Get Your Eyebrows Done: Rediscovering Self-care and Glam at 40

“Life as a 40-year-old single mom of two teenagers and one tween has been as challenging as it has been rewarding. My days are filled with the responsibilities of juggling work, parenting, extra-curricular activities, and keeping the household running. Earlier this year, I talked about New Year mantras for Moms or “Momtras” and one of those Momtras was self-care. Admittedly, somewhere along the way, I let self-care take a back seat. It wasn’t until one day, my 14-year-old daughter, while sifting through old photos of me, looked up and jokingly said, “Girl, get your eyebrows done!” that I realized just how much I’d let myself go –I’d let myself go, and I suppose there’s beauty in that, but it was starting to cross the line to where I didn’t recognize myself anymore. What happened next has been a journey of self-discovery, rekindling self-care, and embracing glam again.

As a mother, it’s natural to put our children’s needs above our own. For years, I focused solely on nurturing my children, making sure they always looked their best and all their needs were met, leaving little time for myself. The daily grind consumed me, and I guess somewhere, I began neglecting the very aspects of self-care that used to bring me joy and confidence. Since high school, one of the small things I’ve always prided myself on having perfectly arched eyebrows and not only that, but the wherewithal to maintain them myself. I was also really good at makeup artistry, but makeup routines, fashion choices, and pampering sessions gave way to Motherhood and became distant memories. I didn’t notice at first, but over time, I’d become disconnected from the woman I once was. In fact, I think it’s been so long my children don’t even remember mom used to be “fly” because every time I do pull it together to step out of the house, you’d think I was a superstar the way they carry on. All I hear is “Wow!!” or “Where are you going?”, and even on occasion “I see you got your eyebrows done”. That’s Teen Code for you look nice.

However, until recently, even amidst the chaos of motherhood, one thing remained constant—my commitment to having well-groomed eyebrows. It might sound insignificant, and you’re probably thinking, “is she really writing about her eyebrows?” but for me, it’s deeper than that. It’s a symbol of self-preservation. Taking the time to do them myself or visiting my favorite brow aesthetician at the salon has always been more than just a basic grooming routine but rather a moment of relaxation and renewal, much like getting your hair or nails done. Seeing the images of a younger me, full of life, energy, and a sense of style, I realized that I had somehow lost that part of myself. It was a wake-up call, urging me to reclaim the essence of who I am beyond just being a mom.

So I decided it was time for a change and started small by dedicating a few minutes each day to myself—whether it was enjoying a cup of coffee in peace or taking a short walk with our dog Winter, in the neighborhood. I began experimenting with makeup again, trying new products and looks that accentuated my features. Now, I may never do all the contouring techniques they’re doing today, on the daily, but I’ve definitely started playing around with my skillset again, and it’s fun. And who knew that consistently following my skincare regimen in the am and pm would now have my daughter asking me at least once a week, “What did you do to your face? It looks nice?” followed by, “You look younger.” As an added bonus, she had one of the best “soft-glam” faces at her 8th-grade dance, if I do say so myself. My daughter is definitely a girly girl, so getting back to the old new me has also opened up an avenue for us to bond. If you don’t already know, teenage years with girls are not for the faint of heart.

Please note: Glamour doesn’t mean perfection; it means embracing your uniqueness and feeling good about yourself. As a single mom, time and budget constraints are real, but I discovered that glam doesn’t have to be extravagant or time-consuming. Finding skincare and makeup products that suit my busy lifestyle, as well as learning quick routines that still make a difference, has been a game-changer. In addition, surrounding myself with positive, like-minded individuals who uplift and inspire me, has made all the difference. I’m now planning solo self-care days, indulging in at-home and away-from-home spa treatments, and having girl time with my daughters, sharing laughter, and creating cherished memories together.

As a mom, I believe that teaching my teenagers the importance of self-love and self-care is vital. I want them to grow up knowing that taking care of themselves is not selfish but essential for their overall well-being. By leading by example, I hope they understand that nurturing their passions and interests is as important as any other responsibility they might have in life. I used to think the saying “when you look good, you feel good” was cliché, but it’s true. Taking pride in your appearance isn’t a bad thing. I had to realize I could still be comfy, cozy, casual, etc., without looking like I just rolled out of bed. I still have those days, too, but I’m definitely more mindful of it.

As trivial as it may seem, being unwavering about getting my eyebrows done now has been a consistent anchor in my journey of rediscovering self-care. It’s a reminder that taking care of myself is not a luxury but a necessity. Through this process, I’ve learned that self-care is not about vanity but rather a way to reconnect with oneself, boost confidence, and find joy amidst life’s demands. Whether you’re a mom or not, remember that it’s never too late to prioritize yourself and unleash the power of self-love and self-expression. So, girl, get your eyebrows done and let the world see the radiant and confident you!