Seek Help - 7th Edition

Welcome to Seek Help - A space for open conversations around Mental Health, Wellness, Planning, and Personal, Business and Community Development.? It’s also a reminder that sometimes we are the helpers the world needs and how to fill your cup so you can pour into others.??

Seek Help is about normalizing asking for help and about being a resource for others.? I believe in collaboration over competition and this is my little space to talk about.? As a former Girl Scout and Mr. Rogers fan, this quote from him captures the energy here - “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”? We are not alone and when in doubt, look to the dope helpers around you (or be that helper when your cup is full).

So I'm a day late this week because I went last night to Cleo Wade's Book talk at The Arc in DC for her new work, "Remember Love; Words for Tender Times". I knew that she would drop some gems that I would want to share with yall. I also want to be really intentional with you all. This is a community space (even though sometimes yall are REALLLLL quiet but you tell me you're reading it so I'm going to keep writing). Since this is a community that is growing and most of us are thriving (or working towards it), I want to be clear about what this means to me. Before her talk, there was a Friendship Hour hosted by Bumble Inc. and we were each given a card with Ice Breakers on one side (which I encourage you to answer in the comments, would love to hear from yall!!):

• What was the last show you binged?
• When was the last time you really really laughed?
• When was the last time you cried?
• What was the song/singer that got you through the pandemic?
• What is your astrological sign and are you obsessed with it?
• Are you a night owl or an early bird?

But the part I loved even more than these questions, was the community agreements on the back. Some of which I am going to borrow for this space.

Our Community is a brave space - it is a space where you can be vulnerable and seek help and answers, whenever and as often as needed.

Our Community is a safe space, a space where you are seen and heard without judgment or criticism.

We believe in compassionate listening.

We believe that empathy is everything.

We believe in building a place of belonging through kindness, openness, vulnerability, patience and unwavering support. (for the rest please see the photo cause I'm not retyping all of it lol).

Cleo Wade is easily one of my favorite authors because her work makes me feel so seen and held. She is also just a delightful person, I came to her Heart Talk DC stop, way back in 2018, and she was instantly a friend in my mind. I also just discovered Heart Talk Journal for all my fellow journal lovers!! Her conversation with Brittany Packnett Cunningham , Symone D. Sanders Townsend and De'Ara Balenger was so inspiring and life changing because their honesty challenged some of what I believed to be true. Cleo shared that she tries to work with friends as often as possible and that it's a myth of capitalism that you cannot work with the people you love. I try to work with the awesome people I love whenever possible now and for the most part, it's made life even sweeter.

Wow there's been so much going on, I don't want to dump my overload onto you but here are a few of the events I've been to since we last talked (I will be recapping some of these soon):

• Because They're Funny Festival - NICE CROWD , producers of the American Black Film Festival , in partnership with Events DC put together the 1st annual BTF; a fulfilled weekend showcasing BIPOC comedians. Curated for anyone who likes to laugh, the lineup included headline shows, new comic showcases, comedy classes, panels & podcasts, screenings & live music.
• HBCU Golf Tournament from the Bison Impact Group (https://bisonimpactgroup.org/) - I had a blast driving around all day basically making sure everyone had a wonderful experience.
• US BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INC Power 50 Under 40 Reception
• DC Public Library & DC Public Library Foundation - Battled of the Banned event and Conversation with Sheila Johnson (speaking of Banned - check out this partnership with Bookshop.org and Change.org for Banned Book Week)
• The Creative Collective NYC 's Culture Con - which was off the hook (we showed out even in the rain!!)
• Chroma from Black & Brown Founders was in Philly and since I can't be in two places, I livestreamed!!
• Washington Post Live with Victoria Beckham (which sadly was switched to virtual only cause I had styled the heck out of my outfit for Posh Spice)
• Creatives Lunch with Diego Gonzalez-Zuniga ????? Mary Godier & Margaret Lefton

This week is DC Startup & Tech Week (Formerly DC Startup Week) and chock full of events. I went to a couple of sessions to support friends like Howard R. Jean, M.S. Ed ???? ???? , Charlton Woodyard II and Nina Archie but I slowed down a bit this week because I realized I've been taking in so much new information without giving myself the time and space to really process and implement what was useful to me. So I've been taking some time to journal, pull cards and just really be in flow with my life. I wanted to pull a card today but the universe had bigger plans and popped out three cards from my Modern Witch Deck by Lisa Sterle (which you can purchase through the link or on Smudge Wellness Inc. which is where I bought mine). This reading is for all of us!!

The Hermit - It's okay to be alone. Through solitude, we can discover new things about ourselves. The Hermit has shrugged off material and superficial concerns and distractions, and has retreated to an inner sanctum. She's taking a break from the outside world to focus on herself.

9 of Cups - Treat Yourself!! You've been killing it lately and you deserve a nice reward after your success and accomplishments. Throw a party, buy yourself something nice, have a spa day. Do something you want to, only for you. Show yourself the love you deserve.

The Star - Darkness has turned into light. The Star is peaceful and content in her nudity, she has been born anew and become stronger from her trials. She is free and unburdened, not trying to balance or control anything, but is happily pouring her cups full of life, energy and love out into the world. The ibis, a symbol of creativity and inspiration, flies high in the sky about her and the stars shine brightly for her.

This is why I love tarot, the alignment always delights and energizes me.

Final Thoughts:

Beauvoir, the National Cathedral Elementary School , the best elementary school in the world in my biased opinion is turning 90 this year so make sure you check out their celebration events - especially my fellow alumni - https://www.beauvoirschool.org/youre-invited/

Shoutout to the MIDDLEBURG FILM FESTIVAL which is happening this weekend and I'm so sad I missed the press application but #NextYear - so impressed with how Middleburg continues to grow and evolve, especially with the support and vision of Sheila Johnson whose book I'm also reading (I've got like 4 incredible books in the last few weeks pictured above and linked below).

Support a Black Business - Are you a fan of April D. Ryan and the dope work that she does?? Well she just got married and to celebrate her and her partner James I want to share an amazing candle company and encourage yall to sell out the site!!! - JARE Candles is a Black-owned luxury Soy candle company created in tribute to April Ryan's late mother and based in Baltimore, Maryland. Visit their website at www.jarecandles.com to place your orders.

Currently Reading:

Remember Love by Cleo Wade

Black Joy by Tracey Michae'l Lewis-Giggetts

Black Women Will Save The World by April D. Ryan

Walk Through Fire by Sheila Johnson

Want to try the Saint Belford Curation 2023 (October - December Edition) - It's still only $0.99!! Start using Curation this month, or give one to a friend! There are no limits on how many you can purchase - so start sharing the Curation love with your friends and family today! Standard shipping rate of $7 applies for orders under $49. SHOP NOW