Embracing the natural look

Ok, however much I talk about, and practice self-love, self-acceptance and knowing that I am enough, I am the first to hold my hands up and say I very, very rarely leave the house without mascara on (as a minimum).  Being bought up in a family of models make-up was part of my life from a very early age and has become so ingrained into who I think I am I never stop to question why I wear it.

Last weekend we were going out to our local store to pick up something for dinner before heading off to London to see a show.  I haven't been well for a few days and my energy levels were on the floor.  Throwing on a pair of jeans and a jumper I said to my partner "I'm ready, I'm not going to put on any makeup today".  He looked at me questioningly and, with a raised eyebrow asked "are you sure"?

Now he is a pretty amazing boyfriend who was (I hope) either joking or making sure I was happy (well that's his story and he's sticking to it) but it has made me query why I feel the need to look a certain way, and, more importantly,  who do I do it for?

Is it so I will like myself more or is a misconception that others will treat me differently? I know the better I look the more confident I feel.  First impressions count and people can and often do judge by appearances.  For the days I have to use a wheelchair I am treated differently but then I do feel different so probably act accordingly.

Anyway, I have decided to bite the bullet and ditch my make up bag for a week.  I want to see how I feel, how others act towards me and try to figure out if I feel differently about myself, why that is.

So do I completely, unconditionally love myself?  I will let you know next week!

Phenomenal Paralympics

Being a part-time wheelchair user myself I am totally in awe of how effortless the athletes have appeared to compete in their chosen field despite their physical impairments.  I am the first to admit my upper body strength is rubbish and unless I am heading down a hill in my wheelchair, or towards a designer shop with a Sale sign in the window, my progress can be painfully slow.  David Weir completing a 26 mile wheelchair marathon in the blistering heat is inspiring.

Research has suggested that 65% of people who have watched the 2012 Paralympics feel it has had a favourable impact on their perception of people with disabilities.  I am not sure if this change will be sustainable once normality has returned to the country but I know it has altered my attitude to my own disability greatly.  A lesson reiterated to never give up on my own health and fitness has been received loud and clear.

I feel many viewers managed to see beyond the physical impairment and focus on the fact that each competitor was, first and foremost, an amazing athlete.

I think the big message to all, regardless of disability or not, is we are all capable of so much more than we think.  We have incredible potential to overcome challenges and limitations. To take life and, quite frankly, kick the arse out of it.

Did you watch it?  What did you think?

Spreading the love

Louise xx