What grooming means to me…
In a Jeremy Maguire-esque moment, I felt compelled to get these thoughts written down. Small moments happen throughout life, you begin to find your own purpose in the world and make sense of what’s important to you. Grooming has played its part in forming who and where I am today. This isn’t a memo, it’s a mission statement.
I often find myself faced with those that dismiss grooming, or at least the term. To many, it’s flamboyance and extravagance, as a bar of soap and a quick comb of the hair is more than ample, or so they’d lead you to believe. Just the idea of using a fragrance sends shivers down the spine of many gents of a certain age. Men should smell of engine oil and cigarette smoke right?
Like most things in life, there’s no right or wrong, merely opinionated people on either side of the subject that have no wish to change course. Yet here I am, making a stand for grooming, and all that wish to practice it. So here goes nothing.
As someone who struggled with my weight as a young man, my daily routine has changed throughout my life. My weekdays start with a morning gym session before heading to work. Unfortunately, this alone isn’t sufficient to maintain the weight id hope to maintain, however, I’m trying, very trying. You see my change in mindset has evolved to one that values health first, if I don’t have that, what exactly do I have? A fitness regime is my anchor in life, a constant that feels like the foundation of my grooming regime. To me, grooming isn’t solely about superficial looks or soliciting compliments, it’s about mental health, self-worth, confidence and so much more.
Many of us have or will suffer mental health struggles throughout our lives, finding ourselves stuck in a rut with no hope of emerging from it. Far be it from me to suggest that a facial cleanser might help you through tough times, but instilling a regime that encourages self-worth and positivity may well. I wholeheartedly believe that the energy placed in your grooming regime, be that your skincare, clothing or haircut, is returned tenfold in confidence and pride.
Grooming involves many facets and means many things to many people. A lifelong journey to retain youthful looks, to feel healthier, a confidence boost on a first date, perhaps a little something to help you get through the day. It can be your routine, your anchor, your constant that sets the standard for the rest of your life to follow. In order to be the best version of yourself, you first need to take care of yourself.
If you’re reading this, I’m more than likely preaching to the choir. However, I urge you to spread the good word, in whatever small change you can make to the gentlemen in your life—grooming matters.