Why Not Wear Lipstick and Mascara?

​Do you ever get a little slapdash with taking care of your appearance? I often do, and don't take the time or care to spruce myself up. At times I can have a somewhat prideful attitude around wearing makeup or taking extra time to look my best! It is the same prideful attitude I have when I hear myself say 'I don't get sick'.

As I have said before, pride, or feeling better than others, and conversely feeling worse than others (what I like to call 'reverse pride' ) are two sides of the same coin. Both undermine confidence and happiness, and feel yucky too! 

When it comes to taking care of our appearance, how can we can balance out those unhelpful ideas that firstly, we need to look 'better than others' or that secondly, we do not need to take care of our appearance. The balancing attitude is sprucing up for others. I am often reminded of how nice it is to appreciate and compliment others who have made an effort to present well. And how I appreciate compliments from others too. So it may be time to get over ..

• that unhelpful pride - feeling we have to look better than others
• that unhelpful reverse pride - feeling that we are worse than others, can't be bothered lazy or are not good enough 

And instead rebalance things with doing my best to look good for others.  It is respectful to others and myself and makes me feel better and allows others the opportunity for appreciation. Though of course it is best for my own mind not to expect such appreciation, or for them even to notice. I can only work with my own mind and intention. 

Many years ago I read 'Almost French' by Sarah Tunrbull. Sarah tells her story as an Australian woman, backpacking around Europe, meeting a french man, named Frederic and living with him in Paris. One thing that really struck me was when Sarah tries to leave the apartment to visit the baker wearing 'tracky dacks', or jogging pants, Frederic objects, telling her it wouldn’t be nice for the baker to see her like that. So again that better for others, in this case the baker, balancing to overcome our pride or reverse pride. 

Inspired by those around me who take care of their appearance, those who give me the opportunity to appreciate, admire and compliment, I have decided to make efforts to lift my game. I have been wearing lipstick and mascara and taking extra care of my appearance, much to the surprise of those who know me well. Of course there is still a time for lounging around home in the tracky dacks, but I have decided to make more of an effort in how I present for others. It makes me feel better too. Even if others do not notice I know I have made an effort to be better for others.


The other day I went looking for my friend Sheryl's birthday on FB. Sorry I missed it Sheryl! I read with interest on Sheryl's FB profile page, under religious views a quote from Abraham Lincoln. It read ..

• When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. That is my religion. - Abe Lincoln

So out of respect for myself and others I am doing a 'better for others' rebalance with some lipstick and mascara. And it feels good! I must admit to finding the lipstick a little challenging as I have inherited my Nan's thin lips and if I am not careful can end up with the older Nan lipstick look! Have gone with a natural colour, which helps, when I miss my lips!   

Make-up may not be your thing, but maybe a haircut, wash, beard trim or shave, some new clothes or a shoe clean may be the spruce up that is for you, for others. 


Have a great week. Thank you all  
Kind Regards and Best Wishes 
Maree xx ​