I Speak Because I Know
This was me a month and a half ago. Wearing a 24 hour heart monitor because my resting heart rate was fluctuating between 114 and 120 bpm.
When you tell the doctor you’ve had heart palpitations for over 10 years, you get a look that makes you want to explain that you aren’t complacent your life is just really complicated.
Over the past decade I would go to the ER I had dizziness or shortness of breath, get and EKG and be sent home with a cardiologist name that I would never follow up with.
Family members fighting cancer, an unexpected pregnancy, then an infant, teenagers with teenage drama, deaths in the family, all happening simultaneously really doesn’t lend itself to focusing on your own health.
Until I woke up feeling like my heart was beating out of chest. Apple watch clocked me at 120bpm at 7am. I had kids to drop off at school and errands to run. So went to urgent care when I could fit it in hoping to get a quick EKG. What I got instead was reprimanded was told to go straight to the hospital.
Long story short. My heart beats, pumps, and looks fine. One month, an echocardiogram, an ultrasound, a sleep study and one methocolate challenge later and I find I have sleep apnea, and asthma, and have developed a sensitivity to caffeine. So far treating the above has found me improved at my last follow up.
Three things kept me ignoring the tightness in my chest and heart palpatations.
Being overwhelmed with other things.
Thinking it was because I was getting older and am a little heavier. I worked out more instead saying I was having a problem out loud. I really didn’t want to even tell my husband, it seemed admission of a failure.
Having Fibromyalgia I have some pain and related symptoms most days. I assumed some of the pain was related to that, which meant there was no point in spending the time on checking it to just find out nothing can really be done.
We live for them, let’s make sure we continue living for them.
Moral of my story… Don’t survive all life has to throw at you only to be taken down by a health issue that you could’ve taken care of if you had got it checked out. Dying from uncontrolled asthma is not how I’m going out!
Take my advice and schedule appointments to have any concerns, even small ones, addressed with your doctor. It seems like the easiest thing to neglect on your to do list since it’s for you, but don’t do it. Treat yourself like a friend you love, and make sure you are taking care of your health!
Why Aren't You Doing This For Yourself?
Rachel Zoe - Vintage Boho Style
Photo from Wonderwall.com
If budget and time weren’t a factor what would you say your personal style would be? I’ll help you. Do you have a personal style mirror? A personal style mirror is what I call the person who’s style you best identify with; the perfect way to hone in on your own style.
Tracey Ellis Ross - Boho Street Style
Photo from the Septemberstandard.com
Is it :
Audrey Hepburn? Straight lines, classic feminine (Jackie O fits this mirror too)
Carrie Bradshaw? Fun street style, label maven, whatever is trending
Julia Roberts? Town and Country, no fuss, feminine and functional
Olivia Pope? High style, ultra tailored, sophisticated feminine
Rainbow Johnson/Kryzada Rodriguez? Boho with a Street Style mix
Alicia Keys - Straight Street Style
Kim Kardashian/Jennifer Lopez? Sexy street style (Ferggie would be included in this style)
Rachel Zoe - Vintage Boho
Erykah Badu/ Stevie Knicks - Earthy Boho
Now the next question? Why does budget and time limit you from expressing your style? Could it really be fatigue and stress has worn you down?
Alicia Keys - Street Style
Photo tag: Alicia-Keys-Grazia-France-Nico-06
Our lives are either so fast paced physically, or so loaded up mentally/emotionally, or all of the above, that sometimes style and esthetics doesn’t even make the list. We say things like, “Remember when I used to dress this way? I was so cute!” or even just a wistful, “I love her style!” when seeing someone who’s style rings a chord. That’s your inner style reminding you it’s in there!
Julia Roberts - Town and Country Style
Elle..com Getty Images
Olivia Pope - Sophisticated Style
Photo from HelloGorgeous.com subject to copyright
The 21st century may have more cons than pros but a definite positive is price point is no hindrance of style. You can curate your style at Target and thrift stores as easy as you can boutiques and Nordstroms. Skincare? Skincare is healthcare. I try to get all my clients to include their skincare in their monthly budget. It’s worth canceling one of your streaming subscriptions for, or making coffee at home instead of Starbucks! Makeup is optional but you can buy one lipstick and use it for lips, cheeks and even eyes. No excuses!
I’m just going to say it. You aren’t living your style because you’re tired and worn out. There. I said it. Girl, that may not change. If it doesn’t change are you just going to let life drag you around like a rag doll? No, living your style is not frivolous or superficial. Im not talking about becoming unbalanced and obsessed. I’m talking about showing up to be the best you. I’m talking about seeing someone you went to school with and not hiding because you know you didn’t try this morning. I’m talking not walking past a window and mirror and feeling defeated.
Do this for yourself. Be your style. Convey your style. You have control of how you stand up to the world. If you’re in a business office or taking your mom to the doctor’s office, get dressed and nurture your skin.
Give me three days out of the week. Try expressing your style for 3 days. Showing up with a moisturized face and a tinted gloss or creamy lipstick. See how you feel. I know you’ll love the results!
Cover Photo of Audrey Hepburn 1967 from The Good Films