We all have our routines in the morning when we get dressed to present ourselves to the world.
Have you ever considered what your morning routine reveals about your personality? Whether you don a uniform or adhere to a particular dress code, we all strive to showcase our individual tastes. Of course, there are those hectic mornings when we dash out the door without so much as a glance in the mirror—everyone can relate to that!
We each invest time and energy into how we wish to be perceived, as well as how we prefer not to be seen. Have you ever taken a moment to jot down how you want to be viewed versus how you don’t? It’s a fascinating exploration of human nature.
The choices we make about our appearance are influenced by a complex web of factors, often tied to our cultural identities. Imagine a world where we celebrate our differences and choices without judgment—a truly harmonious existence. Unfortunately, judgment is a reality we face daily; the way we critique ourselves often reflects the larger societal lens of scrutiny we navigate.
Add to this mix confirmation bias, cognitive dissonance, and the often overwhelming influence of social media, and it’s easy to see why many of us feel conflicted between wanting to fit in and seeking genuine belonging.
As a woman in my 50s, my social media feed is bombarded with contrasting messages: embrace aging gracefully or rebel against it. What’s a girl to do? I find inspiration in seeing stunning celebrities confidently walk the red carpet without makeup, yet I’m equally captivated by tutorials on achieving the perfect smokey eye for hooded eyelids. So, where do we draw the line?
One key takeaway from my yoga training is the understanding that nothing is permanent. I have transformed over the years, evolving through each phase of my life, and I cherish those experiences. When I make choices about my appearance, I remind myself that they are fluid and meant for the moment. Perhaps one way to liberate ourselves from self-judgment is to embrace spontaneity and enjoy our self-expression without feeling the pressure to define ourselves rigidly.
Understanding your core values can guide your choices, but remember that change is a constant. Approach life with curiosity and playfulness. Celebrate your choices and those of others. Personally, I adore the ritual of applying makeup each morning; it feels like my protective armour for the day ahead. I enjoy pampering my nails despite my concerns about environmental impact, and while I have my preferences, I recognise that I can sometimes fall into the trap of judgment about others’ styles.
When my daughters return home, they might roll their eyes at my understated nails, declaring me “boring.” But how much of our judgment about others is simply a reflection of our internal struggle with identity? Sometimes, our choices are motivated by a desire to fit in rather than to express our true selves. I love certain vibrant nail designs on others, yet feel hesitant to adopt them for fear of being pigeonholed into a look that doesn’t resonate with me. I often wrestle with feeling guilty about enjoying the nail salon experience—such is the nature of cognitive dissonance.
At times, we might feel compelled to present an idealised version of ourselves to the world, donning makeup or glamorous outfits as a façade, even when we’re struggling internally. The notion of putting our “best foot forward” can lead us to mask our true feelings, making it essential to remember that everyone has their own form of armour—whether that’s makeup, or the absence of it.
When we feel confident in our appearance, it often translates to a positive mindset. Recently, I reflected on the importance of distinguishing between health and aesthetics, and the relevance of finding balance in this relationship.
Ultimately, our clothing, makeup, and accessories are integral to our identity and cultural expression and are influenced by a multitude of factors. Recognising what we can control and what is beyond our influence is crucial, as is understanding the ever-shifting nature of our identities throughout life. Our cultural backgrounds contribute to our sense of belonging within various communities, affecting the depth and quality of our relationships—an essential pillar of overall health and well-being.
“Before you judge someone, walk a mile in their shoes…” or perhaps consider their hairstyle, nail art, makeup choices, or outfit of the day.
Love You: Be comfortable with your choices today, don’t shrink……SHINE!
Love you: Health and Well-being with Lorraine 