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- My grandma looked fabulous well into her 80s. She taught me how important it is to be a little selfish. (businessinsider.com)
A Grandmother’s Guide to Looking Good and Feeling Even Better: Lessons in Self-Care and Style
[CITY, STATE] – For many, memories of their grandmothers evoke images of warmth, comfort, and perhaps a secret recipe or two. But for some, these matriarchs also serve as powerful style icons and unexpected mentors in the art of self-care, proving that looking your best can be a significant step towards feeling your best.
Such is the case for one local resident, whose YiaYia Harriet Patras, despite facing a lifetime of challenges, always presented herself with impeccable style and an unwavering commitment to personal well-being. From perfectly styled hair and polished outfits to heirloom jewelry, YiaYia Harriet was a vision of elegance.
“You’d never know the struggles she faced just by looking at her,” shared her granddaughter. “She was a first-generation American, a young single parent, and a kidney cancer survivor who later battled Alzheimer’s. Life wasn’t always easy, but she certainly made it look that way.”
The Power of Presentation: A Mood Booster
YiaYia Harriet’s philosophy was simple yet profound: putting effort into your appearance could significantly lift your spirits. Her granddaughter fondly recalls spending Saturdays with her until the age of 10, accompanying her to hair appointments and witnessing her grandmother’s meticulous self-care routines.
“She taught me from a young age that putting effort into your appearance isn’t such a bad thing,” her granddaughter explained. “I never saw her with a rip in her nylons or a stain on her shirt. Even in her final days, well into her 80s, her nails were always polished, and her hair styled.”
This lesson resonated deeply. Now, when life throws curveballs, a stylish outfit – even for a solitary walk – becomes a powerful tool for turning the day around.
“I’ll put on my cheetah jacket and heels,” she says, “and instantly feel better. She really was onto something.”
Prioritizing “Me” Time: A Key to Fulfillment
Beyond outward appearance, YiaYia Harriet also championed the importance of dedicated “me” time. Despite a life filled with tending to others, from making her famous cinnamon-bread turkey sandwiches for her sons’ lunches to organizing town fundraisers, she never shied away from prioritizing her own needs.
Her son recounts that his mother consistently took Saturdays off, effectively “clocking out” from her parental duties to indulge in activities that made her feel empowered. Whether it was getting her hair and nails done or enjoying cocktails with girlfriends, these self-care moments were non-negotiable.
“Taking care of herself by carving out unsolicited ‘me’ time wasn’t a shameful secret,” her granddaughter noted. “Instead, making it a routine helped her maintain her cherished independence and an identity beyond motherhood.”
This valuable lesson has profoundly impacted her granddaughter, particularly as a woman who understands the ease of being consumed by roles and responsibilities. Thanks to her YiaYia’s influence, she now embraces her “selfish” moments, cherishing daily solo walks, a quiet glass of wine, or a spontaneous trip.
“I never apologize for putting myself first,” she affirms, a testament to the enduring legacy of a grandmother who understood that true fulfillment comes from a harmonious blend of self-care and self-expression.