Hello I'm A Feminist...

So after several drafts I've decided to just write this blog because this is a topic that regardless of what I write I will get praise and criticism for. This is probably because for some reason people have the belief that 'Feminism' is simply about burning your bra and fighting for equal rights for women, but quite frankly that just simply isn't it.

Yes, being a feminist I am all about equal rights, yes I do want to be paid equally to a man, but only if I am doing an equally good job or a job of equal responsibility. Yes I do want men to be punished for the crimes they commit but a women should also face the same sentence. If I make a man a sandwich that doesn't mean that I'm conforming to societies 'outdated' expectations as a woman, what it actually means is I'm making him a sandwich. If a man cheats, yes he has done a terrible thing and hurt someone else, but the girl he was having an affair or one night stand with is also equally guilty because she could of said 'No, you're in a relationship, I'm not being that person, go home'. I also hate the fact that as society we have unwritten rules or expectations where the man has to be the breadwinner or ask the girl out on a date. No he doesn't a couple can be perfectly happy if the girl says 'Hey, you want to go on a date?' she can also pay for a date, because quite frankly a healthy relationship isn't 'the woman is always right' or 'he knight should save the princess'.

Not only that but if a man does pay for a date or offer to help a girl out, he isn't suppressing the poor girl, nor is she against 'girl power'. Feminism is and should be all about equality. That means for everyone. That means the little girl in the playground can play football with the boys because she likes it. That means the little boy can also go to dance class because it makes him happy, and when they grow up she can be a builder and he can be a midwife. Gender does not matter, what matters is the person. Whether that is how kind they are? or even at times 'How smart or brave they are?' because to be honest I don't care whether my consultant is male or female I just want them to be good at what they do, similarly if a nurse is a male or a fire fighter is female I am not going to say 'DO NOT TREAT ME YOU ARE A MAN!' or 'DRAG ME BACK INTO THAT BURNING BUILDING I WANT A MAN!' I am going to say 'Thank You!' regardless and be grateful for my life.

My name is Chelsea and I want a world where children can be happy and do things that make them happy regardless of whether they are male or female. I also want them to be held responsible regardless of what gender they are. I want females and males to be equal. That means having same opportunities and responsibility's. So yes, my name is Chelsea and yes I am a Feminist.

Dear Epilepsy | 31

Dear Epilepsy,

Today is the last day of this project/daily blog, whatever you want to call it, but unfortunately its not my last day with you. It is a daily battle, a daily balance between medication, avoiding triggers on top of GP appointments and after a years break consultant appointments. Its like we're on a see-saw, one of us is always higher than the other and yet we never seem to move, we're not in unison and we're not going anywhere, more importantly you're not going any more. The thing about being on a see-saw though is one person has to give up first, and you see Epilepsy, I don't quit, I don't give up I just keep fighting. So although this may be the end of this day/month/chapter it won't be the end of the battle until you leave, because I've told you, I will do anything to get you out of my life and break the stigma others face. I'm not scared of you Epilepsy, you won't make me give up on; fighting you, having fun and living my life. Yes I have you, but I won't ever let you have me.

Dear Epilepsy | 30

Dear Epilepsy,

Today I was told that because of you, I have to go back under a specialist. For 17 years I went through tests year after year, appointment after appointment just to try and manage you. Manage you, that's funny because you still insist on visiting, you still insist on pestering me and visiting although your not welcome. I don't want you in my life, your a never ending nightmare except how I know I'm not waking up, I'm fast asleep and your not leaving, but the thing is Epilepsy, everything must come to an end, even you and one day I will wake up from this nightmare and you'll be out of my life, hopefully.

Dear Epilepsy | 29

Dear Epilepsy,

In the morning I will be at the doctors, talking about the best wash to fight you, the best way to stop you and everything else you bring. You don't ever seem to give in and always attack when I am at my most vulnerable, you don't care where or when you visit. You takeover my brain and for a short while you are in complete control. That's another thing I hate, no matter how many times I think I've won you always seem to be another five steps ahead.

Dear Epilepsy | 28

Dear Epilepsy,

Everyone says they're willing to fight or support, but they aren't, when it comes down to it they don't know what its like to live with you. How not only you drain me but the medication I take in order to give me a fighting chance against you. They may see what I go through but until they've experienced it they will ever fully understand. They won't understand how hard it can be at times, most 18/19 year olds are driving or clubbing, not me though, I have you to thank for that epilepsy. Although I've had a lifetime to get used to that idea, it still doesn't feel right or justified that not only can you take so many memories but you can get in the way of others, and if I had to choose just one, that would be the thing I hate most about you.

Dear Epilepsy | 27

Dear Epilepsy,

After today I have 4 more letters to write to you, 2 more days until our review. For some reason everything seems to be measured in numbers, 'How many seizures do you have in a year?' 'How many seizures do you have in a day/week?' but more importantly I know roughly how many times you have visited me in my life. You, Epilepsy, have stopped me in my tracks and visited me nearly 60,000 times. That is nearly 60,000 memories I won't get back. I hate that you can take away so much of me, but I've began to control you, I have around 52 seizures a year, or around once a week in terms of absence seizures alone, and although some may class that as 'uncontrolled' for me that is a miracle. I've gone from around 40 seizures a day, to having 52 in a year, I've already won half the battle Epilepsy, and I won't back down now, in 2 more days I will have another plan to fight you head on Epilepsy, and each one works more than the last. So be prepared Epilepsy, because I'm coming to get you.

Dear Epilepsy | 26

Dear Epilepsy,

Today is Purple Day, a day where everyone in the world supports and raises awareness for Epilepsy by wearing purple. Today is also 13 months since I was discharged from the Hospital, on the 26th February 2014 I finally knew I had begun to gain control of you. You see Epilepsy, people may wear purple for one day, but I have fight you 365 days a year, never knowing when you're going to strike next, but after all this time I'm ready, ready for you and whatever you bring, you see Epilepsy, although you have a whole day to fight you I've had a lifetime fighting you so no matter where or when I will fight you and one day, I will win.