Be Yourself. Everybody Else Is Taken.

Oh man.

Today I had a big event. An all-day Beautycounter training in downtown Denver.

And I was nervous.  I mean, really nervous.

Because it would be filled with those women. Women who look like they work for a skin care company. You know the ones. Amazing outfits. Just the right accessories. Makeup that looked...artistic.

And I’m not knockin’ them! Hell, I’m glad somebody in this world has style and know-how in the fashion department. That’s just not me. I’m a t-shirt-and-gym-shorts kind of gal. And when a put on eyeliner, I look a lot like Cleopatra. No, really, I do.

So I made an effort. Washed my face. Applied mascara. Rummaged through my closet trying to find something that wasn’t older than my kids.

So why was I going?

Because I totally love this company. Because they are about so much more than products. Because they are dedicated to education and advocacy. And because I love their mission to get safer products into the hands of everyone, regardless of how much Beautycounter they decide to buy.

But when I got there, I couldn’t believe it. There were lots of those women I expected. And there were lots of women just like me. Plenty of ponytails.  Lots of moms. Women without make-up. Simple, classy oufits.

And as I chatted with them, I realized we had a lot in common. We were called to this company because of its mission and advocacy work. Like me, they had become Beautycounter consultants to help support their family expenses—stuff like piano lessons, organic groceries and family vacations to Mexico, unless you’re me and then you dream of trips to Ocean City, NJ.

It dawned on me that I wouldn’t want anyone to judge me by my clothing or my makeup, so why the hell was I judging people for the same reason?

It’s crazy how we get caught up in our head. Jeesh—maybe if I stopped judging myself, I’d stop judging others too.

I left the training feeling a lot lighter. A little more human. Unafraid to be myself.

I felt like I was part of something bigger. Perhaps part of a movement to disrupt the beauty industry. Part of a mission to make a difference now, so that in 40 years, we won’t have to be afraid of the chemicals in our personal care products. I realized I was doing this for myself, for my kids--and for your kids too.

And when I got home, I immediately changed into leggings and a sweatshirt.