Today, we live in such a busy culture that we often lean toward comfort and speed when it comes to our appearance. We have school, jobs, families, friends, errands, and just life in general to worry about, so we often forget to take care of ourselves too. With the chaos of daily life, our wardrobe and makeup is sometimes the last thing on our minds. With this in mind, I felt it necessary to explain to you all why putting the effort in our appearance is worth the time. We have the opportunity to feel more confident by presenting ourselves a little nicer, so why not take it? The first reason why you should put your best face forward is because it enriches the experience of your day. Think about when you wear your favorite outfit or if you fix your hair nicely that day. It makes you stand a little taller, and you walk a little more confidently. There is a popular saying of, “When you look good, you feel good; and when you feel good, you do good.” I believe it one-hundred percent. Now, let me give a disclaimer here: by no means am I saying that I believe women should get up and plaster their faces in makeup, do up their hair like they are on a red carpet, and wear new and expensive clothing. Every woman has her own personal style and way she likes to present herself. The concept of “look your best” really applies to however you feel most confident. What I am really trying to point out here is that sometimes opting for hair that has just been thrown back and wearing that dingy old t-shirt can close off some opportunities. Someone may call and invite you to do something that day spontaneously, but you more than likely will not feel like going because you do not look as presentable as you would like. If you already look a little nicer, you will more likely want to go out and see people because you are already ready. Looking your best gives an immediate sense of motivation and confidence. I do not know about you, but any time I have a particularly hard test or day coming up, I will wear my favorite outfit just to help me feel a little more confident about what challenge I need to take on. I instantly feel more productive. See what I am saying? Looking put together makes you feel put together and then you act like you have it all together (even if you may not at the moment). The second reason it is important to look your best is because it gives you a chance to do something for yourself every day. I am a firm believer that taking care of yourself is a spiritual discipline. The Father cherishes us beyond comprehension, so why not cherish ourselves the same way too? Giving yourself a little extra time in the morning to look nice allows you to have some moments of solitude before entering the hectic day. Taking a little time for yourself is one of the greatest ways to respect yourself. You do not have to take hour after hour to get ready in the mornings, but a little extra time would never hurt. Instead of just rolling out of bed and putting on a t-shirt and throwing your hair up, opt to maybe blow dry your hair and put on your favorite shirt. Take five quick minutes to throw on a little under eye concealer, blush, and mascara. The tiniest things can make a huge difference. When you have taken the time to take care of yourself, I guarantee others will notice and respect you for it. However, you should only do this for your own satisfaction and confidence. It has nothing to do with how people judge you or what they think. So, I challenge you to spend a little time in the morning for a whole week to put some extra effort in looking nice, and I trust you will find that you walk with more confidence and motivation. A confident woman who respects herself is one of the best representations of the Father.
