I’m going to let you in on a secret. The other day I wore a necklace underneath the mock neck of my dress that no one saw, and only I knew I was wearing. That choice to wear it for me, and only me, was on purpose. Stay with me on this…

It’s a thin, short necklace made up entirely of malachite beads. As someone who can appreciate the meaning of energy of stones and minerals, a novice really, and yet ultimately, I use them as points of reflection in given moments. I chose to wear this for myself for a few reasons:

1. I purchased the necklace earlier this week at a women’s collective in Boulder and did so because I was brought into the space by a very special friend of mine. The necklace also caught my eye, and given the circumstances of who the purchase was supporting (female artists and artisans in residence), it being a place a friend brought me (which was a thoughtful introduction knowing how impressed I’d be by said collective and works that she was thrilled to share), and the fact that I just simply liked the piece all really spoke to me. All of this happened within the few minutes we walked through this beautiful old home it’s housed in.

2. Malachite’s healing properties aid in protection from negativity and foster a deep transformation of self, representing growth and awareness of change — this also speaks to me. It’s green — my favorite color. Besides black ;) And it’s a gorgeous stone all around.

3. Since no one knew I was wearing it, it was solely for my own delight and reminder. I wore it as a wink and nod to my accomplishments and being open to what’s yet to come. The setting felt right since I was being honored as one of the St. Louis Business Journal’s Most Influential Business Women of 2023. An honor and joy to be at this lunch surrounded by so many accomplished women, whom I admire, in the community and the people who are near and dear to me. But I didn’t put on the necklace, thinking I’d even be sharing it with you right now. I put it on because the moment I was getting ready, it felt suitable for all of these aforementioned reasons, and it made me smile wearing it and knowing it would be there the whole time, right around my neck, close to my chest.

Whether you’re wearing something that’s visible to others (most garments and accessories are) or not, do it for yourself. Because it brings you joy when you wear it, or it has a deeper meaning. It could just be that it’s right for the moment or day or has a person or memory tied to it. Or maybe you just love the color or style and how it looks on you. Whatever the reason, make sure it’s what works for you. That you love it, and you’ll wear it.

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