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The Airlines Took My Lipstick; I Kept My Smile - Self Help Tools
The Airlines Took My Lipstick; I Kept My Smile
We clothe events with the drapery of our own thoughts. ~James Allen
![[Image]](/images/content/businesswoman.jpg)
I was off to a great start. I arrived at the airport early and I was as prepared as I could be for my interview. But the shock of having my lipstick taken away sent me into a tailspin! What was that about gels? I quickly learned of a recent policy to limit the amount of gels carried onboard. This was after 9/11 when flying became an event to plan for, with increased security. Is lipstick really a gel? The airlines said so, and they took my lipstick!
I was headed from New York to New Jersey for a 9:00 morning interview. It was a quick day trip, and I love to travel. Still I was both excited and nervous, with lipstick on hand. Without it, I came undone.
I had three hours until the interview. The flight was an hour, then a thirty mile drive to the facility in rush hour traffic. I’d have to have no flight delays and a fast track to the rental car. No way could I get to a mall in time. Even if I could, I realized, the stores would not yet be open.
As the flight took off, my mind raced. How could I put my best foot forward without my lipstick? My smile is my most important accessory!
I had on my best interview outfit, one that holds up when I travel. My shoes shined, my hair was as good as random curls get, and I had done my homework on the company. I knew where all their facilities were located and the products they made. I studied their website.
I had rehearsed my answers to the typical interview questions. I had memorized my background. I was prepared to address all my employment transitions. I had a list of questions for the interview team.
I had my leather portfolio, extra copies of my resume, a map with directions, telephone numbers, money, and ID. I had the bases covered!
Yet I could not imagine showing up for an interview without a touch-up of my lipstick.
First I felt panic, then disappointment, and then, I faced facts. There was nothing I could do. I needed to surrender. I took a deep breath, and prepared to go “al natural.” I had more important things to focus on besides camellia rose lips.
It’s not the situation….It’s your reaction to the situation. ~Bob Conklin
Then a light bulb went on. Who truly cares about my lipstick? Just me. I was the one so concerned about it. Sure, it gives me confidence to know I look my best. I love my lipstick! But, I still had my smile! I couldn’t let the airlines take that away, too.
It’s what you do with what you’ve got. ~Leroy Van Dyke
As I headed to the rental car agency with renewed confidence and focus, I caught a glimpse of something. I could hardly believe my eyes. A favorite cosmetic store! And it was open!
The only sure thing about luck is that it will change. ~Bret Harte
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I hope you enjoyed this Inspiration. Thanks for all of your comments. I’ll do my best to answer them in future Inspirations, as well as in the upcoming Get a Job Tools.
Enjoy your week!
Brenda Griffin
Lip Stick and confidence. Ok, this is interesting to me this morning...and appreciated only because I just read an article about a woman who wears no make-up, not even lip-stick. I had never thought about it the way she, a feminist, put it. Her reasons included: the bad chemicals, waste of resources and time, and emphasis on "looks". I read another article about lip gloss being hard on the skin and causing more cancers for users. For me, I love to wear lipstick for speciasl events. But I notice if I wear it often, I have to wear it all the time. For that reason I am not convinced it is really healthy. So, I am reconsidering my position on this and appreciate your viewpoint.
oops, I reread my comment... saying "only" was left in the comment when I used the word "funny"... which I removed. The article is also interesting because the article is very well written, personal, and inspiring. Thank you Brenda
I am sorry, but I must say that I find your lipstick article really pathetic. How can such an insecure person write advice articles? Do yourself a favor and do some research on your own about these cosmetics you "can't do without". Your attitude is very unhealthy. Why are you so afraid to show yourself the way you are?
Lola
That is really sad that you would think Lipstick is your self worth. I am sure you have some really good articles to share.This one was not it for me.
It is your truth.That is what matters.Not what I say or anyone eles.
Wow...interesting.
I do not wear make up except if I am presenting, and I have people ask me all the time how I could even leave the house without it. Or they'll joke they just "hate " me because I feel acceptable without make up.
Being as the make up industry is massive, then we know make up is important to millions of people. To call it "pathetic" to want to look your best for an important interview is something I don't get.
I mean...there are professional baseball players who panic and refuse to play until they find their lucky socks. Why, because they feel confident when they wear those socks.
The point is when things are important to us we do everything possible to ensure a great outcome, then something happens you didn't expect, and it drains your confidence. It could be you got a stain on your shirt, you are wearing the wrong earrings, you lost your resume, you show up late because the elevator didn't work...the point is how am I going to handle an unexpected jolt to my confidence and plans? At least, that's what I got out of this.
Loved the article. Personally I think it's about the color of your heart that makes you so special...not your lips. Keep glowing...it shows in your writing.
I enjoyed immensely every word of it. It's genuinely true (to the self and to "the rest").
I'm not a make-up person (not even a touch of powder on my face; more so ... lipstick). But I love my "unorthodox get-up" when I go out (matching turban and bangles and other unnecessary stuff). My very own sense of fashion (and it shows in my choice of words/blogs - they're all my very own). And it makes me feel complete and confident. Some people may adopt it ... but because it's my own original things, they may not comfortably adapt to it (because it's solely mine and "they" are not me).
I know the above may not relate much to your post. But somehow, it does. Because I could put myself into your shoes the time when it happened. Love the "camelia rose lips" paragraph.
Thanks for that share. It's just plain lipstick, but it speaks volumes. I read your lips. Inspirational, indeed!