Tag Archives: Mother 2 Mother

Dec 19 2012

Wellness Wednesdays

Well

Well (Photo credit: echiner1)

Wellness Wednesdays will be a new weekly addition.  Wellness Wednesdays will focus on various mental health issues, healthy ways to deal with stress, change and transitions and also where to seek help or advice if you suffer from a mental illness. Going into the New Year, we don’t want to just appear to be mentally and physically healthy but we should desire to live a healthy life daily.

We have witnessed some recent tragedies in the news.  One thing that was common amongst all the incidents was that there were prior indications that something was wrong.  We have to make sure that we are present and not just in our own lives but also in the lives of our loved ones.  It is okay to slow down, take a break and regroup.  It is also okay to seek professional help if needed.  And it is definitely okay to discuss your concerns of a loved one’s well-being with them.  If you notice something out of the ordinary, ask questions and give support, don’t shut them out.

I often discuss the topics no one wants to talk about, suicide, domestic violence, etc.  I chose Wellness Wednesday because one of my favorite parables in the Bible is the Woman at the Well.  She went to the well seeking more of something; she had reached her end.  When you look at her water bucket as a symbol of her life, she was empty.  She was in search of something and had been for quite a while.  Her bucket had been filled with men but she still was incomplete and empty until that day while on her journey Jesus met her at the well.  So when you visit and read these post, I want you to leave with something that is spiritually uplifting, physically uplifting and mentally renewing.  I also want to make sure that the Wellness Wednesday’s posts are easy to find and are informative.  It will be added to the navigation bar and each time a new topic is discussed it will be made available in the drop down.  I would also like my readers to get involved.  You can write about ways in which you cope, a mental illness you’ve witnessed or have lived with.  Leave your post in the comments so that we can link up.

As previously mentioned, Mother 2 Mother is partnering with Touching Heart for the Inaugural Community and Family Health Fair on May 18, 2013.  The goal of the health fair is to provide information about community resources and services available.  The health of our communities is dependent on the health of our families and each individual that makes up the family.  In 2013, my goal is to start a yoga class.  Yoga is a great way to relieve stress and get into shape.

Have you liked the Showing Our Scars Facebook Page? We are “Showing Our Scars”!

https://www.facebook.com/ShowingOurScarsMovement

You can also order your “My Scars” Tee!

www.rnbranddesign.bigcartel.com

Find out more about the story behind “My Scars”

Sunday Mourning

Related articles
About these ads
Dec 17 2012

Mental Health Awareness: What Will It Take?

logo-medSome of the recent incidents that have occurred have pushed people to discuss Mental Health. It is sad that 26 lives had to be taken in order for the discussion to even begin. Last week, innocent students and teachers. A few weeks ago, a baby was left without a mother or father as a result of a murder suicide. But we have to move past the discussions and get to the action. Mental Health is becoming a more challenging topic to discuss because so many do not understand it or the impact on the individual that suffers from it.  The media has thrown the term around when its convenient to minimize the heinous acts being committed.  As a result, we have become insensitive to those who suffer from mental illnesses and even continue to ignore the signs when it is at our own front door.

Mental Health is nothing foreign to me. I was surrounded by it from birth up until now. As a child, my parents cared for adult mental health and developmentally disabled clients. I even went on to attend college and major in Clinical Psychology. I volunteered in special education classrooms, adult mental health facilities and even went on to work with severely emotionally disturbed adolescents. Working in that environment and with these various populations, it made me sensitive to the needs of others. It wasn’t until recently that I even discovered that my mother suffers from bipolar disorder. When I look back over some of my childhood experiences, I can put the pieces together but it doesn’t make it any easier to accept or deal with. Now as an adult and mother, I face the challenge of working through mental health issues with my own son.

When he was younger, I thought he was just your average spoiled child. When he didn’t get his way, he would fall out. I would ignore it and not give in to whatever he wanted. But as time went on, I realized that at 6 and 7 falling out was not age appropriate behavior any longer. Did I want to seek help? Yes, but for some reason it seems easier to try to cope and deal with it on your own than to seek help. But in all honestly, it is even more difficult to deal with it alone. Seeking mental health assistance for a family member is just as difficult as having the formal discussions. We first blame ourselves. Could I as a parent have done something different? I should have known something was wrong. These are the questions and thoughts that run through my head on a daily basis.

As individuals, we experience so much in our day to day lives. The stress of supporting ourselves and a family, paying bills, school, unemployment, relationships, job layoffs, the loss of loved ones and more. All of these events have an effect on one’s mental health.  It is important that we find healthy ways to cope and reach out to others in times of need.  We can get so stuck in our daily routines that we forget to take out the time to make sure we are okay, not just physically but mentally.  Certain mental health issues can show up during any point of life. For example, someone suffering from a nervous breakdown. They are not born that way but they experience something during life that makes it difficult to cope or transition.

I must be honest, it is a difficult field to work in. At one point while in college, I began to feel powerless. I felt like I was only there to help maintain life as it was for those that I served. I would provide medications and make sure they were doing okay but that was it.  Overtime some even become insensitive and remove the humanity from the people they serve.  I have also witnessed the numerous cutbacks associated to providing care to those who suffer from mental illness.  While my experience could have turned me away, they actually pushed me then and now to want to do more.

Guns do not kill people, people kill people with guns.  For the past two year, it has been my desire to host an event in the Las Vegas, NV area during the month of May.  A month ago, I was asked to partner with another organization.  We decided that we would hold a health fair.   May just so happens to be Mental Health Awareness Month.  So May 18, 2013, Mother 2 Mother and Touching Heart will partner for the Inaugural Community and Family Health Fair.  Mental Health is just as important as physical health and we must do our best to maintain both.   More details will soon follow and look forward to Mental Health Mondays which will be a feature on Touching Heart and Wellness Wednesdays here and on Mother 2 Mother.  If you would be interested in being a guest blogger for Mental Health Mondays or Wellness Wednesdays please leave a comment.

Have you liked the Showing Our Scars Facebook Page? We are “Showing Our Scars”!

https://www.facebook.com/ShowingOurScarsMovement

You can also order your “My Scars” Tee!

www.rnbranddesign.bigcartel.com

Find out more about the story behind “My Scars”

Sunday Mourning

Related articles
Nov 7 2012

Mission Possible: A Vision Board Event

2012 is coming to a close, I know the accomplishments that I was able to celebrate were due to faith, setting goals and taking action.  The vision was clear.  I set a plan in action and referred to it regularly.  I plan to do the same for 2013.  I would like you to join me and create your very own vision board.  Mother  2 Mother CDC has partnered with No Boiz Allowed to bring you “Mission Possible, a vision board workshop.  All you need to bring is an open mind.  All supplies will be provided, along with a light lunch, gift bags and giveaways.  See below for more details and you can RSVP here.

Related articles
Sep 17 2012

Wanza Leftwich: Faith and Fertility

I may not know much about infertility but I do know about the power of prayer and standing on God’s word.  I am so happy to welcome Wanza Leftwich, author of Faith and Fertility.  She has an awesome testimony to share!
1. How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing for twelve years now. Isn’t amazing how fast time goes by!

2. What genre best describes your writing?
My fiction genre is classified as Urban Christian Fiction – the tell it like it is, no holds barred type of Christian writing that depicts real people serving a real God. I also write non-fiction which tends to have the type of impact – writing that is real, transparent andaimed at helping others.

3. What inspired your most recent book?
My most recent book was inspired by my personal life. Faith and Fertility: All Things Are Possible comes directly from my heart. It is about my experience through infertility and how God enabled me to get rid of an infertility defeated mindset.

4. Was it difficult to write on the subject?
Honestly, it was not difficult to write, but i find that the content may be challenging to women who are suffering through infertility. It is not written to keep women in despair or sadness. It gives hope and encourages the reader to activate their faith and believe for the impossible.

5. On twitter, you go by @TheGospelWriter. How did you come up with that name?

Can you believe I recently gave up that name as my twitter handle? I absolutely loved that name. When I first began writing I was taught that you should have a brand. The Gospel Writer became my name because I write about the Gospel of Jesus Christ Be it fiction and non-fiction, I encourage readers to grow in their walk with Christ. Recently, I’ve changed my twitter handle to my name @WanzaLeftwich to represent the brand that is evolving now.

6. How do you balance writing your own books and novels with editing those of others?
I am learning to not take on more than I can handle :-) . Basically, I schedule my clients according to the deadlines that I have. I try not overload my schedule. This works best for me and my clients. I able to meet my deadlines and my clients receive the personal attention that their books deserves.

7. What is the one thing that you would tell someone who is interested in writing a book but has some reservations?
Just write! Get it all out of your system. Don’t worry about editing, grammar or structure. Get it on paper. Let your thoughts flow. Let your heart speak freely. You will be surprised what comes out. Most importantly, don’t be fearful. Someone needs your words.

8. Who motivated you and have you that extra push to begin writing?
I was motivated by my sister in law who self published three books. She told me what I tell people everyday – “just write”. As simple as it sounds, it works. I’m motivated to keep writing when I hear that someone’s life has been changed because of my words.

9. What can we expect from you in the near future?
I’m glad that you asked! I am headed in a new direction. My book Faith and Fertility has ushered me into a new area. With the launch of my
new site(in a few days), www.wanzaleftwich.com, my mission is to encourage women struggling with infertility to overcome it with faith.
I have a series of courses coming out including, the Infertility Defeated Mindset Bootcamp. And of course, you can expect another book, Infertility Defeated.

10. Any last words?
Thank you so much for this interview. I’ve truly enjoyed it! As always, you and your readers can connect with me socially on
www.Twitter.com/wanzaleftwich or www.facebook.com/wanzaleftwich

Get your copy of Faith and Fertility at amazon.com available in paperback and on Kindle!

Related articles
Jun 4 2012

Just In The Nick Of Time

The year started off promising.  I was clear on the vision that God has given.  I had made an outline of the goals I desired to achieve.  I even had a clear vision of each event that would happen and the message shared.  So what happened? I’m still not sure but I definitely feel that God is working some things out and I know that He is faithful to step in just at the nick of time.

When God first gave me the vision of Mother 2 Mother CDC, I was excited but at the same time terrified.  I didn’t think that little ole me could carry it out.  It seemed too big.  But I was obedient.  Little did I know, I would be tested on just about every issue, burden, let down and the list goes on, that the mothers that I was called to serve would experience.   I understand now that it is more than just telling someone that they can make it or just hold, but you have to be willing to teach them how to pick up their cross.

I have had many people tell me to hold on that have never experienced anything close to what I have endured.  It got personal for me.  I have to be able to do and say a lot more than hold on, when a mother has no food in her cabinets and no money to buy any.  Or when the lights have been turned off and you have to make the decision to sit in the dark or be homeless.  Or when everyone that said they were for you, walks out on you.

What do you tell her…

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24

“I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” Ephesians 3:20

I will tell her that I am holding on with her.  I am standing in the gap for her.  And my God WILL show up just in the nick of time.

“Building relationships of accountability and trust with all roads leading to love.” ~ RATL

Related articles
Mar 8 2012

The Life of a Single Mother: Let Me Tell It…

This image was selected as a picture of the we...

Image via Wikipedia

Last night, I went to bed with a lot on my mind and my heart was heavy.  As I laid in bed, all I could do was cry.  But I knew within my heart that there was more that needed to be done.  You see I am still getting comfortable in my own skin and the assignment that I know lies before me.  But I can no longer have my voice taken away from me.  I don’t speak on relationships much, because fact is, I am not in one and my previous one’s weren’t the greatest.  However, I am now more aware of the red flags and I don’t entertain foolishness.  I don’t speak on marriage, because I’ve never been down that road.  Actually, for a while I said I would never get married, but that idea has completely been erased.  But the area of my life that I can no longer be silent about and allow others to form their opinions on is my life and the life of other single parents.

If you want to know our struggle ask.  The media has done a good job at forming an opinion and many have followed suite.  But I want to be as honest as I can with you.  Being a single mother is the hardest task I have ever had in my life.  Not only do we have to be mother, but a lot of times because of the absent father, we have to play a dual role.  My time is split between five children and I am only one person.  I skip out on “Girl’s night out” for a trip to the movies to watch the latest G rated Disney film.  I’ve been told, “you had those babies”.  My response, “And I have been the only one taking care of them.”  But does that mean I don’t get tired or a little weary?  Everyone has an opinion, but no one wants to trade shoes.

In the eyes of some, being a single mother has become glamourized.  But I am still trying to figure out how we glamourize it.  Is it because we put a smile on our face while we look struggle straight in its eyes?  Is it because we have learned to make time for ourselves in order to give our children 100% of our energy when they need it?  How about we got tired of living in shame, fear and ridicule and are determined to hold our heads up high, because that is what we teach our children.  If we walk in shame, then our children live in its shadows.  If we live in fear, then our children internalize self-doubt.

So how would you like us to proceed?  Abortion isn’t an option because life has already been granted.  And the truth of the matter is, many of us could still be in the relationships we were in and “stay and deal with it” like so many of our elders did, but we realized we deserved better.   So the next time you are wondering, why a single parent does what they do, please ask.  For heaven sakes, the secret has already been let out of the bag.

“Building relationships of accountability and trust with all roads leading to love”.

Related articles
Feb 12 2012

And I Will Always Love You…

Whitney Houston - Concert in Central Park ...

Whitney Houston - Concert in Central Park / Good Morning America 2009 (Photo credit: asterix611)

*Grabs my duster* It has been a while since I posted.  Well actually only a week, but it feels like an eternity.  The past couple of weeks my words have been colors and pictures, really making it hard to write.  But today, I have to find a way because there is so much on my heart. 

Yesterday, after hearing the news of Whitney Houston passing, my heart was so heavy.  I grew up listening to her music as a little girl, watching her movies as a teenager and learned of her struggles as an adult.  But what bothered me more and the first thoughts that crossed my mind were that she was a mother, daughter, friend and so much more to a lot of people.  Working in my field, these are the types of phone calls that greet you on a Monday morning to start off your week or close out your week on a Friday right before you plan to start your weekend.  There is a Whitney Houston that does not wake up every single day and hour. 

It could have been me.  Sometimes the cares of this Ole world can become hard to bare.  I am thankful that when I couldn’t carry the load, didn’t know where to turn or who to depend on, the Lord continued to extend his hand.  “The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” Jeremiah 31:3 KJV  He never gave up on me, never rub all the wrong I had done in my face but instead HE washed it all whiter than snow. 

We must learn how to love, become love and be love.  For some, we are the only point of contact for them to experience the love of God.  Another life has been lost, let this not be a life lost in vain.  We watched an icon struggle publically and the are some many others struggling behind closed doors all alone.  If no one else has told you, I LOVE YOU.  I don’t care what you are going through, what your past may look like but I will always love you.  “And above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others].” 1 Peter 4:8 AMP

“Building relationships of accountability and trust with all roads leading to LOVE.” RATL

Related articles
Jan 26 2012

How Can I Help You?

“Its not the load that breaks you down; its the way you carry it.” Lena Horne

How can I help you?  A question that so easily parts my lips.  I am always helping someone even at times when I am the one standing in the greatest need.  I always ask myself, why it is so easy for me to recognize when someone else needs help but harder for me to ask for help of my own.  The answer is always the same.  I don’t want to be a burden.  But when you are surrounded by people who are truly for you, dividing up the load is not a burden but a blessing.  No man is an island.

I have learned that trying to be everything to everybody, will leave you depleted of all your energy.   Learn to delegate.  If you are the only source of information within your circle, either it’s time for a new circle or you have handicaped your circle.   We can not become hoarders of information.  We must empower others to grow and reach their full potential.   Remember someone is watching you climb, leave a trail for them.  They will thank you later.

“Building relationships of accountability and trust with all roads leading to love.” RATL

Jan 7 2012

Blah, Blah, Blah

Words

Image by sirwiseowl via Flickr

If the tears I released this week could be exchanged for words, I could have written a few books and started a new blog.  The tears don’t ease the pain but they let me know that my pain is real.  Understanding the grieving process, I have always found to be difficult.  In my family, you always hear, “You have to be strong”.  I have always wondered, who do I have to be strong for and why can’t demonstrate the pain that I am feeling?

I have literally started three blogs today and this will probably be the only one that I can get the words to come together on.  Is this the state of a grieving heart or the presence of writer’s block.  I think it is the latter.  I’ve searched the stages of grief and the first stage is denial and isolation.  My words and writing are my first and purest forms of communication.   I am holding on to my words so tight because releasing them will force me to accept my reality.  So as I release my words, I am trusting and believing that I am taking the first step to healing. 

“Our earthly loss is always a heavenly gain
Although our hearts hurt and mourn in humanly pain
The fact still remains the same
That Heaven Has Gained more Love
To sprinkle down from above” – Antonio Talbert

“Building relationships of accountability and trust with all roads leading to love.” RATL

Jan 5 2012

Can I Trust You?

With so many types of communication and social media leading the way, I wasn’t surprised that once again I would discover the news of a family member passing away via facebook.  Insensitive right, I know.   However, social media has become a way for so many of us to deal with some of life’s experiences.  We pull from the support of those whom we have come to know virtually.  I get it, but nothing should ever substitute those who we can physically lean on or cry on each other’s shoulder. 

I’ve been in Las Vegas, NV now for almost 5 years and have lost some very important people in my life.   My dad passed away 3 years ago this February 15th and though time is suppose to heal all wounds, I am still patching my heart up.  But each time I suffer another loss, it serves as a reminder.  With the passing of my grandfather (paternal) two days ago, that wound is open just a little.  Not being in the same City let alone State as my family has made me appreciate them even more.  I look forward to the phone calls, the pictures added to their facebook albums, but most of all the face to face visits. 

So here is the part that I hope I can trust you on.  Can I trust you to pick up the phone and call a loved one that you haven’t spoken to in a while?  Can I trust you to forgive that person that may have wronged you?  Can I trust you to be kind to your neighbor?   You never know what they are going through.  Can I trust you to give to someone that may be in need?  The one thing that I have learned, is that I don’t want any regrets.  Each person that has made the transition over the past year, I was given an opportunity to spend some time with them.  My grandfather got to see my children and even play with my youngest son who shares his name this past summer.  The pictures that were taken are priceless.

We have all been blessed with a moment of time called life.  I am trusting you to make the most of it. 

“Building relationships of accountability and trust, with all roads leading to love.” RATL

Related articles
  • Trust (darcymullin.wordpress.com)