MY TRUTH: Being Mentally Healthy is Also About Balance

By Cheryl Smith Brittney Griner has been home for a little over two months and she remains in my thoughts and prayers. I don’t have knowledge of what she experienced while imprisoned in Russia but the thought of imprisonment anywhere is frightening and was stressful for me as I put myself in her shoes. When Brittney returned home I didn’t cheer at first. Instead I sat in silence. I was a bit overwhelmed. I didn’t know whether to laugh, cry or shout. For months I followed her situation and was not pleased about the silence from so many, nor the explanations for remaining silent. Sure there were dynamics in play that international scholars addressed; however, for me the silence was deafening, and another example of how Black women are devalued. Which brings me to my truth. Recently I had an encounter with Jet Blue Airlines. Actually there were several encounters and I was not pleased that I had spent my money purchasing airline tickets on an airline where the phone customer service was so poor. I went so far as to spend a significant amount on another ticket just to ensure I didn’t get screwed by Jet Blue. So, by the time I had made two trips to the airport and traveled more than a thousand miles out of the way to get to my destination; I was sick and tired of Jet Blue’s shenanigans and unfortunately a representative named Cindy at a gate in JFK Airport was the recipient of my frustration. Still two weeks later, I am frustrated because I lashed out at Cindy. No, I didn’t call her out of her name or yell. No, I didn’t turn into a Karen. But I did say a cuss word and I was immediately embarrassed and regretted my actions. I thought about all the shame, disgrace and degradation that Black women have been subjected to and I felt like crap. I went to Cindy before I boarded the plane and I apologized profusely. I had no excuse, nor explanation and no justification for lashing out at her and I told her this. She graciously accepted my apology. And I thanked her for that, but it didn’t make me feel better because too often we feel we can say or do anything and issuing an apology will make everything better. What is better, though, is my attitude. It has been adjusted and I will work even harder to ensure that I never ever disrespect another woman, and especially another Black woman. After all there are so many others out there who don’t feel the same and will continue to beat us down with their words, deeds and fists. With Brittney, being imprisoned was more than enough, but to have people back home —instead of praying opting to cast dispersions or become the jury and executioner; well, enough is enough. Just like I’m pleased that I took responsibility for my actions and inactions with Cindy, I am excited about Brittney’s next steps. She can return to basketball, if she desires. She can stay home with her wife, if she desires. She can write a book, teach, coach; whatever heart desires. It is her decision. I pray for her mental health and well-being. I pray the same for this world we live in. I pray we will become kinder and gentler and that we will see the value in everyone, especially our women; who’ve for far too long have had to swallow so much only to receive so little in return. And on the same note, I found that the Jet Blue Crew was so much better with their in-person customer service. I have to give a shout out to Mr. Zaccaneli, whose father I interviewed decades ago at KKDA-AM; Alexis in Puerto Rico, Shanaye in Dallas; and so many others – even New York-based Omar! Jet Blue’s customer service was so much better than the airline I regularly fly! Jet planes were nicer and cleaner with televisions and FREE Wi-Fi. Although they didn’t have First Class, Jet Blue had better snacks and the other airline’s meals have suffered tremendously. Jet Blue’s employees on the plane, at the ticket counter and even throughout the terminal. They were neatly dressed and clean too! Now all of that doesn’t wipe out the mishandling of Brittney, my rudeness to Cindy, nor Jet Blue’s phone reps — but it does point to a society that is in need of help. Balance is important and comes with being mentally healthy. As we deal with so many challenges, we need to seize every opportunity to achieve that balancing act that will help us navigate through life with a better outlook and attitude! We all need help!