I’ve never been a “girly” girl.
These days that term might be a little controversial because the definition of “girl” has changed so much, so to keep it simple I’m referring to the stereotypical definition of what it means to be a girl.
I don’t like shopping.
I’m not big into getting my hair/face/nails done.
And I own more running shoes than heels. True story.
So as I sat in the nail salon (for only the second time in the last 12 months), I made quite an interesting observation - under the fabulous nails, coiffed hair and sparkling make-up, almost every woman in that salon was unhealthy. The woman in the pedicure chair next to mine had swollen feet and ankles. The lady opposite was wearing a gorgeous caftan which concealed an oversized frame. The woman next to her wore heavy makeup which barely masked her blotchy skin.
Was I being super “judgy” of these women? Maybe. And I hated that. I’m the first person to put myself in someone else’s shoes. I didn’t know these women and had no idea of their back-story. I had no right to make assumptions.
So I asked myself “who are you to judge these women?” Simple answer, I’m no one and I have no right to. But as the shellac was being applied to my big toe, it made me realise that when I’m unhealthy on the inside, trying to disguise that with fabulous nails and salon-perfect hair on the outside only goes so far. So I wondered, did they feel that too?
With a young family, it’s hard enough to find the energy to take care of them and myself even when I’m in the best of health. It exponentially harder when I’m run down, sleep-deprived or carrying a few extra kilos than normal. And I know it all comes down to how I treat myself - my own self-talk, how regularly I exercise and how I fuel my body. I’ve always been kind to myself emotionally and exercise has always come naturally to me. And as a self-confessed pain-au-chocolate addict, I’m learning to get better at making healthy food choices. Nuzest Good Green Stuff is a big part of that.
As our voices get stronger and our opportunities become broader, I think as women we will always continue to fuel our own insecurities - we will question our own abilities, our body confidence, or our self-worth. But if we can combat that with good nutrition, regular exercise and a positive circle of friends and mentors, we become a formidable force to be reckoned with.
Fabulous nails or not.
