Dear Friends,
We started Women’s Health Month a few years ago as a bit of a response to the tidal wave of pink for Breast Cancer Awareness.
Don’t get me wrong. Breast cancer is on my list of “Top 10 Things That Suck’. But, underlying our awareness of things that can go wrong, we should also pay attention to what IS and CAN go right. Like good health, good friends, and the good life.
Life is good. Yes, it’s hard at times, but that’s what makes it so sweet. Everyday that I wake up is a day that I am thankful. For all the challenge and sorrow and pain and frustration, there is as much or more happiness, laughter, friendship, wonder, discovery, and love.
My goal for Women’s Health Month has always been to share my love for life with as many women possible, and we more than achieved our goal!
Pink Me Up – 10+ women from SBG joined to run as a team and represent our tribe!
Yoga for Women – 10+ women gathered to learn how to better care for their bodies!
Women’s Self Defense Seminar – 70+ women and girls trained to stand tall and protect their lives!
Sadly this month, I’ve also witnessed too many women recently diagnosed or diagnosed again with cancer. I’ve held a constant text and phone call vigil with friends and family suffering from depression. I held the hand of a good friend as she mourned her sister’s death due to alcoholism, suffering from a heartbreak that never healed. I celebrated my friend’s birthday on the anniversary of day her son was buried 9 years ago at the age of 4. And I hugged another friend in sorrow for the death of his father.
I am more committed than ever to yelling from the rooftops how precious life is and how crucial it is for us to protect it, nurture it, celebrate it.
The mantra we repeat in our self-defense class is to remind women that they are worth protecting. This is the mantra that we all need to remember.
While I hope that our attention to health continues after October, I am thankful that all of you took the time you did this month to attend workshops and classes, read our articles, and tend to your health.
You are worth it.
Much love,
Kisa