My Fair Lady
The art of grace.
I discovered an annoying habit… When guilty of thinking too much about something I felt drawn to do… I most likely wouldn't do it… overthinking is paralyzing… it can keep us up at night.
There is a reason not to do everything…
Even little things… an impromptu dinner party, a spontaneous gift for someone…. or even sharing a feeling that 'God forbid' might not be reciprocated.
It's the 'in-between-ies' that shake our souls... but a sign that we are growing… embrace it.
You might feel a little old-fashioned, cliche, or kind of ‘corny’ maybe?… but there is nothing embarrassing about a straightforward kindness, even when it leaves us hanging, questioning… burning. It’s refreshing while we struggle with what’s ‘cool’… or not… We can’t go wrong when we are speaking from the heart…
Though a slippery slope—a mud side… and it's there that people find us, and can relate to… exposed, vulnerable… but willing… I know some have questioned my motives at times… but when you are sincere… they soon find out… “Oh… that’s just ‘her’… she's actually for real.”
I was once a young girl lost in the deep, dark woods… but… I made it through—I'm now firmly planted in a place of mystery, the unknown, ever-shifting ground.… a gravitational pull, then… the unexpected comes by pure faith… be flexible… living creatively like this can be a free fall… it’s my happy place.
I’ve learned that life is a journey, an adventure, and I never avoided the tough stuff… I felt my way using all my senses and made many, many 'mistakes'… it is truly the only way…
I can’t draw you a map… for yours is different than mine.
With each step, we gain inner strength and confidence… like walking on stage—it's your cue… you must go. The more you trust yourself and your hard work, see the results, and accept the awkwardness as part of anything worthwhile… the more you feel like the roots of a tree from your feet to the center of the earth…
You will bend but not break.
An exercise;
I like to imagine who I aspire to be… Picture that person inside and out—How does she carry herself?… I’m not suggesting we emulate others… but our highest self…
What does she wear? Where does she live?… Who are her friends?… What are her thoughts… and what does her daily life look like…? Does she have any hobbies? A garden? Or, like to Bake?… What is her work, her education?… does she have any animals or a lover to care for?…
I can see myself walking down a long tree-lined driveway… at the end, I turn left… and it’s only a few cobblestone blocks to a petite bakery for a baguette… I add to my wicker basket… and, on the way home I retrieve my newspaper and the mail… a few wild flowers… one for my hair… I give a smile and hello to each passing person…
Hold the image you have somewhere in your heart, and you will get there, or something better… write about her… as her.
Inspiration, observation, learning how to be... the pioneer in your own way.
If we only live for others' understanding… we may never get to share the unique beauty of who we are. We are all different… How boring would it be to all be the same…
Trusting in your own style takes courage… your home, how you decorate and entertain, what you read, watch, or listen to… how you wear clothes… how you present yourself.
Hold your head high… Everyone has experienced ridicule, shame, or embarrassment at some time in their life—you are not alone… as we are all under a microscope, being judged or even unconsciously judging others… held to new impossible heights… feeling less than, jealous, or insecure… as we almost merge into technology and false hope… we must fight to stay human.
Grace and dignity never go out of style… and to live gracefully… is also physical… from our posture, how we walk, or even hold our hands, a natural or chic classic red manicure, pedicure… a soft, warm and pleasant voice… a natural perfume—skin cared for, clean, moisturized and glowing… Soft, elegant, healthy hair… appearing effortless.
You are good enough.
Sip on plenty of water… still or sparkling, manage your vices… moderation isn't deprivation—there is nothing more unattractive than a person who has had 'too much' of anything…
Smile… leave a little mystery... Mona Lisa.
Support others, show sincere interest… think positive thoughts, and use complimentary language.
Empower your friends and family… don't engage in gossip or negative social media banter… nothing 'goes away' and everyone has a phone… behave in public and enjoy your ‘wilder’ times if you must, with small groups of people you trust… put your phone away at dinner and intimate settings.
There you go... Auntie Pammy says…
Love,
P
