Do You Feel Seen?

How about accepted? Do you feel safe, comfortable, supported, or welcomed? Are you surrounded by sisterhood that feels like family, and in some instances, even better than family? Is there a sense of unity in your community?

Most Black and Brown Women will answer no to the questions above; however, the reality is that the women of Ch8sing Waterfalls emphatically answer yes to every question posed above.

For over nine years now Ch8sing Waterfalls has built a community of unity within an incredible sisterhood where healing happens organically in Mother Natures outstanding green spaces, on the trails, at the base of the waterfall and even in the car rides home. If you've experienced this truth, I invite you to share in the comments. If you have the Ch8se Embr8ce on your to-do list, I encourage you to put yourself first and join us; however, be warned, the safe space that we create is infectious, contagious, and undeniably addictive. In other words, be prepared to be stuck with Ch8sing Waterfalls after your first Ch8se Embr8ce.

Oh, and you'll definitely have to join us to learn the meaning of the Ch8se Embr8ce.

Each month we visit a different space of healing. Some familiar, and some new to us. Each space is intentionally selected, scouted and planned for the safety and healing experience for all.

In March we collaborated with The Wellness Girls Social Club, and our incredible SiStar, shared a personal piece that spoke volumes in its intentionally beauty. She wrote:

WE MOVE

"You know, ma'am once told me that Black is Beautiful she would say to me I'z Smart, I'z Kind, I'z Beautiful, I'z Important,

Then she would remind me that our people are the strength of a nation was told that we were so strong that we carried the world on our backs, and in our hearts Black Woman are suppliers of many things.

I can recall women in our family would gather together, strategize and create blueprints that solved crisis & fixed problems all while preparing a meal. Our Black Is the Soul in food.

We are the diamonds in the rough, & can be Everything to Everyone and forget the most important one... "Self" So no matter how strong we may be, our softness in the feminine version of who we are, is not a liability.

We are not too much.... not to this, nor too much of that This month we celebrate the legacy, resilience, & brilliance of Black Women who shape history in Bold & Beautiful ways." - Felicia F.

There is special greatness within us all. And in a safe space where Mother Nature is in total control that greatness is magnified. The healing potential is intensified, the greatness elevated and the beauty continues to unfold.

This is Ch8sing Waterfalls where every Black and Brown woman is invited, welcomed, seen and supported. Yes, you too are invited.

Again, Do You Feel Seen? How about accepted? Do you feel safe, comfortable, supported, or welcomed? Are you surrounded by sisterhood that feels like family, and in some instances, even better than family? Is there a sense of unity in your community?

Honestly, how would you answer these questions? If no is your response, safe space, adjust your calendar, and put yourself first. Join Ch8sing Waterfalls on one of our monthly hikes and experience the Ch8se Embr8ce. One Ch8ser said: "I'm so thankful I found Ch8sing Waterfalls, it has changed my life." Another shared: "I can't believe this community exists, and everyone is genuine, caring, and supportive, unlike other groups of women, I've been around." And one SiStar values the safe, healing space of Ch8sing Waterfalls so emphatically that she has intentionally scheduled her life around each Ch8se date and makes joining us every first Saturday a priority. She states: "The Ch8se Embr8ce helps to power me for the month ahead. I need this in my life, and I will be here every month that I can."

Many have asked, how did I start Ch8sing Waterfalls and why. Many compliment the community and the overall vibe of the sisterhood. And no, this is not a shameless plug, this is a proud plug and the answer to many questions regarding Ch8sing Waterfalls. Yes, yours truly wrote a book. Why because it was time. Ch8sing Waterfalls was birthed September 16, 2017. Year ten approaches as we relish in year nine, there is intentionality and wisdom in the number nine.

Nine represents completion, wisdom, humanitarianism, and spiritual awakening as the final single-digit number. It signifies the end of a cycle, transitions, and selfless service, often symbolizing universal love, compassion, and the integration of experience. In various cultures, it is regarded as a divine, lucky, and profoundly spiritual number. Nine is the highest single-digit number, 9 represents global consciousness, generosity, and humanitarianism. It is often associated with the conclusion of a chapter and the wisdom gained from experience. Nine is often linked to spiritual enlightenment and divine completeness. There are nine months of pregnancy, nine innings in a baseball game, nine represents the completion of a cycle.

This is why I authored the book: Let's Go Ch8sing Waterfalls: Pain Turned Passion Into Purpose, because it was time.

We are working on some exiting experiences and hope that you will join us on this journey and intentionally choose to Embr8ce The Ch8se With Us.

Finally, the completion of this book has energized and encouraged me to share more; and I need your help. I am working on a project that will highlight our beautiful Brown Faces in Green Spaces, and this is an invitation for you to be a part of this project.

If you are interested in sharing your shine in this project that will prove to be an incredible piece, please share your favorite Ch8sing Waterfalls selfie or photo of you by a waterfall, with either a quote, a testimony or simple statement. To do so, please upload your image to this link and include your statement within the description of the image.

Sis, Let's Go Ch8sing Waterfalls, TOGETHER!!

Deborah McGlawn

Author & Founding Director