Dear Friends,
As we head into the new year, it's true: the world is full of what feels like bad news. Look a little deeper though, and you will find a lot of good happening. Sometimes I stop listening to the news for a few days and that helps me feel better. I also know that what helps me is to look my best.
When I say this, I don't mean to deny what's going on. I simply mean that when you look better, you feel better. It is that simple and sometimes that complicated. It's important for all of us to find ourselves and then show up accordingly. If we don't, it can make us feel more uncertain... and in an uncertain world, nothing good can come from that.
I don't know about you, but I always get a little melancholy about this time of year. I think back on the past year and my choices and plans and I want to make sure that I'm choosing the right course and that I'm being true to myself. That's not always easy to do as the world gets wrapped up around us and we start looking outside of ourselves to keep us happy.
For me, what works is quiet time every morning. I go to my office, open up my journal, turn on my Alaska Northern Light (see below) and proceed to immerse myself in good "stuff." It might be a daily devotion or a special book a friend has sent me. Or, it may surprise you to know that sometimes in my quiet time, I read Vogue magazine. Not for the articles, mind you, but for the pictures! I love the beautiful colors and fashions and the outlooks for the next season. For me, this magazine is pure fun. For someone else it might be an outdoor magazine or an activity magazine of some kind. Because it's a time that is all about me, I avoid any "self help" magazines at this hour. My goal is a feel good moment and I almost always get it with my fashion mags.
I'm not trying to "look like a model" in this time alone in the morning... I'm trying to find what my personal look is and stash the pictures in my personal file. It's fun to discover something new about myself and it often just makes me smile.
My morning goals have changed over the years. I used to think it had to be very guided and serious. Now I take myself less seriously. I find a fun look or a great color and I try it on in my mind. It's my time in the morning when I get to create my own look and then when I'm out and about, I can recreate it for real if the feeling hits me.
As we head into the new year when much is uncertain, I challenge you to take each day as it comes. To enjoy the moment when possible and to move on when you make a mistake. Above all, take some time for yourself every day, in whatever manner works best for you. You may be surprised at what you discover.
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Patricia Gorham
Inside/Out Style
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Alaska Northern Lights
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 Light therapy can be beneficial to people living in areas like the Pacific Northwest, where the amount of natural sunlight we get is less than optimal. I love my light box, and make sure I spend time with it every day during our cloudy winters.
Light boxes by Alaska Northern Lights > |
Sweet Skin Spa & Boutique
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Jill Helman is the owner of this wonderful spa that offers one of my favorite pampering items: the spray-on tan. Can't take a vacation and get to the sun? Indulge in a little spraycation! Sweet Skin is in a great location, just north of University Village.
Sweet Skin Spa & Boutique >
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Michael Bride, Makeup Artist
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Michael is hands-down my favorite makeup artist. I rely on him for daytime and special event looks. He's honest, funny and down-to-earth, and can help make you look like a million bucks.
Michael Bride > |
