We often think of the notion of “being vain” as a modern invention. However, go back several thousand years in time, and you can imagine the same issues existed for Cleopatra, as an example. But think about it– under all the layers of make-up, hair spray, body cream, shampoo, sunscreen, lip balm and scrubs, WHO ARE WE? Under all the jackets, shirts, ties, skirts, dresses and underwear, WHO ARE WE?

Have you been suffering from chronic fatigue lately? Find yourself tossing and turning at night unable to shut off your brain? Feeling at a low… emotionally, physically or spiritually? Have you lost your appetite? Or are you binge eating from stress or boredom? Been looking for your mojo and can’t seem to find it anywhere?

On October 16, 2006 I had a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction, by choice. The story began several years earlier, when I was 26 yrs old, and my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I guess this shouldn’t have been too surprising since both my grandmothers had survived their own bouts with breast cancer. My mother had a lumpectomy and underwent several months of radiation and chemotherapy. The whole situation is really somewhat of a blur now. I was living in a different city than my mom, working at my first “real” job and newly dating my husband.