Glow up or Glam up

Confidence is intrinsic. It’s innate to one’s nature and varies in degree and intensity, even in an individual from one situation to another. Just like self esteem and ego. Confidence can’t be shopped, borrowed or even stolen to adorn on oneself. Then why the need to constantly augment one’s confidence with external accesories and labels. Or is it that we hide our flaws behind those luxury tags and branded clothes? Wonder if it’s cherry on the cake or we have mistaken it to be the cake itself?

But then first impressions do matter. Isn’t that what the convent-read and defence-bred creed was taught. However we may say and like to believe, a book does get judged by its cover and more often than not is then classified to be put on a shelf with its peers. There is a fitting image to live upto – man or woman – and if you don’t live upto it you are bound to get labelled as ‘too simple’, ‘too basic’ and so on. Glamming up has become an ‘it’ thing. It’s the definition of success, of having arrived at the scene. Flaunting has come to be synonymous with one’s lifestyle, though most times it’s only style sans substance.

Humans have always been vain. But growing economies have definitely given our materialist side a boost. Constant imagery, information overload and name dropping has bolstered consumption. To an extent that shoes have become synonymous with Air Jordans and bags are known as Berkins and so on. Good for the capitalist economy and nation’s wealth building. Bad if it becomes a habit and a shortcut to derive a sense of self worth. ‘You’re worth it’ plays right into our minds and hands that we reach for spending even without a genuine need.

Digital platforms which started out naively as socialization hubs are now redefining living standards. Ofcourse these are air-brushed and over-exited media but that fact seems to be lost in all the noise the algorithm pushes towards us. Day after day, hyper-touched and nearly impossible adverts play it out to impressionable minds that you too should aspire for being glamourous, being famous and becoming a sort of mini-celebrity in your circle.

So this is how we landed here. In a constant race to gather more, flaunt more or drop more. Dripping is essential else you get dropped out of this race. In this madness, we have also lost the sense of empathy and kindness. Often judging people by their outfits than their mannerism and thoughts. Aren’t we left swiping way to early than giving others a chance?

Nothing can beat one’s inner glow. Glow of knowledge, awareness charm and smile. Not advocating a pyjamas lifestyle nor stating that self care is all vain. A basic hygiene routine and looking put together is needless to say the bare minimum. And beyond that arming with bright smile, wit and general update about the happenings in business and world is good enough. Ofcourse this requires more patience to acquire as it’s can’t be shelf bought. Need more discipline to assimilate information and make your own assessment of the same. Imperative to chime in more time and effort to imbibe such a lifestyle which is deep, meaningful and sustainable.

So dress to impress but only for yourself. Carve your niche, stay bold, confident and stay true to your unique set of values. As they say you do you and let the world go by!