Habitation: Inner Maintenance

With the changing of the season, I always see this time as an opportunity to alter my hair color. Like the turning of the leaves, so is the chemical transformation of my hair follicles.

In my mid-20’s, I looked forward to maintaining my body and look. It was a fun project; one which was never interrupted by life, driven by trends and dependent on the “gasp factor” when I entered a social event.

Knee deep in my mid-30’s, I am finding ten years of living has made me aware of my true nature and style. The relocations, meltdowns, babies, career changes, joyous times and general life drama have all molded me into the woman I am today.

In retrospect, I wonder if I spent too many years hesitating and looking around to see who might be looking at me. How my hair was styled. How my clothes fit my body. My focus was on the outside world, seeking the acceptance of my peers in my 20’s replaced taking the time to get to know myself.

Gradually, I have been cracking the mold I was expected to fit in to. Oozing out, little by little, releasing my true character.

I am making conscious decisions based on my passions and interests, rather than dwelling on trends. I’m listening to my inner wisdom, regardless of what the outside world might think.

I want to be myself, over and over and over again. Every day.

Armed with positive self-talk, proclaiming powerful quotes and often throwing air punches to motivate myself out of a funk, my mid-30’s mantra is now:

Why not?

Slowly but surely, I am daring to publicly define myself not by announcement, but by visually letting my spirit shine.

So, I started wearing my glasses all the time. (I used to feel like a nerd as a young woman, not sexy, but rather stuffy and unapproachable.) I also started to sing and dance in the car again, enjoying the music and not caring about who is looking.

Who knew these two minor changes would prove to give me just the perk I need to strut out of my house, confident and conscious that I am starting to make things happen in my world?

Maintenance means so much more than waxing my brows every 4 weeks and daily pumicing my heels. (TMI? I beg to differ, for I’m simply being ME.)

I am just starting to gently nurture my soul, slowly drawing out my eccentric nature, often catching myself with a playful smirk as I begin to feel giddy (yes, giddy!) about my life.

And I like it. (air punches!)