Look Good, Feel Good, Do Good This Holiday Season - by Lauren Solomon

No matter how strange this year and season may feel, each day we embark on a journey. Destination: your best self. Duration: the rest of your life.

Your lifelong journey to your personal best will always have twists and turns, ups and downs, challenges and celebrations. This curious year is no different. Through it all, you’ll see that your personal best is not a destination, something you strive to reach “one day.” Rather, it’s a story of becoming. Every day, every hour, every decision you make, every action you take has the potential to bring what is positive, enriching and fulfilling to you. So, where do you even begin? I believe wherever feels best to you is the perfect place to begin. 

Personally, I begin with a deep breath, some kind of stretching and movement, a refreshing or at 32 degrees, invigorating, brisk walk with the dog(s), a hot shower and dressing up for the day to come. Yes, even in the days of COVID, dressing up for the day (could be - leggings on the bottom and a comfy, flattering sweater on top) informs my brain and my body that we have much to do (even though I would secretly love to roll from my bed to the sofa and binge Hallmark movies all day long). Looking in the mirror and liking who I see reflecting back at me let’s me move forward with strength, no matter what the day may bring. And, with the holidays upon us, and video calls filling most of my calendar, there’s still room to add some bling and festivity to each day – a sparkly necklace or earrings, a fun virtual background - if it helps you feel good, I say do it!

As Oprah used to say, here are a few things I know for sure: 1. Your image goes far beyond the clothes you wear. 2. It take just as long to get dressed and look fabulous as it does to get dressed and look like a hot mess. 3. When you look and feel good you’re inclined to want to do good.

So, here’s your opportunity to turn this year into a strong finish – start your day with intention and purpose; dress up and show up (at least from the waist up) as you would in a normal year; and, add some bling to your outfit, whether you’re behind the camera or in front of it. People will notice. More importantly, you will notice.

Happy holidays!

Lauren Solomon