In a time when we often find ourselves divided instead of united,

Be reminded, there is only one force that overcomes fear and hate,

LOVE makes US great!

Last week, I watched the Oscar-winning animated movie Flow. While there are many life lessons in the movie, the one that struck me was all about chosen family. Shared experience, selflessness, and care can move us from being strangers (even enemies) to friends to family. In the movie, a scrappy cat, dog, capybara, ring-tailed lemur, and secretarybird navigate survival after a flood, and their bonds become stronger than blood.

In some of my circles, folks use the term 'chosen family.' We don't get to choose our blood family. Some of us don't even know our blood family. For some, their blood family did not provide the nurturing one expects a family to give. 

I’m lucky to have a very nurturing and loving blood family. And, I'm grateful for the chosen families I've developed – my Breast Cancer Thrivers fam, my yoga fams, my close friends fam. 

What defines family is that we are always there for each other without hesitation. We show our love and care through action. 

Twice, I have had friends diagnosed with breast cancer, and my BC family immediately responded when asked to share their experience and compassion. I've had fam let me stay with them without an end date when I was in a pinch. I’ve had fam reach out to me daily post my own surgery.

My blood fam is not always nearby, but there is always family at the ready.

Who are your 'chosen family?' What family member needs your support today? 

Love requires participation. Love requires sharing. Love requires action. Love requires commitment. 

With gratitude,

Joyce Aiko

(yes, love really is my middle name)