Lovely thread, I'm really enjoying reading through it. I don't feel I have time to craft a proper response right now, but what I keep coming back to is the way truly self-confident people come across as very humble. I always find people who achieve this balance of confidence and humility quite striking and interesting to be around.

Cardiff girl: you are absolutely right.... people tend to sparkle in their totally unselfconscious moments... when they are just doing what they do.... just being them.

It's what good people do without much effort.

Taylor: What a beautiful sentiment. It is so important to give to others isn't it? The most sparkling people I know do that ALL THE TIME! And guess what? They don't seem to worry at all about how they look.... But man do they sparkle....
I feel like when I am painting or teaching I have almost no awareness of my appearance. What I mean is, I barely think of it during the time i'm doing those activities, which is a good sign probably. The hours fly by and then I look down and think.. oh yeah... I'm wearing that today.

Peri: Thanks for your excellent response. YEs... I think your advice is very wise. Seek out the wonderful people and spent time with them! This is what I need to focus on more..... And TELLING those people why they're so great to be around would be the icing on the cake wouldn't it?

Cindysmith: Thank you for your response. It is brilliant that you are able to live your life and wear what YOU want to wear, and focus your energy on what's important. Also... you make a good point, if you're feeling crappy then you're feeling crappy, why chameleon yourself into something else? Don't we all have the right to feel crappy sometimes?
One thing about this though... I don't like to feel outwardly crappy too much though, because I think this can have a negative effect on people around me. So in a sense, especially because I have little kids, I have to try to "put on some sparkle" sometimes. Hmm so much to think about....

TBH I always sparkle from within after a glass or two of champagne.