New Year, New Goals

As 2011 comes to a close, I decided to take a quick look back at the biggest goal I set for myself. Competing.

When I make a commitment, whether or not I want to do it, I follow through. Don't get me wrong, my dream of competing was realised. And though I had many ups and downs along the way,  I did something I thought was impossible. For me the hardest part was conquering a deeper fear. A fear of being on stage and not making a fool of myself. Worst case scenario, having my suit malfunction!

With 2012 just around the corner new goals are being put down to paper and I am going to make them a reality. A new date has been set for my next competition March 31, 2012. This means another round of kicking my own butt, and I am hoping all of you will be around for the second ride! I'm most grateful for the love and support you all have showered me with and it all started with this blog. I am looking forward to writing more and getting back full swing into what has brought me so much joy.

I also received some more pictures from my fitness photoshoot with Andrew. I cant wait to share more of these pictures with you in another post.

What goals are you setting for the new year?

Guest Post: Dressing for Wellness through Hard Times

Many of us forget that dressign for our body types can actually make us feel good, especially when times are tough. The following is a guest post from Jackie Clark who is research assistant the Mesothelioma CancerAlliance. Jackie has a bachelors degree in English and a minor in fitness and nutrition.

When you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, it completely changes your outlook on life. Patients that suffer from various terminal diseases often focus on the statistical survival rates and how much time they have left, instead of focusing on themselves and what they can do to make their time left memorable.

Taking the time to care for yourself can help you get through the hard times. While working may not necessarily be an option, keeping yourself groomed and dressing nicely can truly change the way you feel about things.

Clothes can be more empowering than people give them credit for. Feeling good about yourself on the outside can help you heal the hurt, confusion and pain on the inside. Empowering yourself through how you dress does not mean you have to overdo it. Personally I have found that offering advise and taking my close loved ones diagnosed with cancer to their appointments and then the mall really enhances their overall spirit. Seeing the smile on my aunt’s face as she walked out of her first chemotherapy session in her new blouse was priceless.

Instead of wearing go-to comfort clothes, try something new such as a trendy sweater or fashionable blouse. Another option would be to take a simple back shirt for example and pair it with a warm patterned scarf. It takes what would normally be a simple outfit and makes it fun and trendy.

 Another tip I would like to emphasize is accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. Adding a chunky bracelet or an eye-stealing ring can turn any outfit into a show-stopping piece. Other accessories include shoes and purses. Boots of all types, cowboy, leather and Uggs are very in and seem to the leading trend now and for many years down the road. Any boot flat or heeled can turn skinny jeans into a cute outfit and pair that with an oversize bag and you cannot help but feel beautiful with our without a cancer diagnosis.

Getting a cancer diagnosis is life altering and never easy. It’s painful in a way that most people do not understand. However, just because you get that diagnosis does not mean you should ever give up on yourself. You are still you, diagnosis or not. Dress like you are cancer free and you will be!

Read more posts by Jackie here: http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/jackie/