Their Journey. Their Truth.

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 Tell us about your testimony. What are some of the challenges you have faced lately?
Similar to many others, 2020 has been one of the most challenging years of my life. In February, I faced a traumatic experience. Before I even had time to process, stay-at-home orders were announced and as a full-time graduate student, I lost both my income and housing. I spent the next few months couch surfing, questioning if I had a home. I moved 6 times, with all of my stuff still stuck in a different state. I had five outfits in a bag. The rest of my stuff was still in a different state. Usually, I relied on my non-profit, traveling, and giving school assemblies to help me overcome my challenges. Without those things, I felt empty and questioned my purpose. 

How is God's love, grace and mercy shining in your life?   Is there someone who has shown you love & kindness in 2020 you would like to acknowledge?

Thankfully, love carried me through. I had so many kind friends house me while I struggled to find stable housing and make ends meet. The love of my friends and the love of God showed me that home is not a place— it’s a feeling.  The challenges I faced were met with the unconditional love of my friends, family, and community.  Although I was moving around, and did not have any of my things, the love of others helped me find home within myself. On days that I felt completely purposeless, their love guided me home.

I used to believe that my purpose and my idea of “home” was centered in my work. I have realized this year that my purpose is centered in love— both unconditional self-love and the love I receive from others. I am incredibly grateful.

How have you been a helping hand to those in need?
I am the founder and CEO of a non-profit organization called The Love Your Natural Self Foundation. We provide free self-love and social-emotional learning programming to K-12 students. I started this organization after losing all of my hair to a condition called Alopecia overnight, and struggling with my own self-image.

While I struggled to find stable housing, it would have been easy to give up on my work. However, we hosted virtual assemblies for thousands of students. I rotated between my five outfits and made it happen, reaching hundreds of students who felt alone and isolated after school closures.

More about Sanah and her foundation, Love Your Natural Self 

At 12 years old, in the 7th grade, Sanah was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of alopecia therefore loosing all of her hair. Sanah and her mother bought a wig to cover her head and wear to school. The bullying became almost too much for Sanah to handle. Consequently, Sanah missed 75 percent of the school year. A week before her freshman year of high school, Sanah decided to stop wearing her wig and let her natural beauty shine! She did so while recording a video which she later uploaded to Facebook. The video inspired many individuals to find the confidence they needed to overcome self image obstacles they were facing. Sanah decided to create a Day of Self Love at her school, challenging students to let go of the one thing that tied them down. Till this day, individuals all over the world celebrate the International Day of Self Love on February 13th. At the age of 15 Sanah started an organization, The Love Your Natural Self Foundation,  a 501(c)(3) non-profit that encourages self-love and empowers people to celebrate who they are by promoting positive internal dialogue and self-care.  To date, the foundation has programming in 150 campuses and 28 in countries. Since the start of the foundation Sanah and her team has impacted over 50,00 students worldwide. 

Check our Sanah's Foundation, Love Your Natural Self at  https://www.loveyournaturalself.org/

Who or what inspires you?

My mother. She is very resilient. 

What breaks your heart?

When people don't see or understand the light they have to offer.

What is the biggest challenge you are currently facing?

Increasing my self-worth and defining my true identity. I am working on ensuring that I remember not to allow  my  accomplishments define me.

What are your goals/intentions for 2021? 

Professionally, to continue to inspire girls about self-care and build our foundation. I am also in search of full-time employment (Sanah graduated in December with her master degree from the University of Pennsylvania in

Personally, to be more creative, try new hobbies that allow me to use my hands such as painting and to get outside to explore nature everyday. I  am also continuing counseling to help build my mental health.

What is your motto or favorite quote?

Sometimes courage roars, but it is most meaningful when courage is not present and you push through anyway.

What is your favorite food?

I am a sweet tooth gal! Chocolate ice cream with extra chocolate toppings is my favorite!

What is your favorite television show?

Glee when I was a teenager because I could relate to the characters. Currently, I am watching FireFly Lane on Netflix.

Owning our story, and loving ourselves through the process is the bravest thing that we will ever do. -Brene Brown

Sanah Jivani has chosen to own her story, share it and inspire by encouraging self-love and empowering all to practice self-care, positive self-dialogue and celebrate who they are created to be. Authentically.

I am ever so thankful for the pleasure of meeting Sanah. I am inspired and I hope you are too! 

Follow Sanah on Instagram @sanahj well as her foundation @lynsfoundation.

Support Love Your Natural Self Foundation by visiting https://www.loveyournaturalself.org

More than a survivor. Faithful. Loved. 

I'm done. I'm tired. I want to give up. Those are all the words that Kim Cheatham has said over the course of the last 26 years, not just one time, but multiple times. At the age of 23 doctors told her that she only had 2-6 months to live. They were wrong. She credits God's grace and His mercy for carrying her through.

At the age of 21, Kim was diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma followed by a bone marrow transplant at the age of 23. In 2004 came tongue cancer. And, unfortunately in 2006 Kim had to seek treatment again for cancer.  This time for throat cancer. In 2014 Kim had double bypass open heart surgery and had to receive a pacemaker only 3 months later.  For the past 4 years, Kim has been on dialysis 3 times a week due to kidney failure. She needs a kidney transplant. In order for her to receive a kidney transplant she would also have to have a heart transplant. The risk of the 2 occurring successfully simultaneously, is a risk that Kim doesn't want to take.  Instead,  she chooses dialysis and to let God be in control. 

What's the biggest challenge you  face today? 

Dialysis 3 times a week and the side effects of it.

What inspires you and gives you the motivation to keep going? 

I want to see my nieces and nephews reach milestones in their lives.  I want to be here to see how life turns out for them and my family. 

What have you learned about yourself?

I learned that I am a strong woman.

How has the love support of others guided you through?

I have my uncle who lives near and a friend to help when I am in need. My mom visits often and I have the support of  coworkers, my brother and his family.

How do you spend your free time? What do you do for self-care?

I enjoy playing old school games, cooking and watching movies.

It is wonderful that Kim has been able to maintain her independence.  She works at a cancer center a few hours a day 3-4 days a week. There, she is able to share her story and inspire those she meets at the cancer center. Kim noted during our conversation that when patients see her wearing a scarf they question her and it opens up dialogue, a conversation that I am sure  brings many patients HOPE.

God's love, self-love and the love and kindness of others has truly shined in Kim's life through tough times. We celebrate Kim. We are grateful that she chose to share her journey,  her truth.  We hope you are encouraged and inspired.