A lot is happening in the world right now and it's really easy to lose track of the not-so-little little things. If you use TransTape, there's a chance you're working with a part of your body that isn't your favorite and that can prove to be a challenge. Things like setting aside time for yourself, rest days and enjoying a nice cup of your favorite beverage just because you can tend to get lost in the sauce, it happens. ESPECIALLY when life gets crazy!
Hello, my gorgeous pals!
You're all gorgeous, especially you.
The month is September, and you know what that means!
Homemade pumpkin spice lattes!
Not actually, well maybe, but that's not what we're talking about!
We're rolling up quickly to the busy, and very stressful, time of the year where we're all scrambling around for one reason or another.
Holidays, busy jobs (shout-out to retail workers), fun fall activities and just life.
There doesn't always need to be a specific reason either, sometimes life is just stressful!
Regardless of what you've got going on, self-love and care is extremely important.
Especially when we're stressed out!
And I'm not just talking about bubble baths and a nice book either.
I'm talking more about positive affirmations, mental health check-ins and breaks, TransTape rest days, skin care, hydration and the list goes on!
And bubble baths with a nice book, too.
But before I even dive into the TransTape recap section, let me just say that I am one hundred percent guilty of neglecting self-care sometimes.
I think at one point or another, we've all neglected it a little bit. It happens!
I don't always drink as much water as I should, sometimes my tape stays on for an extra few days, my schedules get overbooked and the list goes on.
My point isn't to gain sympathy, but instead to let you know that you are not alone.
We could be countries away, but we're both human and we experience a lot of the same emotions and feelings throughout each day.
We may still have different life experiences, but feelings like stress are universal.
It happens to the best of us and that's why we're gathered here to talk about!
Now, how about that recap.
So, TransTape Then?
Alright, TransTape vets, you know the drill.
You've probably heard it a million times, but we're going to talk about what exactly TransTape is for all of the new users here.
I know, I know. I do this to you every time and all you want to do is read all the cool things I write about. I understand, I do.
That's why you're more than welcome to skip ahead, I won't hold it against you guys.
I might cry, though. I work really hard on these.
Jokes aside, skip the recap if you must and I'll meet you in the next section.
Now, we persevere!
TransTape is theeeeee original body-transformation system!
I really hope at least a few of you guys owned the heck outta that "theeeeee" !
It's a backless, strapless and waterproof alternative to binders, bras, gaffes and other self-affirming products.
If you're someone who packs or tucks, TransTape can also replace expensive pairs of packing and tucking underwear!
The fabric to this amazing stuff is made from a blend of 95% cotton and 5% spandex, making it comfortable and flexible.
And to keep this fabric attached to our delicate skin, TransTape uses a hypoallergenic medical grade acrylic adhesive that is latex free and non-medicated.
Phew, that last part is always a lot.
TransTape is made with the user in mind.
And what I mean by that is, it's made with everyone in mind.
Everyone can use TransTape, whether you use it to ease gender dysphoria or replace an overpriced bra that isn't even comfortable.
TransTape is for everybody, and don't forget it!
Regardless of your lifestyle, from an adventure craving daredevil to a relaxed homebody, TransTape has you covered.
Workout in the gym, float in the ocean, read a book in your favorite chair or do all three this week with the same application!
That's right, TransTape can last up to a week!
Sometimes even more, depending on your application and skin sensitivity.
So go ahead and enjoy the best things in life as your authentic self.
Self-Love or Whatever (Not Whatever)
Not whatever at all.
Like I said a little earlier, self-love and care is very important, especially when we're feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
Now, what does this have to do with TransTape?
I'm glad you asked.
When we're using TransTape, there's a decent chance that we're handling and working closely with a part of our body that may bring us discomfort at times.
Myself included. And when everything else in my life is feeling chaotic, things like applying TransTape become a little bit more difficult to do.
And there's no shame in that, by the way. We're all human and it's impossible for any of us to always be perfect.
These feelings may cause accidents like overstretching or may even cause us to put off removal for a little bit too long.
But how are we supposed to avoid this?
By treating ourselves like we would treat a best friend.
I know it's cheesy, but it's true.
Mental Check-In
Before applying TransTape, and before you do anything potentially difficult, take a moment to check in with yourself.
How are you feeling? What are you thinking about? Are you comfortable?
If you're feeling uncomfortable or thinking something like, "I can never get this right," you should consider giving yourself some time before applying your tape or conquering your next task.
It's understandable to feel uncomfortable when you apply TransTape sometimes, happens to me even after 5+ years of using it.
But if you check-in with yourself and determine that you're not in the right mindset, I have great news for you.
This means we get to get into a good mindset!
Jamie, if it was that easy I would already be in a good mindset, come on now.
I hear you, but hear me.
Getting into a good mindset means we get to do things that bring us joy!
Put on some good music, burn some incense, read a couple chapters, sketch a new picture, whatever brings you joy, take about 20 minutes and focus on that.
Or take more time, you know yourself better than anyone else does, do what feels right to you!
After you feel a little more relaxed or finish whatever joyful thing you chose to do, revisit your mindset and see if you're feeling any better and are ready to conquer your next application.
If not, no worries. Maybe take another day off.
But if you're ready to go, go for it! And take note of what you did that made you feel less stressed and ready to take care of business.
Very important, this means you should try and do these things more often!
Taking time to bring attention to the things we enjoy in life allows us to relax a little bit and shows ourselves a little love.
Taking care of yourself is just as important as being yourself, remember that.
Rest Day Love
Boy oh boy, do I hate rest days.
Yes, I'm serious. They're my least favorite days.
Even though they are absolutely critical for your skin to recover, they still kinda suck.
Don't fire me.
Just because something is necessary, that doesn't make it enjoyable.
Arguably, less enjoyable.
So the goal is to fill the rest day with all the best things to make it bearable and a less daunting task to mark off the weekly check-list.
For me, I try to remove the tape earlier in the day and pair it with an extra relaxing shower.
We're talking about a scented candle, beard, face and/or scalp masks, my favorite scents for shampoo, conditioner and body wash, and more often than not, a nice joint for when I get out of the shower.
I also try to plan for my removal days to be on days where I don't need to leave the house.
That way I'm not concerned about my chest being binded and I'm free to exist however I'd like to that day in whatever clothing.
I pick out a nice baggy shirt or hoodie, cozy shorts or pants and make the focus of my entire day comfort.
Comfort will look different for everybody and that's okay. So do whatever makes you comfortable.
Cup of coffee or tea, favorite sandwich, your favorite movies and shows. Make it a day that you are able to look forward to!
When our day is full of all of our favorite and joyful activities, removal days become a lot less intimidating and can help us keep a good and positive mindset about it.
And that's what we call self-love, treat yourselves often!
Take Care
This post has been a whole bunch of mumbo-jumbo about treating yourself with kindness.
Ew, gross. I know.
But treating yourself with kindness and understanding is crucial.
CRUCIAL.
If we aren't kind and understanding to ourselves, how can we expect ourselves to grow and be happy?
Happy? In this economy?!
Yes! That's the goal!
You wouldn't tell your best friend to skip their rest day or to do something before they're comfortable with it, so why would you tell yourself to do those things?
Taking the extra time to check in with your feelings and planning a day full of your favorite things is not a waste of time.
And looking at yourself in the mirror and saying, "I love you," is powerful and worth the awkward feeling it comes with.
I promise, it's awkward at first but it gets easier. And if you struggle with mirrors, speaking to yourself out loud is effective too!
Start with baby steps. Just because self-love and care is important, doesn't mean it's always easy.
Many of us, myself included, struggle with being good to ourselves like we are to our loved ones. Taking extra time or treating ourselves can sometimes come with the feeling of guilt, and believe me when I say this, there's no reason to feel guilty for taking care of yourself.
You're not alone, we're in this together.
Life isn't always rainbows and butterflies, and don't we know it.
But taking the well-deserved time for ourselves when we need it the most makes it a lot more vibrant and liberating.
So let's make some deals.
The next time you go to apply your TransTape, check in with yourself to see how you're feeling. If you're feeling anything less than fair or neutral, take 20 minutes and do something enjoyable.
Deal, next.
The next time you need to remove your TransTape, plan a day full of your favorite stay at home activities and wear your most comfortable clothes. Heck, throw a scented candle in there for some aromatherapy.
Deal, next?
Next, tell yourself how much you love yourself, regardless of your current feelings about that statement. And remind yourself that you're human and beautiful and full of so much love that you will simply explode if you don't express that love for yourself.
Deal.
Self-love and self-care are so incredibly important and should be added to every single one of our daily to-do lists.
I mean it. I know it's hard, but I believe in us.
Now that we have all agreed to treat ourselves like our favorite person, because we're amazing, I'll leave you alone with this.
Always move in the direction of joy.
Until next time,
Stay awesome,
Stay beautiful,
Stay you.
You are loved and it gets better.
Talk to you soon,
Jamie
Welcome to the cool kids club!
My name is Jamie and I'm a young (ish) transman born and raised in the Hudson Valley of New York state. I started my transition in May of 2017 and since then, I've made it my mission to live unapologetically as myself and spread awareness through my pursuit of happiness. I am the creator and writer of Spilling T blog, a proud affiliate of TransTape and when I'm not outside with the best dog ever or hanging out with my two cats, I make and sell my own beard care products through Buckaroo's Beard Care. I'm always looking for my next adventure and have been skydiving, road-tripping, hiking in the mountains and even served for a short time in the United States Marine Corps. My life has had its fair share of twists and turns and I hope to use those experiences to create helpful and relatable content that may help someone else navigate a difficult time in life.
Beards, Socials, Tape and Writing
Use code FINALLYME10 and Find Your Freedom with TransTape!
https://linktr.ee/jamieakajames
