Planting Seeds in Preparation for the Harvest
Stephen Covey says, “You must prepare the ground, plant the seed, cultivate, and water if you expect to reap the harvest.” Gardening echoes the journey of psychological growth and healing.
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Crushed by the Weight of My Pain
This poem is not meant to offend nor condemn but instead to ease the torment lying on my heart and to shed light upon the indelible impact of collective racial trauma for people of color who continue to repeatedly and painfully witness the tragic murders of unarmed black men and women A poem for George Floyd while the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor remain woefully fresh on my mind Hot, searing tears sting my cheeks My fragile heart breaks again Unbearable pain literally grips my chest Closing around my throat, choking my words My body trembles, my brain […]
Read MoreIs It Just Me?
The new normal There has been no school since March 16, and homeschooling formally began April 6 for our family. The hubby and I have been working from home almost every day since March 16. Yet, it feels like day #431,986 of Quarantine 2020. Undoubtedly, there are many wonderful things for which I am grateful like – my health and well-being; that my husband and my children are home with me; that I can work from home and continue to provide financially for my family; that no one in my house or immediate or extended family has been diagnosed with […]
Read MoreFinding God’s Peace Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic
The Zombie Apocalypse Minus the Zombies Neither my physician credentials nor mental health expertise have sufficiently quashed my apprehension and unease as the world faces COVID-19. This pandemic feels like the zombie apocalypse without the zombies. Numbers grow, panic ensues, resources are limited, and recommendations frequently change. Internally my heart races and my belly churns. I struggle to take the very advice I dole out to others because there is so much we still don’t know. Questions like When will this end? Will the entire country shut down? Fear swirls around in my mind, and doubt threatens my peace. I […]
Read MoreSurviving the Holiday Blues
I’ll have a blue Christmas “Happy holidays!” I sing to those coming to see me for their doctor’s appointment. Sometimes my cheery refrain is met with an equally joyous “Happy holidays, doc” but other times I get “I hate the holidays. My parents are dead. My kids don’t visit me. I have no one and nothing to look forward to” or “I don’t have any money to buy Christmas gifts for my family.” For many, the holiday season is a time of stress, loneliness, and dread; it’s NOT the most wonderful time of the year of which Andy Williams sings. Instead, […]
Read MoreTop 10 Things We Must Tell Our Children
Dr. Leesha’s love messages to her children I LOVE YOU – While our children “know” that we love them, we need to daily demonstrate our love through our words and our actions. I BELIEVE YOU – Kids may not always tell the truth, but many times they are speaking honestly from their hearts. They need to know that we believe them, especially when having difficult conversations. I AM SO PROUD OF YOU – Be careful not to put more focus more on the negative behaviors such that you fail to recognize all the good things your children are doing. Our […]
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