Hello everyone. I’m Zhou Tong, also known as Selina. As a copywriter passionate about words, poster design, and beautiful things in general, I’m honored to share my journey of reconciling with my body after a lupus diagnosis, with the support of Amy’s Women Empowerment. I hope my story can bring a little light to anyone struggling right now.

 

Lupus struck suddenly when my copywriting career was thriving. I’d just gotten a raise and was gaining recognition. Severe joint pain and swelling made even typing a struggle. This was a heavy blow for someone who earns a living with her hands. What crushed me more was the butterfly rash spreading across my face. I’ve always cared deeply about my appearance; even a small pimple used to make me anxious for days. The rash filled me with despair. It was my friend Chen Jing who dragged me to Amy's Women Empowerment when she saw me crying in self-pity. I was skeptical at first, as the founder, Amy, is very young (I apologize to Amy for the stereotype I had back then, haha). But I gave in to Chen Jing’s persistence, and this reluctant visit became a life-changing turn.

 

My real breakthrough came at a heartfelt group sharing session. We sat in a circle talking about dreams and regrets, and I said mine: I’d always wanted to take a set of beautiful photos for myself, but after getting sick, I lost the courage to stand in front of a camera. I couldn’t bear to show the prominent rash. Surprisingly, the sisters in AWE quietly remembered this wish. They secretly contacted a documentary photographer skilled at capturing the unique beauty of diverse groups, scheduled the shoot in the evening to use soft light (avoiding harsh sunlight that worsens my condition), and thoughtfully booked a makeup artist to help me with my look, making me feel truly cherished.

 

On the shoot day, I made a bold decision: I wouldn’t cover the rash. I wanted to be brave for myself. Amy, Chen Jing, and the other sisters stayed by my side the whole time, cheering me on loudly: “This angle is perfect!” “Your smile is so contagious!” When I saw the final photos, tears welled up instantly. The rash was clearly visible, but my eyes shone with newfound firmness, and a gentle smile rested on my lips. In that moment, I realized my suffering all came from rejecting my own body. I’d seen the rash as a flaw and my ailing body as a burden, forgetting this is the most authentic version of me.

 

I learned that accepting your body isn’t an empty slogan; it starts with three simple yet powerful steps. First, dare to look: stop fearing the mirror and see yourself as you are. Realize that you are one of a kind, rash, pain and all. Second, dare to acknowledge: face your physical condition honestly, don’t run away from it, and treat your body as a partner to care for, not an enemy. Third, dare to love: listen to your body’s needs. Avoid harsh light that irritates you, rest when your joints ache, and stop pushing yourself to endure unnecessary pain.

 

That’s how I walked out of darkness step by step. Lupus isn’t curable, but it no longer controls my life. None of the things I feared most have happened; I still have my job and friends, and I’ve gained lifelong sisters at Amy's Women Empowerment. Many experienced women here have also inspired me with their stories, giving me endless courage. I want to tell everyone who is still struggling: don’t let physical imperfections or illness negate your worth. Our beauty isn’t defined by appearance, and our value shouldn’t be chained by pain. Those body marks are not shame but rather medals earned from our battles with life.