A Life of Purpose & Self-Advocacy

Self-love in times of physical and mental challenges is the best medicine.’ This powerful quote comes from today’s guest, Ms. Delorme McKee-Stovall, in her letter that was part of our first Love Letters to Our Bodies booklet. An ordained minister, peace and social justice advocate, and retired human rights and healthcare administrator, Delorme brings a wealth of wisdom and experience. In this episode, we delve into her career and educational journey, what sparked her passion for human rights advocacy, and her deeply personal experience of being diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. She shares the challenges of navigating disparities in the healthcare system, the need to advocate for herself, and the profound importance of truly understanding and loving your body. Don’t miss this inspiring and insightful conversation on the Love Letters to Our Bodies podcast.

Key Points From This Episode: 

•    An introduction and background of our guest, Delorme McKee-Stovall.

•    Delorme shares the details of her career journey, from nursing to human rights advocacy.

•    What compelled her to pursue religious studies.

•    She breaks down what her work as a human rights advocate looked like. 

•    Her journey through the diagnosis, treatment, and process of breast cancer.

•    What it felt like being forced to advocate for herself.

•    She recounts her most vulnerable experience during her breast cancer treatment.

•    The importance of loving and understanding your body.

•    How embracing a vegan lifestyle became a cornerstone of her healing journey.

•    Discovering and embracing gratitude and joy amidst life’s challenges.

•    What motivated Delorme to keep the faith and continue moving forward. 

Quotes:

“[My religious studies] helped me to understand not only the basis of religion and why human beings require religion in their lives these days — but also to help me to understand rituals that helped people to heal.” — Delorme McKee-Stovall [0:05:36]

“When you’re diagnosed [with breast cancer], you’re in a state of unrest, concern, your mind isn’t working really well. You can’t focus really well on anything else but that and so you really need people around you that are going to help you stay focused on healing.” — Delorme McKee-Stovall [0:10:06]

“Loving your body is really important because that means you are paying attention to it as well.” — Delorme McKee-Stovall [0:16:21]

“So I was meditating three times a day in gratitude, not meditating asking for a cure, but in gratitude for the life that I've been given, for the family, and oh, the career that I had. I mean, everything that happened in my life when I looked back on it, wow, am I grateful…”  — Delorme McKee-Stovall [0:28:36]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Delorme McKee-Stovall on LinkedIn

Delorme McKee-Stovall on Facebook

Love Letters to Our Bodies Vol 1

Gwendolyn Mitchell on LinkedIn
MOYO Institute, Inc

Love Letters 2 Our Bodies is sponsored by Moyo Institute, Inc and the Lloyd Symington Foundation
Gwendolyn Mitchell on LinkedIn
MOYO Institute, Inc
instagram.com/moyoinstitute