Beating Cancer In Heels: Dress to impress yourself

“Dress to impress” is something we are all told throughout our lives. If it was for an interview, a celebration or just an everyday ritual, the pressure to impress others was on. It was so imbedded in my head that, even if I wore sweatpants, I would make sure it was the cutest casual look ever!

Living in New York doesn’t make it any easier. After all, we are the fashion capital. Our streets are a runway for fashion whether we New Yorkers realize it or not.

Throughout my battle with cancer, I knew two things. One, I needed a lot of support. Two, I need to wear my high heels as much as possible! Wearing heels is something I did throughout my teenage years and long after. It was such a big part of me.

I’m 5’1”, so heels gave me good height and posture. I was sick of getting my pants hemmed and I just felt better with them on. I did everything in heels. From cleaning my apartment to wearing them to visit a firehouse (don’t ask), and I wasn’t going to let cancer take that away from me.

I told everyone I was going to beat cancer in heels and I did just that! Keeping my sense of self kept me empowered. It wasn’t about what others thought anymore, it was about what I thought of myself. I knew if I went to my treatment in bummy clothes, I was going to feel that way. Fighting cancer was my new job and I never go to work not looking my best!

I was terrified when I went to the hospital for a high fever and I was admitted right away. Every time I knew someone with cancer who was admitted to the hospital, he or she usually didn’t make it out. So when my mother asked me, “What should I bring you?” I replied, “Bring my pink high heel shoes.”

The second I put them on, I felt like everything was going to be okay and that, my coachee, is what I want for you!

Let’s get you feeling better by keeping your sense of self!

Ask yourself…,

What makes me feel like myself?

How can I make sure to incorporate it into my daily life?

When will I need it the most?

Life Coach TIP: If you are struggling with answering these questions, ask a few loved ones, what is my style like?

Empowerment: “People will stare. Make it worth their while” — Harry Winston

Inspiration for the week: Kelly Cutrone is an American fashion publicist, television personality and author. Her book, Normal Gets You Nowhere, helps you realize how being your own unique self is vital not only to yourself but to the world! I personally recommend this book and I am reading it all over again.

Calming sentence of the week: “Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say and not giving a damn” — Gore Vidal

That’s it for today, Coachee! Stay tuned for more tips and stories from your Life Coach Marlena!

If you are interested in being coached one on one please contact me at Marlena@MarlenaLC.com. You can also follow me on Facebook, Marlena Ortiz.

I am offering 50 percent off 12 coaching sessions with me throughout the summer to all my Home Reporter readers. Contact me and mention the code #ILOVETheHomeReporter!

REMEMBER: Women between the ages of 20 and 40 diagnosed with cancer are free through the nonprofit BeatingCancerInHeels.org.