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It’s an ordinary Tuesday. I have three client calls, two meetings and an article that is due. I don’t plan on leaving the house until 6PM to join up with a friend for happy hour. It would be so easy to roll out of bed, down some coffee and feel gross all day. Trust me, I know. This was how I used to live. My thoughts back then was that no one would see me. So, why bother? But, I see me. Every single moment of every single day.
Shouldn’t I care how I show up for myself?
I don’t necessarily want an easy life. Ease, yes. But, easy? No. That’s what landed me in a decade battle with my body, serious eating issues and feeling like the world had gone black.
So, on this ordinary day, I shower, throw my hair up in a cute bun, put on a little makeup (nothing serious) and find a comfortable, yet cute outfit for the day. Sometimes, depending on my mood, it may just be beautiful loungewear (but a beautiful set).
Again, nothing fancy. But, it’s part of my daily routine.
I call this impressing yourself, and it’s something I 100% believe is the secret ingredient to adoring yourself.
Here are a few ways you can impress yourself:
- Dress in a way that makes you feel beautiful in the body you are blessed with TODAY, not the body you had at 17 or the body you hope to have next year.
- Work on that project that you’ve been talking about for a few years now. If it’s a book, just write a paragraph. It’s a learning a language, download Duolingo and take a lesson. Take a small step towards your dream daily and you’ll go to bed each night feeling fulfilled.
- Eat nourishing foods until you’re elegantly satisfied. I know it tastes good and you have been telling the story that you have no control, but today is the day to prove yourself wrong, so fast forward to tomorrow morning and imagine how you want to feel about yourself. One less bite, one different choice. Daily. This adds up to create massive results over time.
- Make your bed. There’s something beautiful and complete about making your bed each morning before you leave the house (or start your day). Walking through your bedroom and seeing a fresh haven for your sleep is about so much more than bed etiquette. It’s a sign that you are a woman who completes things, daily.
- Move your body. Even if it’s right before bed, and you are feeling disappointed in yourself yet again for not exercising. Stretch, do a few lunges or 10 sit ups. Don’t go to bed disappointed in yourself. Ever!
- Deep breaths before saying that thing or taking that action. We all get triggered and, if we’re not aware, we’re screaming at our kids or yelling at the man who pulled out in front of us. Next time you feel this surge coming on, take a deep breath and ask yourself, “How can I impress myself in this situation?” You may continue with your original reaction, but it will be a deliberate choice, not a reflex.
There are SO many ways to impress yourself daily.
Start in this moment.
What can you do to impress yourself today? I’ll ‘see’ you in the comments below.
With Love,
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Another great post Tonya. I am so guilty of this and seem to have those "What's the point?" moments way too often. I have a habit of forgetting that I am indeed worth the effort. Thank you for the much needed reminder. xx
Fay, yes you are! And, please remind yourself of this often.
An inspirational post, Tonya. These behaviours have always been aspirations for me and I have been more or less (and often, mostly less!) successful over the years. The final push came from your fabulous Slim, Chic & Savvy programme. Yes, I dithered because of the cost but eventually signed up and have never regretted it. I do want to repeat the process because not everything sank in first time, but you truly made a positive difference to my life and by extension, to those around me. Thank you so much.
Hi Jane! Thanks so much for your comment. Adore having you in the Slim, Chic & Savvy community. And, as I teach, there is no hurry. And, you can go through the program as many times as you need. It's a process, a lifelong practice. Those little daily a-has and shifts in behavior add up to big changes over time. xoxo
Another wonderful post! This is so true and speaking for myself - I am far more productive when I am dressed and ready for the day. (also, it never fails the moment I step out not having put any effort into myself, I run into someone I haven't seen in years. ugh!)
Hi Talia! Funny how that happens, right?
I homeschool a nine year old. We ran into another homeschooler at the grocery store and the children started talking about the perks of being homeschooled as opposed to "regular" school. The other child said doing school in their pajamas was the best part. After we left my child wanted to know why she couldn't do school in her pjs. I insist we both bet dressed, real shoes, hair fixed, jewerly, scarf, whatever we would wear if we were leaving the house. I feel it set the tone of the day-we are going to work. After dinner we change into lounge wear to read, watch a movie or play a game. Getting dressed, for me, makes my days feel special even when they are ordinary.
Thank you for the kind and elegant advice, we all need a mentor.
Thank you for your wise and elegant advice. A true mentor.
You are always welcome Sonja! Thanks for reading.
You are an inspiration at just the right time. I have been rearranging my little place, decluttering and just making room to breathe! (three bags of clothes not worn for months and years, "oh my heavens" my grandmother used to say! )
In the process I have not taken the time to "impress" myself and I will begin today! Merci Tonya for the reminder! <3 <3
Thank you Sherry! And, most importantly, remember to be kind to yourself. Sounds like you've been a busy lady. The fact that you've been decluttering is IMPRESSIVE! xoxo
I work from home and always make a point to get dressed. I learned this lesson when I first started my business and my son was just a baby. It gave me so much more sanity. I love the most though when you say don't go to bed disappointed (or angry) at yourself.
Tonya, thank YOU very much for another inspiring post and for everything that you share and do. Deep thanks!