Finding out I have aphantasia forced me to question how I experience the world around me -which seemed normal until now. I’ve suddenly become aware that my lived experience was not considered typical. I’ve spent the last few weeks struggling to make sense of this. What is Aphantasia? Aphantasia is the inability to voluntarily create…
Author: ayokatheblogger
What Can We Learn From Naomi Osaka’s Decision to Withdraw From the 2021 Roland Garros French Open
A little backstory. I first became curious about tennis in 1999 when Serena Williams played and won her first Grand Slam title. I’ve been a fan ever since. I enjoyed watching Serena and Venus Williams dominate the sport, making history as they won title after title. Fast forward to 2018. It was Serena William’s grand…
Reflecting on Mental Health Awareness Month (May 2021)
A few days ago, Mental Health Awareness Month came to a close. I took some time to reflect as a mental health practitioner. It warmed my heart to see the progressive conversations had by everyday people, celebrities, and influencers. The Uptick of Mental Health Needs During the COVID Pandemic. I had a candid conversation with…
Tips For New Mental Health Therapist
Oowee –where should I start? Buckle in and get ready for the ride. Let me stop with the melodramatics, but in all seriousness, there will be LOTS, of ups and downs. Below you will find some tips and strategies for first-time therapists. Your confidence will come. Remember, you’ve got to crawl before you run. Build your…
My Mental Health Is More Important Than Hustle Culture
Hustle culture tells us that we need to be obsessed with striving, especially if we are to “make it.” But is that true? I recently debated a friend on hustle culture. Long story short, she sees value in it, and I see it as toxic (for me and my needs). I’ll probably get a lot of flack for…
Gratitude
Gratitude is the expression of appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible. Gratitude is practiced by showing and acknowledging appreciation. I like to think of gratitude as returning kindness. There is power in pausing and reflecting, for example, being grateful for a warm cozy bed to sleep in at night or being…
Being a Social Worker is Draining
Knowing what I know now, I wouldn’t completely disagree with that statement. Hear me out. When people learn that I’m a social worker, they tend to lump me in a box —often relying on narrow schemas to describe the field of social work. In my experience, people have shown me pity (yes, pity!) for “choosing…
Ways to Enjoy the Spring + Summer Months
As the seasons change, so too should your approach to enjoying the beauty all around you. You don’t have to wait for an occasion to enjoy the warmer weather or the additional hours of sunlight. Start by incorporating your five senses. Scent: Find ways to appreciate the smells that are unique to the Spring and Summer…
How to Build and Maintain Boundaries
Get to know yourself. Start by practicing self awareness. Self awareness is achieved by dialing into your feelings and desires –this can be done by meditating, journaling, or any self-observing activity you enjoy. Don’t be shy about connecting with yourself in meaningful ways. I often tell clients a great way to jumpstart their self awareness…
Give your body and mind a refreshing + energizing boost!
A walking meditation is best described as a moving meditation that facilitates the practice of compassion, gratitude, and hope in every step you take. And best of all, it can be done on your evening walks or in the comfort of your home. Below are a few simple steps (pun intended) to get you started….