Earn the Second Look

Today I got that look from a look. Really I did. And I do not mean just any look, I mean THE look. Yes, the one where a stranger glances at you already half intending to dismiss you before they have even actually seen you. And then that same bored stranger looks up again, attentive this time and quite keen, his eyes now rolling over you, lingering and obviously appreciating. That is the look I mean. The coveted second look! People, I am trying to tell you that today some random stranger, looking sharp himself I must add, felt I was worth that second look! So why am I talking about this in a parenting column? Well, sometimes I am so preoccupied with the motions of parenting that I do not warrant “the look” or perhaps I am too harried to notice (I prefer this thought). But now that I have noticed, this has been a gem in my day. It has been both inspirational and motivational- probably the most effective way to say “Carry on Mama! Good job!” If I had this feeling everyday with my morning coffee, those grumpy journeys in the morning rush-hour traffic would be history. And with my mind still flashing that light bulb I am making a pledge to myself to always endeavour to be a “yummy mummy”. Not because I am vain but because it seems to infuse me with stores of boundless energy! So to the kind gentleman who so generously complimented me; thank you! And you were not too shabby yourself!I think any parent will agree that with all the schedules that are constantly rearranged by demands from the little dictators (much love to them), the tantrums, the sleepless nights and the occasional nasty yet heart warming surprises (like when you find that your 3 year old stuffed her wet underwear in your handbag) can and do take their toll in so many ways. Moms may have countless bad hair days, chipped nails, skirts with an ever-so-faint whiff of baby pee, worried frowns and over-stuffed handbags that weigh about 3kgs more than they should; the list goes on and on. In short, that kind of picture put together is not at all pretty. So today I am here to preach “ME” time to all the moms out there. The Dads will excuse me because they normally do not look even half as flustered as the moms.“Me” time is that time you intentionally and specifically put aside to remember who you are, make yourself look and feel pretty and do the things that make you happy. You are allowed to spoil yourself as much as possible. “Me” time is not necessarily over-indulgence but it is definitely about pampering yourself with the ultimate goal of coming out revived, rejuvenated and refreshed. For me, the idea is to present myself as the bright and perky fresh young spirit I really am. In other words, a yummy mummy!My message: Wake-up moms! Let us remind the family just how we became mothers in the first place. No one is attracted to dull gloom. Even a working horse can have a glowing mane. It’s Valentine’s Season - so all frumpy looking moms out there, get up, scrub up and let’s rock it!