Sometimes
we may question why we go through what we go through, but it's only to make us
better as humans and to know how to handle different circumstances that may try
to hinder us. Everything happens for reason, there's always a bigger picture
behind it all. It’s not always easy to look on the bright side of a situation when
you're going through it. It's so hard to find that light at the end of the
tunnel; the tunnel we may feel that is never ending darkness. We have to make
the decision that we don't want to live in darkness and make strides toward
finding that light deep down inside of us.
KGUN9 Morning Blend |
I
never imagined myself advocating for self-harm and suicide prevention.
Honestly, I pictured myself dead or spending my whole life in residentials. I
am so blessed and honored to be advocating for something that is so much more
of an issue in our country than we imagine. This is a way of taking my life
back.
It brings so much joy to my heart to know that I can help so many people.
This issue relates to everyone in some way, they may be going through it, or have
a relative or friend suffering. It would help them to know they're not alone
and also to have a better understanding of what it really is. It also means so
much to me to be a voice in ending the stigmas surrounding mental health. Having
a mental illness doesn't mean that we can't live a normal, productive and happy
life.
Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona |
My Mama at the KGUN9 Studios |
I
reflect often on everything I went through; back and forth to the hospital,
hearing about my illness, and just feeling so depressed, not wanting to another
day. I’ve gained a lot of great things from it all. One thing in particular
that I’ve taken from my journey is that to really understand mental illness you
have to go through it either personally or have someone you truly love go
through it. I actually embrace my mental illnesses because it helps me understand
others that are going through the same thing and to remember that we are all
human. Mental illness doesn't define us or make us any different from being
just that. However, we are unique in our own ways, we have different qualities
to add to the world.
KVOA News4 |
Just
imagine if we all pitched in with our unique qualities what a beautiful world it
could be. What if everyone worked on believing in each other, offering hope and
encouragement and possibilities! I'm just hoping with CHEETAH movement that I
can be a part of creating that world.
I'm
so excited that I'm launching this journey in Arizona.
There's so much love
here, people are willing to listen and embrace the CHEETAH movement. The
support I’ve received from the Tucson community has been outstanding and I am
so grateful. I cannot put in enough words to express how I feel about this
beautiful journey I am about to embark on. I wouldn't be where I am without the continuous support of people that matter
most in my life. A huge thanks to CHEETAH movement supporters, you guys are the
ones who motivate me to keep going. It's your constant encouragement that gives
me the strength never to turn back. I'll definitely keep changing the world one
day at a time.
View my appearance on KGUN9 Morning Blend:
http://www.kgun9.com/morning-blend/kenidra-woods-cheetah-movement
Arizona basketball legend Bob Elliott |
View my appearance on KGUN9 Morning Blend:
http://www.kgun9.com/morning-blend/kenidra-woods-cheetah-movement
Much
love Cheetahs, wishing you all the best and I hope that you all will continue
to follow this amazing journey. XOXO 💖