Looking Good from the Inside Out

There’s no question that looking good puts a spring in our step and shifts the way we see ourselves, others, and the world.  And, of course it colors other peoples’ perceptions of us (and does it, BTW, in a virtual nano-second).  That said, last weekend I had the opportunity to take a few precious days and participate in self-development class. What an amazing journey in self-discovery…I came away feeling g-r-e-a-t!  Why I share this is not to tout the merits of the class, but rather to share the surprising by-product that came as a result.  Since taking this class, random people have been commenting – completely unsolicited – about how much younger and more vibrant I look.  It gave me cause to pause.  My life’s work is almost entirely focused on the visual.  But, it occurred to me that, while no one can minimize the importance of looking good on the outside, how you feel on the inside (emotionally, spiritually, and physically) also plays a significant role in how we are seen.  Of course I’m not minimizing the importance of the right colors, styles and silhouettes.  What I am suggesting, however, is that how we appear to others is the sum total of the outside and the inside.  So, in addition to the clothes and accessories, don’t forget to nurture the rest of you.  Take from this whatever it means to you – eating better, sleeping better, exercising more, journaling, connecting with those you love – whatever.  Do what it is you need to do to make sure the magnificent look on the outside mirrors a magnificent feeling on the inside.