Dear Friends,
It's September and I've spent my summer really enjoying myself. Reading everyday and everything from fiction to nonfiction to magazines. I've also been doing a lot of writing. Not writing for anyone but just for me. It's been nice to be a little bit selfish this time of year and it feels like a luxury.
And the thing is, it shouldn't be a luxury, it should be a necessity. For all of us.
Take Care of Yourself First
Spending some time on ourselves and being what we would call selfish is actually not being selfish. It's simply taking care of ourselves. A friend of mine reminds me that taking care of our selves is similar to flying in an airplane. When you are listening to the flight attendants talk about the oxygen mask they always tell you to put your own mask on first before you attend to others. Life is like that. You need to attend to yourself first before you can care for others.
Simple Ways to Take Care of Yourself
September is a perfect time for making a change if you haven't been taking care of yourself. By taking care of yourself I mean: Are you dressed when you take your kids to school or to the bus? Or are you wearing your sweats or worse yet, your pajamas? Are you showering, getting dressed and looking your best every morning even if you work at home? Are you scheduling some "me" time everyday? I'm not talking hours; I'm talking 5-30 minutes every morning. Just you and your coffee and a bit of quiet time. No newspapers, no requirements. Just something that is about you and only you.
What if You Don't Attend to Your Own Needs?
Being attentive to your personal needs is important on so many levels. It speaks to what we think of ourselves. Do you think enough of yourself to pay attention to your daily personal needs? Showering, getting dressed, taking care of our personal hygiene, a good night's sleep - these are the basic things we teach our kids. And frankly, if we aren't following these rules ourselves, what are we really teaching them? We all know that actions speak louder than words.
Get Started Today
Make it a priority to take care of yourself every day. Get enough sleep, shower, find a "beauty routine" that you can work with, think about the clothes you put on your body and make this your daily routine. Don't sacrifice your personal time for other people. Remember, if you take care of yourself, you can better care for others.
Enjoy the rest of the beautiful summer weather. I'm looking forward to a great fall full of change and new experience. Don't forget to enjoy The Real You along the way!
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Patricia Gorham
Inside/Out Style
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Women's History & Undergarments
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 Through November 8, the White River Valley Museum in Auburn, Washington, is hosting an exhibit called "Suffer for Beauty: A Revealing Look at Women's History through Undergarments." Find out how women's undergarments reflected societal expectations of women from the 1880s through the 1950s. Bonus: It's only $2 to get in and a nice way to spend some time in the car with a friend on the way to check out old styles. Plus it will remind you to be glad that we are no longer subjected to the ideal of the 18-inch waist!
More on the exhibit at the museum web site >
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Explore Seattle's Neighborhoods
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Does the economy still have you "just looking"? This is a great time to explore a new neighborhood and see what's new in boutiques. While you're at it, check out consignment stores and Value Village or Goodwill. Go with the intent of looking at styles and new looks. Then head home to your own closet to see how to make your old look new again. Start with NW Source and you'll have a fun day ahead.
Shops listed by neighborhood at NW Source > |
