by Jackie Clark
When you are diagnosed with cancer, it can feel like most of what was once important is simply trivial now. Why would beauty, fashion and even education mean anything to a woman when facing a life-threatening situation? While this is a common thought pattern, it can also become a downward spiral. The truth of the matter is that if you feel beautiful on the outside, you are more likely to feel beautiful on the inside. As your body and self-image changes in response to cancer, knowing how to bring out what remains as your most attractive features is key.
Increasing beauty practices when coping with cancer is a powerful method of self-care. When a woman decides to get out of her pajamas or hospital gown and into clothes that make her feel beautiful, sexy and powerful will help keep her spirits up. Avoid wearing dark clothes, as these will only accentuate the pale skin tone that cancer treatment usually brings with it. Instead, throw on a form fitting white tank top this summer to make your skin look more tan. Cancer treatment makes skin more sensitive; choose to go with some extra-soft stylish clothes. This is a great way to be both comfortable and fashionable.
Let's turn to basic psychology to prove this point. On Maslow's well known and widely respected hierarchy of needs, taking care of one's self is listed on the fourth level of importance. Food, water and breathing make up the first level of Maslow's pyramid, meaning it includes the most important needs. Once these basics are covered, a person can then focus on safety, security and belonging.
The fourth level of Maslow's pyramid includes self-esteem, confidence, achievement and respect for and by other people. This level of the pyramid is labeled “esteem” as it refers to the way you are seen, how you experience your community, and how confident you are in yourself and your body. Here is where women can use fashion in order to look good, boost their self-esteem and their confidence. Thinking well of yourself and your appearance – and reaping the benefits of that confidence – is essential to meeting this inherently human need.
(To be Continued)
Check out the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance blog for more information on wellness.
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