October. Brightly colored leaves that contrast the gray sky. Crisp air and frosty mornings. Building anticipation of costumes and candy. Pumpkin Spice everything. October is special in our memories for many things, but few of us are likely aware of all the awarenesses we ought to be aware of. 😉
What Makes You Aware?
Awarenesses are like the beginning descriptions of October; some of them you relate to, some you love, others you hate. If you live in the south, you may not look forward to crisp air and turning leaves, because it is an unlikely experience. Some people mourn the loss of Summer while others rejoice. Everyone has their own favorite thing, and that is what we tend to focus on. Take a moment to read each awareness as you scroll through this list of causes in October.
- AIDs Awareness Month (National and declared by President Reagan)
- Antidepressant Death Awareness Month
- Bat Appreciation Month
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- Blindness Awareness Month
- Celiac Disease Awareness Month
- Co-op Awareness Month
- Domestic Violence Awareness Month
- Down Syndrome Awareness Month
- Dyslexia Awareness Month
- Emotional Intelligence Awareness Month
- Global ADHD Awareness Month
- Global Diversity Awareness Month
- Head Start Awareness Month
- National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month
- National Critical Illness Awareness Month
- National Cyber Security Awareness Moth
- National Disability Employment Awareness Month
- National Depression Education and Awareness Month
- National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
- National Liver Awareness Month
- National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month
- National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
- National RSV Awareness Month
- National Sarcastic Awareness Month
- National Spina Bifida Awareness Month
- National SIDS Awareness Month
- Rhett Syndrome Awareness Month
- Squirrel Awareness Month
- Workplace Politics Awareness Month
Notice that we would rally behind some causes, ignore others, and hopefully look up more information on still others. The ones that stand out most as we glance over the list are likely ones connected to a personal story. Perhaps a loved-one battled a listed disease, perhaps you’ve dealt first-hand with a condition, or maybe you were reminded of a story about a critter in the attic. The key to turning any of these combinations of letters arranged into meaningful and memorable influencers is their story.
Awareness Grows Through Story
Without Story there is no passion. Without a connection to our hearts, we gloss over the names of things that mean everything to the person beside us. Stories answer the questions we never thought to ask. Why was it important? How did it make you feel? How did it change the world as you knew it? Your experiences, but also the tale of someone else’s experience, create emotional connections. Those connections make information real and memorable. Stories are the tool that unite us because they make empty phrases relatable images in our hearts and minds.
As we go into this month and the approaching holidays, it is the perfect opportunity to listen to someone’s story. Pay attention to your friends and acquaintances. See what they are passionate about and ask why. Likely there is a story at the base of it. Asking questions and listening to their story will widen your own interest in the topic and deepen your connection to the person. This October, enjoy your Fall favorites, but also raise your awareness and understanding.
