Beauty and the Cringe
the only way to get rid of the fear of doing something is to go out and do it.
Embracing the entirety of ourselves entails acknowledging and accepting both the splendid and imperfect facets that makeup our identity. It’s the awkward art of nurturing a compassionate relationship with who we are. This doesn't demand that we turn a blind eye to personal evolution and opportunities to change or level up; rather, it beckons us to understand where we still have room to grow, without subjecting ourselves to harsh self-criticism and unhelpful judgments.
Imperfections, that label as faults or flaws, possess the potential to infuse our stories with depth and realness, painting a more vivid, rich life.
Self-acceptance is an invitation to embrace the fullness of who we are in any moment or season—the light and shadow, the highs and lows—knowing that each element has a role to play. It is a celebration and testament to the beauty found in our unabridged selves.
Venturing into new experiences is a simultaneously scary, exciting, and an empowering endeavor. For the last few years, I've found myself jumping into unfamiliar territories, relishing in the humbling yet rewarding practice of not shying away from my growth edges. Going from a place where I felt in my element and confident in my expertise to a completely new domain, where I am once again the student is a fascinating mind trip. It's like inviting my ego and my shadow into my safe spaces and just seeing what happens.
Moving forward despite the chorus of inner voices is a personal agreement—a commitment to confront the awkwardness, discomfort, and cringe-worthy moments head-on. It's a declaration that I can acknowledge the voices without allowing them to lead my path.
Here’s a glimpse into what I’ve been up to over the past of month or so:
Lately, weekends have been a time for me to reconnect with my inner artist through makeup appointments, lessons, and weddings. It's a reminder that makeup artistry has always come naturally to me, without the need for explanation or justification. These experiences serve as a joyful reminder of my love for connecting through the art of beauty, makeup, and skincare.
Holding on for the wild ride that was April or rather just this year. I’ve found myself navigating through moments of discomfort and hopelessness and through it, creating deeper layers of trust, dedication, and discipline. Recommitting to the practices that sustain me, even when motivation feels at friction with the habit to disconnect or veg out.
Taking a brief hiatus from my Beauty Course was a necessary pause as I grappled with the physical manifestation of stress and anxiety on my skin. It's hard to dish out beauty tips when you're feeling less than radiant yourself, and the term "fugly slug" often came to mind over the past couple weeks. However, amidst these challenges, I feel so much gratitude for the experience of healing my skin from both the inside and out and the privilege of working at my own pace.
I'm also eager to share the ways I’ve been tending to my skin, as they align perfectly with the core premise of my Holistic Beauty Course – the interconnectedness of internal and external wellness. For instance, the simple act of brewing my morning cup of spearmint tea has become a grounding ritual. Not only does it nourish my skin, but its benefits extend to addressing issues such as inflammation and hormonal acne. Moreover, this tiny act of self-care brings me a deep sense of satisfaction and self-love.
Feeling a bit overwhelmed as I wrap up my year as President of our local Rotary Club. Kicking myself for scheduling community events week after week, leaving little room for much else, yet feeling my heart completely full after each one. Whether it was collaborating with the Kindness Club at the elementary school to assemble Care Bags for our local food pantries or trying on my “historian hat” to document and present 51 years of Rotary History in Millbrook, each task brought a surprising and sweet sense of fulfillment.
A few blogs I wrote:
On Navigating the Nodes
On Human Design
While some of my creative projects had to take a backseat for a moment, I'm over the moon thrilled to reconnect with you today, brimming with excitement for what lies ahead. And, I couldn't be more thrilled to share a very special project: the launch of my new podcast, Karmic Mirror with my co host & dear friend Ally.
Our first episode is out now, and let me just share this: learn to embrace, maybe even cherish the things that both excite and unsettle you. When you allow yourself to navigate through natural human emotions of embarrassment, cringe, and fear of judgment, remember to do so with compassion. By holding yourself tenderly through these moments, you create space for other emotions to flourish, like satisfaction, joy, and new layers of confidence. You're not meant for everyone, and neither am I. The more we can believe in this truth, the greater we can strengthen our self-trust and ability to be real with ourselves and in the world.
I hope you’ll give it a listen and let us know what else you want to hear! And if you’re feeling generous, we’d love a follow and review!
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Apple
Up next for Monthly-ish Musings…
Monthly-Ish Sessions: short and sweet video sessions with astrological themes, practices and more.
Until then.
Thank you for being here!
With love, Michelle
I heart you so dearly friend! You're vulnerability is beautiful and you could NEVER be a fugly slug!