We do not realize how strong we are until being strong is our only option.
Though I do not mention it often on my blog, August of 2006 was that time for me.
Everyday I live with the chronic autoimmune disorder, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
Some days are more of a struggle than others but if I were to look back on the exponential personal growth I have achieved during these seven years, I would not change a thing.
When people ask how I am able to maintain such a positive outlook through all of the situations and heartbreaks thrown my way, my answer is always the same.
No matter how bad my situation may seem, nothing is more effective than keeping a clear head and positive attitude. When I was told I had a life threatening illness, that was about as bad as things got.
So no matter how bad of a day I am having, how many things go wrong, how badly someone treats me, it is still a pretty darn good day.
I do not talk about my illness often but when I do, it is to increase awareness, to inspire and encourage others to share their stories and remind them to count their blessings.
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| Making the Running For Lupus sign |
But Georgina. Why the blue wig!?
A community I belong to, The Clever Girls Collective, has started The Fierce Fund.
In October of 2012, one of the Clever Girls co-founders Sheila Bernus Dowd was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. After undergoing surgery, chemotherapy and radiation I can happily say she is in full remission today!
Throughout all of her treatments, Sheila continued to work at Clever Girls while also running the annual fundraiser at her children’s school.
It was there her love for hats and fake hair (read: Traveling Blue Wig Project) began.
In 2013, The Fierce Fund will be donating $20,000 to a nonprofit that celebrates, encourages and elevates all females.
Click here to help select the recipient of the Fierce Fund Grant.
When did something arise in your life that forced you to be fierce?
May it be work, relationship, family, academic related!
P!nky
October 18, 2013LOVE the wig! FUN!
Georgina
October 21, 2013Thanks love! xo
MarlaJan
October 18, 2013Awww honey, I am SO proud of you for talking about your illness and helping to raise awareness! With the recent Judge Judy comments (have you seen/heard?), more lupus awareness from strong women like you is exactly what we need!!!! <3
You are GORGEOUS!
Georgina
October 21, 2013Thank you Marla – you're actually my inspiration when it comes to sharing so thank YOU for all that you do spreading awareness xo
Kelby
October 18, 2013Love this post!! Facing a scary disease myself, I understand how you feel. May the fierceness always prevail. 🙂
Kelby
http://peachypains.com
Georgina
October 21, 2013Thank you so much Kelby, I was thinking of you while writing this post xo
Always Maylee
October 18, 2013I absolutely love how positive you are!
xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee
Georgina
October 21, 2013There is no other way to be (p.s. you're exactly the same silly!!) xo
salemstylecrochet.com
October 18, 2013I love this post. I think it's amazing that you are spreading awareness with your own experiences and inspiring others to be strong and count their blessings. Thank you very much for sharing Georgina.
<3
Lianna
Georgina
October 21, 2013Thank YOU for your sweet words Lianna! If I am able to inspire one person, my job is done (for the day, tomorrow it all starts again!) xo
Couture Carrie
October 18, 2013You are amazing, darling!
What a great cause!
xoxox,
CC
Georgina
October 21, 2013Thank you so much Carrie!
ellie
October 18, 2013Its great to read how positive you are. Such a cool wig too!
Georgina
October 21, 2013Thank you so much Ellie!
ivy
October 18, 2013Such a great message! All the best on your creativity and everything you do.
Georgina
October 21, 2013Thank you so much Ivy!
Chidiogo Maxwell
October 20, 2013Absolutely amazing! <3
Georgina
October 21, 2013Thank you! 🙂
Shana Norris
October 21, 2013I hadn't heard of The Fierce Fund, Georgina. Thanks for sharing the message.
Georgina
October 21, 2013Thank YOU for tweeting the post Shana 🙂
Emily Gilbert
October 21, 2013I think it's wonderful how you choose to deal with your illness. Instead of wallowing in a corner, you are proactive about it, and also about other peoples causes and tribulations. I don't even know you in "Real life" and I have so much respect for you. I am however sorry that you do have to live with an illness day in and day out. While I'm sure the disease is varied and some days you feel fine, and others horrible- you seem to be handling it with such grace.
Georgina
October 21, 2013Thank you Emily you have no idea how much your words mean to me and how they will be a constant reminder to continue handling things with grace xo
p.s. I am pretty sure we would be friends IRL
Megan Stylish + Scatterbrained
October 22, 2013Wow, you were already an inspiring woman to me, and I now even more so. Thank you so much for opening up and raising awareness that I was not aware of until reading this post. You are one tough cookie and I love the light and positivity you share with those you cross paths with! I love the blue wig and am heading on over to check out the organization now!
Faith
October 23, 2013Georgina you are so inspiring. I read this with tears in my eyes. Not due to pity but because of true admiration for you. You are an example of the spirit I choose to have everyday. You are beautiful inside and out. Thank you for this post. It hit home for me.