Your Heelness was born Tamara Yolanda Boggs. I am a woman in her 30's journeying through life with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), also know as Overlap Syndrome. I was initially diagnosed in September 2012 with Polymyositis, an inflammatory muscle condition categorized as an autoimmune disease, that caused significant disability and chronic fatigue. Since I am a zebra, better yet a unicorn, the presentation of illness was not by the book. A more complete diagnosis of combo of Polymyositis, Discoid Lupus, Sjorgen's Disease and Raynaud's Phenomenon was assessed in November 2014.

My story begins before chronic illness and will continue through it. So, let's get to the finer particulars of Your Heelness. I am defined by my athleticism, creativity and perseverance. A significant portion of my life was spent on the softball field, so being an athlete is deeply rooted in my identity. Playing fastpitch from childhood through college has had profound impact on me, setting the tone and spirit with which I live my life. The onset of SLE poses a major challenge to how I have always perceived myself, yet I am deeply committed to reclaiming this area of my life. I also have reached back into my childhood to reclaim my interest in drawing and painting. I, therefore, seek to develop my artistic skills in order to propel me towards the life for which I am destined. I am estatic to take this next step in my journey.

Your Heelness, obviously, has an great appreciation for high heels, clothing and accessories. Fashion, art and beauty have and continue to be essential interests that have help me in moving toward acceptance and healing. My blog simply shares my exploration into how these elements may be catalyst for living my healed life.