Mask OFF
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth. – Oscar Wilde
Across the country, masks mandates have been lifted, and restrictions on large gatherings are being dissolved. It finally feels like we are turning a corner in this pandemic. This means a summer filled with hugs, concerts, family gatherings, dinner dates, cookouts, and vacations.
I asked myself, how did it felt to take off the mask in public? For some reason, something that felt foreign months ago became the norm for many of us.
When the CDC and federal agencies lifted the mask requirements, it felt bitter-sweet. Yes, I am ready to return to a social life that was semi-close to pre-pandemic, but I also do not want to catch COVID again or contribute to the spread, and selfishly I never want to deal with another global lockdown.
It amazes me how I was shocked to see people wearing masks in grocery stores over a year ago because, let’s face it, many times in 2020, the grocery store became your only point of contact with a stranger, especially during the peak of the lockdown.
I remember walking through the cereal aisle, watching only the eyes of a stranger, their face covered by a mask, feeling like we were living in a twilight zone. As time progressed, we all adapted, and wearing masks became the norm. It seems that as fast as it became mandatory, they lifted the outdoor mask mandate, and now we are back in action.
The joy I feel to see a beautiful smile and actually look into someone’s full face as I greet them maskless is surreal. As of summer 2021, we are not required to wear the mask, and we do not have to hide behind a cloth that muffles their words.
Something so simple, such as a smile, is powerful and can now be seen again.
Let’s not over politicize this. If a person chooses to wear a mask, let’s respect them. We have all been through a lot over these past two years, so let’s not complicate or shame anyone that wants to keep wearing their mask. For those of us that do not, let’s take a few extra steps to mitigate the spread of germs:
Wash hands every hour, with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
If you feel sick, stay home.
If you catch me outside smiling or staring extremely hard, it's because I happy the streets are open, and I am elated to smile and see others smile.
Make sure that when you snatch off that mask, you spruce up that beauty routine, so you look your best. If you need some help, my beautiful friend, mentor, and real estate tycoon, Nilou Henderson, recently opened Ziba Luxury Salon in South Charlotte, an all-inclusive luxury salon and spa specializing in all things beauty from manicures pedicures, facials, hair care, and massages. Ziba is essentially a one-stop-shop for all things beauty.
Show yourself some love, invest in some much-needed pampering at Ziba Luxury Salon today, thank me later.
Photos by MJWPhoto
