Stephie Estie

#TakeBackWhatsYours CAMPAIGN!

TBWYPoster

Hi everyone! I was invited by the lovely Katie from Plus+ Beauty to join this campaign and given the essence of it, I decided to participate. Below is a description of what the campaign is all about and then my story of what I am taking back.

The #TakeBackWhatsYours Campaign was originally started by Chloe fromwww.chloesconcept.blogspot.uk.com, as a way to use our position as bloggers to inspire other people to make a positive change for good! Below is an excerpt from Chloe’s blog, for more details or for anything else you want to know, click HERE for Chloe’s page.

“..Many make New Year resolutions, so why not influence people to make their resolution to take back what once belonged to them… maybe their confidence, maybe their control or even their happiness due to whatever situation has made them lack that ability.

This is a lifelong commitment, if you want to change the way you feel about yourself, or you want to act upon the message of this campaign and ‘Take Back What’s Yours‘, when better to do that than the start of a new year… This is not one of those “New Year, New Me” unrealistic resolutions. When I say “New Year, New You”, I genuinely mean it.”

If you would like to get involved, all you have to do is this:

  • Write a blog post talking about this campaign, the message it contains and why are you taking part.
  • What “Take Back What’s Yours” New Year’s Resolution you are going to set yourself.
  • Tag 10 bloggers to take part.
  • Let Chloe know if you’re taking part by using the hashtag on Twitter #TakeBackWhatsYours, Also tag either @ChloesConcept or @TBWYCampaign so she can retweet!!
  • If you can include a photo of yourself with a handmade poster (doesn’t have to be artistic!) with the words:

“TAKE BACK WHAT’S YOURS” –
MAKE YOUR NEW YEARS RESOLUTION TO TAKE BACK WHAT BELONGS TO YOU. #TakeBackWhatsYours
In 2015, I’m taking back: *i.e., “my confidence”

What I’m Taking Back

 I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism at age 4, which was an emotional roller coaster to say the least, and switched to hyperthyroidism at about age 9.  Daily medication and doctor/hospital visits became the norm but even at a young age, I was aware that somehow I was different.  Despite being familiar with this process, I was never prepared for what was to come later on.

Shortly after entering my second semester of college, my world turned completely upside down.  I began to have sharp pains in my stomach and would have constant symptoms of a UTI.  For anyone who’s ever had a UTI, you know how painful and uncomfortable that could be.  The thing is, once you’re diagnosed and treated, you can go back to being normal.  Now imagine having to have all those symptoms with no cure to make it go away and that was me.  I would keep going to doctors but all tests performed came back negative.  I questioned myself at times and thought maybe it was all in my head, but the sharp pains that felt as if a knife were slicing me open were a constant reminder that it wasn’t.  The pain got so bad that I wasn’t able to wear jeans; loose fitting sweat pants and skirts were my only options and even then, it was a tad uncomfortable.

At this time, my parents were going through a divorce, I was going to school full-time and working part time and my emotions just piled up.  I would cry every single moment nobody was around that the feel of warm tears streaming down my face began to feel normal to me- it became as automatic as breathing. I looked forward to sleeping because, if only for a little while, my pain would be non-existent.  I was exhausted all the time and depressed because no one could tell me what was going on.  Fast-forward to about a year and a half later-after countless doctors visits, tests, and misdiagnosis- I was finally diagnosed with IC or interstitial cystitis which is a long-term (chronic) inflammation of the bladder wall.  My diet and lifestyle had to be changed. I have to avoid certain foods and really need to manage my stress, otherwise I have flares.  There is no cure as of now for IC and although it is manageable with medicine, I have my good days and bad days.

What I need to take back is my self-confidence that I am more than my illnesses.  It doesn’t matter what people left my life or if my life could have taken a different path had I never gotten this illness.  Nor can I let the looming fear that one day maybe my medications will no longer work, or what the future holds in regards to me having IC.  I need to constantly remind myself that the strength that carried me through this will continue throughout.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.  Trust me, it’s difficult to open up about something so personal but at the same time, I know there are people out there who may be going through a hard time and just know, you aren’t alone.  Don’t give up hope.  Everyone has a cross to bear, so to speak, and after enduring (and continuing to endure) this ordeal, I’ve learned we are more stronger and capable than we think.

What are you taking back? 

Stephanie 

 

TBWYCampaign

Comments

  2. Thanks for sharing your deep fears and experiences, Stephanie. Wow, you’re taking a big step in the healing process and helping others at the same time. Keep up the great work!! ^~^

    • Thank you Shanyn. It’s hard like I said to put yourself out there but if it helps others, I don’t mind. It’s definitely a process and I am fortunate to have such amazing people in my life to help me along the way, but ultimately it’s something I internally need to work on. Like you, your words are sweet Shanyn. Hope all is well. 🙂

  3. Awe Stephanie I had no idea you were going through something like this! Thank you for sharing your story. Being in pain is no fun at all of course. I hope that you’re able to control your symptoms. Having these kinds of illnesses can really take over our lives and we can’t let them do that. We can’t let them define who we are. They are a part of us yes but not all of us. I am so glad that you participated in this! Thank you! <3 xo

    • Yes, my symptoms have been controlled for a while now. Just that sometimes if I eat or drink something that doesn’t agree with me, or stress out a lot, I get pain. It reminds me that I need to slow down and re-evaluate. The medicine helps a lot though but you know, I still need to be careful. I know. I try not to let it bother me but sometimes I just sit and think about it and that’s what I am working on fixing. You’re right. They are a part of us but not all of us. Thanks so much for the support Katie! Honestly, it’s nerve-wrecking to put yourself out there like this but I hope that this helps others.

      • Oh believe me it really does help others! I have received emails from other beauty bloggers coming out to me with their health issues and how they thought it was so great that I shared mine. I am glad to hear that your medicine is helping you. I will do a lot better once I move back to Michigan where health care is a lot better. Just counting down the months. And thank you so much for your support!! <3 xo

  4. Wow, what a great post Stephanie! It sounds so scary and the unknown is what would give me nightmares forever. I wish you great luck in your journey to self confidence! While I don’t suffer from any physical ailments I was diagnosed with Bipolar Type 1, Depression, and OCD my senior year of high school, that was also scary and the hospitals weren’t fun. Maybe one day I will talk about that more but I understand the roller coaster of emotions and how everyday can be a battle. Take care and thank you for sharing xoxoxo Janet

    • Thank you Janet. Yes, not knowing is the worst, in my opinion because when you know, at least you have options-regardless if you like them or not. When you don’t know, you have no idea if you should have hope or not and you can’t even know what makes you feel better. 🙁 I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis. It is hard to share but there are so many brave bloggers that shared their story and I felt I needed to too. Thank you for reading and for the support. xo <3

  7. Such a great post. Thanks for courageously sharing your story. You have been through so much and your attitude and heart are so beautiful (as are you) im the midst of such a struggle. I hope someday you feel so much better, but for now hope you are able to find any relief you can from your pain. Sending you hugs! <3 xo

    • Thank you so much. It’s was hard but in the end I had two choices and I chose to keep going. It’s not easy for sure and I am sure there are days that my attitude is not the best but I am working on them. I have felt better with the medicine, I just have to be careful sometimes about what I eat/drink and not stress too much. Thanks for your kind words and I wish you the best too! I pray that you get your Spain! You deserve it! 🙂

      • It’s amazing how much you notice the effects of certain foods and stress on your health when you live with illness. I have to be careful, too. Praying for you! Thanks so much for the wish for Spain, lovely! I look forward to it becoming a reality someday. 🙂

        • That is so true. Even things that are supposed to be healthy for me, my body doesn’t agree with it. But it’s just a matter of paying attention and listening to your body. It will! We need to have faith. 🙂

  8. Great post Stephanie! I admire your courage for opening up and I believe you can take back your self confidence. I wish the medical system was more advanced so they could find the issues people come in with instead of having to continually test people and make them feel scared and confused. It’s awful when you feel like it is all in your mind. Trust your instincts and follow your heart and I believe you will do great things! Great post and thank you for sharing! 🙂

    • Thank you Cos! You’re always so kind and up-lifting. It was hard to do but I hope this gives people some hope. I think I can take back my self-confidence too, it’s just a process. I know, I wish there was more information about IC so that the diagnosis wouldn’t be so lengthy. I think also the fact that this occurs mostly in people over 40 is why it took longer. Doctors weren’t expecting it. I know I say this a lot but thanks so much for your support. It means a lot to hear (or in this case read) such motivating advice. 🙂

  9. First off ((big hugs))!! I can’t even imagine what’s that’s like and how difficult it would be to have that pain all the time. I’ve had UTI’s when I was pregnant, it’s super easy to get them when you are pregnant, I hated it, so I can only think how awful it would be to feel like that almost all the time. 🙁 I would probably just curl up into a ball on my bed. I’m so glad things are bit better now for you, I hope you find the strength to know your are more than just your illness! Because you are worth more than that! <3 We're always here to listen if you need an ear to bend. You deserve every ounce of your self-confidence back! xoxo

    • Thank you Jen. Oh, trust me they are the worst. 🙁 Yes, things are a lot better except on certain days of the month, if I stress out a lot or eat/drink something that doesn’t agree with my body. Not too long ago I was incorporating chia seeds into my snack and this aggravated my symptoms so I had to stop. I can eat it like maybe once a week and be okay but not everyday. It’s frustrating to say the least but I know it could be a lot worse. Awww thanks for the kind words. I know I am more than my illness but it gets hard to see past that sometimes you know. But, that is what I am working on. Thanks for reading and listening Jen. I appreciate it. 🙂

      • Oh I love chia seeds, I mix it in my yogurt once in a while. That’s too bad that if you have too many to starts to bother you. I guess everything you eat is like trial and error. Sometimes I feel that way if I eat something that has a ridiculous amount of gluten. You’re so strong! Keep up the good fight! xoxo

        • I think it’s the high potassium levels. Potassium,cranberries and soy are my main triggers. 🙁 Luckily, companies are starting to include soy-free products which is heaven sent. 🙂 I like chia seeds too but oh well. Are you gluten sensitive? Well when it comes down to it, you have two options: be strong or give up and I choose to keep going. There are dark days but I am happy that I have good friends who are there for me and my new found WordPress friends. 🙂

          • I do think I have some kind of gluten sensitivity. Every time I go on a low carb and grain free type of diet and then reintroduce certain food like white bread or bagels I feel so sick, like sharp pains. Once my body gets use to those foods again I’m ok but yeah I won’t those all the time. Good for you for picking the best option of keep going! We wordpress ladies are a good bunch I think, we totally here for you! 🙂

          • Sorry to hear that. I know white bread isn’t the best or so I’ve heard because don’t you just love the fact that one year white bread is bad and wheat is good and then the next white bread turns out to be better than wheat? Ugh, so annoying it’s a wonder we can eat anything at all, haha. Yes, the WP gals are the best and if you ever need to vent, I’m here for ya. 🙂

          • Aw, your sweet! Thank you! Yep, we hear one thing is good and the other bad for you and then is vis versa with the info. It’s all very confusing!

  10. Great post Stephanie <3 Sorry for the nightmares you had to go through. ((Huge hugs))
    I am happy you are doing better and getting stronger, you will take back your self-confidence and be even more stronger than ever before.

  11. You’re so brave for sharing your story and it’s even more amazing to have you join the campaign. Keep your head up and know we’re all here to support you x

  12. Awe hun! You are such a beautiful person inside and out! I’m sorry for the difficult times you’ve went through. You’re definitely a strong person. And I’m sorry you have chronic pain. I relate to you a lot. You inspire me and encourage me. And I know by doing this post you will be an inspiration to others as well! We all support and wish you nothing but the very best! =D ♡ xoxo

    • Thank you Brooke! It means a lot. Yes, the chronic pain sucks but it’s not as bad as it was before unless I eat or drink something that doesn’t agree with my condition. You’re also an inspiration to me and many others. I am so sorry for what you are going through- I can’t even begin to imagine it but you are a strong and talented woman who I believe will go very far. Never stop pursuing your dreams Brooke. Here for you if you ever need to vent. 🙂