One day, many years ago, I noticed a bald spot in the back of my head—right in the center. When I saw it, I began to panic because I thought I had alopecia, which runs in my family. I pictured myself almost bald, and I began to cry. I was on the floor crying and praying when I heard a small, still voice deep within lovingly say that my hair would not fall out, but it would grow back healthy if I would begin to take good care of it by not processing it with chemicals and, instead, doing all I could to nurture, nourish, and protect it, as well as my entire body. I heeded the wisdom. I stopped processing my hair, and started taking baby steps toward natural hair styles. It’s been over a decade since I’ve made that decision, and I haven’t looked back since. I slowly but surely began the journey, researching and experimenting with foods, drinks, nutrients, vitamins, and all kinds of natural products that were better for my hair and skin—my entire body.  

Eventually, my hair grew back thick and full, and even my eating habits improved. My eating habits and fitness were fine, but they could stand a lot of improvement. For example, I ate way too much sugar. I didn’t really eat enough organic fruits and vegetables. I didn’t get enough water in a day, and I didn’t get enough sleep. When I realized I needed to make a change with my hair, I decided I wanted to completely makeover my entire health. However, I had to first decide that I was worth the sacrifice it would take for me to maintain a truly healthy lifestyle. It’s insane how sometimes I have to be reminded to take care of myself! I will get so caught up in taking care of others that I forget about myself completely. I heard another friend of mine say she constantly does the same thing. If we don’t take care of ourselves, we won’t be around to take care of those we love!  Therefore, if a woman decides to have a self care program, it should never be considered selfish: a consistent self-care program is vital. In the worst cases, a good self-care program could be the difference between life and death. According to Healthline, “Heart disease is responsible for about 325,000 adult deaths in the United States each year. . . and a disproportionate number of them are black women.”