The courage to stay kind...

After my second suicide attempt, as I walked out of the mental institution, this sign by the door caught my eye:

“Happiness is a choice.”

For the first time, I realized I had the power of choice in my life.

Like many of you, I’ve faced countless challenges. Raised in a lineage of of all forms of abuse, I somehow managed to keep it together enough to be accepted into the Air Force Academy. There, I was subjected to sexual harassment and mentally broke, leading to institutionalization after a suicide attempt. Three years later, I broke again after losing someone I loved in a plane crash triggered my repressed trauma. That’s when I walked past this sign and first discovered the possibility of choosing my inner state (and it has been a life’s work at mastering this).

Since then, I’ve survived cancer, a house fire, a divorce, and a domestic violence situation. Despite having every reason to harden my heart, something within me refused. I knew that love (and a relationship with God) was the only way through anything I faced in life. 

What does this have to do with starting this business?

Several years ago, I felt a stark division begin in our country. Amid protests and gatherings filled with fear and anger, I was called to speak. I shared:

"If you want to live in a world that is undivided, seek out all the divisions in your own heart."

Mother Theresa has always been an inspiration for me as someone cared for all with no exceptions. Her heart, which sought to relieve suffering through small acts of kindness, led to an organization that continues to make a big impact today.

One person who cared for others... with no exceptions. 

I did my best to show my boys to extend kindness to others. One of our Christmas traditions was to go out into the city before we had our Christmas and spend time with people who had no homes handing out necessities and just being with them. We volunteered in soup kitchens. We made meals and served them family style for a program that housed people over night in church's and community centers during the winter.

My youngest, who is now 17, recently asked, "Why is it so hard for people to be kind? It doesn't cost anything."

What if we, as a community, as a nation, as a global family, committed to that? What kind of world could we create together?

No single leader can change the world alone. We all have a sense there isn’t much time to waste - we must all rise as together as leaders. Studies show that just 3% of a population can create a tipping point. Imagine the impact if we united to make our nation kinder and more conscious. Are you one of the 3%? 

As a mother of two boys who are now just entering into adulthood, I imagine we as parents would like to create a better world for their children and future generations. 

At Awakun, we believe that kindness starts within. Our clothing carries messages of compassion and unity, ethically produced and designed to inspire. We intend to create a ripple of kindness so needed now in our current political climate. By wearing our line, you join a movement dedicated to love, healing and unity, one kind act at a time.

Join us in creating a world where kindness is always in style.