From the EditoR, Summer 2022

Time provides many gifts: opportunity, forgiveness, healing, and wisdom are just a few. One gift I have experienced recently is "the pivot." By definition, a pivot is a shift or change in direction. Pivots can happen within your career, family dynamic, or interpersonal growth. A pivot, when embraced gracefully, is a balanced movement that, even if unexpected, leads to new steps and directions. But when pivots are met with resistance, like untimed dance steps, they can lead to injury. In the context of life lessons, an injury can come in the form of a broken relationship, financial loss, or social embarrassment. Yet, hope remains. 

Falling and getting back up is a pivot. Resigning from a decades long career and pursuing your passion is a pivot. Embracing a broken heart with the intention to heal is a pivot. Moving across the country, or the globe for that matter, to start a new life is a pivot.

Within the pages of this issue, you will read about the lives of women from all over the world who embraced a pivot. Read about two women who escaped war in their countries of origin, only to experience racism and hatred in their new land. But they pivoted and made positive change for others. There are also stories of political and historical pivots that women embraced, and in turn made something beautiful. 

I want to encourage you to embrace your own personal pivot. Life happens for us, not to us. Try not to resist the pivot. Your steps are ordered, and every decision you make, even the mistakes, are not for shame. They are for someone who will read and learn from your story before leaning into their own pivot. 

In Black,

Deborah Woolen