Life Lessons, Self Love, and Eyeshadow

 

Hello My Lovelies!

After passing the ten year mark as a makeup artist/beauty expert/blogger/stylist, I wanted to take a moment to share some reflections with you, my lovely Sage Beauties, about this blessed journey I have been on and share some of what I have learned from this life of beauty.

LESSON ONE: Start with a passion, then make a plan

I never exactly planned on having a full time career as a makeup artist, but I am very thankful it worked that way. I have had a sincere passion for beauty and fashion since I was about five years old.  I was the little girl that loved playing dress up all the time and wear makeup all the time!  I started out working in fashion and knew that I wanted to have a career that allowed me to be creative, express myself, and connect with people. Looking back it was such an organic process that I now know it was all meant to be. Because I loved wearing makeup and thought of it as an extension of style and expression I decided to just go for it.  And the more I pursued it as a career the more I fell in love with makeup and felt driven by my creative purpose that I still love to this day.

I started freelancing in New York City in my twenties and over the course of my career I have had the opportunity to gain extensive knowledge on skincare, perfect my artistry skills, solidify my style as an artist, work in product development, be a corporate trainer, and write a beauty and style blog.  I have also met amazing artists, brand founders, and made lifelong friendships I treasure all because of art, style, fashion, and makeup.

If you are drawn to a particular field or endeavor then guess what? It could probably be something that you could do as a career. Don’t be afraid to explore where your passions take you. If you figure out what you love to do first and how amazing it makes you feel, then carving your dream career path is a little easier. Be open to new opportunities because you never know where they will lead.

 

LESSON TWO: Don’t focus on other people’s journey because your journey is even more awesome!

It’s very easy to get caught up in the psychologically damaging labyrinth of comparison, hence why it is known as the thief of joy. If you are pursuing a creative career, embarking on entrepreneurship, creating a blog, or even a side hustle that you have always wanted to try you may see other bloggers or influencers with more followers, going on trips around the world, or even coming out with their very own line of products. Guess what? All those doors and all the doors that are meant for you will open. It takes time and consistent hustle, but it will all come together. I recently read a very inspirational quote on Instagram:

“We won’t be distracted by comparison if we are captivated with purpose”

Stay focused on your own special goals, take care of yourself physically and spiritually, surround yourself with people who make you laugh, love and support you, and wear sunscreen. A wise woman once said to me that we were not given dreams for them not to come true.

LESSON THREE: Trust your intuition and block out the noise!

Let me say this perfectly plainly, never ignore that feeling inside you that is your intuition. Always listen to your gut. There will be lots of people who are drinking nothing but haterade, and will tell you no or that your goals aren’t “realistic. You don’t need that type of negativity in your life. I always knew I wanted to be a writer and here I am writing and connecting with the most amazing followers a girl could ask for. If you know something is right for you and it feels right in your heart you have to honor that. It also works in the opposite direction. If you feel something is not working and is not right for you then don’t ignore that feeling either.

LESSON FOUR: If you have something to say, build a platform and tell your story!

If you think it’s a crazy idea and you can’t do it, then you should probably just do it already. If you wanna write a novel, start a business, start a podcast, learn how to paint, or write a blog then take a chance on creating something amazing that you really want to share with people. What’s the worse that could happen? Simply enjoying the process will be a learning experience and help you grow as a person.

LESSON FIVE: Gratitude is an excellent antioxidant!

Life is beautiful and dramatic and messy and joyful. Over the course of your journey, whether you are pursuing a career as a champion figure skater or trying to survive law school, there will be setbacks and pitfalls along the way. I find that when things are getting to be rough and the struggle is just too real, I realign my energy and my focus by writing three to five things for which I am super grateful! It renews my perspective and forces me to live in the moment instead drowning in the what-ifs and maybes.

I would love to hear from all of you about how you stay grateful, positive, and focused. Leave a comment below or come visit me on Instagram!!

With Love and Joy,

Lily Sage

PHOTO CREDIT: KATIE GRAMMES