So I’m sitting in the salon chair right now, getting my hair done for a wedding this weekend. And I had this thought I wanted to share with you...
You know what I noticed? That little voice that started up the minute I sat down. The one that whispered: ‘You should be working on that project. You have emails to answer. Is this really worth the time and money?’
And here’s what I want to say to that voice — and to you if you’re hearing it too:
Yes. Yes, it is worth it.
Because here’s something we don’t talk about enough: Part of feeling good about ourselves, especially in midlife, IS the maintenance. It’s the haircuts, the manicures, the time we spend on ourselves. It’s not vanity. It’s not frivolous. It’s not selfish.
It’s claiming space for ourselves in our own lives.
For so many years, we put ourselves last. We maintained everything and everyone else — our careers, our families, our homes, our responsibilities. And we became really good at it.
But somewhere along the way, we forgot that WE need maintaining too. That investing in how we feel about ourselves isn’t just okay — it’s essential.
And yes, dedicating this time means something else gets pushed to the side today. And that’s actually the point. Because learning to be okay with that — learning to prioritize our own wellbeing without drowning in guilt — that’s the work.
That’s the joy shift.
So here’s your permission slip for today: Whatever you’re doing to feel good about yourself — whether it’s a salon appointment, a workout class, or just 20 minutes with your coffee before everyone else wakes up — you’re not taking away from your responsibilities. You’re adding to your capacity for everything else.
Because you can’t pour from an empty cup, and you deserve to feel beautiful, maintained, and cared for.
What’s one way you’re maintaining yourself this week? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear.
And if you need more permission to prioritize yourself, that’s exactly what we talk about on The Joy Shift podcast. I am dropping this in January.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to sit here guilt-free and enjoy every minute of this.