workbook provides eleven tips to heal and reparent your inner child, and while reading 'What looks like crazy on an ordinary day (#1 Idlewoood)' for our book club we stumbled upon more Black women self care gold.  The ten tips provided are comprehensive and necessary. While our workbook highlights Black healing, mother wound healing, understanding the mother wound, primarily the mother wound in daughters, here are ten tenets every free woman should know according to Ava Johnson.  'TEN THINGS EVERY FREE WOMAN SHOULD KNOW' From The Book 'What Looks Like Crazy On An Ordinary Day'  1. How to grow food and flowers  2.How to prepare food nutritiously  3.Self-Defense  4.Basic first aid/ sex education and midwifery  "I leaned over to check the list again, then took it and wrote these five additional off the top of my head as subsets of the basic sex education component. Don't f*ck men you don't like. Bring your own birth control.  Practice safe sex every time.  If it's hurting you, it shouldn't be exciting him. Don't fake—demonstrate."  (Cleage, 1992, p. 160) 5.Child care (prenatal/ early childhood development) 6.Basic literacy/ basic math / basic computer skills  7.Defensive driving/ map reading/basic auto and home repairs  8. Household budget/ money management  9.Spiritual Practice 10.Physical Fitness/health/hygiene  (Cleage, 1992, p. 158)   Disclaimer: The contents of Sincerely Sanguine's (SS) Site, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the SS Site (“Content”) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the SS Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 or local emergency number immediately. SS does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Site. Reliance on any information provided by SS, SS employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of SS, or other visitors to the Site is solely at your own risk. The Site and the Content are provided on an “as is” basis.

10 Things Every Free Woman Should Know From The Book 'What Looks Like Crazy On An Ordinary Day'

Sincerely Sanguine

"I sat down at the kitchen table, picked up a pen, and wrote in the margins: to nurture free, independent, women who can take care of themselves, choose their lovers...

Christianity and yoga - is yoga a sin

Let's Talk Christianity and Yoga | Mindfulness

Sincerely Sanguine

Discourse around yoga and christianity and if yoga is a sin leaves many people feeling conflicted and convicted about practicing yoga as a christian. Within this blog post we explore the practice of yoga and christianity and how to practice yoga as a christian for your mental health (if you choose). 

Let's Talk Christianity and Yoga | Mindfulness

Sincerely Sanguine

Discourse around yoga and christianity and if yoga is a sin leaves many people feeling conflicted and convicted about practicing yoga as a christian. Within this blog post we explore...

PTSD - CPTSD - black equestrians - black horseback riders -Beyond Black Beauty - equestrian therapy - Equine Therapy - Equine-Assisted Therapy - Animal Therapy

Horse Therapy (equine-assisted Therapy) For Mental Health

Sincerely Sanguine

Let's talk equine-assisted therapy and the overall transformative practice. In this article, we will dive into the power of the collaborative approach and therapeutic modality of equine-assisted therapy, what it is, and who this practice can support. In addition to discussing the power of equine therapy, we will engage in a watch review of the young adult show that follows Jolie, a young equestrian as she navigates change, discovery, and a return to her mother's home in Baltimore.  What is Equine-assisted Therapy?  Do not confuse equine facilitated therapy with equestrian riding, horsemanship, or horse training. Equine facilitated therapy is a collaborative practice that engages therapy and trained horses to assist in providing emotional and behavioral support.  Psychotherapies that are often utilized within horse therapy are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps people identify and change unhealthy thoughts and behavior patterns. CBT can help clients work through depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, and eating disorders.  Benefits of Equine Therapy  CBT is known to assist in the improvement of self-esteem related concerns, self-awareness, confidence, and empathy.  Horse therapy can also assist in behavioral problems through experiential therapy to process difficult emotions and experiences. Often treating concerns related to relationship issues, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), addiction, complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A major misconception with equine-assisted therapy is that you arrive with the goal of learning how to ride a horse, but the objective is quite the contrary. With horse therapy, you are there to connect with and care for the horse, but in that practice you learn how to care for yourself.  Equine Therapy For Mental Health Equine-assisted therapy can feel hidden due to access and what the general public assumes is the typical horseback rider. However, equine facilitated therapy is for everyone! Miah Young, within her News 4 interview, expressed that at eleven years old (in 2021) she wants to encourage more Black individuals to ride horses. Black people, as well as Native and indigenous people have held a longstanding connection to horses and horseback riding.  Equine Therapy Certification  Equine-assisted Therapy Certification For Clinicians Get relevant education through an accredited program related to the fields of psychology, social work, or animal science.  Gain experience through volunteer or employed work.  Find an accredited and official program and complete the necessary trainings, hour requirements, and exams based on the organization’s qualifications.   Equine certification for riding instructors "The PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) is a voluntary, entry-level credential for individuals in the Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT) profession who provide riding instruction and therapeutic value to people with disabilities. This may include mounted or unmounted work partnering with an equine (Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) Certification Testing with Pearson VUE, 2024)." Equine-assisted Therapy Certification In Action: Black Equine Therapy Nonprofit in Georgia SOOFA Ranch in Palmetto, Georgia is a Black-owned ranch that incorporates equine-assisted therapy into their practices by introducing diverse populations to the power of horseback riding. The owner Flecher turned his hobby of horseback riding into a nonprofit that "uses horses to help clients say neigh to their anxieties.” See Black equine-assisted therapy in action.  Is Equine-assisted Therapy Covered By Insurance?  Equine-assisted therapy coverage by insurance depends on several factors, including the type of therapy, your insurance plan, and your location. Type of therapy: Some insurance companies may cover hippotherapy, which is considered a medical treatment, but most equine therapies are not. Treatment plan: Insurance may cover equine-assisted therapy if it's prescribed by a licensed mental health professional or pediatrician as part of a treatment plan.Insurance provider: You should contact your insurance provider directly to confirm if your plan covers equine therapy. Location: Fees for equine therapy services vary by location. Beyond Black Beauty Watch Review  Personally, I was not the target age demographic as this show is for young adults, but I enjoyed watching it nonetheless. Beyond Black Beauty spotlights a young Black (bi-racial) equestrian as she navigates her father's betrayal, her mother's former life, and developing as a young women in a new environment. We do get a dreaded police brutality scene, which I like to say is utilized to "push the plot." However, that does not minimize the impact and importance of redefining how we view horsemanship, rodeo culture, and Black beauty.  Beyond Black Beauty also depicts the relationship dynamic between a Black mother and daughter. We talk about Black mother and daughter relationships around her often and in our 'Where is your mother' workbook, we discuss the importance of hobbies, other-mothers, and community to assist in healing your mother wound.  One of my favorite scenes was watching Jolie's mother support her through a panic attack. Beyond Black Beauty is worth watching with the young adults and developing women within your life, or by yourself. Beyond Black Beauty is the story about triumph and family. You will be typing in ‘Beyond Black Beauty season 2 release date,’ after completing the show. The hope is that Beyond Black Beauty will return for another season, fingers crossed. Providing you with information related to horsemanship and equine-assisted therapy, will hopefully encourage more Black and brown people to consider incorporating animal therapy into their healing journey!   Happy healing!    Disclaimer: The contents of Sincerely Sanguine's (SS) Site, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the SS Site (“Content”) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the SS Site.   If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 or local emergency number immediately. SS does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Site. Reliance on any information provided by SS, SS employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of SS, or other visitors to the Site is solely at your own risk. The Site and the Content are provided on an “as is” basis. References:  Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) certification testing with Pearson VUE. (2024). Pearsonvue.com. https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/pathintl.html Contributors, W. E. (2021). What Is Equine Therapy and Equine-Assisted Therapy? WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-is-equine-therapy-equine-assisted-therapy  

Horse Therapy (equine-assisted Therapy) For Mental Health

Sincerely Sanguine

Let's talk equine-assisted therapy and the overall transformative practice. In this article, we will dive into the power of the collaborative approach and therapeutic modality of equine-assisted therapy, what it is, and who...

3 Tips To Help You Cope With Your Post-Election Anxiety and Stress

3 Tips To Help You Cope With Your Post-Election Anxiety and Stress

Sincerely Sanguine

Does anyone else feel like crap post 2024 presidential election? The election results have caused feelings of shame, hurt, fear, confusion and hopelessness for many. Results, affirming their distrust for a country in which they inhabit. The election results for the 2024 presidential election are in and final and with talks of Project 2025, how can we prepare for four years under the reign and political advisement of "wig"?   When accessing the National exit polls, here are a few questions to consider: What do you notice? What are you thoughts? What does this mean for you? Tik Toker 'Ireadhuney' details in her how based on the information above Black women must begin to look out for and prioritize themselves. The full video is linked here, but her caption affirms "we all we got." She shares that "as Black women we must organizing every aspect of our existence because no one is coming to help us." The video now as 6,000 plus black women, expressing their concerns and acknowledgment of Ireadhuney's plea to Black women.  When people asked "how are you today", I initially stated "good", but when I thought about it, really thought about my feelings I began to answer honestly. "I AM DEPRESSED!" "I am scared of what's to come of the next four years." "I'm annoyed at the people who are going about life as "business as usual" without acknowledging what we experienced last night." Upon conversing with a classmate, she expressed that she was fearful of the approaching verdict. Confused, I expressed that I did not understand the fear surrounding the election. She then explained that her fear is not for herself, but for the people that she knows. The undocumented students and individuals within her life and others who benefits from the programs and procedures that with wig in office will be irradiated. I immediately felt a rush of empathy and as I cry in the public library, I'm not crying for myself, but for the people who I and many others overlooked. Thank you Z, for that insight! In rationalizing and taking in information from a fact-centered approach, we begin to lose sight of the people around us. In my self-centeredness, my focus was more on my false sense of safety rather than the collective good. I voted for Kamala, but prior to that conversation I held an arrogance that allowed me believe that "I'll be good regardless." Well, I'm not good! With the words of wisdom from Ireadhuney and many others here are three tips to help you cope with post-election stress and anxiety.  1. Ask yourself "what can I control in this moment?" You can control the amount of social media and media that you consume and engage with during the period. You can control when and who you want to engage in political discourse with.  You can control the amount of breaks you take to recalibrate and center yourself. You can control how you spend your time (to the best of your ability).  It's important to stay present as best as you can and stop, observe, breathe, explore, and reflect during this time period. Be honest about your feelings and needs!  2. Remember to maintain healthy habits and prioritize your health and well-being  Did you eat today?  Did you talk to someone... anyone today?  What ways are you taking care of yourself?  The country is falling off the rails, but it's important that you don't follow suit.  To reiterate what 'Ireadhuney' so eloquently said, as a Black woman, who is going to take care of you, better than you?  Make intentional strides to take care of yourself in small, but meaningful ways. 3.Understand that you don't have to navigate the 2024-2025 Political decision alone  As the holidays are approaching, battling family members, society, and sometimes ourselves can be a difficult task to take on.  Find a trusted individual (or group) that can hold space and have open and honest conversations surrounding your needs and feelings.  Also, utilize this time to stay connected with us here at Sincerely Sanguine! Our monthly blog posts and growing community can serve as your virtual home.  When people attempt to minimize or placate your feelings surrounding your feelings surrounding the election decision, just know that you have a community of Black women within Sincerely Sanguine, rooting for and supporting you!  I can only guess that you're tired of living through and experiencing history that does not positively impact you. However, this is not the end, this is only the beginning. Kamala blazed the trail and as a result on the local level many Black and Brown women and men have been selected into their local office. Let's celebrate the small victories. When you close your eyes at night and when you wake up in the morning remind yourself that "I am the standard" and move accordingly. We got this, we got us! 

3 Tips To Help You Cope With Your Post-Election Anxiety and Stress

Sincerely Sanguine

Does anyone else feel like crap post 2024 presidential election? The election results have caused feelings of shame, hurt, fear, confusion and hopelessness for many. Results, affirming their distrust for...