In the realm of relationships, the idea of achieving a perfect equilibrium, where both parties contribute equally to every aspect of the partnership, is often idealized. However, this notion of a 50/50 balance is more of an illusion than a reality. Here’s why:

1. Individual Differences:
Every individual brings their own unique experiences, strengths, weaknesses, and emotional baggage into a relationship. These differences inevitably influence how much each person can contribute at any given time. Factors such as upbringing, personality traits, and past traumas can significantly impact one's ability to give or receive within the relationship.

2. Fluctuating Needs:
Human beings are dynamic creatures whose needs and priorities fluctuate over time. There are moments when one partner may require more support, attention, or energy due to external stressors or internal struggles. During such times, the relationship may temporarily shift away from a 50/50 balance as one partner steps up to provide the necessary support and stability.

3. Skills and Resources:
Individuals possess different skill sets, resources, and coping mechanisms, which affect their ability to contribute equally to the relationship. For example, one partner may excel in emotional support and communication, while the other may be more adept at handling practical matters or financial responsibilities. Recognizing and leveraging each other's strengths can help compensate for imbalances in other areas.

4. Life Circumstances:
External factors such as career demands, health issues, family obligations, or unexpected crises can disrupt the equilibrium within a relationship. During challenging periods, one partner may need to shoulder more responsibilities or make sacrifices to navigate through the difficulties, leading to temporary imbalances in the give-and-take dynamic.

5. Emotional Investment:
Emotional investment in a relationship is not always evenly distributed. There may be times when one partner feels more deeply connected or committed than the other. This asymmetry in emotional investment can influence the level of effort and sacrifice each partner is willing to make to sustain the relationship, resulting in perceived inequalities.

6. Unconscious Patterns:
Unconscious patterns and expectations inherited from past relationships or childhood experiences can subtly influence behavior and perceptions within the current relationship. These ingrained patterns may cause one partner to inadvertently take on more responsibility or control, perpetuating a cycle of imbalance until addressed and resolved.

7. Striving for Harmony, Not Equality:
Rather than striving for a rigid 50/50 division of labor or emotional investment, counselors often encourage couples to focus on achieving harmony and mutual satisfaction within the relationship. This involves open communication, empathy, and a willingness to adapt and compromise based on each other's needs and circumstances.

8. The Power of Reciprocity:
While relationships may not always achieve perfect symmetry, they thrive on the principle of reciprocity—a mutual exchange of care, respect, and support. Even if the contributions are not always equal in measure, what truly matters is the intention behind the actions and the willingness to reciprocate love and kindness in whatever capacity one can.

Relationships are complex and multifaceted entities that defy simplistic notions of equality. Instead of fixating on achieving a perfect balance of 50/50, couples are encouraged to embrace the fluidity of relationships, adapt to changing circumstances, and cultivate an environment of mutual understanding, empathy, and reciprocity. By doing so, they can nurture a resilient and fulfilling partnership that thrives on the inherent beauty of its imperfections.

The inaugural Top 25 in Mental Health and Wellness spotlight honor marks a significant milestone in recognizing leaders and innovators driving positive change in the field. This prestigious award celebrates individuals who have made exceptional contributions to advancing mental health and wellness awareness and support.

Selected through a rigorous evaluation process, the honorees represent a diverse array of voices and perspectives shaping the landscape of mental health and wellness. From groundbreaking research to advocacy efforts, each recipient has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to promoting mental well-being and destigmatizing mental illness.

The Top 25 spotlight honor serves as a platform to amplify their impact and inspire others to join the movement towards a healthier, more inclusive future. As we celebrate the achievements of these trailblazers, we renew our collective dedication to prioritizing mental health and fostering a culture of compassion, resilience, and hope.

Dr. Chelsea Jackson Roberts is an internationally celebrated Peloton yoga teacher, lululemon global ambassador, and scholar who is highly regarded as a leader in a new generation of yogis who are passionate about expanding the visibility of who is commonly seen as Teacher. Chelsea brings her deep Midwest roots to the mat with a style of yoga that is accessible to all bodies and levels of skill.

Find Dr. Roberts at: @chelsealovesyoga

We are worthy of the space and time it takes to heal.

Dr. Roberts

Crystal, founder of Natural Wonder Wellness, is a certified sound healing practitioner, breath work leader, and holistic weight loss coach. She guides individuals on transformative journeys, merging ancient wisdom with modern wellness. Natural Wonder Wellness emphasizes a holistic approach, addressing mental, emotional, and spiritual health for abundant living through immersive experiences.

Find Crystal at: @nwi_wellness

Mental health and wellness begins and ends with YOU!

Crystal DeBerry

Born and raised on Detroit’s east side, Dr. Standifer knew at a young age she always wanted to become a physician. She attended ML King HS in Detroit, MI where she grew strong academically in mathematics. After graduating ML King HS, she received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Michigan State University; after graduation she took a position at Henry Ford Hospital as a dialysis technician. She was accepted into Michigan State University College of Human Medicine’s. She graduated from MSUCHM on May 18, 2018 and completed her internal medicine residency training at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit Michigan. . After completing her residency training, she completed a chief medical resident position. She then took a position at Ascension Providence Omni Medical where our focus is on bridging the health disparity gap one patient encounter at time.

Find Dr. Standifer at: @the_drstandiferbarrett

We can't pour from an empty cup

Dr. Standifer

Dr. Lauren W. Powell, MD, is a board-certified family medicine physician and culinary medicine specialist on a mission to end generational health issues in the African-American community. She makes healthy eating accessible and enjoyable for all through her social media quick tips, online cooking school, and debut book, “Food Essentials for the Busy Professional.”

Born and raised in Metro-Detroit, Dr. Lauren graduated cum laude from the University of Detroit Mercy with a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a minor in business administration. She obtained her Doctor of Medicine degree from the Wayne State University School of Medicine and went on to complete her family medicine residency at Halifax Health in Daytona, FL, where she was bestowed the prestige of Chief Resident.

Find Dr. Powell at: @drlaurenpowell

Pierra is a Chicago-based artist and registered Art Therapist. In 2016, she received her masters from the School of Art Institute.  Pierra has been actively practicing art therapy for the last 7+ years starting in the public school system to currently working clinically. Recently, she has begun providing non-clinical art therapy groups and workshops to various communities in and around the Chicago area.

Find Pierra at: @pierrad.b

I love the current conversations people are having around mental health and wellness, but I hate that for many, that’s all it is, an aesthetic and performative talking point

Pierra

Dr. Chinyere Okpaleke, affectionately known as Dr. Chi, is a multifaceted family medicine physician who extends her expertise far beyond the confines of the hospital. A former collegiate basketball player at the University of South Florida, Dr. Chi pursued her passion for healthcare while earning her undergraduate degree in biomedical sciences. Following her medical education, Dr. Chi completed her residency training at the University of South Florida and now serves as a dedicated hospitalist physician in Houston, Texas. Dr. Chi's most transformative endeavor has been her advocacy for mental health awareness. Recognizing the profound impact of mental health on overall well-being, she has utilized Reality Speaks, Inc., her non-profit organization, as a platform to provide essential mental health resources to underserved communities

Find Dr. Okpaleke at: @Ask_DrChi

I want to ensure that every individual that I reach, knows that they are not alone and that their mental health struggles are seen and validated

Dr. Chi

Saundra Alexander, founder of Healing Wholesome, a Houston-based wellness collective, is a certified mindfulness and meditation coach. Passionate about holistic well-being, she guides individuals to inner peace through transformative practices. Healing Wholesome offers a mindful community, meditation and yoga sessions, inner child play events, and sound healing for emotional resilience and overall wellness.

Find Saundra at: @lovesaundra

Embracing mindfulness leads to deep self-discovery and fosters a balanced connection with our mental and emotional well-being.

Saundra Alexander

Brialle is committed to helping change makers lead with greater ease and joy. Being guided by Brialle, you can expect to dive deep to release repressed emotions and years of pain held in the body… and moments later be dancing and laughing to reclaim your sovereignty.

Find Brialle at: @brialleringer

Systems of oppression have programmed us to doubt our power and disconnect from our divinity. It’s my job to help you remember the truth: you are whole, worthy, and divine just as you are– nothing to prove.

Brialle

Find Diamond at: @dimeiswell

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Dr. Spirit is a practicing Therapist, media personality, and Owner of T2S Enterprises, a global behavioral health firm based in Atlanta, GA. She specializes in enhancing relationships, resolving trauma, and improving overall daily functioning. Through collaboration with stakeholders worldwide, Dr. Spirit champions responsible, sustainable access to mental healthcare while mentoring aspiring healers around the world.

Find Dr. Spirit at: @Talk2Spirit

A healed mind will create a life that exceeds your wildest expectations


Dr. Spirit

Minaa B. is a licensed social worker, mental health educator, and author of Owning Our Struggles. She is also the founder of a mental health consulting practice where she collaborates with organizations to help them develop psychological safety. Additionally, Minaa is the host of the Verywell Mind podcast, runs an advice column for Cosmopolitan magazine called Free Therapy, and is also a member of the Mental Health Advisory Committee for Wondermind, a mental fitness company co-founded by Selena Gomez.  An expert in her field, Minaa has been featured in various media outlets, including Red Table Talk, Peace of Mind with Taraji, Oprah Daily, Katie Couric Media, and more. Minaa currently resides in New York City.

Find Minaa at: @minaa_b

Self-care is the bridge to community care, and community care is the bridge to community healing

Minaa B

Faith Broussard Cade has almost 15 years of experience as a professional school counselor and mental health counselor and also worked as a baker and a food blogger, before shifting to writing inspirational affirmations on pieces of handmade paper and publishing two guided journals on the transformative power of self- care and self- love. Her work on personal healing, wellness, and self- care advocacy has inspired over 305,000 people and counting via social media to choose introspection, gratitude, and finding peace in things most take for granted.

Find Faith at: @fleurdelisspeaks

Dr. Janie Lacy is a licensed psychotherapist and relationship trauma expert. She's dedicated to helping individuals overcome past hurts, build healthy relationships, and create meaningful lives.

Find Dr. Lacy at: @DrJanieLacy

Mental health and wellness are not just about surviving, but thriving. It's about building resilience, nurturing relationships, and creating a life that's aligned with our values

Dr. Janie Lacy

Dr. Peace Amadi is a psychology professor, author, and speaker who helps people heal and lead. In her debut book, Why Do I Feel Like This, she merges clinical insight and faith to help readers listen to the hidden messages of their emotions rather than spiritually-bypass them.

Find Dr. Peace at: @itspeaceamadi

With mental health being the next "pandemic" projected, it's so important to get vigilant about your mental health now. Your relationship with your mind, emotions, body and spirit really matters. 

Dr. Peace

Human first, everything else second. I help people find their voice in their story, and specialize in working with superheroes; those who are running in when everyone else is running out. Somewhere along their purpose path, they were invisibly injured and are now looking to acclimate to their new normal. 

Find Jessica at: @marciesmom_

There are some folks out here that are treasures in earthen vessels that have been tried and true; folks that don’t look at anyone else because they KNOW what it cost them to be broken and to refract the light- stay true to you, because what broke them down in their process, may kill you in yours


Jessica Jefferson

Dr. Natasha Goodman is a licensed professional counselor, counselor supervisor, speaker, and relationship mentor. Dr. Goodman specializes in helping black women prioritize their emotional, social, and spiritual wellness in order to prepare themselves for the healthy relationships they desire. Dr. Goodman has been in the mental health field for over 10 years. Dr. Goodman currently provides therapy services to individuals, couples, and families, provides clinical supervision to associate licensed clinicians, and provides mentorship for healthy relationships.

Find Dr. Goodman at: @dr.natasha.goodman

Understanding that discipline is a form of self love will be helpful on your journey to improved wellness. 

Dr. Goodman

Dr. Ayanna Abrams is a licensed clinical psychologist, CEO/Founder of Ascension Behavioral Health and co-founder of Not So Strong, an initiative to improve the mental health and relationship functioning of Black women. Her specialties include racism based trauma, mood disorder treatment, burnout prevention and helping people create and recreate healthy romantic, friendship, career and familial relationships. She has extensive clinical and research experience working with Black people across the Diaspora and has been featured as a speaker or contributing writer in the New York Times, the Atlantic, Essence, Therapy for Black Girls and Silence the Shame. She is also a contributing author to the books, Emotionally Focused Therapy for African American Couples: Love Heals and the Handbook on Counseling African American Women: Psychological Symptoms, Treatments, and Case Studies. She currently sits on the board of Black Girls Smile, Inc. and Silence the Shame non-profit organizations.

Find Dr. Abrams at: @dr_ayanna_a

Priority in your mental health & wellness is not luxury nor privilege nor optional; You have the absolute right to be well and it is all of our responsibility to seek health & wellness for ourselves and others.

Dr. Abrams

Chalice Nelson is a blooming mental health professional utilizing innovative ways to promote mental wellness. As an author and owner of a boutique virtual practice servicing clients in Georgia and Florida, her focus on creativity as a critical component of wellness allows her to provide a unique perspective to the community she serves. 

Find Chalice at: @chalicenelsonlpc

Achieving mental wellness is a beautiful journey of learning that many of the answers are right inside of you

Chalice Nelson

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