Shona recognises that life isn’t always easy, and especially if you happen to be a woman. Between work pressures, family issues, exam stress, relationships, hormones, bullying, and body image we can end up feeling rather sad, worried and anxious.

A post shared by The Shona Project (@shonadotie) on Sep 24, 2017 at 2:30am PDT

And that’s why with all the constant demands of life, and the fear that comes with them, us ladies could really do with supporting one another to the absolute max, ensuring we put our mental and emotional needs first. And this is what Shona says;

“The world (and Instagram) tells us we should have it all figured out by now, and that we should be perfect, which none of us will ever be.”

A post shared by The Shona Project (@shonadotie) on Sep 1, 2017 at 10:05am PDT

Thank god! Can you imagine how boring that would that be?!

“Really, we should be helping each other to be smart, strong and above all else, kind.”

And we couldn’t agree more! Shona also encourages all us gals to celebrate our differences, our individuality, our goals and aspirations, while encouraging one another to live our very best life. But of course, we need support to do this. And so, taking the Shona pledge is a way of reminding us ladies of the following. The Shona site also stems from a heart-rending but beautiful place. Founder, Tammy Darcy explains that her older sister, Shona, suffered from Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM) around the age of 13. AVM is an abnormal connection between arteries and veins, which can affect the brain or spinal cord. According to her sister, and as a result of the congenital disorder, Shona who is now 38 is brain damaged and needs round the clock care. But as Tammy says;

“By naming the organisation ‘The Shona Project’ I feel like she is, in spite of her illness, creating an impact on the world, and people will know who she is and that she’s still here.”

And what a world of difference she’s already making.