One thing that I am learning is that the saying, “If you look good, then you feel good” is very true for me. During quarantine, there were days when I felt like what I looked like was not important since I was not going anywhere so I put no effort into putting myself together. Although this may be true, that I am not physically going anywhere (like most people in the world), I am however still working and often times have to log in to meetings with my camera on. There were times last week when cutting my camera on was absolutely not an option!
I have always been known as the girl that will go to an event or place overdressed (vs. underdressed) so going days without earrings or even taming my eyebrows was really having an impact on my mood without me even realizing it. I noticed that I was very cranky and annoyed at basically everything and that made me sit back and really think about what has changed in my life due to quarantine. With me being an introvert, I am often at home the majority of the time so sitting still was not an issue for me. But what was, was the thought that I had no real reason to get dressed and feel/look like myself. I know this might be extremely minor in comparison to what other people are going through at this time but me protecting my mental health is important for me. So although I will not walk around my house in 6-inch heels, I have decided to make sure my hair was presentable, a nice blouse on, light make up on and a grateful attitude.
Things in the world are wild beyond imagination but I am appreciative of the little things. The fact that I am still able to work and be financially stable. The fact that no one I know personally has COVID-19. The fact that God has given me grace and common sense to keep myself safe. The fact that I can even write a blog post about this topic, which is light and completely within my control. The fact that you are even reading this is just a few things that I thank God for each night.
Like I mentioned in my last post, do whatever you need to do to keep your sanity. For me, that is getting dressed and being able to still be myself even during a pandemic. If you decide to not get dressed, work out, eat a whole pizza, catch up on tv or write a book - pat yourself on the back for doing that and staying alive. Being aware of when you suddenly don’t feel like yourself can be instrumental in staying sane and protecting your mental space. If you notice mood changes like I did, I hope you stop and think about what is the cause and course correct. I mean, this is the perfect time to do self-reflection since distractions are limited.
Praying that this season will soon be past us and will soon be a distant memory.
Love,
Brown Girl