First impressions are there whether we like it or not. It’s a fleeting moment that has a very long shelf life. Of course over time impressions change as we get to know the inner person but it takes longer to change that ‘first impression’. Being in the skin care, makeup, beauty industry I’m aware that personal grooming is important. Do you need to look like you just stepped out of Vogue or GQ has decided they need you for their next cover? No, however looking clean and fresh has a lot going for it. In my case I enjoy wearing makeup but have been known to venture out in public without makeup too. The basics of looking good to me are clean, well-rested and smiling. Once you’ve got that the other stuff is just fluff and fun.
A smile, it’s so simple to give but can really lift the spirits of both the giver and the receiver. I’m not saying walk around all day looking like the Cheshire cat because to fully feel the effects, they have to be given sincerely. Be creative with them and add a compliment or a simple “hello”, it increases the positive experience. We are busy people these days and are distracted by many gadgets, games, and TV screens to even notice who is around us. This is unfortunate because as we all look to find our place in the world we might be missing out. Will everyone turn into a conversation? Probably not, but the possibility that you improved someone’s day by just noticing them makes life a little better, and really, isn’t that what makes us feel good too?
Picture it: A gentle waterfall surrounded by foliage, the air is moist and perfumed with an indescribable fragrance, its late afternoon and you don’t know where you are but at this point you don’t care. It’s quiet, you’re alone and it’s far away from… we’ll anything. I know, sounds good so far and if you are very fortunate you know of such a place or are there reading this. The reality is a good many of us are scrounging around for our Zen gardens and four hours of sleep is like trying to find the Holy Grail. Yes rest is sought out by many yet remains elusive, or is it? Sure, hours of sleep (in a row) are a main ingredient to being well rested, literally. Then I thought about it, are we putting rest in a narrow scope? Take a moment for yourself and breathe. It’s the muddle of activity around you that can be draining so just stop and rest. It may not be long but it could help you get through the next few hours.
Clean feels good and it’s a basic simple state of being, there is no denying clean and we all recognize it. There is a sunlit glow to your skin unfettered by anything. You feel free and open to be yourself while in others you appreciate the time they took to care for themselves and their effect on others around them. Skin care can be over looked so much because it’s a long term commitment with a gradual result. Your skin is your lifetime outer wear so like that leather whatever you fawn over to keep it supple and soft… yup, take some time to figure out what is best for your skin. It doesn’t need to be a complicated system to add to the clutter of your day but it should give you a good foundation for everything else you’d like to do to your face. Clean, keep it simple and use it often.
While we really don’t have control over what someone thinks when we first meet them we can make the effort to improve that moment. Greet them with a smile and a kind word, your clarity from rest will show on your face, and that indiscernible aroma of clean will surround you and draw in others. First impressions can be difficult but if you’re prepared they can go great without a word.
