Well, I'm sure you won't be surprised to learn that the words didn't exactly or accurately depict the experience I was in for, and now, as I sit here with a bit of a rash on the side of my face (due I'm pretty sure to a facial remedy I tried yesterday), I'm searching for the deeper truth of what I really need in my life to truly feel beautiful. Is it a new kind of facial wash? What about the perfect cleansing mask? I was told yesterday that without both of these "beauty essentials," my skin would never maintain a healthy glow or gorgeous texture. What about exfoliation? Do I buff my skin and lips enough to have the maximum look of fresh, rejuvenated skin?Yesterday, I was told that the look of dull skin is most unattractive and exfoliation is a must (and even helps to remove bacteria build-up on my lips! YIKES!)
What about moisturizers? Do I need to consider switching to a deeper penetrating moisturizer to prevent my skin from premature aging? And what about those bags under my eyes? Am I doing enough to ensure those bags aren't too gray or extra puffy? There are expensive creams and lotions and eye pads and tinctures that are all pretty much considered a priority for beauty, and I seem to really need them all if I want to look my best.
But...what if I'm already pretty happy with my current skin care plan? Well, if that's the case, maybe I look so terrible because I'm not relaxing and meditating enough. You know, "zenning out" with my eyes closed and thinking about sailboats and what I would do if I never had to worry about money. Do I spend enough time in quiet contemplation? (Asked the women who was firmly encouraging me to RELAX!)
These are some pretty heady questions to consider when you're on the quest for beauty! And while I can't find fault with anyone for having the desire to look and feel their best, and I'm quite certain that the products I experienced yesterday are the exact thing that make some women feel as though they are a better, more beautiful version of themselves, I just couldn't find anything in it for me. UNTIL...
My friend and I got in the car and started to compare notes on our experience! We started laughing at ourselves and each other because what we thought we were going to experience and what we actually did experience were so different! The expression of how silly the whole thing made us feel was just plain funny! And I found myself laughing from the belly and feeling my eyes tear up a bit as my friend shared her comments and I added mine! It was so liberating to be with someone who could relate to me and laugh about it with such ease! In that moment -- when I was laughing and sharing how inadequate I often feel about myself with a special friend -- I felt beautiful and real and healthy! Being in that state of unconditional love and friendship with another woman who feels she has the same flaws and insecurities as me made me feel gorgeous!!
Later that evening, when my husband pointed out that I had mud in my hair, (which was leftover from my exfoliating, cleaning mask) I just smiled and thanked God for making women so beautiful when we bond through laughter and moments of real connection!
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