A post by Lisa Chavos.
One of the ladies on the marketing team with whom I work paid me a lovely compliment the other day. She said I had said something in my very first newsletter that she thought was poignant and impactful. In reality, it was just a fleeting thought I had during a somewhat difficult time:
We cannot turn back time, nor can we cure. Still, we can support, educate, grow, provide relief, defy boundaries, and rewrite our future through health, knowledge, and kindness.
This sentiment dawned on me through INTENTIONAL moments of stillness. Moments where it was possible to quiet the harmful noise which can make it seem like hope is an endangered species. (Have you watched the news lately?)
Good fortune has given me a career that allows me daily interaction with people who have more wisdom and experience than I. The advice my customers have imparted upon me is priceless and diverse. Everything from “Communication and respect are the foundations for a lasting relationship.” To “never save your good China for a special day, because every day is special.”
But the interactions I have which are most impactful personally- the ones that really just TAKE MY BREATH AWAY aren’t always with folks who’ve seen more days than I have.
They’re with people too young to be fighting pain and illness, and the families mobilizing to support them. They’re conversations with children who have turned their “disability” into something empowering.
Sometimes, they’re with people who have been given the devastating news that their time on this beautiful blue marble we call home may be shorter than they anticipated.
I’ve noticed that often the people who are enduring the most painful, bleak circumstances are somehow the most optimistic. I’ve heard it said when faced with the reality of our limited time, we appreciate the small moments upon which our much larger experiences are built.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I NEED A WAKE-UP CALL to remember this.
In the end, we’re all just looking for our own little slice of happiness, and we deserve it. Living a life of purpose and passion is my motivation every morning when I wake up because IT IS THEN THAT I FEEL MOST HAPPY.
I propose in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month- and all those brave warriors out there fighting for their lives and fighting in the name of love, gratitude, and compassion, that we make a commitment to wake every morning and be kind to ourselves. Remember what makes us happy, and exercise consideration for how we can love and honor ourselves. If we can do that- loving and respecting others comes naturally. Now, more than ever, that’s what we need in the world.
Here are a few practical tips on helping you and the ones you love to stay on top of self-care. According to the World Health Organization, when breast cancer is detected early and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 100%.
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Stay physically active
- Eat fruits and vegetables
- Don’t smoke
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Do monthly breast self-exams
- Schedule regular clinical breast exams and mammograms
Please, encourage the women around you, particularly those aged 40-49 to talk to their doctors about breast health. Also, consider making a one-time or monthly donation to help provide a mammogram for a woman in need. You can also host a fundraiser and organize an event for breast cancer awareness, or volunteer with a local community project to help raise awareness.
You can also simply wear your pink ribbon proudly every day!
We thank you so much for contributing to a solution to this devastating problem that affects millions of women and their families.
Take a moment to visit this website for a list of great places to donate and ways to find out how you can help those suffering from the devastating illness we call breast cancer.
And please, take good care of yourself. The world is a better place with you in it.
Much love,
Lisa