The Daily Glow: An E-space for Healing and Growth
3 Tips To Help You Cope With Your Post-Election Anxiety and Stress
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
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...
Are Traumatized Women “Less Feminine”?
What does it mean to be “traumatized” or have experienced trauma? According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), trauma is defined as exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. This can include: Direct experience: Experiencing the traumatic event directly Witnessing: Witnessing the event in person as it happened to others Indirect exposure: Learning that a close friend or family member experienced the event Repeated exposure: Being repeatedly exposed to details of the event An individual that is traumatized may experience distress and significant impairment. Everyone reacts differently to trauma, however many women have found that they are often incapable of identifying with “soft life” and “demure” culture because they display more culturally masculine traits, as a result of their life experiences. While masculine characteristics and feminine characteristics are subjective, those that have expressed an inability to tap into their softer and gentler side fault their trauma and upbringing. Those that have experienced parentification within their development, express that allowing others to lead and asking for help are difficult tasks to overcome. Parentification or parent-child role reversal, is defined as a child or adolescent placed in inappropriate and often burdensome roles to support or maintain the family system. For children and adolescents that have been placed in the parent and caretaker role, they often struggle emotionally and socially within adulthood. Many often experience forms of burnout early because of the responsibilities and expectations of their childhood. Stress is also often a contributing factor in one’s feeling of presenting “less feminine.” Stress is not only a silent killer, but can throw your nervous system completely out of whack. Those that experience high levels of stress are often in a constant state of activation and urgency. Chronic stress, which is pervasive, in comparison to Acute Stress has the potential to increase health concerns, meath health symptoms, and has a detrimental impact on one’s overall functionality and quality of life. How might Chronic Stress present itself and impact you? Body aches and pains Energy decrease Loss or significant changes to appetite Sleep changes Nervousness or feelings of anxiousness Changes in social behavior Headaches and Migraines and much more Stress management is not only paramount, but a survival essential. Many have often shared that they feel “ugly” or undesirable due to an inability to engage in self-care and self maintenance. “I’m stressed and I’m ugly!” As the saying goes, when you look good, you feel good. Make intentional attempts at incorporating moments of self-care and stress management into your everyday schedule. Pay yourself first! You pay a job with your time every time you clock in. You pay an institution every time you show up! What’s holding you back from paying yourself? Femininity can be a feeling and a mindset. Your feminine presentation may differ drastically from someone else's, which is okay! So, you're not the coquette, pink bow wearing type, does that make you less of a woman if you don't and more if you do? Life is a learning curve, and it's important to identify what works best for you. In my own journey towards understanding my own femininity and feminine presentation, I utilized these tips to lean less on what society deems as more masculine traits in an attempt to define womanhood and what femininity looks like to me. Even the bible says "guard your heart", but it's important to identify the distinction between avoidance and protection. Both present similar, but one is often rooted in fear, requires a hardening of one's self, and appears more on the defensive side. Are you often hyper-independent? Do you display traits of reservation, distance, and those of an enigma? Are you hyper-critical of yourself or others? Do you struggle with trusting others and asking for help? If you related to any of the questions above, I think it's time to reconnect with yourself. Explore where these traits stem from and identify if they are helpful or harmful? Ways that we tap into our feminine side and feminine energy: Movement Finding a good fragrance that makes us feel feminine Engaging in identity reformation and exploring harmful and helpful beliefs and ideals surrounding femininity and womanhood that we hold Finding empowerment and inspiration from our Sheroes (combination of she and heroes.) That embody our definition of femininity and feminine energy Avoid comparing ourselves to others and making attempts at not falling victim to the latest trends providing new and unattainable standards of femininity Self expression Empowering and complimenting other woman Smiling, when we want to, rather than when we are told to Complimenting and praising unique aspects of ourselves Allowing others to help us and not shaming ourselves after Wearing clothes that allow us to feel feminine and countless other activities and practices that make us feel beautiful, seen, and safe Many of us are in survival mode and are unaware. You are not more or less feminine for not wearing bows or the faintest hue of pink. Femininity is strong, assertive, powerful, but also gentle, meticulous, and free-flowing. Yes, you may have experienced significant trauma and events that altered how you present within and navigate the world. However, one's trauma history does not make an individual less or more feminine. Somehow we have weaponized femininity, when it's truly an individual experience. In closing, here are a few prompts to help you understand and tap into your feminine energy. Feminine energy journal prompts: How do you define your feminine energy? What does it look like? What does it feel like? How do others react to it? When do you feel the most feminine? 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.
Are Traumatized Women “Less Feminine”?
What does it mean to be “traumatized” or have experienced trauma? According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), trauma is defined as exposure to actual or...
Key Takeaways From Mo'Nique's interview on Club Shay Shay - Tell The Truth And Shame The Devil
Diahann Carroll's sacrifice paved the way for shows such as The Cosby Show, A Different World, Good Times, and many more to follow. Monique's argument is that your actions matter. What do you want your legacy's foundation to be rooted in?One rooted in integrity and honesty, or lies and exploitation. Monique also argues that we do not have to accept the scraps, simply because we are grateful to have a spot at the table.
Key Takeaways From Mo'Nique's interview on Club Shay Shay - Tell The Truth And Shame The Devil
Diahann Carroll's sacrifice paved the way for shows such as The Cosby Show, A Different World, Good Times, and many more to follow. Monique's argument is that your actions matter. What do you...
Misogyny & Sexualization on 'Summer House'
Uncover the impact of misogyny and sexualization as Jordan Emanuel navigates 'Summer House: Martha's Vineyard'. A powerful journey of empowerment and boundaries.
Misogyny & Sexualization on 'Summer House'
Uncover the impact of misogyny and sexualization as Jordan Emanuel navigates 'Summer House: Martha's Vineyard'. A powerful journey of empowerment and boundaries.
How Bell Hooks' Trilogy Can Inspire a Journey of Self-Love
Explore the transformative power of love in Bell Hooks' book trilogy. Discover insights on self-love, relationships, and dismantling toxic masculinity.
How Bell Hooks' Trilogy Can Inspire a Journey of Self-Love
Explore the transformative power of love in Bell Hooks' book trilogy. Discover insights on self-love, relationships, and dismantling toxic masculinity.
How to set clear boundaries and stand on them!
Here's your mini survival guide to navigating triggering, unnecessary, or even down right rude conversations. Do you know what setting boundaries looks like?
How to set clear boundaries and stand on them!
Here's your mini survival guide to navigating triggering, unnecessary, or even down right rude conversations. Do you know what setting boundaries looks like?