Glowing Inside and Out: Geraldine Obi’s Guide to Staying Pretty and Securing the Bag”
Every new year brings with it a sense of renewal, a fresh start, and a chance to create a new vision for the future. The goals we set reflect our aspirations and our desires for growth, both personally and professionally. For Geraldine Obi, the goal for this year is simple but powerful: “stay prettier and secure the bag.” This phrase resonates with the modern, multifaceted woman who seeks to balance self-care and beauty with financial empowerment. These two goals—staying “prettier” and “securing the bag”—might seem superficially unrelated, but they are, in fact, intricately connected. One requires nurturing and valuing the self, while the other demands hard work, ambition, and determination. Together, they represent a journey of self-love, confidence, and personal growth.
In the hustle and bustle of life, it is easy to become consumed by either external expectations or the demands of financial success. However, what makes Geraldine’s goal unique is the harmony she aims to create between self-care and financial ambition. Beauty, self-care, and wealth are not mutually exclusive but can be part of a holistic and empowered life. The following essay explores how “staying pretty” and “securing the bag” are not only achievable but essential for living a balanced, fulfilled, and successful life. This pursuit is about much more than vanity or superficiality—it is about nurturing the whole self, inside and out.
In a world where beauty standards are often set by fleeting trends or social media influencers, staying pretty can seem like a superficial goal. But “prettiness” in this context is much more than external appearance—it represents confidence, health, and well-being. Being pretty is not just about having flawless skin, a perfectly sculpted body, or perfectly styled hair; it is about how you feel in your own skin and the energy you exude.
Staying pretty starts with self-care, both physical and mental. It is essential to cultivate a routine that nourishes your body, mind, and soul. A consistent skincare regimen, a balanced diet, and regular physical activity all contribute to maintaining a healthy, glowing appearance. But beauty isn’t just about maintaining a youthful look; it’s about feeling vibrant, radiant, and full of energy.
Nourishing your body with proper nutrition is crucial for maintaining good skin, healthy hair, and overall vitality. Beauty isn’t just skin deep; it starts from within. Drinking water, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, and avoiding excessive amounts of sugar and processed foods can go a long way in improving the appearance of your skin. Additionally, regular exercise not only tones and firms the body but also releases endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones that can enhance your mood and make you glow from within.
True beauty comes from within. When you are confident, kind to yourself, and mentally healthy, it radiates outwards. Your beauty shines brightest when you embrace yourself, imperfections and all. A positive mindset plays a key role in how we perceive ourselves and how others perceive us. Feeling pretty isn’t just about meeting societal standards; it’s about recognizing your worth, your individuality, and embracing the person you are—inside and out.
Confidence is magnetic. People are naturally drawn to those who exude self-assurance and love themselves unapologetically. A confident person knows their strengths, accepts their weaknesses, and stands tall in their authenticity. By nurturing a positive mindset, you begin to see yourself as beautiful regardless of external factors. This internal beauty enhances your external appearance and makes you shine in every room you walk into.
A beauty routine can be an empowering act of self-love. Whether it’s a simple skincare regimen or a more elaborate self-care routine, dedicating time to care for your physical appearance can be both relaxing and rejuvenating. The ritual of applying skincare, lighting a scented candle, or taking a long bath is more than just an aesthetic practice—it’s a form of self-respect and self-care.
A well-thought-out beauty routine can also boost your confidence. When you feel that your skin looks good, your hair is well-kept, and you’re dressed in a way that makes you feel powerful, it reflects on how you interact with the world. Feeling pretty enhances your self-esteem and sets the stage for personal success, including your career and financial endeavors.
The other half of Geraldine’s goal, securing the bag, is just as crucial as staying pretty. “Securing the bag” is a colloquial term for gaining financial success, independence, and stability. In a world that increasingly celebrates entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and independence, it’s important to take charge of your finances in order to live the life you want.
One of the most empowering tools for securing the bag is financial literacy. Understanding how money works—from budgeting to saving, investing, and building wealth—can set the foundation for long-term financial success. The first step is understanding your spending habits and making intentional decisions about where and how you allocate your money. Budgeting is essential for financial health; it allows you to track your expenses, avoid unnecessary debt, and prioritize savings.
But financial literacy goes beyond simply budgeting—it involves understanding how investments work, building credit, and planning for the future. Educating yourself on these topics, whether through books, courses, or mentors, is an investment in your financial future. The more you know, the more empowered you become to make decisions that align with your long-term goals.
In today’s world, relying on a single source of income is often not enough. The most successful people in the world have multiple streams of income that allow them to build wealth and secure their financial future. Whether it’s through side hustles, investing in stocks or real estate, or creating a business, diversifying your income sources is key.
The rise of online platforms has created countless opportunities for entrepreneurship and side gigs. Platforms like Etsy, YouTube, Instagram, and Fiverr allow individuals to monetize their passions and skills, whether it’s through selling handmade products, creating content, or offering freelance services. Building a side hustle is an effective way to supplement your main income and, over time, could even become your primary source of revenue.
Securing the bag requires a mindset shift. It’s not just about working hard but also about working smart. Cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, setting clear goals, and taking calculated risks are essential for financial success. Wealthy individuals understand that money is a tool, not a goal. They focus on building assets, investing wisely, and creating a legacy.
A key element of the wealth mindset is delayed gratification. Instead of spending money impulsively, wealthy individuals prioritize investments that will pay off in the long term. This could mean saving for retirement, investing in education, or launching a business. They understand that wealth is built over time through disciplined choices.
The best way to secure the bag is by aligning your financial pursuits with your passions. When you love what you do, work doesn’t feel like work, and you are more likely to be successful. Whether it’s in the creative industries, tech, fashion, or finance, pursuing what you’re passionate about can lead to both personal fulfillment and financial rewards.
Creating a brand or business around your passion not only brings you joy but can also attract an audience willing to support your vision. Success becomes more achievable when you are deeply invested in what you’re doing, as the passion drives you to keep learning, improving, and growing your business.
Balancing the pursuit of beauty and financial success may seem daunting, but it is entirely possible. The key is understanding that these two goals—self-care and financial empowerment—are not in competition with each other. Instead, they can complement each other and create a more fulfilled, well-rounded life.
Pursuing both beauty and financial success requires ongoing personal growth. As you work on becoming a better version of yourself, you’ll find that your goals evolve and align more seamlessly with your values. Personal growth isn’t just about professional development or physical appearance—it’s about cultivating an understanding of who you are, what you want, and how to get there.
Personal growth means taking care of your mental health, investing time in learning new skills, and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s reading books on self-improvement, attending seminars, or engaging in personal reflection, growing as a person is integral to achieving both beauty and financial success.
It’s essential to set boundaries when balancing these two goals. Working hard to secure the bag can sometimes lead to burnout, and the pursuit of beauty can lead to unrealistic standards. Setting boundaries helps you maintain balance and prevents you from feeling overwhelmed. Learn to say no when you need rest, and prioritize activities that align with your long-term vision.
The pursuit of staying prettier and securing the bag is ultimately a journey of self-actualization. It’s about striving to be the best version of yourself in every area of your life. It’s about feeling confident in your appearance, empowered in your financial choices, and fulfilled in your personal and professional pursuits.
Success doesn’t happen overnight. Every small step you take toward your goals adds up to significant progress. Whether it’s committing to a skincare routine, learning about investing, or taking action on your side hustle, every small decision shapes your future.
Geraldine Obi’s goal for the year, “staying prettier and securing the bag,” reflects the essence of living a balanced and empowered life. By nurturing both your appearance and your financial well-being, you create a foundation for success that aligns with your true self. Beauty is not just about looks, and wealth is not just about money—they are both tools for creating the life you desire. As you embark on your own journey, remember that the pursuit of beauty and financial success is about self-love, growth, and empowerment. By balancing both, you are well on your way to living your most fulfilled life.
