365 Day Mood Project

Frida Kahlo is THE anti-capitalist bisexual baddie. Unfortunately, I’m nowhere near as cool as her.

On Day 4, we’re tackling my eyebrows.

Now, is this the most important thing to anyone’s survival when dealing with depression? ABSOLUTELY NOT.

HOWEVER. I’ve spent a lot of time as a citizen of my own brain. If there is one thing that makes me feel awful when not maintained, it’s my eyebrows.

It all goes back to one day in 3rd grade when I discovered the concept of a razor blade. Miraculously, I did not cut myself, but I did do the “no eyebrows” look before it was cool. After a while, they grew back, but they GREW BACK WITH A VENGEANCE.

Cut to today.

So, is the point that you should have perfectly shaped eyebrows? No.

The point is, I’m doing this because I’ve sat with myself and noticed what small things drag me down. Depression is death by a thousand papercuts, so we’re removing one thing that causes one papercut.

So to fix the two caterpillars consuming my face slowly, I usually head over to the Lash Lounge in Mueller for an eyebrow threading.

Why would you suggest the Lash Lounge in Mueller?

I’m so glad you asked, imaginary reader. There are a few reasons why, beyond the fact that they haven’t messed up my eyebrows yet.

1. You can schedule appointments
   
   Some eyebrow threaders are on a walk-in basis, and I’m not saying that’s worse or better. It’s worse FOR ME. As someone who lives in my brain, it’s easier to prepare myself for an appointment when I’m having a bad mental health day. If there’s no appointment, chances are I’ll just keep saying “I’ll go in a bit” and never go.
   
   
2. You can schedule appointments online and get confirmation via text
   
   On a bad mental health day, there’s nothing I want to do LESS than have a conversation with a stranger on the phone. Being able to schedule online removes that barrier. Yay!
   
   
3. Parking is easy
   
   If you live in Austin, you know that parking can really suck. If I don’t know the parking situation, I’m not going, ESPECIALLY if I’m having a bad day already.
   
   
4. Once you’re there, you’re already out
   
   The thing I like about this location specifically is that it’s in the Mueller development. Now, I don’t love developments in general. They give me “Truman Show” vibes. That said, once you’re already there, grab a coffee at Halcyon. Take a walk on the Mueller Greenway. Feed some ducks. Grab some ice cream at Lick. See a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse. Take a deep breath.
   

Sometimes when you’re in a deep funk, it’s hard to motivate yourself to get out. If you’ve already managed to get to Lash Lounge, you can make the choice to bring yourself a little joy, or if you’re not feeling it, go back home. Either way, you have a little win for the day.

Regardless of where you live, if you get anything out of this, here’s what I hope you get:

Spend time with yourself. Notice what makes you feel better. What small things impact your mood for better or worse?

What barriers come up that prevent me from doing things for myself? What creative solutions can I come up with to remove those barriers?

How can I incorporate small moments of joy into activities I’m already doing? Do you love books and happen to get your groceries near a Barnes & Noble? Do you have a coffee shop you really love next to your hairdresser? Does your friend live close to your dentist?

Each day, we acknowledge our small wins and keep it pushing. Day 4 is done, and now we have fabulously groomed eyebrows. Love you, mean it.