All of us want to look and feel great, to be our best inside and out. Why do we so often feel guilty taking time for ourselves, finding it nearly impossible to take the time needed to make it happen? We hear it all the time: self-care isn’t selfish, but we don’t know where to start and often find excuses to not start that fitness routine, take time to prepare that meal or make that appointment. This new year, let’s start with the decision to give ourselves the gift of a glow up.
A glow up is an intentional decision to embark on a positive personal transformation, usually associated with significant changes in appearance, habits and lifestyle. I asked Jennifer Wielage, a life coach and court reporter who splits her time between Mount Pleasant and the Jersey shore, for her take on the topic. Read below for a bit of the wisdom Charleston Women gleaned from this woman who shines brightly from the inside out.
SELF-LOVE YOU CAN SEE
A glow up is just a fancy way of saying, “I’m choosing me.” When we take the time to nurture our body, mind and spirit, we’re showing ourselves some much-needed love. And here’s the kicker: self-care doesn’t make us self-centered – it empowers us to show up better for ourselves and the people around us. Whether it’s sticking to a workout routine or focusing on a more positive mindset, these small choices boost our confidence and benefit our health in the long run.
SELF-CARE THAT INSPIRES
Here’s the fun part: when we prioritize self-care, we don’t just improve our own lives – we give others permission to do the same. Whether it’s hitting the gym, cooking a nutritious meal or getting some much-needed rest, our good habits can inspire those around us to make positive changes in their own lives. Though we do it for ourselves, a glow up isn’t just about ourselves — it’s motivating others to do the same.
NO ROOM FOR GUILT
Let’s talk about that guilt. It often sneaks up when were trying to improve ourselves, usually thanks to society’s expectations, family pressures or others’ judgments. But here’s the truth: a lot of that pressure comes from other peoples insecurities or misconceptions about what self-care should look like. When we glow up for us – to feel better, more confident and in tune with our goals – guilt has absolutely no place in the picture.
GLOW FROM THE INSIDE OUT
Taking time to move our bodies, eat well and care for ourselves isn’t just about looking good — it’s about feeling amazing, too. When we prioritize our health, we start radiating from the inside out. A consistent commitment to self-care helps us feel confident, energized and ready to tackle life’s challenges. By taking control of our well-being, we’re not just building a healthier body – were building a better relationship with ourselves. And that’s a transformation worth celebrating. As 2025 approaches, let’s kick guilt to the curb and fully embrace the art of loving one’s self.
If any of this intrigues you but you don’t know where to start or you feel like you’d benefit from support and accountability, contact Wielage (rainbowbalance.org) for a complimentary consultation. Their mission is to accompany you, support you and cheer you on as you unleash the power you possess inside and journey toward living your best life.
As women, the pressures of life and its busy pace are constantly challenging us to stay stuck and play small. But that is not the way we were meant to spend our “one wild and precious life,” as Mary Oliver so beautifully describes. Only you have the power to change yours for the better, one small (or big) step at a time. The positive changes you make in your life will impact those around you, and others will be inspired to do the same. Want to become the mommy with the six pack? You go, girl. Considering a new career path or side hustle? Sign up for that course and start today. Pick one area of your life to give a good polish and see where that journey takes you. We owe it to ourselves and to those who need us the most to be our best and strongest selves. Let’s get glowing.
By Emily Moody
