Your Glow Up Doesn’t Have to Be Public

Why isn't there space for the messy middle anymore?

Let me say something that might feel like a quiet exhale: your glow up doesn’t need to be broadcast for everyone to see. Sure, it’s nice to show your progress and inspire others online, but sometimes it’s the work you’re doing that doesn’t impact the outer shell that is the most important. And it may only show up on the outside as a subtle glow.

We live in a time where transformation has become a spectacle. Before and after pictures that portray the journey of self-improvement—where people go from looking one way to looking another—and we are all supposed to believe that this external improvement means they are truly happy when that might not actually be the case.

Why isn’t there space for the messy middle anymore? Why do we always have to look perfect to be perceived as making any progress or to be seen as inspiring?