There is a verse in the book of Proverbs that says, “Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house” (Proverbs 24:27). When we are trying to make a change or improvement in our life, our field is ourselves. We mold ourselves into what we are seeking. If I wish to find more attractive people, be more attractive. If I wish to find more interesting people, be more interesting. You cannot see your future self in a mirror, but look into the mirror in your mind and you will find yourself there. As Wallace D. Wattles wrote in The Science of Getting Rich: “To think what you want to think is to think TRUTH, regardless of appearances.”
Whether you like it or not, physical attractiveness is important and depends on a number of different factors. It starts with personal grooming. Is my hair clean and neatly trimmed? I struggle with this, as I usually put off getting a haircut until I resemble Chewbacca. Joseph knew better than this. Before his meeting with Pharaoh, he shaved and put on clean clothes (Genesis 41:14). You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Equally important is skin care, because as we get older our skin tends to dry out. This routine is a little more difficult to implement until it becomes a habit. In the morning I use a gentle cleanser and then apply a moisturizer with sunscreen. During the day our skin takes a beating from windblown dust, traffic pollution, and sunlight. Then at night I use an exfoliant to get a deeper clean and follow up with the moisturizer again. Many companies provide products for men and women. Dove seems to have the largest variety.
I’m going to skip over clothing now and leave that for a later post, except for your shoes. Shoes anchor your appearance and can undo everything else you have done. If they are dirty or scuffed, people will notice. I keep it easy to care for mine by keeping a plastic box of polishes and brushes on my shoe rack. It serves as a reminder for me.
Preparing myself for my new adventure of discovery takes more than trying to look good. I have to feel good, and that means taking care of my health. Over the years I have gathered a health care team that has helped me maintain my physical condition and my level of energy. You might not feel the need for all this, but it has kept me healthy and functioning for years.
I have a primary physician who is my main go-to person for everything, and I have been going to him for twenty years. He knows me better than I know myself. In addition, I have a cardiologist, a dentist, a dermatologist, and a podiatrist. There is no glamour in this, but it is necessary to maintain your health if you wish to perform at optimum level.
One last part of maintaining your health is doing a moderate amount of exercise. I don’t mean trying to become Mr. Universe, unless that is your thing, but exercise has been proven to enhance both body and brain health. Whether it is going to a health club or just brisk walking, the benefits are undeniable.
Joeeph knew the importance of first impressions, and it helped him achieve his dream. What does your first impression say about you?
Are you guarding your health? Proper regular can add years of happy living.
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