Research reports that a whopping 90% of a person's first impression of another person is based on their appearance alone!
Yet of the last things we sometimes feel like doing on some mornings is dressing for personal success and prosperity.
However, we learned during the COVID lockdowns, when options for entertainment were limited to say the least, that personal hygiene & grooming was not only a practical necessary but could be very therapeutic and spirit lifting.
Grooming reiterates inwardly that “I care for and respect myself” and “I matter” regardless of anything else going on around me or the circumstances to which I am subject. “It is within my control to show myself this love and respect, and I choose to do so”.
MikeyM™ used to infuriate LouLoU™ during his ‘self tanning’ days (pathetic, we know 😆) because in Winter he would simply apply to his face and neck because “that’s all people would see”.
Aside from “offending LouLoU™'s Virgo” as a supposed incomplete project 😂 she argued that Mikey was applying for the wrong reason – namely for others – rather than himself.
And she was right, of course.
While third party compliments on one’s appearance are all well and nice, the ultimate essence of the act of grooming is self respect.
Now we are in no way advocating sitting watching Christmas reruns of Friends or Only Fools & Horses in a DJ or Dinner Dress doused in Coco Chanel (unless that of course is your thing, in which case why the heck not!).
Nor are we seeking to denigrate “onesie days” which have their proper place.
But the message to your mind and body in the repeated act of grooming safely, even if you are limited or housebound for any reason, is a powerful one that can affect and enhance your onward relationship with, and attitude towards, the outside world in a very positive manner.
Of course, grooming need not stop at choice of attire.
It encapsulates all means of positive attention to self.
For us this can mean (depending on our moods), exercise, meditation, healthy diet, indulging in our favourite coffee or helping out loved ones, for example.
Everyone’s concept of grooming can thus differ according to their preferences and how they relate to the world at a particular point.
At times, even when housebound, we decide on a clothed theme for the day such as “80’s Day”, in honour of the era we grew up in, and dress accordingly.
This just encourages a different thought pattern for the day and often good memories that form the basis conversation and experience sharing in which we actually learn new things about one another that we otherwise might never have.
What is important is that any act of grooming reinforces a person’s importance to self which in its turn maintains and restores confidence and self esteem with minimal effort and cost.
And we all ARE important.
So dust off the cobwebs of your favourite outfits and instead of looking at them, wear them with pride and enjoyment, even if you have to insist on help to do so from family or carers 🤠🙃.
Love LouLoU&MikeyM™ (behind u 💯)