When Even Your Hairbrush Matches Your Slippers

 

I used to choose things because they’re pretty or affordable, but I end up hurt. 

Like two brands of slippers that shall not be named. 

Now I choose things that are kind to my body.

Soft, supportive, gentle. 

Especially after my foot ached for better. 

I think I’m learning to apply that standard to more things.

Pretty is lovely.

Fun is lovely.

And I will probably always be drawn to something that sparkles.

But I don’t think beauty should require me to tolerate discomfort just to keep it around.

That applies to something as small as a pair of slippers.

Or a hairbrush.

This new brush is still glittery.

Still pretty.

Still something that makes me smile when I see it sitting with my things.

But it also feels good.

The bristles glide through my hair without scratching my scalp or catching strands between broken tips.

It does what a hairbrush is supposed to do without asking me to endure something first.

And maybe that’s one of the quieter forms of self-respect.

Not denying myself beautiful things.

Not becoming purely practical.

Not deciding that wanting something pretty is somehow frivolous.

Just raising the standard.

I want the pretty thing and the gentle thing.

The fun thing and the comfortable thing.

I don’t have to choose between them anymore.

And if something stops being kind to me, I’m learning that I’m allowed to let it go.

Even if I once loved it.

Even if it still looks beautiful.

Even if technically, I could keep using it.

I still like pretty things.

I just don’t choose ones that hurt anymore.

—-

With elegance and quiet fire,
Lady E

Founder, Glow by Lady E 
An editorial space for stories, art, and intentional living