“Countenance” is defined as a “a person’s face or facial expression”.
Not everyone is born with great looks, but everyone can control their ‘countenance’ more than they realize.
What do I mean by that?
When you walk down the street, you may people watch. Watch all the people passing by, walking, heading to their destination.
When you go to a party, sit down at a dinner table filled with friends or strangers, and after you say hello…you can easily read everyone’s expression.
Have you noticed sometimes you feel warm and welcomed, sometimes you feel a little uncomfortable because you have been greeted with icy stares or tight smiles?
While we cannot control other people’s countenance, we can influence ourselves and our countenance. I want my presence to fill the room or my company with joy (of the Lord), warmth and friendliness. I want to feel comfortable around people and them to feel comfortable around me.
I’ve also noticed that even if someone has a pretty face, she may not necessarily have a pleasant countenance. It’s a vibe that you get, you almost can’t explain.
I’ve also said before that whatever’s in your heart turns up on your face. Apart from our regular beauty treatments, care and attention to our skin/face (Thank God for them definitely), we also have to look after our heart. Guard our heart.
This means for one, is to refrain from complaining. Try to see the good in everyone, positive in every situation, try to like at least something about whatever.
P.s. I made that statement bold because I have to remind myself not to.
True to my heart, I’ve often wondered why some pretty faces look elegant and some don’t. Some rather plain faces look smarter, classier, more elegant, wealthier than the pretty ones. Is it the language that they speak? the make up? the clothes? the education? Surely all of them play a part, but I still believe they play a small part.
That is why, my favourite quote of all time and it is the signature on my email, “A truly elegant taste is generally accompanied with excellency of heart.” If you want an elegant & classy countenance, refrain from complaining and guard your heart to excellence.
So as I’m preparing to be a bride, I will guard my heart and catch myself whenever I complain.
’till my next entry of “60 days to an elegant you”! All the best in your elegant journey.