Why WOULDN’T You Wear That?

I work with so many beautiful women. It surprises me when I hear them say, “I wouldn’t wear that. I have no reason to dress that way.” 

I’m not referring to evening gowns or impractical styles: I’m talking about wearing styles that flatter us, dressing well, or stepping out of our sweats (or yoga gear) and into something that makes us feel beautiful, pretty, or pulled together. Why wouldn’t you wear that? 

I can remember as a very little girl wanting to be beautiful and girly. One of my most cherished memories is from when I was about 8 years old: my dad took me to Goldwater’s to pick out any dress I wanted. I truly felt like a princess. 

We all have that princess in us—that desire to share the best of ourselves in every way—but sometimes we lose sight of her. We might be in a season of life that we box ourselves in and think we shouldn’t dress well. Why shouldn’t we?

Looking good helps you to bring out the best in yourself, and enables others to see the best in you. As women, we have so much to offer! The more confidence we have in the way we look, the more we’ll notice a difference in the way we meet people and the way they respond to us. 

When you roll out of bed and race out to the store in your sweats, or if you do the same to drop your kids off at school, do you find that you reach out to others? Do you engage in conversations, or are you holding back—even avoiding contact—because you don’t feel put together, prepared, and ready to step out? When I leave the house this way, I adopt this behavior because I don’t feel ready to engage. 

We each represent something unique and special. It’s not wrong to have good self-care. It’s how we’re made as women, a part of our design. There is beauty in every creature, and looking good can open us to stepping out and sharing our gifts.

Reveal your inner shine through all forms of self-presentation! You will notice a change in how you glow, inside and out.   

--Keri

 

Ephphatha! Be Open.

“Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf will be unstopped.” - Mark 7:34-37

When I heard this verse, it caused me to pause, and I knew I needed to go deeper than the literal words. I wanted to be open and present to everything around me: my family, my community, my circumstances. When we’re “open”, we notice more about our surroundings and respond accordingly.

This is a great time of year to be open! Take the season and embrace an opportunity you haven’t explored before. Look at something differently than you did last year. It’s nice to have traditions, things we do every Christmas season, but sometimes the logistics of making them happen take over the peaceful joy of experiencing the people involved. Take time to listen carefully, engage wholeheartedly and, with a different perspective, there might be something more for you to see.

People may notice you are happy and pause to think that they can be happy, too.

I find that I enjoy this season, so much more when I take my time, and consciously choose to not rush through. Here are some ways we probably all encounter where we can try to “be open”:

• When you’re at the store, enjoy this time of preparation and giving. Be present. Choose to enjoy the season and let your disposition inspire others as well.
• Appreciate what you have and what you can give. Don’t worry. Be open to what the true meaning of this season is.
• Be open to generosity. When someone reaches out to you, such as offering to help or giving a gift, let them. Be vulnerable. Receive unconditionally. Be open to receiving and opening yourself to their love
• Try to not worry about the details of what needs to happen. Enjoy this time. Try not to rush through it. Slow down.
• Spend time with your family, friends and community (the people in your surroundings).
• Take time with your girlfriends.
• Reach out to the elderly. Honor your mother and father by sharing a special time or memory.

In life, we should always be open. Be open to God’s plan. Be open to other people; be vulnerable; be kind.

As women, being open to others is to reveal their inner shine. Listen. Be open to the possibilities that are best for them. We should approach our own selves that way, too!

When we’re open, we’re living life more fully. It’s a great feeling, and I am so eager to embrace it this season. When we consciously open our eyes and ears, there are unexpected surprises and that makes life more meaningful.

--Keri

Busy Mothers Should Look Good, Too

When I was growing up, I’d sit at my grandmother’s kitchen table reading the many signs she had hung on her wall. Some of them were Irish limericks, some old diner signs, but the one I can still remember is the sign that read, “IF MAMMA AIN’T HAPPY, AIN’T NOBODY HAPPY”.

When I asked her what this meant, she laughed and said it meant that the family’s happiness was a reflection of how the mom felt. I believe it to be true! A mother wears so many different hats, and--more often than not--their wants or needs fall by the wayside while caring for their family.

Women need to look and feel good no matter what the tasks at hand for the day may be. I love the way jewelry can change a mood as easily at it changes an outfit. On any given weekend… Oh, who am I kidding? On any given day I may have to skip a shower or at least styling my hair for the greater good of the children. Getting to soccer games on time may mean mamma has to cut a few corners. However, adding a little bling to the messy ponytail, yoga pants and tank adds a whole new twist and feeling to the day. Running into Starbucks in a hurry without  jewelry and sporting a disheveled look says: “I’m late…and yeah, that’s baby drool on my shirt!”  Now rewind and enter with jewelry, it says: “I meant to throw this old outfit on as to not completely intimidate you while donning my fabulous jewels, and yes, I have a baby and look this great even when I’m running late!”

Our jewelry makes me feel like I have my armor on to face whatever the day brings, and the extra 10 seconds I take to put it on makes me feel pulled together all day long. 

--Maria 

You can contact Maria at a925life@gmail.com