When you wear bright red lipstick, you get noticed.  Simple as that.

Red is such a strong colour; when you wear it on your lips, you will stand out.

I had forgotten about that, as I have stuck to wearing neutrals and light pinks for a long time now. I'm not a fan of attention.

However, it became a realization when I went out with my friends this past weekend for a Ladies Night and decided to be bold and pull out my red lipstick.

My friend took the attached shot of me. Her first comment was, "Wow, you remind me of your mom with the rosy cheeks and the red lipstick." I took that as a compliment.  I have heard similar comments from other friends after they saw the picture.

It is funny, because I hadn't worn red lipstick in a LONG time. I had forgotten how much of an impact it makes.  I love it.

I think the red lipstick is making a statement in many ways.  The most important: I love how I look and am not afraid to show my beauty.

I didn't always feel this way.

For many years, I was afraid of standing out and embracing my true potential for fear of being judged.  I would wear neutral colours so I could blend in.  I would also downplay my accomplishments.

Being strong, smart, beautiful, etc. takes guts.  I now have the confidence to shine and to show the world who I am.

As Marianne Williamson says, "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

Therefore, I am going to be myself and not care about what others think.  (**Easier said than done, mind you.)

So, as an old coach of mine used to ask, my question to you:  "Are you racing to win, or just not to lose?"

To think I learned all this from a tube of red lipstick :)

Thank you for reading and your presence at this beach retreat. You Rock! I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts in the comment section below.

See you at the beach!