Every day, more than 800 women diefrom pregnancy or child-birth related complications in developing countries. In Canada, that number is closer to 10 per 100,000 births in one year. It’s not even comparable.
Although our healthcare system is not perfect, we need to step back and be grateful that we live in a country where we have access to clean hospital beds, state-of-the-art technology, competent healthcare workers and to top it all off, these health services are covered by our provincial insurance plan.
Disclaimer- This is a post for mature people who deal with real health issues. There is no room for bullies or judgemental idiots. K, thanks!
If you follow me regularly, you know that I suffer from endometriosis and that I blog about it openly. Too many women suffer from this disease in silence, and somehow no one knows anything about it. I swear to you, every time I write something about endometriosis, I get 2 private messages from women sharing a similar challenge with their journey to health.
If you’ve only been reading my blog recently, you may have missed the entire part where I wrote about my weight loss journey. The reason I don’t talk about it anymore is because, well, things are not going as well as they used to. I don’t exercise like I used to, I gained a bit of weight this winter while on vacation, and it all just escalated from there. Yes, I love food! And no, I don’t have an eating disorder and I am not obsessed with my weight, it’s just that I am the strongest and best shape of my life (and on a good day, the lightest I’ve been in a while!). But today, I am scared. I don’t want to lose it all, over some sweet desserts or a few too many drinks. I made a promise to myself that I can NOT go backwards. I have updated all my closet with new clothes in smaller sizes. It’s just not happening.
The problem is summer and it’s tempting parties. The problem is that I am tired and overwhelmed. The problem is that I have a 3 year old who is turning into a demon. The problem is that I am dealing with some health issues. The problem is that I love blogging and it’s taking over my time and energy. Notice, how I am really good at excuses and can convince myself of anything. I have to stop.
I have to stop being so negative and so hard on myself and start practicing what I preach! I need to remind myself of where I was and how good I used to feel. I need to be myself again!
So, the following is an open letter that I am writing to myself (as prescribed by my personal trainer- thanks Tina!)
Hey Chants!
What’s up girl? How’s it going? I know your stomach pains are getting worse and Victor is turning into the devil and giving you a hard time, but don’t worry, it will pass. Think of all the amazing things you’ve accomplished in the last few years. You are super strong, you’re managing your shoulder and back pain like a boss, you’re blogging career is exploding and your loving family is there to support you. Sure, you started indulging a little bit more lately, and slacked on your lunch-hour workouts. Big deal, we’re human!
I noticed you’re wearing that blue and white dress today, and I wanted to point something out to you, something that I came across on the internet. Remember this photo? Man, that was a while back. This was taken before you had Victor. I mean, your makeup was on point, but girl… I know you were hurting inside. This was the biggest you have ever been. I know you were dealing with a recent miscarriage and maybe over doing it on the “treats”.
But look at you now! You have a chin, cheek bones and shoulders! Don’t forget how hard you have worked to get here. Don’t be so hard on yourself, just schedule you’re workouts and start cooking with the veggies that are coming out from the garden. Carve out some “Chantsy” time and take care of yourself. You look amazing!
XOX Chantsy
PS- You’re dress is too big for you now, give it a new home!
You all know that I am an advocate for women’s empowerment, whether it’s physical health, mental health or entrepreneurship. My passion is to help and support women, in all facets of their lives. This is why I am so happy to share in this incredible celebration with you: BoobyBall’s Planet Booby. I hope to see you there!
PLANET BOOBY crashes into Ottawa for the first time on Friday, November 13, 2015 to raise funds for Rethink Breast Cancer; an out-of-this-world event to wake the inner-alien in all.
The Cause Rethink Breast Cancer’s mission is to empower young people worldwide who are concerned about and affected by breast cancer. Rethink is the first ever Canadian charity to bring bold, relevant awareness to the 40s and under crowd; foster a new generation of young and influential breast cancer supporters; infuse sass and style into the cause; and, most importantly, respond to the unique needs of young women going through it. By taking a breakthrough approach to all aspects of breast cancer – education, resources, advocacy, community building, and fundraising – Rethink is thinking differently about breast cancer.
This year’s goal is to raise $50,000, with proceeds going to support the expansion of Rethink’s innovative programs for young women who are living with and affected by breast cancer.
I love the breath of fresh air that Rethink Cancer brings to the table. It’s not about pink pots and pans, it’s about staying creative and engaging a new generation of women and men to take a stance in their health.
The Event Boobyball was launched in 2002 by a group of dedicated young women in support of their friend Sarah O’Regan who, at just 23 years old, was diagnosed with aggressive, advanced breast cancer. Fast forward 14 years, and Boobyball is now one of the most coveted and high profile fundraising events for young philanthropists in Toronto, Calgary, Ottawa and Winnipeg, and Sarah is a thriving mother of three.
“Over the past decade, Boobyball has raised over $3.4 million dollars for our work for young women with breast cancer. We couldn’t do what we do without the support of all the people who come out every year,” says MJ DeCoteau, Executive Director, Rethink Breast Cancer. “A lot of Boobyball’s success is due to the fun and creative themes that we come up with every year. Planet Booby will be no exception – it will be out of this world!”
A glimpse of the galactic happenings at Planet Booby:
Okay, so you have your ticket, and now… what do you wear? When I think Aliens/Spaceman/Gallaxy takeover, my mind gravitates to mod and retro glam. Here are some of my favourite 60’s inspired sci-fi fashion looks.
Martian Girl from Mars Attacks!Fembots from Austin Powers.Retro 60’s Sci-fi line by Lazy Oaf
When it comes to textures, think of leather, pleather, patent leather, sequin, metallic and even vinyl. Most importantly, make sure you have fun and remember that it’s all going towards a great cause!
And now, a good old fashion tune to conclude this message. Ironically, Bif Naked is a Breast Cancer survivor, so this pretty much closes the loop quite nicely.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hai0zxSC9-M?rel=0]
