Gees! What a ride!

My little tribute to live, laugh, love, dance….

There was a time, not too long ago, when being unwell drained every bit of energy I had. Even the simplest things became difficult.

I stopped caring about clothing, makeup, hairstyles, and general grooming beyond basic hygiene. Nausea meant I couldn’t wear my false teeth. Shoulder pain made tying my shoes a challenge.

Shopping, something I used to absolutely love, became overwhelming. I once enjoyed wandering the aisles, hunting for a bargain or finding something nice to wear. Now, it was exhausting. The bright lights, the constant noise, the conversations, the crowds—it all demanded energy I simply didn’t have.

Slowly, my appearance changed.

I went from someone who had her eyebrows done, coloured her hair, painted her nails, wore makeup, and straightened her hair… to someone who looked, in my eyes, like an old homeless person. No teeth. Old clothes or hand-me-downs. No makeup. Hair tied back under a hat.

As my appearance changed, so did my confidence.

I became embarrassed by how I looked and how I dressed, so I isolated myself. I convinced myself people were judging me.

Then one day, something as simple as putting on my socks made me stop and think.

The little seam across my toes was irritating me, and I caught myself wondering, Why do I wear my socks the “right” way?

Is it because that’s what we’re taught? Because it’s what’s considered normal? Because somewhere along the way I learnt that doing things differently somehow meant I wasn’t good enough?

I honestly don’t know the answer. Maybe it’s a combination of all those things.

What I do know is this…

I now wear my socks inside out.

Maybe it’s because they’re more comfortable. Maybe it’s one small thing I can control when so much feels out of my control. Or maybe I’m simply too tired to care what anyone else thinks.

But it led me to an even bigger question:

How much of what we do every day is simply to appear “normal”? To fit in? To avoid judgement?

Illness has taught me something I wish I’d learnt much earlier.

Who cares?

Who cares what you’re wearing? Who cares if your hair isn’t done, your makeup isn’t perfect, or someone decides to judge you?

That’s their burden to carry—not yours.

Life is hard enough without spending precious energy trying to meet someone else’s expectations.

So wear your socks inside out if that’s what makes you comfortable.

Wear the old clothes. Skip the makeup. Put your comfort before someone else’s opinion.

Do what makes you happy.