If there’s one thing I’ve learned going into week 5 of Covid-19 lockdown in the UK, it’s that putting lipstick on makes my day go a lot better.

I’m in month 4 of no shopping for another year. I’ve bought 2 out of my 5 allowed items and I thought it might be tough getting to the end. But give me a nationwide lockdown and suddenly it seems like it will be a cinch getting to the finish line. I mean who actually needs wonderful outfits when you’re seen by no one but the kids, the husband and the sheep in the field on your daily exercise bit?

True though that is however, there’s something powerful for me in this season when I make an effort. Especially if I finish it with a lip.  I feel ready for the day in a way I don’t when I stick whatever on. I had a great day flouncing around in my preloved Zara dress, country walk ‘n’all and an equally tough day where I threw on skinny jeans and a vest and did not feel even the F out of Fab-u-lous. Zara dress day, I showed up to my day. Jeans and vest day (not even a decent t-shirt) I just didn’t show up in the same way. I’d lost the battle before it had begun.

Yes, I probably need to learn to show up mentally for the day whatever I’m wearing. But from from this point, so far as I can, I’ll continue to make an effort in the morning, including adding a lip to my look. I hope that in doing so, I will position myself to show up, rejoice in the moment and be present instead of sleep walking through this dream I never expected to have.

So don’t save that dress for best. Join me in attempting to turn up and choose joy in this season.