Making Myself a Priority

In October, through the sales of our Familia Bracelet, we were able to fund nutrition services for 46 families in Guatemala. In the rural communities where we work, 80% of children suffer from malnutrition. Due to the programs initiated by our partners, 60% of children are recovering their nutrition. Sharing with our partners that we were able to fund an additional 46 families due to the passion and commitment of our Fair Trade Partners, Ambassadors, and customers filled me with joy from head to toe.

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about the connection between myself and our partners across the globe. Many of our partners suffer from malnutrition because they do not have the privilege of understanding how nutrition works nor do they have the resources to consistently obtain nutritious foods. I am driven to work hard to shift this reality.

Meanwhile, I am a woman who understands the components of a healthy/nutritious lifestyle and has the time, money, and energy to engage in these habits and activities. Yet, while focusing on people around me, I have spent the last few years not choosing these ways of being for myself resulting in feeling heavy, lethargic, and guilty. How can I expect people to be passionate about supporting healthy lifestyles for others when I’m not willing to choose health for myself? 

I have been saying that I want everyone to have access to what they need to create health and healing in the world. The problem is that I have not been including myself in that equation. In my efforts to extend all of my energy outward, I have created an inner disconnect, which has caused suffering in my mind, body, and spirit.  At the risk of sounding like a horrible person, this new chapter of my life is all about me (okay, “all about me” may be a stretch but I AM making myself a priority for the first time in who knows how long). To quote a Threads Family Value, we “honor ourselves to honor the world” and it’s about time I start walking my talk.

Read More Unpolished Posts