How to Celebrate Awareness

As we move into October and have a chance to celebrate Dyslexia and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, as well as Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 7-13) it got us thinking // What does it mean to celebrate awareness?

Here at DotCom Therapy, we constantly advocate for awareness. We proudly back causes that promote awareness for anything that may feel misunderstood to the masses. Because this is so important to us, we wanted to share some ways you can best become aware and what to do with all your newfound awareness.

Learn

It may seem obvious, but the first step in awareness is uncovering something you do not yet know. When it’s time to celebrate awareness of something, your first step should be to inform yourself. Use credible resources, ask others who are involved, and do what you can to learn about the topic at hand. Also, it’s important to remember that reading one fact sheet doesn’t make you an expert. Continue learning, asking, and seeking ways to understand.

For October, we recommend starting with these resources to learn more about Dyslexia, Breast Cancer, and Mental Illness:

• About Breast Cancer
• Dyslexia at a Glance
• Learn the Facts: Mental Illness

Learn Some More  

Once you have a better understanding of the actual topic, it’s important to figure out what people are celebrating or bringing specific awareness to. Sometimes, an awareness month might truly be to help others complete step 1 above, but other times it goes beyond that. Use credible websites to learn about the message before and during the awareness time. Understanding what the awareness is will help you advocate, but understanding why the awareness is important will help you learn even more about the topic at hand.

For October, learn about the specifics for each of these awareness celebrations:

• Breast Cancer: Know the Signs
• Dyslexia Awareness Month: Until Everyone Can Read
• Mental Illness Awareness Week: Fight the Stigma

Become an Advocate

Being aware is truly the first step. Once you have an understanding of a topic, it is up to you to act on your awareness and become an advocate. There are many ways to advocate and inform others. Sharing information, engaging in respectful conversations, and participating in an event, are just a few ways you can start to share your knowledge, and continue to learn. Awareness is the first step on the path to acceptance. Being aware yourself is a wonderful thing, but becoming an advocate creates an extra voice promoting acceptance and understanding. You can start by participating in something, going on an awareness walk or wearing a t-shirt, and maybe one day you can work up to organizing an event on your own, or spearheading a fundraising campaign. The great part about becoming an advocate is you start to meet other advocates and your community grows.

For October, we’re particularly excited about these events:

• Susan G. Komen 3 Day Walk for the Cure
• Dyslexia Awareness: ZYX Challenge
• Mental Health Facts: Social Posts

Act on Kindness

For each awareness month, the goal in becoming more aware will ultimately lead to more understanding, acceptance, and compassion. The cycle of awareness is not complete until you can start to act on your awareness. Being a little more mindful and less quick to judge in all you do will extend the awareness week or month far beyond a set time. With every new awareness month, it is our responsibility to continue to work toward compassion and acceptance. The more we actively work at awareness, the easier acceptance will be. Take time during the month and after to pause and be aware of your own feelings, questions, doubts, and judgements and redirect yourself to a path of more understanding and kindness. By taking responsibility for our own actions and emotions, we can start to build a greater network of acceptance, compassion, and understanding.

So, as you move through October, practice awareness. Grow and change and see what new community emerges for you.