For Yourself Friday: Mad for Magenta

Throughout the years your personal style becomes established.  It comes from positive and negative reinforcements you have encountered over time.  It could include harsh criticism from your mom, influence among peers, lifestyle choices, etc.  We incorporate and disregard a variety of things based on what we feel comfortable with and what we feel good about.  Everyone needs ways to express themselves, which is literally hard wired into our souls.  Whether you believe you are creative or not, the way you write, speak, walk and dress are all creative expressions of one's inner self.  Think about your own self expression.  I am not talking about fashion or trends (although, if that's your thing, fabulous!).  I am referring to the things we incorporate into our mere presence that reflect who we are, how we feel and what we want people to know about our self.

Some of these things become routine, expected, and safe.  Others are rituals and things we are proud to incorporate daily, weekly, or on special occasions.  Do you always wear the earrings your in-laws gave you, during family gatherings?  This speaks volumes about your personality.  It could be that you are a nurturing soul, hoping to display that their gift is greatly appreciated.  It could also be that your MIL is a wretched witch, who won't shut up about the damn earrings!  Whatever the reason may be, the very fact that you wear them is a reflection of who you are.

My challenge to you, on this 'For Yourself Friday,' is to think about the ways you express who you are through makeup, accessories, clothing, etc.  Think about things you have seen others incorporate into their style that appeals to you.  In times of discomfort we learn the most about ourselves and grow as individuals.  This weekend treat yourself to something you have considered or wanted to take the plunge on, but makes you a bit uncomfortable or nervous.  A slightly loud scarf, brighter shade of nail polish, tinted lip gloss, etc.  

I am stepping out of my comfort zone as well, and bought a new lipstick. I have never been a lipstick gal, and as previously written about, have struggled with embracing my mouth and lips.  The color I bought is Maybelline, Color Whisper, Mad for Magenta.  There is absolutely NOTHING about this lipstick that whispers.  It is more a loud, shrill scream.  My comfort zone was ditched the second I stepped out my front door.  With that being said, I am feeling funky fresh and ready to take on a little discomfort for the sake of breaking my makeup routine!   

It's fun, and extremely important, to pay careful attention to yourself as the distractions of life begin to seep into every crevice of your being.  Spicing things up, being vulnerable, and trying something new exhilarate and excite your inner firecracker.

 Now, I know not everyone is on board with a magenta lipstick, and if you have no desire to step out of what you are already doing, then splurge and buy the same scarf you already have, in another fabulous color!  Amplify the sense of self you already have oozing out of your soul!

If you take the Mad for Magenta plunge with me, tell us about it!  What did you splurge on to express yourself.  How did you feel stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new?

Lindsay