I have always found that once I get out of my city of residence (where I pay rent) I have a multitude of thoughts.

I am writing this in long hand on a plane from Salt Lake City to Dallas/Ft. Worth. In first class with my second glass of white wine and after reading about 3/4 of Diahann Carroll’s book, “The Legs Are The Last To Go.” I am not at the chapter about her being diagnosed with breast cancer yet but I have a lot of thoughts:

1. Breast Health Awareness Month
2. Strong women
3. Troubled women who need to overcome
4. Stress

Before I get to these four, let me tell you about my relationship with Diahann Carroll. I’m a fan. From previous posts, you know I love movies, films, television, and theater. Hello Diahann Carroll. Movies such as Carmen Jones, Porgy & Bess, and the ultimate, Claudine. TV includes Julia, Dynasty (when nighttime dramas ruled) and recently Grey’s Anatomy which I truly adore from the first episode. Theater…ok I have never seen her live but I do love the theater.

Back to Carol Diahann Johnson. I saw her on The View and knew I needed to read this book if for no other reason than to learn of her affair with Sidney Poitier. So far it is a great read and I would love to send her a letter letting her know how much I enjoy the book and to thank her for sharing her story. Think of the number of black women who have shared their story, let along women in general. We are fabulous but don’t do enough to remind people how great we are.

Now on to the list..Breast Health Awareness Month has affected me much differently this month. Over the last year, The Breast Cancer Site has been a daily Internet site I visit. It is my way of doing my part and giving back by clicking to give free mammograms. I also signed on for The Army of Women with Dr. Susan Love and Avon. And I scheduled my 2nd screening for this month for when I am back in Vancouver.

I implore everyone to do what they can to help stop breast cancer.

#2 is Strong Women. We all are strong no matter our race, creed, or religion. So why do we tear each other down? And, why don’t we share our stories more? Anything we have experienced is going to help our sisters, and it helps our children. I don’t have any but if I can help those younger than myself, please let me.

#3 Aren’t we all in need to overcome? I’m only 3/4 of the way through Diahann Carroll’s book but it struck me that I have similarities with Ms. Carroll. So what makes race or religion, culture, economic status different, a common denominator? We all have to overcome.

Ah, and then there is stress. Stress is a bitch, isn’t it? I’ve lived with it all my life. Luckily now that I am more aware of it, I can do a better job of combating it. Refer to #3

Now that I am older I think more about my overall health. A great part of that is making sure I do my best to keep stress at bay.

The only way I can sum up this post is to encourage you to take care of yourself. By doing so, you help to heal others.