The Story About My Body with Shangrong Lee
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Finding Safety in My Body
In this episode of The Burn we're sharing an inspiring story from our 2024 “Body” Issue that highlights Shangrong Lee as she navigates the complex relationship with her body after a breast cancer diagnosis.
A Reflection on Body Image and Healing
In her poignant piece, "The Story About My Body," Shangrong recalls her younger self, grappling with feelings of inadequacy and shame about her appearance. She vividly describes the pain of being teased for her looks, the weight of societal beauty standards, and the longing for acceptance.
When faced with her breast cancer diagnosis, those old insecurities resurfaced. She recalls the cold, sterile environment of the surgeon's office, where the reality of her situation clashed with the echoes of her past self-doubt. Despite the tumultuous emotions, Shangrong chose to confront her body — not with hatred, but with an understanding that it had always been there for her, even when she felt it had betrayed her.
Through her journey, she grappled with the idea of breast implants as a means of reclaiming her body. Yet, ultimately, she found peace in her natural form, recognizing the strength and resilience that came from her small breasts. After surgeries and treatments, including a mastectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction, Shangrong's perspective shifted. She realized her body was not just a vessel of insecurity but a source of strength, capable of healing and nurturing.
Running as a Form of Empowerment
Shangrong’s relationship with running began later in life, spurred by a desire to connect with her husband and a newfound determination to improve her health. Using the “Couch to 5K” app, she transformed her view of running from a punishment into a liberating activity. Running became her sanctuary — a time to reflect, heal, and prioritize self-care.
As she built her endurance, Shangrong discovered a deeper appreciation for her body and its capabilities. She came to understand that it had been preparing her to fight cancer all along. This shift in mindset was pivotal; she learned to embrace her body’s imperfections and celebrate its journey.
Now, as a body ambassador and advocate, Shangrong shares her story to inspire others. She notes that when she was diagnosed, there were few women who looked like her sharing their experiences. Through organizations like For the Breast of Us and Living Beyond Breast Cancer, she found a community that empowered her to tell her story and support others facing similar battles.
Shangrong emphasizes the importance of sharing one’s narrative — not just for personal healing but to foster connection and community among those who may feel isolated in their experiences. She believes that speaking out can alleviate fear and anxiety, allowing others to find their own voices.
The Healing Journey Continues
Today, Shangrong continues to navigate her relationship with her body and her ongoing journey of healing. While she acknowledges moments of self-doubt, she recognizes that her body is a work in progress, much like her journey.
Her story serves as a powerful reminder that we are constantly evolving, and our bodies reflect that journey. By embracing our scars and celebrating our resilience, we can find safety and strength within ourselves.
Writing Prompt Inspired by Today’s Episode
Shangrong shared what she felt was her biggest flaw — her flat chest — only to later discover that that flaw might be a tremendous asset in her experience of breast cancer. And so my prompt for you is:
How might my biggest flaw be my greatest asset?
Set your timer for eight minutes. Write without stopping. See what needs to come out and where it will take you.
For more writing inspiration check out our free prompts and learn about our writing workshops.
Happy writing! Until next time, take good care.
Episode Links
Read a transcript of this podcast
Purchase the 2024 “Body” issue of Wildfire Magazine
Learn more about our episode sponsor Less Radical Podcast
Learn more about the organizations Shangrong is involved in:
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