When I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the young age of 29, I never imagined the journey, with all its ups and downs, would be so transformative—not just emotionally but physically too. Along the way, I experienced many changes that not only altered my appearance but touched the core of my identity, like hair loss, breast surgeries, and so much more. I’ve had plenty of moments of feeling sad, frustrated, angry, and estranged from myself. However, I also learned the importance of turning negative thoughts into conversations with yourself that have a positive ending.
Today’s post is written by the amazing fashionista Sonya Keshwani, founder of Style Esteem
Restoring Your Body Image After Breast Cancer
One of the best ways to celebrate surviving breast cancer is by finding joy in restoring your body image and connecting with your new identity. Reclaiming your sense of self is crucial to regaining some normalcy in your life after cancer and walking forward on this path with pride in your story, too. In this blog post, I’m sharing practical tips that helped me reconnect with my identity and regain strength by restoring my body image after breast cancer. From fashion and beauty to physical and mental health, these tips are here to guide you on your journey to feeling good again. And while my experience is through breast cancer, any cancer survivor can lean on these tips to find healing.
1. Thoughts as Acts of Service
How we speak to ourselves shapes our reality. After breast cancer treatment, it’s easy to fall into a dark cycle of negative self-talk, focusing only on what’s been lost or changed. But it’s essential to remember that healing starts from the seeds of the words that you plant within your own mind. For example, on an especially tough day, acknowledge the incredible strength it took to overcome every single day following your cancer diagnosis. Instead of criticizing your body for how it looks, thank it for what it has done for you. Treat yourself with the same words of kindness you would offer a best friend. Positive affirmations and gentle reminders can go a long way in restoring your body image after breast cancer.
2. Befriend New Versions of You
When you face body changes due to breast cancer, you often have to do it, not recognizing the person looking back at you in the mirror, feeling estranged from your past self and your present identity. Regain your rooting in the idea that changes are a chance to meet a new and even more powerful version of yourself. Embrace this as your one-of-a-kind evolution, where each new version of you deserves to be celebrated. Shifting your perspective from a loss to a transformation mindset can be incredibly empowering.
3. Connect with Your Body Through Fashion
Fashion is a powerful tool for self-expression. During chemotherapy, I discovered that creating and wearing headpieces helped me regain my voice and my identity. These headpieces became more than just accessories—they were like my superhero cape, serving as symbols of my resilience. My personal turban collection would eventually inspire me to launch StyleEsteem, where we design one-of-a-kind headpieces created to inspire and empower cancer thrivers like us. While headpieces were my source of strength, you might find a similar inspiration when wearing a bold red lipstick, a beautifully tailored blazer, or a sexy dress. Experiment with different beauty and fashion options to see what makes you sparkle. And remember, it’s okay to experiment often, especially as you meet new versions of yourself. Fashion can be a way to celebrate every stage of your journey, helping you feel confident and beautiful in every chapter of your story.
4. Engage in Acts of Self-Care
Acts of self-care can create a safe space to bond with your new body. Scalp oil massages helped me reflect on how I was getting to know the raw and real me through hair loss. Committing to a daily step count became a way start showing up for my body, not because I had to but because I wanted to. Having a midday dance break, blasting throwback songs, and busting a move with my cat woke up pre-cancer energy and brought it into the present for me. What makes you feel more whole? More alive? More at peace? These small acts of kindness toward yourself are powerful ways to restore your body image during cancer by adopting positive lifestyle changes after breast cancer.
5. Document Your Journey Through Photos
Taking photos at every stage of your cancer and hair journey can be a powerful way to reconnect with your body image. Create a dedicated folder on your phone where you can store these photos, allowing you to see the leaps and bounds you’ve made over time. This visual record serves as a reminder of your unique beauty at each stage and helps you find pride in your story. It also fosters a deep sense of gratitude for the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual growth you’ve experienced—growth that is yours to cherish, no matter what happens next.
6. Talk to Your Loved Ones
Sometimes, sharing what you’re going through with loved ones or fellow survivors can lighten the emotional load. Open up about your feelings regarding your body image, and let them support you. Some may not fully understand your experience, but their empathy and encouragement can provide a valuable source of strength. Conversations like these can also help them understand the importance of body image in your journey and support your efforts to restore it.
7. Seek Professional Help
Don’t hesitate to reach out to health professionals if you’re struggling with body image issues after breast cancer. Therapists and counselors can offer valuable tools and strategies to help you navigate this complex emotional landscape. Sometimes, talking to someone who understands the psychological impact of cancer treatment can make all the difference in how you view yourself and your story.
Restoring your body image after breast cancer is a journey—a journey that requires patience, compassion, and a lot of self-love. By incorporating these tips into your daily life, you can begin to rebuild your confidence and reconnect with the incredible person you are today. Remember, this is your time to shine, to celebrate your survival, and to embrace the new you with open arms.
Snag an item from the Style Esteem collection and be sure to follow Sonya on Social.
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