Becoming a First Lady in your Life ~ Thoughts on Elegance Series

Good Morning Everyone,

I hope you all had a wonderful Resurrection Sunday! We kept things simple and spent time with the kids. We sat at the dinner table and just talked about life. It turned out well. The weather here this week is suppose to be outstanding. It will be sunny the whole week and in the 50’s and 60’s! So happy! 

For Easter dinner I did try Jennifer L. Scott’s black forest cake. I will be sure to share that later this week and my new desk finally arrived! I will be sharing that as well but today I wanted to share a beautiful email that I received from a company called Notiq. I have shared this company before and absolutely love their products. On a weekly basis, Notiq sends out these very inspiring emails. I had to share the one that I got this week. It was called “Elegant Secrets/ Become a First Lady”.

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley

In her newsletter, VJ, the founder of Notiq, said, “What if you were a First Lady? Who will you be? What will you be known for?

While the term First Lady is often associated with the wife of a president or leader of a nation or state, the Oxford English Dictionary defines First Lady as the leading woman in a particular activity or profession. I am here for the latter. 

As a student and (humbly) connoisseur of Elegance, I have learned that while I may not be the First Lady of a nation, I can choose to live as an elegant First Lady in my private life. How? You might ask. 

It all begins with a mindset.

For a long time, and for many reasons, I suppressed my dream of fully living an elegant life. The truth is, I was afraid of distinction. I was scared of what people might say if I showed up and was (one of) the most stylish, thoughtful, graceful, or refined in any room. The idea that I could carry a secret dream of living as an elegant first lady in my own right was terrifying yet possible.

Today, I wish to inspire a fresh perspective. 

Will you consider seeing and carrying yourself as an elegant first lady? I know life is not always easy or perfect. However, what if you and I embrace a meaningful mindset that inspires us to live out dreams others judge impossible or unrealistic? What will a renewed perspective like this do for you? 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley

I imagine:

• You’ll show up differently everywhere you go. 
• You’ll look and feel your best. 
• You’ll take better care of yourself.
• You’ll commit to speaking better.
• You’ll give more thought to what you wear or what you eat.
• You’ll likely work on your posture and decorum.
• You’ll be more likable and approachable.
• You’ll stand out and become more.

Remember, many first ladies were (are) ordinary people like many of us who were not born with the position of First Lady. They simply grew into their roles with intent and dedication to learning. (Hint! Hint!)

From history and in no particular order:

1. Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was admired and revered for her impeccable grace and style until this day. (1961 – 1963)
2. Lady Michelle Obama commands our attention with her intentional style, fashion, and poise. (2009 – 2017)
3. Lady Nancy Reagan’s refinement and support of the arts will remain unforgettable. (1967 – 1975)
4. Lady Bird Johnson’s warmth and love for beauty inspire diligent care and devotion. (1963 – 1969)
5. Lady Louisa Adams’ sophistication and fluency in music and arts are noteworthy. (1825 to 1829)

Frankly, every first lady from history has something we can learn from. I simply selected a few to inspire you.

For now, I am grateful for the person you are. Might I add? I am excited about the person you are becoming. I am also confident you (too) will make a memorable and noteworthy impact.

Until next week,

VJ | Founder & Chief Elegance Officer

Now how inspiring was this email? I was thrilled and absolutely enjoyed this email from VJ. I just had to share it. I hope you all enjoyed this motivating email and absorb it into your mind and soul!