How to Exhibit Grace and Poise

Occasionally I am faced with a social situation that puts me slightly outside of my comfort zone. Before I succumb to uncomfortable apprehension, I remind myself that I can exude grace and poise in any situation if I remember to focus on three things: speech, action and countenance.

on Feb 17, 2015 at 12:33pm PST

Speech

1.Only say what is helpful and uplifting.

Be tactful yet honest.

Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

2.Think before you speak.

It is perfectly acceptable to take time out to contemplate your words before speaking them.

This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; James 1:9

3. You have the right to remain silent.

Over the years I have come to realize that a peaceful silence is often welcome. Don't feel like you have to talk to fill the quiet.

Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.

Proverbs 17:28

Action

4.Serve others.

Look for ways to contribute good in every situation.

And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it. Psalm 90:17

I have a beautiful friend who I often share social experiences with.  When the room is full of  noise and often chaotic, you will find her sweetly humming as she finds something useful for her hands to attend to in order to serve others.

5.Move slowly, calmly & gracefully. 

Speak gently and softly. Take deep breaths and do not feel hurried or rushed. Try to maintain a serene, peaceful composure.

 1 Peter 3:3 -5 says,"³ Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; ⁴ but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. ⁵

6. Focus on being kind to others.

Smile. Be lighthearted and friendly in conversation.

Ask questions, show interest in others. “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25

"People may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel."- Maya Angelou

Countenance

7.Display a pleasant countenance.

Think pleasant thoughts. See the beauty in the world around you.

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8

8.Fill your mind with goodness.

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Colossians 3:16

9. Maintain graceful posture

Strengthen your stomach muscles and back to make good posture effortless. Try holding a 30 second plank 3 times daily. Practice holding your belly button in toward your spine. Keep you shoulders up, back and down. I enjoy Barre exercises which not only improve posture but strengthen the body. I will be posting my Barre routine so stay tuned :)

With practice and quiet confidence, you can exude grace and poise in any situation.

 Read my 6 tips to feel like an elegant momma as well!

Grace and peace,

Adoring Family

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6 Simple Tips To Feel Elegant (For New Moms)

Good Monday morning! This is a guest post I originally published on Karina Powell's blog. It can be hard to find the time to feel elegant and put together as a mom. Here are some simple tricks I have implemented as a fourth time mom that help me feel elegant and ready to face the day!

1. Streamlined make-up routine. While my children are small I have a very simple make-up routine. I fit all of my cosmetics in a small bag which I keep in my purse. Try to time yourself. How long does it take you to put on a bit of concealer, lipstick, eyeliner and mascara? With practice you will be able to apply your makeup in 5 minutes or less.

2. A "go-to" set of classic accessories. During the little years I have a "go-to" set of accessories that I can put on with any outfit to feel polished and put together. Choose a few of your favorite pieces of beautiful quality that are neutral in color. For the first few months of my daughter's life I slept in my favorite pearl earrings and a simple, feminine necklace that I never took off. I kept my bracelets and watch by my toothbrush so all I had to do was grab them and slip them on as I head out the door. I have a set of gold and silver accessories that I always know will go with any outfit I may choose for the day. This is only a season, you will have the luxury of time to choose multiple accessories in the future. Right now you are too busy getting sweet baby cuddles to worry about what jewelry best matches each outfit!

3. Elegant tunics: I appreciate a flowy, elegant tunic because they provide plenty of coverage if you are still wearing your bella band to keep your pants or skirts in place :) My favorites are from Anthropologie, White House Black Market and Target. A button down or crossover top is preferred to give easy access to my nursing baby girl. Which brings me to my next tip...

4. Oversized scarves. Not only are scarves an elegant way to pull an outfit together, they double as a nursing cover. I was in the middle of a conversation with some girlfriends last weekend when my sweet baby girl gave her signal that it was meal time. I simply pulled my scarf over the both of us and inconspicuously nursed her. I was pleasantly surprised when my friend commented that it was the classiest nursing session she had ever seen :D It takes some practice but using a scarf as a nursing cover can be quite discreet.

5. A spacious yet stylish bag. My purse is roomy enough to hold my items and baby's items. I keep two diapers in the zippered compartment and a small pouch of wipes. A lovely, tiny baby outfit easily fits inside If I roll it up neatly. As a fourth time mom I have found I do not need all of the extras I used to lug around when my first baby was little :) I do have a large diaper bag packed full of necessities that I keep as a back-up in my car and if I am going to be on a longer outing (Sea World or the Zoo) then I will bring my big bag. If we are just headed to the store or church I only need my purse. Just don't forget to replenish your supply often!

6. Chic shoes. I find this is the first step of putting an outfit together. Even if you are going to be lounging around the house with your little one, you can still wear cute shoes! Find a neutral ballet flat or even a wedge you find comfortable and you will be inspired to put together a simple, chic ensemble any day of the week. Even if you are just staying home with your baby. Especially if you are just staying home with the baby. You will feel better prepared for what may come your way and able to face your day with dignified grace!

With a small amount of effort and determination you can achieve style and elegance. I find that the larger our family grows the more I want to take the time to look put together and avoid the frazzled mommy look. Simplicity is key along with a few short minutes of intentional effort. Blessings to all of you as you enjoy this fleeting, joyous season of motherhood!

Grace and peace,

Adoring Family

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