So I want to say thank you to every woman who participated in this year’s Women’s History Month honorees. It was a blessing to read your stories! You all bring such an amazing flare to this world. I’m honored to even touch on your stories!
Here is the recap blogs in case you missed any:
Origin of Toitime
I wanted to tell my own story too. I started with the blog 6 years ago after struggling with postpartum depression. I was feeling alone and had no idea what it was. With the help of medication and therapy and I finally found my way. My therapist suggested I write as a means of self expression. She was right. I come alive when I write or type. It’s a feeling I can’t explain. What I will say is as you find something you’re passionate about, it becomes clear how much doing it lights up your world.
Anxiety is Real
Although I dealt with the immediate diagnoses of postpartum depression, I still had trauma that I needed to heal from. I moved to Philadelphia 10 years ago dealing with so much change. I had lost my job due to a recession, had a sick kid, a baby on the way, and I was living with my Mother-in-Law. My life had changed dramatically. Those changes left me unable to cope! I still deal with anxiety. It’s getting easier to manage but like anxiety it takes many forms. So I do what I feel is best. Learning how to recognize triggers and have a plan in place has been beneficial. I will never be the one laughing or making light on someone’s mental health. Mental health is important!
Thriving and Blogging
I begun to tell my story 6 years ago and I haven’t started. As I told my story I was told along the way to
pull back! I was sharing too much.
However I had to remember this is MY story to tell. No one has the power to stop my story but me. So I keep telling it. I tell the things that I know people go through. I share the ups and downs of life because like myself, we all go through tough times. People are alone or feel alone. I felt alone in my toughest times even with a house full of family. So I talk about life. My blog took a life on its own and I’m here for it. So for someone who is considering blogging, do it. Find your lane, stay in it, and find your voice!
Inspirational Women
I too have amazing women in my life who inspire me. My grandma helped deliver babies for over 30 years. She’s strong in every way. She helped my mom raise us (my twin and I) until we moved from Youngstown, Ohio around 4-5 years old. My mom has worked hard being a single mom until she met my dad (step dad). She had all kinds of things that happened to her own life while raising us. I’ve seen things as kids that many hadn’t seen in their entire adult lives. I’ve been in way too many health issues that I began to work hard to lose almost 100 pounds of weight inside and out. I learned what I love and what I need and it’s helped me with self-care and anxiety management.
Blog to Podcast
I now have my podcast also called a Blogcast, Conversations with Toi. It’s an extension of my blog. I leave nothing off the table. If it’s happening I discuss it. If I been through it I speak on it. Why? Some people may want to sit and read the blog but they won’t mind listening in! I listen to podcast no matter what I’m doing. That space on the podcast is a safe space for me as well as others who are listening.
Woman with a Purpose
I believe that I connect best with other women who have drive and purpose. If I can’t figure out how to get it done, I will link up with another dope woman. I’ve never been a woman shy of collaboration. It takes nothing from me to help another woman shine. Collaboration is more important than competing. A little known secret, what’s for you is for you! No one can stop greatness to come your way! No one can stop a brand partnership from happening. I do what I love by not chasing the money. I made that clear from day one. When I link with a company it’s because it makes sense. I’ve had to say no many times. When you’re passionate; you can’t help but grow!
Growth Comes From Hard Work
So I expect to grow! I expect to find clear ways of helping another woman who feel as if they have failed a thousand and one times that there’s nothing they can’t do! Failure is familiar to me. It’s debilitating if you allow it. I had to learn to accept the mistakes as stepping stones to better. I had to accept that I’m not everyone’s cup of teeth. For that reason the ones who will receive I’m here! I’ve been learning and taking control of my business. I never saw the blog as such until someone took the time to show me. Now as I learn, grow, and develop my business I expect to only go up! Not too bad from someone who would sit in the house too scared to leave. I was dependent on everyone else but myself. I felt I wasn’t enough. I know I’m than enough.
Thank You
Thank you again to every woman who shared their story. For every woman who has ever taken a chance on themselves, know you win. The journey to the winner’s circle isn’t paved for everyone to just go simply off of talent. It’s there for those who don’t give up.
Not Giving Up
I’m so glad that I didn’t give up the many times I was sitting in a room crying over my past. I’m glad I didn’t give up the many times I wanted to walk away from it all! I work hard now because I prayed and asked God for a second chance at life and He shows me daily how worthy I am! So are you! Whatever gift you have, don’t bury it, use it so the gift can help someone else!
Happy Women’s History Month!
