Bell syndrome

One year ago today, I recovered from facial paralysis and regained my smile. It happened suddenly, without “any apparent reason”, during a busy time in my life. I had been working long hours, skipping meals, and preparing to launch a project. The signs started a week before with strange sensations while eating, sometimes hiding my smile without understanding really why. Then, I noticed my distorted face in a selfie. I panicked, looked up "facial paralysis" online and found limited information. When I went to the doctor, he simply prescribed steroids and told me it could last weeks or become permanent. Feeling in the dark, I did my own research and found more guidance from a famous singer who also went through Bell syndrome. Determined to raise awareness, a year later, I'm exposing my photography project on Bell syndrome capturing brave women that agreed to be exposed in order to say- “YOU ARE NOT ALONE”. Losing control over my face was tough, but I discovered that facial paralysis is often a result of mental stress. I learned to have faith in my body and took two weeks to prioritize self-care, letting go of work, guilt, and expectations.
 I made a promise to put my health first and serve my body as it serves me.