International Women's Day: A Celebration of Progress and Inclusion

Each year on March 8th, the world comes together to recognise the remarkable achievements and power of women and all those who identify along the gender spectrum. I'm sure you've come across it by now as I've noticed it gaining more momentum in recent years, which is wonderful.

IWD's roots stretch back over a century to 1909, a time when the fight for women's voting rights and improved working conditions was gaining momentum. The Socialist Party of America commemorated a garment workers' strike in New York. A year later, Clara Zetkin, a trailblazing socialist feminist, proposed an international day for women's rights at a socialist conference. March 8th 1911, saw the first official IWD celebrations across Europe, with over a million people rallying for voting rights, better working conditions, and an end to war.

The focus on peace became even more prominent during World War I, with women across Europe using IWD to protest the violence. The United Nations officially recognized IWD in 1975, during International Women's Year.

In recent years, IWD has expanded its focus to include and celebrate transgender and non-binary individuals recognising that the experiences of womanhood are beautifully diverse, and striving to uplift all voices.  This is echoed in this year's theme, which is "Inspire Inclusion," a call for understanding and valuing the importance of including everyone in the journey toward a more equitable world.

Celebrating in the UK

I couldn't find a large-scale, nationally organized Women's March today, so I don't think there is one this year, but there will be plenty of local events today and probably over the weekend. The fact that it's Mothering Sunday this weekend will probably encourage a lot more events to run. Expect to find engaging talks, workshops, marches, film screenings, and art exhibitions that shine a light on the contributions of women and non-binary individuals across the country. Many organizations also host insightful online events for wider accessibility. Fingers crossed for good weather for all the outside events! 

IWD offers a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the progress we've made and to envision a future where equality is the norm. While we set aside this special day, let's remember that we can champion the spirit of IWD every single day. I certainly try to, as it's so close to my heart. I'm sure you can all see from my site that championing Women's empowerment, across the entire spectrum, is as the heart of what I do. 

 xxxx

Breast Cancer Awareness: The Importance of Self-Checks

It's been a while since I did a reminder about breast health and checks, so it's time for a refresh. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, with early detection being absolutely crucial in improving treatment outcomes and survival rates. Regular breast self-examinations are a simple yet important step in increasing awareness of your body and potentially catching any concerning changes early on.

Why Breast Self-Checks Matter

• Familiarity with your body: Self-checks help you understand what feels normal for your breasts. This makes it easier to spot any potential changes or abnormalities.
• Early detection: While self-checks don't replace professional mammograms, they can play a role in finding breast changes early when treatment may be most successful.
• Empowerment: Taking charge of your own breast health can be empowering and reassuring.

How to Perform a Breast Self-Check

Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Visual Check:

   • Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and arms at your sides.
   • Look for any changes in the size, shape, or color of your breasts.
   • Check for any dimpling, puckering of the skin, unusual redness, or nipple discharge.
   • Repeat with your arms raised above your head.

2. Lying-Down Check:

   • Lie down on your back and place a pillow under your right shoulder.
   • Use your left hand to examine your right breast. Use the pads of your three middle fingers, moving in small circular motions with varying levels of pressure (light, medium, firm) to feel all the breast tissue.
   • Start at your armpit and slowly sweep across to your cleavage, then move down to the edge of your ribs. Continue this in an up-and-down pattern until you've covered your entire breast.
   • Repeat on your left breast, using your right hand.

3. Shower Check:

   • The warmth and wetness of the shower can make it easier to feel your breast tissue.
   • Using a soapy hand, use the same technique as the lying down check to examine both breasts.

What to Look For:

• New lumps or thickening in your breast or armpit
• Change in breast size or shape
• Changes to the skin of the breast – dimpling, rashes, redness
• Nipple changes - inversion (turning inward), unusual discharge

Important Reminders

• Frequency: Many experts recommend performing breast self-checks monthly.
• Timing: It's ideal to do self-checks a few days after your period ends, when breasts are likely to be less tender.
• Don't Panic: Most breast changes are not cancer. However, if you notice anything unusual, consult your doctor promptly. Don't self-diagnose, seek professional evaluation.

Beyond Self-Checks

While breast self-checks are important, they are just one piece of the puzzle. Remember:

• Mammograms: Regular mammograms, as recommended by your doctor based on age and risk factors, are the gold standard for breast cancer screening.
• Listen to your body: Report any new, persistent changes in your breasts, even if not found on a self-check, to your healthcare provider.

Let's Spread Awareness

Share this information with the women in your life! Early detection saves lives.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor about breast health concerns and appropriate screening schedules.

In the hushed whispers of a searching soul,
A voyage unfurls, a tale to extol.
A spirit adrift, seeking its true form,
Amidst the tumultuous seas, weathering the storm.

In the mirrored depths, reflections distort,
A kaleidoscope of identities sought.
For within, a truth murmurs softly,
A gender unseen, yet yearned for loftily.

Through winding paths and trials profound,
Resilience thrives, where doubts abound.
Each stride forward, a triumph of will,
Embracing the journey, undeterred still.

From society's gaze to inner contemplation,
Navigating complexities, a transformation.
With every heartbeat, a soul finds its tune,
In the symphony of self, beneath the moon.

The world may resist, with ignorance rife,
But within the spirit, a beacon of life.
Transcending boundaries, breaking through,
A testament to courage, tried and true.

Acceptance blooms like a sacred vow,
In the garden of love, here and now.
For in embracing oneself, wholly and free,
Lies the essence of existence, unconditionally.

So let the currents of change guide the way,
As the journey unfolds, day by day.
For in the embrace of authenticity's grace,
Resides the profundity of a trans soul's embrace.

By Shaz

"Every single day that we live, we make some impact on the planet. We have a choice as to what kind of impact that is."

Jane Goodall

I often seek inspiration from trailblazers who have broken barriers and made a lasting impact on the world, and try to include them here on my blog. I want to celebrate people by sharing their story whilst I learn about them. One such remarkable figure is Dr. Jane Goodall, whom I had heard about many times, but not fully known about, until today. I like to write about it here so that I can cement it in my mind, and in the hope that it might be of interest to you. 

Jane Goodall's journey serves as a beacon of resilience and determination, and that's what struck me the most. Born in 1934 in London, England, her early fascination with animals laid the groundwork for a lifelong dedication to understanding and protecting wildlife. Her decision to study chimpanzees in their natural habitat in Tanzania was groundbreaking, challenging established scientific norms, especially for female scientists, and redefining our understanding of primates.

Despite facing numerous challenges, including limited resources and societal expectations, Jane's unwavering commitment to her research led to groundbreaking discoveries. Through her patience, keen observation, and deep empathy for the chimpanzees she studied, she shattered misconceptions about animal intelligence and behavior, fundamentally reshaping our understanding of the natural world.

Here are some of the things that Jane enlightened us on:

1. Tool Use: Jane observed chimpanzees using tools, such as sticks, to extract termites from their mounds for food. This discovery challenged the notion that tool use was exclusive to humans, highlighting the cognitive abilities of chimpanzees and reshaping our understanding of primate behavior.

2. Social Structure: Through her long-term observations, Jane documented complex social hierarchies among chimpanzee communities. She observed behaviors such as dominance displays, grooming rituals, and alliances, revealing similarities to human social dynamics and providing valuable insights into the evolution of social behavior.

3. Hunting Behavior: Contrary to previous beliefs, Jane observed chimpanzees hunting and consuming meat, including small mammals like monkeys and birds. This discovery challenged prevailing ideas about chimpanzees as solely herbivorous and shed light on the diverse dietary habits of these primates.

4. Communication: Jane documented a wide range of vocalizations, gestures, and facial expressions used by chimpanzees to communicate with one another. Her studies revealed the complexity of chimpanzee communication and its role in maintaining social cohesion within groups.

5. Emotional Complexity: Through her observations, Jane demonstrated that chimpanzees experience a range of emotions, including joy, grief, and empathy. Her research challenged the notion of humans as the only species capable of complex emotional experiences, highlighting the rich inner lives of chimpanzees and fostering greater empathy for our primate relatives.

What sets Jane apart is not just her scientific contributions but also her ability to translate her research into meaningful action. Through the Jane Goodall Institute and programs like Roots & Shoots, she has empowered individuals around the globe to become advocates for conservation and social change. Her work has inspired countless people, from scientists to activists to everyday citizens, to take up the cause of environmental stewardship and make a positive difference in their communities. We don't all have to go to Tanzania to make a positive change for this planet. 

Jane's legacy reminds us of the power of perseverance, empathy, and collaboration in creating meaningful change. The use of her voice to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves is something so powerful, and something to inspire all of us. 

Here is the link to her foundation, where you can read all about her and her institute, along with a donation page if you are able. 

the Jane Goodall Institute Homepage

"The least I can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves."

Jane Goodall

Happy bit after Christmas! I hope you all have been having a wonderful time.

I spent this Christmas listening to Bill Bryson's book about Christmas on Audible, so I am going to share a few here. I just love knowledge and history (yes, I know I say that a lot!) and Google do like me to update my site with content, so here are some Christmas facts! 

1. Ancient Origins: The roots of Christmas celebrations can be traced back to ancient pagan festivals that celebrated the winter solstice, such as the Roman Saturnalia and the Germanic Yule.

2. Christian Adaptation: Christmas as we know it today was adapted by early Christians to coincide with these pagan festivals, with December 25th chosen as the date to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.

3. Oliver Cromwell's Ban: In the 17th century, Christmas celebrations were banned in England by Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans, who viewed the holiday as too frivolous and pagan in nature. They weren't a lot of fun, those Puritans!

4. Dickensian Influence: Charles Dickens played a significant role in shaping modern Christmas traditions with his novella "A Christmas Carol," which popularized themes of charity, family, and redemption. It is a myth however that he "invented Christmas". It's true that it had been on the decline in the years before, but it was already seeing a resurgence of celebration and Dickens capitalised on that. 

5. Royal Christmas Trees: The tradition of decorating Christmas trees in Britain can be traced back to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who popularized the custom in the 19th century after they were depicted with a decorated tree in an illustration for the Illustrated London News. They wanted to promote family life, and what better than a happy family picture around a Christmas tree. 

6. Mince Pies: Traditional British mince pies originally contained meat, such as beef or mutton, along with fruits and spices. It makes me think of the Friends episode with the Rachel and the meat trifle! Over time, the recipe evolved to exclude meat, becoming the sweet, fruit-filled treat that most of you enjoy today, just not me! 

7. Boxing Day: December 26th, known as Boxing Day in the UK, has its origins in the practice of giving boxes of gifts or money to servants and tradespeople as a token of appreciation for their service throughout the year.

8. Christmas Crackers: The tradition of pulling Christmas crackers, which contain paper hats, jokes, and small toys, originated in the mid-19th century by British confectioner Tom Smith, who was inspired by French bonbons wrapped in paper twists. 

Fiction:

1. Coca-Cola Santa: While Coca-Cola's advertising campaigns in the 20th century did contribute to popularizing the image of Santa Claus in a red suit, the character himself predates these advertisements by centuries, originating from the figure of Saint Nicholas.

2. Christmas in Bethlehem: Despite popular belief, historical evidence suggests that Jesus was likely born in the spring or summer, rather than on December 25th. The choice of December 25th as the date for Christmas was influenced by the timing of pagan festivals celebrating the winter solstice.

I'm sure there were a lot more, but I can't remember any more alas. That *may* be the mulled wine! 

Embracing Truth: A Journey of Self-Discovery

In the heart of a bustling city, amidst the chaotic symphony of honking cars and hurried footsteps, there lived a soul named Alex. From the outside, Alex appeared like any other person, but inside, she harbored a secret—a truth waiting to be unveiled.

Born into a body that didn't quite match her essence, Alex grappled with her identity for years. It wasn't until she stumbled upon the word "transgender" that a glimmer of understanding illuminated her path. With each step forward, she shed the weight of societal expectations and embraced her true self—a woman trapped in a man's body.

The journey to self-acceptance was not without its challenges. Alex faced skepticism from those around her, including friends and family who struggled to comprehend her truth. Yet, amidst the doubts and uncertainties, she found solace in the unwavering support of a few cherished souls.

One such beacon of light was Maya, a transgender woman who had traversed a similar path. Maya became Alex's mentor, guiding her through the complexities of transitioning and offering a shoulder to lean on during the darkest of days. With Maya's encouragement, Alex found the courage to embark on the journey of a lifetime—a journey toward authenticity and freedom.

As Alex navigated the maze of medical appointments and legal paperwork, she discovered a newfound sense of empowerment coursing through her veins. Each hormone treatment and therapy session brought her one step closer to aligning her outer appearance with her inner truth. And with each passing day, Alex shed the layers of doubt and insecurity that had plagued her for so long.

But the true test of her resilience came when she decided to publicly embrace her identity. With trembling hands and a heart pounding with anticipation, Alex stood before a crowd of strangers and declared, "My name is Alex, and I am a woman."

The room fell silent as Alex's words hung in the air, but instead of scorn or ridicule, she was met with an outpouring of love and acceptance. Tears of joy streamed down her cheeks as she realized that she was not alone—that there were others who understood her journey and stood beside her, ready to lift her up in times of need.

From that moment on, Alex lived her truth unabashedly, embracing every facet of her identity with pride and defiance. She refused to be confined by society's narrow definitions of gender, choosing instead to carve out her own path—a path paved with courage, compassion, and unwavering authenticity.

In the years that followed, Alex became a beacon of hope for others struggling to find their place in a world that often seemed indifferent to their existence. She used her voice to advocate for transgender rights, speaking out against discrimination and inequality with a fierce determination that could not be silenced.

But perhaps the most powerful lesson Alex learned on her journey was the importance of self-love. For it was in accepting herself fully and unconditionally that she found the strength to weather life's storms and emerge stronger than ever before.

And so, dear reader, remember this: No matter who you are or where you come from, your truth is valid, and your journey is worthy of celebration. Embrace it with open arms, and know that you are never alone. For in the vast tapestry of humanity, there is a place for each and every one of us—a place where we can shine brightly and live our lives authentically, just like Alex.

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's easy to overlook the little things that can have a big impact on our mental well-being. I certainly feel the strain of the shorter days, and try to pack a lot more into daylight than I do in the summer, and this takes a toll. While popular strategies like exercise and mindfulness meditation are undeniably beneficial, there are some lesser-known techniques that can work wonders for our mental health. Here are five hidden gems that I plan to try this winter that you might not have heard of:

1. **Gratitude Visualization Sessions:**
Take a few minutes each day to visualize three things you're grateful for. But here's the twist: imagine those things in vivid detail. Whether it's the warmth of sunlight streaming through your window, the aroma of your morning coffee, or the smile on a loved one's face, immerse yourself in the sensory experience of gratitude. This practice not only shifts your focus to the positive aspects of life but also trains your brain to notice and appreciate the little joys that often go unnoticed.

2. **Sensory Grounding Exercises:**
Engage your senses in simple yet powerful grounding exercises. For instance, carry a small vial of essential oil with you and inhale its calming scent whenever you feel stressed or anxious. Alternatively, keep a smooth stone in your pocket and rub it between your fingers to soothe frazzled nerves. By connecting with your senses in moments of distress, you can anchor yourself to the present moment and alleviate feelings of overwhelm.

3. **Random Acts of Kindness Journaling:**
Make it a daily habit to perform at least one random act of kindness and then journal about it in detail. It could be as small as complimenting a stranger or as significant as volunteering your time for a cause you believe in. Reflecting on your acts of kindness fosters a sense of purpose and connection with others, boosting your self-esteem and overall sense of well-being.

4. **Nature Bathing Breaks:**
Take regular "nature bathing" breaks throughout your day, even if it's just for a few minutes. Step outside and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and sensations of the natural world around you. Feel the grass beneath your feet, listen to the chirping of birds, and breathe in the fresh air deeply. Research suggests that spending time in nature can reduce stress, anxiety, and rumination, while enhancing mood and cognitive function.

5. **Laughter Therapy Sessions:**
Dedicate time each day to indulge in laughter therapy. Seek out humorous content that tickles your funny bone, whether it's a comedy podcast, a funny movie, or silly cat videos on the internet. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Plus, sharing a laugh with others strengthens social bonds and fosters a sense of camaraderie.

I've read recently how incorporating these five hidden gems into your daily routine can work wonders for your mental health, helping you cultivate resilience, joy, and inner peace amidst life's ups and downs. So, why not give them a try with me this winter? I think anything is worth a try to help us find those little sparks that make us that little bit happier every day :) 

 xxxx

For the first time I was able to go to Pride in London this year, and it was fabulous! I live near Brighton, so I've been to our Pride Parade many times, but this was a London first.

It was so lovely to be around such a happy crowd of people, celebrating love and diversity.

Here are some of my piccies from the day. 

It went on for hours after this, but I was with my daughter and we were desperate for a drink and a sit down.  The start was delayed for an hour due to protestors, so we'd been there a loooong time! We watched again from another place later, but we too far back for pictures. 

I'd absolutely recommend going to anyone, dressed up or not! 

When people make a purchase from my store, I send a little feedback email so people can let me know how they feel and how I can improve. 

New and updated Breast Form 500g comparison sizing PDF

It's great for comparing the shapes, and you can print it out and compare it to your chest to see how it will work with your body frame.

Download here, and print in actual size

More coming as soon as I can.

Jo xxx