“Ashley honey, I’ve never known you to have issues with acne,” my mother told me while looking intently at my face during a recent trip home. “So what’s been going on with you up there? Have you been taking care of yourself?” she gently prodded.
I hung my head. The truth is I had not been. My normally smooth, nearly flawless complexion had been marked with several acne scars with a few surface bumps scattered throughout my cheeks for good measure. My cheap(er) concealer did a decent job of covering the imperfections, but it obviously wasn’t enough. While I’d been doing a pretty good job of hiding behind my makeup and busy schedule, my mother saw right through the smoke and mirrors that nobody else does. I was embarrassed.
“Well,” I hesitated. “It’s hard Mom. I’ve just gotten so busy and haven’t been eating like I should…”
“It’s okay baby. It’ll get better,” she said reassuringly, sensing that I had gotten uncomfortable. Wanting to avoid any conflict, she gently steered the conversation to more pleasant things but of course her words stuck with me. Once back in NYC I found myself forking over my hard-earned cash for the expensive skin care products that never fail.
But isn’t that the thing with parents? They have a way of honing in on those little things that seem to go unnoticed by everyone. The next thing you know, you’re making all of these changes sparked by one seemingly minor comment.
Since visiting home while, I’ve worked on clearing up my complexion issues I’ve really gone overboard when it comes to cooking, cleaning and organizing. I’ve lightweight overhauled my life. My mother’s home was in impeccable condition and I was embarrassed when I walked into my own apartment and realized she would not approve. While I’ve never been a messy person, there was no denying that my overflowing laundry basket should have been washed at least a week or two earlier, that my trash needed to go out, that my floors could use a good mop, that my fridge could use more green veggies and less condiments…the list can go on for days.
Overall sometimes we need those reality checks. We get so caught up in being busy that we forget to take care of those little things that when combined affect major change. Since doing those little things, overall I feel more settled, more organized and more at peace. It’s easier to be productive, to focus and to stay on task. And when you have a busy schedule, these are the things that will make or break you. Some days you eat the bear and other days the bear eats you. Lately, I’ve been eating a lot of bears.
Thanks Mom.
Fancy A. Yancey 