"Nurturing the Soul: The BMSC 30-Day Mental Health Challenge for Creative Black Women"

Hi Creatives,

As we navigate the intricate tapestry of life, it becomes increasingly important to pause, reflect, and prioritize our mental well-being. Today, I am thrilled to introduce the "BMSC 30-Day Mental Health Challenge" – a journey of self-discovery, self-love, and stress reduction tailored specifically for the incredible Black women in our community. On December 1st, we kicked off the challenge on by writing love letters to ourselves. Writing love letters to ourselves is a great way for us to reaffirm our worthiness and self-respect simply by acknowledging who we are and whose we are.

Here are some compelling reasons why participating in this mental health challenge may be helpful for us, particularly during this holiday season:

1. Cultivating Resilience

Black women have been the backbone of countless communities, displaying incredible strength and resilience. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that resilience requires moments of rejuvenation. The BMSC 30-Day Mental Health Challenge provides a space for you to replenish your energy, fostering an even more robust spirit.

2. Breaking the Stigma

Mental health is a topic that deserves our attention and care. By actively participating in this challenge, you contribute to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in our community. Let's create an environment where seeking help and prioritizing our mental well-being are not only accepted but celebrated.

3. Creating a Supportive Community

In the Baring My Soul Creatives Private Facebook Group, we have a unique opportunity to foster connections and support one another. The 30-Day Mental Health Challenge is designed to enhance this sense of community, providing a platform for shared experiences, encouragement, and the celebration of each other's victories.

4. Promoting Self-Love

As mothers, wives, care-givers, and entrepreneurs, we often find ourselves pouring into others, leaving little room for self-care. This challenge encourages you to embrace self-love, recognizing that taking care of yourself is not selfish but a necessary act of preservation.

5. Reducing Stress for a Healthier You

Stress can take a toll on both our mental and physical well-being. The activities and practices included in the challenge aim to reduce stress, promoting a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. From mindfulness exercises to creative expressions, each day brings a new opportunity to release tension and embrace serenity.

5. Honoring the Memories of Loved Ones

This is the time of year when our hearts ache the most. We miss the presence of those who have passed on and may not feel the joy that the holiday season normally brings. It is important for us to remember that our loved ones would want us to take the best care of ourselves and the best way to honor their memory is to do just that. I, for one, know the pain of loss, loneliness, and depression. This is why the BMSC 30-Day Mental Health Challenge is so important to me. I want us to lean on our Baring My Soul Creatives tribe for encouragement and comfort during this time. Even if you feel inclined to post positive messages during the challenge, your kind words may resonate with someone and lift their spirits.

Please Join the BMSC 30-Day Mental Health Challenge Today!

I will be posting the daily challenge on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Please like, share, and follow me on the sites under 'Baring My Soul Creations' or simply link up with me in the 'Baring My Soul Creatives' private Facebook group. Feel free to post comments, feedback, and information. Next week (Date TBD), I will be holding a Zoom call to touch base and talk about ways we can keep thriving in our awesomeness. Together, we can plant seeds of self-care and continue to grow together.

With love and light,

Christine

BMSC 30-Day Gratitude Challenge Starts Tomorrow, November 1st!

Hello Creatives,

The time has come for us to embark on a beautiful journey of gratitude and reflection. Starting tomorrow, November 1st, we're launching the "BMSC 30-Day Gratitude Challenge". This is an opportunity for each one of us to pause, reflect, and truly appreciate the blessings in our lives. Expressing gratitude not only uplifts our spirits but also reminds us of the beauty in everyday moments.

How to Participate?

It's simple! Every day, share with the world what you're most thankful for. It could be a person, a moment, a memory, or even a small gesture that touched your heart.

Spread the Word!

Let's spread positivity and gratitude far and wide. When you post, be sure to use #mindset_resetbmsc on your social media sites. This will help us to see all our wonderful postings during this challenge.

A Special Treat for You!

To make this challenge even more special, each day, I'll be featuring a unique design in my ETSY store at a special price of just $1.50! It's a little gesture from Baring My Soul Creations to say 'Thank You' for being such an incredible part of this community.

Remember, gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings. Let's come together and make November a month filled with gratitude, love, and joy!

At Baring My Soul Creations, my motto is to: "Do what makes you happy; Do what brings you joy; and Do what keeps you grounded." Keeping this in mind, let's continue to plant our seeds of thankfulness and grow together!

With appreciation and gratitude,

Christine

Breast Cancer Awareness: The Critical Knowledge Every Black Woman Should Have

Hi Creatives,

As we find ourselves in the heart of October, the world is painted pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Today, I share a topic deeply personal to me. On March 20, 2009, I lost my Auntie Azalee to breast cancer. My Aunt was a very confident woman, who had a sense of style, humor, and spunk. She spoke her mind and loved the Lord. And, Chile, she could sing!! My Auntie was a Creative, just like us. A self-taught seamstress, who could make anything - from prom dresses to winter coats. My Auntie taught me a lot about life and often shared her life stories as examples of what to do or what not to do. Just remembering the heavy weight of her loss reminds me of the urgent need for breast cancer awareness and education, especially among Black women.

Black Women and Breast Cancer: The Untold Risks

It's a sobering fact: Black women are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer at younger ages, and often, the diagnosis is of more aggressive forms of the disease. Coupled with this is the troubling statistic that Black women face a higher mortality rate from breast cancer than their white counterparts. According to the American Cancer Society, "Black women still have a 4% lower incidence rate of breast cancer than White women but a 40% higher breast cancer death rate."

The reasons for these disparities are complex, involving a mix of genetic, environmental, and socio-economic factors. However, one thing is clear: awareness, early detection, and adequate healthcare can change the narrative.

Prevention is Power

Below are steps every woman can take to reduce her risk:

1. Regular Self-Exams: Know your body. Regular self-exams help in early detection. Familiarize yourself with how your breasts and armpits feel so you can notice any changes. If you feel something, say something.

2. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle:A balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco can significantly reduce your risk.

3. Limit Alcohol Intake: The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of developing breast cancer.

Mammograms: Questions to Ask Your Doctor

A mammogram can often detect a problem before there are any outward physical signs. Here are some essential questions to ask your healthcare provider:

- At what age should I start having mammograms?

- How often should I have one?

- Are there different types of mammograms? Which one is right for me?

- What do the results mean? How will I be informed?

Read the latest information on National Institution of Health: National Cancer Institute's website:

https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/mammograms-fact-sheet

The Power of an Accountability Buddy

The journey of health is one best traveled with company. Having an accountability buddy can be your support system – someone who reminds you of screenings, accompanies you to appointments, or simply listens when you need to talk. This solidarity ensures that neither of you neglect regular checks and self-exams. Please consider the Baring My Soul Creatives, Private Facebook Group, as your sisters, who want to see you thrive and succeed. We must take better care of ourselves so we can create the things we love.

Closing Thought

Remember: our strength lies in unity, awareness, and action. By arming ourselves with knowledge and fostering a community of support, we can rewrite the narrative for Black women and breast cancer. Black Women are strong, but we are not invincible. If we are tired, we need to rest. If we are in pain, we need to see a doctor. And most importantly, we must advocate for ourselves!

This month and always, let's remind each other of our value and our power. "We are planting our seeds and growing together." Every step, every shared story, every piece of knowledge passed on is a step closer to a world free from the shadow of breast cancer.

Stay informed, stay united, and as always, "Do what makes you happy; Do what brings you joy; and Do what keeps you grounded."

With all my admiration,

Christine 🌸