For me, nail polish helped me through a devastating time in my life. I had just separated from my husband. I was living in my mom’s living room, and I had 18 cents to my name. I was a victim of financial abuse in my marriage and when I left, the life I was so accustomed to (at one point, I was making six figures) was no more. I was adamant that I could reclaim my place financially. I just needed time to rebound.
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If you’ve ever been through a divorce or know someone that has, then you know exactly what I’m talking about. It takes time to come back from a divorce. Your life is turned upside down. Self-care has always been a thing for me, with monthly massages and weekly mani/pedi’s, I made sure to take care of myself… physically. Inside, I was falling apart. And it wasn’t until I couldn’t afford more than a bottle of .99 cent drugstore nail polish when I learned how to take care of the inside.
I remember, I was working a part-time job from home and my paycheck really wasn’t a quarter of what I made before. However, this job afforded me the freedom to pursue building my media outlet, I Hear That Girl!. This particular payday, I wanted to do something for me, but I knew that I could not afford a manicure or pedicure. What I could afford, however, was a bottle of nail polish. I bought a bright pink lacquer. I can’t remember the brand, but I was excited to take the time to do my own mani/pedi.
When I got home, I pulled out a pan and filled it with warm water. I soaked my feet and immediately began to destress. Taking the time to care for myself (literally), caused me to have a moment of peace, silence, and encourage myself. Painting my nails that bright pink color put a vibrancy back into a once colorful woman. I realized that I had allowed what I was going through to take away my light. Each paint stroke revitalized me. When I was done, I looked at my hands and smiled. I would get through this, and I would be better than I was before.
Each payday thereafter, I would visit a beauty store and purchase a new bottle of nail polish and pick the color based on how I wanted to feel for the week. I always felt like a million bucks even though my bank account was far from that, lol. It’s the little things that can help you see what life is really about. And I found so much love in a bottle of nail polish. So yes, I am celebrating national nail polish day! I’m painting my nails today and remembering who I am and what I am capable of! If you’re feeling down sis, I just recommend taking a little time to paint your nails. I can’t say you’ll have a revelation like I did, but I believe you’ll experience a moment of true self-care. And we all need that.
Are you a nail polish fan? Let me know in the comments below and share your self-care practices. I look forward to hearing from you guys…
Peace & Blessings…
