CV19: Braless
We might be stuck inside, but I feel so free because it is the perfect time to go braless! Not having to put on a regular back-clasp shaping bra, or wriggling into a one-piece lacy bralette, or worse, a too-tight lycra sports bra, is a tremendous gift for my physical and emotional well being.
OK, in reality, I only occasionally wear them anyway. Half the week I work from home and when I’ve needed to be out in public this winter, I employed the use of strategic layering instead, usually with a soft camisole or tank top as the first layer.
I’m having a mini-obsession about my breasts these days. One, it feels good to have them wrapped in soft, warm clothing while basking in the comfort of home, supporting eight hours a day of engaging on social media, and cooking, cleaning, and reading and writing. This has been a good week for my breasts and possibly breasts of women around the world who have felt free to go without a bra while sequestered in the privacy of their homes. If you’ve never tried it, I highly recommend a full day of freeing your boobs!
Two, I’m at that time of the year where I note the cancer-versary of my first round of chemo March 22, 2013, and last round of chemo, March 20, 2014, the year that rogue cells in my breasts tried to do me in, permanently.
I live with the thrum of constant pain in my breasts from cancer surgeries in 2013. Little lumps were removed, one from each side and a lymph node, too. The pain isn’t something I call my attention to on most days since the feeling has been with me so long. And the level of pain fluctuates with varying factors — weather, hormones, weight, movement. The one constant is that pain increases with constriction. And bras constrict, boost, and re-form. A traditional underwire-style bra has a connection point where the bottom of the cup and side/back strap meet that hits exactly where I had a lumpectomy, so only on important occasions or with specific dresses do I wear one of those.
That year of hyper awareness of my body and its immune system and being invaded by disease is … kinda like today. This moment in time where now millions of people are getting a taste of what it is like for immunocompromised and chronically ill people to live their everyday lives. Wash hands a lot, avoid sick people, wear a mask, restrict interactions with the world, and stay inside to have a better chance at survival.
Plus, when thrust into even semi-isolation, there is quick realization that humans need love, companionship, exercise, safe and nourishing foods, and supportive physical and mental health care through these experiences.
It is a little thing to be able to go braless and not worry about what that means in society. And it feels incredible to relieve some pain and bring comfort in such a simple way, too.
What are you doing for comfort? To ease your physical or emotional pain? To bring joyful moments into your home?
Bodies are AMAZING! Let’s be good to ours.
Following up from earlier posts:
Extroverts are adjusting to isolation: I called and texted and left a voice mail telling my sister that I blogged she’s M.I.A. and then… magic, I did hear back!
These are my actual social media stats for the week:
- Average 8 hours 1 minute per day,
- Up 49% from the previous week
- A total of 56 hours in the week of physical isolation
- Of the 56, 22 hours and 38 minutes were reading and reference time
Failure Point: My daily walking distance is 2.5 miles LESS than my usual average. Today I will be walking a lot more, even if that is laps around my house.
Restocked: A fresh supply of toilet paper has arrived at the house, and I’m still thinking that someday it might be a great idea to put bidets in the other bathrooms.
This is not a drill: We know real people who have positive test results. We know people who are suffering. This is not a drill or a hoax; it is relevant to every human.
The more you know: Must-read Coronavirus article of the week, Virologist David Ho Speaks About COVID-19