THE POWER OF GETTING READY FOR YOU

 I used to think getting ready was just about looking nice.

 Now I know — it’s about remembering who I am.

 Somewhere between the sleepless nights, the endless to-do lists, and the piles of laundry, I forgot that simple truth.

 For the longest time, I stopped getting ready for me. I dressed for comfort, for convenience, for survival.

My hair lived in a bun, my makeup bag collected dust, and I convinced myself that this was just the season I was in.

But the truth is — it wasn’t just a season. It became my default.

 There came a morning where I looked in the mirror and didn’t recognize the woman staring back.

Not because she looked different — but because she felt different. I saw a mom, a caretaker, a provider, a protector… but not me.

 And that realization hurt more than I expected.

 So one day, I decided to do something about it.

 Not for anyone else — not for photos, not for validation — but for me.

 I woke up a little earlier. I put on real clothes, did my hair, and added a touch of makeup. I didn’t go anywhere special — just the grocery store. But something changed. I stood taller. I smiled more. I felt awake.

 That day wasn’t about vanity. It was about vitality.

 It was the first time in a long time that I felt like her again — the woman underneath the mom, the one I’d almost forgotten.

 I realized then that getting ready isn’t a chore — it’s a form of self-care.

 It’s a way of saying, “I still matter.”

 And yes, I know it’s not easy. There are mornings when even brushing your hair feels impossible, when the exhaustion wins and you throw on sweatpants again.

 But every time you choose to do something small — to wear the nice blouse, to put on a little mascara, to brush your hair just because — you’re reminding yourself that you deserve to feel good too.

 Because we pour so much into everyone else. We make sure our kids are dressed, clean, happy, ready for the day — and then we look at ourselves and think, “There’s no time.”

 But the truth is, we deserve to take that time. Even if it’s just ten minutes.

 And here’s the most beautiful part — our kids notice.

 They see us showing up for ourselves. They see us caring, trying, choosing to love the reflection in the mirror.

 When my daughter watches me get ready, she sees more than just makeup or clothes. She sees a woman who values herself, who  believes she’s worthy of feeling beautiful.

 She sees that self-care is not selfish.

 And that’s what I want her to learn — that taking care of yourself is an act of love.

 So, mama, if you’ve been feeling invisible lately — I get it.

 If getting ready feels like a distant memory — I’ve been there too.

 But maybe tomorrow, start small.

 Put on that dress that’s been sitting in your closet. Paint your nails a new color. Wear your favorite perfume, even if no one else will notice.

 Because that’s the power of getting ready for you.

 It’s not about looking perfect — it’s about feeling present.

 It’s about reminding yourself that you’re still here, still beautiful, still you.

This is where the bloom begins. 🌸

AUTHOR: NEMESIS N. ESCOBAR-CRUZ