Soft Life: Embracing My Inner Girly Girl
Us poor millennial girls and early Gen Z-ers fell into the trap of girl-bossing in our careers to be seen as equal and just as badass as men. Cue the cries of all of us. Now, many of us are entering our Soft Life Era! Thank goodness, we are normalizing women wanting to be girly girls. Yes, we want to look good. Yes, we want mani-pedis, hair treatments, and facials on a biweekly basis. Long gone are the days of shame about being a stay-at-home girl. Well, there are some girls who still want to shame, but guess what, this post isn't for them. And if you're one of them…then that's a you problem.
Reflecting on my prior Hard Life
I have to admit, I was once caught up in the whole "girl boss" movement. I thought that in order to be taken seriously and be seen as equal to men especially in relationships, I had to focus solely on my career and put my femininity on the back burner. But let me tell you, it was exhausting.
Constantly striving to prove myself in a male-dominated industry took a toll on me. I was stressed, overworked, and constantly trying to fit into this mold of what I thought a successful woman should be (toxic productivity). But deep down, I missed embracing my inner girly girl.
Ever since the rise of the 'soft life' trend, I've been taking a trip down memory lane, reflecting on my childhood. Just to give you some context, I'm 26 now. I've been pondering over some questions from my younger years. Why did I despise the color pink? Why was I always drawn to being a bit of a tomboy, constantly engrossed in sports and video games? Don't get me wrong, I had a genuine love for sports and gaming, but I spent a long time denying myself other desires like fashion, makeup, and dresses. For your information, I didn't start wearing dresses until I was around 19, and it took me until the age of 22 to warm up to the color pink.
Now, I'm sure you're thinking, 'She sounds like a "pick me".' Truth be told, as a child, I probably was without even realizing it. But let me tell you, I've grown past that phase, and I've developed my own sense of self. I absolutely adore being a girly girl, and nobody can shame me for it. There's nothing quite like putting on a lovely dress with some simple, tasteful makeup and heading to Whole Foods or making a quick run to Target.
“Own who you are. Don’t assimilate to be accepted by the masses. The masses are sheep, and you are a herder”
How does living a soft lifestyle promote wellbeing?
First and foremost, living a soft lifestyle allows us to prioritize self-care and mental health. In a world that constantly demands productivity and hustle, softness provides a much-needed respite. It allows us to slow down, indulge in self-care practices, and prioritize our emotional well-being. Whether it's indulging in a bubble bath, getting a relaxing facial, or simply taking a break from our busy lives to read a good book, these soft activities nourish our souls and help us recharge.
Furthermore, embracing softness allows us to embrace our femininity and celebrate our unique beauty. We no longer have to feel guilty or ashamed for wanting to look good or pamper ourselves. Mani-pedis, hair treatments, and facials on a biweekly basis are no longer seen as superficial, but rather as acts of self-love and self-expression. Taking care of our physical appearance not only boosts our confidence but also fosters a positive relationship with our bodies.
Living a soft lifestyle also encourages us to surround ourselves with beauty. Whether it's creating a serene and aesthetically pleasing living space or curating a wardrobe full of clothes that make us feel like goddesses, we are actively cultivating an environment that uplifts and inspires us.
What are the benefits of a soft lifestyle?
Ah, the benefits of a soft lifestyle, where do I even begin? As a proud member of the Soft Life Era, I can confidently say that embracing my girly girl side has brought me nothing but joy, self-care, and a whole lot of fabulousness. So, let's dive into the wonderful world of softness and all its perks!
First and foremost, the soft lifestyle is all about prioritizing self-care. In a world that constantly demands me to be on the go and hustle, it's incredibly refreshing to take a step back and give myself the love and pampering I deserve. Whether it's indulging in a relaxing bubble bath, treating myself to a rejuvenating facial, or simply curling up with a good book and a cozy blanket, the soft lifestyle reminds me to slow down and prioritize my well-being.
Speaking of well-being, let's not forget the mental and emotional benefits of embracing my girly side. Taking the time to focus on my appearance and personal style can be incredibly empowering. When I put effort into how I look, I tend to feel more confident, positive, and ready to take on the world. It's not about conforming to societal beauty standards, but rather about embracing my own unique style and expressing myself authentically.
