Stronger Together + Ch8se with a Survivor

Stronger Together-Ch8se with a Survivor

Written by Guest Blogger April Smith - Chapter 47 - June 5, 2021 at Anna Ruby Falls, GA.

The same day I received my cancer diagnosis, I left the doctor’s office and immediately went to Whole Foods on a quest to heal thyself holistically from the dis-ease that was present in my body. I always had this innate wisdom and knowing that our bodies can heal holistically, but what I did not understand at the time is that for that to happen, one needs to be whole-mind, body, and spirit.

I wasn’t ready to accept cancer as part of my life plan. I wasn’t ready to go through all of the physical changes that come with cancer care! For that reason, I denied treatment for several months.

With my faith and herbs in place I was determined to fight and win! BUT without a proper plan in place my quest to heal thyself holistically failed.

I eventually got my mind right. I listened to Spirit, built up the courage and started my cancer treatment plan. After 17 rounds of chemotherapy, a double-mastectomy, 30 days of radiation and (2) other cancer-related surgeries. Your girl is 7 years free from cancer (insert happy dance)!!

The side effects that came with cancer care were eliminated or in most cases were offset due to the herbs I was taking and overall, the change in lifestyle.

As far as physical health, it all started with a walk. Solo prayer walks around my neighborhood speaking healing over my body provided relief and comfort in so many ways. Going out into nature was one outlet that I had, which truly allowed me to calm down and not think or worry. Nature greets me with peace and a momentary solace from life’s stressors.

The same grace that nature extends to me, is extended to all of us. We just have to be open and willing to receive it.

As humans we thrive off connection, and community. Social interaction is essential to our health. So, when you combine the two: nature and human beings, beautiful things happen. Healing happens!

Just like when you combine two organizations with a similar mission, which is to help people of color heal, black women in particular, The Survivor’s Nest and Ch8sing Waterfalls - beautiful things happen!

Anna Ruby Falls, Helen, GA provided the perfect backdrop for just being surrounded by bountiful nature, rejuvenates and inspires us. I was inspired by my husband Jerald, a 2-time stroke survivor who joined us for the Ch8se. He wasn’t sure what he was getting into, but he was up for the challenge. His most recent stroke occurred a little over 3 months ago and this Ch8se provided the reset needed to continue in his healing journey.

I was inspired by Shelli, a breast cancer survivor who shared her story of triumph and how she has stepped into the role of a caretaker for her mom.

I was inspired by Angelia, a 2-time breast cancer warrior, who is currently undergoing cancer care. Along the ch8se she was affected by neuropathy, but she didn’t quit! Honestly, she didn’t have a choice because her sisters Leigh and Shelli weren't having it. They embr8ced her by the arm and provided the encouraging words, “you got this.” It was a true demonstration of The Survivor’s Nest motto,: “we’re in this together-We are Stronger Together!”

Shelitha, who is also a 2-time cancer survivor, expressed how embr8cing the ch8se provides her with restoration and positive energy. I was able to witness it firsthand for she seemed at peace. It’s evident that nature is her happy place.

I was blessed to have my family along for the adventure. Our two daughters Jakia, Briana, and our bonus daughter Garielle. They all made it clear that it won’t be their last time embr8cing the ch8se.

My vision to get cancer survivors in nature to experience the serenity of spending time in nature with friends who we can now call our sisters was perfect! Connecting and being outdoors creates the perfect breeding ground for not only our own healing, but collective healing as well. At the end of the day, we are all survivors of something. We all face challenges. Life is a series of changes and experiences that can cause stress on many different levels.

When the mind is in its natural state of peace, the human characteristics of love, care, compassion and respect for life shines brightly. That is the energy you feel when you embr8ce the ch8se.

Much appreciation for Deborah, for creating a safe space for women to connect and share their love or for some, discovering their love for green spaces. Like me and so many others, she is adamant that Black women are entitled to experience the land and all the emotions that come with it.

I’m grateful for the 20 who supported our inaugural “Stronger Together-Cha8se with a Survivor” hike and for making the day special.

Many thanks to our Creator and nature for holding space for us. A space for us to turn to catch our breath, to disconnect, and just be.

Partnering with Whole Foods Market

The same day I received my breast cancer diagnosis I immediately went to Whole Foods Market on a quest to buy herbs, spices, and whole foods with the attempt to heal holistically.

Unfortunately I had to proceed with traditional methods of treatment (chemotherapy, double-mastectomy, and radiation). Nonetheless I still took control of my health. I developed and maintained a healthy lifestyle taking care of my Mind.Body.Spirit.

Here we are 6 years later and I'm pleased to announce our partnership with Whole Foods Market!!

Save the date SEPTEMBER 21ST, 9AM!!
We are hosting a Breast Cancer Awareness Dance Fitness Fundraiser with Amber Gardenhire, “I Am Steelfit” !! You don't want to miss this epic event! Stay tuned for details!!

WELCOME 2019, SO GLAD TO SEE YOU!

Happy New Year!  Welcome to our very first newsletter! In order to keep you all updated with our organization and wellness tips, we have decided to do a monthly newsletter. In this newsletter, you’ll find out about what’s been happening with us. It is also a good way to stay in touch outside of social media platforms, I think you’ll be surprised and excited about all the wonderful things happening with The Survivor's Nest. 

We have some new and exciting events planned for the year ahead. Our first major event kicks off April 6th, SAVE THE DATE, you don't want to miss it! February 19th, I will be 5 years free of cancer (YAY!); I'm so grateful! Also this April I will turn 40 years of age. Now you see why I'm so excited about the year ahead! I'm reaching some incredible milestones. Great things are in store.

We hope to hear from you soon, and we welcome your feedback!

Living a Wholesome Life

It can be really tough trying to balance life in this present day. We have so many things coming at us. It's so important that we keep a happy and healthy balance between the many variables in this world. Things do not always flow easily, and due to our own bad habits in body, mind, and spirit we may have to strive long and hard to accomplish our goals. We must be intentional about living a whole and balanced life.  

Being intentional means practicing self-care. Self-care means different things for different people. Self-care means caring for your whole being including:

• Living a balanced lifestyle (being mindful of sleep, nutrition, and exercise)

• Exerting healthy boundaries for yourself and others

• Practicing self acceptance

• Becoming more mindful and aware of your thoughts, behaviors, and actions

Here are six forms of self-care that will nourish your entire being.

Physical

Physical self-care means caring for your body internally and externally. Your physical self-care could be ensuring you get eight hours of rest every night, taking a long walk, or preparing a healthy and wholesome meal. By prioritizing things like sleep and nutrition, you can optimize your energy levels, which results in having more energy for yourself and loved ones.

If you haven’t practiced physical self-care before now, take small steps to take care of your body:

• Commit to light exercise three times per week

• Go to sleep 15 minutes before your normal bed time

• Prepare and enjoy at least two dinners at home with a loved one each week

• Take mental note of what types of food you are eating and assess if you need to change your eating patterns

Emotional

Emotional self-care is important for your overall health. You can take care of your emotional well-being by processing and verbalizing feelings with trusted friends, family members, or a therapist. You can also release negative emotions through an expressive art form such as:

• Listening to music

• Singing

• Drawing

• Dancing

It also helps to avoid situations and people that cause you undue emotional distress. Practice setting boundaries and learn to be in touch with your thoughts and feelings. By releasing your emotions rather than bottling them in, you can move through painful experiences that may otherwise cause you to suffer.

Mental

You can practice mental self-care by trying new activities that challenge and stimulate you mentally. It’s common to get caught in stagnation traps and stick to what’s familiar, so trying a new activity or hobby can help shake off mental cobwebs.

• Engage in a meaningful conversation with a friend

• Try a puzzle

• Delve into a new book

• Explore a different philosophy from your own

• Listen to inspiring and thought-provoking podcasts

Spiritual

Your spirituality is personal to you and only you. This aspect of self-care can assist in feelings of connectedness, oneness, and universality, helping diminish feelings of isolation and loneliness. 

Spiritual self-care might be achieved through:

• Meditation

• Yoga

• Donating your time to a worthy cause

• Spending time in solitude in nature

• Reading books

Social

Relationships are important, and social self-care means taking time to nurture the relationships you have. Practice social self-care by spending quality time with individuals who uplift and support you, such as friends, family, and trusted confidants.  
 
If you’re trying to escape negative social circles that don’t support your well-being, social self-care might mean looking outwards to create new, meaningful friendships and connections. A few ways to do this may be to join a like-minded group, volunteer at special events, or sign up for new activities.

Practical

Practical self-care involves caring for routine aspects of your life that support you, including:

• Housework

• Groceries

• Logistics

• Finances

These tasks may feel like chores, but these to-do’s can motivate you and instill a sense of responsibility and accomplishment. You may choose to de-clutter your home, create a calming space for yourself, or set up a routine to pay your bills on auto-pay. Sometimes things like financial matters can feel like a burden, especially if you’ve been dealing with emotional issues and negative self-talk, but having control over practical areas of your life can be incredibly empowering and rewarding.  

Practicing self-care in all aspects of your life can help nurture you as a whole being and leave no area of your life unattended. When you feel as though you’re being cared and loved for, you can give more to others—and this positive energy comes back to you tenfold.