Welcome to GETTING THE GLOW, an ongoing series of short essays about caring for our appearance in a way that brings more beauty and pleasure into our lives.

One of the catchy titles suggested for Growing More Beautiful was “Getting the Glow.” But “the glow” isn’t something you simply “get.” It is something that returns to you, like a promise, or an affirmation that you are living in a way that supports your true essence.

I know from personal experience that “the glow” is not something I can take for granted. When I am off track, pushing too hard, doubting myself, not putting my well-being first, my glow vanishes. The glow takes maintenance, and, in this case, it is the maintenance of your spirit. You have to chart your own course, make your own rules, because there are no absolute beauty guidelines to follow. It is not a formula and only works if you do it with your own flair.

I find that many things contribute to looking and feeling one’s best, and I’ll be talking about them in the weeks to come. I also relish stories from other women about what connects them to their passion and aliveness. And we all want to know the scoop about a fabulous new beauty item or a great place to shop. It is fun to tune into the crazy world of fashion and be inspired.

Growing More Beautiful also invites you to connect with all aspects of your creativity and welcome your inner artist to this process. To this end, some of my essays in GETTING THE GLOW will be about simple projects that have nothing to do with clothes or your appearance. At other times I might remind you to turn your awareness outward and look at the beauty that surrounds you.

I look forward to sharing the journey ahead. Together we can create a nurturing environment where beauty can flower.

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