There is something foreign with getting to know yourself again after losing yourself for so long. Who are you? Who do you want to be? What qualities do you want to foster?
Yes, yes..multiple questions and I haven’t given you time to think.
When I gave myself the time, the quiet, and the opportunity to think, I heard my answer: I am a Lady…with a capitol “L.”
Refinement, respect, poise, and grace were qualities I was looking to restore in myself. As a a child, I was always watching the old movies from the 40’s and 50’s. There was an elegance and class to the women. They held themselves in strength and dressed themselves in dignity. I didn’t want to take myself for granted anymore. Lead by example people say: If you don’t take yourself for granted, no one else will, right?
I looked to Audrey Hepburn, a woman of class filled with kindness toward others. There are mentors that come into your life a real people as well as people to whom you look to for inspiration. She is my metaphorical mentor. On days when I felt so beaten down, Audrey was there to remind me that it’s ok to dress up to compensate for feeling down. Don’t let them dull your sparkle, darling…
When faced with a possible tense situation, dressing the part gives me more confidence. Settling into the role of being a Lady, gives me guidelines for interpersonal interaction.
Find your role model, integrate those qualities you admire into your being, then walk with dignity and strength with your head held high.