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/

22 comments :

  1. I can't imagine what someone must go through in a difficult time like this, but I do agree with trying as much as possible to keep your spirits and confidence up.  There is a program called "Look Good, Feel Better" and it's the same concept but focuses on the beauty aspect.

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  2. You are so right.  While it's all well and good to say that it's only what's on the inside that counts, I'm sure you can vouch as a personal trainer that the way we feel about the way we look on the outside has a huge impact on how we feel on the inside.  Great post!

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  3. She sounds like such a lovely person.  I know that when I was diagnosed with liver disease, I felt like dressing up then more than ever.  Just because you have a disease or a chronic condition, there is no reason to wallow in despair.  Dress up, and continue to live your life!

    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
    Twitter: @GlamKitten88 

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  4. It's absolutely true. When you're sick (with anything, really) you just feel like being in bed and being unattractive, but dressing yourself up can really be a mood changer.

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  5. This is a really great post.  I've known far too many who have been diagnosed with some form of cancer :(  But I love the clothing featured here!  I'm a new follower :)  Stop by my blog some time and say hi, and follow back if you're interested.
    Sarah
    http://comingunstitched.blogspot.com

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  6. What an excellent topic to blog about! 

    The black outfit shown here is stunning!

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  7. SunnydaysandstarrynightsDecember 7, 2011 at 9:05 PM

    Great post.

    Those who face and fight cancer are so brave.

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  8. This post was inspiring. I couldn't even imagine caring about what I looked like anymore if I was diagnosed with Cancer.


    Shasie of Live
    Life in Style

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  9. Great post! Clothing definitely has the ability to be empowering. 

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  10. LOVE that amazing black dress :)

    xxwww.sickbytrend.com

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  11. inspiring post! My grandmother's going through cancer and I'm sure everyone knows at least 1 person who has suffered from it. I love the positive message!

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  12. complimenti for your post!
    the cardigan is stunning, perfect for all the occasions

    IF U WANT TO VISIT MY BLOG STREET CHIC http://artsecommunication.blogspot.com/ U CAN ALSO FIND ME ON FACEBOOK http://www.facebook.com/pages/Street-Chic/126609910754628

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  13. SunnydaysandstarrynightsDecember 20, 2011 at 2:46 PM

    Wonderful words of wisdom and amazing advice.

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  14. So true, the tiniest details can help you feel so much better :)
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com

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  15. beautiful and inspirational!
    xo
    MosaMuse

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  16. Really great post - great inspiration to stay stylish!

    http://styleservings.blogspot.com/ 

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  17. i definitely agree that clothes can empower you in hard times. when you look good, you feel better.

    Happy Holidays! <3

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  18. what a nice interesting post! it really gives fashion a whole new meaning!

    http://sacheebombom.blogspot.com

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  19. I lost my dad to cancer earlier this year, and have seen friends struggle through it. So this post hit home. Great blog.

    www.shotcouture.com

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Thank you so much for your Comments! I love hearing what you have to say. It gives me inspiration and motivation to continue being here : ) XOXO - N

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