Many days I do the same thing many women I know do. I find my flaws and blow them up bigger than anyone ever would. I focus on all the ugly parts of my body, and waste time wishing my legs were longer, my hair was different, my eyes stood out, my age wouldn’t show, or any number of things that I can’t change about how I look. I appreciate the wisdom and experiences I’ve had and I am grateful for many, many things, and it’s not that I’m not ok with the way I look, but I don’t feel pretty as Maria of West Side Story does when she sings.

I feel pretty, oh so pretty!

I feel pretty and witty and bright!
And I pity
Any girl who isn’t me tonight.

I feel charming,
Oh, so charming
It’s alarming how charming I feel!
And so pretty
That I hardly can believe I’m real.

The other day, I got an email asking for an updated headshot. I have a headshot and it isn’t that old, but the one I had didn’t work technically (don’t know why and not important), the thing was they needed a new one and that meant I had to prepare to get in front of a camera immediately because they needed it now! I didn’t feel like I looked my best, but at an event, I asked a very talented photographer to take a picture of me. She did a great job, but when I looked at it, I didn’t feel like I looked pretty. My friend Cyndi offered to take some more photos and so I decided to get a blow out before the shoot. Cyndi suggested getting make-up done too, so I did that as well. And something magical happened.

I felt pretty!! Oh so pretty!

One simple thing and it completely changed my outlook and made me feel confident. I’ve included a picture taken right after hair and make-up.

So please remember, if you aren’t feeling so hot, do something that will make you feel better. It might be as simple as taking a walk, putting on a new shade of lipstick, taking a step towards accomplishing your dream, changing your hair, or just getting a blow-out, but do something for you, and magic might happen.

xo, jan

p.s. The photo shoot turned out great. (Thanks Cyndi!) You will have to wait for the official photos from the photo shoot because they are for an exciting honor I will share with you at a later date.

I Feel Pretty, Oh So Pretty