All That is Good | Ch. 10 & Ch. 11

Reflect & Connect with Dr. James-Etta

In this episode I share an excerpt from my unpublished book "All That is Good".

While it is common practice in the Black community for children to be raised by extended family members, studies show that children who experience life with absent biological parents drop out of high school, with 40% being Black female students. Meanwhile, all females, especially Black females need to hear more stories about Black women who have overcome obstacles to achieve educational, personal and professional goals to help inspire wisdom and resilience.

Chapter 10 starts the deep examination of past experiences through the lens of motherhood. For years I struggled with my relationship with my biological mother and once I became a mother, my relationship with her intensified. I did not have a typical upbringing, but it wasn't until I returned to school at the age of 32, that I started to reflect on my childhood to gain clarity and perspective. Meanwhile, at this same time, I discovered I was pregnant for a second time and things really took a turn. Journal entry from 08/24/2004 gives a peak into my intuition that something wasn't quite right.

Chapter 11 gives insight into my battle with motherhood and my battle with postpartum depression. But as I rise from the ashes of all of this, I discover my deep desire to continue my education and enroll in to graduate school. This decision sets in motion a lot of jagged transitions on many levels. Who would come to guide me on this new path?

Tune in to learn more and don't forget to follow me on Intagram @dr.jamesetta