Bòn Sante (Good Health)

In a few days, two of my favorite celebrations collide, which are Haitian Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month.

Growing up Haitian, we were only allowed to go three places, "Lekòl, Legliz, Lakay," which means church, school, and home. It felt very restrictive. Not discounting the importance of any of those places, but as I grew older and began to expand my horizons, I quickly realized that I was not equipped for what life was throwing at me... neither was my parents. What I learned was that I needed "Lide Lespri Lavi an Bòn Sante," which means mind, spirit, and life in good health.

Through personal development and therapy, I learned that caring for my mental health was essential for my quality of life, but it had a big impact on my spirituality as well. How could I truly interact with God like he's a forgiving God when I was unwilling to forgive myself and/or all I felt like I was hearing in the church were lists of ways I've offended God? I knew God was a loving God from what I was taught, but I didn't feel loveable because at home I was critiqued about almost everything I did. I couldn't do anything right so sometimes I felt like what's the point and other times I felt like I had to work hard to prove that I'm worthy of love. I had to prove it to everyone, but somehow I thought I had to prove it to God too.

In my conversations with others of Haitian descent, it seemed like I wasn't the only one who has felt the impact of culture, faith, and spirituality. Now that I have a better understanding of myself and continue to do the work, I want to share with our parent's generation as well as our generation and the ones to come about the importance of paying attention to all our health needs for a better quality of life. This may happen in the church, school, and home, but it can also happen beyond those places.

I present to you Bòn Sante Apparel. All items have the Creole phrase, "Lide Lespri Lavi an Bòn Sante." The words are in colors from the Haitian flag, which is also in honor of Haitian Flag Day on May 18th. Bòn Sante, the literal product and literal phrase, is dedicated to you, your parents, those of Haitian descent, and those who love the Haitian culture. Wear it, use it, and live it with PRIDE. Join me in this effort to bring mental health awareness to the Haitian community.