The month of November is a time for nesting in, cozying up and celebrating Gratitude, a true time of Thanks-giving. This “Style” column is always written to help women navigate the often-overwhelming journey of “beauty” and “style” with a healthier inner compass of Gratitude, resourcefulness, and dressing with authentic self-expression. This month, we celebrate your natural beauty and everything you!
Glamour is often seen as illusory and surface-level, lacking substance … yet everyone seems to want it. Whereas, Gratitude – although earnest and deep – lacks that same luster and mystique, because Gratitude is a state of mind. You don’t hashtag it. You live it. You practice it every day.
It’s nice that people gather once a year to be thankful together; but Gratitude is so much more than being psyched about enjoying Karen’s famous green bean casserole – even if it is served in the cutest of tableware. Gratitude is about being thankful for what you already have. I like to think of it as a comfortable accessory, but way better than a great shade of lipstick, those pearl earrings or your favorite pair of jeans. Gratitude is something that looks and feels great, but with serious purpose … a secret weapon, if you will.
Practicing Gratitude is a mindset that is not always easy to achieve. Your house needs new plumbing, your car doesn’t start, your boss is a dragon – these things suck. Gratitude gives you a springboard for re-calibrating; it provides a wider scope of view. Several years ago, someone told me to start a Gratitude Journal. She promised me that if I wrote down five things I was grateful for every day that in six months, my life would change for the better. She was right! Try it. Every day, write down five things that you were grateful for that day. Even if it seemed like complete crap, there’s always something to be grateful for. Sounds corny? Well, there’s plenty of research which concludes that people who practice Gratitude have fewer health issues and all the cool “SHIFT your vibe stuff” that goes along with it.
Gratitude is something that looks and feels great, but with serious purpose … a secret weapon, if you will.
Most importantly, in this high-tech, fast-paced world, Gratitude forces you to reexamine your experiences. You’re reminding yourself to acknowledge the good around you. In this month of a Presidential election, remember that America IS great, and we ALL have so much to be grateful for. Vote on November 5 – it’s a right of all American citizens regardless of race or gender, and it is your civic duty to participate in the choices that will affect America’s future.
This month, SHIFT has many, many new fall wardrobe items to shift you into Glamour, but only YOU can self-express Gratitude. Sometimes, celebrating your best assets – showing great legs in a holiday dress or skirt or framing your gorgeous face with a beautiful necklace or pair of earrings – can help you celebrate with Gratitude. Perhaps dressing in layers with cozy, well-fitting outerwear and matching hats and mittens to stay warm while ringing the bell for The Salvation Army, or helping distribute turkeys and food to those who need but can’t afford a Thanksgiving meal are your true Gratitude secret weapons.
This season, SHIFT is grateful for the Greater Flint community and beyond. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve and style you … with Grace, Glamour and Gratitude!
