Bodies

If you know me, you'll be aware that I'm not exactly a blogger (to put it mildly). But this truly inspiring guy, Greig Trout, has somehow managed to rouse me from my literary apathy.  He's a double cancer survivor who has pioneered an initiative called '101 things to do when you survive' and is also one of the people behind Cancer Research's 'Every moment counts' campaign.

One thing that really challenged me personally is the video below. 

Maybe this is something you've heard before, but I haven't and I think he's really brave. No way would I get in front of a camera with a bikini on full stop. And this guy totally went and did it (minus the bikini), to highlight and celebrate the very scars he used to be so embarrassed of. 

I don't have any scars, because I've never had to go through any physical trauma like him. But I can relate to feeling embarrassed and weird about my body. And this video has helped me say: enough is enough.

Instead of cataloguing my body's 'imperfections' as a series of failures and embarrassments, I'm going to start reminding myself of the milestones and achievements that they represent. 

For example: 

Yes, I have stretch marks! But that's part of becoming a woman, which is a beautiful thing. Plus it means I get to contribute to the world as an adult, which brings far greater opportunities than those to be had as a minor.  

So I'm a student and it's probably fair to say there are days when I'm rocking homeless-chic. (A far cry from my previous routine of gym, nice hair cuts, great clothes and make up, quality food and spa trips). BUT although my muscles are smaller, by brain is bigger. Which can only be a good thing.

Someone who inspires me is my sister. It seems the discs and joints in her body are bizarrely rather slippery, and insist on constantly aching - when they're not dislocating. So she has put on some weight because she can't walk and exercise like she used to. (I think she still looks fabulous!) Despite the pain and inconvenience, she chooses each day to embrace life - with smiles. She's not just a survivor but a contributor too. And so that extra weight should be a badge of honour pinned to her shirt - rather than a source of insecurity. 

Think about it - what are your 'imperfections' and what do they represent for you? 

Thanks for reading,

Cat x

P.s. Check out Trout's website at: http://www.whenyousurvive.com/about-greig/

P.p.s. This post will make more sense if you watch the video...