Ageing and getting older.
The golden chapters of one’s life.
It seems I’ve been talking about growing old up quite a bit lately.
Could it be I’m beginning to feel the strain of attempting to vinify like fine wine? I realise there will come a day when sheetmasks can no longer eradicate the aftermath of a scant 3, 4 hours of sleep or (she quietly confesses), the consequences of going to bed without removing the gunk from one’s face. When the lure of a needle may very well silence the fear of judgement and appeal to the narcissist in me which, I’m well aware, lurks barely below the surface of my vanity.
I suspect all these thoughts have to do with several factors, not the least being that end this month, I intend to go for a procedure called CoolSculpting.
HOLD THE BULLETS
I LOOK CROSS-EYED IN THE FIRST PICTURE GRIN
So, yes, hold your fire.
It’s been on my mind for some time. This weight that I’ve gained. Over the past 12 months, I’ve gone from 110lbs to 160lbs, and I wish it’d been as a result of consuming more sweeties than are good for me, or over-indulging in carbs. At least, in those instances, I would’ve enjoyed myself in the process. Instead, the tipping of scales has been due to my health. A non-functioning thryoid gland as well as hormonal rollercoaster rides made worse by being forced to take steroids to stay alive amidst Angioedema and Lupus flare-ups.
IT SUCKS. QUITE A BIT.
A downstream consequence of taking Prednisone for extended timeframes is steroid-induced osteoporosis, and I fear that’s what’s happened to my knees. It may not be obvious from these photos but I actually need help getting up when seated. And when I stand up, I have to pause for 10-15 seconds before I can walk. I can no longer kneel or sit on the floor. I just drop my ass down, for lack of a more genteel description GRIN and whenever I do cardio, I’ll pay for it dearly. Which doesn’t necessarily stop me but it’s a pain. Literally.
And that’s why I’ve opted to do CoolSculpting. Take some load off my knees before they completely give way and I lose them permanently. I’m sorry. I didn’t set out writing today’s post with the intention of being so serious and sombre but sometimes, that’s how the land lies. I toyed long and hard about sharing this. I never know how much is too much, and whether I ought reveal only the happy bits, you know. Or only the challenges which have since been overcome with white picket fences.
But as we all know, I am nothing if not forthcoming. For better or for worse 🙂
BY THE BY, WHAT'S YOUR TAKE ON BOTOX?
Love, Sheela
p/s photos by Sofia Touassa
See where I link up here.
Sheela Writes 
Best wishes my dear. You look lovely and I hope your health improves with the procedure.
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Thank you so much, Kate, I hope so too. I’m placing a great deal of, well, hope in it 🙂 xoxo
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You go my beautiful badass friend. Whether the procedure is for health reasons or for the simple fact it will make you feel better about yourself it’s your own damn business! If my husband wouldn’t have a cow over the expense I would get fillers/Botox in a heartbeat. After having a baby my girls were a hot mess…one of them was down to my ankles and there was a full cup size difference between the two…so ya, I got me a new pair. I felt a million times better about myself and could’ve cared less what anyone else thought about it.😉
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
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THANK YOU!!!! I felt stupid apologising pre-emptively for wanting to do something which does not involve anyone save me 🙂 and I don’t think anyone ought to be viewed any lesser just because they sought external assistance. I’ve had Botox injections twice but they were both for chronic migraine so the jabs were around my temples and the entire outline of the back of my head. Nothing for the forehead or eyes. Sigh GRIN
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Well I’m super interested to see how this goes for you. That kind of weight gain due to health issues has got to get you down.
One thing for sure is you would never know it by looking at you. You look fabulous. You’re hiding that pain very well.
I hope you achieve the results you’re looking for.
bisous
Suzanne
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I do too, Suzanne, I need some of the weight reduced and quickly before my knees give way completely 🙂 it’s a vicious cycle at the moment xoxoxo
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I LOVE people who keep it real and share when their life isn’t all roses. We all struggle, and it’s nice to know one isn’t alone. Even though you got an especially raw deal with all your health issues. I’m so sorry!
I hope the CoolSculpting will help. Good luck!!
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Ha, I thought CoolSculpting is a treatment for your knees! Duh, should have clicked on the link first. Anyway, good luck! If you have to gain weight due to medication (without the pleasure of delicious food), you take any help you can to get rid of it! No shame.
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No shame whatsoever, my friend. One must do what is necessary in order to survive and thrive 🙂 xoxoxo
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OMG Sheela you are in my prayers. Sorry about the pain and I hope the procedure goes well. Thank you for being strong and for sharing.
Fashion wise both your ombre rainbow dress and your shoes are divine and I would love for you to link up this outfit today as I am hosting my own linkup called “Thursday Moda” so welcome by and link up. Thanks so much, Ada. =)
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Thank you so very much, Ada, that is so immensely kind of you. Thank you thank you. For your kind words, and for everything else xoxo
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Thank you Sheela for sharing what’s been on your mind and the hardships of the past 12 months. I know you left me a comment about wanting to share real life hardships and reality and not knowing how to best do it but here you did and you did well. I love your view at the end where you are standing strong,wearing those killer heel babies and living the best you can though I am sure some days are probably better than others. Prayers are being sent your way for a grand day and for the days to come.
Thank you for linking up to “Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me”
Rachel xo
http://garaytreasures.com
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Ahhhh yes, I remember writing that. I am always worrying over whether what I see as sharing is perceived as TMI, whether readers are turned off by far from perfect scenarios. And what constitutes middle ground in such a situation. I’ve always enjoyed visiting your blog because it’s so real, so genuine. It feels like a place wherein I can really, quite literally, let my hair down, and just be me, pour out my woes. Like therapy GRIN
I shan’t lie, the past 12 months have been horrid. In fact, the past 3 years have been nothing sort of nightmarish. It’s almost precisely 3 years ago when the first diagnosis was made. Since then, everything has been tough. But taking that first step in consciously deciding to live happy, to be happy, has made such a difference 🙂 I can feel the lilt return to my step again. Thank you for all your very kind words, Rachel, and your prayers, I really really REALLY appreciate it xoxoxo
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It’s horrible being in pain – I should know, having suffered a back injury so you won’t get any judgments from me. In fact I admire your honesty in sharing this with us. I hope it works for you. It must be quite frightening not being able to stand properly and do all the normal things people take for granted.
http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
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It is. A nightmare. I work out 7 days a week, sometimes twice a day, for the past 6 years, and to face this turn of events now is, quite honestly, sent me off into great depression. I’m still struggling because I feel that acceptance equates admitting defeat. But I do know when to accept a little helping hand which, in this instance, is taking some load off my knees 🙂 thank you so much for your kind thoughts, Jacqueline xoxoxo
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So glad to find your blog! I’m an over 40 blogger myself (and honestly, only a year from 50). I love your style and your voice! So sorry to hear about your health problems – aging sucks sometimes :)! I’ll be thinking of you – good luck with your procedure.
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I wish it were to do with ageing per se, Lana 🙂 but yes, health problems suck. And I’m hoping to rectify it a little. Thank you so much for your kind words xoxoxo
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Love this! Great pos! x
http://www.fromluxewithlove.com
http://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/from-luxe-with-love-14590195
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Thank you so very much, Natalie. Have a lovely weekend ahead xoxo
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Good luck to you Sheela! Thank you for sharing your personal story. I am an older woman like you and I struggle with the journey sometimes too. I will say a prayer for you and your upcoming procedure. Looking fabulous here and loving the sunnies and heels!
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
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Thank you very very much for your kind words, Katherine. Ageing gracefully is one thing, ageing in optimal comfort would be ideal 🙂 xoxo
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Thanks so much for sharing at Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop! I can’t wait to see what you bring next week!
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Thank you so much for saying that, Rina, I really appreciate it 🙂 have a lovely Sunday xo
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I’ll Whatsapp you my more elaborate responses, but wanted to you know I love, I’m thinking of you, and I’m with you.
Please feel my hug that I’m sending right now!
Love, Annie
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Thanks, babe. It’s been a rough time xoxo
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I hope it all works all for you, Dear. It must be so hard going through all that. And still you keep blogging and looking so cool! You’re inspirational.
And thanks so much for linking up with My Refined Style link up.
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
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It is, I shan’t lie, Dawn. I have so many moments of just wanting to give up that I’ve lost count but I can’t give up. I love my daughter and my man far too much 🙂 xoxo
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Good luck with your procedure and I hope that it will ease some of your pain. I agree that having health issues as we age is not fun. I am glad we have this community to vent to one another.
Thank you for being a part of TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you soon!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
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It sucks!!! Especially when it’s caused by an autoimmune disorder, those things come at you from nowhere. Sigh. Thank you, Alice xoxo
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Your shoes are amazing! Thanks for linking up with me last week, hope to see you again tomorrow. I’ll be pinning this to the linkup Pinterest board.
http://www.jerseygirltexanheart.com
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Thank you so much!! I saved and scrimped for this pair 🙂
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Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style. Tomorrow is the 50th. I hope you can make it. I love your outfit and the orange glasses are such an unexpected twist. The shoes are a must-have!
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Thank you, Nicole 🙂 my daughter has insisted that I bequeath them to her in my will GRIN
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