When I was diagnosed with breast cancer and told that I would definitely be losing my Leonian mane, I began estimating how many months it would take for me to look 'normal' again.
Hair became synonomous with life and for a while there, the words could have been used interchangeably. Hair apparently grows on average 1cm per month. With tape measure in hand, I estimated that my post cancer hair would begin to provide a healthy appearance around the time of my fortieth birthday.
Turning 40 would not be a midlife crisis for me. Instead, it became a fabulous coming of age. A celebration of life.
In fact, having cancer changes your entire relationship with your body. Instead of worrying about the ageing process, fussing over fine lines and new wrinkles, you become grateful for the opportunity to grow older.
I no longer obsess over the size of my tummy or thighs, instead, feeling a level of acceptance I would never have thought possible.
Don't get me wrong. It's not about no longer caring, or letting myself go. It's more a practice in self compassion, ensuring the balance is in favour of the positive self talk, instead of the negative - something I think we should all learn to do! Life as they say, is too short.
About Me
- Jodie
- I started this blog as I entered my 40th year, and now firmly in my 40s, I continue to learn so much about life. I'm learning that life rarely goes according to plan and that there's something new to learn every single day, be it a subtle nudge or a smack in the face.... This is my blog about muddling through my 40s-working hard, writing a book, being an ammateur photographer, trying to exercise and eat well, endeavouring to be the world's best aunt, as well as having fun and laughing out loud every single day.
I LOVE this post. I can only imagine that going through something like that would put perspective in your life big time. And I love "self compassion." I think we all need to practice that. Thank you for this!
ReplyDeleteYour last line sums it up, doesn't it.
ReplyDeleteAs an esthetician, these past 30 years, I am always amazed at what it takes for some (not all) women to see themselves in a different light, sadly it is something as serious as cancer that puts much of how we see ourselves into clearer light.
Enjoy your fabulous forties, followed by fantastic fifties, sexy sixties, super seventies, and let's not forget those exciting eighties... it's all in how we think.
The key is taking each day as a stand-alone treasure!
Beautiful post! I hope you are enjoying being part of this A-Z Challenge.
Jenny @ PEARSON REPORT
Great post, Jodie! All the best through those fabulous forties ... and on, and on, and on!!! :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a celebration! I think we all need to be more self compassion and it would be great to accomplish it without a disease staring us in the face. Thanks for the reminder that life is, indeed, short.
ReplyDeleteAnd sometimes you need a gentle reminder from the experience of another person half way across the globe to tell you.....Now is the moment. Thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteBlogwatiG
Awesome words. Ones we all need to think about when the media hype has us seeing getting older as a "bad" thing - bring on the embracing of age!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, well said. So glad you are able to enjoy your life.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your posts so much that I've nominated you for the Liebster Award! Go to my site http://vickipaulus.blogspot.com/ to learn more and review the eleven questions for you to answer.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful and inspiring!
ReplyDeleteYou are truly beautiful in every possible way and I am so very lucky to call you my friend. I look forward to reaching and celebrating every age group with you.
ReplyDeleteHaha imagine us two when we are in our "naughty nineties". We shall be old and wrinkled, we both will have a mischievous twinkle in our eyes as we tear along the beach promenade with our walking frames xxxx
Your positivity is inspiring Jodie. Great post!
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