Getting a Pedicure

My daughter was around 6 or 7 when she was watching me put on make up.

"Mama why are you doing that?" 
"Because I have a meeting" I replied, almost matter of fact
"What happens if you don't put it on? Will they not let you in?" She asked innocently

Sometimes the deepest questions come from the most innocent minds. What would happen if I didn't look the part? Would I not be "let in"? How many other choices was I making when it comes to my appearance that had more to do with what others think rather than what I want.

I rebelled against colouring my hair for months on end because I hated sitting for too long. I showed up in leggings, flip flops and sports bras to more places than I probably should have. Every nail beautician I have ever been to raised her eyebrows when I asked for "just a pedicure", and hardly ever a manicure. That was my act of rebellion. Pedicures were for me, manicures were for others.

But my daughter's questions wasn't only about appearance. It struck a cord that made me wonder: how many things had I absent mindedly accepted as a responsibility, obligation or reality in order to "fit in", get "approval" or yet worse, "be normal"? My energy, time and resources are precious, how many of those things end up adding real value to my life?