A Chic Paris Lockdown – Day 17 – Self-Care, Community & Video Conferencing
In Fiona Ferris’s Book, 30 Chic Days, the title of Day 17 is “Take Exquisite Care of Your Grooming.” In this chapter, Fiona discusses some ideas and tips on skincare. An interesting point that she makes is that when we take a few moments each day for simple acts of self-care, we reinforce our own knowledge that we are worth spending time on. The meaning behind the few moments in the morning to reach for the skin lotion which also contains SPF, or, in the evening, to apply the night-time extra moisturizing cream not only enriches and protects our skin but also enriches and protects our self-view. So, whatever self-care routine we have, recognize that these daily rituals are imbued with much more meaning than it might seem at first glance – these rituals build a positive dynamic of self-valuation.
Here at Day 17 of Paris’s lockdown, care for self and care for others is definitely needed. I have used this unexpected gift of time to build in some increased self-care in terms of skincare, in-house workouts and, most, importantly, interacting with friends, family and neighbors. Parisiens sometimes can have a bad reputation for being aloof. I am experiencing the exact opposite right now! My neighbors have made an effort to check in on me and my family to make sure we are okay and that we understand the new regulations about the lockdown. What few people I see out when I walk each morning make eye-contact and smile. The dog-walkers in the park smile and wave when we see each other. The man at the boulangerie where I get morning croissants made a special batch of chouquettes (small puff pastry with sugar dots on the exterior) and saved a bag for me because he knew that my daughter liked them. Friends and acquaintances within the volunteer group to which I belong are making extra efforts to host virtual get-togethers via on-line video conferencing applications. It seems that each of us is making an effort to reach out to the community around us.
By the way, the topic of video-conferencing and skincare go hand-in-hand. Yesterday, I had a group meeting via the Google Meet app and a “virtual” coffee via Zoom. This morning I had a Facetime call with a friend as we worked on an email together. The tools used on all three of these occasions show me a video feed of the other people in the meeting. The tools also show me a small image of what shows up through my camera! Let me assure you, one’s appearance (at least from the waist up) and room background certainly show up clearly. Whether we are dressed up or down, have combed our hair or not, have makeup on or not, if our skin is glowing with health and wonderful care, it definitely shows!
After my Facetime call this morning, I decided to make a DIY ipad stand which will allow me to take part in a video call without having to juggle my video tool. I also wanted it to look nice just for my own sense of enjoyment. Here are photos of my low-tech ipad “stand” using a small cardboard box set inside a pretty bag. (Note: Hediard is a luxury goods store here in Paris. As you can tell, like many Paris shops, they have gorgeous bags!)
Somehow, in my dreams of living in Paris, I had envisioned myself meeting friends at cute cafes or little brasseries set on winding, pretty streets. While e-meetings lack that certain “je ne sais quoi,” I’m going to make the most of them!
