Black Girls Travel Therapy

I am a black woman who's proud of my roots. I love my curves, my big legs, and my huge bottom that I inherited from my paternal grandmother, Thelma Robinson. However, it appears I can't wear what smaller women wear, because of my curves I'm restricted. When I put something on that hugs my body I get stares from men and women often roll their eyes. I find it interesting that this has always been a problem for full-figured women. Did you know that Mahalia Jackson was forced to put on a choir robe to sing in the church? The congregation whispered and gossiped about the way her body gyrated as she sang praises to the Lord. What a shame, a full-figured women of God had to be draped to hide her voluptuous shape. I remember many years ago, when I was a Freshmen in college, I had on a nice fitted sun dress and my maternal grandmother stated, "you look like a hooker." I quickly replied, all the white girls at school...

Don't fret. Depression is very common. Many will experience some type of depression in their life time. Depression is a serious mental disorder that shouldn't be ignored. A major depressive disorder is defined as a persistent low mood that is accompanied by low self-esteem and by a loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities. The disorder is a disabling condition that adversely affects a person's family, work, or school life, sleeping and eating habits, and general health. In the United States, around 3.4% of people with major depression commit suicide, and up to 60% of people who commit suicide had depression or another mood disorder. Due to the severity of depression one should always be informed of the symptoms and treatment plans.  Educate yourself on depression and keep a close watch on friends and/or family who you think may be suffering from this disorder. Symptoms may include: irritability (short fuse) pess...

Let's think about the lyrics in, "I'm Every Woman," a song sang by Whitney Houston. "Whatever you want, whatever you need Anything you want done, baby, I'll do it naturally 'Cause I'm every woman (every woman) It's all in me, it's all in me, yeah!" The lyrics suggest that women can do it all with no problems. We know the vessel called female is pertinent to life, her body is used to nurture, protect, produce, and love. She is the glue that holds the family together. However, when a woman is broken, things around her fall apart. It's vital for the female to take care of herself, she's similar to the engine of a car, without her nothing will run. Just like that engine needs routine oil changes and maintenance so does she. In fact, recent studies show women suffer more mental health issues than men due to the stress of juggling their career, family, and other leadership roles. In the midst of being every woman, she forgets a...