Celebrate Yourself Every Day
October 10, 2014
By Brian Maynor
October is a month that celebrates triumph over adversity shining a light on both breast cancer and domestic violence, and at the epicenters of those triumphs is the individual.
Shortly after moving to SC I had the privilege of working with victims of domestic violence and helping them cope and rebuild their lives as they struggled to break the cycle of violence. A few years later I had the pleasure of working with cancer survivors participating in the Look Good Feel Better program and it became crystal clear that one goal bridged these two groups: the ability to look in the mirror and love what you see.
It’s easy to dismiss or downplay life’s day-to-day routine as nothing special or worth investing any time, but that’s not the case. You’re special every day and should feel that way. Here are a few tips to keep in mind the next time you’re getting ready:
1. Step up your style. When you qualify an activity like: “We’re just going to the fair” or “It’s just some friends coming over” it’s easy to be lazy. Diminutive qualifications become reasons to reach for the sweatpants or not style your hair or put on makeup and most of the time we do it without realizing it.
One way to change that is to make the decision to wear something that’s dressier than what you would normal choose. This can be done within reason, I’m not saying wear a formal dress or suit to the grocery store, but you have plenty of options. One of the best ads I’ve seen recently suggests upgrading your look by simply switching out your jeans for a pair black pants.
2. Look in the mirror without judgment. This is probably one of the hardest things to do because we are always our own worst critics and focus on the flaws and imperfections. It takes looking in the mirror a few more minutes and actually stepping back a little to regain some perspective on the size of those imperfections.
Another great tip I read recently on learning to love your body was called the Lotion Challenge. Take one part of your body that you are not happy with and apply lotion to it every day for two minutes until the bottle of lotion is empty. The proven rational is that by pampering these areas every day you begin to accept them and confront irrational fears and critiques, both physically and psychologically.
3. Pay attention to at least one area. If these tips sound time consuming or too much work then pick just one area for special attention. Whether it’s styling your hair, painting your nails or deciding on an outfit the effect will be the same. The throw-and-go concept may be convenient, but it’s also neglectful. You’ll feel better about yourself if you invested time in yourself, even if it’s just five minutes.
The power of image as a healing tool is undeniable, but the individual is the only one who can unlock the power. Seeing the strength and perseverance of survivors is inspiring, but the best part is that resilience and fortitude resides in all of us.
Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
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