FEATURE IN THE L.A. SENTINEL!!!

In life, we just never know what it may bring. I thought I'd always be the girl that never went through anything, that life would always be easy. Well, I certainly was wrong! From time to time, life leaves us in for a 'rude awakening'. Today, I can say that I was grateful for that wake up call because I was clearly ignorant to what this thing called "LIFE" really was, it was far from simple for sure. Safe to safe - my struggles made me strong, they gave me strength to carry on. They give me the ability and privilege to inspire through my my story and my testimony. If I can save even one life, I know my living isn't in vain. We find our purpose through our hurt, our pain, our triumphs, our troughs, and most of all our strength!!

Through all that I went through, the unimaginable pain and suffering, sexual abuse, doubts, self harm, suicide attempts, staying in psych wards and residentials, feeling alone and in a such dark dark place, one where I thought I was very near to death. I can truly say that all of it carved me into I am ought to be. Safe to say I wouldn't go back and change a thing, even though it was so very painful mentally, physically, and emotionally it has made me stronger, wiser, and most of all spread a message to KEEP. HOPE. ALIVE!!! I am a testimony of a hopeful heart. No matter what I've through I kept that HOPE of things getting better and I am glad I did because I am here today to inspire through my story, my message, and C.H.E.E.T.A.H Movement.

Before I spoke out, I wasn't happy because I wasn't being real with myself. I was hiding, I covered up with long clothing even in the summer. I didn't want to hide anymore. So, I made a decision to 'free myself' - I didn't need nor did I want anyone to validate me. Well, today, I walk so proudly with my battle wounds - these are scars of pain being turned into power and a struggle being turned into strength. It is so overwhelming to know how many people I am inspiring, how many lives I've saved, and how many lives I'm changing daily! I would not have imagined myself in a million years speaking out about something such as mental health or even self harm. But then again we just never know what life's journey will give to you again the way. Sometimes it's not even for us, it's for someone else. I believe in giving to others what God has placed on me. Someone may need this and I have hope in my heart that it will resonate!
BTW! My short film on mental health entitled 'A HEART OF HOPE' that will be officially released December 20! ❤️🙏

(A little sneak peek of article!!)

Here's link to full article - enjoy! ✨🙏 https://lasentinel.net/16-year-old-mental-health-advocate-keindra-woods-creates-inspirational-short-film.html

Self-harm: A "SILENT EPIDEMIC"

   

    There's no such thing as a particular person who'd self harm. It can place an affect on anyone of any age, background, or race. This epidemic has no boundary of which it cross or no limits to who it reaches. However, girls and young women are more at risk(although boys are self harming more so frequently than ever before. People who are dependent on drugs and alcohol are at a much higher risk as well. Also, the LGBT COMMUNITY because this group is faced with more adversity, some sprouting from religious beliefs and morals, others vary from each individual personal beliefs. Regardless of who the person is self harming, this is something that needs to be taken seriously, it has literally become a "silent epidemic." 

Self harm can be triggered from a number of things, a few could be from low self-esteem, poor body image, racial difficulties, feelings of rejections from loved ones, stress, bullying, etc. Not knowing how to deal with pressure and stress is often replaced with cutting, burning, biting, or other self injurious behaviors. Self harm is a way of releasing that tension and acts as a safety valve. It is a way of communicating without communicating and acknowledging the need for help. It sometimes is used as a punishment for oneself from feelings of shame or guilt. While some people only use self harm as a coping mechanism, others intent are to possibly end their life. 

For me, self harm was an attempt to feel something other than emotions. Once I began to feel empty, self harm became more frequent just to fight that feeling. I'd be lying if I said everyday was great and that I haven't attempted or even thought of self harm. Self harm is something that most people don't understand and think that it's something that is abolished overnight. Self harm certainly is an addiction, any addiction is hard to break. If I relapse a million times in my life, I make up in my mind to take 2 steps forward each time. It is something truly hard to deal with without feeling judged. All people want, if anything, is to feel important and that they matter regardless of their addiction. If I knew that self harm of any kind was addictive, I would've found another way, another outlet.. that's for sure. 

Everyday I strive to progress on my journey to eventually quitting with the thoughts or actions. Then again, my scars will always remind me of where I've come from and how it happened, so I don't think I'll ever completely get that thought out of my memory. I do believe that life gets better and that anything in life is certain if you believe, possibilities are endless! Every single day, regardless of how I feel, I aspire to inspire, save, and change lives. I can say, I've been more happier than I was almost a year ago. I'll continue to move forward in faith for you as you move forward for me. We can do this. I promise. Xo, Kenidra 😘❤️

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 as soon as possible. There are people that actually care for you. You matter!!

My journey as a CHEETAH girl: "I've never imagined..."

I've never imagined myself to be where I am today in life. It's crazy how life goes. Life doesn't give you a guide on how to life or which way to go. I've always imagined myself living the High School dream with the high school sweetheart of my dreams, sitting under the tree and looking for that shooting star in the sky- going to the mall with friends, going on a date to the movies and holding hands.

Well no, life was not what it seemed in reality- I always remind myself that's those are just movies to grab the viewer's attention emotionally. Quite frankly, that's all it will be- a movie.

Anyways, as I was saying you just never know what life may throw at you, life is so unpredictable. Do I believe we are more equipped and stronger than we think? Yes absolutely! As I was in and out of the different institutions for mental health, it made me feel like a low life and that my life was already over. I can honestly say since I was a little girl people had already been rooting for me because in their eyes I was someone special, no ordinary girl but extraordinary.

When I couldn't be “that girl” for them I felt like a failure and that I contradicted everything great thing they said about me. I thought to myself, “what do I do now?” At that point I thought suicide was the only way I could escape guilt, embarrassment, ridicule, pain, and just like in general. I've made many attempts to take my life but this last time in particular I felt different, I gained a whole new perspective on life, I wanted more- there was more to life for me that was yet to be revealed. Days upon days I began to reflect on everything I've encountered in my life.

Through most of it I realized that I was giving MY power to everything and everyone but myself- I didn't want that any longer. So there I was with CHEETAH Movement! I've never eveeeeer imagined myself advocating for selfharm and suicide prevention. Heck, I never even imagined going through it myself. I am much happier than I've ever been- there's always still some way to go in life and some mountains to climb but I've made it this far, so why not continue the climb?

It's alot great supporters with CHEETAH Movement, I never imagined it getting all the coverage/support that it did/does get esp from celebs such as Meagan Good, Lil MO, Christina Milian, Michelle Williams, Andra Day, Erica Campbell.. to name some. It's all beyond my wildest dreams. I'm so proud of myself- through this journey I've gained more strength, perspective, knowledge, self expression, and support. I am a CHEETAH girl and today I stand tall and strong with my battle wounds inside and out.

Now I ask you, do YOU think we are more equipped/stronger than we think? What obstacle(s) has made you use those tools?

P.S. Exciting things coming with CM! Be on the look out!! ✨🐆

INSIDE LOOK! A MARVELOUS Week of Transition camp with Girls in the Know!!!

Girls in the Know - Transition camp

  I'd initially went to volunteer for Transition camp for an organization here in Stl called Girls in the Know that focuses on educating and empowering mothers and their pre-teen daughters while encouraging positive decisions and healthy behaviors as girls mature into adulthood, at Ferguson Middle(my old middle school) - the transition camp was a camp for incoming 7th graders and getting them ready for that big transition to junior high. I felt in my heart to go and volunteer because I definitely wish someone could've told me and helped me get an idea of middle school and relieved some of the anxiety I had about first starting junior high. 

Girls in the Know - Knowledge is Power!

Well, I'm beyond grateful to have helped these girls and talked to them about what I knew about from experience during my 2 years in middle school. I simply told them that it was nothing to worry about - it would be all good. I soon realized the girls I was serving could benefit from my story, and my message behind my movement. My hope is that my courage to persevere will inspire other girls to keep going, reach out and be willing to ask for help when things get tough. 

Also, to remember that it's not about how you fall but how you get up is what counts. This camp has been a learning, rejuvenating, empowering experience! There were things that I've learned that I didn't know about myself - that it's ok to feel uncomfortable to be comfortable. If you're always in your comfort zone you will never know how much you can accomplish. 

The importance of a positive mindset 

Day 1 of Transition camp we focused on similarities and differences - we can all have different interests but that doesn't mean we cannot agree on some things that we all like. The power of music - music is powerful and sometimes we just need that one phrase or chorus to get us through our trying times. It's always good to have atleast a song or two to resort back to for motivation, hope, and encouragement. We also explored different styles and genres of music - we laughed, we had a great deal of fun, and most of all we embraced one another and the moment.

 Sometimes we tend to dwell on and put too much time on that one negative comment said about us vs. those 99 positive things said about us. Think of life like a camera - focus on what's important and capture the good times. Only you can choose what you put your time and energy into.

Exploration of different styles and genres of music

Stephanie Booker, Girls in the Know intern

Ideas of a good/positive song 

Day 2 of Transition camp we discussed the difficulties of starting middle school, such as the drastic changes your body goes through, trying to figure out who your true friends are, and most of all trying to find WHO YOU ARE!
Celebrating one another helps us keep our confidence and gives up strength. Otherwise, comparing can be a negative act against yourself. We are all unique with many unique abilities and that's the beauty of it!!

We then went to the mirror activity which focused on self-steem. The objective was for every girl to look in the mirror and find positive and negative things about themselves. Then point out the negative things they could and couldn't change - they were told to embrace what you couldn't change because every 'flaw' is what makes them who they are.
Also, it's important to take into consideration about how others percieve you only depending on who they are because it's things we don't see in ourselves, both positive and negative. Those observations can help us in the long run.

"Love me some me" mirror activity

"Love me some me" poster - made with Love by Girls in the Know

Sometimes it's hard to stay physical because when we think of physical we immediately think of 'excerise' but being physical could even just be walking to the bathroom, running down the hall, or even playing with your siblings. Being physically active is good for your mental health. It releases endorphins, powerful chemicals in your brain that energize your spirits and make you feel good. Our physical activities for the day started off with a relay race - then at 3 different stations we had dribbling and shooting, push-ups and sit-ups, and jumping jacks and different stretches - it did indeed increase the girl's heart rate and energy level. 

To close it out each and every girl made a tree pose and all connected hands. It had a little twist which was - friends are always good to have, even if you have that one bestfriend because together we can build one another up. We closed out the end of the day with a marshallow activity with toothpicks, we all worked together and made some unique inventions. 

Day 3 of Transition camp we started our day of with the incomparable, one and only, Prince! (Thanks to Julie :))

The Artist aka Prince 

While friendships mean something special to every individual, no matter what - love should be over all in every friendship, first and foremost. Friendships tend to be more complicated when friends are dishonest - when friends truly care they are honest with you, by any means. Each girl then went into friendships and what friendships meant to them. Friends make you feel good about who you are.

Peer pressure is something we've all experienced or could experience through our lifetime - we tend to give in to pressure of our peers because we want to be 'liked' or even feel important. We did an experiment on peer pressure with tootsie rolls in a jar.

The girls were asked to make a guess of how many tootsie rolls they thought were in the jar in all. Every girl went around to a different girl to see what they had come up with. The last guess was based off of all the predictions made before of what each girl guessed. While some were closer to the correct amount, some were farther off. 

This lesson had a twist to it also, of course! It was to make your own guess and what you really thought rather than talking to peers and getting easily influenced - sometimes being influenced can put you in a unintended harmful situation or I shall say between "a rock and a hard place."

                 Say "NO!" to peer pressure

Last but certainly not least we closed the day out with Sheila Cunningham, CEO/founder of the Get fit crew, with kickboxing. It was such a rejuvenating experience and a huge amount of fun. While having fun, we still got in a great amount of excercise and released some steam. We were so honored to have spent the time we did with her!

The beautiful, Sheila Cunningham and Girls in the Know!

Day 4 of Transition camp - we expressed our feelings about social media and its tactics. While, Social media can be a great way to connect with friends and family as well as meeting new people, it can also be a worst nightmare. We should be mindful of the different possibilities before posting. Once you post it's never gone - LITERALLY! NEVER! With technology advancing daily there are a number of ways for someone to instantly save or even share what you put out there on social media. It may not matter now but somewhere down the line what you post now can be potentially fatal in the future. 

T.H.I.N.K before you post - is it true, is it helpful, is it inspiring, is it necessary, or is it kind? Anything you post on social media is a reflection of what kind of person you are, it could be good or bad. When someone clicks on your page and wants to know something about you - everything you posted will give them an idea of who you are even if it's not the "real" you. If you respect yourself, others will.




Yoga helps to develop a positive, healthy, and peaceful attitude towards life. Some benefits of yoga are that it focuses on the mind, calms the mind, promotes relaxation breathing, balances the body and mind etc. The girls had tried Yoga for the first time and let me tell you - it was great to see them stepping out of their comfort zone and put so much effort into it while also letting it all naturally flow after getting in the feel of it all.
















    "NAMASTE"   

After Yoga and to close out the end of the day and the last day of camp the girls teamed up into 3 groups and constructed prom dresses made of toilet paper and cray paper - they were absolutely FAB-U-LOUS and so colorful! What a great way to end camp!

Although, I am sad that camp has ended, along with this wonderful experience and opportunity - I am excited to see and hear about the girls' experience with starting middle school in a few weeks. These girls are the future! I am just so proud of all that they have had to offer - so driven, determined in all they do. I have hope not only because I believe but because they gave me a reason to keep to believing. A huge thanks to Girls in the Know - words cannot express how honored I am to have had this opportunity. Thanks so much! Xo, Kenidra. ❤

Raynesha Silverson - Shedding Light on Bullying

Though too many adults still see bullying as “just part of being a kid,” it is a serious problem that leads to many negative effects for victims, including suicide 
  

"Kids being kids" or are they?

Bullying can happen anywhere, at school, home, or even on social media. About 47 teens are bullied every five minutes.

Hi, my name is Raynesha Silverson I am 15 years old, I live in St.Louis, MO. Shedding light on bullying is very important to me because bullying hurts, it was something in which I experienced myself.

The majority of the time, a bully victim doesn’t know the cause. They will presume it is their fault. It decreases self-esteem and increases self-hate. As a bully victim, I understand the effect that one’s words can have on someone. I understand the self-hatred one’s words can cause. You start to feel as if you aren’t good enough, or too ugly, or too fat. You start to feel as if the walls are closing in on you. Compliments become jokes and jabs towards you. Kindness becomes one sick game played to only make you feel worse.

   While others know the effects their words have, some people were brought up in a different environment. They aren’t aware of how cruel they are being or how degrading their words may be. It is important to have this in mind, bullies are only mimicking the behavior they are exposed to. Sometimes bullies don’t even know they are being bullies. In that situation, it is now your job to stand up for not only yourself but the “bully” as well.

You never know the environment a person has been brought into. Someone who sees their parents bickering and agitating each other may think this is normal behavior. Someone who is abused: verbally, mentally, physically, and/or emotionally are projecting their behavior on another being. With this in mind, it’s hard to determine the source of why someone is bullying another person; one thing we should not do is punish the bully, but try and help them instead.

StopBullying#NoH8

 We are all different and that's the beauty of it, respect those differences and always remember to be kind to one another. ~xo,Kenidra 

Shania J Noland: "I express myself through music"

My name is Shania, I’m 15 and I live in St.louis, MO. My story basicially is - I've had depression since I was 4 going on 5 years old, that's when my grandfather passed. I was recently diagnosed with depression and anxiety and last year I was so depressed that I thought there was no need for me on earth. So I cut myself. After hearing your story (Kenidra) I thought to myself, “there is a purpose for me and that there is no need to harm yourself, even if things are really bad.” I express myself through music to help with my depression because I can relate to some songs. When I listen to music I think of everything I've been through and how strong I am that I can get even farther then I already have.

Wow! Shania.. being that you are a shy person, it takes alot of courage and strength to talk about something so traumatic, to not only me but the world! You inspire me beyond what I could ever express to you! Thank you for realizing that you have a greater purpose/calling in life and making the steps towards a "better" you, such an inspiration. -xo, Kenidra

Jada Carrington: Poet, Influencer, and Advocate

Before I introduce myself I just wanna start of by saying the CHEETAH Movement is great. Kenidra Woods is a wonderful role model and a big inspiration. What I love most about the blog is not only does Kenidra encourage others through her story and struggle, she goes above and beyond and gives opportunities for others to do the same on her blog. The CHEETAH movement is saving lives, I encourage everyone to read and join the blog, it really is a great experience.

My name is Jada Carrington, I'm 20 years old and I'm from Baltimore Maryland, I express myself through poetry/spoken word and motivational speaking, my goal is to be a voice to the voiceless, I do not suffer from a mental illness however I have had mental health challenges including self harm and depression, I am now a youth mental health advocate and I will continue to fight for those who don't have the strength, I live by my own quote, "As long as there are people that are on the verge of giving   up I can't." -Jada C.

"I'm fine" by Jada C.
"They ask me if I'm ok,
I say yeah I'm fine and they believe the lie, or is it even a lie,
see the truth is I'm not ok but I am fine with that,
sometimes I look at the darkness as a comfort zone,
a place to go when I can't take the stresses of the world,
the dark isn't bad,
it's what's in the dark that's scary,
so I guess that makes me scary,
a monster, a creature or whatever else that isn't natural but hey atleast I'm not afraid anymore,
I rather be the intimidator than the intimidated,
putting fear in what once put fear in me,
finally for once being totally in control or am I so far in the dark that I have lost control,
maybe I'm so far gone that I need help, I need to be rescued,
rescued from what you ask,
rescued from myself,
it's hard to win the battle when the war is against me, myself and I... just can't take it anymore,
I'm stuck in the dark and all I want to see is the light
but maybe that's what I'm most afraid of because once I see it I can never go back,
my life will change forever because the light means either I have I left or I have stayed to long
and confusion is such a time consuming place
and I rather be free of it all so stop asking me what's wrong,
how can explain something that I don't even understand myself,
stop asking me am I ok because I won't know how to answer you,
and please don't even think about asking me if I'm fine
because if you do I will be forced to tell you the truth.

My pleasure Jada, you truly inspiring Jada, we need more people like you in the world, it would be a much better place. The way you express yourself through poetry just leaves me in "awe." Also, your willingness to help others suffering. Keep reaching for the stars and being a voice! ~xo, Kenidra

Island of Destruction by Miesha James

The beautiful Miesha James 

Mieisha James is 18 years old, from St. Louis, Missouri. She expresses herself through her many different artistic abilities such as music, singing, poetry, writing, and drawing. Although she has many different ways of expressing herself, she writes more than anything! In fact, here's a very deep unique piece of writing that she expressed some really strong feelings in about crying out for help but feeling like no one hears her.

Here I present 

Island of Self Destruction by Mieisha James

"I'm on an island of self-destruction.

There are many islands surrounding me, but I'm drowning and you only pulled me up halfway.

I'm calling for help, but you can't hear me... I'm crying for help now.

I'm still drowning. And you're not even helping...

WHY?!!

I hear all your voices but it's fine, I'm okay with dying.

But I'm okay...

OR is that what you want me to say?! 

Because I'm definitely not okay, nor will I ever be okay..

So much happens .. things I can't forget even when I really wanted to.

But, "sorry" they say. "Sorry to tell you there's no way you can't  forget, it's forever with you." 

"Embedded in your brain. I'm sorry but there's nothing I can do."

I was screaming, waving my arms... trying to signal you to help me up, but like everyone else... you said you tried to help me after my eyes were already flushed. I'm crying in the ocean for somebody to save me, but you thought my tears were of joy, but my eyes were getting heavy.

Gasping for the little of life left ..It's like my pain was pulling me down under... reaching for your hand until I was like a goldfish who turned over... But you didn't really love me anyways, because you watched as I died over and over again, I knew that, but for some reason I thought it was okay... okay to be hurt because I grew up that way . Betrayal, pain, and confusion is where I stayed.

Stayed, and that's where my body laid like the titanic in the middle of the ocean, buried under the debris... Till the very day I wondered "Why didn't you save me?!" Save me from what... I don't know... myself perhaps. I was my own murderer but it was no suicide.. 

My mental had the gun but you pulled the trigger so would that be ruled a double homicide?! But I'm gone... now you speak of me. No I don't hate you for letting the  water take over me, but  don't do it again. Save someone next time. Don't wait till it's too late to not believe me when I say "I'm fine."" 

Mieisha is a very gifted, beautiful girl that is much more stronger than she could ever imagine. She's realizing that sometimes it takes vulnerability to find true strength. What a brave girl! She also hopes to inspire all of you Cheetahs through her expressive writing ability. I'm deeply inspired by her courage. xo, Kenidra