Guest Post: Fighting Back With Fashion!

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There are many women out there that find that their lives are impeded by some health obstacle--from mesothelioma cancer to breast cancer, so when the time comes, they may not know where they are going to find their strength. While some women turn to prayer and other women turn to their friends, there are plenty of women who look inside for their strength and find it in the most unexpected places. This is where fashion can come in!

Fashion means many different things to many different people, and if you are in a situation where you want to make sure that your difficulties do not prevent you from looking fabulous, fashion is the right choice for you. Fashion gives you the ability to express yourself in a very simple way. While writers express themselves through the written word, and musicians express themselves through their music, everyone can express themselves through their clothes. Everyone sends messages out there about the kind of person they are using their clothes, so what kind of message are you sending today?

Every day, you make a choice about what you are saying to the world at large. Sometimes, you are making the choice by dint of having nothing else to wear, but many times, you are making a conscious decision about how you want to be viewed. It is time for you to challenge others and to let them know that you are a stunning, vital woman. Whether you are fat or thin or tall or short, there are a number of different ways for you to express yourself.

Think about the traits that you would ascribe to yourself. Things might have changed a bit in your mind since you were diagnosed, but the truth of the matter is that there are many people who find that they only become realer versions of themselves. If you were a sensual woman before your diagnosis, you are still a sensual woman. If you are flirty, shy, sweet, bold, gorgeous, fun or funny, those things haven’t gone away! Use your wardrobe to reinforce these important ideas about yourself.

Take yourself shopping when you have the energy. For example, if you love fun and funky fashions, head to the boutiques near your home, or if you love vintage, head to the thrift stores. You never know what you are going to find. Choose colors, cuts and styles that appeal to you, and make sure that your favorite outfits are always on hand. Fashion gives you something to think about, and choices to make. These choices are entirely your own, so don’t be afraid to go overboard. If you need permission, here it is!

Even when you are struggling with treatment, you’ll find that there are ways to pull you out of your bad head space. Consider your personal fashion and use it to pull yourself out of this difficult spot. Your sense of fashion will always be your sense of fashion, and you can bet that your friends and family will love it!

Check out the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance blog for more information on wellness.

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