Beauty & Chronic Pain

This past Sunday I felt a little awkward going into church with my heating pad on. I have one that I can strap around my stomach, and it probably looks like a fanny pack lol. I remember covering it up with a pink sweater that I was wearing, and hoping no one would ask about it if they saw it. I was glad that no one did.

My experience made me think about the beauty standards that I have for myself, and how they clash with chronic pain and period pain. I don’t spend much time trying to figure out current beauty trends on social media or in magazines, but I still have this unrealistic expectation for myself to try and look outwardly beautiful all the time. Even though I know it’s the inside that matters, I want to be perceived a certain way. But having chronic pain and recurring period pain often clashes with this. I can’t wear certain outfits during my period, and even when I can I often have a heating pad as an accessory. My body is really sensitive during that time of the month. Sometimes I can’t even wear jewelry. On top of that, basic actions like taking a shower, brushing my teeth, etc. are really difficult during that time of the month. It’s hard to even get out of bed in the morning, much less try to look pretty.

What I’m learning is that beauty really does lie on the inside, and having chronic pain doesn’t make me less beautiful. I believe that we are all valuable and made in God’s image. Chronic pain shouldn’t make us believe that we’re not beautiful or attractive. What do you guys think? Let me know your thoughts below.

P.S: Amber's Care Period Box comes with a beautifully designed heating pad! You can see it in the picture above. I truly believe the aesthetic of the heating pad is a great reminder that chronic pain doesn't mean you're not beautiful. Check out our shop for more info.