rose in bloom - Stepping Out of My Comfort Zones
rose in bloom - What about my Face? My Hair?
Well, I chose a day when I felt a little less stressed and insecure than normal, and visited a counter at one of the leading departmental stores, and asked to have a makeover. Certainly, madam. With your complexion we can do a lot for you. Gee, thanks. I know it will cost money, but I'm looking at this as a start of a journey.
My face hasn't changed shape. It's still round and plump. It's still the same as it has been for a number of years, with the slight exception that its got a few more wrinkles, and of course the skin has lost a lot of its elasticity, and there are some little things which need hiding. But these girls are supposed to be trained in these things, and perhaps I'll learn something I can put into practice for myself.
First cleansing. Gee, that feels great. Then a little moisturiser. Wonderful. Now sit back and allow us to give you the treatment. What we suggest is ................. She dabs a little bit of this here, and gently covers my face with this, that and the other. A little touch of green foundation to take out the rosy tinges here and there. She makes notes for me to take away. She shows me how to highlight my lips and to correctly apply lipstick. Eye shadow, eye liner if I want it, eyebrow pencil. A tiny touch of blusher. I can't believe my eyes - surely that's not me in the mirror. Why, I look ........ I look atttactive!? Why couldn't I see it before? Can I make myself look this good when I go home? She assures me I can. Hands me a hand-written sheet with all sorts of little notations and diagrams. Offers me advice and assistance at any time - just call in and have a chat.
I practised at home - I didn’t always end up with a face that would launch a thousand ships, but then I’m no Helen of Troy. But my eyes look great when I spend time on them, and my lips always come up looking full, lush and sexy. I'm a patient girl, and I just kept practising on the eye shadow and eye liner and blusher. One little step each day - I was going forward little by little.
It was while I was experimenting with my makeup that I came to a momentous realisation. I didn’t need to listen to all those people who told me I should have liposuction or stomach banding or any other cosmetic surgery. I didn’t and don’t have to spend that sort of money (even if I had it) to look good - I'm not trying to be a 17 year old again. I'm really happy with who I am and how I look these days. I know I am an adult woman growing older, and I don’t see the sense in trying to emulate any up and coming youngsters who we see on the covers of magazines or on the catwalks at fashion shows. I can never be like them, but what's more to the point, however hard they may try, they can never be me. Wow! I was told the other day, “the cheapest face lift is a smile”. I like that, and it works for me, especially as it is a feeling I have deep inside me.
The same thing happened when I decided to do something about my hair. I’d been to a Colour Consultant; I’d gone through my wardrobe, I’ve experienced the pleasure of a make-over and still experimenting int those areas; I’d even ventured into buying and wearing perfume (which I hadn’t done for decades). So now it came time to visit a good hairdresser.
It'd been years since I had seen a good stylist/hairdresser, you know. I'd always been scared of getting stuck in the chair - do you know the feeling? I was somewhat hesitant in going in and asking would they do something with my hair. So I used to go to one of those little kiosks hidden in corners at a local shopping centres, always asking “a trim please” and never quite liking the end result.
This day however I felt more confident - yet became somewhat hesitant when a lovely youngish woman approached me. I thought the best thing to do would be to excuse myself and pretend I had forgotten another appointment. She had a beautiful smile and asked whether I’d like a trim, some hair treatment or even a new style? Her attitude towards me was not only friendly but respectful so I chose a new hair style, and even a colour. I couldn’t believe I was going this far.
I looked around the salon. Had I made a big mistake? I had a quick peek at the chairs and they looked sturdy enough. For my weight, that is. What had I to lose? I was determined to make myself over completely and nothing was going to turn me from my goal. I'm at the stage now where nothing can make me change my mind.
There was no problem with having my hair shampooed - big comfy chair, then I realised it was a recliner of all things and my heart started fluttering. I looked across at the other women in the salon and saw to my surprise a couple of other larger ladies, lolling back and enjoying the experience.
After having my hair shampoo’d and led to another chair, I am brought a cup of tea and a sample book of hair styles to choose from. At the same time, a swatch of different hair colours was shown to me and I carefully chose a nice colour not too different to my natural colour. After choosing the colour and the style, I have the colour applied and then it’s back to the chair and the mirror and the cutting and styling begins. This young hairdresser knows exactly what she is doing, and the finished product is stunning. She has turned my hair into a halo of rich soft brown cobwebs ending in dove grey wings over the ears which match the softening of natural grey from my forehead gently merging it in with the stronger colour she has chosen. I couldn’t breathe with the delight I was feeling. I was sure I was going to suffocate with happiness!
Because I’d stepped out of my comfort zone, and allowed someone to give me advice, some of which I have accepted for myself, and some which I shall muse about later, I experienced a growing freedom.
I determined to follow a regime as far as hair trims and colours are concerned, so that I always feel as good as I can about my appearance. Each time I look at my reflection in the windows when I go shopping, and I do actually look at myself that way now, the reflection tells me that I look good, and things can only get better. I'm definitely on my way!
My objective?
To enhance what I have in order to be pleasing to me. Not just to concentrate on one aspect, but to discover other elements to enhance my life
Finding joy in looking at myself in the “looking glass”
What I gained!
Increased confidence in following through my “step-by-step” campaign to improve my self-esteem.
Much more knowledge and the commencement of “observing” things around me
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