life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.

Hello readers.

Obviously, as I'm sure you've noticed, I haven't updated.

I've been debating for a few weeks with shutting down OSRTS for the summer, or for however long it takes for my health and subsequent emotional health situations to calm down.

Part of me believes that's the best idea for me right now. An equal part of me believes that would be doing those who come here a great disservice.

Since being diagnosed with a thyroid disease, I've come across numerous people--incidentally, largely women--who also struggle with thyroid issues. Since developing self-esteem and body image issues in the wake of said disease, I've come across even more people who have recounted their stories, shared their feelings--commiserated, really, whether face-to-face, in a comment here or in an email, and whether those feelings of self-doubt and dislike have stemmed from a thyroid disorder or not.

Health-wise, at the moment, the planned removal of my thyroid has been indefinitely postponed. The medication I've been taking is steadily doing its job, but surgery hasn't been taken off the table--realistically, it's still the natural solution. I'm taking some time to let the medicine work, to let my body heal a little as it is and to get in a better place to face the inherent difficulty of a major surgery. In the meantime, the eye component of my disease has worsened--at least in my own eyes, however correct they may or may not be--and I've found myself suddenly and uncomfortably self-conscious and unhappy.

On the one hand, then, I could halt all blog activity for a while until I feel better--namely better about myself and what I look like right now (or in the near future). On the other hand, however, I could stand behind everything I've ever said about style--namely that it's got nothing to do with what you look like and everything to do with the way you walk around.

Lately, I admit to looking down or away or nowhere at all when walking around.

My story, though, is clearly your story, too, or at least a variation. And if I met you, or read a comment or email, or heard your story through a friend, I would tell you that while you may feel lost, while you may not be able to recognize the person you see in the mirror, while you may ache, you are still you--even that you are becoming the best version yourself you will know. You just don't know that yet.

So, with that in mind, I'm taking a tip from my own page and will not be placing OSRTS on hiatus. I will, however, be posting once a week only for at least the duration of the summer. I'll be updating every Wednesday from here on out, and I can't promise those updates will include outfit photos. Eventually, they may, but it really depends on how I'm doing. More often, posts will likely feature the other regular content you've been able to find here since the blog's beginning. Because of recent spamming in the comments section, I've turned on the comment moderation system. Commenting will likely be a little tougher for a while, but I hope it will be temporary.

I've said it before, but I must say again how much I appreciate the kindness you've shown, the patience you've granted, the thoughts you've thought and the emails you've sent while I've been going through this difficult transition. So often, typing in these little boxes feels almost false and totally solitary, but you've consistently reminded me why I started--and why I continued--this blog.

I'm continuing on now because that's all we can ever really do. Life marches on. I, and OSRTS, will, too.

See you Wednesday.