Meet LaTasha Toney | Advocate of Healthy Minds, Podcaster and Mental Health Professional

We had the good fortune of connecting with LaTasha Toney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LaTasha, can you tell us about an impactful book you’ve read and why you liked it or what impact it had on you?
Several years ago, I read 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey and it changed my life. At the time, I was struggling with some decisions that I made in my life and did not like the person who I had become. There were two points that stood out to me from the book: (1) Have a sense of clear values and (2) Think of how I wanted my life to end. Before I read this book, I did not know what my personal values. I always think about my core values when I find myself being stuck. Having a sense of personal core values remind me of my “why” and keep me grounded. And the book encouraged me to be mindful of how I treated others and the life that I wanted to live.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a mental health professional by profession. I have worked in the field of social services for about fifteen years now. While working in my field, I would encounter people who were experiencing various difficult circumstances in their life. I often wanted to share my faith with these people. However, my code of ethics would not allow me to legally do this. I have been a writer since a child. I have kept a journal for many years. Around 2011, I started to blog as a way to connect with people on a deeper level. But I was venting versus actually talking to people. I started to change up how I blogged in 2020 after I joined a writer group called See Jane Write. In 2021, I had a desire to start a podcast but life got in the way and I pushed this idea to the side. Well, I went through a transition at the end of 2021 and beginning of 2022. Around this time, I decided to tap into my creative side and started a podcast called Mindful Nuggets by Tasha T. I launched my first episode on February 4, 2022. My first season went from February 4, 2022 to May 23, 2022. My podcast was created to encourage Christian, young professional women to develop a sense of balance in their life. I am launching season two of my podcast on August 1, 2022. I use to have a serious fear of public speaking but was able to work on this through being a part of Toastmasters and also working with a therapist. When I tell people that I had a fear of public speaking, they are shocked! But I enjoy sharing this story with others in hopes that it will encourage them to use their voice and not allow others or circumstances to silence them.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Birmingham has so many good places to see, walk and eat. We will explore trails, restaurant and other various sites. On Monday, we will go to Ruffner Mountain and have a picnic when we get to the top of the mountain. On Tuesday, we will go to the Civil Rights Museum, Museum of Art and have lunch at Surin West. On Wednesday, we will go to Black Creek Park for a walk and have lunch at Taco Mama’s. On Thursday, we will have breakfast at Ruby Sunshine and go to Painting With A Twist. On Friday, we will go to Grand River Outlet in Leeds and do some shopping. We would then go to lunch at Moe’s BBQ in Trussville. On Saturday, we would go for a hike at Red Mountain Park and have breakfast at the The Original Pancake House. On Sunday, we would go to church and then have brunch at Cajun Steamer. I would also like to show my friend some of the bookstores that are in Birmingham. How did I forgot my favorite coffee shop, Church Street Coffee – I would have to introduce my friend to that break up cookie! It is delicious!!!!! We would also go to the Alabama Theater and catch a play. There is so much to do!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There have been so many people who have been an influential part of my life journey. I think of my family members, my childhood church family, my current church family, my seventh grade English teacher and most of all my mother. I always say that my mom is one of the most selfless people who I know. She went in labor on her birthday and I was born the next day. At times, I challenged her but she has always shown me unconditional love and support throughout my life. In my career, I often see the impact of the mother-daughter relationship. I am grateful that my relationship with my mother has impacted me in a positive way. Several years ago, an older lady who I worked with looked at me and told me that I was sitting on a goldmine. I didn’t know what she meant at that time but looking back I see that she saw something in me that I did not see in myself. Throughout my life, I’ve met so many people who have seen things in me that I have not seen in myself. If I had to name every one of those people, it would take forever. I have truly been blessed to have people in my life who have encouraged me over the years.

Instagram: MindfulNuggetsPodcast

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latasha-toney-licsw-s-pip-4a5743157/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb9SzO8CP_3Z5qRGhijPUlg

Image Credits
Picture in blue blazer was taken by Lacheston Moore of Lapic Visuals Picture next to flowers was taken by Rachel Mars of RJM Photo