Somebody Pinch Me, I’m a Cover Girl!

This is a big week in the land of Cowgirls & Collard Greens. September 1st marked the debut of the September/October issue of Inspire Health magazine. Normally that wouldn’t be a big deal, other than the fact that this particular issue features someone I know very well on the cover, namely ME!

If you would have told me less than six months ago that Inspire Health would place me on the cover and be highlighted in their feature story, I would have never believed you. Be that as it may, it is true! It’s many a young girl’s dream to grace the cover of a magazine, myself included. I grew up reading teeny bopper magazines which later morphed into multiple subscriptions to fashion magazines like Vogue. Always a fashion aficionado, I was voted “Best Dressed” in both my junior high and high schools. Unbeknownst to me, the editor of Inspire Health magazine “discovered” me because she was following my photo posts on the popular social media forum, Instagram. I was told that my journey with breast cancer along with changing my thoughts, diet and well, entire lifestyle was “inspiring”. The editor particularly liked the fact that following the breast cancer diagnosis, my wellness regime included a combination of both allopathic/traditional medicine as well as alternatives. It just goes to show why I firmly believe that living by example and trusting that when you’re doing what you truly love, you’re guaranteed to be on the right path.

If you’re reading this wondering if you are making the right choices in your life, I encourage you to get going on a project that you feel passionate about. Cowgirls and Collard Greens was my post cancer “feel good” and “make a difference” project. And, although I was almost too timid and scared, I launched my website and this blog and have never once looked back. As my coach has told me many times, “start before you’re ready”. Why wait? Cancer has been an incredible gift to me in many realms. The mere diagnosis taught me a myriad of things: Put yourself out there. Share what’s important to you. Speak your truth. Forgive. Trust. Go with your gut. Live truly. And of course, eat more veggies. Who knows, you too might just end up on the cover of your favorite magazine!

Thanks to each of my friends, family and followers for your continued support, for believing in me, and for allowing me share this special honor with you. I invite you to read the full cover story below. And, because this issue is primarily dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), I’d like to recognize all of those who have been touched by the disease. I lift my glass to those who have have regained their health and are now thriving, to those who are in the process, and of course to those (including personal friends of mine) who are no longer with us.

Wishing each of you complete, ultimate and optimum health.

Yeehaw, Kayle

*Many people have been asking me where they can get a copy of the magazine. Because Inspire Health magazine is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, it may not be readily available in your area, I encourage you to read the full cover story below. If you want to get a copy, contact the magazine office directly. A huge thanks goes out to all of the kind folks who made this feature possible: all photos by Nick Duplessis Photography, stylist Whitney Alexandra of Style Alexandra, Editor Christina Leidenheimer of Naturally Christina, hair by Leni Russ of A Wild Hair and makeup by Tracy Grumet.