Living in the midst of this global recession forces most people (unless you are a millionaire) to review our standards of living, and to adjust to circumstances that are probably foreign, or at least not too comfortable for a generation brought up on TV role models and luxury well beyond our means.
If you are like most mortals, living from pay check to pay check, month to month, or week to week, not sure what tomorrow will bring, the levels of spending that we were used to in a 'virtually' growing economy need to be rechecked and life rebalanced as the bubble burst.
In the midst of chaos and the dangers of redundancy, we cannot but stress the importance of taking good care of ourselves, maintaining the spirit as high as possible and learning to be frugal but not self neglectful.
Now it the time to turn creativity into and art, reinvent some of the staple pieces in your wardrobe, recheck that lipstick that was left unopened, but it's still healthy to use and extract self esteem from connecting with your community rather than from how many new gadgets you possess and how much you look like someone else.
Now it is time to become effective at pampering yourself, taking a delightful bath with your favourite essential oil (mine is orange blossom but I enjoy lavender, rosemary, and rose depending on the mood).
If you are pregnant make sure to consult a specialist as some oils might not be suitable, but lavender should be pretty safe and very relaxing.
In synthesis, do not let paralysing fear and gloom and doom take the best of you and continue treating yourself with utmost love and consideration no matter the circumstances.
It costs nothing and in the long rung it pays off, as a positive outlook in life will keep you mind alert and clear to make the most out of life circumstances and catch every opportunity that passes your way.
As the world is becoming a more sustainable place it is natural that we all feel its growing pains.
It is time to reflect on what sustainability means for us without falling into the poverty-consciousness trap of deeming ourselves as hopeless.
This doesn't mean 'ditch the glitz' but learn that the most comfortable piece you'll ever wear is your body and your best accessory is your heart.
Learn to feel good in your own skin, and fill your needs for connection and significance in communication with your friends and family rather than having to show off a new outfit every day.
You can off course, treat yourself to some new pieces, but just buy responsibly and be consequent with what you can afford.
All this is no less for the size plus woman.
If in the past you have been shopping till you drop with the earnest hope that you could look like some unattainable super model, your wardrobe might be full of pieces that are no comfortable and millions of products that keep the slimming industry growing fat and yourself growing hopeless.
If you must (for health reasons) shed some pounds/stones/kilos...
do it in a manner that is balanced and healthy.
Get information from a nutritionist that respects you, get a coach that helps you plan and set achievable goals, and make eating healthy a fun and gourmet activity.
I am a great fan of alkalising .
Alkalise, walk, dance and even sing mantras, but please, stop throwing money away by using products whose side effects you know little of and by buying clothes compulsively in order to make you feel good about yourself.
In a climate of frugality, you need to start feeling good about who you are NOW.
Review your values, what moves you, what do you love, what makes you feel sad, happy, angry, motivated...
Once you have reflected on who you really are, you will notice a renewed sense of pride and energy.
Use this pride and energy rather than compulsive overspending to keep your mood (and your savings) high.
Forgive any shortcomings you might have had in the past and start a new page by making your life simpler, and easier.
Remember: beauty radiates from within, so no matter what, be loving to yourself.