Don't Just Get Clean

I was watching an episode of Queer Eye the other night and a topic came up that resonated with me. One of the people on the show said something to the effect of: When you're showering, don't just have the intention of "getting clean." Rather see it as a time just for you. Honor yourself. Make it an experience and take time to connect with your body.

Since I view my body as a betrayer, this is very hard for me. Medical trauma is very real. I thought about what I had heard. The person on the receiving end of this advice was also a big giver to other people. I reflected back on what I think of my body and how I have treated it since becoming ill and I saw something interesting.

In the past I would shave my head because it was easier to just not think about or fuss with my hair. (Or because I was too weak to shampoo my hair.) I don't wear makeup often because I don't like the feel of it. I didn't wash my face (outside of a shower) because my complexion was clear. I just stopped spending time on my looks. This all coincided with my illness.

Yes, I would go back and forth on coloring my hair. I wanted to go natural, but then I would feel like I looked old and sick and I would switch it up again.

But something recently changed.

I can't pinpoint it exactly.

Firstly it could have been my wonderful birthday party. Being around such magnificent women and being restored with feminine energy. It really was a magical evening.

Secondly it could have been me learning about animal testing and the cruelty in the beauty industry. Everything from our shampoo, deodorant to my face products were from evil companies. I vowed to do better this year.

Slowly I made a shift. 

I started by learning more about what "mature" skin needs and the changes that happen with age. I'm growing my hair out again (though I'm done with color... for now.) I tried out a brand that I'd used a few of their products in the past and liked them. They are local, woman owned, Vegan and cruelty free. I'm super happy with what I've bought so far.

Next I made a new skincare routine for myself. I do it every morning and every night. It is some special time just for me to relax and meditate. I'm trying to take extra good care of my eyes to prevent future styes.

I have a very simple makeup routine that doesn't feel gross on my skin. Again, using natural cruelty free brands.

I'm trying to "feel into my skin." Not just dissociate and "get clean." 

Going All Natural

So my hair (and body hair) isn't the only thing that's going natural lately. I took stock of my beauty items and household items and want to make some changes there as well. Given my health challenges I think it might be helpful to try and go "as natural" as possible. 

(But not filterless. At least not ALL the time.)

For me that means avoiding things like added chemicals, scents and ingredients that I don't need and that could cause me to react in some way. It's insane the crap that is added into products, especially products for women. You can read more about it in this great article in The Guardian titled Pretty hurts: are chemicals in beauty products making us ill? 

I'll call this group "Level 1".  It's things I use that go directly on my body. Makeup, lotion, soap. Keeping away from dyes and sulfates. Your skin is your largest organ and what you put on it is very important. 

Level 1 - Skin, Body Care

• toothpaste (my favorite)
• shampoo (the one I just bought to try) 
• lotion (I like to use organic coconut oil)
• face toner (Witch Hazel works fantastic and is super cheap)
• soap
• makeup (I rarely wear it, but Gabriel and Zuzu are my top brands)
• deodorant (my favorite from Etsy)

I've tried to make my own natural skin care items through the years and I've learned it's much cheaper for me to buy from people who know what they're doing. My husband can attest to this. My "home made shampoo" fiasco of 2014 ended in $100 worth of shampoo. It was a mess.

I like to buy on Etsy when I find a good "maker" who doesn't use chemicals like the store brands. Reading labels is soooo important. As is not "drinking the girl koolaide". I swear that I go through this purge like twice a year. My husband must be so sick of it by now. I'm sure he thinks "Oh yeah! It's the annual 'Go Natural' time!" I'll start off great then something will catch my eye or FOMO will kick in and I'll slip down that glitter Maybelline slide. Well not this time because it's not worth risking my health.

This time I want to take it up a notch to...

Level 2 - House, Home Environment

• Glass Tupperware not plastic (been doing this for years)
• Silicone baggies instead of plastic
• Natural laundry pods (this is what I'd like to try) 
• No dryer sheets
• Natural dish pods
• Using vinegar, tea tree oil, castor soap, baking soda to clean instead of chemicals
• Make my own wet mop pads

I'm also not replacing anything till what we have is run out (I can hear my husband breathe a sigh of relief). And a few things I'm keeping in place till our son doesn't live with us anymore. Like the Clorox toilet cleaner.

But wait! There's more!

Level 3 - Healthcare & Diet

• Sticking to a diet of fish, eggs, good oils and avocados as main sources of protein.
• Cutting out processed, refined foods.
• Researching my condition more (Metabolic Myopathy)
• Being open to alternative options (what I eat, fitness, conditioning, supplements. Supplements have made a huge difference in my condition.)
• Getting back in the water, even if it's just to float around. 

By opting out of the chemical filled culture not only am I helping myself, my family and my puppy. But I'm also supporting an industry whose values more mirror my own. Fair trade, recycling, small business, women owned companies, social justice, all are very important to me. Every dollar is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in. And because some of these things cost more I like to think I may even consume less.

And as far as my heath goes I am slowly learning that I am the professional, everyone else works for me to help me feel and be my best. That goes for me as a consumer as well as me the "patient". And it goes for you too!

(I received no incentives and I'm in no way affiliated with any of the links on this blog.)