New Look, New Life
Identity, which is the way we view ourselves, can be a good thing in creating structure and security, but if you’re craving a new life or version of self, switching things up in your appearance can be a really fun and playful way to create instant change.
If you want to feel a certain way, lean into that image of self. What does she wear, what are her habits, where does she spend her time, and with whom?
The way we present ourselves to the world is a huge factor in creating the life of our dreams. Communication is 55% physiological, and only 7% what we speak. Sometimes we can feel so far from who we want to be, but when we hold that vision in our mind, we can try on different parts of our future self to create new realities now.
At any time, you are free to change your life.
We see ourselves based on who we’ve been told to be in childhood and beyond. Part of the identity I clung to was being smart and practical. A few weeks ago I was going on vacation to Phoenix, where I had no responsibilities other than to relax and enjoy, creating the perfect opportunity to let my bad girl alter ego loose by getting some audacious pink and orange fake nails!
I grew up thinking there was no value in beauty, and that taking care of yourself was secondary to being “successful” or smart. Now I can see that the solitude of getting your nails done is like church to some people - a meditative practice and fierce act of self-expression and care.
Archetypes are a certain pattern of behaviour that unconsciously form an idea or image. The way we see ourselves and show up in the world is based on preconceptions of self. If you want to change your life, why not experiment with changing your appearance?
My shift in appearance created a new physical reality - I could not function as the get things done woman I am. As a person who likes to get as many things done as quickly as possible, it was a real practice of patience, which showed me what it was like to live with a different identity.
While bad girl nails might seem trivial, they carry a much deeper meaning. As any woman who’s gotten bangs after a break-up knows, switching up your appearance is an easy way to shift your identity. Start by bringing awareness to how you present yourself to the world, and question the stories you tell about your identity. Get curious about who you’d like to be, and have some fun trying new things!
If you’re unhappy where you’re at, but are unclear where to start, close your eyes and picture your dream life, if anything were possible. Imagine how you want to feel getting dressed every morning and incorporate something from your vision to try a new life on for size.
These shifts in identity don’t have to be limited to the visual. Maybe you take yourself on a sexy date night if you’ve never thought you could eat alone, or start smaller and bump a new genre of music on your morning commute. Begin with the intention of showing up differently, and watch as the world responds. Change is easier and can be more fun than you think.