Blog No. 01
Welcome to July²
GUILT, GRACE & RETROGRADE
You made it. You've found your way here! Welcome to The Monday Monthly – where every month once a month we come to you with a recap and overview of the previous month from our perspective, and provide you with resources that may help you navigate through the next!
Now come and have a sit down.
Last month was full! Half of it was spent in a retrograde that had a hold on a lot of y'all. We saw mixed reviews, but overall it had y'all down bad it seems. It didn't effect FreedomHealer much (thankfully) – but – something we did spend time unpacking was working through the guilt that comes with prioritizing yourself. It left us with:
- (ReLearning the fact that) We teach others how to handle us.
- Addressing this requires patient and self-reflective time.
- Most people struggle with or avoid taking said time.
I'm still nibbling on this helpful kind of "pro-social guilt" myself, unpacking some more stuff. But I definitely hope you take some time this month to review any guilt you may feel from this newfound place of loving and/or prioritizing yourself.
Like sure, perhaps you shouldn't self-love at the expense of inconsiderably neglecting all of your assumed responsibilities. BUT there are certainly still ways to learn what prioritizing yourself into your responsibilities & roles is like. Gently weaving yourself into each. What does that actually look like though? Ehn. Contact us. We would love to help you unpack it.
Current-News Wins for Pride month were:
LSU's track star Sha'Carri Richardson smoothly came out after her win, mentioning to USA Today that she chose her hair color because her "girlfriend said it spoke to her". I'm hoping she is reminded of her own VIBRANCE after the country tried to take it from her very shortly after qualifying for the Olympics.
Equally as controversial but less highlighted, The Raiders lineman Carl Nassib came out as well, in a seemingly pretty comfortable way. He's the first in the NFL to come out as openly gay. Probably won't impact his skill, so...hey, ya know? We're proud of the courage it takes to be yourself outloud.
Both athletes seemed like they'd accepted their preferences a while ago, were living in it, and just... hadn't cared enough to let us in on it. Fair enough! That said, I hope you accept your own preferences and start living in them, too.
Until the next (seemingly random) Monday next Month,
Heal Freely.
- The Freedom Healer
The Monday Monthly #1
Already August
Wow, it is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the month of August. We're already here now, sheesh. Let's jump into the Monthly recap from our lens.
The 4th
What is the 4th of July to those who know their freedom was being
terrorized at the time the rest of the country gained theirs? *crickets*.... A DAY OFF TO EAT AND BE WITH OUR PEOPLE! Dasssit, that's all. We know Juneteenth was for us. We're hoping you all enjoyed the 4th regardless, even if it was just spent relaxing!
A Mindful Moment
We heard reports of some of you feeling like you spiraled out of or steered away from the positive efforts you've made toward change, in the month of July. We totally understand that feeling of disappointment, and respect it. However, we respect even MORE so, the fact that you're making progress toward change, period! That's huge. Sounds like you want your life to change for the better and are making it happen. So even through the slip up, we invite you to not let it keep you down. To allow it to serve a purpose in what perseverance looks like. Keep Going, jump back into your efforts. All is not lost, loves. We're still proud of you.
Global News Wins,
An abundance of foolishness occurred in the U.S. of course, BUT, we're here to celebrate the WINS in the midst of it all.
In policy, we noticed Texas Democrats put their bodies where their mouths were and traveled to D.C. in effort to block the voter suppressive bills Texas opposition tried to pass, during the special session. Enough is enough sometimes, and showing people it's enough looks different in different settings. We're super glad they did it the grassroots way where they are!
This action has put a halt to progress with bills that seem to dismantle progress made for Black voters with the Voters Rights Act of 1965 . The bureaucratic restrictions that presented dumb, senseless obstacles to voting, causing barriers to any political power. Shoutout to these Texas representatives saying NO to a return to that bullcorn!
That's it for the Global Wins this month. Making sure we get this Monday Monthly out to you on time this month.
Happy Healing,
- The Freedom Healer
Resource of The Month
We Know How Difficult Seeking Help Can be. Sometimes we never go through with seeing our counselors or therapists, because we literally didn't know what to look for in a therapist or counselor and ended up with a wack one. Don't fret.
If this is you, you might now be feeling annoyed with this whole "therapy movement".
You were hype to find one (or nervous but did it anyway) at first. You took the time to figure out the process of getting a therapist. Found one. Ended up paying money for multiple sessions with said therapist...
JUST to realize you are not vibing with the one you've found, not feeling supported by them, nor safe or connected to them and want a new one – It might be time to look for replacement.
Here are some Questions to ask yourself when choosing a therapist or counselor:
- Does it seem like the therapist actually cares about you and your problems?
- Do you feel like they understand you?
- Does the therapist accept you for who you are?
- Would you feel comfortable revealing personal information to this individual?
- Do you feel like you can be honest and open with this therapist? Like you don’t have to hide or pretend you’re someone that you’re not?
- Is the therapist a good listener? Does he or she listen without interrupting, criticizing, or judging? Pick up on your feelings and what you’re really saying? Make you feel heard?
Take these with you on your search, Friend. These questions are a great tool to use if you followed through with July's Resource of The Month.
August's Resource of The Month is provided through Helpguide.org.
✨ Yours in Healing 💚
Peace