This post is part of a series examining 1950s era charm, poise, and beauty using Secrets of Poise, Personality, and Model Beauty written by modeling agency and schools icon John Robert Powers and published by Prentiss-Hall in 1960.
The time that used to be available for beauty routines, reading, and personal pleasures seem to be swallowed up by unending demands from the family. The hands that Daddy loved to touch become the hands that babies love to clutch. It is all too easy for a girl to let these changes serve as an excuse for self-neglect.
I get it. Modern women are pulled in a million different directions. And it just becomes easier and easier to put your own self-care last. And before you know it, you’re looking in the mirror wondering who is staring back at you.
Stretchy pants are oh so comfortable to wear. But they hide weight gain.
No one sees you all day except for the baby, so why bother putting on your face?
1930s General Electric Kitchen Advertisement; Image Courtesy of Sally Edelstein on Flickr.com
Because you are a role model.
For your children.
For your significant other.
For others in your circle of influence.
And, most importantly, for yourself.
If you start making excuses for why you shouldn’t bother, then, eventually, you will stop bothering.
And so will everyone else.
I mean, if you don’t care about yourself, why should they?
I once met two cousins of my grandfather when I lived in New Jersey. My grandfather was visiting me and we traveled down to Baltimore to visit with them. My grandfather, in his 80′s at the time told me that they were much older than him. We were greeted by two rather fashionable Southern Belles in their 90s but who were not old at all. They were beautiful and full of life.
Their secret? They made it a priority to always take care of themselves…physically, emotionally, spiritually, and aesthetically…during good times and bad times, while taking care of their husbands and families, when the nest was empty and then into widowhood.
They never lost their sense of self and the importance of self-care.
There is just no excuse for self-neglect.
Twitter: GoRetroPam
It’s been a while since I’ve visited your wonderful blog. My mother was a typical mid-century stay-at-home mom, but she never went to the supermarket wearing sweats or without makeup. Perhaps it was a different time, but I don’t feel right unless I’m at least casually pulled together…even if I know I’m going to be spending the day at home. It’s very true that you can’t take care of the ones around you properly if you’re not taking care of yourself first.
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