Central Texas African American Family Support Conference

On Friday, I attended the Central Texas African American Family Support Conference. It was the first time I had attended. I went because I wanted to hear Terrie Williams speak. She was the keynote speaker. She wrote the book "Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We're Not Hurting." She was such a dynamic speaker. I read her book from cover to cover about a year ago and found it comforting. I told her this when I had her sign my book. But in listening to her speak she reconfirm my feeling that what I'm doing is important. She is a Social Worker by trade as I am. But she knew something else was out there for her besides just what she was doing. I felt the same way. I wanted to use my writing skills to explore other areas and it lead to Ujima Magazine which I publish each month. I also felt having some down days is ok, because with Gods help and guidance I will be ok. So, she she gave me a second push to do what I love and make it the best magazine I can make it. I'm so glad I went. 

Another aspect of her speech that touched me was her discussion about being shy. I have been shy all my life. Over the past five years, I have come out of my shell just a little bit. Having my own business is causing me to come out a bit more. I try hard to stay in the background and do my thing, but I'm finding that having a public product may not allow me to do it as much as I like. But hearing her talk about being shy but finding she is more outgoing when she is working, I found I may be able to come out for my magazine. But I know I can if I have too but hopefully not too soon. Doing something new and exciting I find I seek out other people who I can learn from and take what I hear and put a twist on it for my success.

So anyone who wants to learn about living with depression or "down days" as I call it read Terrie's book. It speaks to Black people in a way no other book I have read does. I hope you learn some things from it as I have and repair your own spirit. I am working on my spirit everyday and with the help of God, I will not fail.