By Lisa Lauture

12 years ago, I made a decision to take a step towards really loving the woman I look at in the mirror.  Not just visually, but I wanted to really begin taking care of myself again beyond my basic self care needs.  I mean, I used to.  Then I had children and I switched into survival mode.  I ate to relieve stress and anxiety.  I didn’t know what to do with my hair.  And T shirts and leggings or whatever convenience I had in my closet became my uniform.  Beyond that, I knew there was more to my life than my current circumstance.  I saw visions of who I wanted to become and what life would look like in that space and I wanted it!  So I prayed and took 1 small step.   I went to CVS and bought lipstick.  I had a couple of dollars and 2 coupons for 50 cents off on any Wet N Wild product. I bought 2 classic colors -Dark Wine and Fuchsia with Blue Pearl- Bold and Beautiful! A representation of who I have hidden from the world for so long.  That was my first step.

I've been moving forward, one step at a time ever since. I've had my ups and downs. I've gone into "survival mode" many times since then. But through it all, THE LIPSTICK STAYS. Now, I have a list of things that I have been able to maintain, even at my low points. I have turned them into habits. Today, I stand in awe at the transformation that has taken place inside and out. This is my Glow Up Journey.

Have you lost sight of the absolutely, downright amazing person you are?  If so, It’s not too late.  It starts with just 1 step.