Goldman defines psychological flexibility as "staying in the present moment and being open to experiencing whatever thoughts or feelings may arise, and then take action that is aligned with our values." There are many demands placed on individuals' lives and learning ways to navigate such situations can induce stress and anxiety. Psychological flexibility allows individuals to adapt and react to life's changes and transitions in healthy and helpful ways that enhances their well-being. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

Happy New Year! Each New Year brings a sense of hope, expectation, dread, fear, and even anxiety. In our efforts to cope with these various emotions, we may create resolutions and intentions as an insurance policy for the upcoming year. We may construct grand intentions often neglecting and negating the small beginnings to obtain our goals. We may adopt the mentality that big is always better and small is insignificant. However, small beginnings can be just as important, valuable, and meaningful. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

"The personal is political." Where you live and how you live is informed by politics. We live in this world and have a responsibility to friends, families, neighbors, and our ancestors. We are not above politics because we're steeped in it. If you've tuned out, please tune back in and do your due diligence to learn about the issues and the candidates. Then take action to ensure that your vote becomes your voice. Then go one step further to ensure someone else takes that same action. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

Many may be feeling intense emotions regarding the 2024 election cycle and as a result, anxiety and worry maybe all too consuming. This presents an opportune time to re-emphasize my mini mental health check-in. The mini mental health check-in consists of four simple questions: How am I really doing, What am I experiencing, How am I experiencing it, and What do I need? These simple questions may provide beneficial insight into what's happening in your system and what is needed to assist in optimal functioning during this season. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

In a society where so much misinformation abounds, it's understandable why individuals experience trust issues. Sometimes trust issues may mean the difference between a healthy versus a toxic relationship. Addressing trust issues includes the following: Awareness, honesty, openness, and yes, vulnerability. There are some strategies to assist in this process If individuals are willing to work on and through their issues. Listen, these strategies do not include leaving ourselves open to be taken advantage of, it entails a balanced approach to improving our quality of connecting and living. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

Although trust is considered an anchor of interpersonal relationships, many individuals may struggle with trust issues. There are many causes of trust issues and understanding them is the first step to working through them. Subsequent steps are also needed to work through them. According to one article, such strategies include understanding risks and taking emotional risks and comprehending the manifestation of trust issues in individuals' lives. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

Trust issues have been defined as uncertainty of who to trust, how to trust, and when to trust. Individuals develop trust issues due to some of their past experiences and as a result, these issues may adversely affect present and future relationships. Trust issues serve as protective strategies to keep individuals safe so the objective is not solely to dismantle them but to understand and manage them. Anticipating and assuming betrayal, loneliness, avoiding commitment, and being constantly on guard are a few signs of trust issues. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

Trust issues have been defined as uncertainty of who to trust, how to trust, and when to trust. Trust is a foundational attribute that can either strengthen or derail a relationship. Many individuals have experienced betrayal, manipulation, and abandonment and as a result, trust has been compromised or simply eroded. How can individuals navigate the landscape of understanding their trust issues and navigating ways to cultivate trust. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com