The Fight Back Begins - YouLookFab Forum

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The Fight Back Begins

RoseandJoan

Veteran

For too long I have been pinned to the ropes with the ref counting down, in the last year I have lost my Mum, fractured my wrist and been diagnosed with rheumatism. I have been knocked down, my legs have wobbled but I am not out and fighting back.

I am feeling assertive at this juncture of my life, I am not a victim of my circumstances and choose to embrace all aspects of life including fashion.

That is why I will say *yes* to the trends that tickle my toes, fight against outmoded style rules and support my fellow Fabbers in their style endeavours.

Apologies for the self indulgent post I just felt the need to explain where I am and where I hope to go.

Yours

Fashion Faerie/ Rebel Heart AKA Jules

General

53 replies

Latest reply was from marianna

Aziraphale

Veteran

Jules, just so you know, you are one of my role models -- style and otherwise. xo

MsMaven

Veteran

I'm sorry to learn about your troubles--this was a lot to deal with all at once. However, I say "Best post ever!" I love your fighting spirit.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Mutual appreciation club there Aziraphale, thank you.

Thank you Ms Maven for the vote of confidence.

Anonymous

Cheers to having a strong spirit and fighting the good fight!

deb

Veteran

Here, here!!!!!!!!

Anonymous

Reading and nodding in solidarity. I think we hit an age (not sure where you are , but I'm nearing mid 50's now, ouch) where life challenges us more than we would like. I'm having a similar time right now myself - and your attitude is fantastic. It's all we can really do, isn't it?

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I'm 38 Lisa, but, I ain't lying down. I walked 50km with my wee dog this week just to prove I can.

I've spent the last few weeks feeling sorry for myself and the only person it hurts is me. No more. I'm sorry to here you're in the same situation xo

Kari

Veteran

Yes, yes, yes! I am cheering for you. I love your attitude, but am so sorry that it's also been a year of loss and physical challenges/pain.

Last year was a knock down year for me as well. I lost my grandpa and two pets-all 3 of whom passed away peacefully in my hands. My physical and mental health broke down, I took a long medical leave of absence, and ultimately decided to leave my stressful big corporate job. It has been a struggle. I decided to stride forward in a broader career path and pursue professional certification in my field through night classes and a test I'll be taking in June. The new job, while not perfect, has actually made me more marketable in my field.

I know this is a big part of my making some major changes in my style. Focus on colors that make me happy; wear pants in a way that still feels pretty and feminine, but with greater assertiveness. Build a fragrance wardrobe that feels as playful and versatile as my clothing wardrobe does. Splurge on a couple carefully chosen, versatile accessories that I will wear for years. Not get hung up on what I don't like or what doesn't work for me (cropped flares, at least not yet) but keep an open mind towards the PERFECT way to try a new trend (hello harem pants, to my surprise!) it feels empowering.

Toban

Veteran

Love this post! It resonant a with my personal journey this year.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Perhaps we can virtually hold hands over the next leg of our style Kari, I applaud the brave choices you have made.

Tanya

Veteran

I am very sorry to hear everything that has been going on, Jules, but I applaud your spirit. I completely empathize as I have been going through a lot myself in the past couple of years.. Fashion and style have been one of the rare positives throughout the whole mess for me, and I am sure they can do that for many others.

Momo

Veteran

Woo hoo! Love this ❤️

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Tanya, my worries have been nothing compared to yours, the way you have maintained your grace over such a challenging time is awe inspiring.

Meow

Veteran

You go Girl! I'm with you. Fashion is such a nice way to forget our troubles and be happy.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Jules!!! You are brilliant and one of our most thoughtful and interesting and inspiring forum members. I am so sorry you've had such an awful year. Going in style is the best revenge. Rock on!!

rachylou

Veteran

Go tiger!

Barbara Diane

Veteran

Sorry for what you have been through, cheers to what's ahead.

kkards

Veteran

Well, we are all In your corner. We can/will be your cheerleaders,we can help coach, or we can jump into the ring with you, or we can do all 3-- just let us know what you need!

Anonymous

Cheers from my corner as well.

MTBGirl

Veteran

No apologies! I bet it feels good to put it out there. I'm sorry to hear of your struggles. I admire your attitude! You are embracing life in the right way! Power to the SHE!

Staysfit

Veteran

Sending you much support and positive energy as you work through all these difficulties.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Ugh, I'm sorry it's been such a rough time. I understand how it is. I'm still waiting for 2016 to brighten up a bit (since we got home from a vacation in January, I've lost a friend to cancer, cleaned 15 years of industrial strength cat pee out of a rental house so I can put it on the market, watched my stepson have a medical relapse, and then I came down with the nastiest flu I've ever had, which I'm still recovering from). I know things will get better, but those tough times will certainly test you, won't they?

I'm cheering you on as well. I love your attitude, and I'm also feeling less inclined to put up with BS and more likely to assert myself these days, in all kinds of ways. High five, Jules! You're a strong and kickass lady.

chirico (Chiara)

(website)

Veteran

You go girl!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

MUSIC to my ears, Jules. You've been through a lot in the last 4 years, and I've always admired your strength, selfless, level headed and positive approach to the obstacles that lie ahead of you. And through all of this you support others with grace, humour and integrity. You're a role model to us all. I'm cheering you on all the way, with lots of love.

(P.s. FWIW, I HIGHLY recommend that you get into yoga for your aches, pains, and state of mind. It's strength building both emotionally and physically. I began yoga as a way to cope with my own grief, and it has helped me more than I can express into words).

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

p.s. I will never forget how you've supported me and YLF either.

Gigi

Veteran

That is one wonderful attitude! I have had a lot of severe health problems for the past several years, and I have found that doing what I *feel* like doing in fashion has been a big emotional booster for me. I wear what I want to wear (I am 42), and I enjoy it!

Anonymous

That's a heck of a lot to deal with Jules. I really admire your spirit and positivity. Here's to the future!

Kari

Veteran

Angie, I'm so glad that practicing yoga has helped you work through grief and restore your strength.

That reminds me, my grandma began practicing yoga (I think in her late 50's or early 60's) after recuperating from aggressive treatment for breast cancer. It was a therapeutic/restorative yoga with ability to adapt or use supportive postures for those who need it. It was very healing for her. She was a big believer in meditation.

I would love to find a studio like that. I like yoga but got turned off by so many in the area that focus on competition/pushing yourself. I'm always going to be one of the heavier and less flexible class members, even when I was at a much lower weight, and often felt unwelcome in some classes because instructors wanted students with a competitive mindset (the crossfit/spin type.)

Kari

Veteran

Jules, I will always be willing to hold your hand. I'm so glad that you are here and are courageously challenging yourself after such a rough time. But don't beat yourself up if you need to sit back and process and feel sad from time to time, either. That's part of healing.

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