My sisters,
When we decided this issue would be all about self-love, I thought it would be easy to pull together. After all, I’ve been helping women remember how to love and care for themselves for… well, seems like forever! But, the truth is, knowing a thing and doing a thing are two entirely different matters. I’ve always known how important it is to love myself, but have I always loved myself fully, unconditionally, and without reservation? Have I always known that I am enough, despite my mistakes and flaws, whether or not anyone else affirms me? Nope, not even close. The truth is that every decade has brought new levels and new lessons. In my twenties, my ex-husband’s infidelity made me question my self-worth and caused me to wonder if I was enough. In my thirties, a serious health scare diminished my self-confidence because I didn’t know how I would “earn” love if I was sick. In my forties, I’ve struggled with my self-image as I’ve watched my body age, and wondered if the changes made me less desirable. And, through it all, there’s always this little tiny part of me that wonders if anyone can really love the real me, unconditionally. Never mind that the goal should be to love myself, through it all. No, I haven’t always mastered self-love. But through a lot of self-talk, some girl-talk, and a little counseling I’ve finally realized that self-love is a journey, and it’s ok that I’m still learning each and every day. Are you still learning too? If so, you’ll enjoy this issue of CONNECT, which includes shares from some of our sisters who remind us all that we are normal. We’ll hear one woman’s open dialogue about the journey to self-love, another’s realization that 4
it’s OK to BE and not always DO, a sister’s humorous chronicle of dealing with the “seasons of life,” and, finally, a courageous share about confronting abuse to move to forgiveness and boundless self-love. Plus, you’ll hear from our Editor-in-Chief; and as a special bonus, we’ll share 20 ways to love on yourself, along with a soundtrack to guide you through it all. I hope this issue moves you, touches you, heals you, inspires you, and ultimately reminds you that no matter what, you are not alone.
Love and light,
Imani
P.S. I’m thankful to each of our sisters who entrusted us with their stories in this issue, and also grateful to Angie White, the extraordinary photographer and model for our front cover and contents page!
