Dear Community The Podcast Carroll Cares ERG

As much as I want to provide you with new tools to add to your emotional literacy toolkit, my heart is telling me that this message of encouragement should be an offering of encouragement for those still going:

So this letter goes out to everyone who is sick and tired of being sick or tired of something that seems unchangeable. This letter serves as a pat on the back for those who don’t feel like their efforts aren’t seen or feel like their work is in vain. This message serves as a listening ear for those who feel unheard or misunderstood by those you expect to understand you most. This is a love letter to those who feel unworthy, dismissed, and ignored. This message is a war cry for those who are constantly praised for never looking tired, but secretly want a moment to be still and feel peace. Lastly, this reminder is to the person who feels like they have to constantly go back to the drawing board because they feel like their plan never works out. Please don’t give in just yet. Your dreams are not dead just because you still haven’t seen them. You’re only in month five of twelve and What a shame it would be to give up on yourself so early. You didn’t spend nights crying liquid prayers to give up so soon on your hope.
Background music by Pistachio.

As we prepare for our 2024 race and end our 2023 one, don’t minimize the small steps you take toward the joy, peace, or goals you want to achieve. Don’t let the thought of the finish line scare you from finishing strong. Don’t underestimate what miracles can happen in a moment of faith. December can be the best month of your 2023 if you have the faith to believe it.

Maya Angelou once said, "This a wonderful day. I've never seen one like this before." If you can, take a moment to realize how great this year will be for you. Even though you can’t see what July looks like today or even what tomorrow looks like, speak life into your days, months, and moments. The universe has no choice, but to work in your favor. Much like the exciting feeling of getting something brand new, you now have 365 brand new days to dream, imagine, and the gain clarity you need. However, hear me clearly—YOU DON'T HAVE TIME TO WASTE.

EVERYBODY SAY LOVE!
As we enter a month dedicated to reflecting on the excellence of African Americans throughout history and the International Day of Love, ensure you're making space to love yourself and honor your existence and excellence. Take a moment to affirm yourself today. Tell yourself whatever you need or want to hear, so you can confidently show up and take up space.

If you’re reading this and anxiety is winning. I invite you to take a moment to breathe. The power of a breath can be so transformative, aside from the added benefit of resetting your nervous system through your vagal nerves. Breathing is an indicator that it’s not over yet. Taking a breath signifies that you are conscious, which is a fancy way to say alive. And if you’re alive that means that whatever you thought was going to take you out, didn’t. Whatever bad report you’ve gotten isn’t the final say. It means that the rejection isn’t the end all be all. Why? Because having breath in our lungs tells us that things can and will change!

Contentment is a powerful characteristic we need to navigate our highs and lows Being content, by definition, means to be satisfied or in peaceful state. For me, being content is more like a responsibility to remain locked in to the vision I had at the start of 2024, regardless of my setbacks and shortcomings.