Let Go and Recharge

 We all have those days when we wake up feeling tired, worn out, sad, and unattractive—especially as we get older and start noticing changes in our bodies. The inevitable signs of aging, like crow's feet, wrinkles, or weight gain, can leave us questioning ourselves. So, what do we do? Well, if you're anything like me, you overthink it, beat yourself up, and start blaming yourself for not being more active, for neglecting your skincare routine, for not eating a balanced diet, or for drinking a little too much.

Sure, these factors can contribute to how we feel and how we look, but is it really worth it to be so hard on ourselves just because we think we have to look a certain way? Where does all this negative self-talk come from? I believe it stems from the constant pressure to fit into an image that society pushes on us. We’re told men should be muscular with chiseled V-shaped waists, tree trunk arms, and a full head of hair. We’re told women should look like stick-thin supermodels, with flawless skin and perfect bodies. But the truth is, not all men are built like that, and not all women fit into that narrow standard of beauty.

We’ve got to break free from the mindset that we have to live up to society's impossible standards, whether they’re from media, social media, or advertisements. It’s okay to have weight gain. It’s okay to have stretch marks, dark circles under your eyes, and to not always feel your best. In fact, those imperfections don’t take away from your beauty—they are a part of you.

I’m tired of letting others, and even myself, label me. We spend so much time trying to fit in, to be someone else, or to live up to an image that isn’t our own. It's time to take the pressure off. It’s okay to feel tired, to feel unattractive, and to have those days when you’re not at your best. As Ella Henderson sings in her song "Ugly," "One day I'm beautiful, then I'm ugly, but those days remind me that I am human."

Let’s remember that we’re not here to impress everyone. We’re here to impress ourselves. And I’ve started telling myself, especially on those days when I don’t feel my best, that I am beautiful, I am worthy, and I am deserving of everything this life has to offer.

If you find yourself in a negative headspace like I do sometimes, I recommend taking a day for yourself. Step away from the pressures and do something that recharges you. Wear your favorite outfit, take a break from work, cancel plans that you weren’t really excited about, and do something that brings you joy. For me, it’s a visit to the plant nursery or a stroll through a botanical garden, with a cup of coffee in hand. Nature has a way of helping me reconnect with the world outside the constant buzz of screens and social media.

Remember, self-care is just as important—if not more important—than being there for everyone else. Sometimes, we just need to be there for ourselves. Take a moment to relax, to breathe, and to recharge, so you don’t burn out. You are enough, just as you are.