Well as October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, comes to an end, it is important to keep the message of self-examinations, regular check-ups, and the need for a cure at the forefront. And while preventative measures and early detection are critical to our physical health, it is equally vital to our mental and emotional health as well. With the heighten distrust of medical professionals as a result of the Tuskegee Experiment and the still very taboo subject of psychotherapy within the African-American community, it is even more imperative that African-Americans take the time out to self-examine their lives.
With the hyper-socialization within a small city like Washington, D.C. it is easy to go weeks or even months without any alone time. There is work, and then the happy hours, lounges, sociopolitical events, parties- all of which leave very little time to catch up and check-in with yourself.
These self-examinations can be preventative measures to emotional, professional, and financial catastrophes. So here are a few evaluative questions you should ask yourself from time to time before jumping into unproductive relationships, to avoid a stagnant career, and to become finacially empowered.
1) Why do I want to be in a relationship? - Most people make the mistake of thinking that by bringing another person into your-mess-of-life, it will instantly dissolve all of life ills and make you completely happy and blissful. However, your happiness shouldn’t be dependent on who is sleeping in your bed. Your emotional health is something you need to invest in before you add someone else into the equation.
2) What am I doing to further my career? – Sure we are in a recession, but that shouldn’t keep you from taking steps to move forward. This is the perfect time to build connections, hone your craft, and establish yourself in your respective fields. And while education is always beneficial, nowadays experience- paid, volunteer work, or self-started- is what separates candidates from the pack.
3) How are you preparing for your children…and your children’s children? – It is easy to spend money you don’t have or money that can be better allocated. Collectively as an African-American community, we have become too shortsighted when making financial decisions. We want instant gratification and think it is okay to leave the next generation…well, even the next week, to fend for itself. Better decisions, investments and a sense of security can build wealth, minimize debt, and leave a lasting impact for you, your family, and the greater community.
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