For one second

My week has felt long and a bit overshadowed by severe allergy bouts. I did not sleep well because I could not breathe, and I worked more than usual. Add to that my husband being away for three days, teaching, playing taxi for my ever-busy kids, and a doctor’s appointment with my son.

A funny little thing happened there: the doctor did not want to speak openly in front of me because he thought I was my son’s girlfriend. Mind you, my son is 20 and I am 42. I clarified that I was Ollie’s mum, and the doctor blurted out that I must have had him very young. When I said I was 21, he did a double take and then genuinely complimented me. He thought I was at least 15 years younger. And he was not just flirting or joking. His confusion seemed real. Or he is a really good actor.

Anyway, today is Saturday and I had the day off. I spent it mostly listening to music and playing on my phone, wasting the hours in a chill, relaxed way. In the afternoon, I took a long bath and decided to dress nicely for the evening. I straightened my hair, something I have not done in a while, and I put on makeup. A touch more than I usually do.

Mind you, I will just be on the couch watching the Eurovision Song Contest with the family.

When I looked in the mirror, I was surprised to see someone beautiful. Usually, I notice all the flaws, all the things I wish were different. But not tonight, and that made me smile. The straight hair and makeup changed something. Subtly, but enough for me to feel it.

But you know me. I am a bit of a cynic and always very self-aware. Objects in the mirror are different than in real life or in front of a camera. So I took a selfie. And I really like it. I look radiant and serene. Beautiful, even.

Now, sure, I know how to tilt the camera to hide my double chin. But the rest is how I look tonight. And for a moment, I doubted whether I should share another selfie this week. But then I thought, I want to let you be part of this. A rare second where I allow myself the same kindness I offer so freely to others.

Thank you for being part of it. 💜✨