Let’s welcome this week’s warrior, Scarlett!
Hi! My name is Sarah but I also model and work under the name Scarlett Luxe.
I am from Somerset in the United Kingdom which is where I was born, raised and still loving living in.
I have Crohn’s Disease, and was diagnosed in 2009 when I was 15 years old. I am grateful that at the time I was classed as a child therefore I believe all the tests and consultations to achieve my diagnosis were a lot quicker than that of an adult. From my initial visit to see my doctor to getting a diagnosis, it took around a year.
It’s made me appreciate and make the most of the good days. What I’ve experienced with Crohn’s Disease is that life can change in the blink of an eye. You can be doing really well then all of a sudden, your hit with a flare and life has to change. So when I’m feeling good and able to enjoy life, I have to seize that. It’s also taught me to listen to my body and understand the signs of when I need to stop or rest and just look after myself.
On a daily basis I face pain and fatigue. I find that with chronic illness, you get used to your own pain threshold. You learn what is “normal” pain and what is pain that you need support with. So often you just don’t tell those around you when you are in pain. This is both good as it helps with leading a normal life but also bad as it doesn’t always help others to understand if you are honest. Fatigue is something I struggle to explain to others. Yes we all get tired but fatigue from chronic illness just can’t be helped as easily as getting an early night. I also find that when you are in a good place with chronic illness but struggling with something like fatigue, it’s hard for others to understand as you look and are being “well” & “normal” but fatigue can still hit you.
I am far stronger than I ever believed! That if I can achieve some of the things I’ve achieved all whilst dealing with a chronic illness, then I really can achieve anything!
Your chronic illness doesn’t define who you are, you don’t have to lose who you truly are to illness. For example, when I go to the hospital every 6 weeks for treatment I dress up in one of my favourite outfits, hair and makeup because it makes me happy, feel strong and feel like myself.
A big part of my life is vintage, I love the 1940’s and 50’s style, especially Hollywood Glamour. Through this passion I model the style for clothing companies, hair and beauty and more. It makes me feel good and happy. I also love to dance! I’ve studied ballet, tap, modern, contemporary, ballroom & latin. Dance is such a beautiful form of expression and a way to forget about what is going on in the world and just move your body.
Always listen to your mind and body, if something isn’t right or doesn’t seem right then please go and get it checked out.
You are worthy, you are strong, you are important to this world and you are loved. Never forget that.
Thank you so much for sharing your IBD journey with us Scarlett! Be sure to give her a follow in IG @scarlettluxe