About once a week I receive an unsolicited request from a business owner or company that finds my blog material compatible with their message–someone who wants to contribute a guest post or insert a link into my text. Mostly, I decline.
I’m very protective of YOU, my readers, and want to maintain your interest and loyalty by staying on task with my message.
Last week I heard from a company and immediately thought, “Ding, ding, ding!” Here’s something that is so timely for me, surely others out there will appreciate and benefit from its message. August 1st is National Girlfriends Day sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Protection with the emphasis on getting women’s health in order.
Just a day or two before receiving the invitation to promote this cause, I’d had lunch with a good friend in the city. At the end of our meal, she leaned across the table and said, “I have a funny request.”
“Go for it,” I replied. It’d be hard to surprise me, I thought.
“Would you be my colonoscopy buddy? I want to schedule one soon and need a friend to be there when I’m through to escort me home.”
Unbeknownst to her, I’d just received a memo from my doctor letting me know I was due for my own exam. I had still been married at the time of the last one, so a default driver was in place. Things change when you’re divorced (or widowed, or single) and her request was touching and timely.
Is there a check-up in your future? Take the risk of reaching out to a girlfriend. She may need you more than you know.
When we get into our late 50s and older (and I am 65), taking care of ourselves is increasingly important, because good health adds so much to the quality of our lives and prolongs the independence for which most of us have fought so hard for so long. In writing about life’s four essential connections, I’ve found the one so many women overlook is our connection with ourselves. When we are in tune with our minds and our bodies by paying attention to new lumps and bumps or new symptoms, we can pick up on early warning signs and be more likely to nip things in the bud. These screening tests can catch things before we even have symptoms, and I love that you’ve reminded us to reach out to others and be healthy buddies. You may have saved a life with this post, Jane.
@ElizCottrell – Thank you for elaborating so eloquently!
Recently while at the doctor’s for my annual mammography exam, two woman also in those nifty gowns joined me in the waiting lounge. I chatted with them and learned that they are good friends who every year make a “date” to go together for their exams. They said it keeps them on schedule, and if heaven forbid either gets a scary diagnosis, a friend is there for support. National Girlfriend Day is EVERY day in my book!!
Thanks for this important post, Jane.
@Terry – Love this! Really reinforces their mission. Hope your test was negative!
Yes, indeed…and my two new “friends” had good news as well!