Naturally Me

I am a nature-minded person.  The natural appeals to me.  It feels right to me.  I like the look of wood floors.  I like gardens that grow in a wild little tangle.  I prefer hiking the mountains to exploring new cities.  I prefer a good book to a gadget.  So, it seems logical that I don't paint my nails.  I don't paint my face.  I don't scent myself with fancy chemicals.  There is no hairspray or styling mousse at my house.

I am naturally me.

See, I like my natural nails.  I like my natural straight, red hair.  I like it loose and flowing uninhibited, too.  I like my natural skin, my freckles most especially.  I like my naturally rosy lips.  I like the little crows feet around my natural eyes when I smile.  I like me as I was made.

I, in no way, mean to imply its inherently wrong to wear lipstick.  That is not what I am getting at whatsoever.  Every person should feel beautiful every day.  That is what I'd want for everyone.  I just don't personally need commercially concocted tubes and sprays and whatnot to feel that way.

I already feel beautiful.  And Matt thinks I am already beautiful.  What a gift on both counts!

There was a time in my life for painted finger nails, waxed eyebrows, and lip gloss and things.  There was a time when putting on make-up was almost a necessity for going outdoors.  Then I realized, through personal reflection, that I didn't need any of it.  I could save my time and energy.  I am beautifully me as I am.  What a revelation!  Even without the eyeshadow or French tips I've never felt more confidant and prepossessing.  Its me.  Its not all that other stuff.  Its me.  And I like that.

In the interest of full disclosure, I might accentuate this natural beauty with something else naturally attractive--a pretty flower in my hair, a colorful scarf or silver necklace around my throat, or a dab of essential oil to my skin, but I feel no incentive to invest more time, chemicals, or money than that.  I also have a bottle of liquid foundation in my medicine cabinet that gets used on special occasions, like Val's wedding.  It must be seven years old and still not empty yet.  After some consideration, I don't think I will replace it when it runs dry.

I am a natural person.  I like to treat my body as naturally as possible.  I make a simple olive oil soap which I use for hands, hair, and body.  I use apple cider vinegar as a conditioning hair rinse.  I use natural essential oils for deodorant.  Though I don't need it often, I have a tub of coconut oil for moisturizing.  I don't need anything else.  I don't want anything else.  They meet the needs of my natural body without a bunch of chemicals or disposable packaging.  I like that.

I like the way nature made me--though I do suffer a bit from dry skin.  But still, in the grand scheme of things, praise be!

One more bit in the interest of full disclosure:  I do shave both my legs and armpits.  And we love tie-dye.  So, there we are.  Its not all natural over here....

(I like to wear skirts and tanktops to work and feel professionally obligated to shave.  All our dye chemicals are drain safe.)