The 3-inch high heels that were an act of rebellion against NMOSD

I’ve always loved bright lipstick colors. The bolder, the better, in my opinion. There’s something delightfully defiant that makes me smile about catching my reflection in a window and seeing a pop of fuchsia or fire‑engine red. It’s hard not to feel at least a little cheerful when your lips are doing their own personal light show throughout the day. I’ll take every scrap of cheer I can get.

Wearing makeup has become a form of self‑care — not the “perfect contour and 47‑step routine” kind of self‑care, but more like a small, grounding ritual that reminds me that I’m still me, even on days when neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) tries to convince me otherwise.

There’s something powerful about doing one simple thing that makes me feel more like myself. I genuinely believe these tiny acts help hold back my symptoms or help me bounce back faster after an attack. Maybe it’s not medical science, but it’s emotional science — and that counts.

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It’s all about self-care

Victoria Jackson, founder of the Guthy‑Jackson Charitable Foundation (now the Patient Health Alliance), has spent years championing the idea that outer confidence can spark inner strength, and, honestly, I feel that in my bones. A quote attributed to her resonates deeply with me: “When you look better, you feel better. And when you feel better, you can change your life.” Some days, mascara is less about lashes and more about morale.

But you absolutely don’t need makeup to feel better about yourself. Self‑care is a big, beautiful umbrella, and anything that helps you reconnect with your sense of self belongs under it. A cozy sweater, a slow morning, a good cry, a long shower, a nap that turns into a lifestyle — whatever works. The point is the intention, not the eyeliner.

Case in point: I recently went to a work function and — wait for it — I wore high heels. Actual heels. Not wedges. Not comfort dress shoes. Honest‑to‑goodness, click‑clacking, confidence‑boosting heels. It felt like an act of rebellion against NMOSD, like I was saying, “You don’t get to take everything.”

But when I think about it now, it was really an act of self‑care. I felt confident enough to try. I trusted my body enough to attempt it. That alone was a mental health victory.

Did I have my Adidas Stan Smiths in the car for back-up and the drive home? Obviously. Did my back scream at me the entire next day? Absolutely. Was it worth it? One-hundred percent. Sometimes self‑care looks like rest. Sometimes it looks like sensible shoes. And sometimes it looks like choosing joy, even if joy has a 3‑inch heel and consequences.

Living with NMOSD means constantly negotiating with my body, my energy, and my limits. But it also means celebrating the small wins, the tiny rebellions, the moments when I choose myself in whatever way I can. Whether it’s lipstick, heels, or simply giving myself permission to rest, these choices matter. They remind me that I’m still here, still vibrant, and still capable of joy.

And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: Self‑care isn’t about what you do; it’s about reminding yourself that you’re worth the effort.

So go ahead. Wear the bright lipstick. Or don’t. Put on the heels or rock the sneakers. Choose whatever makes you feel most like you. Because in a life shaped by NMOSD, every act of self‑care is an act of strength, and every act of strength is a step toward hope.

Note: Neuromyelitis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Neuromyelitis News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.