CONNECT: FEELING GOOD? (Spring 2022)

Imani Monica McCullough

Founder of YANASISTERS

LETTER FROM THE FOUNDER

Dearhearts,

When we came up with the theme of FEELING GOOD for this issue, I was sooooo excited. An issue all about the things that bring us joy, even as life throws us curve balls? GENIUS! And, I’m not just saying that because we thought of it!

Then I sat down to write this letter, and nothing came out. Seriously, the blank page just kept staring back at me, as I looked for the words to inspire and encourage and spread joy to all of you.

Finally, I realized I was struggling to write about FEELING GOOD because the truth is I haven’t been.

Pandemic. Social Justice. Hate. War. Shortages. Inflation. Political Divides. Sickness. Death. . . It feels like the world has gone mad, and I’m pretty sure we’re all experiencing some sort of collective “post” traumatic stress disorder, even as the madness continues.

Then, on top of that, I’ve had my own stuff. Death anniversaries. Grief. More loss. Health uncertainties. Work challenges. Adulting. Life... As blessed as I know I am, this season has been hard!

So, in this issue, I’m not going to sugarcoat it or pretend. Instead, I’m going to say that if you’ve been feeling it too, you are not alone. And, I’m here to remind you that you have the right to feel whatever it is that you’re feeling, and the right not to be happy every single day.

But one thing I ask of you (and of myself) – if it’s ok?

I ask that EVERY single day, no matter how you feel, you get up and make the choice to FIGHT. Fight for your joy. Fight for your peace. Fight for the life you know you deserve. You can allow things in the world to consume you, or you can choose to find joy, even in the midst of suffering. You can choose to find laughter, even in the midst of pain. You can choose to find hope, even when the odds seem impossible. And, if it feels like you can’t make that choice alone, that’s ok. That’s when you (we) reach out to family, friends, yanasisters, spiritual community, and even counselors to help along the way.

SPOILER ALERT: There’s no magic happiness wand on the pages that follow. But there are four very real stories of courageous yanasisters who are CHOOSING JOY, even while battling depression. CHOOSING LOVE, even after the worst kind of betrayal. CHOOSING HAPPINESS, even while grieving tragic loss. And, CHOOSING TO LIVE, even while surviving unimaginable health challenges. Plus, yanasisters from around the world share what makes them feel good, to remind us of the possibilities.

Through these stories and shares, I hope you are reminded that no matter what you’re going through, it is worth the fight to FEEL GOOD.

Love and Light,

Imani